scholarly journals Don’t close the book on tocilizumab for the treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia–the jury is still out: The Kuwait experience

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0254379
Author(s):  
Yousef Al-Shamali ◽  
Yaser M. Ali ◽  
Rawan A. Al-Shamali ◽  
Maryam Al-Melahi ◽  
Farah R. Al-Shammari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Mortality Benefit ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Retrospective Nature ◽  
Review Study

Purpose This cross-sectional observational study aims to report preliminary data from the first experience using tocilizumab for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in three of Kuwait’s largest public hospitals City. Patients and methods This chart review study examined the benefits of tocilizumab treatment among 127 patients diagnosed with severe coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Results 90 of 127 patients (71%) survived. Mortality was highest in the elderly with multiple medical conditions. Conclusion Despite the small sample size and retrospective nature of the work, our findings are consistent with recent studies suggesting tocilizumab administration in patients presenting with severe COVID pneumonia with associated hyperinflammatory features conferred mortality benefit.

scholarly journals Selection of Anti-Depressants in Geriatric Dermatoses- A Questionnaire Study of Dermatologists in Western Rajasthan, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Dilip Kachhawa ◽  
Hemamalini Narasimhan ◽  
Pankaj Rao
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Net Worth ◽  
Primary Disorder ◽  
Selection Of

Background: The Global Wealth Migration Review 2019 report, published by New World Wealth, estimated that 48% of India's total wealth was held by high-net worth individuals. Distinct factors dominate the prescription of anti-depressants in the geriatric population. Accordingly, the intention of pharmacotherapy in geriatric psycho dermatoses is deciphered in the study. . Objective: To survey and analyze the selection of anti-depressants by the dermatologists in the practice of geriatric pharmacotherapy. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and circulated among ninety-three dermatologists in three sessions and the data collected was analyzed through the cross-sectional study statistics. Results: The typical senior people attending the specialist were 25-50%. A sizeable familiarity of psycho cutaneous disturbance was attributed to dermatophyte infections, lichen simplex chronic, and Prurigo in descending order. The largely established primary disorder was neurotic excoriation. The prescription pattern was classified and 51.9% dermatologists are customary with psychotropic agent Doxepin over other agents. The discipline of the multidisciplinary approach was also studied. Limitation: Small sample size, uniregional study, prevalence study. Conclusions: The survey aids in evaluating mental health in cutaneous dermatoses of the elderly and assists the dermatologists to offer understated economical options and amend existing guidelines.

Evaluation of speech outcomes in oral and oropharyngeal cancers

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17039-e17039
Author(s):  
R. C. Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Primary Closure ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceptual Evaluation ◽  
Retrospective Nature

e17039 Background: The aim of the study was to review the literature on oral and oropharyngeal cancers for speech outcomes over the last 8 years. Study design: Systematic review of published studies between 2000 and 2008. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for speech outcomes was performed on PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Science citation index from 2000 to 2008 using the key words- speech, voice, articulation, acoustic analysis etc in oral and oropharyngeal cancers. The reference lists from the selected relevant articles were also inspected and any other pertinent publications were added to the final review. Articles published in all languages on human subjects, and all types of studies were included. Sixty eight articles satisfied the inclusion criterion and their findings were tabulated, analysed and evaluate based on the modality used for evaluation - questionnaire evaluation (QE), perceptual evaluation (PE) and acoustic analysis (AE). Results: 39/68 studies used questionnaires; 30/68 used PE and 2/68 used acoustic analysis. Questionnaires with PE were used in 5 studies. Thirty three/ 68 were retrospective, 28/68 prospective and 7/68 were cross-sectional studies. The finds suggest that the Frequency and quality of abnormal phonation depends on postoperative deficits. Oral (vs. oropharyngeal) cancers, advanced (vs. early), associated comorbidities (vs. without comorbidities), flap reconstruction (vs. primary closure), irradiated (vs. non-irradiated) and Mandibulotomy (vs. without mandibulotomy) have poor speech outcome. Preservation of Tip of tongue and FOM, lateral type excision, smaller excision, greater tongue mobility, primary closure and younger patients have better speech outcome. Conclusions: No validated scoring system for PE has been used; QE needs to be done with speech/ dysarthria specific questionnaires. Most studies suffered because of their retrospective nature, single modality evaluation, small sample size and short duration of follow-up. There is a clear paucity of acoustic analysis studies in oral and oropharyngeal literature and further longitudinal studies are needed. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Spanish Speaking

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

scholarly journals Questioning COVID-19 Surface Stability and Fomite Spreading in Three Aeromedical Cases: A Case Series

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Horoho ◽  
Stephen Musik ◽  
David Bryant ◽  
William Brooks ◽  
Ian M Porter
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Posture Analysis ◽  
Surface Stability ◽  
Single Positive ◽  
Means Of Transmission ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

ABSTRACT It is well established that coronavirus disease 2019 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, and there is mounting research speculation that it may also be transmitted via fomites. Several studies have shown that the virus can persist on both porous and nonporous surfaces for hours to days, depending upon the material. This article examines three cases of polymerase chain reaction–proven severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection with several additional individuals meeting CDC close contact criteria. In 1 case, 195 downstream contacts were all tested to prevent a mass outbreak in a deployment posture. Analysis of these contacts yielded only a single positive test, which could be reasonably ascribed to respiratory droplet transmission. While these cases and their contacts ultimately represent a small sample size, we suggest fomite spread may not be a significant means of transmission for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in real-world operational scenarios.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Effects of Age and Duration of HIV Infection on Anxiety and Depression in Cisgender Men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Gianella ◽  
Rowan Saloner ◽  
Genevieve Curtin ◽  
Susan J. Little ◽  
Anne Heaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

AbstractThis observational cross-sectional study of 152 people with HIV (PWH) examined the effects of age and estimated duration of HIV infection (EDI) on depressive and anxiety symptoms. All participants were cisgender men and completed the Profile of Moods State (POMS), a self-report inventory of current (i.e., past week) mood states. Overall, study results confirmed higher levels of anxiety and depression in PWH compared to individuals without HIV. Age group (< 50 or ≥ 50 years) moderated the effect of EDI (< 3 or ≥ 3 years) on mood disturbance. Specifically, younger PWH with early diagnosed infection exhibited the highest levels of depression and anxiety, whereas depression and anxiety were attenuated in older PWH with early infection such that their POMS scores did not significantly differ from the HIV-negative and chronically HIV-infected groups. Despite the small sample size and other important limitations in our study design, our preliminary findings confirm previous observations that older people may have some adaptive ability to better handle the acute psychological stressors associated with recent HIV infection.

Perceptions and Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus Technology in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 DM: A Pilot Survey from Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110111
Author(s):  
Sarah Nadeem ◽  
Uswah Siddiqi ◽  
Russell Seth Martins ◽  
Kaleemullah Badini
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Patient

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus technology (DMT) is increasingly used for routine management in developed countries, yet its uptake in developing countries is not as consistent. Multiple factors may influence this, including country specific patient perception regarding DMT. We conducted a pilot study in Pakistan to understand this important question which has not been studied yet. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Pakistan. An anonymous survey exploring perceptions of diabetes technology was circulated on social media platforms, collecting responses over 2 weeks. Target population included adults (≥18 years) living in Pakistan, with DM1 or 2. Results: A total of 40 responses were received. The majority (36/40) reported using conventional glucometers. Nine used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Thirty-two of 40 patients believed DMT improved diabetes care, 22 felt it helped decreased risk of Diabetes-related complications. 15/40 stated that DMT results in increased cost of care. Sixteen reported their diabetes care teams had never discussed wearable DMT options whereas 11 disliked them because they did not want a device on their self. Conclusion: In our pilot study we have identified broad themes of opportunity and challenges to DMT use in Pakistan. Patients’ perceptions regarding DMT were generally positive but significant barriers to its acceptance included high cost, lack of discussion between doctor and patient about available technology and personal hesitation. Limitations of our study include sampling bias (online survey) and small sample size, but this data can help inform larger studies, to look at this important topic in greater detail.

Combination Therapies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Chart Review of 31 Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan L. McPhie ◽  
Alanna C. Bridgman ◽  
Mark G. Kirchhof
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Combination Therapies

Background: Although a variety of medical and surgical interventions exist for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), it remains a challenging disease to manage because of its variable presentation and unpredictable clinical course. Apart from the combination of clindamycin and rifampin, the success of other combination therapies is largely unknown. Objectives: The goal of our study was to examine the clinical utility of various combination therapies for the treatment of HS. Methods: We conducted a qualitative retrospective chart review of 31 patients with dermatologist-diagnosed HS who were seen at an academic teaching hospital between 2014 and 2018. Demographic data, disease location, disease severity, and treatment protocol were retrieved for analysis. Hurley stage was used to classify disease severity on initial presentation, and the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) was used to track changes across visits. Results: Of the 31 patients (Mage = 37.7 years; 67.7% female) included in the study, 6 (19.4%), 11 (35.5%), and 14 (45.2%) patients were classified as Hurley stages I, II, and III, respectively. Although no statistical results are provided because of the small sample size, we have identified several drug combinations that show promising clinical response for patients with HS based on their IHS4 score, such as isotretinoin/spironolactone for mild disease, isotretinoin or doxycycline with adalimumab for moderate disease, and cyclosporine/adalimumab for severe disease. Conclusions: This preliminary work demonstrates that HS treatment with combination therapy appears to be a promising method of disease management.

Improving patient safety in Palestinian hospitals: a cross-sectional and retrospective chart review study

The Lancet ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 391 ◽  
pp. S44
Author(s):  
Shahenaz Najjar ◽  
Nashat Nafouri ◽  
Kris Vanhaecht ◽  
Martin Euwema
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Review Study

Case series: COVID-19 infection causing new-onset diabetes mellitus?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rujuta Katkar ◽  
Narasa Raju Madam
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Onset Diabetes ◽  
History Of ◽  
New Onset Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
New Onset

Objectives: This paper seeks to explore the hypothesis of the potential diabetogenic effect of SARS-COV-2 (Severe Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus). Case series presentation: We present a case series of observation among 8 patients of age group ranging from 34 to 74 years with a BMI range of 26.61 to 53.21 Kilogram/square meters that developed new-onset diabetes after COVID-19 infection. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2), commonly known as Coronavirus or COVID-19(Coronavirus infectious disease), gains entry into the cells by binding to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2(ACE-2) receptors located in essential metabolic tissues including the pancreas, adipose tissue, small intestine, and kidneys. The evidence reviewed from the scientific literature describes how ACE 2 receptors play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the plausible interaction of SARS-COV-2 with ACE 2 receptors in metabolic organs and tissues. Conclusion: The 8 patients without a past medical history of diabetes admitted with COVID-19 infection developed new-onset diabetes mellitus due to plausible interaction of SARS-COV-2 with ACE 2 receptors. The resulting downregulation of ACE-2 and ACE-2 receptors expression caused islet-cell damage resulting into diabetes. The resulting observation has the potential to adversely impact significant number of the globally affected population. Screening patients with COVID-19 for diabetes routinely can help in early detection, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes. Due to limitations of observational study with a small sample size will require further investigation in the form of Clinical trial.

Intensity of perceived stress and control of anger, anxiety and depression of people staying in Polish penitentiary institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinga Kołodziej ◽  
Anna Kurowska ◽  
Anna Majda
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Emotional Control ◽  
Coping With Stress ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the intensity of perceived stress and measure the subjective control of anxiety, anger and depression in a group of women and men staying in Polish penitentiary institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out in two penitentiary institutions located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship at the turn of 2019/2020. The study group consisted of 152 prisoners. In the cross-sectional study, two standardised research tools – the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Control Scale – were used. Findings Over half of the prisoners (57.24%) presented a high level of stress. The intensity of the perceived stress did not depend on the gender and age of the convicted persons. The general indicator of emotional control among the respondents averaged 51.82 points (standard deviation = 14.52) and ranged from 22 to 83 points, which means that people detained in penitentiary institutions suppressed their negative emotions at an average level. The prisoners had the best control over fear (M = 18.68), less over anger (M = 16.86) and the least over depression (M = 16.27). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the level of emotional control and the intensity of perceived stress. Research limitations/implications The small sample size of the group participating in the study and narrowing of the research area means that results can not be generalised across all isolated prison population. Practical implications The results obtained from the study can be used by a multidisciplinary team to develop therapeutic programmes for convicted persons, the aim of which is to evaluate strategies for coping with stress and controlling emotions. Social implications Popularising reliable information related to the issue of experiencing stress and varied emotions in those staying in penitentiary institutions may lead to the elimination of harmful stereotypes functioning in society, as well as reduce the phenomenon of marginalisation of prisoners, and thus contribute to the success of the social rehabilitation process. Originality/value Research on the level of stress intensity in prisoners is important because the rates of mental health disorders among prisoners consistently exceed the rates of such disorders in the general population.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document