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1.
Egyptian Journal of Anaesthesia ; 39(1):401-411, 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2322926

ABSTRACT

Background There were increased claims of thrombotic events in ICU-bound patients with COVID-19. We designed this observational study to examine implementation of systemic anti-coagulation on arterial catheter patency and its failure and to identify risk factors for arterial catheter failure. Methods A total of 245 COVID-19 subjects were included in this observational study, 48 patients in the non-systemic, (Non-SA), (Prophylactic) anticoagulation cohort, and 197 patients in the systemic (SA), (Therapeutic) anticoagulation group. The first arterial line inserted on ICU admission for every patient was monitored regarding its duration of the patency, number and location of consecutive arterial lines inserted during stay in ICU. Demographics of patients, ICU parameters and risk factors for arterial line failure were followed and analyzed. Results The percentage of arterial line failure was significantly higher in Non-SA group, 45.8% when compared to SA group, 25.9%, P = 0.007. The patients with arterial line failure exhibited higher D-dimer, co-morbidities, diabetic patients, received aspirin and mortality than the patent group, respectively, p = 0.002, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001. This group also received higher sedation and prone position on mechanical ventilation and higher vasopressors, respectively, p = 0.034, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001 when compared to patent group. They had prolonged length of stay in ICU and hospital, respectively, p = 0.001 and p = 0.042. The cumulative incidence of index arterial line failure (Log-rank test 6.95, P = 0.008) with overall percentage was significantly lower in SA group (25.9%) compared to non-SA group (45.8%), respectively, P = 0.007. On Cox-proportional hazard multivariate regression analysis, independent predictors of arterial line failure increased platelets level (HR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, P = 0.001), use of ultrasound use in arterial line insertion (HR 4.68, 95% CI 1.75-12.56, P = 0.002), and prone position in ICU (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.09-3.42, P = 0.023). Conclusion We observed three independent predictors of arterial line failure including platelets level and ultrasound use during arterial catheter insertion and prone position in ICU. Systemic anticoagulation was associated with more patency of arterial catheter than prophylactic therapy group.

2.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction ; 7(1 CSCW), 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2314292

ABSTRACT

Scholarly work interrogating time and temporality in CSCW predominantly focuses on the temporal coordination of work in high-resource settings and is usually based in Global North. This paper aims to complicate and complement this scholarship by investigating the temporal entanglements of digital humanitarian work with refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey during COVID-19. We interviewed 22 humanitarian workers to understand their experiences and concerns as well as strategies they employed to support refugees and immigrants at a distance. The data reveal the complex temporal, informational, and infrastructural dimensions of technologically-mediated refugee support work, challenging the trope of "pivot to remote work", as popular in western countries. Our findings contribute to the CSCW research on the theory of anticipation work and its relationship with the concept of collaborative rhythms to explicate the relational and situated aspects of the temporal experiences of humanitarian workers in low-resource settings. © 2023 ACM.

4.
Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology ; 74 (no pagination), 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2267490

ABSTRACT

Over the past decade, compared to all other macromolecules lipid-based nanocarriers have proven to be an excellent carrier and delivery system for various pharmaceutical drugs of poor bioavailability. In addition to that, they exhibit exceptional qualities such as minimal toxicity, economical scale-up production, great biocompatibility, and high drug loading efficiency. In this study, we have discussed the various types of lipid nanoparticles, such as liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles. We have also conferred in detail, the composition, shape and size, methods of preparation, advantages, and certain limitations associated with these lipid-based nanocarriers. Additionally, we have exclusively accounted for several examples of lipid-based nanomedicines that have either been approved and commercialized or are under the different phases of clinical trials. The current review overall focuses on the up-to-date research that has recently been published in view of developing lipid-based nanocarriers for various biological applications, including gene therapy, breast cancer therapy, and vaccine development.Copyright © 2022

5.
Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development ; 14(1):33-37, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2206445

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore the psychosocial and behavioral problems of children and adolescents in the early stage of reopening schools. In this national cross-sectional study, a total of 11072 students from U.P were naturally divided into two groups based on their schooling status: reopened schools (RS) and home schooling (HS) group. The psychosocial and behavioral functioning were measured by Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and compared in these two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the independent predictors associated with the psychosocial and behavioral problems. Our results showed that the students in the RS group had more adverse behaviors than that of HS group. The RS group had the higher rates of parent-offspring conflict, prolonged homework time, increased sedentary time and sleep problems (all p < 0.001). When separate analyses were conducted in boys and girls, the RS group had the higher scores for (1) overall behavioral problems (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01), internalizing (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02) and externalizing (p = 0.02 and p = 0.004) behaviors in the 6-11 age group;(2) externalizing (p = 0.049 and p = 0.006) behaviors in the 12-16 age group. Multivariable regression showed parent-offspring conflict and increased sedentary time were the most common risk factors, while physical activity and number of close friends were protective factors for behavioral problems in RS students (p < 0.01 or 0.05). The present study revealed that students' psychosocial and behavioral problems increased in the early stage of reopening of schools unexpectedly. These findings suggest that close attention must be paid and holistic strategies employed in the school reopening process of post-COVID-19 period. Copyright © 2023, Institute of Medico-legal Publication. All rights reserved.

6.
Cureus ; 14(11): e31508, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2203299

ABSTRACT

Background At the peak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for an orally administered agent to prevent the progression of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection became increasingly evident, which was the impetus behind our investigations with molnupiravir. Molnupiravir has been shown to be effective in preventing hospitalizations and/or clinical complications in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in Indian patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and at least one risk factor for disease progression (CTRI/2021/05/033739). Methodology This was a phase III, multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study conducted in Indian adults aged 18-60 years with mild SARS-CoV-2, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive within 48 hours of enrollment in the study, and within five days of first symptom onset. Enrolled patients were randomized to treatment arms in a 1:1 ratio to receive molnupiravir or placebo in addition to the standard of care (SoC) for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SoC was in compliance with Government of India guidelines that were in force at the time. The primary endpoint was the rate of hospitalization up to day 14. Safety endpoints included incidence of adverse events (AEs). Results Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive molnupiravir in addition to SoC treatment (n = 608) or SoC alone (n = 610). In the molnupiravir group, nine (1.48%) patients required hospitalization versus 26 (4.26%) patients in the control group (risk difference = -2.78%; 95% CI = -4.65, -0.90; p = 0.0053). Overall, 45 (3.70%) patients reported 47 AEs during the study, most of which were mild and resolved completely. The molnupiravir group reported 30 AEs compared to 17 AEs in the control group. Headache and nausea were the two most commonly reported AEs. Conclusions The molnupiravir arm showed a lower rate of hospitalization and a shorter time for the improvement of clinical symptoms coupled with early RT-PCR negativity. Molnupiravir was well tolerated, and AEs were mild and rare. The addition of molnupiravir to standard therapy has the potential to prevent the progression of mild COVID-19 disease to the severe form.

7.
Information Research-an International Electronic Journal ; 27, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2146753

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to reimagine how they engage in spiritual and religious activities. This paper presents an analysis of the information practices of young Muslims during Ramadan, with a focus on their social, spiritual and COVID-related needs and strategies. Method. Our qualitative approach entailed semi-structured interviews with 22 self-identified Muslims from across the Muslim spectrum. They were asked about their experiences with completing Ramadan under pandemic, including the nature of information accessed and shared as part of the fasting rituals. Analysis. Interviews were transcribed, and open coding was used to categorize the data into themes. The thematic analysis was conducted through an iterative process. Results. Our findings pointed to the differing affective states of the young Muslims who observed the fast under COVID. Participants also hinted at the loss of communal practices and rituals and the emergence of new habits and coping strategies (many informational in nature). Social and emotional support were particularly critical to overcoming the challenges. Conclusions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the intersection between information activities and spiritual/ religious practices. The findings also have theoretical and practical implications for the role of information and technology in times of crisis.

8.
Neurosurg Focus ; 52(6): E5, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1974595

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The adoption of telemedicine became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic because patients found commuting to be difficult owing to travel restrictions. Initially, audio-based teleconsultations were provided. Later, on the basis of the feedback of patients and caregivers, the authors started to provide video-based teleconsultations via WhatsApp. The authors subsequently surveyed the patients and caregivers to determine their satisfaction levels with telemedicine services. METHODS: An anonymized telephone survey of patients who had participated in teleconsultation was conducted with a structured questionnaire. The responses were analyzed and their correlations with the perceived benefits and limitations of audio and video teleconsultation were determined. RESULTS: Three hundred respondents were included in the first round of surveys, of whom 250 (83.3%) consented to video teleconsultation. Among the respondents who participated in both audio and video teleconsultations (n = 250), paired analysis showed that video teleconsultation was perceived as better in terms of providing easier access to healthcare services (p < 0.001), saving time (p < 0.001), and satisfaction with the way patient needs were conveyed to healthcare providers (p = 0.023), as well as in terms of adequacy of addressing healthcare needs (p < 0.001) and consequently providing a higher rate of overall satisfaction (p < 0.001). For both audio and video teleconsultation, overall patient satisfaction was significantly related to only previous exposure to WhatsApp. However, for video consultation, longer call duration (p = 0.023) was an important independent factor. Video teleconsultation was preferable to face-to-face consultation irrespective of educational status, but higher education was associated with preference for video teleconsultation. CONCLUSIONS: Both audio and video teleconsultation are viable cost-effective surrogates for in-person physical neurosurgical consultation. Although audio teleconsultation is more user-friendly and is not restricted by educational status, video teleconsultation trumps the former owing to a more efficient and satisfactory doctor-to-patient interface.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Remote Consultation , COVID-19/epidemiology , Developing Countries , Humans , Pandemics , Patient Satisfaction
9.
Electroanalysis ; 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-1888678

ABSTRACT

Wearable sensing devices have transformed the hourly analysis of events such as body signals and environmental risks into real-time monitoring in minutes or seconds. Wearable sensors have facilitated the ability to obtain useful data by monitoring the physiological parameters and activities of an aided and a healthy individual. Wearable devices employ detectable biomarkers in the human body, such as in tears, saliva, interstitial fluid, sweat, and so on. These can deliver relevant information on human health, online activity monitoring, and therapeutic treatments. This section outlines the significance of sample types and associated biomarkers as indicators in the development and manufacturing of wearable biosensors. We have emphasized the most recent advances of wearables based on skin-like and textile, giving attention to personalized health monitoring to record signals of motion and physiological and body fluid investigation. Furthermore, this review categorizes wearable biosensors based on the sensing mechanism, electrochemical, optical, and mechanical. Additionally, the recent wearables related to the detection of the newly havoc-causing pandemic, COVID-19, and the future perspective for the development of much more advanced and potent wearable biosensors have been highlighted. The final section highlights unmet difficulties and gaps in wearable sensors in personalized therapy. © 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.

10.
J Neurosurg Sci ; 2022 Apr 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1789848

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a multitude of surveys have analyzed the impact virus spreading on the everyday medical practice, including neurosurgery. However, none have examined the perceptions of neurosurgeons towards the pandemic, their life changes, and the strategies they implemented to be able to deal with their patients in such a difficult time. METHODS: From April 2021 to May 2021 a modified Delphi method was used to construct, pilot, and refine the questionnaire focused on the evolution of global neurosurgical practice during the pandemic. This survey was distributed among 1000 neurosurgeons; the responses were then collected and critically analyzed. RESULTS: Outpatient department practices changed with a rapid rise in teleservices. 63.9% of respondents reported that they have changed their OT practices to emergency cases with occasional elective cases. 40.0% of respondents and 47.9% of their family members reported to have suffered from COVID-19. 56.2% of the respondents reported having felt depressed in the last 1 year. 40.9% of respondents reported having faced financial difficulties. 80.6% of the respondents found online webinars to be a good source of learning. 47.8% of respondents tried to improve their neurosurgical knowledge while 31.6% spent the extra time in research activities. CONLCUSIONS: Progressive increase in operative waiting lists, preferential use of telemedicine, reduction in tendency to complete stoppage of physical clinic services and drop in the use of PPE kits were evident. Respondents' age had an impact on how the clinical services and operative practices have evolved. Financial concerns overshadow mental health.

11.
Sci Rep ; 12(1): 4796, 2022 03 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1751757

ABSTRACT

The continuing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants not only causes a long-term global health concerns but also encounters the vaccine/drug effectiveness. The degree of virus infectivity and its clinical outcomes often depend on various biological parameters (e.g., age, genetic factors, diabetes, obesity and other ailments) of an individual along with multiple environmental factors (e.g., air temperature, humidity, seasons). Thus, despite the extensive search for and use of several vaccine/drug candidates, the combinative influence of these various extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors involved in the SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity has yet to be explored. Previous studies have reported that environment temperature is negatively associated with virus infectivity for SARS-CoV-2. This study elaborates on our previous findings, investigating the link between environmental temperature and other metabolic parameters, such as average total cholesterol and obesity, with the increase in COVID-19 cases. Statistical analysis conducted on a per country basis not only supports the existence of a significant negative correlation between environmental temperature and SARS-CoV-2 infections but also found a strong positive correlation between COVID-19 cases and these metabolic parameters. In addition, a multiphase growth curve model (GCM) was built to predict the contribution of these covariates in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. These findings, for first time, support the idea that there might be a combinatorial impact of environmental temperature, average total cholesterol, and obesity in the inflation of the SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Cholesterol , Humans , Obesity , Temperature
12.
World Neurosurg ; 158: 268-278.e4, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1747499

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: External ventricular drain (EVD)-associated cerebrospinal fluid infection (EACI) remains a major complication associated with EVD. Length of EVD tunnel, an overlooked but modifiable factor, can be associated with increased risk of EACI. The aim of this study is to find the tunnel length associated with least chances of EACI by performing a network meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive search of different databases was performed to retrieve studies that studied the rates of EACI with different EVD tunnel lengths and a Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the network meta-analysis. With 0 cm tunnel length as reference, the odds ratio (OR) for developing EACI was minimum for tunnel length 5-10 cm (OR, 0.027). It was followed by tunnel length of 5 cm (OR, 0.060) and 10 cm (OR, 0.075). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve plot showed that the probability of the tunnel length 5-10 cm (ranked first), 5 cm (ranked second), and 10 cm (ranked third) for being the best EVD tunnel length was found to be 86%, 64%, and 61%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The length for which an EVD is tunneled may have an impact on the rate of EACI. Our network meta-analyses showed that the tunnel length of 5-10 cm was associated with the lowest rates of EACI, with 86% probability of being the best EVD tunnel length. The probability of a patient with 5-10 cm EVD length developing EACI was 2.7% compared with zero tunnel length.


Subject(s)
Drainage , Ventriculostomy , Bayes Theorem , Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts/adverse effects , Drainage/adverse effects , Humans , Network Meta-Analysis , Retrospective Studies , Ventriculostomy/adverse effects
13.
World Family Medicine ; 20(1):176-184, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1667627

ABSTRACT

Background: Qatar is considered as one of highly prevalent countries of type 2 diabetes, with a prevalence of 17 %. Since the start of the global pandemic of COVID-19 the type of service and the access to health centers had changed during the pandemic, so we wanted to know the effect of this major change in the level of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients followed in the PHCC (Primary Health Care Corporation) and compare it with previous studies. Also we wanted to know the relation between level of glycemic control and number of phone consultations done for each patient and finally the prevalence of Covid 19 in type 2 diabetic patients followed in PHCC. Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective data analysis extracted from medical records of patients with Diabetes Melittus type 2 followed at PHCC, in year 2020 Results: The data was extracted for 17,413 patients with type 2 diabetes. The mean HbA1c in our sample was 7.45 +/- 1.67% before the pandemic, and 7.34 +/- 1.61% during it (Paired t test P<0.001). The mean weight was 82.6 +/- 17.40 Kg before the pandemic, and 82.3 +/- 17.43 Kg during it (Paired t test P<0.001). Using unpaired t test and one way ANOVA, when analyzing the percentage changes in mean HbA1c among different groups of the sample, no clinical significant (P>0.05) changes in HbA1c was noticed among any group (although most of these groups showed statistical significance in which P<0.01 and this could be due to larger sample size studied). Pearson correlation analysis indicates percentage change in mean HbA1c didn't have any significant correlation with demographic and various comorbidities. A total of 8.06% (95% CI 7.66, 8.47) of the patients suffered a COVID-19 infection during the study period. Our sample patients received 45,701 consultations during the study period of which 60.60% were virtual. Conclusion: The results showed no significant difference in level of glycemic control during the year 2020 as the mean of HbA1c had not changed;the mean was 7.45% and became 7.34%, with a prevalence of 8.06% for positive cases of Covid in the sample.

14.
Frontiers in Environmental Science ; 9:13, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1666984

ABSTRACT

Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), after being identified in late December 2019 in Wuhan city of China, spread very fast and has affected all the countries in the world. The impact of lockdowns on particulate matter during the lockdown period needs attention to explore the correlation between anthropogenic and natural emissions. The current study has demonstrated the changes in fine particulate matter PM2.5, PM10 and their effect on air quality during the lockdown. The air quality before the lockdown was low in New Delhi (India) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), among major cities worldwide. The air quality of India is influenced by dust and sand from the desert and surrounding areas. Thus, the current study becomes important to analyse changes in the air quality of the Indian sub-continent as impacted by dust storms from long distances. The result indicated a significant reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 from 93.24 to 37.89 mu g/m(3) and from 176.55 to 98.87 mu g/m(3) during the lockdown period as compared to pre lockdown period, respectively. The study shows that average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 have declined by -44% and -59% during the lockdown period in Delhi. The average value of median PM10 was calculated at 33.71 mu g/m(3) for Riyadh, which was lower than that value for New Delhi during the same period. The values of PM10 were different for pre and during the lockdown periods in Riyadh, indicating the considerable influence on air quality, especially the concentration of PM10, from both the natural (sand and dust storms) and the anthropogenic sources during the lockdown periods. However, relatively smaller gains in the improvement of air quality in Riyadh were correlated to the imposition of milder lockdown and the predominance of natural factors over the anthropogenic factors there. The Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Delhi showed the air quality to be 'satisfactory' and in the green category during the lockdown period. This study attempts to better understand the impact of particulate matter on the short- and long-term air quality in Delhi during the lockdown. This study has the scope of being scaled up nationwide, and this might be helpful in formulation air pollution reduction and sustainable management policies in the future.

15.
Epilepsia ; 62(SUPPL 3):38, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1570613

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Reviews of neuropsychological rehabilitation literature in epilepsy outnumber the original studies with one Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) reported till date. A home-based neuropsychological rehabilitation program was developed for patients with Drug Refractory Epilepsy (DRE) [Post-Operative (PO) & Not Cleared for Surgery (NCS)]. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges of follow-up and tele- assessment. Adaptations were made to the ongoing study and solutions were found based on available literature and focus group discussions with experts in the field of neuropsychology and epileptology. The efficacy was studied. Method: 27 consenting adults with DRE were recruited in a single blind RCT (CTRI/2019/10/021777) with 14 patients in the Intervention (IG) (PO = 13, NCS = 1), and 13 in the Treatment As Usual (TAU) (PO = 11, NCS = 2) groups. They were of any gender, aged 18-45 years diagnosed with DRE atleast 1 year back, with minimum primary level of education, IQ > 80, having an available primary caregiver. At 3 months, reasons for non-compliance to rehabilitation due to COVID-19 were noted and a booster session was given. Pre-post neuropsychological assessment included Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ). All follow-ups were done through tele-assessment at 6 months and coded for validity on a 3-point scale. The 6-week neuropsychological rehabilitation program included psychoeducation, compensatory training and cognitive retraining aimed at improving memory. The booster session focused on internal and external aids. Result: Themes of non-compliance included 1) Non-availability of time due to shift to virtual work/study 2) Increased household work. Mann-Whitney test of the absolute differences of the test scores (follow-up score- baseline score) between two groups revealed significant differences in immediate recall (P = 0.002), delayed recall (p <0.001), long term retention (P = 0.024), patient reported EMQ (p <0.001) and caregiver reported EMQ (p <0.001) with IG showing improvement. Conclusions: Despite challenges of the pandemic, efficacy of the rehabilitation was observed.

16.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons ; 233(5):E56-E57, 2021.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1535358
17.
J Alzheimers Dis ; 83(4): 1563-1601, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1468319

ABSTRACT

Neurological disorders significantly impact the world's economy due to their often chronic and life-threatening nature afflicting individuals which, in turn, creates a global disease burden. The Group of Twenty (G20) member nations, which represent the largest economies globally, should come together to formulate a plan on how to overcome this burden. The Neuroscience-20 (N20) initiative of the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) is at the vanguard of this global collaboration to comprehensively raise awareness about brain, spine, and mental disorders worldwide. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the various brain initiatives worldwide and highlight the need for cooperation and recommend ways to bring down costs associated with the discovery and treatment of neurological disorders. Our systematic search revealed that the cost of neurological and psychiatric disorders to the world economy by 2030 is roughly $16T. The cost to the economy of the United States is $1.5T annually and growing given the impact of COVID-19. We also discovered there is a shortfall of effective collaboration between nations and a lack of resources in developing countries. Current statistical analyses on the cost of neurological disorders to the world economy strongly suggest that there is a great need for investment in neurotechnology and innovation or fast-tracking therapeutics and diagnostics to curb these costs. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, SBMT, through this paper, intends to showcase the importance of worldwide collaborations to reduce the population's economic and health burden, specifically regarding neurological/brain, spine, and mental disorders.


Subject(s)
Global Burden of Disease , International Cooperation , Mental Disorders , Nervous System Diseases , COVID-19/epidemiology , Global Burden of Disease/organization & administration , Global Burden of Disease/trends , Global Health/economics , Global Health/trends , Humans , Mental Disorders/economics , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Mental Disorders/therapy , Nervous System Diseases/economics , Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Nervous System Diseases/therapy , Neurosciences/methods , Neurosciences/trends , SARS-CoV-2
18.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences ; 429, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1466679

ABSTRACT

Background and aims: Memory impairment in epilepsy is a critical determinant of Quality of Life (QoL). Subjective complaints may reflect depression. 6-week home based Neuropsychological Rehabilitation (NR) program was developed for patients with Drug Refractory Epilepsy (DRE) [Post-Operative (PO) & Not Cleared for Surgery (NCS)]. This includes psychoeducation, compensatory training and cognitive retraining aimed at improving memory. Neuropsychological outcomes were studied. Methods: 27 adults with DRE were recruited in a single blind RCT (CTRI/2019/10/021777) with 14 patients in the Intervention (IG) (PO = 13, NCS = 1), and 13 in the Treatment As Usual (TAU) (PO = 11, NCS = 2) groups. They were aged 18–45 years with minimum primary level of education, IQ > 80 and available primary caregiver. Pre-post neuropsychological assessment included Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), Hamilton Depression Inventory and Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31. Due to COVID-19, a booster session (focused on internal & external aids) was given at 3 months and all follow-ups were done through tele-assessment at 6 months. Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference between the groups on objective and subjective measures. Linear regression analysis post adjustment for depression at follow-up revealed a significant difference between the groups on objective cognitive measures of learning (p = 0.019), delayed recall (p = 0.003), retention (p = 0.045) with IG showing higher performance. Similar results were noted for subjective measures of EMQ (p = 0.001) and cognitive (p = 0.001), seizure freedom (p = 0.030), overall QoL (p = 0.046) subdomains of QoL with its total score (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite depression, IG reported higher performance on objective tests, lower subjective complaints and better QoL at long term follow-up.

19.
World Neurosurg ; 157: e198-e206, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1458616

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, disruption of surgical hands-on training has hampered the skills acquisition by budding neurosurgeons. Online and virtual classrooms have not been able to substitute the hands-on experience and learning via direct interaction with senior colleagues. To overcome these challenges, we organized a hybrid workshop where simulation-based learning modules, and direct and virtual interaction with surgeons during live surgeries or didactic lectures were utilized to help delegates in understanding the nuances of neurosurgery. METHODS: A 3-day hybrid workshop was held in March 2021, which was attended by 133 delegates. A structured questionnaire was utilized to record their feedback. RESULTS: An overwhelming majority of the respondents (94.1%, n = 64) found hybrid conferences to be better than an online conference. Most of the respondents (88.3%, n = 60) rated the utility of direct face-to-face interaction to be more satisfying as compared with online interaction with faculty during a webinar. Again, many the respondents (86.8%, n = 59) believed that similar hybrid events will be the new normal given the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic. A large majority (88.2%, n = 60) of the respondents reported that they will prefer a hybrid event over an online conference. CONCLUSIONS: In this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, "hybrid" microneurosurgery workshops offer unique opportunities to enhance surgical skills acquisition by hands-on simulation-based learning and observing live surgical demonstrations, apart from 2-way interactions with experts under one roof. This may be a stepping stone for what lies ahead in the future of neurosurgical training.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Education, Distance/methods , Education, Medical, Graduate/methods , Neurosurgery/education , Humans , Neurosurgical Procedures/education , SARS-CoV-2
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