KnE Publishing Platform
Not a member yet
14566 research outputs found
Sort by
Impact of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in poly-cystic ovarian syndrome women: A cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that affects the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive systems. While controlled ovarian hyperstimulation can increase the number of oocytes retrieved and improve the number of good-quality embryos, it may also negatively affect oocyte maturity, embryo quality, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to find out if ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) has negative effects on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in a sample of PCOS women.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of 84 PCOS women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation using a flexible antagonist protocol-treated intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles referred to the Infertility Department of Higher Institute for the Diagnosis of Infertility and Assisted Reproduction Techniques, Baghdad, Iraq between January 2020 and December 2023 was extracted from their medical records. Participants were categorized into 2 groups after undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol: PCOS with OHSS (n = 54) and PCOS without OHSS (n = 30). The dosage was tailored based on age, body mass index, and response to previous stimulation cycles, if applicable. The trigger was administered using decapeptyl 0.2 mg alone or in combination with recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin, depending on the estradiol levels at the time of the trigger.
Results: Significant differences were observed in the duration of stimulation (p = 0.005), oocyte yield (p = 0.001), mature oocytes (p = 0.001), and fertilized oocytes (p = 0.036); however, no significant difference was observed, neither in number of good quality embryos (p = 0.52) nor in pregnancy rate (p = 0.54) after fresh and frozen embryo transfer between the 2 groups.
Conclusion: OHSS does not affect the embryo quality or pregnancy rate in PCOS women
How does chronic unpredictable mild stress affect the number of mature oocytes? An experimental study
No full textBackground: The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model involves applying mild stressors over a prolonged period, that can induce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress disrupts normal cellular functions, leading to reduced survival of antral follicles through increased glucocorticoids.
Objective: This study aims to identify the effect of stress on the regulation of glucocorticoid hormones and its impact on impaired antral follicles. Specifically, it focuses on the number of antral follicles using the CUMS model in female rats.
Materials and Methods: 16 female Wistar rats (5–6 months, 300–350 gr) were divided into 2 groups (n = 8/each), the control and the CUMS model. 24 hr after the last treatment, they were eter euthanized, a blood sample was taken from the intracardial to measure corticosteroid levels using the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method, ovarian preparations were made, and then the histological sections were observed.
Results: After 22 days of CUMS, a significant difference was observed in corticosterone levels (p = 0.03), but no significant difference was observed in the number of antral follicles between the 2 groups (p = 0.57). However, histological analysis indicated substantial differences. The control group’s ovaries exhibited a higher proportion of healthy antral follicles.
Conclusion: CUMS increases glucocorticoids, which in turn causes a decrease in the number of antral follicles. This happens through 2 mechanisms: suppression of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and direct effects on the ovaries that elevate granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia, ultimately leading to a reduction in antral follicles
Successful Use of Upadacitinib, a Selective JAK Inhibitor, in the Treatment of Two Cases of Recalcitrant Chronic Uveitis
No full textPurpose: Immunomodulatory agents, including conventional immunosuppressive treatment and biologics, are the mainstay of treating chronic uveitis. Janus kinase ( JAK) inhibitors, one of the newest biologics, have shown successful outcomes in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases by suppressing the JAK/signal transducers and transcription (STAT) pathway. We present two cases of recalcitrant chronic uveitis with significant improvement in intraocular inflammation by using upadacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor. Case Reports: The first case is a 59-year-old female with HLA-B27-positive Chron’s disease and chronic anterior and intermediate uveitis who experienced an improvement in visual acuity, anterior chamber and vitreous inflammation, and cystoid macular edema on upadacitinib. The second patient is a 71-year-old female with birdshot chorioretinopathy, intolerant of initially used systemic immunosuppressive agents who showed significant improvement in vitreous inflammation, retinal phlebitis, and choroiditis after treatment with upadacitinib. Conclusion: Utilizing JAK inhibitors such as upadacitinib in treating uveitis, whether in isolated forms or in the context of systemic autoimmune diseases, may require further evaluation by controlled cohort studies
Application of PAI Teacher Strategies in Learning Prayer Practices of SLB Students
No full textVisually impaired students face limitations in their daily lives, including in the learning process. Therefore, teachers need strategies to provide understanding in lessons that emphasize physical movements, such as the practice of prayer (salat). This research aims to understand the strategies used by Islamic Education (PAI) teachers in teaching prayer practice at SLB-A (Special School for the Blind) in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta. It employs a qualitative approach using a case study method, obtaining data through interviews with the deputy head of the curriculum, PAI teachers, and visually impaired students. Prayer practice lessons and the interactions between the teacher and related parties were also observed and documented. The results show that the strategies used by PAI teachers in teaching prayer practice at SLB-A involved completing administrative tasks and preparing key discussion points before class, considering the scope of the material. During the implementation, the teacher delivered the material through lectures and question-and-answer sessions, followed by practice. A distinctive feature of the strategy used in this study is the involvement of the parents of visually impaired students in the learning process through religious activities. The assessment was based on specific criteria, such as fluency in recitation, prayer movements, and the level of independence in performing the prayer. This research is important for school leaders and teachers in special schools, as it offers strategies for teaching Islamic education to students with special needs
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Influence on Psychological Distress in Adolescents in Indonesia
No full textThis study explores the influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on psychological distress among adolescents in Indonesia. ACEs, which encompass abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, have been shown to affect long-term mental health outcomes significantly. The study involved 924 adolescents aged 12-21, who were assessed using the World Health Organization’s Adverse Childhood Questionnaire (WHO ACE-IQ) and the psychological distress component of the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.4755, p < 0.001) was found between ACEs and psychological distress, indicating that higher ACE scores are associated with increased levels of distress. Linear regression analysis revealed that ACEs explain 22.61% of the variability in psychological distress (R² = 0.2261, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the critical role of ACEs in shaping adolescent mental health and emphasize the need for early interventions and culturally tailored mental health services to support adolescents at risk. Understanding the pathways through which ACEs impact psychological distress can inform more effective prevention and intervention strategies
Determinants of Job Satisfaction and Retention Among Medical Laboratory Professionals in Somalia
No full textBackground: Job satisfaction among laboratory professionals is critical to healthcare quality and workforce retention in Somalia. Understanding job satisfaction factors is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to improve healthcare services. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing job satisfaction and retention among medical laboratory technologists in Somalia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving laboratory professionals in Mogadishu was conducted between October 2023 and March 2024. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the data. We used descriptive and logistic regression, such as binary and multivariate logistic regression, to identify the factors affecting job satisfaction. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: This study revealed a range of job satisfaction levels, with 43.3% of respondents dissatisfied and 56.7% satisfied. Significant factors influencing job satisfaction included gender (AOR = 2.054, 95% CI: 1.095–3.855, P = 0.025), education level (AOR = 3.086, 95% CI: 0.607–15.699, P = 0.036), years of experience (AOR = 5.894, 95% CI: 1.618–21.475, P = 0.001), facility level (AOR = 0.692, 95% CI: 0.364– 1.316, P = 0.041), professional development (AOR = 2.374, 95% CI: 1.467–3.842, P = 0.003), management appreciation (AOR = 1.699, 95% CI: 1.011–2.855, P = 0.045), and vacation time (AOR = 1.972, 95% CI: 1.165–3.192, P = 0.011).
Conclusion: This study’s results underscore the need for targeted interventions to address job dissatisfaction among laboratory professionals in Somalia. Recommendations include implementing gender-sensitive policies to promote equality, enhancing professional development programs to foster career growth, and improving management recognition and support to create a more conducive work environment and boost job satisfaction
The Effect of Forgiveness on the Psychological Well-Being of Students Who Experience Toxic Relationships
No full textA toxic relationship is an unhealthy relationship condition that impacts the psychological well-being of the individual experiencing it. Psychological well-being is known to be improved by various factors, one of which is forgiveness. This study aims to determine the effect of forgiveness on the psychological well-being of students who experience toxic relationships. This research is a quantitative explanatory research using a purposive sampling technique with a total of 344 student participants, consisting of 12 men and 322 women. The measuring instruments used are Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivation (TRIM-18) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS). The results showed a significant influence between forgiveness on psychological well-being with a significance value of 0.001 (p < 0.01), with a side effect of 3% (R2 = 0.030). This has implications for the granting of forgiveness by students who experience toxic relationships with their partners, which then affects their psychological well-being
Childhood Mortality in Saudi Arabia: Analysis of 50 Years (1973–2022)
No full textBackground: Infant mortality rate (IMR) refers to the likelihood that a newborn will not survive to their first birthday; it is expressed per 1000 live births. Globally, the IMR represents a considerable proportion of under-five mortality. This study aimed to investigate and compare IMR trends and patterns in Saudi Arabia by decade and sex over 50 years.
Methods: Data on the IMR in Saudi Arabia from 1973 to 2022 were extracted from the UNICEF database. The mean mortality rates every 10 years were calculated and then compared over decades between males and females using a chi-square test. A two-sided P-value <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results: The IMR was highest in 1973 (102.9 per 1000 live births; 107.3 males vs 98.1 females) and lowest in 2022 (5.4 per 1000 live births; 5.6 males vs 5.3 females). The statistical analysis results revealed a significant decline in the mean IMR from 1973 to 2022 (P < 0.01), with no difference between male and female IMR in any of the five decades.
Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s success in reaching the SDG for infant mortality reflects decades of improvements in healthcare, driven by the Vision 2030 framework. This effort has continuously decreased infant and under-five mortality rates due to improved medical services, including enhanced access to maternal and child healthcare, advanced neonatal care, and comprehensive immunization programs
Opportunities and Challenges of Using Financial Technology (Fintech) in Zakat Payment According to Sharia Economic Law
No full textFinancial Technology (FinTech) has the potential to reach people who face difficulties in accessing conventional banking services and can also contribute to overall macroeconomic improvement. Overcoming poverty requires several effective financial, one of which is zakat. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis with data reduction and verbatim analysis techniques. In fiqh terms, zakat refers to a certain amount of wealth required by Allah to be distributed to those who are eligible. According to the Shafi’i school of thought, zakat is an expression of the release of wealth or growth in accordance with a special way. Meanwhile, the Hambali school defines zakat as an obligatory right that must be issued from special wealth for a designated group of people
Transformation of Halal Certification in Indonesia from Islamic Law Perspective
No full textThe halal industry has become a major trend, with a peak in certified halal products in 2023 driven by global and local demand. The majority of Indonesia’s population (87%) being Muslim creates significant opportunities for the halal sector. SMEs are considered the main force behind the growth of the halal industry in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has responded enthusiastically with the Mandatory Halal Policy implemented in October 2024. This has also influenced increasingly complex regulations. This study focuses on the differences in halal certification in Indonesia following the enactment of Law No. 6 of 2023 and the Islamic legal analysis related to the halal certification mechanism post-enactment of this law. This qualitative study uses normative legal research methods and a historical approach analyzed based on the Maqāṣid Asy-Syari‘ah theoretical framework. The results show that the transformation of halal certification regulations in Law No. 6 of 2023 introduces significant changes such as the reduction of certification process time, the permanence of halal certificate validity, electronic system integration, and ease of funding for halal certification applications. Public participation in this certification program has also increased. The mandatory halal certification in this law aligns with Islamic law and Maqāṣid Asy-Syari‘ah. Additionally, the authority of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in issuing halal fatwas is considered appropriate as it follows principles relevant to the situation and conditions, facilitates business actors, and is in accordance with Islamic law