ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic worldwide forced governments to undertake intervention measures to encourage social distancing. Meanwhile, traumatic skin lacerations require multiple hospital visits for dressing, changings, and suture removal since they are usually repaired with non-absorbable sutures. In a matter of fact, these visits can be avoided by using absorbable sutures instead. However, absorbable sutures carry the theoretical risk of wound infection. In this study, our aim was to determine whether absorbable sutures are better than non-absorbable sutures in repairing lacerations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first and second objectives were to assess the rate of infection and the number of postoperative hospital visits. Method(s): A sample of 469 patients with traumatic skin lacerations were analysed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April-July 2020. In the control group, wounds were repaired using non-absorbable sutures, while rapid-onset absorbable sutures were used in the treatment group. By conducting a phone call follow-up after 21 days, several parameters regarding infection signs and hospital visits were compared between both groups. Result(s): No statistically significant difference was observed between both groups regarding wound infection (p-value= 0.623). Using absorbable sutures resulted in fewer postoperative hospital visits than non-absorbable sutures (p-value= 0.001). This study is limited because the assessment of wound infection was subjective to the patient by a phone call follow-up. Conclusion(s): Using absorbable sutures to close traumatic skin lacerations is safe. They should be considered during a pandemic to reduce hospital visits for suture removal, which will subsequently enhance social distancing and relieve hospital load.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was widely used as a potential therapy for COVID-19 infection. We studied the effects of HCQ on electrocardiogram (ECG) intervals. Method(s): We conducted a large-scale retrospective study of COVID-19 patients treated with HCQ admitted between March 1, 2020 and June 1, 2020. Extensive medical chart review was performed. Baseline and on treatment ECG intervals were manually measured by 3 electrophysiologists. The QT interval was corrected using Bazett formula (QTc). The paired t-test was used for the main analysis. Result(s): Paired ECG data from 1890 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 47.0 (+/-12.6) years with a strong male prevalence (85.6%). The commonest comorbidities were hypertension (39.6%) and diabetes mellitus (36.8%). The average duration of HCQ therapy was 6.3 (+/-2.3) days. 404 patients (21.4%) had severe COVID-19 infection and the mortality rate was 3.86%. Intensive care admission and mechanical ventilation was required in 209 (11.1%) and 166 (8.8%) patients, respectively. During therapy, heart rate (HR) decreased from 87.2 +/- 16.8 bpm to 80.6 +/- 14.7 bpm (P<0.001). The mean PR interval increased from 153.2 +/- 21.9 ms to 162.9 +/- 22.8 ms (P<0.001). The mean QRS duration increased from 92.8 +/- 12.6 ms to 97.4 +/- 13 ms (P <0.001). The average QTc increased from 427.4 +/- 25.4 ms to 438.4 +/- 29.9 ms (P<0.001). Conclusion(s): HCQ caused a modest but statistically significant prolongation in PR, QRS and QTc intervals. A reduction in HR was also noted mainly due to clinical improvement. (Figure Presented).
ABSTRACT
The sudden closure of learning institutions due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has impacted education all over the world. With remote learning playing an increasingly important role in teaching during the pandemic, it is crucial to identify the variables that influence students’ behaviors in using online education. Framed within the Technology Acceptance Model, this study examined undergraduate students’ behavioral intention toward their remote learning experience at a federal higher education institution in the UAE. A random sample of 216 undergraduate students responded to an online survey. The results suggest that Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) positively impacted undergraduate students’ acceptance of remote learning. In addition, data analysis revealed no significant difference between male and female students’ attitudes towards remote learning. The results of this study are important to inform future efforts in facilitating institutional readiness for online education. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
ABSTRACT
Background: Laparoscopic peritonectomy has been described as a feasible and reproducible technique, however it is technically challenging and requires specific training, Our aim is to present our experience on laparoscopicperitonectomy and laparoscopic HIPEC in a newly stablish center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis from march 2019 to June2021 from the King Khaled Hospital (Najran, Saudi Arabia) HIPEC data base has been conducted forevery patient who underwent complete laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. An exhaustive registry was made of all clinical relevant data, surgical procedure, outcome criteria as overall survival and adverse events according to (CTCAE) version4.0. All procedures were done by well-trained surgeon. Results: Excluding cases converted to open due to adhesions, 5 patients were analyzed, 3 of them were female. Median age was 43 years. PM were from appendix, colorectal and ovarian cancer for 3, 1, and 1 patient respectively. Median PCI was 8 (3-18) and median time of surgery (excluding HIPEC time) was 8 hours(4.5-10.5). Hospital median length of stay was 8 days (only one patient was admitted for 2 days in ICU).All patients underwent resection of the primary tumor, parietal peritonectomy and one of them total pelvic peritonectomy plus salpingo-oophorectomy with histerectomy and extraction of the specimen through the vagina, 2 patient underwent bowel resection with anastomosis.Three patients had complications, grade IV (hemoperitoneum), grade III (intestinal obstruction), grade II (port side hernia).One patient died from covid-19 disease with severe pneumonia two month after surgery. The other 4 patients are alive without recurrence after a medianfollow-up of 8 months. Conclusions: Total laparoscopic peritonectomy and laparoscopic HIPEC is feasible and safe, with shorter LOHS and the same or lower rate of complications compared to open CRS and the same oncologic results. In experienced centers it seems reasonable to offer our patients all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.