Potentially inappropriate medications with older people in intensive care and associated factors: a historic cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in critical care units remains limited, especially in terms of the factors associated with their use. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with PIMs use in intensive care units. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical cohort study was conducted in a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 314 patients aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. The dates were extracted from a "Patient Safety Project" database. A Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were associated with PIMs. The statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: According to Beers' criteria, 12.8% of the identified drugs were considered inappropriate for the elderly population. The incidence rate of PIMs use was 45.8%. The most frequently used PIMs were metoclopramide, insulin, antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. Factors associated with PIMs use were the number of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.07), and excessive potential drug interactions (OR = 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the older adults in ICUs received PIM. Patients taking PIMs had a longer length of stay in the ICU, higher numbers of medications, and higher numbers of potential drug interactions. In ICUs, the use of explicit methods combined with clinical judgment can contribute to the safety and quality of medication prescriptions.

Evolution and innovation of preservation fluid for donor liver / 器官移植

Organ preservation fluid could mitigate cold ischemia injury and maintain normal function of the grafts. At present, how to reduce a series of injury caused by cold ischemia of donor liver and improve the preservation quality of grafts are the hot and challenging spots in this field. Currently, preservation fluid in clinical practice has not achieved ideal preservation effect, especially for the protection of marginal donor organs. In the context of severe donor shortage, the key solution is still to explore the optimal preservation protocol for donor liver to prevent grafts from cold ischemia injury. In this article, the mechanism of donor liver injury during cold ischemia, the classification and evolution of donor liver preservation fluid were summarized, the development direction and challenges of donor liver preservation fluid were discussed, aiming to provide novel ideas and references for the research and development of donor liver preservation fluid.

Sustainability disclosure in the Ecuadorian banking sector: channels used, determining factors and type of information revealed

This study aimed to provide evidence on sustainability disclosure in the banking sector of Ecuador Using a descriptive-correlational approach, three key areas were examined: the most common reports for the disclosure of sustainability information, factors influencing banks' willingness to disclose, and the type of sustainability information being disclosed. Fisher's test and mean difference tests were employed to identify factors influencing banks' willingness to disclose sustainability information. Additionally, a content analysis was conducted to identify the main themes disclosed by banks regarding sustainability An index incorporating environmental, social, economic, and governance aspects was utilized for this analysis. The findings revealed low levels of disclosure, a higher prevalence of specialized reports, a positive association between willingness to disclose and organizational visibility, and a predominance of social dimension disclosure practices. These findings underscore the need to enhance disclosure standards and strengthen communication with stakeholders in Ecuador's banking sector. JEL CLASSIFICATION MI0, MI4; G2I

Este estudio buscó proporcionar evidencia sobre la divulgación de sostenibilidad en el sector bancario de Ecuador Mediante un enfoque descriptivo-correlacional se abordaron tres temáticas: los medios más utilizados para divulgar información de sostenibilidad, los factores que influyen en la disposición de los bancos a divulgar y el tipo de información sobre sostenibilidad que divulgan. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Fisher y de diferencia de medias para identificar los factores que influyen en la disposición de los bancos a divulgar información de sostenibilidad. De igual forma, se realizó un análisis de contenido para identificar los temas principales que divulgan los bancos sobre sostenibilidad. Para ello, se usó un índice que identificó aspectos ambientales, sociales, económicos y de gobernanza. Los resultados revelaron niveles bajos de divulgación, un mayor uso de informes especializados, una asociación positiva entre la disposición a divulgar y la visibilidad de la organización, y una predominancia de la divulgación de prácticas en la dimensión social. Estos hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de mejorar los estándares de divulgación y fortalecer la comunicación con los grupos de interés en el sector bancario de Ecuador. CLASIFICACIÓN JEL M10, M14; G21

Este estudo buscou fornecer evidências sobre a divulgação da sustentabilidade no setor bancário do Ecuador. Usando uma abordagem descritiva-correlacional, foram abordadas três questões: os meios mais comuns usados para divulgar informações sobre sustentabilidade, os fatores que influenciam a disposição dos bancos em divulgar e o tipo de informações sobre sustentabilidade que eles divulgam. O teste de Fisher e os testes de diferença de médias foram usados para identificar os fatores que influenciam a disposição dos bancos em divulgar informações sobre sustentabilidade. Da mesma forma, foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo para identificar os principais tópicos que os bancos divulgam sobre sustentabilidade. Isso foi feito por meio de um índice que identificou questões ambientais, sociais, econômicas e de governança. Os resultados revelaram baixos níveis de divulgação, um maior uso de relatórios especializados, uma associação positiva entre a disposição de divulgar e a visibilidade organizacional, e uma predominância de divulgação de práticas na dimensão social. Essas conclusões destacam a necessidade de melhorar os padrões de divulgação e fortalecer a comunicação com as partes interessadas no setor bancário do Ecuador. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL M10, M14; G21

Resultados del aislamiento eléctrico de las venas pulmonares en pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años / Outcomes of pulmonary vein electrical isolation in patients younger than and older than 70 years

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: Comparar las características clínicas y los resultados de cohortes contemporáneas de pacientes menores y mayores de 70 años que han sido sometidos a ablación de fibrilación auricular (FA) mediante catéter. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en pacientes sometidos a ablación con catéter debido a la presencia de FA refractaria. Se realizó un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses por paciente. Resultados: En el estudio se incluyeron un total de 239 pacientes sometidos a ablación de FA, de los cuales 171 (71,5%) pertenecían al grupo de edad < 70 años y 68 (28,5%) al grupo de edad > 70 años. La edad promedio de la población estudiada fue de 62,4 años (desviación estándar [DE] = 10,87). El grupo < 70 años presentó una edad promedio de 58,03 años (DE = 9,71), mientras que el grupo > 70 años tuvo una edad promedio de 73,4 años (DE = 3,05). Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de FA paroxística en el grupo de pacientes menores de 70 años, mientras que en el grupo de pacientes mayores de 70 años se encontró una mayor prevalencia de FA persistente. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas en ambos casos. Las tasas de recurrencia después del primer procedimiento de ablación fueron similares entre los dos grupos (21,43% en el grupo menor de 70 años frente a 23,53% en el grupo mayor de 70 años, p = 0,79). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a complicaciones. El grupo menor de 70 años experimentó 18 complicaciones, mientras que el grupo mayor de 70 años tuvo 5 complicaciones, con un valor de p de 0,472. Conclusión: Los pacientes mayores de 70 años sometidos al primer procedimiento de ablación de FA por catéter presentan resultados clínicos similares a los pacientes menores de 70 años.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of contemporary cohorts of patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), stratified by age (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent catheter ablation for refractory AF. The minimum follow-up duration per patient was 12 months. Results: A total of 239 patients were included in the study, with 171 (71.5%) in the < 70 years group and 68 (28.5%) in the ≥ 70 years group. The mean age of the study population was 62.4 years (SD 10.87). The < 70 years group had a mean age of 58.03 years (SD 9.71), while the ≥ 70 years group had a mean age of 73.4 years (SD 3.05). Furthermore, a higher proportion of paroxysmal AF was observed in patients < 70 years, whereas a higher proportion of persistent AF was found in patients ≥ 70 years. These differences were statistically significant. The recurrence rates after the initial ablation procedure were similar between the two groups (21.43% in the < 70 years group vs. 23.53% in the ≥ 70 years group, p = 0.79). Additionally, there were no significant differences in terms of complications. The < 70 years group experienced 18 complications, while the ≥ 70 years group had 5 complications (p = 0.472). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that patients aged 70 years and older who undergo their first catheter ablation procedure for AF demonstrate similar clinical outcomes compared to patients younger than 70 years.

When should a university student be allowed academic accommodations for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? A position statement for a unified procedure for use in Brazil

In higher education, reasonable accommodations are increasingly made for students with a wide range of disabilities. However, rigorous assessment is paramount to ensure these students are supported while preventing ineligible students from gaining unfair advantages. In this context, we sought to identify under which circumstances a university student should be allowed academic accommodation for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to outline an evidence-based policy for use in Brazil based on the global experience. We reviewed the literature to acquire information on what documents are commonly required by disability services before accommodations for ADHD are provided (including detection of malingering) and scrutinized the eligibility criteria of leading universities worldwide. Finally, renowned experts in the field and national stakeholders were consulted. Despite an exhaustive search, we found no international standard for the assessment of students with ADHD who request academic accommodation; even renowned institutions worldwide differ in their approaches to granting accommodations on the grounds of ADHD. Therefore, we propose a unified set of nationwide criteria for Brazilian universities, which could be generalized internationally. Higher education institutions in Brazil and beyond may benefit from adoption of such criteria.

Patients´ satisfaction concerning direct anterior dental restoration

Abstract The objective of this study was to observe patients' satisfaction with their in-service direct anterior dental restorations and to compare it with clinical evaluation using FDI (Federation Dental International) criteria. Patients scored their own anterior dental restorations regarding satisfaction (satisfactory /dissatisfactory). If dissatisfaction was mentioned, then, they would be interviewed about the complaint. In the same session, the dental restorations were clinically evaluated by two dentists using FDI criteria (1-5 score) concerning esthetic, functional, and biological domains. Descriptive statistics were used for frequencies of scores attributed by patients and clinicians. In order to compare patients' to clinicians' frequencies, the Chi-square test was applied (p ≤ 0.05). A total of 106 restorations were evaluated by patients and clinicians. Patients reported 52.8% of restorations satisfactory and 47.8% dissatisfactory. Overall, clinicians reported the same restorations as 82,3% satisfactory and 17,6% dissatisfactory. Patients' most frequent complaints referred to color, followed by anatomical form, fracture of material and retention, and approximal anatomical form. Comparing patients' satisfaction and dissatisfaction rates to clinicians' evaluation per criteria, there was no difference regarding esthetics. The frequency of dissatisfactory restorations by clinicians was significantly lower when functional and biological properties were compared with patients' opinions. Direct anterior dental restorations were more frequently reported as satisfactory by patients and clinicians, being the main complaints related to esthetic issues. When clinicians and patients' evaluations were compared, it was observed that the frequencies of satisfactory restoration by patients and clinicians were similar regarding esthetic properties, and significantly different regarding functional and biological properties.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi observar a satisfação dos pacientes com suas restaurações dentárias anteriores diretas e compará-las com a avaliação clínica do dentista usando os critérios FDI (Federation Dental International). Os pacientes pontuaram suas restaurações dentárias (n=106) anteriores em relação à satisfação (satisfatória / insatisfatória). Quando insatisfatória, ele foi entrevistado sobre a queixa. Na mesma sessão, as restaurações dentárias foram avaliadas clinicamente por dois dentistas utilizando os critérios FDI (escore 1-5) quanto aos aspectos estéticos, funcionais e biológicos. Estatística descritiva foi usada para frequências de escores atribuídos por pacientes e clínicos. Para comparar as frequências dos pacientes e dos clínicos, foi aplicado o teste Qui-quadrado (p ≤ 0,05). Os pacientes relataram suas restaurações como 52,8% satisfatórias e 47,8% insatisfatórias. Os clínicos reportaram as mesmas restaurações, 82,3% satisfatória e 17,6% insatisfatória. As queixas mais frequentes dos pacientes referiam-se à cor, seguida da forma anatômica, fratura e retenção do material e forma anatômica proximal. Comparando os índices de satisfação e insatisfação dos pacientes com os clínicos, não houve diferença em relação à estética. A frequência de restaurações insatisfatórias por dentistas foi significativamente menor quando as propriedades funcionais e biológicas foram comparadas com as opiniões dos pacientes. As restaurações foram mais frequentemente relatadas como satisfatórias pelos pacientes, sendo as principais queixas relacionadas a questões estéticas. Quando as avaliações dos clínicos e dos pacientes foram comparadas, observou-se que as frequências de restaurações satisfatórias por pacientes e clínicos foram semelhantes em relação às propriedades estéticas e significativamente diferentes em relação às propriedades funcionais e biológicas.

Sociodemographic and academic characteristics of the admission profile of students, faculty of dentistry, University of Costa Rica 2007-2014 / Características sociodemográficas y académicas del perfil de ingreso de estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Costa Rica 2007-2014

The objective of this research was to determine some of the sociodemographic and academic characteristics of the students who entered the Dentistry career in the period 2007 to 2014. Data was collected from 673 student files. The variables considered were sex, admission age, marital status, children, nationality, place of origin, high school of origin, and admission exam score. The data was obtained from the database of the Student Applications System, the physical files, and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica. Descriptive statistics were performed, establishing the absolute and relative frequency of the variables. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences between the admission exam and the established sociodemographic variables (p<0,05, IC 95%). 68,4% of the students are female. The average age was 18.4 years (SD=2,41). 99,0% of the students are from Costa Rica. 99,3% were single and only 0,9% had children. The largest number of students entered through an admission exam (78.9%) and 50.7% studied at a public high school. Regarding the address, 77.9% of the subjects resided in the Greater Metropolitan Area. The average grade of the admission exam was 613,8 (SD=49,95). There was a statistically significant difference between the entrance exam grade and the different types of high schools of origin. The group of students who entered to train as Dentists at the University of Costa Rica from 2007 to 2014 was a population with an average age of entry of 18,4 years, Costa Rican, predominantly female, single, without children, from geographic areas within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA), graduated from public schools with an average admission exam grade of 612,2.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar algunas de las características sociodemográficas y académicas de los estudiantes que ingresaron a la carrera de Odontología en el período 2007 al 2014. Se recopilaron los datos de 673 expedientes de los estudiantes. Las variables consideradas fueron: sexo, edad de ingreso, estado civil, hijos, nacionalidad, lugar de procedencia, colegio de procedencia y nota de examen de admisión. Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos del Sistema de Aplicaciones Estudiantiles (SAE), los expedientes físicos y del Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones de Costa Rica. Se realizó estadística descriptiva estableciendo la frecuencia absoluta y relativa de las variables. Se empleó el test de Mann Whitney para determinar si existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el examen de admisión y las variables sociodemográficas establecidas (p<0,05, IC 95%). El 68,4% de los estudiantes pertenecen al sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 18,4 años (DS=2,41). El 99,0% de los discentes son de nacionalidad costarricense. El 99,3% eran solteros y sólo el 0,9% tenían hijos. La mayor cantidad de estudiantes ingresaron por examen de admisión (78,9%) y el 50,7% cursó sus estudios en un colegio público. Respecto al domicilio, el 77,9% de los sujetos residían en el Gran Área Metropolitana. El promedio de nota del examen de admisión fue de 613,8 (DS=49,95). Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la nota del examen de admisión y los diferentes tipos de colegios de procedencia. El grupo de estudiantes que ingresaron a formarse como Odontólogos en la Universidad de Costa Rica en el periodo de 2007 al 2014 fue una población con un promedio una edad de ingreso de 18,4 años predominantemente femenina, costarricense, soltera, sin hijos, proveniente de áreas geográficas dentro del Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM), egresadas de colegios públicos con un promedio de nota de examen de admisión de 612,2.

Al término de la primera implementación de la malla curricular innovada 2015. Cohorte de médicos egresados (2017-2023). FCM-UNA. Historia, fortalezas, debilidades y nuevos desafíos / At the end of the first implementation of the innovated 2015 curriculum cohort of graduating physicians (2017-2023). FCM-UNA. History, strengths, weaknesses and new challenges

En la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas egresó en el año 2023 la primera cohorte de médicos formados con el nuevo currículum, implementado desde del 2017 como resultado del Proyecto de Innovación Curricular (PIC) desarrollado en los 5 años previos. La finalidad fue transitar de un currículum tradicional a uno orientado a competencias, integrado, pertinente a las necesidades sanitarias del entorno, incorporando la semestralidad, los créditos académicos y el Rotatorio Clínico preprofesional supervisado. La integración curricular es uno de los referentes más importantes de esta innovación. Se pretende aquí iniciar una narrativa que pase el testimonio histórico de esta transformación y reconozca el compromiso colectivo demostrado con la formación de profesionales médicos de excelencia. Se incluye el marco histórico, las fases del PIC, los criterios curriculares implicados, los equipos humanos participantes, la estructura organizacional para la implementación, el resumen de la evaluación de medio término y el escenario actual, donde de la evaluación de la implementación es fundamental para retroalimentar el proceso y generar la mejora continua.

The Faculty of Medical Sciences graduated in 2023 the first cohort of physicians trained with the new curriculum, implemented since 2017 as a result of the Curricular Innovation Project (CIP) developed in the previous 5 years. The purpose was to transition from a traditional curriculum to one that is competency-oriented, integrated, relevant to the health needs of the environment, incorporating the semester, academic credits and the supervised pre-professional Clinical Rotation. Curricular integration is one of the most important references of this innovation. It is intended here to initiate a narrative that passes the historical testimony of this transformation and recognizes the collective commitment demonstrated with the formation of medical professionals of excellence. It includes the historical framework, the phases of the CIP, the curricular criteria involved, the human teams involved, the organizational structure for the implementation, the summary of the mid-term evaluation and the current scenario, where the evaluation of the implementation is fundamental to feed back the process and generate continuous improvement.

Appropriateness of drug usage in acute pediatric diarrhea – A prospective observational study

Background: Pediatric diarrhea is the 3rd foremost cause of childhood mortality all over the world. Although these are self-limiting, irrational antibiotic use and polypharmacy are prevalent in their treatment. Antimicrobial therapy is recommended in bacterial diarrhea and severely malnourished children only. Inappropriate use of drugs for the treatment of acute diarrhea can be minimized by adhering to standard guidelines. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) To evaluate the appropriateness of drug treatment in Acute Pediatric Diarrhea and (2) to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment in diarrhea based on modified Kunin’s criteria. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for 12 months at the pediatric inpatient unit of Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar. Prescriptions of 400 cases of acute diarrhea were evaluated for the appropriateness of drug usage using Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) guidelines and modified Kunin’s criteria. Results: Among the 400 acute diarrhea cases, majority were male (54.75%) and below 5 years (58.25%). Oral rehydration solution (ORS) was given to 337 patients and IV fluids to 324 cases. About 55.5% patients were prescribed antibiotics. In 75.67% prescriptions, the antibiotic use was not necessary (modified Kunin’s criteria category V). Only 12.5% prescriptions adhered to IAP guidelines (2006), which included ORS and Zinc. About 54.5% patients were prescribed probiotics and 80% were prescribed antiemetics (ondansetron), which is not appropriate as per guidelines. Conclusion: Majority of patients were prescribed ORS, but only few were given zinc as an adjunctive therapy. Thus, we found that adherence to IAP 2006 guidelines was very low in our setup. Based on our observations, we suggest that prescribers should make use of standard treatment guidelines and choose appropriate drugs and their formulations so that irrational use of drugs can be minimized.

Evaluation of Microbiological Quality of Halal Beef Intended for Export from Khartoum State, Sudan

Aims: To evaluate halal criteria of beef microbiological quality intended for export in two slaughterhouses. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Khartoum State, Sudan between August and November 2022. Methodology: Samples were collected by using the non-destructive dry swab method for microbiological quality sampling of beef and a standardized checklist to evaluate good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and good hygienic practices (GHPs). Restraining methods were categorized as “modern method” where the full inversion rotary casting box was used which resembled slaughterhouse “A” or “conventional method” where a large-sized hammer for blowing the skull was used and this resembled slaughterhouse “B”. A total of 80 male beef cattle were investigated after arrival in the lairages of the designated slaughterhouses. Forty carcasses from each slaughtering method were randomly chosen and swabbed. Results: The results revealed that halal criteria for the slaughtering methods in slaughterhouse (A) was 100%, while slaughterhouse (B) was 83.2%. Also, this study revealed poor personal hygiene as slaughterhouse A scored 53.2%, while slaughterhouse B scored 33.2% for personal hygiene evaluation. The mean total bacterial count (TBC) was found to be 4.556 x 10? cfu/ml and 5.53275 X 10? cfu/ml in slaughterhouses A and B, respectively with highly significant differences compared to the standard permissible limits (1x 10?cfu/ml) with p ?0.05, while there were no statistically significant differences (0.847) within slaughterhouses with p ?0.05. Furthermore, the mean total coliform count (TCC) was found to be 16.4795 X10²cfu/ml and 47.8670 X 10²cfu/ml in slaughterhouses A and B, respectively with a highly significant difference compared to the standard permissible limits (1x10²cfu/ml) with p ?0.05 and also with highly significant differences (0.000) between slaughterhouses themselves with p ?0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that both slaughterhouses failed to meet the requirements of the various beef halal criteria.

Establishment and application of evaluation criteria for clinical rational drug use of atosiban based on AHP-TOPSIS method / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish evaluation criteria for rational drug use of atosiban in clinic， and to provide reference for rational drug use of atosiban in clinic. METHODS Based on the drug instructions of atosiban acetate injection and related guidelines， the experts of the Evaluation Group of Rational Drug Use formulated the evaluation criteria of rational drug use， including 5 primary indexes and 8 secondary indexes. The weight coefficients of secondary indexes were calculated by analytic hierarchy process （AHP）， and the use of atosiban acetate injection in 190 pregnant women from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University （referred to as “our hospital”） was evaluated retrospectively by technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution （TOPSIS）. The evaluation results were divided into three levels including reasonable， basic reasonable and unreasonable application based on the relative approach degree. RESULTS Among 190 pregnant women， 49 （25.8%） were treated with atosiban reasonably， 39 （20.5%） were treated with atosiban basic reasonably， and 102 （53.7%） were treated with atosiban unreasonably. The evaluation results obtained by AHP-TOPSIS method were consistent with the actual situation in clinic. The main problems of the unreasonably use were super indications， unreasonable usage and dosage， over the course of treatment and the lack of proper economic consideration. CONCLUSIONS The rationality evaluation criteria of atosiban’s clinical application are established by AHP-TOPSIS method； the evaluation results obtained by this method are quantifiable， scientific and reliable. The unreasonable use of atosiban is common in our hospital， and the management should be strengthened in clinical application.

Clinical efficacy of liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of liver transplantation for intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinico-pathological data of 22 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent liver trans-plantation in the 5 medical centers, including First Hospital of Jilin University, et al, from September 2005 to December 2021 were collected. There were 18 males and 4 females, aged 57(range, 38?71)years. Observing indicators: (1) clinicopathological characteristics of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; (2) follow-up; (3) prognosis. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves. The Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with intrahepatic cholangio-carcinoma. Of the 22 patients, 20 cases were diagnosed as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma before liver transplantation, 7 cases had viral hepatitis type B, 1 case had primary sclerosing cholangitis, 7 cases had tumor treatment before liver transplantation, 7 cases, 6 cases and 9 cases were classified as grade A, grade B and grade C of the Child-Pugh classification, 16 cases had preoperative CA19-9 >40 U/mL, 14 cases had single tumor, 11 cases with tumor located at right lobe of liver, 6 cases with tumor located at both left and right lobe of liver, 5 cases with tumor located at left lobe of liver, 9 cases with tumor vascular invasion. All 22 patients were diagnosed as moderate-poor differentiated tumor. There were 9 cases with liver cirrhosis, 4 cases with tumor lymph node metastasis, 10 cases with tumor burden within Milan criteria. The tumor diameter of 22 patients was 4.5(range, 1.5?8.0)cm. (2) Follow-up. All 22 patients were followed up for 15(range, 3?207)months. Of the 22 patients, 9 cases had tumor recurrence and 8 cases died. (3) Prognosis. The 1-year overall survival rate and 1-year disease-free survival rate of the 22 patients was 72.73% and 68.18%, respectively. Results of subgroup analysis showed there were significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival between the 10 patients with tumor burden within Milan criteria and the 12 patients with tumor burden beyond Milan criteria who underwent liver transplantation ( hazard ratio=0.13, 0.26, 95% confidence interval as 0.03?0.53, 0.08?0.82, P<0.05). Results of further analysis of the 12 patients with tumor burden beyond Milan criteria showed there were significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival between the 5 patients with preoperative tumor down-staging treatment and the 7 patients without preoperative tumor down-staging treatment ( hazard ratio=0.18, 0.14, 95% confidence interval as 0.04?0.76, 0.04?0.58, P<0.05). Conclusions:Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients with tumor burden within Milan criteria have a better prognosis than patients with tumor burden beyond Milan criteria after liver transplantation. For patients with tumor burden beyond Milan criteria, active tumor down-staging treatment before liver transplantation can improve the prognosis.

Epidemiological investigation and risk factor analysis of infant dyschezia in Xi′an / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of infant dyschezia in Xi′an city based on the Rome Ⅳ Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants/Toddlers, and to analyze the related risk factors so as to provide epidemiological basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in the child health department of community health service center or hospital in Xi′an from October 2020 to October 2021 using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method.Infants aged 0-12 months were enrolled and their caregivers were interviewed by face-to-face electronic questionnaire.The prevalence and influencing factors of defecation difficulty in infants aged 0-9 months were analyzed according to the Rome Ⅳ Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants/Toddlers.The prevalence of dyschezia in infants aged over 9 months was explored as well.The counting data were compared by Chi- square test.Univariable and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for dyschezia. Results:A total of 1 446 infants were collected, including 735 boys (50.8%) and 711 girls (49.2%), with an average age of (5.94±3.27) months.The prevalence of dyschezia aged 0-9 months in Xi′an was 3.46% (42/1 215), which gradually decreased with the increased age.Infants with dyschezia could defecate 2-3 times a day, or once a few days.Family history of defecation disorders ( OR=3.785, 95% CI: 1.912-7.494) was the risk factor for infant dyschezia, while complementary food ( OR=0.193, 95% CI: 0.075-0.495) was the protective factor for infant dyschezia ( P<0.05). Breastfeeding ( OR=8.126, 95% CI: 2.258-29.236) was the risk factor for dyschezia in infants who defecated less frequently ( P<0.05). Only 2 cases of 10-month-old infants had defecation-like symptoms, manifested as crying for a long time before defecation. Conclusions:The prevalence of dyschezia in infants aged 0-9 months in Xi′an is 3.46%.Dyschezia infants may also have a lower frequency of defecation.Timely addition of complementary food is beneficial to alleviate infant dyschezia, while infant who defecated less frequently are more likely to have dyschezia while breastfeeding.

Comparative Diagnosis Test Accuracy of Five Weighting Methods for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Dampness-heat Syndrome / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic accuracy of five different weighting methods of Chinese medicine syndrome and then analyze their diagnostic efficacy and characteristics， by taking Diagnostic Standard for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus （T2DM） with Dampeness-heat Syndrome （abbreviated as diagnostic standard） as an example. MethodsData from expert questionnaire on the diagnostic standard and a cross-sectional survey of 1021 patients were collected. The comparative diagnostic test accuracy （CDTA） method was used to calculate the area under the ROC curve （AUC）， area under the PR curve （AUPR）， accuracy （ACC）， sensitivity， and specificity of five commonly used weighting methods in two categories， including knowledge-driven weighting methods （expert scoring synthesis method， analytic hierarchy process， and precedence chart method） and data-driven weighting methods （logistic regression contribution method and entropy weighting method）. ResultsAmong 1021 patients with T2DM， 389 cases were diagnosed as dampness-heat syndrome. The expert scoring synthesis method， analytic hierarchy process method， and precedence chart method were basically consistent in the weight scores of each item. The expert scoring comprehensive method， analytic hierarchy process method， and entropy weighting method have a smaller difference in the weight scores of each item， while there was larger difference in the weight scores of each item of the precedence chart method and the logistic regression contribution method. The AUC （95% CI）， AUPR， ACC， sensitivity， and specifi-city of the expert scoring synthesis method were 0.913 （0.893， 0.932）， 0.851， 0.870， 0.868 and 0.875， respectively； while those of the analytic hierarchy process method were 0.910 （0.890， 0.930）， 0.838， 0.879， 0.848 and 0.896； of the precedence chart method were 0.919 （0.900， 0.937）， 0.858， 0.875， 0.871 and 0.875； of the logistic regression contribution method were 0.867 （0.842， 0.891）， 0.792， 0.853， 0.769 and 0.898； and of the entropy weighting method were 0.895 （0.873， 0.916）， 0.820， 0.869， 0.802 and 0.908. ConclusionThe knowledge-driven weighting methods are better than the data-driven weighting methods in terms of diagnostic efficacy and reflecting expert experience.

41 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritating chemicals / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To analyze the case characteristics of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritant chemicals (OI-COPD). To provide basis for revising its diagnostic criteria. Methods: From June to December 2021, we investigated the information of OI-COPD patients confirmed by Shandong Institute of Occupational Health and Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control, Qingdao Central Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University and other diagnostic institutions in the past five years, a total of 41 cases. The basic information of OI-COPD cases, occupational risk factors exposure information, medical history, smoking history and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The measurement data were tested for normal distribution, which was described by x±s, and compared between groups by t test; Those who do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] and analyzed by nonparametric test; The counting data were expressed in frequency and rate (% ), and the comparison between groups was tested. Results: Of the 41 cases, 33 were male and 8 were female. The age of the patient diagnosed with OI-COPD was (49.5±10.3) years old, and the minimum age was 30 years old; Among them, 8 patients had a definite long-term smoking history (more than 5 years) ; The exposure duration of occupational risk factors was (18.6±10.3) years, of which 3 patients had exposure duration of less than 5 years; The occupational risk factors leading to OI-COPD include acids and acid-forming compounds, bases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, chlorine and its compounds, etc. The exposure level of occupational risk factors is related to the degree of COPD airflow restriction (χ(2)=6.17, P <0.05). 18 patients with diagnosis age <50 years old were diagnosed as early-onset COPD. The incidence of respiratory symptoms in the early diagnosis COPD group was lower than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group, and the FEV1% pred was significantly higher than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 ) . Conclusion: The exposure level of occupational risk factors may be the risk factor affecting the degree of COPD airflow restriction. With the increase of the exposure level of COPD patients, the proportion of respiratory symptoms will also increase accordingly.

Role of the criteria based on preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT in predicting long-term survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the role of preoperative serological indexes in predicting long-term survival and tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation, aiming to explore its significance in expanding the Milan criteria. Methods Clinical data of 669 recipients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off value was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk factors affecting the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation were identified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The correlation between preoperative serum liver enzymes and pathological characteristics in HCC patients was analyzed. The predictive values of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) combined with γ -glutamyl transferase (GGT) and different liver transplant criteria for the survival and recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation were compared. Results Exceeded Milan criteria, total tumor diameter (TTD) > 8 cm, AFP > 200 ng/mL and GGT > 84 U/L were the independent risk factors for the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that preoperative serum GGT level was correlated with TTD, number of tumor, venous invasion, microsatellite lesions, capsular invasion, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, Child-Pugh score and exceeded Milan criteria (all P < 0.05). Milan-AFP-GGT-TTD (M-AGT) criteria were proposed by combining Milan criteria, TTD with serum liver enzyme indexes (AFP and GGT). The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC recipients who met the M-AGT criteria (111 cases of exceeded Milan criteria) were significantly higher than those who met Hangzhou criteria (both P < 0.05), whereas had no significant difference from their counterparts who met the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) criteria (both P > 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT could effectively predict the long-term survival and tumor recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation. Establishing the M-AGT criteria based on serological indexes contributes to expanding the Milan criteria, which is convenient and feasible.

Advances in Diagnostic Criteria and Severity Assessment of Atopic Dermatitis / 中国医学科学院学报

Atopic dermatitis(AD),a chronic and relapsing skin disease,is characterized by dry skin and pruritus,severely affecting the quality of patients' life.Accurately grasping the diagnostic criteria and severity assessment is essential and helps to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.Moreover,it facilities the development and adjustment of the therapeutic schedule according to the therapeutic reaction and disease control conditions.This article reviews the research advances in the diagnostic criteria and severity assessment of AD.

Incidence of intestinal constipation during the COVID-19 pandemic period in medical students from a private institution in São Paulo, SP

Introduction: Chronic intestinal constipation (CIC) presents an incidence of 2.6 to 30.7% in the overall population and due to the social reality imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, some behavior changes in the Brazilian population occurred that might or not be associated with alterations of CIC prevalence. Objective: To assess CIC incidence in medical students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil in a private higher educational institution in the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo. Methods: Clinic data were collected through Google Forms software from the same students seeking to analyze the variables before (year of 2019) and during the coronavirus pandemic. The data were: age, sex, body mass index, constipation referred in a subjective way and confirmed through the ROME III criteria, feces consistency and anxiety and/or depression during the pandemic. Results: A total of 126 medical students from a private higher education institution from São Paulo, SP were included. The average age was 22.9 years old, 70.6% were female and the average BMI was 23.3 kg/m2. Regarding the ROME III criteria, 32.5% presented >2 in 2019 and 42.1% during the pandemic. Concerning the feces consistency, 31.75 and 35.71% presented dry Bristol 1 feces or in both periods, respectively. Conclusion: It was observed an increase in the prevalence of chronic intestinal constipation in medical students from a private higher education institution from São Paulo, state of São Paulo, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as dryness in the feces. (AU)