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Introducción: Es objetivo fundamental de la medicina, determinar las causas que producen las enfermedades; para llevar a cabo este estudio, a finales del siglo XX se emplearon técnicas estadísticas multivariadas confiables en el análisis simultáneo de diferentes variables independientes sobre un desenlace. Objetivo: Determinar la aplicación de la validez racional y de apariencia en la metodología empleada para el estudio de la causalidad en salud. Métodos: Para evaluar si la metodología se correspondía con los requerimientos de la investigación, se aplicó la validez de apariencia para valorar los resultados obtenidos en su aplicación, específicamente, si las reglas reflejan verazmente, lo que ocurre en la práctica médica, mediante el empleo de la validez racional. Resultados: Los usuarios potenciales de la metodología la consideraron aceptable en los aspectos medidos sobre la regresión logística binaria. El mayor porcentaje de las reglas analizadas está en correspondencia con lo planteado en la literatura, pocas plantean aspectos que no se dan necesariamente en la práctica médica, pero tampoco se contradicen con la literatura. Los resultados de la validez de apariencia no fueron favorables, pues la metodología no había sido empleada antes en el contexto. En cuanto a la validez racional, se verificó un alto porcentaje de correspondencia entre lo planteado por las reglas y la literatura. Es importante tener en cuenta, que el hallazgo de algo conocido reafirma la validez de esa regla. Conclusiones: Las reglas obtenidas de la aplicación de la metodología reflejan, en general, lo que ocurre en la práctica médica.
Introduction: the fundamental objective of medicine is to determine the causes that produce diseases. At the end of the 20th century, multivariate statistical techniques were used as reliable in the simultaneous analysis of different independent variables on an outcome. Objective: to determine the application of appearance and rational validity of a methodology to study causality in health. Methods: to evaluate whether the methodology corresponded to the research requirements, appearance validity was applied to assess the results obtained in its application, specifically, if the rules accurately reflect what happens in medical practice, through the use of rational validity. Results: the potential users of the methodology considered it acceptable in the measured aspects of the binary logistic regression. The highest percentage of the rules analyzed is in correspondence with what is stated in the literature; few raise aspects that do not necessarily occur in medical practice, but they do not contradict the literature either. The results of face validity were not favourable, since the methodology had not been used before in the context. A high percentage of correspondence regarding rational validity was verified between what was stated by the rules and the literature. It is important to note that finding something known reaffirms the validity of that rule. Conclusions: the rules obtained from the application of the methodology reflect, in general, what happens in medical practice.
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Data Interpretation, Statistical , Validation Study , Evaluation Studies as TopicABSTRACT
Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare congenital coronary artery abnormalities, with direct communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, great vessel or other structure. We report here, a rare case of a 25?year?old male with CAF from the aneurysmal left main coronary artery to the superior vena cava detected on echocardiography and computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiography
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Background: Obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) typically present with severe cardiovascular decompensation and requires urgent surgical management. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major risk factor affecting mortality. Perioperative management focuses on providing inotropic support and managing potential pulmonary hypertensive episodes. Milrinone and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) efficiently reduce pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and help to improve the outcome. The aim was to determine the outcome of patients with high PAP with milrinone alone and a combination of iNO and milrinone. Material and Method: After ethical committee approval, the study was conducted over a period of 3 years in 80 patients with obstructed TAPVC repair. A total of 80 patients having severe PAH (supra systemic arterial pressure) randomly divided into two groups with 40 patients in each (M & MN). Group M (milrinone) patients received milrinone and Group MN (milrinone & iNO) patients received both milrinone (after opening aortic cross clamp) and iNO (post operative ICU). Ventilation time, hospital stay, ICU stay, complications, in hospital mortality were compared between both groups. Result: Ventilation time, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay for group M was 8.02 � 5.74 days, 11.25 � 7.33 day, 14.92 � 8.55 days, respectively, and for group MN was 5.02 � 1.78 days, 8.27 � 3.24 days, 10.3 � 3.18 days, respectively. In hospital mortality for group M and MN was 10% and 2.5%, respectively. P value for each variable was significant < 0.05 (except mortality). Conclusion: Most of the patients with obstructed TAPVC had severe PAH. Management of severe PAH with a combination of milrinone with iNO had a better outcome than milrinone alone.
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Buccal tablets
Diclofenac sodium
Drug release
Mucoadhesion
Mucoadhesive tablets
Release kinetics
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Parvovirus B19 infection, or fifth disease or erythema infectiosum, is a self-limiting viral exanthem and can occur along with other connective tissue disorders. Occasionally, children may have preceding chronic joint complaints suggestive of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A 7-year-old female patient presented to the outpatient department with a rash over her face, upper and lower limbs, and trunk, which was preceded by fever. The patient is a known case of juvenile arthritis. On examination, there were multiple erythematous and skin-colored plaques over cheeks; few pustules over lips; multiple erythematous papules over upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk; multiple erythematous macules over palms; and swelling over interphalangeal joints of bilateral hands, elbow and knee joints with genu valgum deformity of limbs. The patient was given topical antibiotic and steroid combination cream and oral antihistaminic for her cutaneous complaints.
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Abstract Objective: To assess the value of a morphine Patient Controlled Intravenous Analgesia (PCIA) after Tonsillectomies (TE). Methods: 30 adult patients were treated with oral analgesics (protocol group) and compared to 30 patients treated with a morphine PCIA for the first 3 Postoperative Days (PODs) after TE. Average and maximum pain severities (Numeric Rating Scale - NRS: 0-10) on PODs 1-3, analgesic score, quality of life, patient satisfaction and side effects were defined as outcome measures. Results: Average pain severities of the protocol and the PCIA group were of similar magnitude (NRS) (POD1: 4.48 vs. 4.71 [p = 0.68], POD2: 4.75 vs. 4.22 [p = 0.32] and POD3: 4.44 vs. 4.25 [p = 0.71]). Maximum pain intensities on POD1 (p = 0.92), POD2 (p = 0.51) and POD3 (p = 0.36) were also comparable between both groups. Patients with a PCIA consumed significantly more opioids (p = 0.001) without significant more side-effects. Conclusion: The PCIA did not provide a superior pain control compared to oral analgesics. In view of the considerable effort and the high opioid consumption, it cannot be recommended as a standardized application for pain control after TE.
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The effectiveness of mindfulness techniques in addressing mental health conditions in workers is uncertain. However, it could represent a therapeutic tool for workers presenting with such conditions. Our objective was to assess the effects of mindfulness-based practices for workers diagnosed with mental health conditions. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Participants included were workers with a mental health condition. Interventions included any mindfulness technique, compared to any nonmindfulness interventions. Outcomes were scores on validated psychiatric rating scales. A total of 4,407 records were screened; 202 were included for full-text analysis; 2 studies were included. The first study (Finnes et al., 2017) used Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) associated or not with Workplace Dialogue Intervention (WDI), compared to treatment as usual. At 9 months follow-up, for the ACT group, depression scores improved marginally (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.06, p = 0.021), but anxiety scores were worse (SMD: 0.15, p = 0.036). Changes in mental health outcomes were not statistically significant for the ACT + WDI group. In the second study (Grensman et al., 2018), no statistically significant change in mental health scales has been observed after completion of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. Substantial heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. This systematic review did not find evidence that mindfulness-based practices provide a durable and substantial improvement of mental health outcomes in workers diagnosed with mental health conditions.
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Splenic abscess is a rare entity encountered during clinical practice, with a high mortality rate. Formation of gas in splenic abscess is usually localized to the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Here we report a case where the splenic abscess ruptured and presented with generalized peritonitis. The erect chest radiograph showed free air under the right dome of the diaphragm, thus masquerading a hollow viscera perforation (most common cause of pneumoperitoneum).
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Alcohol consumption alongside combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has attracted research interest, especially because of increasing male infertility. This study investigated the combined effects of alcohol and cART on testicular morphology, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Rats, weighing 330–370 g, were divided into four groups of six animals each; control, alcohol treated (A), cART, and alcohol plus cART treated (A+cART).Following 90 days treatment period, animals were euthanized, testis extracted, and routinely processed for histology and immunohistochemical analysis. Significantly decreased epithelial area fraction, increased luminal and connective tissue area fractions, and reduction of epithelial height and spermatocyte number, were recorded in the treated groups compared to control. Extensive seminiferous epithelial lesions including widened intercellular space, karyolysis, and sloughing of germinal epithelium were recorded in all the treated groups. Furthermore, upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, interleukin-6, and caspase 3 recorded in treated animals, was more significant in A+cART group. Also, the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were more elevated in A and cART treated groups than in A+cART, while MDA was significantly elevated in cART and A+cART treated groups compared to control group. Altogether, the results indicate testicular toxicity of the treatments. It is concluded that consuming alcohol or cART induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testis of rats, which lead to testicular structural and functional derangements, which are exacerbated when alcohol and cART are consumed concurrently. The result will invaluably assist clinicians in management of reproductive dysfunctions in male HIV/AIDS-alcoholic patients on cART.
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INTRODUCTION@#Our aim was to study the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors in a subacute geriatric ward.@*METHODS@#This was a cross-sectional study of 167 participants between June 2018 and June 2019. Baseline demographics and participants' Mini Nutritional Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, Charlson's Comorbidity Index and LACE index scores were obtained. Functional measurements such as modified Barthel's Index scores and hand grip strength (HGS) were taken. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the FRAIL scale. Data on history of healthcare utilisation, medications, length of stay, selected blood investigations and presence of geriatric syndromes were also collected.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of pre-frailty (CFS 4) and frailty (CFS ≥ 5) was 16.2% and 63.4%, respectively. There were significant associations between CFS and age (pre-frail vs. non-frail: odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.25, P = 0.006; frail vs. non-frail: OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, P = 0.021), HGS at discharge (frail vs. non-frail: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, P = 0.025), serum albumin (frail vs. non-frail: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, P = 0.035) and the presence of urinary incontinence (frail vs. non-frail: OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.19-7.77, P = 0.021).@*CONCLUSION@#Frailty is highly prevalent in the subacute geriatric setting and has many associated factors. In this study, independent factors associated with frailty were age, HGS at discharge, serum albumin and urinary incontinence. This has implications for future resource allocation for frail older inpatients and may help direct further research to study the effectiveness of frailty-targeted interventions.
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Humans , Aged , Frailty/epidemiology , Frail Elderly , Hand Strength , Prevalence , Singapore/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic , Geriatric Assessment , Urinary Incontinence , Serum AlbuminABSTRACT
Abstract Persistence involves the intention to maintain efforts when faced with obstacles and challenges, in order to achieve a specific goal. The Rigid and Flexible Persistence Scale (RFPS) is a self-report measure that assesses persistence that is theoretically derived from the premises of the Dualistic Model of Passion. The aim of the present research was to adapt the RFPS to Brazilian Portuguese and to estimate its evidence of validity and reliability in the context of work. Participants were 400 professionals, 55.8% women, aged between 18 and 68 years. The results indicate that the RFPS presented validity evidence based on the content. Corresponding to the theoretical expectations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated adequacy of the structure composed of two factors, explaining 75% of the data variance, with good levels of reliability. The RFPS also revealed strong invariance across gender and work conditions (in-person vs remote). Flexible persistence showed positive association with harmonious passion and occupational self-efficacy. Conversely, rigid persistence showed positive association with obsessive passion. It was observed a mediational role of occupational self-efficacy in the relationship between harmonious passion and flexible persistence. Overall, the findings suggest that the RFPS is an adequate measure of persistence in a Brazilian occupational sample.
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Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Work/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Reproducibility of Results , Psychology, Positive , Goals , Translations , Brazil , Cross-Cultural Comparison , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Self Efficacy , EmotionsABSTRACT
COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) has led to an increase in the incidence of large vessel stroke and cryptogenic shock. We present a case of a 30-year-old COVID-19-positive patient who developed an internal carotid artery (ICA) thrombosis, which led to ischemic stroke, aphasia, and unilateral blindness. Ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) was found to be the cause of vision loss. We thereby aim to highlight the detailed ophthalmic manifestations of OAO with features of posterior ciliary artery occlusion (PCAO) in this patient with proven ICA thrombosis.
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Background:Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) isacommon endocrine disorder, whichis mainlycharacterized by infertility,anovulation, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidaemia, biochemical imbalance. In our present study we have evaluated the effect of NAC in womensuffering from PCOD in terms oftheir clinical, metabolic and hormonal parameters. Material And Methods:We conducted this prospective study for a period of 5 months on 60 women who are affected with PCOD (diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria) of age group 18–30 year, visiting OPD of obstetrics and gynaecology department of Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH) Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (J.N.M.C) located in Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. Patients who had oligo/amenorrhoea, hirsutism (hyperandrogenism) and ultrasound finding (Polycystic ovaries) were included in this study. Clinical, metabolicparameter and hormonal profile were measured pre and post treatment with NAC. Result:Fifty-six patients who received tab N acetylcysteine 600 mg three times a day, shown improvement in BMI, waist circumference, WHR, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and total testosterone level after a period of 3 months but no significant reduction in weight. Conclusion:It has been concluded that longer treatment with N-acetyl cysteine may result in more desirable outcomes and more effective control of clinical symptoms of PCOS, hyperandrogenism, and carbohydrate parameters. So, NAC can be used as a insulin sensitizer drug for PCOS women.
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Background:About 52% of patients who undergo Cesarean delivery under spinal or epidural anesthesia will experience shivering, which may interfere with the monitoring of vital signs. Recent studies have shown that dexmedetomidine could potentially help to mitigate shivering associated with anesthesia. In accordance with them we decided to investigate the capability of dexmedetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, in reducing the duration of shivering associated with spinal anesthesia during Cesarean delivery. Material And Methods:Forty parturient going through Cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia and experiencing shivering were included in this randomized, double-blind, prospective trial. After delivery, the intervention group (n = 20) was administered a single intravenous bolus of dexmedetomidine (20 microgram) while the control group (n =20) was given normal saline. Randomization and allocation were based on a computer-generated list. The primary outcome parameter was the time required for an observable reduction in shivering after the intervention. Result:Eighty patients were recruited, 40 of whom presented with shivering and underwent randomization. Our study recorded that dexmedetomidine alleviated the mean duration of shivering after a single intravenous bolus to 2.2 (2.07) min after dexmedetomidine from 18.9 (12.72) min after saline (95% confidence interval [CI],). The effect of dexmedetomidine was sustained 15 min after the bolus was administered, and shivering had completely stopped in 90% of the patients in the intervention group vs. 22.6% in the control group. No adverse effects were recorded. Conclusion:Our study found that a single intravenous bolus of dexmedetomidine reduced the duration of shivering for up to 15 min during Cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia when compared against a placebo.
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Introduction@#Dermatologic diseases are one of the common reasons for consult in primary care. Primary care physicians such as the doctors to the barrios (DTTBs) assigned in geographically isolated areas play a critical role in providing primary skin health services since they are the first, and sometimes, only doctors patients rely on for consult. In managing skin diseases, adequate knowledge and skills are needed to arrive at a correct diagnosis, and a physician’s proper initial treatment and timely referral to dermatologists will lead to less affectation on quality of life. Identifying what is lacking in skin health services and referral system would aid dermatologists in finding out how to bridge the gap in knowledge and access to our specialized skin health care.@*Objectives@#The study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of primary care physicians in the Philippines regarding common dermatologic conditions.@*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study that utilized a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from rural government primary care phy- sicians (doctors to the barrios). At the end of the study, the proponents collated the data and data analysis was done using STATA 13.1 guided by a statistician.@*Results@#A total of 118 DTTBs were included in the study. The mean age of the physicians is 28 years old. One-half of the physicians were assigned to low-income class municipalities; 26.85% and 25% are from 4th class and 5th class municipalities respectively. Factors such as age, sex and clinical experience were not associated with level of knowledge of the respondents. Majority or 55% of the primary care physicians were classified as hav- ing insufficient knowledge on common skin diseases. The respondents have an average of 250 consultations per week and 6% of these are derma- tologic diseases. The most common skin diseases they encountered were impetigo (46.61%), scabies (46.61%), contact dermatitis (43.22%), fungal infection (25.42%) and cellulitis (20.34%). The most prescribed and available medications for skin diseases are oral and systemic antibiotics. Only 42.37% of the physicians are able to refer to dermatologists through various online communication platforms while the rest refer through phone calls or advise their patients to seek dermatologic consult. 25% of the respondents have direct access to dermatologists. DTTBs also have recog- nized the importance of having adequate knowledge on skin diseases and majority are very interested in learning more about these conditions. The top 3 barriers to the proper management of skin diseases were lack of training, lack of experience, and lack of medications. Most of the re- spondents have rated themselves as average to bad in their perceived competency in diagnosing and managing different common skin diseases.@*Conclusion@#The study showed that majority of the respondents had insufficient knowledge on the diagnosis and management of common der- matological diseases but had a strong interest to learn more. A significant number of the respondents do not always refer to dermatologists and have poor access to specialty care. Overall, our findings suggest that there are indeed barriers to delivery of skin-related health services that should be addressed.
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Physicians, Primary CareABSTRACT
@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>INTRODUCTION:</strong> Subungual squamous cell carcinoma is rare, though it is the most common primary malignant neoplasm in the nail unit. Fingernails are more commonly involved than toenails with nonspecific and mild features. Histopathologic presentation may be difficult to distinguish from other tumors. With this, there is often a delay in diagnosis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CASE REPORT:</strong> A 64-year-old male presented with a subungual yellowish granulomatous plaque, eventual dystrophy, and persistent bleeding on the fi rst digit of the right foot of two years' duration. Initially diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma through skin punch biopsy, debridement with ungiectomy was done. Upon recurrence, he underwent wide excision with matricectomy, wherein deeper sections revealed features of basosquamous carcinoma. A positive Epithelial Membrane Antigen and negative BerEP4 staining later confirmed a diagnosis of SCC. Since bone involvement was repeatedly suspected in magnetic resonance imaging after postoperative radiotherapy, amputation was eventually done.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> We report a case of subungual SCC initially diagnosed as a pyogenic granuloma. Full-thickness biopsy should be done in persistent nail conditions using special stains to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment or radiotherapy with or without systemic therapy is the first line of treatment for subungual SCC. In cases of bone involvement, amputation may be warranted.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>KEYWORDS:</strong> nail, pyogenic granuloma, squamous cell carcinoma, tumor</p>
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Nails , Granuloma, Pyogenic , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Resumen El Comité de Infecciones en el Niño Inmunocomprometido de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica, entrega este documento de Consenso, llamado "Manejo de los episodios de neutropenia febril en niños con cáncer. Consenso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021". El documento contiene recomendaciones sobre aspectos de prevención, predicción, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de los episodios de fiebre y neutropenia, incluyendo recomendaciones específicas sobre: Análisis de ingreso; evaluación, ajustes y duración de terapias antimicrobianas; diagnóstico y manejo de infección fúngica invasora; análisis de los principales focos clínicos de infección; condiciones ambientales necesarias para hospitales que atienden niños con cáncer y quimioprofilaxis. Se ha puesto especial énfasis en entregar las mejores recomendaciones para optimizar el manejo de los episodios de fiebre y neutropenia en niños con cáncer, buscando la equidad y la excelencia a través de todos los centros que atienden estos pacientes en América Latina.
Abstract The Committee for Infections in Immunocompromised Children of Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica, presents this Consensus document, titled "Management of episodes of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer. Consensus of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021". The document includes recommendations on prevention, prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of episodes of fever and neutropenia, including specific recommendations on: Analysis at admission; evaluation, adjustments and duration of antimicrobial therapies; diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infection; analysis of the main clinical source of infections; environmental conditions necessary for hospitals caring for children with cancer and chemoprophylaxis. Special emphasis has been placed on providing the best recommendations to optimize the management of episodes of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer, with equity and excellence through all the centers that treat these patients in Latin America.