Effects of Brain Gym Exercises on Attention and Anxiety in Adolescents – An Experimental Study

Background: The common psychological difficulties in adolescents are anxiety states or minor depression and apart from that the attention span in adolescents is also shrinking as reported. The Brain Gym exercise is said to release learning blocks and cause improvement in areas such as memory, concentration, and focus. The goal of this study is to improve anxiety and attention in adolescents by performing brain gym exercises. Aim: To study the effects of brain gym exercise on attention and anxiety in adolescents. Methodology: The study employed an experimental study including 134 students within a 15-19 years age group, selected through purposive sampling. The primary outcomes are the Hamilton anxiety rating scale and the mindful attention awareness scale. Brain gym exercise was performed thrice a week for four weeks. Results: A statistically significant improvement in anxiety and attention is observed with using brain gym exercise. The pretest mean anxiety score at week 1 was 18.46 and after four weeks the results showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety with a mean score of 16.14. The pretest attention score in week 1 was 3.67 and the post-intervention score in week 4 was 3.98 showing a statistically significant increase in attention. The data was statistically significant with a p-value of <0.05.Conclusion: The study concludes there’s a significant effect of brain gym exercises in improving attention and anxiety.

A study of genital pruritus in female patients attending the dermatology OPD at a tertiary care center in South Rajasthan

Background: Genital pruritus is a common complaint among women, the cause of which could be multitude. Identification of these causes can lead to prompt resolution of pruritus with appropriate therapies. The objective of our study was to determine the clinical profile of genital pruritus and its impact on quality of life amongst all female patients attending Dermatology OPD at our tertiary care centre. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from June 2020-May 2021on 196 female patients attending the dermatology OPD with primary complaints of genital pruritus. Diagnosis was established by history and clinical examination and confirmed by bed side tests and laboratory investigations as and when required. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36.87�.24 years with 41.8% in the age group of 18-35 years. In majority (47.4%) of patients, itch was of moderate severity according to the Numerical rating scale. Infectious diseases (45.9%) were the most common cause followed by inflammatory (33.2%), idiopathic (19.4%) and hormonal (1.5%). Vulvovaginal candidiasis was by far the commonest (36.2%). The most common inflammatory dermatoses were lichen simplex chronicus (12.2%) followed by lichen sclerosus atrophicus (10.2%) and contact dermatitis (6.1%). 7 patients with idiopathic itch were diagnosed to have an underlying psychiatric illness. Conclusions: As genital pruritus has multiple causes, proper categorization and diagnostic evaluation would be appropriate to achieve optimal treatment to meet the diverse needs of women who suffer from it.

Cobertura de MRS e indicación de terapia hormonal en Pedro Aguirre Cerda, septiembre de 2019 / MRS coverage and hormone replacement therapy indication at Pedro Aguirre Cerda, September 2019

Introducción: El envejecimiento de la población en todo el mundo es un fenómeno progresivo y Chile no se queda atrás frente a esto. Actualmente existe un subprograma de climaterio mujeres entre los 45 a 64 años, que presenta diversas acciones y propósitos. Objetivo: Describir la cobertura de la aplicación de la Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) e indicación de terapia de reemplazo hormonal en mujeres inscritas en los CESFAM de la comuna de Pedro Aguirre Cerda. Método: Descriptivo transversal. Resultados: La cobertura de aplicación de MRS en mujeres entre 45-64 años fue de un 62,6%. Un 34,3% de mujeres presentaron un puntaje MRS alterado, indicándose terapia hormonal en un 37,8% de los casos, en las indicaciones un 21,8% eran usuarias candidatas acorde a criterios médicos y un 78,2% no lo eran. Conclusiones: Se debe aumentar la cobertura de MRS y recursos para exámenes de laboratorio, de imágenes y capacitaciones, esto para mejorar la entrega de las prestaciones en el subprograma climaterio.

Introduction: The aging of the population worldwide is a progressive phenomenon and Chile is not lagging behind in this. Currently, there is a climacteric subprogram for women between 45 and 64 years of age, which has various actions and purposes. Objective: To describe the coverage of the application of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and indication of hormone replacement therapy in women enrolled in the CESFAM of the commune of Pedro Aguirre Cerda. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Results: The coverage of the MRS application in women between 45-64 years old was 62.6%. A 34.3% of women presented an altered MRS score, indicating hormone therapy in 37.8% of the cases, 21.8% of the indications were candidates according to medical criteria and 78.2% were not. Conclusions: There is a lack of labs and images tests in the climacteric controls, resulting in a mayor number of women no candidates to the hormonal therapy according to medical criteria.

Home-Based Neck Stabilization Exercise Program Among Female College Students With Non-Specific Neck Pain – A Pilot Study In Saudi Arabia

Background: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that significantly causes disability. Exercise therapy is effective in decreasing pain and improving the functional ability among patients with neck pain. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a home-based neck stabilization exercise program in pain and neck disability among female college students with non-specific neck pain (NSNP).Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a single group pre-test post-test was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Sixteen participants with NSNP underwent six weeks of training, which included one face-to-face session and 17 sessions of home-based exercise training. The pre-test and post-test values were obtained before and after six training sessions using the Numerical pain rating scale and neck disability index for pain intensity and neck disability, respectively. Results: A significant reduction in neck pain intensity and disability was observed, with a mean difference of 2.88 and 12.4, respectively. The calculated ‘t’ value using the paired ‘t’ test for the numerical pain rating scale was 10.022 (p<0.01), and the neck disability index was 4.934 (p<0.01).Conclusion: Based on the statistical analysis and clinical significance, the present study provides preliminary evidence that a home-based neck stabilization exercise program reduces pain and neck disability among female college students with NSNP.

Evaluación del dolor en pacientes adultos críticos / Pain assessment in critically ill adult patients

RESUMEN El dolor se define como una experiencia sensorial y emocional desagradable que se asocia con el daño. Es un fenómeno multifactorial y subjetivo que presenta una incidencia de hasta el 60 % en los pacientes críticos y que puede ocasionar consecuencias negativas a nivel cardiovascular, respiratorio, digestivo, muscular, hematológico y psicológico. El estándar de oro para la evaluación del dolor es el reporte del paciente, quien puede indicar la presencia de dolor respondiendo a la pregunta simple «¿Tenés/tiene dolor?¼ o expresar la intensidad mediante la escala numérica del dolor (NRS, por sus siglas en inglés). El paciente capaz de comunicarse puede brindar también información sobre otras características del dolor. En pacientes que no pueden comunicarse pero pueden manifestar respuesta a estímulos, es apropiado utilizar escalas conductuales, las cuales se basan en observar la presencia de comportamientos asociados al dolor. El objetivo del presente paso a paso es describir la evaluación del dolor en pacientes adultos críticos.

ABSTRACT Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with damage. It is a multifactorial and subjective phenomenon with an incidence of up to 60 % in critically ill patients, which may lead to negative consequences at cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, muscular, hematological, and psychological levels. The gold standard for pain assessment is the patient's report, who can indicate the presence of pain by answering the simple question «Do you have pain?¼ or express its intensity using the numeric pain rating scale (NRS). Patients who can communicate may also provide information regarding other characteristics of pain. In patients unable to communicate but capable of responding to stimuli, it is appropriate to use behavioral scales, which are based on observing the presence of behaviors associated with pain. The objective of this study is to describe the pain assessment in critically ill adult patients.

Exploration of correlation between multiple subjective and objective evaluation indicators in early stage with recovery time in combination of acupuncture and medication for treating facial neuritis / 重庆医学

Objective To analyze the correlation between the multiple evaluation indicators in the early stage and the cure time(needed time from treatment to cure)of the patients with facial neuritis treated by ac-upuncture combined with medication,and to optimize the subjective and objective indicators enable predicting the cure time of facial neuritis in early stage.Methods All patients were treated by acupuncture and medica-tion combination.The research subjects were 64 patients with facial neuritis from the outpatient of cupuncture and moxibustion department of this hospital.The correlation between the grade of facial nerve paralysis,sur-face electromyography related data,scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,Sunnybrook Facial Grading System(SFGS)score,Facial Disability Index-Physical(FDIP)score,Facial Disability Index-Social(FDIS)score on 7 d of onset with the cure time was analyzed.Results The cure time was positively correlated with the grade of facial nerve paralysis and FDIS score on 7 d of onset(P＜0.01),amd negatively correlated with the scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,FDIP score,SFGS score and the affected side to healthy ratio of CMAP amplitude of buccal temporal branch of facial nerve(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05);the cure time had no sig-nificant correlation with the ratio of affected side and healthy side of CMAP amplitude in zygomatic branch of facial nerve,the ratio of affected side and healthy side of CMAP latent period of temporal branch,buccal branch and zygomatic branch of facial nerve and F wave output rate(P＞0.05).Conclusion In the early stage subjective indicators of the acupuncture combined with medication for treating facial neuritis,grade of facial nerve paralysis,self-made symptom scoring scale,scores of self-made symptom scoring scale,FDIP and FDIS scores and the ratio of affected side to healthy side of CMAP amplitude of the buccal branch,temporal branch of the facial nerve in sEMG in the objective indicators could be used to predict the cure time,better guide the treatment and have more effective and accurate comunication with the patients.

Factor analysis of pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff suture bridge / 解剖学报

Objective To analyze the factors associated with pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff bridge suture.Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the data of 112 patients with unilateral rotator cuff injury who received arthroscopic bridge suture in our department were collected and were investigated in the form of telephone follow-up.In this study,SPSS 23.0 was used to input data and conduct statistical analysis.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the above influencing factors and postoperative pain.Results A total of 112 patients were included for statistical analysis,single factor analysis revealed,including course of disease,smoking history,preoperative University of California,Los Angeles(UCLA)score,Constant score,numeric rating scale(NRS),size of rotator cuff tear,whether it was full-thickness tear and degree of tendon retraction might be related to postoperative pain(P<0.05).The age,gender,body mass index(BMI),drinking history,diabetes and hypertension were not related to postoperative pain(P>0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis concluded that there were four factors related to postoperative pain,and the correlation degree was preoperative NRS,preoperative UCLA score,tear size and smoking history.Conclusion The causes of postoperative pain after arthroscopic rotator cauff repair are complex and diverse.Analyzing the cause of postoperative pain can effectively reduce the pain of patients and promote the recovery of shoulder joint function.

Serum Occludin and Zonulin Levels in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Healthy Controls

Objective: To evaluate zonulin and occludin levels, potentially associated with immunological pathways in the gut-brain axis, in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: We examined the association between serum levels of zonulin and occluding, and behavioral/emotional problems in children with ADHD. 40 medicationnaïve children meeting Diagnostic and statistical (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD (11 females; mean (SD) age 9.4 (1.6) years) and 39 healthy comparisons (12 females; mean (SD) age 9.3 (1.9) years) were studied. Serum zonulin and occludin levels were measured by (ELISA). Result: We found higher mean (SD) serum zonulin levels [37.1 (28.2) vs 8.1 (4.5) ng/mL; P<0.001) and occludin levels [2.4 (1.6) vs 0.6 (0.4) ng/mL; P<0.001] in the ADHD group compared to control group. Serum zonulin levels had a positive correlation with weight (r=0.452; P=0.003) and BMI (r=0.401; P=0.01) among children with ADHD. Serum zonulin and occludin levels also had a positive correlation with Conners parent rating scale scores (r=0.58; P<0.001), and Strengths and difficulties questionnaire scores (r=0.49; P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, sex, weight, conduct problems and oppositional sub-scores were significant predictors of increased serum zonulin levels. Conclusion: These data confirm an association between ADHD, and serum zonulin and occludin levels. Pathophysiological and clinical significance of these findings needs to be elucidated.

A cross-sectional study on the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideations and behaviors of senior high school students using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Objectives@#In the light of increased suicide risk among adolescents, this research aimed at determining the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideations and behaviors of senior high school students in a public secondary school in Metro Manila using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).@*Methodology@#This is a descriptive cross-sectional school-based study, conducted on 236 senior high school students, 18 years old and above, in San Juan National High School (SJNHS) in San Juan, Metro Manila. The study employed convenience sampling. Upon selection, the C-SSRS was administered. Data on four constructs of suicide were gathered: 1) suicidal ideation severity; 2) intensity, which was quantified in terms of frequency, duration, control, deterrents and reasons for suicidal ideation; 3) suicidal behavior rated on a nominal subscale as actual, aborted, interrupted, preparatory behavior and non-suicidal injurious behavior; and lastly 4) lethality of actual suicide attempts on a 6-point ordinal scale, and if actual lethality was zero, potential lethality was further rated on a 3-point ordinal scale.@*Results@#The majority (67.8%) had mild suicidal ideations; 37.71% had active suicidal ideations with intent but not necessarily a specific plan and only 13.98% had active suicidal ideation with intent to act and a specific plan. The intensity of suicidal ideation was not that frequent in 35.59% of the respondents i.e.18.64% 1x/ week and 16.95% less than 1x/ week. About a third (30.07%) had very short duration of suicidal ideations i.e. fleetingly (19.92%) or less than an hour/ day (11.02%). A third (32.62%) were able to easily control (18.64%) or control with minimal difficulty (13.98%). Reason for suicidal ideation were either to get attention (10.59%) or to end the emotional pain (11.02%). A third (30.93%) had actual attempts (15.25%) and Non -Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) (15.68%); while another 35.06 % had interrupted (16.53%) or aborted (19.07%) attempts. Those who had actual attempts, 41.67% had no physical injury while 50 % incurred minor injuries. Thirty- two (88.89%) had suicidal attempt that was likely to result in injury but not likely to cause death.@*Conclusion@#In light of these relatively high prevalence rates for suicidal ideation and behaviors, schoolwide intervention on education or awareness programs, gatekeeper training, peer leadership, skills training and screening or assessment may have to be instituted to curb the increased suicide risk of the senior high school students and further prevent suicide attempts.

Monitoring of Inpatient Rehabilitation in Child and Parent Pairs with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objective：Our institute provides inpatient intensive rehabilitation to severely disabled children and their parents. Rehabilitation aims are patient-specific, thus using individual scales to evaluate rehabilitation is essential. Here, we adopted the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to perform this evaluation in thirty-one cases.Methods：For the COPM, patients set goals in five subjects, and evaluates their performance levels and satisfaction levels on a scale of 1-10, before and after rehabilitation, and the mean scores are compared.Results：The COPM scores were significantly elevated in all cases at discharge. Patient had an average increase of 3.9 points for both performance and satisfaction scores. The scores of children with medical complexity tended to exceed those who did not require complex medical care. We identified a correlation between satisfaction and performance scores.Conclusion：We quantitatively measured the development of patients to measure the effectiveness of our intervention for two months using the COPM, which cannot be clarified by other objective evaluation tools for gross motor skills, functional independence, etc.. Although satisfaction scores are subjective, herein, their validity was shown by the correlation to the performance scores. Overall, COPM can contribute to top-down approaches to rehabilitation.

Governor vessel moxibustion combined with western medication for mild to moderate depression with kidney-yang deficiency: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic efficacy of governor vessel moxibustion combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule, simple fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule and placebo moxibustion combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule for mild to moderate depression with kidney-yang deficiency.@*METHODS@#A total of 126 patients with mild to moderate depression with kidney-yang deficiency were randomized into a governor vessel moxibustion group (42 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a western medication group (42 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a placebo moxibustion group (42 cases, 1 case dropped off). The western medication group was given fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule orally, 20 mg a time, once a day. On the basis of the treatment in the western medication group, governor vessel moxibustion was applied from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) in the governor vessel moxibustion group, once a week; placebo moxibustion was applied in the placebo moxibustion group, once a week. Treatment of 8 weeks was required in the 3 groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17), Asberg's rating scale for side effects (SERS) and TCM clinical symptom were compared, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of HAMD-17, SERS and TCM clinical symptom were decreased compared before treatment in the 3 groups (P<0.05), the decrease ranges of above scores in the governor vessel moxibustion group were larger than those in the western medication group and the placebo moxibustion group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 92.5% (37/40) in the governor vessel moxibustion group, which was higher than 75.6% (31/41) in the western medication group and 80.5% (33/41) in the placebo moxibustion group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Governor vessel moxibustion combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule can improve the degree of depression and relieve the clinical symptoms in mild to moderate depression patients with kidney-yang deficiency, the efficacy is superior to simple fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule, and can reduce the fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule-induced adverse effect to a certain extent.

Electroacupuncture for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture (EA) for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 patients with AECOPD complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction were randomly divided into an EA group (50 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case excluded) and a medication group (50 cases). Both groups were treated with symptomatic and supportive treatment such as low flow oxygen, nebulized inhalation of short-acting β2 agonist (SABA) or short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) combined with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). The EA group was treated with EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Tianshu (ST 25), Chize (LU 5) and Lieque (LU 7), with discontinuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 30 min each time, once a day. In the medication group, oral mosapride citrate tablets were given, 3 times a day, 5 mg each time. Both groups were treated for 5 d. Before and after treatment, the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) score was observe, serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and plasma oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) were detected, and patient satisfaction degree was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, except for diarrhea dimension in the medication group, the total scores and each dimension scores of GSRS were decreased (P<0.05), serum PCT and CRP were decreased (P<0.05), plasma PaO2/FiO2 was increased (P<0.05) in the two groups after treatment. After treatment, in the EA group, the total score and abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation and diarrhea scores of GSRS were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05), meanwhile serum PCT and CRP were lower and plasma PaO2/FiO2 was higher than those in the medication group (P<0.05). The improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms, life quality and overall satisfaction degree in the EA group were superior to those in the medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA could improve the symptoms of patients with AECOPD complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, reduce inflammatory response, improve oxygenation and patient satisfaction degree.

Monitoring of Inpatient Rehabilitation in Child and Parent Pairs with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Objective：Our institute provides inpatient intensive rehabilitation to severely disabled children and their parents. Rehabilitation aims are patient-specific, thus using individual scales to evaluate rehabilitation is essential. Here, we adopted the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to perform this evaluation in thirty-one cases.Methods：For the COPM, patients set goals in five subjects, and evaluates their performance levels and satisfaction levels on a scale of 1-10, before and after rehabilitation, and the mean scores are compared.Results：The COPM scores were significantly elevated in all cases at discharge. Patient had an average increase of 3.9 points for both performance and satisfaction scores. The scores of children with medical complexity tended to exceed those who did not require complex medical care. We identified a correlation between satisfaction and performance scores.Conclusion：We quantitatively measured the development of patients to measure the effectiveness of our intervention for two months using the COPM, which cannot be clarified by other objective evaluation tools for gross motor skills, functional independence, etc.. Although satisfaction scores are subjective, herein, their validity was shown by the correlation to the performance scores. Overall, COPM can contribute to top-down approaches to rehabilitation.

Research progress in evaluating severity and prognosis of children with community acquired pneumonia by scales and biomarkers / 中国小儿急救医学

Community acquired pneumonia(CAP)has a high morbidity and mortality rate, and can bring a heavy social and economic burden.Its etiology is complex.How to identify high-risk children, early diagnosis, prognosis prediction are the focus of clinical research.Early identification and active intervention of high-risk children who need hospitalization or admission to pediatric intensive care unit by using score scales and biomarkers are crucial to improve the survival rate.This review summarized the assessment of severity and prognosis of CAP in children by different score scales and biomarkers.

Internal consistency of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Amazonian children / Consistência interna do Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades em crianças amazônicas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of behavioral problems and the internal consistency of the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-P) in Amazonian preschool children during the covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data from the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre (MINA-Brazil) study, a population-based birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon, were used. The SDQ-P was applied in 2021 at the five-year follow-up visit to parents or caregivers of 695 children (49.4% of which were girls). This instrument is a short behavioral screening questionnaire composed of 25 items reorganized into five subscales: emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior. Cases of behavioral problems were defined according to the original SDQ cut-offs based on United Kingdom norms. Moreover, cut off points were estimated based on the SDQ-P percentile results of our study sample. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega for each scale. RESULTS: According to the cut-offs based on our studied population distribution, 10% of all children had high or very high total difficulty scores, whereas it was almost twice when the original SDQ cut-offs based on United Kingdom norms, were applied (18%). Differences were also observed in the other scales. Compared to girls, boys showed higher means of externalizing problem and lower means of prosocial behavior. The five-factor model showed a moderate internal consistency of the items for all scales (0.60 ≤ α ≤ 0.40), except for total difficulty scores, which it considered substantial (α > 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the usefulness of SDQ in our study population and reinforce the need for strategies and policy development for mental health care in early life in the Amazon.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever a frequência de problemas de comportamento e a consistência interna da versão para os pais do Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades (SDQ-P) em crianças pré-escolares da Amazônia durante a pandemia de covid-19. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados do estudo de saúde e nutrição Materno-Infantil no Acre (MINA-Brasil), uma coorte de nascimentos de base populacional na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira. O SDQ-P foi aplicado aos pais e cuidadores em 2021 na visita de acompanhamento de cinco anos de 695 crianças (49,4% das quais eram meninas). Esse instrumento é um breve questionário de rastreamento comportamental composto por 25 itens reorganizados em cinco subescalas: sintomas emocionais, problemas de conduta, hiperatividade/desatenção, problemas de relacionamento com colegas e comportamento pró-social. Os casos de problemas de comportamento foram definidos de acordo com os pontos de corte originais do SDQ, baseados nas normas do Reino Unido. Além disso, os pontos de corte foram estimados com base nos percentis dos resultados do SDQ-P da amostra do nosso estudo. A consistência interna foi avaliada pelo cálculo do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e ômega de McDonald para cada escala. RESULTADOS: De acordo com os pontos de corte baseados na distribuição da população estudada, 10% de todas as crianças apresentaram escores totais de dificuldade elevados ou muito elevados, o que quase dobrou quando os pontos de corte originais do SDQ, baseados nas normas do Reino Unido, foram utilizados (18%). Este estudo também encontrou diferenças nas demais escalas. Comparados às meninas, os meninos apresentaram maiores médias de problemas de externalização e menores médias de comportamento pró-social. O modelo de cinco fatores apresentou consistência interna dos itens moderada para todas as escalas (0,60 ≤ α ≤ 0,40), exceto para a escala de pontuação total de dificuldades, a qual foi considerada substancial (α > 0,61). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados apoiam a utilidade do SDQ em nossa população de estudo e reforçam a necessidade de estratégias e desenvolvimento de políticas para o cuidado em saúde mental no início da vida na Amazônia.

Item analysis of the Teacher's Gifted Rating Screening Scale / Análise dos itens da Triagem de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades / Superdotação

Objective: The present study aimed to add new evidence of construct validity of the Teacher's Rating Giftedness Screening Scale. The analysis of its items, in relation to the adjustment indices to the Graduated Response Model, as well as to interpret the sense of the scales formed by the items. Method: The sample was composed of 666 students (64.7% males). The instrument consisted of 42 items that assess five areas (general intellectual abilities, leadership, creativity, specific academic abilities, and artistic talent), being answered by 224 teachers. Results: The results indicated that all items had infit/outfit adjustment indexes within the expected value, between 0.5 and 1.5. The factor accuracy, estimated by the graduated response model, varied between 0.74 to 0.85. Conclusion: The results allowed the elaboration of an interpretation proposal referenced in the item, as well as the identification of the most effective items in discriminating individuals with above average ability level.

Objetivo: O presente estudo visou ampliar as evidências de validade de construto do instrumento Triagem de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades/Superdotação, por meio da análise dos seus itens, em relação aos índices de ajuste ao Modelo de Resposta Graduada, bem como interpretar o sentido das escalas formadas pelos itens. Método: A amostra foi composta por 666 estudantes (64,7% meninos). O instrumento, composto por 42 itens que avaliam cinco dimensões (capacidade intelectual geral, liderança, criatividade, habilidades acadêmicas especificas e talento artístico), foi respondido por 224 professores. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que todos os itens apresentaram índices de ajuste infit/outfit dentro do valor esperado, entre 0,5 e 1,5. A precisão dos fatores, estimada pelo modelo de resposta graduada, variou entre 0,74 e 0,85. Conclusão: Os resultados permitiram a elaboração de uma proposta de interpretação referenciada no item, bem como a identificação dos itens que se mostram mais eficazes em discriminar indivíduos com habilidade acima da média.

Pattern of analgesic use for post-operative pain relief among adult surgical patients in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Post-operative pain is an acute pain which if not adequately managed may lead to morbidity and complications. It can be controlled effectively by analgesics. It is essential to choose an analgesic with good efficacy and safety profile to avoid drug-related complications. Aims and Objectives: This study aims (i) to study the pattern of analgesic use for postoperative pain; (ii) to study the efficacy of the analgesic prescribed for post-operative pain; and (iii) to study the safety of the analgesics used for post-operative pain. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for 3 months period. The pattern of analgesic use for post-operative pain was studied in 110 patients. The influence of sociodemographic factors, surgery related factors on pain assessment score, and patient satisfaction score was assessed. The safety profile of analgesics used was studied. Results: Post-operative was seen equally in both the genders and mean age of patients was 41 years. Diclofenac was the most common analgesic prescribed and intramuscular route was most commonly used. About 64% of patients were satisfied with their treatment and 94.55% of patients did not encounter any adverse effects. However, there was no association between various factors and pain assessment score and patient satisfaction score. Conclusion: Post-operative pain can be effectively managed by non-opioid analgesics like diclofenac which provide cost-effective treatment. Analgesic for post-operative pain should be chosen judiciously by considering patient-related and surgery-related factors for better post-operative pain management and to prevent post-operative complications.

An interprofessional interventional approach to improve the mental well-being of medical students for better academic performances

Background: Medical students are the future doctors who are the primary caregivers for the society. High level of stress can obstruct the learning of medical students by impairing their concentration, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Improving mental well-being of medical students will ensure community safety. The stakeholders need to realize positive role of mental well-being on academic performance of students. This will not only benefit the students as well as the society as a whole. Aim and Objective: The present study was innovatively planned to determine the impact of the motivational sessions on relieving perceived stress and anxiety of the students along-with impact of such sessions on motivation for learning. Materials and Methods: An interventional cross-sectional study was designed for 2nd year MBBS students. A module comprising of eight sessions for improving mental well-being of undergraduate students was designed by an interprofessional team comprising a medical teacher, clinical phycologist, psychiatrist, and medical students. The pre-validated scales used were Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to assess anxiety level, Perceived Stress Scale to assess perceived stress, and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire to measure the types of learning strategies and academic motivation of college students. Results: About 64% (n = 46) of the participants were male and 36% (n = 26) were female students. The present study showed no significant association between the gender and stress. It was seen that number of students with high perceived stress before the session were reduced by as much as 72.41% and that of students with highest motivation for learning strategies doubled from 18 to 36 (100% improvement).The difference in means of HAM-A scores in post-test and pre-tests is highly significant (P = 0.01). The students were very much satisfied with the mode and content of the module. They expressed that these sessions made them feel thought of and cared for. Conclusion: It is strongly recommended to apply this interprofessional interventional approach to improve the mental well-being of medical students for better academic performances.

White matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging among elderly depressed patients and its association with the severity of depression and cognition

Introduction: Depression in the elderly can have a different pathophysiology and clinical profile, and studies have shown pathological changes in the brain on radio imaging. The present study aimed to find out the association of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the severity of illness and cognition in elderly depressed patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 68 elderly (>60 years of age) depressed patients who had undergone MRI at a tertiary care center, and based on the severity of WMH, they were divided into two groups: no or slight WMH group and moderate or severe WMH group. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scale, and neuropsychological assessments were made for testing attention, concentration and executive function. Results: HAM?D scores were found significantly higher in patients with moderate?to?severe WMH groups (22.6 ± 5.2) compared to those with no or slight WMH (16.3 ± 4.2). The cognitive performance evaluated by backward digit span test, Trail making Test A and B, and Color Stroop test was significantly poor in the moderate?to?severe WMH group. Conclusion: Elderly depressed patients having a greater WMH had more severe depression and poor cognitive performance, especially psychomotor and executive functioning. WMH could be a potential marker for the severity of illness and cognition in depression in elderly persons.

Association between ocular trauma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adult patients

Purpose: To investigate the potential relationship between ocular trauma and attention?deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?related clinical outcomes in adults. Methods: This prospective case?control study included 108 ocular trauma patients and 90 age?sex?matched healthy control. The ocular trauma group was separated into the subgroups home accident, outdoor activity, and work related in terms of the reasons for ocular trauma, and as ocular surface problems, blunt trauma?related, and open globe injury in terms of the clinical findings. The ADHD?related clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Wender?Utah Rating Scale (WURS). The outcomes were compared between ocular trauma and control groups, and ocular trauma subgroups. Results: The demographic characteristics of ocular trauma groups and controls were similar (P > 0.05, for all). In comparison to the control group, the ocular trauma group had higher total WURS score and WURS subscale scores, but not significantly (P > 0.05, for all). According to comparisons of the subgroups separated by the reasons, there was significant difference in the mean behavioral problems/impulsivity scores in favor of outdoor activities (P = 0.015). On the other hand, the mean scores for WURS subscales of the subgroups separated by the clinical findings were similar (P > 0.05, for all). Conclusion: WURS scores in ocular trauma patients are similar to control; however, the score in behavioral problems/impulsivity subscales is higher for ocular trauma caused by outdoor activities