Adequacy Rate Research Articles

Superior bowel preparation quality for colonoscopy with 1L-PEG compared to 2L-PEG and picosulphate: Data from a large real-world retrospective outpatient cohort

BackgroundSeveral randomized clinical trials comparing different bowel preparations (BP) have shown similar efficacy; however, there is a lack of real-world studies on this topic. AimsThis study aims to identify the most effective BP regimen in a real-world setting and any predictors of inadequate BP. MethodsA retrospective single-center study was conducted over 14 months at an academic hospital including outpatient colonoscopies in which adult patients did not teach on how to perform BP before colonoscopy. Colonoscopies with 1L-PEG, 2L-PEG and picosulphate mixtures were considered. A multivariable analysis for factors associated to poor BP was fitted. ResultsOverall, 1779 patients (51 %F, 60±14) years were included. The 1L-PEG regimen provided a higher rate of BP adequacy at multivariate analysis (adjusted OR 2.30, 95 %CI 1.67–3.16,p < 0.001) and was associated with higher median Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score (p < 0.001), higher rate of right-colon cleansing (p < 0.001) and exam completion (p = 0.04). Furthermore, we identified male sex, history of constipation, active smoking, previous pelvic surgery, concomitant psychiatric/neurological or chronic kidney diseases as predictors of inadequate BP. ConclusionsThis is the largest real-world study comparing 1L-PEG to other BP regimens. Our results suggest 1L-PEG provides better BP in a non-controlled setting, improving clinical practice quality and minimizing the need for repeated colonoscopies and saving healthcare resources.

Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy and Diagnostic Adequacy Between Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided and Percutaneous Liver Biopsies: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies.

A liver biopsy (LB) is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating liver diseases and is traditionally performed percutaneously under ultrasound guidance (PC-LB). However, endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has emerged as an alternative approach, offering potential advantages over conventional techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of EUS-LB using modern core biopsy needles with PC-LB. A comprehensive literature search identified nine studies involving 785 patients that met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis evaluated three primary endpoints: diagnostic adequacy, diagnostic accuracy, and adverse event rates. The results indicated no significant difference in overall diagnostic adequacy (odds ratio: 0.446, 95% CI: 0.192-1.031) or diagnostic accuracy (odds ratio: 1.646, 95% CI: 0.224-12.09) between EUS-LB and PC-LB. Furthermore, the combined occurrence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the two procedures (odds ratio: 0.653, 95% CI: 0.298-1.431). However, PC-LB demonstrated superiority in obtaining a higher number of complete portal tracts (mean difference: -0.985, 95% CI: -1.753 to -0.218), indicating better specimen quality. While both EUS-LB and PC-LB exhibited similar diagnostic performance and safety profiles, PC-LB provided higher-quality specimens, which may be advantageous in cases where accurate diagnosis and staging are critical, such as the evaluation of liver fibrosis. Clinicians should consider factors like specimen quality, procedural preferences, and local expertise when selecting the appropriate biopsy approach tailored to individual patient needs and clinical circumstances.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Next Generation Sequencing Yields

PurposeThe use of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is standard practice for lung cancer diagnosis and staging. Next generation sequencing (NGS) for detection of genetic alterations is recommended in advanced, non-squamous, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Existing protocols for NGS testing are minimal and reported yields vary. This study aimed to determine the yield of EBUS samples obtained for NGS using a sampling protocol at our institution and assess predictive factors to form collection protocols.MethodsWe reviewed EBUS bronchoscopies from 2016 to 2021 with non-squamous NSCLC diagnoses. For target lesions suspected to be malignant, the sampling protocol was: (a) two slides for on-site evaluation, (b) three to five fine needle aspirations rinsed into saline for immunohistochemical staining and in-house molecular markers, and (c) additional three to five rinses for NGS. Sufficiency for NGS processing was determined by the pathology department.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy-eight non-squamous NSCLC samples were obtained by EBUS (205 adenocarcinoma; 73 not otherwise specified). EBUS was performed under general anesthesia in 75.5% of cases. The overall sample adequacy for NGS testing was 57.5%. Higher adequacy rates were observed when protocol was adhered to 66.0% versus 37.2% (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference based on the size of the lesion or location of the sample.ConclusionWhen a protocol of three to five dedicated needle rinses for NGS was followed, we nearly doubled our sample adequacy rate for NSG as compared to standard care. Studies are needed to determine the ideal collection and processing modality to preserve tissue samples for genetic sequencing.

Food label literacy among urban dwelling households in Ghana

ObjectiveThe current study examined food label literacy (FLL) among urban-dwelling households. DesignA cross-sectional survey. SettingAccra, the capital city of Ghana. ParticipantsA total of 510 participants. Main outcome measuresFood Label Literacy (FLL) was the dependent variable. FLL was assessed by participant’s ability to correctly interpret information on the use of nutrition facts table, ingredient list and health and nutrition claims when presented with ‘dummy’ food labels. Nutrition-related knowledge of food labels and food label use were the main independent variables. AnalysisData was analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. ResultsA third of participants reported using food labels. The adequacy rate for FLL was low. However, individuals who were labels users, had adequate nutrition-related knowledge of label and their use were more likely to have adequate FLL. Conclusions and implicationsData from this study suggests that there is a need for educational interventions and labelling policy reforms such as the introduction of Front-of-package nutrition labelling to encourage, enable, and improve consumer use of food labels in Ghana.

Assessment of prenatal care adequacy using different normative criteria in a municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil

The current study aimed to evaluate the quality of prenatal care and identify associated factors among women admitted for delivery at a public maternity hospital in greater Florian&amp;oacute;polis, Santa Catarina. This cross-sectional study included women who had received prenatal care through the Government Unified Health System in the city of S&amp;atilde;o Jos&amp;eacute; and had been subsequently admitted to the hospital for delivery from November 2021 to April 2022. Data were obtained from the pregnant women&amp;rsquo;s booklet, their health records, and a specific questionnaire. The evaluation criteria included the Takeda-modified Kessner index, adapted adequacy of prenatal care utilization index, and Anversa classification. Adequacy was assessed based on pregnancy parameters and the patients&amp;rsquo; characteristics. Among the 237 pregnant women in the sample, prenatal care adequacy ranged from 48.5 to 83.1% and was associated with older age, education, referral to high-risk prenatal care (HRPN) (20 &amp;ndash; 30% higher prevalence of adequacy), and pregnancy planning. Notably, there was a tendency toward a reduction in the number of examinations (laboratory and physical) during pregnancy. The adequacy rate decreased with the application of stricter normative criteria and in advanced pregnancy stages. In conclusion, prenatal care quality was predominantly adequate, although it varied across indices and was associated with age, education, HRPN, and pregnancy planning.

Progress in Access and Oral Polio Vaccine Coverage Among Children Aged

Warfare has long impeded vaccination programs in polio-endemic Afghanistan. We aimed to describe progress in access to children under 5, oral polio vaccine (OPV) coverage among children under 5 in nationwide polio campaigns, and polio surveillance performance indicators after the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan collapsed to Taliban forces in August 2021. Trends in the number of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases and surveillance indicators from 2015 to 2023, and trends in the OPV coverage in the November 2020-June 2022 polio campaigns, were described. From 2015 to mid-July 2020, 74 of 126 (58.7%) WPV1 cases were reported from inaccessible areas. In November 2020, 34.1% of target children under 5 were inaccessible; in November 2021 (the first postchange polio campaign), all were accessible. From November 2020, under-5 OPV coverage of 69.9% rose steadily to 99.9% in the May 2022 campaign. The number of cVDPV cases fell from 308 (2020) to zero (2022). June 2022's house-to-house OPV coverage was 34.2% higher than non-house-to-house modalities. Nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis and stool adequacy rates rose from 18.5/100 000 and 92.6% in 2020 to 24.3/100 000 and 94.4% in 2022, respectively. Children's inaccessibility no longer vitiates polio eradication; polio surveillance systems are less likely to miss any poliovirus circulation.

Percutaneous core needle biopsy of neuroblastoma in the pediatric population: what have we learned in the last decade.

Historically, neuroblastoma has been diagnosed by surgical open biopsy (SB). In recent decades, core needle biopsy (CNB) has replaced surgical biopsy due to its safe and adequate method of obtaining tissue diagnosis. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CNB in obtaining tissue diagnosis for neuroblastoma and evaluate its safety profile in terms of post-operative complications, in comparison to SB. A retrospective cohort study, including all patients younger than 18years who were diagnosed with neuroblastoma from 2012 until 2022 in a single tertiary medical center. Patients' demographics, tumor size and location, pathological results, and clinical outcomes were collected. 79 patients were included in our study: 35 biopsies were obtained using image-guided CNB and 44 using SB. Patients' and tumor characteristics including age, gender, tumor volume, and stage were similar in both groups. The biopsy adequacy rate in the CNB group was 91% and 3 patients in this group underwent repeated biopsy. The safety profile in the CNB group was similar to the SB group. CNB is a safe method and should be considered the first choice for obtaining tissue diagnosis when feasible due to its high adequacy in terms of tumor histopathological features.

Hubungan Lingkungan Sosial, Pengetahuan Ibu, Dan Status Gizi Terhadap Produksi ASI Pada Ibu Nifas Di Rumah Sakit Firdaus Jakarta Utara

Introduction: Mother's Milk (ASI) is an emulsion of fat in a solution of protein, lactose, and inorganic salts secreted by the mother's mammary glands and is useful as baby food. Breast milk production is the process of forming breast milk which involves the hormone prolactin and the hormone oxytocin. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between social environment, mother's knowledge, and nutritional status on breast milk production in post-partum mothers at Firdaus Hospital, North Jakarta in 2023. Methods: The design of this study was an analytic descriptive quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach with a total sample of 52 mothers. Post-partum who conducted an examination at Firdaus Hospital, North Jakarta. Results: The results of the chi-square statistical test showed that there was a relationship between social environment (p-value 0,011); mother's knowledge (p-value 0,011) and nutritional status (p-value 0,000) with milk production in post-partum mothers. Discussion: The conclusion in this study is that there is a significant relationship between the social environment, mother's knowledge and nutritional status on the production of breast milk in post-partum mothers at Firdaus Hospital, North Jakarta in 2023. Suggestions for post-partum mothers to be able to improve their nutritional fulfillment during the breastfeeding period by implementing good and correct eating patterns in accordance with the nutritional adequacy rates recommended by health workers.

Methods to increase the diagnostic efficiency of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for solid pancreatic lesions: An updated review.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a means to procure adequate specimens for histological and cytologic analysis. The ideal EUS-FNA should be safe, accurate, and have a high sample adequacy rate and low adverse events rate. In recent years, many guidelines and trials on EUS-FNA have been published. The purpose of this article is to provide an update on the influence of some of the main factors on the diagnostic efficiency of EUS-FNA as well as a rare but serious complication known as needle tract seeding.

Can an educational video improve the adequacy of bowel preparation for patients undergoing their first colonoscopy? Results of the EBOPS RCT.

Background and study aims The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an educational video on the quality of bowel preparation of patients from a UK population attending for their first colonoscopy. Patients and methods A prospective, endoscopist-blinded trial with 1:1 allocation was performed. Patients referred for their first colonoscopy were recruited between February 2019 and December 2019. All participants were prescribed Moviprep and received the trial site's standard written bowel preparation instructions, with the intervention group also receiving a bespoke educational video. Adequacy of bowel preparation (defined as a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale of ≥2 in each segment of the bowel) and polyp detection rates (PDRs) were compared. Fisher's chi squared test was utilized with P <0.05 as the threshold for significance. Results A total of 509 participants completed the trial from six centers; 251 were randomized to the intervention group. The mean age was 57 years and 52.3% were female. The primary endpoint was met with an adequacy rate of 216 of 251 (86.1%) in the intervention group, compared with 205 of 259 (79.1%) in the control group ( P <0.05, odds ratio [OR] 1.626, 95% CI 1.017-2.614). The PDR was significantly higher in the intervention group (39% vs 30%, OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.19, P <0.05). Conclusions An educational video leads to improved bowel preparation for patients attending for their first colonoscopy, and is also associated with greater detection of polyps. Widespread adoption of an educational video incurs minimal investment, but would reduce the number of inadequate procedures, missed pathology, and the cost that both these incur.

Molecular analysis of endobronchial ultrasound needle aspirates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Results from the SCOPE database.

Molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with advanced disease. This study aimed to examine whether samples from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) of intrathoracic lymph nodes and/or lung lesions are adequate for molecular analysis across various institutions. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of linear EBUS-TBNA with a final bronchoscopic diagnosis of NSCLC entered in the Stather Canadian Outcomes registry for chest ProcEdures database. The primary outcome was specimen inadequacy rate for each molecular target, as defined by the local laboratory or pathologist. A total of 866 EBUS-TBNA procedures for NSCLC were identified. Specimen inadequacy rates were 3.8% for EGFR, 2.5% for ALK-1 and 3.5% for PD-L1. Largest target size was not different between adequate and inadequate specimens, and rapid onsite evaluation did not increase specimen adequacy rates. One centre using next-generation sequencing for EGFR had lower adequacy rates than 2 others using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry. EBUS-TBNA specimens have a very low-specimen inadequacy rate for molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer.

Adapted Home-Based Exercises in Dementia: An Exploratory Pre-post Pilot and Feasibility Study.

The goals of this exploratory pre-post pilot and feasibility study (NCT04916964) were to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted Test-and-Exercise home-based exercise program on basic functional mobility and executive functions in persons with prodromal or mild Alzheimer's disease. Participants followed an 8week exercise program at home, once per week with a physiotherapist and twice per week with their usual caregiver or independently. Functional mobility and executive functions were assessed before and after the intervention. Feasibility criteria were recruitment opportunity, participation agreement rate, cost adequacy, and drop-out rate. Twelve participants aged 80.83 ± 4.65years took part in the study. All the basic functional mobility measures showed small effect sizes. Concerning executive functions, 5 measures showed small to moderate effect sizes. The 4 feasibility criteria were met. A larger scale study would, however, need adaptations and prior research on the ability of this population to use touch-screen technology.

Challenges in adapting a stroke unit in a middle-income country: warning about costs and underfunding to achieve the Brazilian Ministry of Health's benchmark.

Since the implementation of the stroke care line in Brazil, the relationship (adequacy) of costs spent during hospitalization with the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicators for a stroke unit have not yet been analyzed. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of a comprehensive stroke center for key performance indicators and analyze the costs involved in hospitalization. We verified the association between stroke severity at admission and care costs during hospitalization. A retrospective medical chart review of 451 patients was performed using semiautomatic electronic data from a single comprehensive stroke center in Brazil between July 2018 and January 2020. Clinical and resource utilization data were collected, and the mean acute treatment cost per person was calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test was used to compare the total costs between stroke types and reperfusion therapies. A robust linear regression test was used to verify the association between stroke severity at hospital admission and the total hospitalization costs. Good adequacy rates were observed for several indicators. Data from 451 patients were analyzed. The stroke unit had good adaptation to key performance indicators, but some critical points needed revision and improvement to adapt to the requirements of the Ministry of Health. The average total cost of the patient's stay was the USD 2,637.3, with the daily hospitalization, procedure, operating room, and materials/medication costs equating to USD 2,011.1, USD 220.7, USD 234.1, and USD 98.8, respectively. There was a positive association between the total cost and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). The stroke unit complied with most of the main performance indicators proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Underfunding of the costs involved in the hospitalization of patients was verified, and high costs were associated with the length of stay, stroke severity, and mechanical thrombectomy.

Hubungan Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Ibu Dengan Pemberian Makanan Pendamping ASI (MP -ASI) Pada Anak Usia 6 - 24 Bulan di Puskesmas Laubaleng Kabupaten Karo Tahun 2023

Providing Complementary Food with Breast Milk (MP-ASI) to babies must pay attention to the recommended Nutritional Adequacy Rate (AKG) based on age group and food texture that is appropriate to the development of the toddler's age. This research aims to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and attitudes and the provision of complementary foods for breast milk (Mp-Asi) in children aged 6 - 24 months at the Laubaleng Community Health Center, Karo Regency in 2023. This type of research is research using an analytical survey with a cross sectional method approach. The population is all mothers who have children aged 6 - 24 months, totaling 46 people. The number of samples used was 46 people obtained using the total sampling technique. The data analysis technique uses chi square. The results obtained in this study were that from 46 respondents, there was a relationship between maternal knowledge and the provision of complementary foods for breast milk (MP-ASI) in children aged 6 - 24 months, showing that the p value = 0.023 &lt; 0.05. It is recommended for Health Workers to increase education regarding Complementary Feeding for Breast Milk (MP-ASI).

Comparative yield of transbronchial cryo-nodal biopsy, transbronchial intra-nodal forceps biopsy, and transbronchial needle aspiration for mediastinal lesions at a tertiary care center in India (COLD-FORCEPS study).

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided mediastinal cryobiopsy, and intranodal forceps biopsy are newer modalities for sampling mediastinal lymph nodes. The data regarding the diagnostic yield of both modalities is scarce. Patients were recruited retrospectively from our existing database. Patients who had undergone both an EBUS guided mediastinal cryobiopsy and an intranodal forceps biopsy were enrolled in the study. The final diagnosis was made with a clinical-pathological-radiological assessment and clinico-radiological follow-up after one month. A total of 34 patients were enrolled in the study who had undergone both EBUS guided mediastinal cryobiopsy and intranodal forceps biopsy and had complete data available, including 1-month follow-up data. The sample adequacy rate of EBUS-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), EBUS-TBNA with mediastinal cryobiopsy, and EBUS-TBNA with intranodal forceps biopsy was 94.11%, 97.05%, and 94.11%, respectively (p=0.56). The diagnostic yield achieved in EBUS-TBNA, EBUS-TBNA with mediastinal cryobiopsy, and EBUS-TBNA with intranodal forceps biopsy was 73.52%, 82.35%, and 79.41%, respectively (p=0.38). No major complications were seen in any patient. To conclude, adding EBUS guided mediastinal cryobiopsy and intranodal forceps biopsy to EBUS-TBNA may not be superior to routine EBUS-TBNA.

Diagnostic adequacy and accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration in lateral neck masses.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (SUS-FNA) reduces the time to diagnosis and treatment of head and neck pathology. Although it has been validated in the investigation of thyroid pathology, there is a paucity of evidence to support its use in lateral neck masses. This study aims to determine the accuracy and adequacy of SUS-FNA in the investigation of lateral neck masses. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of patients who underwent a SUS-FNA for lateral neck mass between June 2018 and October 2022 at a single institution. Pathologist reports were reviewed to determine the rate of FNA sample adequacy. A comparison was made between FNA cytology results and final histopathological diagnosis following surgical excision in a subset of patients to determine FNA accuracy. A total of 110 SUS-FNAs were performed on lateral neck masses. Diagnostic adequacy of SUS-FNA was determined to be 91% (100/110). When analysing the subset of patients who proceeded to surgical excision, the diagnostic accuracy of SUS-FNA was determined to be 88% (38/43). SUS-FNA results in high adequacy rates with good diagnostic accuracy in the investigation of lateral neck masses. This tool has great potential in reducing treatment delay in the management of head and neck cancer.

Edukasi Gizi Seimbang Pada Remaja Di Wilayah BTN Pagesangan Pepabri Melalui Penggunaan Aplikasi Deteksi Dini Dan Edukasi Potensi Obesitas

Population health is influenced by nutritional intake in the food consumed. In accordance with the SDGs goal, eliminating hunger, people's nutrition must be considered. Each person's nutritional adequacy rate varies depending on gender, age, level of physical activity, and physiological condition. Adequate nutrition or excess nutritional consumption is related to obesity. Obesity is a serious public health problem throughout the world. One of the activities that can be carried out to fulfill education regarding the fulfillment of balanced nutritional health is by obtaining information through interactive lecture-based counseling or using smartphone applications. The Method is Counseling using an application for early detection of potential obesity seeks to provide knowledge to teenagers regarding balanced nutrition education, starting with coordination with the Head of RT 5, outreach with posyandu cadres, counseling for RT 5 teenagers and evaluation of activities. The results of the evaluation of this activity are an increase in teenagers' knowledge regarding balanced nutrition and they are more aware of their condition, motivated to be more active in exploring information regarding the fulfillment of balanced nutrition. The Conclusion is Access and quality of health services for adolescents regarding nutritional health status is carried out by assessing the standards for fulfilling balanced nutrition with status categories based on body mass index. Access can be achieved through various media, one of which is a smartphone-based application

Comparison of Cytological Adequacy between 23- and 25-Gauge in Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: A Single-Center Prospective Study.

Approximately 15% of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules are considered nondiagnostic. Several factors are potentially involved, including clinical and nodule features but also the gauge (G) of the needle used. However, few studies have compared the cytological adequacy obtained with different gauge needles and the data are controversial. We aimed to evaluate cytological adequacy results using 23- or 25-G needles. This study is an observational and prospective study of thyroid nodules submitted to ultrasound-guided FNA. The procedure was performed randomly using 23- or 25-G needles. The samples were reported by different cytopathologists who were blinded to the information of the gauge of the needle used. Statistical analysis was performed to compare cytological adequacy of FNA between the two groups. A total of 177 thyroid nodules were included - 98 (55.4%) using 23-G and 79 (44.6%) using 25-G needles. The 23-G group presented a higher rate of cytological adequacy (69.4% [68/98] vs. 46.8% [37/79], p = 0.002). No differences were found between the two groups regarding patient or nodule characteristics. On logistic regression, 23-G needles correlated with better cytological adequacy (unadjusted OR 2.57 [95% CI: 1.39-4.77]), even after adjusting for nodule dimension, location, and type of cytology (slides +/- additional liquid-based cytology) (adjusted OR 2.44 [95% CI: 1.23-4.84]). The gauge of the needle used was found to be an independent predictor of cytological adequacy, with 23-G needles providing more adequate samples. Further investigation is needed to confirm our results in order to stablish the optimal diagnosis technique.

Exploring the Experience of Academic Stress, Eating Behavior, and Food Choice among Black University Students

Introduction: Academic stress is a common problem faced by university students in the UK, and it tends to affect dietary practices. The study explored the experience of academic stress, eating behaviour and food choice among black university students. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A convenience sampling technique was utilised. Validated outcome measures were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Association between variables were considered significant at p&lt; 0.050. IBM SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Result: The response rate was meagre (n=42). The mean perceived stress scale score was 20.49±6.71, depicting moderate academic stress. The mean food group diversity score (FGDS) was 9.32±1.16 in Nigeria and lesser (6.38±2.090) in the UK. Rate of Food group adequacy (FGA) was 36(97.3%) in Nigeria as compared to the UK 19(51.4%). Consumption of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – protective food groups (NCD protective) was higher (7.78±1.65) in Nigeria compared to the UK (4.35±2.41). However, consumption of food that predisposes to NCDs (NCD risk) was higher (7.73±1.84) in Nigeria, compared to the UK (5.16±3.59). Participants’ compliance with global dietary recommendations (GDR) was higher (9.054±2.449) in Nigeria compared to the UK (8.189±3.487). The differences between dietary indicators (FGDS, FGA, GDR, and NCD protective, NCD risk) scores in Nigeria and the UK were statistically significant as (p&lt;0.01) in each case. Lastly, the academic stress level had a moderate negative significant correlation with their eating behaviour and food choices as measured by their GDR score (r=-.371, p=0.024). Conclusion: Stress level was moderate, which negatively affected their dietary quality suggesting the need to implement supportive measures and educational programmes that can contribute to better stress management and improved nutritional practices. Further studies should ensure usage of a large and more diverse sample to aid usability and generalizability of findings.

Perioperative Vascular Access Mapping in Patients with Hemodialysis: A Comparative Study of Access Navigation and Selection in Jordan.

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of three different mapping methods on the outcomes of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), including the traditional physical examination (PE) method, color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) mapping conducted by a radiologist (CDU-R), and CDU mapping performed by the operating surgeon (CDU-S). This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary center in Jordan. Patients were divided into three groups based on the venous mapping method: PE, CDU-R, and CDU-S. Various outcomes were analyzed, including immediate technical success, clinical adequacy at 3 months, and 1-year patency rates. Additional demographic and clinical factors influencing access patency or contributing to early failure were also examined. The study included 303 eligible patients: 100 in the PE group, 103 in the CDU-R group, and 100 in the CDU-S group. The overall immediate technical success rate was 72%, which was highest in the CDU-S group (95%, p < 0.001). Additionally, the CDU-S group had the highest clinical access adequacy rate (78%, p < 0.01). Notably, the mapping method also influenced the anatomical location of the AVF, as none of the patients in the radiologist group had a forearm AVF. CDU-R, forearm location, intraoperative arterial calcifications, and operative duration were identified as predictors of AVF failure. The results suggest that perioperative vascular mapping by the operating surgeon not only results in a higher rate of immediate success but also improves access adequacy and prevents unnecessary delays in providing an effective lifeline for hemodialysis patients. The present study highlights the burden of access failure in these patients and the evolving evidence surrounding preoperative vein mapping.