scholarly journals Analysis of challenges faced and the scientific content of a hybrid pediatric surgical conference arranged during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Haris Patel ◽  
Jamshed Akhtar ◽  
Syed Muhammad Raees Hussain Taqvi ◽  
Tayyaba Batool

Abstract Background Scientific conferences which are considered as an important event for dissemination of research and related academic activities were badly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual format for interaction was used as an alternative method to continue such academic discourse. However, this did not provide the same level of communication and interest as that of in-person meetings. With evolving knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic especially its transmission, role of vaccine, and observing standard operating procedures (SOPs), fear among healthcare providers is mitigated to some extent. Keeping in mind the importance of scientific conferences in the context of sharing knowledge and its impact on the training of faculty members and postgraduate residents, a hybrid conference was planned by the national association of pediatric surgeons. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the challenges faced during the organization of this conference as well as to analyze the pattern of registration, number of abstracts received, the gender of the participants and their status, region of the country they represented, type of presentation made, and scientific subject covered. SPSS version 22 was used for data entry. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present data. Chi square test was applied to find out the association between categorical variables and a p value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results A total of 170 pediatric surgeons and postgraduate residents participated from all over the country and abroad. Nearly half (47.1%) of the registrants were postgraduate residents. Most of the participants (90%) opted for in-person attendance. The venue was selected with a capacity to house more than double the number of registrants with provision of safe distance. Availability of face masks, gloves, and sanitizers was ensured by the organizers. Packed meal boxes were arranged and served at the venue site in an open place on the terrace. A total of 97 abstracts were accepted for presentation that included 57 (58.8%) long oral podium and 40 (41.2%) poster presentations. Most of the studies (n=48–49.4%) were related to the subject of gastroenterology including pancreatico-hepatobiliary system and spleen. Majority of the presenters were male (p = 0.046) and postgraduate residents (p = 0.001). Conclusion It was possible to organize a hybrid annual medical conference where most of the participants preferred physical presence. A rich scientific program was made to cater the needs for pediatric surgical fraternity. Residents made attractive presentations. It was noted that physical presence during clinical conference produced effective communication and learning.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S244-S244
Author(s):  
Bharath Pendyala ◽  
Prasanth Lingamaneni ◽  
Patricia DeMarais ◽  
Lakshmi Warrior ◽  
Gregory Huhn

Abstract Background Neurocysticercosis is a Neglected Tropical Disease and an important public health issue. Our goal was to collect and analyze data regarding clinically significant gender differences among our Neurocysticercosis patients. Methods A retrospective chart search with ICD 9/ ICD 10 diagnostic code for Neurocysticercosis and neuroimaging suggestive of Neurocysticercosis was performed for clinical encounters in the hospital or affiliated clinics between years 2013–2018. After a careful chart review, patients who were clinically diagnosed with Neurocysticercosis were included in the study. T-test was used to compare means of continuous variables and chi-square test to compare proportions of categorical variables. Results Among 90 total patients included, male (49.4%) and female (50.6%) distribution were nearly identical. The mean age in females was found to be higher than males (52.5 vs 42.0, P &lt; 0.0001). Almost an equal number of males and females presented with either seizures (63.6% vs 57.8%, P= 0.85), headaches (25.0% vs 28.9%, p= 0.85), or other symptoms (11.4% vs 13.3%, p= 0.85). Males had more generalized seizures compared to females (60% vs 38%, P= 0.37), although this result was not statistically significant. Females were more likely to present with &gt; 1 lesion (82.2% vs 56.8%, P= 0.01). Males were more likely to have cystic lesions (64.7% vs 27.9%, P &lt; 0.001) compared to females who had more calcified lesions on presentation (65.1% vs 20.6%, P &lt; 0.001). Male patients were more likely to have contrast enhancement or edema surrounding the lesions (61.4% vs 33.3%, P= 0.01) and were more likely to require treatment with Albendazole/Praziquantel (75.8% vs 31.7%, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Although previously reported data is limited, there is a suggestion that there are gender differences in host immune response and that inflammation surrounding parenchymal lesions is more intense in females. This study suggests that men either present early in the disease phase or have different immune responses than women and require anti-parasitic therapy more frequently. More research in this aspect is needed. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Opeolu Adeoye ◽  
Dawn Kleindorfer

Background: In 2013, the NIH Stroke Trials Network (StrokeNET) was established to maximize efficiencies in stroke clinical trials. Successful recruitment in future trials was required for participating sites. A high volume of cases treated is a surrogate for the potential to recruit. Among Medicare-eligible acute ischemic stroke (AIS) cases, we estimated the IV rt-PA and endovascular embolectomy treatment rates at StrokeNET Regional Coordinating Centers and their partner hospitals compared with non-StrokeNET hospitals in the United States (US). Methods: We used demographics and IV rt-PA and embolectomy rates in the 2013 Medicare Provider and Analysis Review (MEDPAR) dataset. ICD-9 codes 433.xx, 434.xx and 436 identified AIS cases. ICD-9 code 99.10 defined rt-PA treatment and ICD-9 code 39.74 defined embolectomy. Demographics and treatment rates at StrokeNET and non-StrokeNET sites were compared using t-test for proportions and Chi-square test for categorical variables as appropriate. Results: Of 386,157 AIS primary diagnosis discharges, 5.1% received IV rt-PA and 0.8% had embolectomy (Table). By June 6, 2014, StrokeNET comprised 247 acute care hospitals that discharged 48,946 (13%) out of 386,157 AIS cases. rt-PA (7.4% vs 4.8%) and embolectomy (1.9% vs 0.6%) treatment rates were higher at StrokeNET hospitals. In 2013, 36% of StrokeNET hospitals treated more than 20 AIS cases with rt-PA or embolectomy compared with 6% of non-StrokeNET hospitals (P<0.0001).Conclusions StrokeNET hospitals treat more AIS cases with acute reperfusion therapies. Thus, StrokeNET could successfully recruit in acute reperfusion clinical trials depending on study size, capture of eligible patients and the number of competing trials. We likely underestimated treatment rates due to not accounting for drip-and-ship and non-Medicare cases. To further enhance enrollments in large acute reperfusion phase 3 trials, partnership with high volume non-StrokeNET hospitals may be warranted.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Al-kalisi ◽  
Manal Al-Hajri ◽  
Sarah Al-Rai

Abstract Background: Undernutrition is an inadequate supply of energy and nutrients. Periodontal diseases (PDs) defined as a broad form of chronic inflammatory diseases of the gingiva, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. This study aimed to reveal the effect of undernutrition, using body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level (Alb) on PDs and other risk factors as age, smoking and khat chewing. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the faculty of dentistry, Sana’a University. Of 1920 patients attended to clinics, only 229 matched the study criteria. Oral examination was performed to assess the periodontal clinical parameters measurements. BMI and Alb was measured. Statistical analysis was used to present the association between categorical variables was assessed using Chi square test and Fisher-Exact test. ANOVA was used to assess the differences in the mean values of the quantitative outcomes. Chi square test was used to evaluate the association between BMI and age, gender, occupation, education level, smoking, khat chewing as well as BMI with PDs. Results: Most of participants (58.5%) were males and most of the study sample (91.3%) was at the age group of (18-35). Among all subjects, (81.2%) of cases were diagnosed with gingivitis. (60.7%) of study participants were mildly undernourished according to BMI. (93%) of participants showed normal Alb level. Regarding to habits, only (18.2%) of patients were smokers and more than half of participants (59.4%) were khat chewers. Conclusion: There was a relationship between PDs and undernutrition which was obviously seen between gingivitis and mild undernutrition.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 1550-1562
Author(s):  
Amanda Albuquerque Diniz ◽  
Isabelle Monteiro Da Silva Lima ◽  
Karyne Barreto Gonçalves Marques ◽  
Luiz Carlos Costa Madeira Alves ◽  
Ingrid Cordeiro Monte ◽  
...  

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da cárie em crianças na primeira infância sob vulnerabilidade social. Métodos: Pesquisa do tipo transversal realizada no Instituto da Primeira Infância - Iprede, com crianças sob vulnerabilidade social em Fortaleza, Ceará. A coleta de dados foi realizada, em dezembro de 2018 a abril de 2019, com 363 crianças aleatoriamente, por meio de exame bucal e questionário. Os dados foram analisados através de estatística descritiva e do teste qui-quadrado para variáveis categóricas. Resultados: Observou-se uma prevalência de cárie de 35,6%, e que de 1 a 4 lesões representavam a maior porcentagem (23,7%). Elevado percentual de crianças nunca foi ao dentista (81,3%); semelhante percentual nunca sentiu dor de dente (82,3%). Conclusão: Apesar da vulnerabilidade social, a prevalência de cárie foi baixa, e sugere-se realização de ações para minimizar os efeitos da doença na qualidade de vida e desenvolvimento infantil.   Objective: To estimate the prevalence of caries in children in early childhood under social vulnerability. Methods: Cross-sectional research conducted at the Instituto da Primeira Infância - Iprede, with children under social vulnerability in Fortaleza, Ceará. Data collection was carried out, from December 2018 to April 2019, with 363 children randomly, through oral examination and questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: There was a prevalence of caries of 35,6%, with 1 to 4 caries representing the highest percentage (23,7%). A high percentage of children never went to the dentist (81,3%); a similar percentage never experienced toothache (82,3%). Conclusion: Despite the social vulnerability, the prevalence of caries was low, and actions to minimize the effects of the disease on quality of life and child development are suggested.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Luo ◽  
Xuewen Tang ◽  
Lingling Ding ◽  
Zhujun Shao ◽  
Jianxing Yu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Non-prescription antibiotic use at community is a main driver of antimicrobial resistance. Cough is a common condition and prevalent in all communities, including China. This study aims to investigate the non-prescription antibiotic use for cough in China and explore to which extent antibiotic use knowledge was correctly instructed in communities.Methods A probability-proportionate-to-size (PPS) sampling method was adopted to survey from all 14 communities in Yiwu city, China. All participants were investigated by face-to-face interview on Portable Android Devices (PADs). The continuous variables were presented by mean and standard deviation (SD) or medium and inter-quartile range (IQR). The categorical variables were presented using percentage or constituent ratio. Chi-square test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were conducted to assess the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively.Results A total of 3034 respondents across the 14 communities and the 50 natural villages/streets completed all key items of the questionnaire. Of 2400 (79.10%) respondents stated that they experienced cough in the past 12 months with the medium age of 36.5 (IQR: 26-49) and 12.21% (293/2400) respondents had the non-prescription antibiotic use behavior. Among those 293 respondents, the proportion of non-prescription antibiotic use for cough peaked at around 16% among people aged 30-39 years old. The major sources of antibiotics were pharmacy (77.70%) and/or family storage (43.92%). As for antibiotic knowledge in 3034 participants, 61.8% participants had minimal knowledge on broad-spectrum antibiotic and 53.76% were not familiar about the effects of joint use.Conclusions Non-prescription antibiotics use for cough is prevalent in the community, especially among people in their thirties. Strengthened drug purchase regulation and well-trained professional pharmacists would be promising alternatives to ameliorate AMR. Moreover, penetrating antibiotics knowledge to common citizens and is an urgent task to alleviate antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, proactive policies and regulations should be made to improve current situations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Víctor O. Costa ◽  
Eveline M. Nicolini ◽  
Bruna M. A. da Costa ◽  
Fabrício M. Teixeira ◽  
Júlia P. Ferreira ◽  
...  

This study aims to assess the risk of severe forms of COVID-19, based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging markers in patients initially admitted to the ward. This is a retrospective observational study, with data from electronic medical records of inpatients, with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19, between March and September 2020, in a hospital from Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. Participants (n = 74) were separated into two groups by clinical evolution: those who remained in the ward and those who progressed to the ICU. Mann–Whitney U test was taken for continuous variables and the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Comparing the proposed groups, lower values of lymphocytes ( p  = <0.001) and increases in serum creatinine ( p  = 0.009), LDH ( p  = 0.057), troponin ( p  = 0.018), IL-6 ( p  = 0.053), complement C4 ( p  = 0.040), and CRP ( p  = 0.053) showed significant differences or statistical tendency for clinical deterioration. The average age of the groups was 47.9 ± 16.5 and 66.5 ± 7.3 years ( p  = 0.001). Hypertension ( p  = 0.064), heart disease ( p  = 0.048), and COPD ( p  = 0.039) were more linked to ICU admission, as well as the presence of tachypnea on admission ( p  = 0.051). Ground-glass involvement >25% of the lung parenchyma or pleural effusion on chest CT showed association with evolution to ICU ( p  = 0.027), as well as bilateral opacifications ( p  = 0.030) when compared to unilateral ones. Laboratory, clinical, and imaging markers may have significant relation with worse outcomes and the need for intensive treatment, being helpful as predictive factors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-75
Author(s):  
Md Abdul Quader ◽  
Quazi Tarikul Islam

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) causing the COVID 19 pandemic infection has affected one and all across the world and halting mosthuman activities. During the disease outbreak and country lockdown, Blood Transfusion Services faced numerous challenges to maintain the sustainability in service provision. We intend to identify the challenges faced during COVID-19 outbreak and the following imposed national lockdown. Methods: This retrospective study was done during the lockdown period from26/03/2020 to 30/05/2020 comprising 66 days to detect donor inflow declination and to compare the donor inflow with pre lockdown and post lockdown period of same duration. The periods were divided into six equal intervals to compare donor distribution patterns in lockdown, pre lockdown and post lockdown period. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for continuous variables and chi square test was done for categorical variables. Results: The donations collected during the lockdown period and post lockdown period were almost 71.37% and 62.82% less respectively when compared with the pre lockdown collection (211and 274 versus 737).While in interval periods, donor inflow was declined substantially in lockdown period and in post lockdown period, inflow was declined as of lockdown period initially but it increases as time passed. But the increment was not as such of pre lockdown period. Donor inflow in age group and time interval of donation frequency were statistically significant (p <0.00005 and p< 0.0037 respectively). Conclusion: Concerns of being infected through hospital contact, lack of public transport facilities, travel restrictions imposed by the police department, and no availability of medical student donors in the hospital setting were the main attributing factors for donor inflow. Bangladesh J Medicine July 2022; 33(1) : 70-75


2021 ◽  
pp. 15-17
Author(s):  
B Ramkumar ◽  
Srigopal Mohanty ◽  
Kiranmayee Narapaneni ◽  
Amit Saklani ◽  
J Kannan

Background: Cervical cancer in young women is rare and disparity exists in its characteristics in the available reports. The study aimed to determine the disease burden and to compare its clinicopathological characteristics with older women. Materials and methods: Retrospective study was performed by retrieving data from the cancer registry for consecutive 843 cervical cancer patients treated in the center between 2017 and 2020. Patients were divided into younger (<40 years) and older (≥ 40 years) age. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23 for windows. Chi square test was used for analyzing the categorical variables and P < 0.05 was considered signicant. Results: Cervical cancer in young women constituted 9.4%, with majority (96.2%) belonged to 30-39 years age. Higher prevalence of human immunodeciency virus (HIV) was found among younger compared to older women (P = 0.000). Younger women commonly presented late compared to older women (patients presented after 4 months are 49.4% vs. 18.8% respectively, P=0.000). Squamous cell carcinoma was commonest histology in both the groups and no difference in histology pattern between the two groups. Younger women had higher rate of bulky tumor (>4cm) compared to older (62.2% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.023). Conclusion: Delayed and advanced stage of presentation of cervical cancer in younger women in this region of India warrants promotion of health education, knowledge translation, regular cervical cancer screening for its prevention and early detection


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16109-e16109
Author(s):  
Miguel Salazar ◽  
Estefania Gauto ◽  
Shristi Upadhyay Upadhyay Banskota ◽  
Pedro Palacios ◽  
Trilok Shrivastava ◽  
...  

e16109 Background: Total gastrectomy with lymph node dissection is curative for early gastric malignancy which accounts for 1.5% of cancer cases in the U.S. Readmissions are common postoperatively, and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, hospital costs and decreased quality of life. We hence aim to identify incidence, impact and independent predictors for readmission in patients who underwent total gastrectomy in gastric malignancy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the 2017 National Readmission Database (NRD) of adult patients readmitted within 30 days after an index admission for total gastrectomy with a concomitant diagnosis of gastric malignancy. T-test was used for continuous variables and chi square test was used for categorical variables. Multivariate regression was used to identify predictors for unplanned readmissions. ICD 10 codes were used to identify diagnoses and procedures. Results: A total of 1,779 patients with gastric malignancy underwent total gastrectomy. The 30-day readmission rate was 18.5%. Main causes for readmission were sepsis, ventricular fibrillation, recurrent STEMI. Readmitted patients were more likely to be on chemotherapy. (40.1% vs 27.2%; P<0.01) and more likely to be discharged to a skilled facility (13.5% vs 17.9%; P<0.01). The total health care in-hospital economic burden of readmission was $6.5 million in total charges and $25 million in total costs. Independent predictors of readmission were major bleeding, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, peripheral parenteral nutrition, history of non-alcoholic hepato-steatosis, and prolonged length of stay. Conclusions: Readmissions after gastrectomy in patients with gastric malignancies are associated with lower in-hospital mortality yet pose a substantial economic burden on healthcare. The lower mortality might be explained by the relatively stable course and lower comorbidities of patients who become eligible for discharge after surgery. Further studies are suggested. Modifiable risk factors like malnutrition and sepsis warrant special attention to decrease readmissions and improve overall outcomes.[Table: see text]


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Amubuomombe Poli ◽  
Koech MMED Irene ◽  
Richard Mogeni ◽  
Ann Mwangi ◽  
Andrew Cheruiyot ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Eclampsia, considered a serious complication of preeclampsia, remains a life-threatening condition among pregnant women. It accounts for 12% of maternal deaths and 16–31% of perinatal deaths worldwide. Most deaths from eclampsia occurred in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was performed to determine the optimum mode of delivery, as well as factors associated with the mode of delivery, in women admitted with eclampsia at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital. Methods This was a hospital-based longitudinal case-series study conducted at the largest and busiest obstetric unit of the tertiary hospital of western Kenya. Maternal and perinatal variables, such as age, parity, medications, initiation of labour, mode of delivery, admission to the intensive care unit, admission to the newborn care unit, organ injuries, and mortality, were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0. Quantitative data were described using frequencies and percentages. The significance of the obtained results was judged at the 5% level. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and Fisher’s exact test or the Monte Carlo correction was used for correction of the chi-square test when more than 20% of the cells had an expected count of less than 5. Results During the study period, 53 patients diagnosed with eclampsia were treated and followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. There was zero maternal mortality; however, perinatal mortality was reported in 9.4%. Parity was statistically associated with an increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.004, OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.0-40.8) and caesarean delivery (p = 0.020, OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.3–17.1). In addition, the induction of labour decreased the risk of adverse outcomes (p = 0.232, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-2.0). Conclusion There is no benefit of emergency caesarean section for women with eclampsia. Instead, it increases the risk of perinatal adverse outcomes, including the risk of admission to the newborn unit and perinatal death.


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