scholarly journals CME suggestions for pediatricians, allergists, and dermatologists, directed by an online survey on urticaria knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
Cesar Fireth Pozo-Beltrán ◽  
Désirée Larenas-Linnemann ◽  
Johanna Danielle Cardoza Arteche
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Continuous Medical Education ◽  
Autologous Serum ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Acute Urticaria ◽  
Physical Urticaria ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Cutaneous Mastocytosis

Background: The Mexican Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of urticaria have been published. Just before their launch, physicians’ knowledge was explored relating to key issues of the guidelines. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the opinion of medical specialists concern-ing urticaria management.Methods: A SurveyMonkey® survey was sent out to board-certified physicians of three medical specialties treating urticaria. Replies were analyzed per specialty against the evidence-based recommendations. Results: Sixty-five allergists (ALLERG), 24 dermatologists (DERM), and 120 pediatricians (PED) sent their replies. As for diagnosis: ALERG 42% and PED 76% believe cutaneous mastocytosis, urticarial vasculitis, and hereditary angioedema are forms of urticaria, versus DERM 29% (P < 0.005). Most of the specialties find that the clinical history and physical examination are enough to diagnose acute urticaria, except DERM 45% (P < 0.01). DERM 45% believe laboratory-tests are necessary, as opposed to <15% ALLERG–PED (P < 0.005). However, PED 69% did not know that the most frequent cause of acute urticaria in children is infections, versus ALLERG– DERM 30% (P < 0.005). Many erroneously do laboratory testing in physical urticaria and ALLERG 51%, DERM 59%, and PED 37% do extensive laboratory testing in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU); many more PED 59% take Immunoglobulin G (IgG) against foods (P < 0.005). More than half of non-allergists do not know about autologous serum testing nor autoimmunity (P < 0.05). As for treatment, there were a few major gaps: when CSU was controlled, >75% prescribed antihistamines pro re nata, and >85% gave first-generation antiH1 for insomnia. Finally, >40% of DERM did not know that cyclosporine A, omalizumab, or other immunosuppressants could be used in recalcitrant cases. Conclusion: Specialty-specific continuous medical education might enhance urticaria management.

Diagnostic features of chronic urticaria

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 290-295
Author(s):  
N. G Kochergin ◽  
P. V Kolkhir ◽  
Olga A. Kosoukhova
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Urticaria ◽  
Eosinophil Cationic Protein ◽  
Autologous Serum ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Cationic Protein ◽  
Complement Components ◽  
Autologous Serum Skin Test ◽  
Acute Urticaria ◽  
Physical Urticaria ◽  
Working Age

Urticaria is etiologically heterogeneous disease, where the main clinical sign is a wheal. For the duration of the disease course secrete acute and chronic urticaria. If urticaria elements in the skin of the patient are observedfrom several hours to 6 weeks, it is classified as acute urticaria, cutaneous if the process continues for more than 6 weeks, it is a chronic urticaria. The aim of our work was the optimization of diagnosis of chronic urticaria on the basis of the study of clinical and allergological and immunological characteristics of the testing results. The study involved 60 patients between the ages of 18 to 73 years with confirmed clinical diagnosis of chronic urticaria. The study was conducted in the clinic of skin and venereal diseases ofI.M. Sechenov First Medical State Medical University. Conducted clinical and anamnestic examination: medical history, assessment of complaints, determining the severity of urticaria (UAS7), quality of life (CU-Q2oL, DLQI), control of the symptoms of urticaria (UCT); laboratory tests: clinical blood test, C-reactive protein, thyroid hormones and antibodies to thyroid structures, tests to exclude physical urticaria, autologous serum skin test, D-dimer, rheumatoid factor, eosinophil-cationic protein, the total of IgE, antinuclear antibodies , C3 / C4 complement components, protein fractions, coagulation, urinalysis, general analysis offeces, feces on eggs of worms and protozoa. The study was conducted within 1 month and included diagnostic consultation period and 5 consultations every 7 days. Identified specific clinical and laboratory features that can be assigned to the diagnostic criteria for autoimmune form of chronic urticaria, which will continue to pick up these patients rational treatment. The high prevalence of urticaria, a variety offorms of the disease, the presence ofpathology predominantly in patients of working age, often ineffective diagnostic actions cause the urgency of the problem and the need for further study of this disease.

Optimizing Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis – A Consensus Initiative

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Coyle ◽  
B Arnason ◽  
B Hurwitz ◽  
F Lublin
Keyword(s):  
Disease Progression ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
Clinically Isolated Syndrome ◽  
Optimal Management ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Delay Progression

Background Initiation of immunomodulators in patients experiencing a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may delay progression to clinically definite MS. However, lack of consensus remains on many issues affecting optimal management of MS. Method A panel of 21 MS experts met during 9 meetings to explore key issues in MS and CIS. Meetings addressed 3 phases: 1. CIS definition and diagnosis; 2. initial therapy; and 3. monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy. Newsletters covering each phase were sent to 5000 U.S.-based neurologists who were invited to participate in an online survey on key issues. Results Most panel members agreed that early treatment may minimize neurodegeneration and most would recommend it for patients; that a dose-response relationship exists for beta-interferon therapy; that more aggressive therapy was most effective early in the disease course; and, that MRI has a role in monitoring disease progression. In face of suboptimal response, most would switch patients to a different therapy; while combination therapy would be reserved for those failing monotherapy regimes. Most online survey respondents agreed with these positions. Conclusions There was uniform consensus from this panel of MS experts that early initiation of immunomodulator therapy was beneficial for CIS patients.

scholarly journals Different but similar: personality traits of​ surgeons and internists—results of a cross-sectional observational study

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e021310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin N Stienen ◽  
Felix Scholtes ◽  
Robin Samuel ◽  
Alexander Weil ◽  
Astrid Weyerbrock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
Personality Profiles ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Linear Discriminant

ObjectivesMedical practice may attract and possibly enhance distinct personality profiles. We set out to describe the personality profiles of surgical and medical specialties focusing on board-certified physicians.DesignProspective, observational.SettingOnline survey containing the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), an internationally validated measure of the Five Factor Model of personality dimensions, distributed to board-certified physicians, residents and medical students in several European countries and Canada. Differences in personality profiles were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance and Canonical Linear Discriminant Analysis on age-standardised and sex-standardised z-scores of the personality traits. Single personality traits were analysed using robust t-tests.ParticipantsThe TIPI was completed by 2345 board-certified physicians, 1453 residents and 1350 medical students, who also provided demographic information.ResultsNormal population and board-certified physicians’ personality profiles differed (p<0.001). The latter scored higher on conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness, but lower on neuroticism (all p<0.001). There was no difference in openness to experience. Board-certified surgical and medical doctors’ personality profiles were also different (p<0.001). Surgeons scored higher on extraversion (p=0.003) and openness to experience (p=0.002), but lower on neuroticism (p<0.001). There was no difference in agreeableness and conscientiousness. These differences in personality profiles were reproduced at other levels of training, that is, in students and training physicians engaging in surgical versus medical practice.ConclusionThese results indicate the existence of a distinct and consistent average ‘physician personality’. Despite high variability within disciplines, there are moderate but solid and reproducible differences between surgical and medical specialties.

scholarly journals Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Activity of Physicians Working in the Areas of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. e258-e266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽  
Rui Imamura ◽  
Gilberto de Castro Junior ◽  
Gustavo Nader Marta ◽  
Aline Lauda Freitas Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Head And Neck Region ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infection caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and it is highly transmissible, especially through respiratory droplets. To prepare the health system for the care of these patients also led to a restriction in the activity of several medical specialties. Physicians who work with patients affected by diseases of the head and neck region constitute one of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and also most affected by the interruption of their professional activities. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists in Brazil. Methods An anonymous online survey of voluntary participation was applied, containing 30 questions regarding demographic aspects, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and impact on the routine of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists, as well as clinical oncologists and radiation oncologists who work with head and neck diseases. Results Seven hundred and twenty-nine answers were received in a period of 4 days, ∼ 40 days after the 1st confirmed case in Brazil. With professionals working in public and private services, there was a high level of concerns with the disease and its consequences, limited availability of PPE and a significant decrease in the volume of specialized medical care. Conclusion The study demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the illness management in Brazil.

scholarly journals Autologous Serum Skin Test for Initial Identification of Auto- Antibodies in Chronic Urticaria

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-103
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nura Alam ◽  
Mohammad Ali ◽  
Mohammad Moniruzzaman Khan ◽  
Keya Tarafder ◽  
Goutam Kumar Acherjya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Test ◽  
Chronic Urticaria ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Autologous Serum ◽  
P Value ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Autologous Serum Skin Test ◽  
Physical Urticaria ◽  
Retrospective Data Analysis ◽  
Initial Identification

Background: Autologous serum skin test (ASST) is easy to perform, cost effective measure for initial identification of auto-antibody in patients suffering from chronic urticaria which may occur due to autoimmune trigger by spontaneously developed auto-antibodies against FcμRI receptor of skin mast cells.Objective: This review is designed to see the positivity of ASST in patients suffering from chronic urticaria.Materials & Methods: This a retrospective data analysis conducted from the records of patients suffered from at least two episodes of urticaria or more in a week for 6 weeks and who did ASST aged more than 10 years between July 2015 to June 2017. These subjects were not pregnant or lactating mother, did not had urticarial vasculitis, predominant co-existing physical urticaria and had negative Hepatitis B antigen and anti-nuclear antibody reports.Results: Total 53 were included in this study of them 33 were female. Mean age was 32 years with a standard deviation (SD) of 11 years. Among study patients 16 (30.2% of total) had a positive ASST result. No age or sex difference was observed in positive ASST cases. In positive cases significant (p-value:<0.001) mean induration difference of 2.75mm with a SD of 1.00 mm observed than induration produced by negative control.Conclusion: ASST is easy and effective tool for initial identification of auto-reactive urticaria.J MEDICINE JUL 2018; 19 (2) : 100-103

scholarly journals A Survey of User Preferences on Biometric Authentication for Smartphones

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.15) ◽  
pp. 491
Author(s):  
Nur Syabila Zabidi ◽  
Noris Mohd Norowi ◽  
Rahmita Wirza O.K. Rahmat
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
General Knowledge ◽  
Biometric Authentication ◽  
Biometric Technology ◽  
Biometric Systems ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Physical Traits ◽  
Preliminary Study

The search for improving users’ security needs, awareness and concerns in the context of mobile phones still has been conducting in today’s society. Biometric systems identify a person or verify the identity of a person using purportedly unique physical traits or behaviour of that individual. In order to understand user requirements for biometric authentication, it is important to focus on several key issues, including the importance of smartphones in implementing biometric authentication, users’ general knowledge and perception towards biometric authentication, and users’ trust and practice when using different biometric technology for securing their smartphone’s data. A preliminary study in the form of an online survey was conducted. The idea of this study was to conduct a survey on users about their general knowledge and perceptions towards different biometric authentication on smartphones. The results of the study indicate that smartphone is an important tool in implementing biometric authentication. Moreover, users knew what biometric technology is and they are not reluctant to use them. Furthermore, users knew how to protect their smartphone’s data and practice the related preventions. The results are expected to give an insight of deploying biometric technology into mobile devices and further researching onto others biometric authentication.  

scholarly journals LIFEGUARDS’ KNOWLEDGE RETENTION FOLLOWING AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, VENTILATION AND OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION TRAINING

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-231
Author(s):  
Jakub R. Bieliński ◽  
Filip Jaśkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Airway Management ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Oxygen Administration ◽  
Significant Downward Trend ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Key Issues

Aim: To assess the retention of lifeguards’ knowledge after Qualified First Aid Course and its recertification in 3 essential categories: airway management, ventilation and oxygen administration. Material and methods: The study was performed from August 2020 to November 2020. The online survey addressed to lifeguards from 16 provinces of Poland was used as the evaluation method. Analysis of knowledge retention depending on the time that has passed since Qualified First Aid Course or its recertification was carried out on basis of 312 collected questionnaires. Results: Participants obtained the mean score of 7.9 ± 2.5 out of 15 points. Statistically significant difference was found between mean scores achieved by respondents who attended in the full course (n = 171) and those (n = 141) who have taken part in at least 1 recertification (respectively 7.6 ± 2.53 vs. 8.3 ± 2.7 points; p = 0.018). Although data analysis did not show a statistically significant downward trend depending on the time that has passed since Qualified First Aid Course, mean scores obtained by the study group in specific periods of time that has passed since recertification differ significantly (p = 0.026). The study identified 6 areas of knowledge least assimilated by lifeguards respectively: 2 in airway management, 3 in ventilation and 1 in oxygen administration category. Conclusions: Significant downtrend over time after Qualified First Aid Course recertification and detected areas of insufficient knowledge relating to key issues of life support indicates that the lifeguards’ training should be reanalyzed and redesigned carefully.

Written in the stars: did your specialty choose you?

2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-139058
Author(s):  
Holly Morgan ◽  
Hannah Collins ◽  
Sacha Moore ◽  
Catherine Eley
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Personality Types ◽  
Contemporary Society ◽  
Regular Feature ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
Medical Occupation ◽  
Personality Features

Purpose of the studyEstablished over 2000 years ago, horoscopes remain a regular feature in contemporary society. We aimed to assess whether there could be a link between zodiac sign and medical occupation, asking the question—did your specialty choose you?Study designA questionnaire-based study was distributed using an online survey tool. Questions explored the zodiac sign, specialty preferences and personality features of physicians.Results1923 physicians responded between February and March 2020. Variations in personality types between different medical specialties were observed, introverts being highly represented in oncology (71.4%) and rheumatology (65.4%), and extroverts in sexual health (55%), gastroenterology (44.4%) and obstetrics and gynaecology (44.2%) (p<0.01). Proportions of zodiac signs in each specialty also varied; for example, cardiologists were more likely to be Leo compared with Aries (14.4% vs 3.9%, p=0.047), medical physicians more likely Capricorn than Aquarius (10.4% vs 6.7%, p=0.02) and obstetricians and gynaecologists more likely Pisces than Sagittarius (17.5% vs 0%, p=0.036). Intensive care was the most commonly reported second choice career, but this also varied between zodiac signs and specialties. Fountain pen use was associated with extroversion (p=0.049) and gastroenterology (p<0.01).ConclusionsPersonality types vary in different specialties. There may be links to zodiac signs which warrant further investigation.

Laboratory testing for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is inconsistent in North America: A survey of North American specialized coagulation laboratories

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (12) ◽  
pp. 1357-1361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Hayward ◽  
Karen Moffat ◽  
Jane Moore ◽  
Theodore Warkentin ◽  
James Zehnder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Platelet Activation ◽  
North American ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Activation Assay ◽  
Result Interpretation

SummaryHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication of heparin therapy. As HIT is considered a clinico-pathologic entity, laboratory practices have an important role in diagnosing or excluding HIT. It was the objective of this study to assess the current status of laboratory testing for HIT in North America. An online survey consisting of 67 questions related to laboratory testing for HIT was developed by the North American Specialized Coagulation Laboratory Association (NASCOLA), and distributed to its 59 members. The survey included queries about HIT test ordering practices, HIT immunoassay and activation assays performed, and reporting practices. Data was collected from the 44 NASCOLA laboratories who responded. Of these sites, 88% performed immunoassays for HIT, commonly using commercial assays. However, sites varied in practices related to use of controls, immunoglobulin class of antibody detected, and in result interpretation and reporting. Platelet activation assays for HIT were performed by 36% of sites, commonly using assays of serotonin release (50%) or heparin- induced platelet aggregation (43%). Sites varied in the use of washed platelets versus platelet-rich plasma, controls, and heparin concentrations. This survey is the first comprehensive assessment of patterns of practice in HIT testing among diagnostic coagulation laboratories in North America. We observed sitespecific variability of testing methods encompassing all stages of testing, including pre-analytical handling, testing methodologies, and result interpretation and reporting. The variability in HIT platelet activation assay methods among institutions indicates a need for proficiency testing to assess assay performance,and for consensus guidelines on HIT laboratory testing.

scholarly journals Laboratory Testing of Velocity Sensing in a Magnetorheological Damper with Power Generation

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogdan Sapiński
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Mr Damper ◽  
Magnetorheological Damper ◽  
Experimental Examination ◽  
Power Generator ◽  
Electromagnetic Power ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Main Components

Abstract The study summarises the results of experimental examination of velocity sensing capability in a prototype of a magnetorheological damper with power generation (MRD). The device has two main components: an electromagnetic power generator and an MR damper. The study outlines the structure of the device with the main focus on the generator part, and provides results of tests performed under the idle run. The discussion of demonstrates the potentials of MRD action as a velocity-sign sensor and presents key issues which need to be addressed to enable its real life applications.

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