scholarly journals Accuracy and performance of a new handheld ultrasound machine with wireless system

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Maria Zardi ◽  
Edoardo Franceschetti ◽  
Chiara Giorgi ◽  
Alessio Palumbo ◽  
Francesco Franceschi

Abstract We verified the accuracy and performance of a new handheld ultrasound machine, in comparison to a high-end sonographic machine. We performed bilateral measurements of the following tendon districts (supraspinatus, flexor of the middle finger, patellar and Achilles) and of the cross sectional area of the median nerve in 21 patients using a musculoskeletal ultrasound linear scanner of a handheld sonographic machine and a high-end sonographic machine. Two tail T test was used to evaluate whether there were differences in the measurements between the two sonographic machines. Agreement was evaluated by Pearson’s correlation. The mean time requested for the examinations was 18 and 9 minutes for the handheld and high-end sonographic machines, respectively. No significant differences were found between the measurements obtained with the handheld ultrasound machine and those with the high-end sonographic machine (p value ranging between 0.31 and 0.97, according to the examined district), whereas, a moderate correlation was found (r coefficient ranging between 0.43 and 0.77, according to the examined district). Although the examination with the handheld ultrasound machine took more time, it showed adequate accuracy and performance; this palmar tool might be also useful in operating rooms.

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Mitsunori Nisihara ◽  
Ana Carolina Possebom ◽  
Luiza de Martino Cruvinel Borges ◽  
Ana Claudia Athanasio Shwetz ◽  
Fernanda Francis Benevides Bettes

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the profile of lawsuits related to drug requests filled at the Federal Justice of the State of Paraná. Methods A cross-sectional study, and the data were obtained through consulting the lawsuits at the online system of the Federal Justice of Paraná. Results Out of 347 lawsuits included in the study, 55% of plaintiffs were women, with a median age of 56 years. Oncology was the field with more requests (23.6%), and the highest mean costs. A wide variety of diseases and broad variety of requested drugs were found in the lawsuits. Approximately two-thirds of them were requested by the brand name, and the most often requested drugs were palivizumab and tiotropium bromide. Only 14.5% of the requested medicines were registered in the National Medication Register. The Public Defender’s Office filled actions in 89.6% of cases and all lawsuits had an interim relief. The mean time for approval was 35 days and 70% of requests were granted. Conclusion Oncology was the field with the highest demand for medicines at the Federal Justice of Paraná in 2014. A great variety of medications was requested. The Public Defender´s Office represented most lawsuits. All demands had an interim relief, and the majority of requests were granted, within an average of 35 days.


2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Barbani ◽  
Giulia Lalinga ◽  
Lia Bardasi ◽  
Raffaella Branciari ◽  
Dino Miraglia ◽  
...  

The interest in certified game meat chains highlights the need for the evaluation and the management of factors affecting carcass hygiene along the peculiar steps of the production. The effects of time and temperature before chilling were specifically evaluated on aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae count in hunted wild boar carcasses. Thirty wild boars were considered in two process steps where the hunted animal are still not chilled: after evisceration and just before chilling. Environmental temperature, carcass temperature and the elapse time between the two-step considered were registered. Furthermore, surface microbial loads were analyzed on the inner part of the carcasses. The mean time between the two sampling steps was 6 hours with an average environmental temperature of 20.49°C. A carcass temperature 9.6°C drop was observed during this period. In this lap of time aerobic colony count and Enterobacteriaceae count increased of 0.68 Log CFU/cm2 and 1.01 Log CFU/cm2 respectively, with a moderate correlation with the time but not with the temperature delta. The results reveal that the temperature conditions in central Italy hunting areas were not able to quickly reduce the carcass temperature and therefore the time between carcass evisceration and chilling should not exceed 6 hours.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
José A. Sánchez ◽  
Mayra G. Handal ◽  
Juan F. Vílchez Rodriguez ◽  
Sinthia I. Mejía ◽  
Annye P. Pagoaga

PURPOSE In cancer, clinical staging is related to outcomes, and this is linked to the evolution of the disease over time. In Honduras, cancer mortality is high, and time intervals from onset of symptoms to treatment of cancer are not known. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine these intervals. PATIENTS AND METHODS This investigation was carried out from April 25 to August 30, 2018, and included 202 patients at the main cancer referral center in Honduras. For the purposes of the study, information was obtained from patients, their caregiver, medical records, or treatment cards. Patients older than age 18 years were included after informed consent was signed. RESULTS The mean time interval from onset of symptoms to cancer treatment was 232 days. Different intervals of time were identified, and the mean of these intervals was calculated in days as follows: 68 days from onset of symptoms to first medical evaluation; 146 days from first evaluation to oncologist consultation; 26 days from cancer specialist to the pathology report; and 86 days from the histopathologic diagnosis to the beginning of treatment. Once diagnosis was established, the average elapsed times to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and chemoradiotherapy were 88, 102, 76, and 154 days, respectively ( P < .05, when surgery is compared against chemotherapy and radiotherapy). CONCLUSION The mean time interval from symptom presentation to treatment in patients with cancer is more than 7 months. This could explain the advanced stages of disease seen at the time of treatment in Honduras, which decrease chance of cure and increase the mortality rate of cancer). Appropriate intervention to decrease these intervals must be taken to reduce mortality.


Author(s):  
Bina M. Raval ◽  
Nainesh S. Zalavadiya ◽  
Pushpa A. Yadava ◽  
Shital T. Mehta

Background: Labour is a final consequence of Pregnancy and is inevitable. The timing of labour may vary widely but it will happen sooner or later. The aim of the present research was to study the safety, efficacy and effect of intra vaginal Misoprostol and intra cervical Dinoprostone gel for induction of labour.Methods: 100 patients who required labour of induction were included in this prospective cross-sectional study from September 2017- March 2018. 50 patients of them received 25mcg tablet misoprostol intravaginal and 50 patients of them required 0.5mg intracervical dinoprostone gel and doses were repeated every 6 hourly for up to maximum 6 doses for Misoprostol and 3 doses for Dinoprostone gel.Results: The majority of patients had gestational age above 40 weeks and between 37-40 weeks in PGE2 and PGE1 group respectively. The mean time taken for the onset of labour was less in Misoprostol than in Dinoprostone group (43.22min v/s 1 hr40 min). The mean time taken for induction to active phase of labour (1hr 42min v/s 4hr 10min) and active phase to delivery (3hr 6min v/s 4hr54min) was less in Misoprostol than Dinoprostone group. The mean time required for induction to delivery was less in Misoprostol group (5hr 2min v/s 11hrs). Requirement of oxytocin for augmentation of labour was almost equal in both groups. Caesarean section rate was less in Misoprostol group (10% v/s 22%). Maternal side effects were minimal in either groups and neonatal outcome was good in both the groups.Conclusions: Both Misoprostol and Dinoprostone gel are safe, effective for cervical ripening and induction but Misoprostol is more cost effective and stable at room temperature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aubrey Y. Señeris ◽  
Jean Anne B. Toral

Objective. This study aimed to compare the completeness and ease of use of narrative reports (NR) submitted by residents compared to electronic synoptic reports (SR) by gynecologic oncology fellows for patients who underwent ovarian, fallopian, and peritoneal cancer surgery. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology of the Philippine General Hospital from August to November 2019. We assessed the NRs and electronic SRs for completeness of data using quality indicators. Results. The average percentage of completeness of quality indicators is 77.1% (35.7/65). Eight indicators were absent in all NRs. Reporting of residual lesions was low (29.1%). The mean time to accomplish SRs (10.4 minutes) was significantly shorter than the mean time to accomplish NRs (21.9 minutes) (p value = 0.0001). SRs were assessed to be superior to NRs in several areas of surgery for quality, completeness and timeliness. Conclusion. This study showed that the NRs should be improved and periodic audit must be done to maintain quality assurance. The use of SR appears to be favorable and superior in terms of time required to accomplish.


Author(s):  
Mahin Jamshidi Makiani ◽  
Maryam Farasatinasab ◽  
Sam Bemani ◽  
Hoda Namdari Moghadam ◽  
Fatemeh Sheibani ◽  
...  

Background: Nosocomial infections are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and medical burdens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are not-fermentative gram-negative bacteria that considered as the most important nosocomial infection. In the current study, we have aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms to the colistin antibiotic. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, patients admitted to the ICU ward of Firoozgar Hospital from July 2018 to March 2019 were evaluated, and 169 Patients infected with Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were included. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated, and antibiotic sensitivity was determined by the disk diffusion method according to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. E test was also used to determine MIC-50 and MIC-90 of colistin. Results: Acinetobacter baumannii was around 8 times more frequent than Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Colistin resistance was detected in only 4(2.4%). The mean age of patients infected by Acinetobacter baumannii was significantly higher than those infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, the mean time of the hospitalization period did not show any significant differences in the different groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the majority of isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were sensitive to Colistin. Therefore, it could be effectively used for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0240152
Author(s):  
Shabir Ahmad Dar ◽  
Syed Quibtiya Khurshid ◽  
Zaid Ahmad Wani ◽  
Aaliya Khanam ◽  
Inaamul Haq ◽  
...  

Background Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has not only spawned a lot of stigma and discrimination towards its survivors but also to their corpses. We aimed to assess the magnitude and correlates of stigma in these survivors, on return to their communities. Methods This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based, exploratory study conducted by the postgraduate department of psychiatry, in collaboration with the postgraduate department of chest medicine, Govt. medical college, Srinagar. The study was performed among COVID-19 survivors, who attended the outpatient department after their discharge from the hospital. Socio-demographic characteristics were recorded through semi-structured proforma. Stigma was measured by the stigma questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results A total of 91 survivors consented to participate in the study. Almost half (46.2%) of them were in the age group of 30–49 years and close to two-thirds (68.1%) were males. About three–fourths (74.7%) were from the urban background. The mean time from hospital discharge to study entry was 11.7±5.1 [Range(R) = 7–21] days. 98% of survivors provided at least one stigma endorsing response and the total mean stigma score was 28.5±7.1[R = 6–39]. The mean stigma sub-scores were highest for enacted stigma (7.6±1.8) [R = 2–9] and externalized stigma (15.0±4.1) [R = 1–20]. Enacted stigma was significantly high in males as compared to females. Enacted stigma and internalized stigma were both associated with education. Enacted stigma, externalized stigma, disclosure concerns, and total stigma was significantly associated with the occupation. Being unemployed and time since discharge were identified as independent predictors of total stigma. Conclusion Our study results showed high levels of enacted and externalized stigma among COVID-19 survivors. Enacted stigma was more among males and in those who were highly educated. Survivor centered and community-driven anti-stigma programs are the need of the hour to promote the recovery and community re-integration of these survivors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Covolo ◽  
J Roncali ◽  
D Zaniboni ◽  
V Mapelli ◽  
E Ceretti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Paediatrics associations in different international contexts recommended avoiding the use of screen media in children ages 0-2 years and limiting the use to one hour per day for children ages 2-5 years. In the light of these guidelines, the aim of this study was to investigate risk perception in the general population and use of digital devices (DD) in preschool children. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study on 3115 Italian subjects including parents and non-parents, using an online survey. Parents answered questions about their children’s DD use. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the potential predictors of devices’ use in preschool children. Results Overall 74% of sample think that the use of DD by preschool children is a risk for health. They perceive risks, such as having eye irritation (83%), having sleep disorders (65%) more than benefits, e.g. communicating with distant relatives (47%), and learning new words (40%). Parents of preschool children represent the 74% of all parents (N = 1869). The 56% of parents with only 0-2 years children think that is not correct the use of DDs in toddlers, however the 25% of them allow their children to use them. The mean time use reported is 63±57 minutes. Among parents who have also children from 2 to 5 years, the 89% think it is correct the use of DD up to a maximum of one hour a day for children aged 2-5 years. However, the 58% of them allow their children to use it more than one hour. The mean time use reported is 61±52 minutes. Parents without a job, having low education level, with more than one child and having children ages 3 and older, are more prone to allow the use of DD to their children. Conclusions There is a discrepancy between risk perception and real attitude on DD use in children by parents. Public health actions must aim to increase awareness about a conscious use of DD in children considering the spread of DD in the society and younger people. Key messages The discrepancy between risk perception and actual behaviour means an underestimation of health impact of digital devices use in children. Health professionals are very concerned about the health risk of digital devices use in children. Considering the large use of digital devices, public health actors must pay attention to this matter.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azam Faraji ◽  
Mahtab Karimi ◽  
Seyyed Mohsen Azizi ◽  
Maryam Janatolmakan ◽  
Alireza Khatony

Abstract Objectives Occupational stress can have an adverse effect on mental and physical health and performance of nurses. The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress of Iranian critical care unit (CCU) nurses and its related demographic factors. Results In this cross-sectional study, 155 CCU nurses were randomly selected. The Osipow Occupational Stress Questionnaire was used as data collection tool. The mean of nurses’ occupational stress was 210.13 ± 40.87 out of 300, which was at the “moderate-to-high” level. The highest mean of occupational stress was related to the subscale of “Role Overload” (36.30 ± 6.98) and the lowest mean was related to the subscale of “Physical Environment” (33.58 ± 9.76). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean occupational stress and variables of sex, age, academic degree and working experience.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sadati ◽  
Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi ◽  
Ramin Rezapour ◽  
Riaz Alaei Kalajahi

Abstract Background Unintentional injuries in the home are one of the threats to childhood quality of life which is considered as a social determinant of health. Regarding mother's leading role in taking care of the children in Iranian families, the present study was conducted to investigate mothers' home-injury prevention attitude and performance and its contributing factors in Sahand, Iran. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017. Sampling was done using random sampling method among all mothers of children less than five years old who attended the health centers to receive child care services. A valid attitude questionnaire and safety performance checklist were used for data collection. Data were analyzed through SPSS-24 software using descriptive (Frequency, mean, etc.) and inferential statistics (chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis) method. Results The Mean age of mothers was 30.58 (±5.01). About 65% of the mothers held high school diplomas or lower degrees. The mean score of mothers' attitude was calculated to be 72.12(±6.79). More than 58% of the mothers had an appropriate level of attitude. The mothers' injury prevention performance mean score was 66.59 (±12.85). Family socioeconomic status, Mother's age, educational level, and job, father's job, age and gender of the child were the contributing factors (p<0.05). Conclusions Most of the mothers had an appropriate level of home-injury prevention attitude and low level of performance. Deprived residency areas should be considered for higher support to prevent injuries. Strengthening Primary Health Care system in safe communities could have a significant role in child safety promotion through mothers KAP promotion.


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