scholarly journals Pharmacists’ clinical knowledge and practice in the safe use of contraceptives: real knowledge vs. self-perception and the implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Golić Jelić ◽  
Ljiljana Tasić ◽  
Ranko Škrbić ◽  
Valentina Marinković ◽  
Svjetlana Stoisavljević Šatara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

Abstract Background Pharmacists are often the first healthcare professionals that patients contact with their illnesses and requests for medical information, which is enhanced following the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Community pharmacists are expected and required to possess a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills. Self-assessment of these competencies is needed for their self-improvement. Purpose of the study To assess pharmacists’ clinical knowledge and practice in the safe use of contraceptives, and to compare the scores obtained by external observation with pharmacists’ self-assessment of their knowledge as well as investigate the significance of preceptorship experiences. Contraceptives was chosen as the subject area in view of high rates of abortions as a means of contraception in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods A questionnaire approach was used. The questionnaire included the following: the first domain contained two case scenarios (safe use of contraceptives), which evaluated clinical knowledge, a second domain in which pharmacists self-assessed their knowledge to resolve cases from the first domain and a third domain that measured the demographics of pharmacists (including experience in preceptorship). Dispensing practice was evaluated in the second domain. The questionnaires were distributed to a convenient sample of 100 pharmacists at the Annual Meeting of Bosnia and Herzegovina Pharmacists. The results were presented as counts (%). The groups (preceptors and non-preceptors) were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, paired assessments were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between variables. Results Of the 100 pharmacists invited to participate, 84 completed the questionnaire (84 % response rate). There was no agreement between pharmacists’ real knowledge (average score - case 1: 2.71, case 2: 3.3) and their self-assessment (average score - case 1: 3.77, case 2: 3.91). There was no statistically significant difference in the actual knowledge of pharmacists (experienced/non-experienced in precepting), while the difference in the self-assessment was significant between these two groups. Conclusion Pharmacists appear to overrate themselves, which leads to self-enhancement bias, in which the experience in precepting has some influence. Pharmacists’ capability in performing an objective self-assessment of their clinical knowledge needs to be carefully studied in the future to fully benefit patients.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Picture Story Books Reading to Increase Kindness in Children Aged 5-6 Years

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giyati Retnowati ◽  
Rose Mini Agoes Salim ◽  
Airin Y Saleh
Keyword(s):  
Test Score ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Storybook Reading ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Signed Rank Test

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of picture in storybook reading to increase kindness in children. This research involved 31 children aged 5-6 years; they were taken from the kindergarten in Bandung as the participants. The intervention was done by reading eight picture books in eight days. The kindness was measured using a measurement instrument created by the researcher, in the form of nine coloured cards that described the behaviour of kindness. The measurement was also done by seeing through the kindness tree and observation sheets that filled out by the teacher. The data analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test shows a significant difference in the average score of kindness (p<0,05) before and after picture storybook reading. Two weeks after the intervention, the improvement on all kindness behaviours with the post-test score is greater than pre-test score that still can be found. Observation through kindness tree and observational sheets shows the same result.

scholarly journals Developing and testing a South African Brief Cognitive Score in literate and illiterate people of mixed language groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara M. Schutte ◽  
Mukhethwa Tsikane ◽  
Keorapetse Nchoe
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Average Score ◽  
The South ◽  
Cognitive Score ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
With Memory ◽  
Reliable Scale

Background: The Folstein mini mental state exam (MMSE) is the most commonly administered assessment of cognitive functioning; however, its utility in illiterate individuals is limited. In South Africa, more than eight million adults are considered functionally illiterate and cognitive evaluation using standard scales is inaccurate. Other countries have developed adapted MMSE scales for their local purposes.Aim: The first aim of this study was to develop a South African Brief Cognitive Score (SA BCS) for use in minimally literate or illiterate individuals. The second aim was to test this SA BCS against the original Folstein MMSE in patients with memory problems.Setting: The study was conducted in Tshilamba, Tshiombo, Tshifudi, Dzimauli and Pile in Venda as well as Rethabiseng and Zithobeni in Bronkhorstspruit for the illiterate study group, and Steve Biko Academic Hospital for the literate study groups.Methods: The SA BCS was developed considering our local requirements and substituting questions needing literacy with items that did not. Both the original Folstein MMSE and the SA BCS were administered to groups of literate and illiterate normal individuals. Thereafter, the tests were repeated in groups of literate and illiterate patients with cognitive decline.Results: Firstly, 33 illiterate and 31 literate subjects were assessed. The average original Folstein score was 29.29/30 for the literate subjects, and for the SA BCS 29.80. For the illiterate subjects, the average score for the original Folstein MMSE was 21.24/30 and for the SA BCS 27.45. Kruskall–Wallis equality of population rank test confirmed a significant improvement in the scores of the SA BCS in the illiterate group when compared to the original Folstein (p = 0.0001). In the second part of the study, 20 literate and 20 illiterate patients were assessed as before. In the literate group, the average original Folstein MMSE score was 20.5, while the average score for the South African BCS was 22.5. In the illiterate group, the average Folstein MMSE was 18.9; and the average score in the South African BCS was 22.8. The Kruskal–Wallis equality of population rank test showed a significant difference (p = 0.008) between the scores of the illiterate versus literate patients when the Folstein MMSE was used to assess cognition. With the SA BCS, no significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.79).Conclusion: The SA BCS appears to have potential to be a more reliable scale when assessing cognition in illiterate or minimally literate subjects when compared to the original Folstein MMSE.

Association of pancreatic cancer stem cells with tumor stroma type.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15771-e15771
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Halil Sahin ◽  
Gokce Askan ◽  
Joanne F Chou ◽  
Marinela Capanu ◽  
Kenneth H. Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Local Recurrence ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Tumor Stroma ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Significant Difference

e15771 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a heterogeneous disease with distinct stroma features. Cancer stem cells (CSC) in PDA may express CD44 (C) +/- Epithelial Specific Antigen (E). We investigated the relationship of CSC markers with tumor stroma and clinical outcomes in PDA patients (pts) who had surgical resection. Methods: Pts who underwent PDA resection with IRB #00-032/#06-107 consent between 01/2012-06/2014 at Memorial Sloan Kettering were identified. C and E immunohistochemical (IHC) expression scored as follow: 0, none; 1, 1%–10%; 2, 11%–50%; 3, 51%–80%; 4, 81%–100%. Staining intensity was scored as 0, none; 1, weak; 2, moderate; 3, strong. The total scores (0-12) were averaged and was considered positive when average score > median. Stroma was classified as loose, moderate and dense based on fibroblast content using H&E stain. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier and compared by log-rank test; association between CSC markers and stroma type was assessed by Fisher`s exact test. Results: N = 93 PDA pts identified. PDA with C(+) E(-) had significantly higher loose stroma and PDA with C(-) E(+) and C(-) E(-) had more moderate and dense stroma (p = 0.0033). The number of PDA pts with dense, moderate, and loose stroma was: 11, 31, and 51 respectively. No local recurrence in pts with dense stroma observed and 8/11 had either lung or liver recurrence. Six of 31pts with loose stroma had a local recurrence and 13/31 pts had either liver or lung recurrence. No statistically significant difference in OS and RFS were observed among subgroups (P = 0.089). Median time from relapse to death was: 2, 11.5, 10,5 and months 7 in C+/E-, C-/E+, C+/E+, and C-/E- groups respectively. Conclusions: PDA CSCs appears to have an association with PDA stroma type. We also observed different recurrence patterns among stroma subgroups. Respecting small sample size, these data indicate CSCs may have an important role in stroma differentiation in PDA. CSC markers do not predict OS and RFS, however, resected PDA with C(+) E(-) may have more aggressive behavior following recurrence. [Table: see text]

PERBEDAAN FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE PASCA SECONDARY OFFERINGS

Wahana ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Djaja Perdana ◽  
Herbowo Herbowo
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Hypothesis Test ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Growth Ratio ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
Asset Turnover

This study aims to examine the differences in corporate financial performance before and after secondary offerings. The financial performance is proxied by WCR, DER, Solvency, ROA, ROE, Asset Turnover (ATO) and Growth ratio which representing the value of liquidity, financing, activity, performance and growth of the firm. The study involved 67 samples of the companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange conducting secondary offerings during 2008-2013 period and selected through purposive random sampling method and using Financial Statement data from 2005-2016 period. Hypothesis test is performed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The results of this study indicate that there is no significant difference in the ratio of Solvency, ROA and ROE between before and after secondary offerings, but there are significant differences in the ratio of WCR, DER, Asset Turnover and Growth. WCR ratio after secondary offerings increased, while DER ratio after secondary offerings decreased, the condition of both ratios showed better performance. While the indication of poor performance seen in decreasing asset turnover ratio and growth ratio.Keywords : agency theory, financial performance, secondary offerings

scholarly journals Cohort study of the overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer in a hospital of specialties of Quito-Ecuador in the period 2007–2017

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Moreno Roca ◽  
Luciana Armijos Acurio ◽  
Ruth Jimbo Sotomayor ◽  
Carlos Céspedes Rivadeneira ◽  
Carlos Rosero Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Survival Time ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinical Records

Abstract Objectives Pancreatic cancers in most patients in Ecuador are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease, which is associated with lower survival. To determine the characteristics and global survival of pancreatic cancer patients in a social security hospital in Ecuador between 2007 and 2017. Methods A retrospective cohort study and a survival analysis were performed using all the available data in the electronic clinical records of patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in a Hospital of Specialties of Quito-Ecuador between 2007 and 2017. The included patients were those coded according to the ICD 10 between C25.0 and C25.9. Our univariate analysis calculated frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Through the Kaplan-Meier method we estimated the median time of survival and analyzed the difference in survival time among the different categories of our included variables. These differences were shown through the log rank test. Results A total of 357 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2007 and 2017 were included in the study. More than two-thirds (69.9%) of the patients were diagnosed in late stages of the disease. The median survival time for all patients was of 4 months (P25: 2, P75: 8). Conclusions The statistically significant difference of survival time between types of treatment is the most relevant finding in this study, when comparing to all other types of treatments.

The Relationship between Serum Ferritin Levels and 5-Year All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Emre Erdem ◽  
Ahmet Karatas ◽  
Tevfik Ecder
Keyword(s):  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Group 1

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin &#x3c;800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, <i>p</i> = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; <i>p</i> = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; <i>p</i> = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; <i>p</i> = 0.063). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Time-averaged serum ferritin levels &#x3e;1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.

scholarly journals The Effect of Loneliness on Death Anxiety in the Elderly During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110105
Author(s):  
Türkan Akyol Guner ◽  
Zeynep Erdogan ◽  
Isa Demir
Keyword(s):  
Death Anxiety ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Average Score ◽  
City Center ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North West ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Education Status ◽  
At Home

The aim of the study is to determine the effect on death anxiety of loneliness in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The population of this study that is descriptive and cross-sectional type consist of 354 elderly who meet the inclusion criteria from three different associations operating for charitable purposes in a city center located in north-west Turkey. The average score of Loneliness Scale of Elderly (LSE) of the elderly was determined as 11.39 ± 5.31, and the average score of Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) of the elderly was determined as 8.54 ± 4.82. According to these results, it was found that the elderly experienced acceptable levels of loneliness and moderate death anxiety. A statistically significant difference was found in the LSE and DAS scores of the elderly according to their age, marital status, education status, chronic illness status and living at home with relatives. In addition, during the COVID-19 epidemic, the scale scores of the elderly who have increased worries, who have a hobby at home, and who communicate with their relatives via social media/mobile phones were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

The Efficacy of Etoposide-Based Therapy in Adult Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Leonard Naymagon ◽  
Douglas Tremblay ◽  
John Mascarenhas
Keyword(s):  
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Data supporting the use of etoposide-based therapy in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) arise largely from pediatric studies. There is a lack of comparable data among adult patients with secondary HLH. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of etoposide-based therapy on outcomes in adult secondary HLH. The primary outcome was overall survival. The log-rank test was used to compare Kaplan-Meier distributions of time-to-event outcomes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Ninety adults with secondary HLH seen between January 1, 2009, and January 6, 2020, were included. Forty-two patients (47%) received etoposide-based therapy, while 48 (53%) received treatment only for their inciting proinflammatory condition. Thirty-three patients in the etoposide group (72%) and 32 in the no-etoposide group (67%) died during follow-up. Median survival in the etoposide and no-etoposide groups was 1.04 and 1.39 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival between the etoposide and no-etoposide groups (log-rank <i>p</i> = 0.4146). On multivariable analysis, there was no association between treatment with etoposide and survival (HR for death with etoposide = 1.067, 95% CI: 0.633–1.799, <i>p</i> = 0.8084). Use of etoposide-based therapy was not associated with improvement in outcomes in this large cohort of adult secondary HLH patients.

scholarly journals Comparison of oncologic and functional outcomes between radical nephroureterectomy and segmental ureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Heon Kim ◽  
Chung Un Lee ◽  
Minyong Kang ◽  
Hwang Gyun Jeon ◽  
Byong Chang Jeong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Urothelial Carcinoma ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Upper Urinary Tract ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Radical Nephroureterectomy ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Segmental Ureterectomy ◽  
Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

AbstractThis study aims to compare oncologic and functional outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and segmental ureterectomy (SU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent either RNU or SU of UTUC. Propensity score matching was performed among 394 cases to yield a final cohort of 40 RNU and 40 SU cases. Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS) between the groups. We also compared the change in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There was no significant difference in terms of CSS, PFS, and IVRFS between the RNU and SU groups, but the RNU group had a better OS than the SU group (p = 0.032). Postoperative eGFR was better preserved in the SU group than in the RNU group (p < 0.001). SU provides comparable CSS, PFS, and IVRFS for patients with UTUC compared to RNU, even in patients with advanced-stage and/or high-grade cancer. Further, SU achieves better preservation of renal function.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of a Foundation Year 1 Doctor Preparation Course for Final Year Medical Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052098418
Author(s):  
William Beedham ◽  
Kasun Wanigasooriya ◽  
Georgia R Layton ◽  
Ley Taing Chan ◽  
Adnan Darr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Junior Doctor ◽  
Hidden Curriculum ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Curriculum Topics

Background: Starting work as a junior doctor can be daunting for any medical student. There are numerous aspects of the hidden curriculum which many students fail to acquire during their training. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel foundation year one (FY1) doctor preparation course focusing on certain core topics, practical tips and components of the hidden curriculum. The primary objective was to improve the confidence level and knowledge of final year medical students transitioning to FY1 doctors. Method: A 2-day, practical course titled ‘Preparation 2 Practice’ delivering hands-on, small-group and lecture-based teaching, covering core medical student undergraduate curriculum topics in medicine and surgery. The course content spanned therapeutics, documentation skills and managing acute clinical tasks encountered by FY1 doctors during an on-call shift. A pre- and post-course survey and knowledge assessment were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the course. The assessment was MCQ-based, derived from topics covered within our course. The 20-question test and a short survey were administered electronically. Results: Twenty students from a single UK medical school attended the course. 100% participation was observed in the pre- and post-course test and survey. The median post-course test result was 22 (IQR 20.25-23.75) which was higher than the median pre-course test score of 18.75 (IQR 17-21.75). A Wilcoxon sign rank test revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-course test results ( P = .0003). The self-reported confidence score of delegates on starting work as a junior doctor was also significantly higher following the course ( P = .004). Conclusion: The results show a significant improvement in perceived confidence and knowledge on core curriculum topics amongst final year medical students having attended our FY1 doctor preparation course. We conclude that there is scope for similar supplementary courses as an adjunct to the undergraduate medical curriculum.

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