scholarly journals Assessing the knowledge of trainee residents for liver involvement and related issues in COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali Qadeer ◽  
Zaigham Abbas ◽  
Muhammad Asim ◽  
Shoukat Ali ◽  
Abeer Altaf

Background: Regular educational activities have suffered since the start of COVID-19 pandemic. New data has been emerging regularly regarding COVID-19 and the optimal way of care for patients with COVID-19 infection. Emphasis upon dispensing knowledge in current pandemic times should be made. Aims and Objective: We assessed the knowledge of internal medicine and gastroenterology trainees regarding liver involvement and related issues in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This online survey comprised of 10 questions designed to examine the basic knowledge of Sars-Cov-2 virus, knowledge regarding liver involvement in COVID-19, and the ability to decide on patient care. Results: A total of 100 responses were collected. Most of the responses were from Pakistan (n=75). More than 80% of trainees responded correctly regarding the accurate indication of endoscopic procedures during COVID-19 pandemic, absence of ACE-II receptor expression on astrocytes, upper respiratory secretions being an eligible sample for SARSCOV- II, avoiding regular outpatient follow up, avoiding hydroxychloroquine as a prophylactic drug, and azithromycin in decompensated cirrhosis, continuing beta-blockers and lactulose in a decompensated patient, melena being an accurate indication for screening endoscopy and the choosing right set of PPEs. Less than 50% of responders knew correctly regarding NAFLD being a notorious factor for COVID-19 related complications, ACE-II receptor expression by cholangiocytes and enterocytes, saliva and stool being an eligible sample for SARS-COV-II detection, palliative approach as an appropriated management step for decompensated-CLD patients and history of ascites as an appropriate indication for screening endoscopy. GItrainees performed better in some areas of knowledge. Conclusions: Trainees were updated in many aspects of the recent guidance in the management of COVID-19 but there were many lacunae in the knowledge. So, continuous medical education activities are essential to keep the residents updated about the changing developments in the management of COVID-19.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. e236357
Author(s):  
Mary Sessums ◽  
Siva Yarrarapu ◽  
Pramod K Guru ◽  
Devang K Sanghavi

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised cancer therapy in the past decade. Although they have been indicated to treat a diverse range of malignant neoplasms, they are also associated with various immune-related adverse effects. We report the case of a 74-year-old man with a history of urothelial carcinoma who had atezolizumab-induced myocarditis and myositis resulting in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, despite the discontinuation of atezolizumab and aggressive treatment with corticosteroids. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for early diagnosis and treatment of immune-related adverse events. Physicians must be aware of the risks associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and have a basic knowledge regarding their management.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 678
Author(s):  
Julio Jaramillo-Monge ◽  
Michael Obimpeh ◽  
Bernardo Vega ◽  
David Acurio ◽  
Annelies Boven ◽  
...  

We investigated the COVID-19 vaccination acceptance level in Azuay province, Ecuador through an online survey from 12th to 26th February (before the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Ecuador). Overall, 1219 respondents participated in the survey. The mean age was 32 ± 13 years; 693 participants (57%) were female. In total, 1109 (91%) of the participants indicated they were willing to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine, if the vaccine is at least 95% effective; 835 (68.5%) if it is 90% effective and 493 (40.5%) if it is 70% effective; 676 (55.5%) participants indicated they feared side effects and 237 (19.4%) thought the vaccine was not effective. Older age, having had a postgraduate education, a history of a negative COVID-19 test, a high level of worry of contracting COVID-19, believing that COVID-19 infection can be prevented with a vaccine and understanding there is currently an effective vaccine against COVID-19 were associated with higher vaccination acceptance. A vaccination education campaign will be needed to increase the knowledge of Ecuadorians about the COVID-19 vaccine and to increase their trust in the vaccine. People with a lower education level and living in rural areas may need to be targeted during such a campaign.


2020 ◽  
pp. 089011712098240
Author(s):  
Kim Pulvers ◽  
John B. Correa ◽  
Paul Krebs ◽  
Omar El Shahawy ◽  
Crystal Marez ◽  
...  

Purpose: This study describes the frequency of JUUL e-cigarette (referred to as JUUL) quit attempts and identifies characteristics associated with confidence in quitting and perceived difficulty quitting JUUL. Design: Cross-sectional study from a self-administered online survey. Setting: Two public southern California universities. Participants: A total of 1,001 undergraduate students completed the survey from February to May 2019. Measures: Self-report measures about JUUL included use, history of quit attempts, time to first use, perceived difficulty with cessation/reduction, and confidence in quitting. Analysis: Binary logistic regressions were used to identify demographic and tobacco-related behavioral correlates of JUUL cessation-related perceptions and behaviors. Results: Nearly half of ever-JUUL users (47.8%) reported a JUUL quit attempt. Adjusting for demographic factors and other tobacco product use, shorter time to first JUUL use after waking was associated with lower confidence in quitting JUUL (aOR = 0.02, 0.00-0.13) and greater perceived difficulty in quitting JUUL (aOR = 8.08, 2.15-30.35). Previous JUUL quit attempt history was also associated with greater odds of perceived difficulty quitting JUUL (aOR = 5.97, 1.74-20.53). Conclusions: History of JUUL quit attempts among college students was common. Those who had previously tried quitting were more likely to perceive difficulty with cessation. Time to first JUUL use, a marker of dependence, was linked with greater perceived cessation difficulty and lower confidence in quitting. These findings suggest that there is a need for cessation and relapse prevention support for college student JUUL users.


2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Genovesi Ebert ◽  
Furio Colivicchi ◽  
Marco Malvezzi Caracciolo ◽  
Carmine Riccio

The prevention of symptomatic heart failure represents the treatment of patients in the A and B stages of AHA/ACC heart failure classification. Stage A refers to patients without structural heart disease but at risk to develop chronic heart failure. The major risk factors in stage A are hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, family history of coronary artery disease and history of cardiotoxic drug use. In this stage, blockers hypertension is the primary area in which beta blockers may be useful. Beta blockers seem not to be superior to other medication in reducing the development of heart failure due to hypertension. Stage B heart failure refers to structural heart disease but without symptoms of heart failure. This includes patients with asymptomatic valvular disease, asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, previous myocardial infarction with or without LV dysfunction. In asymptomatic valvular disease no data are available on the efficacy of beta blockers to prevent heart failure. In asymptomatic LV dysfunction only few asymptomatic patients have been enrolled in the trials which tested beta blockers. NYHA I patients were barely 228 in the MDC, MERIT and ANZ trials altogether. The REVERT trial was the only trial focusing on NYHA I patients with LV ejection fraction less than 40%. Metoprolol extended release on top of ACE inhibitors ameliorated LV systolic volume and ejection fraction. A post hoc analysis of the SOLVD Prevention trial demonstrated that beta blockers reduced death and development of heart failure. Similar results were reported in post MI patients in a post hoc analysis of the SAVE trial (Asymptomatic LV failure post myocardial infarction). In the CAPRICORN trial about 65% of the patients were not taking diuretics and then could be considered asymptomatic. The study revealed a reduction in mortality and a non-significant trend toward reduction of death and hospital admission for heart failure. Conclusions: beta blockers are not specifically indicated in stage A heart failure. On the contrary, in most of the stage B patients, and particularly after MI, beta blockers are indicated to reduce mortality and, probably, also the progression toward symptomatic heart failure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Haneffa Muchlis Gazali

The evolution of blockchain technology that promotes decentralised peer to peer electronic cash system named as Bitcoin is becoming trending across the globe. Although the Bitcoin price is extremely volatile, the popularity of bitcoin is seemingly unambiguous. The Bitcoin trending has garnered serious attention from the public, media and academia.  Hitherto, no research has yet systematically investigated the factors influencing the intention to invest in Bitcoin. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence the intention to invest in Bitcoin. An online survey was distributed via the email to the target respondents, those who have basic knowledge of Bitcoin investment. After three weeks of the data collection period for the pilot study, 45 samples were gathered to be tested further. Using the SPSS programme, the data were analysed through the reliability test and factor analysis. The results of the study indicate that the items are valid and reliable. The exploratory factor analysis also discloses that the sampling is satisfactory. Being limited preliminary analysis, this study lacks the empirical evidence to confirm the relationships between the studied variables. Therefore, in future an adequate and bigger sample is needed to establish the empirical support on the associations of the studied variables


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika McGivern ◽  
Stephen Shannon ◽  
Gavin Breslin

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257193
Author(s):  
William Peraud ◽  
Bruno Quintard ◽  
Aymery Constant

Background The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 17th—May 11th 2020) on violence against women in France. Methods A prospective survey was conducted online between April 2th 2020 and July 5th 2020. Female respondents were recruited from social media networks using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected three times: during (2–19 April) and at the end (11–25 May) of the first lockdown, and following the first lockdown (20 June– 05 July). Sociodemographic variables, lockdown living conditions, financial impact of COVID, and history of psychiatric disorder were evaluated, together with changes in psychological distress over the lockdown period, and the risk of being assaulted post lockdown. Results Psychological distress was elevated and remained stable for most of the 1538 female respondents during lockdown. More than 7% of women were affected by physical or sexual violence post lockdown. Unwanted sexual contact accounted for the majority of abuse, but physical and sexual assault were also prevalent. The risk of being abused was higher for participants who had changed anxiety/insomnia symptoms over the lockdown period, and a history of abuse. Discussion Women who experienced changes in anxiety/insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown were at higher risk than others of being assaulted post lockdown, especially when they were already socially vulnerable. While social and psychological factors accounting for these changes warrant further investigation, communication and preventive measures during pandemics should include initiatives tailored to women more vulnerable to violence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Deluca ◽  
Michelle Foley ◽  
Jacklyn Dunne ◽  
Andreas Kimergård

Objective: Investigate the psychometric properties of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for codeine and its association with aberrant codeine related behaviors.Design: A voluntary and uncompensated cross-sectional online survey.Setting: Online population (≥18 years).Respondents: Two hundred and eighty-six respondents (66% women) who had used codeine containing medicines in the last 3 months and were living in the UK.Results: Of the respondents (mean age = 35.4 years, SD = 12.5), more than half were employed. Only 3.5% respondents reported no income. The majority of respondents (45.1%) primarily obtained prescription-only codeine from a consultation with a health professional, whilst 40.9% mainly purchased “over-the-counter” codeine containing medicines in a pharmacy without a medical prescription. Principal component analysis indicated a single factor solution accounting for 75% of the variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.83 to 0.89. Cronbach's Alpha was high (α = 0.92). Several behaviors relating to codeine use were found to significantly predict probable codeine dependence. These included: daily codeine use in the last 3 months (OR = 66.89, 95% CI = 15.8–283.18); tolerance to codeine (OR = 32.14, 95% CI = 13.82–74.75); problems with role responsibility due to intoxication (OR = 9.89, 95% CI = 4.95–19.78); having sought advice on the internet to manage codeine use (OR = 9.56, 95% CI = 4.5–20.31); history of alcohol or drug treatment (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.88–7.43).Conclusions: The SDS was acceptable and feasible to use to assess probable psychological codeine dependence in an online sample of people using codeine containing medicines. SDS scores were associated with behaviors known to be indicators of codeine dependence. Studies are needed in well-defined populations of people who use codeine to test the different aspects of psychometry of the scale compared against “gold standard” criterion [a diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)].


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1957 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-638

The Boston Floating Hospital had its origin in 1894 as a rented excursion boat towed around Boston Harbor to give indigent mothers and their sick babies relief from the summer heat. Since that year it has devoted its attention exclusively to pediatric care, and has made a substantial contribution to our basic knowledge of infant feeding and disease, particularly of infectious summer diarrheas and dysentery. Today the Boston Floating Hospital, now in permanent landlocked buildings, serves the community as a pediatric teaching institution, an infant and child care hospital and a pediatric research center. By examining the logs and records of the old boat, and by reminiscing with physicians who worked on the boat, it has been possible to recreate its history. All quotations in this article, except the letter eulogizing Dr. H. I. Bowditch, are extracted from annual logs published by the hospital. This article is published to chronicle an important era in the development of American pediatrics. THE Boston Floating Hospital began in the 1890's when organized philanthropy first became fashionable. Edward Everett Hale, the forceful New England writer, wrote two books, Ten Times One Is Ten and In His Name, which instigated the formation of dozens of philanthropic societies (Lend-A-Hand Clubs, King' Daughters Circles and Ten Times One Societies). These groups were dedicated to helping the destitute, the sick, the aged and the malnourished. On a hot summer night in 1893, a close friend of Edward Everett Hale, the Reverend Rufus Tobey, returned home to Quincy, Massachusetts after a tiring day in Boston.


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