bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I dose escalation study and pilot efficacy analysis of LXI-15029, a novel mTOR dual inhibitor, in Chinese subjects with advanced malignant solid tumors
Authors: Wang Jiani , Gui Lin , Mu Yuxin , Wang Jiayu , Chi Yihebali , Liu Zhenteng , Li Qing , Xu Binghe
Published: December 2023

Background

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, a central component of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, plays a critical role in tumor biology as an attractive therapeutic target. We conducted this first-in-human study to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pilot efficacy of LXI-15029, an mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor, in Chinese patients with advanced malignant solid tumors.

Methods

Eligible patients with advanced, unresectable malignant solid tumors after failure of routine therapy or with no standard treatment were enrolled to receive ascending doses (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 110, and 150 mg) of oral LXI-15029 twice daily (BID) (3 + 3 dose-escalation pattern) until disease progression or intolerable adverse events (AEs). The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability.

Results

Between June 2017 and July 2021, a total of 24 patients were enrolled. LXI-15029 was well tolerated at all doses. Only one dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 increased alanine aminotransferase) occurred in the 150 mg group, and the maximum tolerated dose was 110 mg BID. The most common treatment-related AEs were leukocytopenia (41.7%), increased alanine aminotransferase (20.8%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (20.8%), prolonged electrocardiogram QT interval (20.8%), and hypertriglyceridemia (20.8%). No other serious treatment-related AEs were reported. LXI-15029 was absorbed rapidly after oral administration. The increases in the peak concentration and the area under the curve were greater than dose proportionality over the dose range. Eight patients had stable disease. The disease control rate was 40.0% (8/20; 95% CI 21.7–60.6). In evaluable patients, the median progression-free survival was 29 days (range 29–141).

Conclusions

LXI-15029 demonstrated reasonable safety and tolerability profiles and encouraging preliminary antitumor activity in Chinese patients with advanced malignant solid tumors, which warranted further validation in phase II trials.

Trial registration

NCT03125746(24/04/2017),http://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT03125746
Does body mass index distinguish motor proficiency, social and emotional maturity among adolescent girls?
Authors: Badicu Georgian , Zamani Sani Seyed Hojjat , Fathirezaie Zahra , Esmaeili Mohaddese , Bassan Júlio Cesar , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , Yagin Fatma Hilal , Alghannam Abdullah F. , Cataldi Stefania , Fischetti Francesco , Greco Gianpiero
Published: December 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate whether different body mass index (BMI) groups could serve as a distinguishing factor for assessing motor proficiency and social and emotional maturity in adolescent girls.

Methods

140 girls ranging from 12 to 14.5 years old were selected from the schools of Tabriz city, Iran. After their height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index, they completed the following questionnaires: Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of motor proficiency, Second Edition,Vineland Social Maturity Scale, and Emotional Maturity scale.

Results

normal-weight girls had a meaningful advantage against overweight and underweight participants in the gross motor factor of motor proficiency (p = 0.004), but there wasn’t a meaningful difference in the fine motor p = 0.196) and coordination factors (p = 0.417). Also, social maturity showed an advantage of normal and underweight adolescent girls in the self-help dressing factor (p = 0.018), while the locomotion skills (p = 0.010) factor revealed a better performance of normal weight and overweight groups over underweight adolescents. No significant differences were observed in the emotional maturity subscales (p = 0.63) between the groups.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that BMI has a direct influence on adolescents’ gross motor proficiency and social maturity.
Development of a risk prediction model to predict the risk of hospitalization due to exacerbated asthma among adult asthma patients in a lower middle-income country
Authors: Punyadasa Dhanusha Harshinie , Kumarapeli Vindya , Senaratne Wijith
Published: December 2023

Background

Asthma patients experience higher rates of hospitalizations due to exacerbations leaving a considerable clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system. The use of a simple, risk prediction tool offers a low-cost mechanism to identify these high-risk asthma patients for specialized care. The study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model to identify high-risk asthma patients for hospitalization due to exacerbations.

Methods

Hospital-based, case-control study was carried out among 466 asthma patients aged ≥ 20 years recruited from four tertiary care hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka to identify risk factors for asthma-related hospitalizations. Patients (n = 116) hospitalized due to an exacerbation with respiratory rate > 30/min, pulse rate > 120 bpm, O2 saturation (on air) < 90% on admission, selected consecutively from medical wards; controls (n = 350;1:3 ratio) randomly selected from asthma/medical clinics. Data was collected via a pre-tested Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire (IAQ). Logistic Regression (LR) analyses were performed to develop the model with consensus from an expert panel. A second case-control study was carried out to assess the criterion validity of the new model recruiting 158 cases and 101 controls from the same hospitals. Data was collected using an IAQ based on the newly developed risk prediction model.

Results

The developed model consisted of ten predictors with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78 to 0.88, P < 0.001), sensitivity 69.0%, specificity 86.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 88.6%, negative predictive value (NPV) 63.9%. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.9 and 0.3, respectively.

Conclusions

The newly developed model was proven valid to identify adult asthma patients who are at risk of hospitalization due to exacerbations. It is recommended as a simple, low-cost tool for identifying and prioritizing high-risk asthma patients for specialized care.
Pediatric parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal radius causing extensive erosive mass effect of the adjacent ulna: a case report
Authors: Perloff Andrea , Park SeHoon , Panganiban Robert , deVries John
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Parosteal osteosarcomas are low-grade bony malignancies that are treated primarily with surgical resection and reconstruction. This report discusses a unique case of a pediatric patient who presented with a parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal radius causing extensive erosive mass effect and growth disturbance of the adjacent ulna. Likely due to their slow-growing nonaggressive nature, parosteal osteosarcomas have not been previously described to abut adjacent bony structures through direct contact. The patient presented in a significantly delayed manner due to social circumstances, inadvertently revealing this novel behavior. This report reviews this rare case and describes the current understanding of this tumor.

Case presentation

The patient is a 13-year-old male who presented with a parosteal osteosarcoma of his distal radius. He presented with a palpable wrist mass and wrist stiffness. He presented in a delayed manner with advanced local disease due to social factors. Imaging revealed an osseous radial mass that abutted the ulna and likely stunted its growth. The patient ultimately underwent complex resection and allograft reconstruction of both his distal radius and ulna. Intraoperative pathology was confirmed to have negative tumor margins. Allograft reconstruction of the radius and ulna was performed utilizing patient-specific custom cutting guides. At the 6-month postoperative visit, the patient had no recurrence of the mass, minimal pain, and had almost regained range of motion of the extremities. Clinical radiographs at the 6-month postoperative visit demonstrated allograft incorporation.

Conclusions

A previously unreported case of pediatric parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal radius with erosion of the adjacent ulna through direct contact is presented. The challenges in and the importance of arriving at a definitive diagnosis in a timely manner for the proper treatment of this malignancy are emphasized.
Total hip and knee arthroplasty in HIV- and HCV-positive hemophilia patients: short term follow-up of 14 patients
Authors: Wang Zhengming , Gu Yong , Wang Rui , Xiang Sicheng , Jin Zhaokai , Tong Peijian , Lv Shuaijie , Liu Xun
Published: December 2023

Background

Haemophilic arthropathy (HA) is a common comorbidity of haemophilia. Some people with haemophilia (PWH) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. Arthroplasty is an effective treatment for end-stage HA. This study was carried out to report the effectiveness and satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in PWH with HIV.

Patients and methods

All patients with haemophilia and HIV undergoing THA or TKA in our centre from January 2015 to June 2020 were reviewed. All patients were followed for at least twenty-four months. The improvements in postoperative indicators were evaluated at the latest follow-up, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, range of motion (ROM), and validated joint scores such as Knee Society Score (KSS; clinical and functional) and Harris Hip Score (HHS). The complications and satisfaction were analysed likewise. Those were utilized to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure in the population.

Results

Fourteen patients (7 hips and 14 knees) were included in the study. The follow-up of the THA cohort was 53.3 months (range, 27–82) and the TKA cohort was 50.1 months (range, 25–85), respectively. The average VAS score was ameliorated from 7.3 to 3.0 and 6.6 to 2.8 in the two groups (P < .001, respectively). Similarly, two cohorts (THA and TKA) showed statistically significant changes in the extension and flexion ROM between the preoperative and the latest follow-up (P < .05, P < .001, respectively). Besides, statistically significant differences between the preoperative and final follow-up values of HHS (from 41.6 to 82.3), clinical KSS (from 34.8 to 72.8), and functional KSS (from 42.9 to 73.2) were observed (P < .001, respectively). Notably, there were 4 complications noted among 21 arthroplasties performed, giving a 19.0% complication rate. Based on the satisfaction score, the majority of patients were optimistic about the arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Given these findings, THA or TKA of the PWH with HIV is a worthwhile procedure and can be performed by an experienced and collaborative multidisciplinary team in a tertiary centre with a good haemophilia care system.
Design, development and evaluation of a mobile-based self-care application for patients with COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization; a study of Northwest of Iran
Authors: Heydari Mohammad , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Javaherikiyan Elham , Mehrabi Nahid , Langarizadeh Mostafa , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Moghaddam Hamed Rezakhani , Nasiri Khadijeh
Published: December 2023

Background

Given the effective role of a mobile applications in disease management, disease monitoring, and self-care in patients with COVID-19 disease, we aimed to design, development and evaluation of a self-care Mobile app for COVID-19 patients not requiring hospitalization.

Methods

The design, development and evaluation the usability of the self-care and education mobile app for patients with COVID-19 disease were conducted in two main phases at 2021 in Northwest of IRAN; (1) Determine the features and capabilities and (2) Design, development and evaluation of self-care mobile App. JAVA programming languages and Android Operating System were used and selected to design and development of a mobile app. There were 25 participants who conducted evaluations of the mobile app’s usability and impact using the mobile health app usability a Questionnaire of User Interface Satisfaction was administered to assess the usability of the developed application. The results were analyzed via Excel 2013.

Results

The model of developing a mobile app as an Information System was the Waterfall model. The smartphone application based on a set of capabilities and features was designed and consists of two main parts: the login screen for user registration, and the main home menu. The user interface includes three main pages or activities; (a) Main Menu for quick access to all of the pages, (b) Symptom management and monitoring to monitor the signs and symptoms during the illness, and (c) Set Reminders and Alarms to notify patients. The users’ mean score of the application usability was calculated as 7.91 out of 9 indicating a good level of satisfaction.

Conclusion

This app can be a guideline and a useful tools for managing and monitoring symptoms, reminding medications, and implementing self-care instructions in outpatients. The authors suggest evaluating the efficacy and functionality test of mobile-based applications for COVID-19 in clinical trial studies.
The Hospitalist-Oncologist co-ManagemEnt (HOME) system improves hospitalization outcomes of patients with cancer
Authors: Kim Sun-wook , Ohn Jung Hun , Kim Nak-Hyun , Kim Eun Sun , Lim Yejee , Lee Jongchan , Kim Hye Won , Ryu Jiwon , Park Hee-Sun , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Ji-Won , Kim Jin Won , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Yu Jung , Lee Keun-Wook , Kim Jee Hyun , Lee Jong Seok , Jang Hak Chul
Published: December 2023

Background

The hospitalist system has been introduced to improve the quality and safety of inpatient care. As its effectiveness has been confirmed in previous studies, the hospitalist system is spreading in various fields. However, few studies have investigated the feasibility and value of hospitalist-led care of patients with cancer in terms of quality and safety measures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Hospitalist-Oncologist co-ManagemEnt (HOME) system.

Methods

Between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2021, we analyzed 591 admissions before and 1068 admissions after the introduction of HOME system on January 1, 2020. We compared the length of stay and the types and frequencies of safety events between the conventional system and the HOME system, retrospectively. We also investigate rapid response system activation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, unplanned intensive care unit transfer, all-cause in-hospital mortality, and 30-day re-admission or emergency department visits.

Results

The average length of stay (15.9 days vs. 12.9 days, P < 0.001), frequency of safety events (5.6% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.006), rapid response system activation (7.3% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced after the HOME system introduction. However, there was no statistical difference in frequencies of cardiopulomonary resuscitation and intensive care unit transfer, all-cause in-hospital morality, 30-day unplanned re-admission or emergency department visits.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the HOME system provides higher quality of care and safer environment compared to conventional oncologist-led team-based care, and the efficiency of the medical delivery system could be increased by reducing the hospitalization period without increase in 30-day unplanned re-admission.
First drug-checking study at an electronic festival and fentanyl detection in the central region of Mexico
Authors: Cruz Silvia L. , Bencomo-Cruz Miguel , Medina-Mora María E. , Vázquez-Quiroz Fabiola , Fleiz-Bautista Clara
Published: December 2023

Background

Perception of drug adulteration has increased in Mexico, but there is little research on adulterants and toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify drug composition in an electronic music outdoor festival nearby Mexico City.

Methods

The participants completed a questionnaire with demographic data, harm reduction strategies, drug-use patterns, history, and the drug they expected to find. We took a small sample of each substance and prepared it for drug checking. A two-section drug testing station was placed within the grounds of the festival. Interaction with participants occurred at the front part. Drug checking was conducted at the rear part. The service was free of charge, voluntary and confidential. Forty persons aged 22 to 48 years participated (mode = 28), of which 92.5% were male, most (82.5%) were single. Through the Substance Analysis Program of “ReverdeSer Collective,” we conducted the testing with the attendants that provided 51 drug samples, following ethical and biosafety protocols. We used colorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and fentanyl immunoassay strips for sample analysis.

Results

Substances of choice among attendants were psychostimulants (MDMA and other amphetamine-like drugs) and hallucinogens. Most samples contained what the users expected plus adulterants. Main adulterants were methylene-dioxy-ethyl-amphetamine, methylene-dioxy-propyl-amphetamine, hydroxyamphetamine, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine. Fentanyl was present in 2 out of 4 cocaine samples and in 14 of the 22 confirmed MDMA samples.

Conclusions

Some of the adulterants found pose serious health risks, especially fentanyl, amphetamine-like substances, and venlafaxine. Therefore, it is urgent to monitor these adulterants at electronic music festivals and to implement prevention, treatment, and harm reduction public policies. Naloxone distribution and drug-assisted therapies should be part of government programs in Mexico.
Factors associated with venous thromboembolic disease due to failed thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Pérez Santiago Grillo , Ruiz-Talero Paula , Velandia Oscar Mauricio Muñoz
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Available evidence to identify factors independently associated with failed thromboprophylaxis (FT) in medical patients is insufficient. The present study seeks to evaluate in hospitalized patients, which clinical factors are associated with the development of FT.

Materials and methods

A case-control study nested to a historical cohort, comparing patients who developed failed thromboprophylaxis (cases) with those who did not (controls). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to define the factors associated with FT.

Results

We selected 204 cases and 408 controls (52.4% men, median age 63 years). Medical patients were 78.4%. The most frequent thromboprophylaxis scheme was enoxaparin. In the failed thromboprophylaxis group, most of the embolic events corresponded to pulmonary embolism (53.4%). Among cases, BMI was higher (26.3 vs. 25 kg/m2, p < 0.001), as was the proportion of patients with leukocytosis > 13,000 (27% vs. 18.9%, p:0.22), and patients who required intensive care management (48% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001). Factors independently associated with FT were BMI (OR1.04;95%CI 1.00-1.09, p:0.39), active cancer (OR:1.63;95%IC 1.03–2.57, p:0.04), leukocytosis (OR:1.64;95%CI 1.05–2.57, p:0.03) and ICU requirement (OR:3.67;95%CI 2.31–5.83, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the failed thromboprophylaxis is associated with high BMI, active cancer, leukocytosis, and ICU requirement. Future studies should evaluate whether there is benefit in adjusting the thromboprophylaxis scheme in patients with one or more of these factors.
Declaration on infection prevention and management in global surgery
Authors: Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Ansaloni Luca , Biffl Walter L. , Blake David P. , Boermeester Marja A. , Coimbra Raul , Evans Heather L. , Ferrada Paula , Gkiokas George , Jeschke Marc G. , Hardcastle Timothy , Hinson Chandler , Labricciosa Francesco M. , Marwah Sanjay , Marttos Antonio C. , Quiodettis Martha , Rasa Kemal , Ren Jianan , Rubio-Perez Ines , Sawyer Robert , Shelat Vishal , Upperman Jeffrey S. , Catena Fausto
Published: December 2023

Surgeons in their daily practice are at the forefront in preventing and managing infections. However, among surgeons, appropriate measures of infection prevention and management are often disregarded. The lack of awareness of infection and prevention measures has marginalized surgeons from this battle. Together, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery (GAIS), the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), the Surgical Infection Society-Europe (SIS-E), the World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS), the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), and the Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) have jointly completed an international declaration, highlighting the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance globally and the need for preventing and managing infections appropriately across the surgical pathway. The authors representing these surgical societies call all surgeons around the world to participate in this global cause by pledging support for this declaration for maintaining the effectiveness of current and future antibiotics.
Outcomes of hip fracture treatment with intravenous morphine and with other analgesics: postoperative analgesic medical expense, severity of pain and hospitalisation—a retrospective study
Authors: Srichan Rapeepat , Phinyo Phichayut , Tanasombatkul Krittai , Nimkingratana Puwapong
Published: December 2023

Aims

This study compares the postoperative medical costs and outcomes of hip fracture patients treated with intravenous (IV) versus other analgesics (weak opioids, NSAIDs or acetaminophen).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study at a tertiary hospital in Thailand, examining 1,531 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2009 and 2020. We analyzed data on analgesic usage, costs, pain scores, and adverse effects.

Results

In the study of 1531 patients, 63% of patients received as-needed analgesics, and 37% received preemptive prescriptions. In both groups, IV morphine was the predominant choice. The mean cost for the IV group was marginally higher than the other analgesics group ($2277 vs $2174). The other analgesics group had a significantly higher consumption of acetaminophen and selective NSAIDs (p = 0.004). Pain scores were similar across both groups, but the IV group had a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects (24% vs 10.5%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The choice of IV or other analgesics in treating hip fractures affects analgesic usage, side effects, medical costs, and patient outcomes. Further studies across different regions are recommended.
Post-conization surveillance in an organized cervical screening program with more than 23,000 years of follow-up
Authors: Sundqvist Avalon , Nicklasson Johanna , Olausson Pernilla , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: December 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is preventable through screening and vaccination against high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV). For a screening program to be successful it is vital that the clinical management and follow-up regime of patients with abnormal screening results is well developed and that the attendance rate for follow-up is high. The aim of the study was to analyze how effective conization with recommended follow-up was in preventing subsequent cervical cancer, and to evaluate how clinical follow-up recommendations are obeyed in the region of Skåne, Sweden.

Methods

All women (n = 8835) who had undergone conization in the region of Skåne, Sweden, between the years of 2015 and 2021 were identified. Individuals with confirmed cervical cancer in the conization material were referred for additional treatment (n = 114), leaving 8721 included in the follow-up. Adherence to follow-up and cytological, histopathological and HPV status at follow-up were collected at eight, 12 and 24 months post-conization. The total follow-up time was from January 1, 2015, to January 30, 2023.

Results

Within 12 months post-conization, 90% of the patients conducted a cytological cervical sample. The rates of a negative test of cure (HPV negative and normal cytology) were 69.7%, 76.3% and 84.4% at eight, 12 and 24 months post-conization respectively. The clearance of HPV was 79.6%, 80.8% and 87.8% at eight, 12 and 24 months post-conization respectively. Out of 5613 patients with a negative test of cure within one year after conization, no cervical cancer was found during follow-up and 11 (0.2%) women developed high-grade intraepithelial lesions/adenocarcinoma in situ (HSIL/AIS) with an average time from conization to new diagnosis of 42 months. The mean follow-up time was 32.1 months.

Conclusions

The clearance rate of hr-HPV post cervical conization due to dysplasia appears to be high within eight months. With a negative test of cure post cervical conization, the risk of cervical cancer within the following three years seems to be extremely low and the risk of developing HSIL/AIS was lower than the incidence of HSIL/AIS in the general screening population.
The role of general practitioners in Reunion in detecting alcohol use in pregnant women and identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Leruste Sébastien , Delfarguiel Louise , Doray Bérénice , Loubaresse Coralie , Sennsfelder Laetitia , Maillard Thierry , Marimoutou Catherine , Spodenkiewicz Michel
Published: December 2023

Background

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the leading cause of non-genetic intellectual disability and social maladjustment in children. International guidelines recommend abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. Réunion is the most affected of all French regions with an estimated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS) prevalence of 1.2‰ births. General practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront of identifying patients with FASD. Objective: To understand how GPs identify FASD.

Methods

Qualitative study using a grounded theory approach, through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with GPs. Interviews were conducted with the aim of reaching theoretical saturation. These were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed by four researchers to ensure triangulation of the data.

Results

GPs reported barriers to the identification of FASD: challenges in overcoming social taboos and paradoxical injunctions, the influence of limited knowledge and experience, non-specific and highly variable symptoms, ambiguous classification and method of diagnosis involving the mobilization of a multidisciplinary team and lengthy consultations. Conversely, they felt competent to identify neurodevelopmental disorders of any cause, but were concerned about the long waiting time to access specialized care. From the perspective of GPs, it is crucial to prioritize promotion and training aimed at improving the identification and coordination of care pathways for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as FASD.
Digital measurement of hands-on performance? Ecological validation of a computer-based assessment of automotive repair skills
Authors: Hartmann Stefan , Güzel Emre , Gschwendtner Tobias
Published: December 2023

We investigated the ecological validity of performance measures from a computer-based assessment tool that utilises scripted video vignettes. The intended purpose of this tool is to assess the maintenance and repair skills of automotive technician apprentices, complementing traditional hands-on assessment formats from the German journeymen’s exams. We hypothesise that the ability to correctly judge repair actions shown in videos is a good predictor of the ability to perform corresponding actions in hands-on scenarios. Apprentices in the third year of vocational training carried out repairs on real cars or car systems, while experts rated their performance. After this, they worked on our computer-based tests, which utilise videos of very similar repairs. The correlation between video judgement and hands-on performance was lower than expected for most repair actions as well as for overall scores, indicating insufficient ecological validity of the test score interpretations. However, the findings are promising for developing future tests, as the results for some repair actions indicate it is generally possible to develop ecologically valid video-based items focusing on hands-on skills. We discuss the results in the light of a validation framework that combines validity evidence from different sources for the same assessment tool. Finally, we hope our findings contribute to a broader discussion about the psychometric quality of exams.
Implementation and evaluation of participatory advisory boards in mental health research: a research protocol of the ‘PART-Beirat’ project
Authors: Ferra Fenia , Drewelow Eva , Klein Olga , Daum Marcel , Walde Peggy , Gerullis Kai , Kilimann Ingo , Tomlin Jack , Teipel Stefan , Völlm Birgit
Published: December 2023

Background

The use of participatory research approaches in the field of dementia and forensic mental health research has been on the rise. Advisory board structures, involving people with lived experience (PWLE), have frequently been used for guiding and leading research. Yet, there has been limited guidance on the establishment, retention and use of advisory boards in the field of dementia and forensic mental health research.

Objective

This project outlined in this research protocol will investigate the benefits and challenges of establishing three patient advisory boards, involving PWLE, practitioners and researchers with the purpose to guide research. Data will be used to develop guidelines for best practice in involving PWLE in dementia and forensic mental health research through advisory boards.

Methods

The research project will be divided into three phases: Phase I will involve two topic-specific systematic reviews on the use of participatory research with PWLE, followed by an initial study exploring PWLE’s, practitioners’ and researchers’ expectations on research involvement. Phase II will consist of the establishment of three advisory boards, one focusing on dementia, one on forensic mental health and one overarching coordinating advisory board, which will involve PWLE from both fields. Phase III, will consist of interviews and focus groups with advisory board members, exploring any challenges and benefits of involving PWLE and practitioners in advisory boards for guiding research. To capture the impact of involving PWLE in different research phases and tasks, interviews and focus groups will be conducted at four different points of time (0, 6, 12, 18 months). Reflexive thematic analysis will be used for the analysis of data.

Discussion

The project aims to explore the involvement of PWLE and practitioners in guiding research and aims to develop guidelines for best practice in establishing and using patient advisory boards in dementia and forensic mental health research and involving PWLE and practitioners in research.
Breaking barriers: Exploring the Full Cup Test (FCT) pain scale at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ghouri Nida , Mushtaq Maria
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective: Pain assessment plays a vital role in the management of patients across various healthcare settings. Accurate and reliable pain evaluation tools are essential for effective pain management and improving patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess ease of Full Cup Test (FCT) as a pain scale and to compare use of FCT with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain evaluation.

Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out at a tertiary care hospital from December 2021 to July 2022 on individuals with pain at various body locations. Pain severity was evaluated using two pain assessment tools, the FCT and the VAS. The main objectives of the study were to assess correlation and agreement between the FCT and VAS; using Kappa statistics.

Results: Of the total 288 subjects, median age was 42.5 years (IQR: 13-78), and median duration of pain was four months (IQR: one day to forty years). Analysis revealed significant positive correlation (r=0.577) between the Full Cup Test (FCT) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), indicating a relationship between both pain assessment tools. Significant agreement was also observed between FCT and VAS, with a kappa value of 0.596 (p<0.0001). Results however indicated that illiterate patients found it easier to understand FCT compared to VAS.

Conclusion: The Full Cup Test (FCT) emerged as a potentially valuable tool for assessing pain severity in a diverse range of patients. Regardless of age, gender, education level, and ethnicity, FCT demonstrated utility with ease in detecting pain severity.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8944

How to cite this: Ghouri N, Mushtaq M. Breaking barriers: Exploring the Full Cup Test (FCT) pain scale at a tertiary care hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):S35-S41. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8944

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.
Diabetes and its associated factors: A Retrospective cohort analysis of a large database at Indus Hospital Health Network
Authors: Amin Faridah , Imran Muhammad , Hafeez Syed Asif , Zehra Beenish
Published: December 2023

Objectives: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of diabetes and its associated factors from Electronic Medical Record (EMR) of 2020-2022 of Indus Hospital Health Network (IHHN), Korangi campus Karachi.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study was conducted at Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), Korangi Karachi. Out-patient records of adult patients of 2020-2022 were extracted from EMR of IHHN in March 2023. Descriptive statistics were presented as median (IQR) and frequency and percentage. Chi-square test determined association of risk-factors with diabetes and Wilcoxon-sign-rank test compared change in HbA1C from baseline.  

Results: Data of 460,799 adult patients were extracted and analyzed. Median age of patients was 38.71 (27.87-52) years. Female preponderance was observed in our study. Out of 460,799, HbA1C was seen in 42,638 (9.25%) patients. Among these 29,596 (69.4%) had a HbA1C ≥ 6.5% while 13,042 (30.6%) had a HbA1C in the pre-diabetes range. Significant association was found between age, baseline creatinine, LDL and diabetes with no association depicted between gender, BMI, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL and diabetes status. Patients in general had higher HbA1C at baseline as compared to last visit (p-value<0.001).  

Conclusion: High blood pressure, obesity, increased creatinine, micro albuminurea, high LDL and Triglycerides were important risk factors for diabetes. This study reports a snap shot of the status of diabetes and associated risk-factors in the Pakistani population. This was the first time that a large data was extracted and analyzed from a healthcare institution in Pakistan, which would guide physicians and public health practitioners to take evidence-based decisions for prevention and management of diabetes.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8948

How to cite this: Amin F, Imran M, Hafeez SA, Zehra B. Diabetes and its associated factors: A Retrospective cohort analysis of a large database at Indus Hospital Health Network. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):S10-S14. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8948

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The clinical manifestations and pregnancy outcomes of COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Wali Aisha Syed , Ali Maria Mushtaq , Bibi Rabia , Rahim Anum
Published: December 2023

Objective: To evaluate clinical presentation and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with Covid-19 infection in our local tertiary care from lower middle-income country.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Obstetrics & Gynecology department, Sheikh Saeed Memorial Hospital (SSMH) of The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) from March 2020 to August 2021. Data of 422 admitted pregnant women with COVID-19 infection was retrieved for demographic and clinical information, laboratory tests, pregnancy outcome, and neonatal outcomes on RED-Cap and analyzed on SPSS 26. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) for symptomology with categorical variables and feto-maternal outcome.

Results: Of the total 422 pregnant women, 24.4% were symptomatic, 74.7% exhibiting mild symptoms. Largely reported symptoms were fever (71.8%), cough (36.9%) and body ache (35.0%); while odds of symptomatic COVID-19 infection was less in educated pregnant women (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.9) compared to uneducated. Amongst maternal comorbidities, odds of having symptomatic COVID-19 infection were 3.8 times (95% CI 1.1-13.0) in women with chronic hypertension and 5.5 times (95% CI 2.9-10.4) in women with diabetes. Symptomatic women had significantly greater incidence of miscarriages (p= 0.009), PPROM (p= 0.001), preterm birth (p= 0.000), preeclampsia (p= 0.000), placental abruption (p= 0.006) and maternal ICU admission (p= 0.000) than asymptomatic patients. Still birth was higher (6.4% vs 1.3%, p-value= 0.013) in symptomatic group. The odds of having severe maternal outcome were higher (OR=3.5; 95% CI 1.9-6.0) in symptomatic pregnant women.

Conclusion: Majority of pregnant women were asymptomatic. Symptomatic women with COVID-19 infection had an increased risk of adverse feto-maternal outcome.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8949

How to cite this: Wali AS, Ali MM, Bibi R, Rahim A. The clinical manifestations and pregnancy outcomes of COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):S15-S20. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8949

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.
Η σύμβαση του Άαρχους ως μοχλός για την προώθηση της περιβαλλοντικής δημοκρατίας
Authors: Λιάσκα Αιμιλία
Published: December 2023

Η διατριβή πραγματεύεται τη σχέση ανάμεσα στην απόλαυση των δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου και την προστασία του περιβάλλοντος. Σχέση, η οποία έχει συνδυαστεί και εκφραστεί μέσα από την προστασία των διαδικαστικών δικαιωμάτων για την προστασία του περιβάλλοντος στο κείμενο της Σύμβασης του Άαρχους. Αρχικά μελετάται το δικαίωμα στο περιβάλλον ως ουσιαστικό δικαίωμα υπό το πρίσμα των δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου και η συμβολή των κατοχυρωμένων δικαιωμάτων του ανθρώπου στην προστασία του περιβάλλοντος. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό εξετάζεται τοδικαίωμα σε ένα υγιές περιβάλλον όπως αυτό ερμηνεύεται και προστατεύεται μέσα από την Ευρωπαϊκή Σύμβαση Δικαιωμάτων του Ανθρώπου (ΕΣΔΑ) και τη νομολογία του Ευρωπαϊκού Δικαστηρίου Δικαιωμάτων του Ανθρώπου (ΕΔΔΑ) παράλληλα με την προστασία που παρέχουν τα διαδικαστικά δικαιώματα, που κατοχυρώνονται από τη Σύμβαση του Άαρχους. Το δεύτερο και κύριο μέρος της μελέτης αφιερώνεται αποκλειστικά στην ανάλυση της Σύμβασης του Άαρχους, η οποία έχει χαρακτηριστεί ως κινητήρια δύναμη για την περιβαλλοντική δημοκρατία και στους τρεις πυλώνες της: την πρόσβαση στην περιβαλλοντική πληροφορία, τη συμμετοχή του κοινού στη λήψη αποφάσεων και την πρόσβαση στη δικαιοσύνη για περιβαλλοντικά ζητήματα. Βάση της μελέτης αποτελεί η νομολογία του ΕΔΔΑ, του Δικαστηρίου της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, της Επιτροπής Συμμόρφωσης της Σύμβασης του Άαρχους και φυσικά η νομολογία των ελληνικών δικαστηρίων, κυρίως του Συμβουλίου της Επικρατείας, καθώς και οι εκθέσεις και τα πορίσματα του Συνηγόρου του Πολίτη.
Ανάπτυξη και ενσωμάτωση συστήματος ασφαλών και προστατευμένων χώρων στάθμευσης
Authors: Κούτα Μαρίνα
Published: December 2023

Μετά την διαπίστωση της αυξημένης εγκληματικότητας στις εμπορευματικές μεταφορές και κυρίως στους χώρους στάθμευσης που οι οδηγοί βαρέων φορτηγών οχημάτων και το φορτίο τους είναι ακίνητοι, αποφασίστηκε η διερεύνηση ενός τρόπου αύξησης της ασφάλειας των οδηγών βαρέων φορτηγών οχημάτων και των φορτίων τους. Η προσωποποιημένη πληροφόρηση στους οδηγούς σχετικά την στάθμευσή τους, λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν την παράμετρο της ασφάλειας, αποτελεί τον κύριο σκοπό αυτής της εργασίας. Η ενημέρωση για τον καταλληλότερο χώρο στάθμευσης βάσει των δρομολογίων των οδηγών είναι απαραίτητη για τους οδηγούς βαρέων φορτηγών οχημάτων που πραγματοποιούν συχνά διαλείμματα κατά την διάρκεια των δρομολογίων τους. Το θέμα της εργασίας είναι η ανάπτυξη ενός συστήματος εύρεσης κατάλληλου χώρου στάθμευσης για κάθε οδηγό φορτηγού οχήματος με γνώμονα την ασφάλεια του ίδιου, του οχηματός του, αλλά και του φορτίου του. Διάφοροι παράγοντες και παράμετροι καθορίζουν την επιλογή ενός χώρου στάθμευσης, έτσι αναπτύχθηκε ένα περίπλοκο σύστημα που λαμβάνει υπ’ όψιν τις σημαντικότερες από αυτές τις παραμέτρους, ώστε να καταλήγει σε έναν χώρο στάθμευσης ασφαλή και άνετο για τον κάθε οδηγό. Πέραν των παραμέτρων, το σύστημα περιλαμβάνει υπόψιν και τα χαρακτηριστικά των δρομολογίων των οδηγών και των χώρων στάθμευσης για να καταλήξει στην επιλογή καταλληλότερου χώρου στάθμευσης για κάθε οδηγό. Η μελέτη αυτή αφορά στο τμήμα του διάδρομου μεταφορών Ανατολής/Ανατολικής Μεσογείου του Διευρωπαϊκού Δικτύου Μεταφορών [ΔΕΔ-Μ] που διέρχεται από την Ελλάδα. Πριν όμως από την εφαρμογή της παραπάνω διαδικασίας, διερευνήθηκε η ανάπτυξη ενός μοντέλου υπολογισμού κατάλληλου χώρου στάθμευσης. Επιλέχθηκε η εξέταση δύο μοντέλων που υπολογίζουν την χρησιμότητα του κάθε χώρου στάθμευσης και την πιθανότητα επιλογής ενός χώρου στάθμευσης έναντι των υπόλοιπων διαθέσιμων αντίστοιχα. Με την εφαρμογή του προτεινόμενου συστήματος, σε κάθε οδηγό βαρέου φορτηγού οχήματος προτείνεται ένας κατάλληλος χώρος στάθμευσης. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 47 χώροι στάθμευσης και εννέα (9) εγγραφές οδηγών βαρέων φορτηγών οχημάτων. Η εφαρμογή του συστήματος αναμένεται να συμβάλλει σημαντικά στην αύξηση της ασφάλειας των οδικών εμπορευματικών μεταφορών.
A cross-sectional study for assessment of activity of daily living and health-related quality of life among adults with physical disabilities in the Wardha district
Authors: Nath Aditi , Choudhari Dr. Sonali
Published: December 2023

Introduction Physical disabilities can affect a person’s ability to operate, move about, and endure physical strain. Physically challenged individuals have fewer social opportunities than physically healthy individuals, which is linked to a lower degree of well-being and a worse standard of living (QoL). Objectives This study set out to evaluate how physically disabled people’s everyday activities and their physical impairments have an impact on their quality of life in terms of health. Methods The study will concentrate on physically handicapped persons and how their everyday activities and quality of life are affected by their impairment. To evaluate and obtain insight into their knowledge about the laws and facilities available to them. In order to gather the research on the subject, search terms like “disability,” “quality of life,” and “activities of daily living” were employed in PubMed and Google Scholar. Study implications The goal of the study is to address any knowledge gaps regarding how physical disability disrupts a normal lifestyle and how challenging it is to carry out essential daily tasks (activities of daily living).
Intention to whistleblow: Perception of reporting skill mediates the predicting role of class consciousness and perceived probability of revenge
Authors: Abraham Juneman , Mangapul Christian Jeremia , Amaniputri Destasya Nurcahyani , Manurung Rudi Hartono , Ispurwanto Wing
Published: December 2023

Background A number of corruption cases would never have been revealed without the role of the whistleblower. Whistleblowers - as people who know about corruption incidents in their environment - are social capital in preventing and eradicating corruption. For this reason, it is urgent to know the configuration of psychological predictors of a person’s intention to carry out whistleblowing. Methods Predictive correlational design with a mediation analysis was used in this study. The participants of this study were 374 Indonesians (187 males, 187 females; M age = 25.61 years old; SD age = 6.78 years). Results The results showed that perception of reporting skill can mediate the predicting relationship between class consciousness, perceived probability of revenge, and intention to blow the whistle. Conclusions Class consciousness and perceived probability of retaliation might encourage someone to feel competent to blow the whistle - or improve their reporting skill - to carry out whistleblowing.
Effect of the SARS COV-2 virus on diabetes symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment
Authors: Jaremek Anna , Kępa Joanna , Kandefer Norbert , Wyszkowski Michał , Grabarczyk Aleksandra , Pawlak Anna , Grad Sylwia , Gregorek Małgorzata , Gregorek Paweł
Published: December 2023

Because COVID-19 has been recognised as one of the most important pandemics in the history of humankind, in recent years many scientists have investigated the effect of the disease on various aspects of mental and physical human health. This article presents a literature review regarding the effect of SARS CoV-2 infection on the symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment of diabetes. It discusses the effect of infection with virus SARS-CoV-2 on the course of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as the frequency of occurrence of the disease in patients affected by COVID-19. Moreover, it presents information on the pharmacotherapy and way of providing services by doctors during the pandemic. According to the literature, infection with virus SARS CoV-2 causes a general inflammation of the organisms and numerous metabolic and hormonal disturbances, and therefore affects the course of diabetes. It may lead not only to serious metabolic complications in the course of early diabetes, but also to the development of the disease. It was determined that infection with COVID-19 in diabetes patients (mainly type 2) increases the risk of complications (such as acute respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and death).
Romantyczna pisarka jako wydawczyni. Klementyna z Tańskich Hoffmanowa
Authors: Winek Teresa
Published: December 2023

Artykuł podejmuje zagadnienie miejsca w romantycznym kanonie Klementyny z Tańskich Hoffmanowej oraz jej inicjatyw wydawniczych jako odpowiedzi na romantyczne zainteresowanie piśmiennictwem staropolskim. Historycy literatury uważają autorkę Pamiątki po dobrej matce za pisarkę niemal wyłącznie dla młodych odbiorców i spadkobierczynię dorobku polskiego oświecenia. Biografia natomiast sytuuje redaktorkę „Rozrywek dla Dzieci” w centrum życia romantyków, niekiedy nawet jako prekursorki ich działalności, choć dowodzi też indywidualnego stosunku wielostronnej twórczyni do różnych zjawisk historycznoliterackich.
Hoffmanowa, dobrze sytuowana finansowo dzięki pracom pisarskim oraz ceniona za działalność edukacyjną i kulturalną, z zapałem zajmowała się propagowaniem i wydawaniem pisarzy staropolskich. Czyniła to w sposób wysoce profesjonalny, opatrując wydawane dzieła starannym komentarzem edytorskim. Kształtowała tak recepcję czytelniczą dawnych pisarzy, ale również romantyczne pisanie historii literatury. W swych upodobaniach do literatury staropolskiej nie była odosobniona. Na opracowanie czekają więc katalogi dokumentujące inicjatywy wydawnicze i czytelnicze romantyków – jako świadectwo kultury literackiej pierwszej połowy XIX wieku. W takim kontekście Tańska Hoffmanowa może okazać się bliska romantykom (nie tylko przez swą biografię) i zyskać nowe miejsce na romantycznym Parnasie.