Average Time Of Use Research Articles

Effect of the use of biological therapy on dry eye parameters in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract Purpose: To compare dry eye symptoms and signs in a group of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), before and after the start of biological therapy for active systemic disease. Methods: Observational longitudinal retrospective study, including adult patients with a previous diagnosis of primary or secondary SS. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) test, tear breakup time (TBUT), and Schirmer test where registered before and after at least 1 year of use of biological therapy. Results: One hundred and nineteen patients were included, 83 (69.7%) females and 36 (30.3%) males, average age was 62.2 years, and the average time of use of biologics was 3.6 years. The main biologic agents used were adalimumab (22.7%), infliximab (20.2%), rituximab (16.0%), etanercept (13.4%), and abatacept (7.6%). After the implementation of biologic therapy, the percentage of patients with deficient and severely deficient Schirmer’s test decreased from 64.7% to 60.5% and from 18.5% to 11.8%, respectively, whereas adequate test increased from 16.8% to 27.7%. Deficient TBUT decreased from 74.8% to 63.0%. In OSDI evaluation, the percentage of asymptomatic patients increased from 3.4% to 18.5%, and severe symptoms decreased from 26.9% to 9.2%. Individual therapy analysis failed to find significative changes in terms of percentage variation and Cohen’s kappa for objective variables; however, substantial changes were observed in the OSDI test, particularly in patients treated with infliximab, rituximab, and abatacept. Conclusion: Use of biologics in SS remains restricted to patients with systemic active disease; however, a possible effect on dry eye symptoms arises as a secondary outcome, which could positively impact quality of life.

Evaluation of Crohn's Disease Recurrence after Suspension of Immunobiological use in Patients in Sustained Remission

Abstract Objective To evaluate the relapse rate after discontinuation of biological therapy in patients with Crohn's disease treated at the University Hospital. Methods This is a series of 9 cases of CD patients who used long-term immunobiologicals. Non-randomized sample, followed for 1 year, prospectively. Results Nine patients were studied, 8 females, with an average age of 43.8 years, and non-smokers. The average time of use of the immunobiological for suspension was 6.77 years, with 66.66% of them having been in use for more than 5 years. The mean initial CDAI was 25. After 6 months of follow-up, CRP was less than 10 mg/L in 88.8% of them. Only 3 patients measured the Calprotectin, low. (10, 15 and 30 mcg/g). The ESR averaged 15.77 mm/h. In 66.6% of those studied, the 6-month colonoscopy was normal - mayo 0. In the 1-year follow-up, 3 patients underwent CT, normal. At 1-year colonoscopy of 3 patients, there was endoscopic recurrence in 2. The mean CDAI after the first year was 38.11. The mean ESR was 17.11 mm/h. The worst outcomes occurred in 2 (20%) patients, both Montreal A3L3B2, with clinical and endoscopic recurrence. The same previous immunobiological was reintroduced, with excellent clinical response. Conclusion Individualized analysis of the course of the disease proves to be the best way for adequate clinical monitoring during its use, optimization of the therapeutic regimen, and the possibility of interruption.

Experience of using drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol combination in women of reproductive age

Introduction. A woman’s unwillingness to enter pregnancy due to social and somatic factors is associated with a high risk of its termination and concomitant complications. A personalized selection of a method of contraception is necessary, which best meets the needs of a woman, including in achieving non-contraceptive effects.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and compliance indicators when using a combined drug (3 mg of drospirenone + 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol) in women in the early and mature reproductive period.Materials and methods. A study involving 68 women (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), n = 31, adenomyosis, n = 20, uterine fibroids, n = 7, a combination of 2 or more diagnoses) was conducted on the basis of the Scientific polyclinic Department of the V.I. Kulakov National Research Medical Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation) of reproductive age (18–34 years) who took a combined contraceptive drug for 6 months or more. The control of the results was carried out on the basis of monitoring in the form of a survey.Results. The average time of use of the drug was 9 (Q₁–Q₃: 8–11) months. After 3 and 6 months, 77.8% (21/27) and 100% of the observed patients, respectively, noted a decrease in the severity of PMS symptoms. 91.7% (n = 11/12) of patients noted a subjective decrease in the severity of acne and/or hirsutism after 6 months. 91.3% (n = 21/23) of women with copious painful menstruation noted normalization of the bleeding profile (volume of menstrual blood loss). 95.6% (65 patients out of 68) noted 100% compliance in the use of the drug.Conclusions. The drug Dimia has a favorable profile of clinical and pharmacological safety and efficacy, along with the complete reversibility of contraceptive action when actualizing the issue of the realization of reproductive function. The advantages of the drug are to achieve well-studied non-contraceptive effects, in which patients with PCOS, internal endometriosis and uterine fibroids are interested, in the form of relieving manifestations of PMS and reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea, as well as cosmetic skin imperfections (acne-type rashes, hirsutism). Thus, the drug can be recommended to women of reproductive age as a reliable contraceptive, as well as to achieve non-contraceptive effects.

A simulation-based randomized trial of ABCDE style cognitive aid for emergency medical services CHecklist In Prehospital Settings: the CHIPS-study

BackgroundChecklists are a powerful tool for reduction of mortality and morbidity. Checklists structure complex processes in a reproducible manner, optimize team interaction, and prevent errors related to human factors. Despite wide dissemination of the checklist, effects of checklist use in the prehospital emergency medicine are currently unclear. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that participants achieve higher adherence to guideline-recommended actions, manage the scenario more time-efficient, and thirdly demonstrate better adherence to the ABCDE-compliant workflow in a simulated ROSC situation.MethodsCHIPS was a prospective randomized case–control study. Professional emergency medical service teams were asked to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an adult high-fidelity patient simulator achieving ROSC. The intervention group used a checklist which transferred the ERC guideline statements of ROSC into the structure of the ‘ABCDE’ mnemonic. Guideline adherence (performance score, PS), utilization of process time (items/minute) and workflow were measured by analyzing continuous A/V recordings of the simulation. Pre- and post-questionnaires addressing demographics and relevance of the checklist were recorded. Effect sizes were determined by calculating Cohen’s d. The level of significance was defined at p < 0.05.ResultsTwenty scenarios in the intervention group (INT) and twenty-one in the control group (CON) were evaluated. The average time of use of the checklist (CU) in the INT was 6.32 min (2.39–9.18 min; SD = 2.08 min). Mean PS of INT was significantly higher than CON, with a strong effect size (p = 0.001, d = 0.935). In the INT, significantly more items were completed per minute of scenario duration (INT, 1.48 items/min; CON, 1.15 items/min, difference: 0.33/min (25%), p = 0.001), showing a large effect size (d = 1.11). The workflow did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.079), although a medium effect size was shown (d = 0.563) with the tendency of the CON group deviating stronger from the ABCDE than the INT.ConclusionChecklists can have positive effects on outcome in the prehospital setting by significantly facilitates adherence to guidelines. Checklist use may be time-effective in the prehospital setting. Checklists based on the ‘ABCDE’ mnemonic can be used according to the ‘do verify’ approach. Team Time Outs are recommended to start and finish checklists.

Effect of CPAP therapy on the reperfusion lung injury after transluminal balloon angioplasty of the pulmonary arteries in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Aim. To evaluate the effect of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mode on the development of reperfusion pulmonary edema after percutaneous balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).Materials and methods. The study included 70 patients with CTEPH who underwent the first stage of BPA. Prevention of reperfusion edema was carried out using NIV in the CPAP mode starting from the early postoperative period in combination with oxygen and diuretic therapy (as nedeed). The presence and severity of pulmonary edema was assessed based on clinical signs and data from computed tomography or chest radiography.Results. Patients after BPA were on CPAP therapy: average pressure: 10.0±0,7 hPa. During 1st day, the average time of use was: 990±417 minutes. Prolongation of CPAP therapy &gt;1 day occurred in 26 (37%) patients. Depending on the severity of reperfusion edema to the lungs, patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (grade 1, n=42) and group 2 (grade 3-4, n=12). During the observation period, there were no cases of severe reperfusion edema (grade 5), and no cases required the use of invasive ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. No complications of CPAP therapy were recorded. The number of PA segments and ΔPFG did not differ, but the PEPSI index was higher in group 2: 41,9 [16,0; 57,9] vs 80.5 [52,5; 111,25], p=0,0146. The number of days before discharge after BPA in patients of group 2 was higher: 4.0 [3,9; 5,5] vs 7,0 [4,6; 10,0] days, p=0,013. Despite the development of reperfusion edema, before discharge the SpO2 values in group 2 were comparable to the baseline: 93,0 [89,9; 94,2] vs 93,0 [89,7; 94,4]Conclusion. Preventive use of NIV in the CPAP mode, starting from the early postoperative period, is safe and makes it possible to achieve optimal clinical results in patients even with moderate and severe lung reperfusion edema after large volumes of surgical intervention.

Use of high-flow cannula in pediatric patients with respiratory failure: A prospective cohort study in three high-altitude hospitals.

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common cause of morbimortality, and a frequent reason for admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).It requires a high-flow oxygen device as treatment. Our aim is to determine the frequency and main indications for the use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and the prevalence of HFNC failure and its main causes, in three hospitals. It is a multicenter prospective cohort study, developed in three hospitals in Bogota. Eligible patients were children older than 1month and younger than 18 years who presented ARF and required management with an HFNC. The study was carried out between April 2020 and December 2021. The follow-up was carried out at 1, 6, and 48 h after starting the management. Of 685 patients included in the study, 296 developed ARF. The prevalence of patients with ARF who required management with HFNC was 48%. The frequency of the pathologies that cause the ARF was: Bronchiolitis was the most frequent pathology (34.5%), followed by asthmatic crisis (15.5%)and pneumonia (12.7%). The average time of use of HFNC was 81.6 h. Regarding treatment failure with HFNC, 15 patients presented torpid evolution and required invasive mechanical ventilation, with a prevalence of therapeutic failure of the HFNC of 10.6%. The use of HFNC is more frequent in patients with bronchiolitis, in children under 2 years of age and in males, which is in line with what has been reported in the literature. In addition, the failure rate of HFNC is low (10.6%), and it may be useful in other pathologies besides bronchiolitis, such as asthma, pneumonia, among others. It opens the possibility to continue evaluating the role of HFNC in pediatric pathology in new studies.

Effects of ATLAS 2030 gait exoskeleton on strength and range of motion in children with spinal muscular atrophy II: a case series

BackgroundChildren with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) present muscle weakness and atrophy that results in a number of complications affecting their mobility, hindering their independence and the development of activities of daily living. Walking has well-recognized physiological and functional benefits. The ATLAS 2030 exoskeleton is a paediatric device that allows gait rehabilitation in children with either neurological or neuromuscular pathologies with gait disorders. The purpose is to assess the effects in range of motion (ROM) and maximal isometric strength in hips, knees and ankles of children with SMA type II after the use of ATLAS 2030 exoskeleton.MethodsThree children (mean age 5.7 ± 0.6) received nine sessions bi-weekly of 60 min with ATLAS 2030. ROM was assessed by goniometry and strength by hand-held dynamometer. All modes of use of the exoskeleton were tested: stand up and sit down, forward and backward walking, and gait in automatic and active-assisted modes. In addition, different activities were performed during the gait session. A descriptive analysis of all variables was carried out.ResultsThe average time of use was 53.5 ± 12.0 min in all sessions, and all participants were able to carry out all the proposed activities as well as to complete the study. Regarding isometric strength, all the measurements increased compared to the initial state, obtaining the greatest improvements for the hip flexors (60.2%) and extensors muscles (48.0%). The ROM increased 12.6% in hip and 34.1% in the ankle after the study, while knee ROM remained stable after the study.ConclusionImprovements were showed in ROM and maximal isometric strength in hips, knees and ankles after using ATLAS 2030 paediatric gait exoskeleton in all three children. This research could serve as a preliminary support for future clinical integration of ATLAS 2030 as a part of a long-term rehabilitation of children with SMA.Trial registration: The approval was obtained (reference 47/370329.9/19) by Comunidad de Madrid Regional Research Ethics Committee with Medical Products and the clinical trial has been registered on Clinical Trials.gov: NCT04837157.

The Prevalence and Progression of Ametropies in Medical Students

Background: Uncorrected refractive errors (Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism) are one of the main causes of poor vision, attributing to 43% of vision deficiencies. Myopia is the most common visual disorder in the world and can progress until the age of 20-25, when many people are in universities. The etiological factors that cause myopia are still unclear and deserve to be studied. Our aim was to identify the prevalence of ametropies and self-perception of ophthalmic health in medical students at the Centro Universitário Saúde ABC/FMABC. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with data collected at Centro Universitário Saúde ABC/FMABC from medical students. A total of 232 students participated in the survey, from the 1st to the 4th year of graduation. The data of the study were obtained from the application of a questionnaire, which evaluates the presence or not of some ophthalmologic health ametropia and self-perception. Result: It was observed that 74.57% of the students had some type of ametropy, being myopia the most recurrent (59.05%). The study shows us significant data to an increase in the grade of students from 1st to 4th grade throughout college. It was observed that the average daily study time of the students was 9.68 hours and a high average time of use of electronic means. Conclusion: The study presented a high prevalence of ametropies among students, in addition to a high prevalence of multifactorial myopia and a need to update their diopters (degrees) during the course.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in musicians: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in musicians. Electronic database searches and a manual search were performed. Qualitative and quantitative analysis including risk of bias was performed for studies that met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effects model was performed, and heterogeneity was explored according to the moderating variable through subgroup analysis and metaregression. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. A total of 13 articles were included for the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence estimate was 52.8% (CI 95%; 33.4%-71.7%) for wind instruments, 53.9% (CI 95%; 42.4%-65.2%) for string instruments and 53.9% (CI 95%; 23.5%-82.7%) for string and wind instruments. The average time of use of the musical instrument explained 82.38%, the heterogeneity between the sizes of the effects observed in the analysis (R2 =82.38%; P<.0001). For prevalence of TMD, the GRADE criteria were considered very low. The overall combined prevalence of TMD in musicians was approximately 53.9%, and musicians who use their instruments daily and for a long period of time may have a higher prevalence of TMD. Due to the high prevalence of TMD in musicians, health professionals must be careful not to underestimate signs and symptoms and correctly diagnose these cases.

Terapia de presión negativa en pediatría

Introducción. La terapia de presión negativa es un recurso utilizado cada vez con mayor frecuencia en el manejo de heridas complejas en pediatría. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la experiencia con esta terapia en diferentes situaciones clínicas.&#x0D; Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en un grupo de pacientes pediátricos en quienes se utilizó la terapia de presión negativa entre el año 2010 y el 2015. Se analizaron las variables sociodemográficas, los diagnósticos que indicaron la terapia, el tiempo de uso, sus complicaciones y la mortalidad.&#x0D; Resultados. Se incluyeron 41 pacientes. La terapia se indicó en 39 casos con heridas localizadas en el abdomen, en uno con infección de los tejidos blandos perianales y en otro con una herida de esternotomía infectada. De las heridas abdominales, 14 fueron por complicaciones relacionadas con apendicitis aguda, 6 por enfermedades relacionadas con megacolon, 5 por obstrucción intestinal, 4 para el manejo de fístulas, 4 por enterocolitis necrosante del recién nacido, 3 por pancreatitis aguda y 3 por otras causas. El tiempo promedio de uso de la terapia fue de 7 días. Se presentaron fallas en el sistema de vacío en dos pacientes, pero no hubo complicaciones por el uso de la terapia. Dos pacientes fallecieron por complicaciones relacionadas con su enfermedad de base.&#x0D; Conclusión. La terapia de presión negativa es un recurso efectivo en el manejo de heridas complejas en la población pediátrica.

The effect of adherence with long-term PAP therapy on the psycho-emotional state of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Aim. To assess the impact of adherence and effectiveness of long-term positive airway pressure therapy (PAP-therapy) on the clinical and psychological characteristics of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 80 patients who were examined in the sleep apnea laboratory of the Myasnikov Institute of Clinical Cardiology of the National Medical Research Center for Cardiology and who have been on PAP-therapy for more than 12 months. The average age of the patients was 65.0 years [59.0; 71.0], body mass index 35.0 kg/m2 [31.0; 38.0], sleep apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 39.5/h [31.0; 62.6]. The average duration of PAP therapy was 3.5 years [2.0; 6.0], while the minimum use was 1 year, the maximum 15 years. In the sample of patients who came in person, the percentage of days using PAP-therapy was 87.5% [62.0; 98.0] and the average usage time 6.3 hours [5.2; 7.3].&#x0D; Results. On long-term PAP-therapy a persistent decrease in AHI was seen on average from 39.5/h [31.0; 62.6] to 2.7/h [1.2; 6.2], p=0,000. The criteria for good adherence to PAP-therapy (use 4 hours/night, more than 70% of nights) were met by the percentage of days of use by 67.5% of patients, the average time of use by 87.5% of patients. Both criteria for good adherence to PAP-therapy was met by 64.8% of patients. With long-term PAP-therapy, 71.7% of patients met the criteria of effectiveness (AHI5/h), AHI remained 5/h in 22.9% of patients and the average residual AHI was 10/h in 5.4% of patients. Correlation analysis showed associations between the PAP-therapy usage parameters and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and sleep quality: percentage of days of use and AHI (r=0.374, p=0.001), average time of use and PSQI (r=-0.438, p=0.000). Patients with a lower adherence to PAP-therapy (63.0% of days [22.0; 96.0] and 3.6 hours [2.4; 4.5] of use) did not differ in daytime sleepiness (ESS 5.0 points [2.0; 9.0] and 5.0 points [3.0; 8.0 ], p=0.891), but had a significantly lower quality of sleep (PSQI): 18.0 points [14.0; 20.0] versus 10.0 points [7.0; 18.0], p=0.004 compared with patients with high adherence to PAP-therapy (98.0% of the days [92.0; 99.0] and 7.9 hours [7.5; 8.2] of use).&#x0D; Conclusions. Patients with the higher adherence to PAP-therapy had significantly better sleep quality. But even the use of PAP-therapy for less than 4 hours is associated with a decrease in daytime sleepiness severity.

S107. RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL OF A MOBILE APP-BASED INTERVENTION FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS: THE THINK APP

BackgroundTechnological advances in psychiatric treatment is relatively recent. Previous studies have shown an improvement, in the access to treatment, for patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). This new therapeutic approach may provide patients with personalized, flexible, and evidence-based interventions in their communities and even in their own homes. The aim of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of a mobile app–based intervention to improve community functioning in adolescents with FEP.MethodsWe designed a single-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) to study the effectiveness of a mobile app–based intervention for adolescents with FEP aged 14–19 years recruited from Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Madrid, Spain.Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which received treatment as usual plus five modules of a psychological intervention through the mobile app (psychoeducation, recognition of symptoms and prevention of relapses, problem solving, mindfulness, and contact wall), or to a control group (standard care).ResultsThe effectiveness of the intervention were assessed by means of an extensive battery of clinical tests at baseline and at 3 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was reduction in psychotic and depressive symptoms; secondary outcomes comprise adherence, awareness, use of drugs, and quality of life. Also, will report the usefulness, user experience (UX) and security perceived by adolescents with a PEP: frequency of application use, average time of use, quantitative use, etc.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first randomized online treatment for adolescent with early psychosis comparison with treatment as usual. The main novelty of our approach is the integration of new technologies with traditional psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness and social skills development.

MODIFICATION OF THE NEGATIVE PRESSURE THERAPY TECHNIQUE FOR TREATMENT OF WOUND INFECTION AFTER SPINAL SURGERY

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the indications and contraindications of negative pressure assisted wound therapy as well as a modification to the negative pressure technique that has been shown to shorten the number of changes of dressings and hospital stay with the early closure of the wound. Methods A review of the existing literature in the databases OVID, PubMed, Cochrane and Medigraphic was carried out in relation to the pressure-assisted closure of wounds. This is a non-invasive and active healing system that uses localized and controlled negative pressure, which consists of a specialized dressing that includes reticulated foam that removes the exudates through a tube to an airtight container. This set forms microdeformations in the wound bed, which are known to cause an important increase in fibroblastic migration and consequently of higher quality tissue, granulation tissue formation and angiogenesis. Results It was found that this method shortens the number of days of hospital stay. The technique describes the primary closure of the wound after intense cleansing and debridement of the non-viable tissue and signs of infection. Conclusions Negative pressure wound therapy is effective for the treatment of deep infections in postsurgical spinal wound, with average time of use of 1 to 4 weeks in the most severe cases. Level of evidence IV; Case Series.

Average Time of Use of Electronic Devices and its Analysis toward Sustainable Development Goals

Average Time of Use of Electronic Devices and its Analysis toward Sustainable Development Goals

Experience in the use of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) in the management of postpartum haemorrhage with hypovolemic shock in the Fundaci\xf3n Valle Del Lili, Cali, Colombia

BackgroundThe aim of this case series is to describe the experience of using the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) in the management of severe Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and shock, and the value of implementing this concept in high-complexity obstetric hospitals.MethodsDescriptive case series of 77 women that received NASG in the management of PPH with severe hypovolemic shock from June 2014 to December 2015. Vital signs, shock index (SI), the lactic acid value and the base deficit were compared before and after NASG application.ResultsFifty-six (77%) women had an SI > 1.1 at the time shock management was initiated; 96% had uterine atony. All women received standard does of uterotonics. The average time between the birth and NASG applications was 20 min. Forty-eight percent of women recovered haemodynamic variables in the first hour and 100% within the first 6 h; 100% had a SI < 1.0 in the first hour. The NASG was not removed until definitive control of bleeding was achieved, with an average time of use of 24 h. There were no mortalities.ConclusionsIn this case series of women in severe shock, the NASG was an effective management device for the control of severe hypovolemic shock. It should be considered a first-line option for shock management.

Comparative Analysis of Average Time of use of Home Appliances

Greater appliance penetration has been associated with economic advancement, sophisticated lifestyles, improved safety, health and several environmental benefits. However, recent studies suggest that easier appliances acquisition also push reductions in the total time of appliance use, regardless of the gains achieved by technological advancement. With this respect, estimation of the total time of use of appliances is the first important step towards understanding such a trade-off. This study reports a summary of the average age of appliances in developing countries from Southeast Asia, Mexico and some developed countries, as well as a discussion of the relationship between income level and age of appliances using scatter plots of the summarised data. Six categories of appliances (personal computers, mobile phones, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners and TVs) were summarised from the literature, and the observed differences in the average age were hypothesised to have connection with income level and the appliance penetration rates. Average appliance age in a greater scale of income (using GNI per capita, PPP) also showed two main trends. Namely, a U-shaped and linear pattern in which the six appliances could be categorised.

Prevalence of potential drug interactions with azithromycin in Colombia, 2012-2013

Objective To determine the prevalence of potential drug interactions between azithromycin and different IA and III antiarrhythmic groups in a national database of drug prescriptions in 2012-2013. Methods Retrospective study based on a population database of medicine dispensation. Data from patients who received azithromycin between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 were extracted along with data from patients who received azithromycin in combination with other medications shown to cause heart arrhythmias when used concomitantly. Frequencies and proportions were established. Results 13 859 patients receiving azithromycin alone or in combination with other drugs were identified. The average time of use was 4.5 ± 0.9 days. A total of 702 patients (5.1 %) received azithromycin plus 19 other potentially risky drugs. The most frequently associated were loratadine (77.1 %), diphenhydramine (16.5 %) and amitriptyline (8.1 %). Combinations with a single drug were the most frequent (n=533, 75.9 %), predominantly azithromycin+loratadine. The maximum number of combined drugs was six (n=2, 0.3 %). Conclusions Identification of drug prescriptions through population databases is an effective way to find potential drug interactions. The frequency of potential interactions between azithromycin and other drugs is common in Colombian patients. Future research should assess the risk of occurrence of adverse cardiac events.

Prospective induction of peripheral neuropathy by the use of Tartarian Buckwheat

Tartarian Buckwheat is an effective hypoglycemic medicinal herb. Its main active ingredients are flavonoids. We report here 5 cases of new onset polyneuropathy with dyskinesia prospectively induced by tartarian buckwheat products. Clinical and electrophysiological evidence along with laboratory tests were reviewed and analyzed. All patients were male, with an average age of 52.2±10.9years old (range: 40–66years) and had a recent history of using tartarian buckwheat for diabetes therapy. The average time of use was 2.5±1.0months (range: 1.5–4months). The average duration of the clinical course was 0.9±0.2months (range: 0.5–1months). Symptoms included numbness and weakness of the limbs (5/5, 100%), hoarseness (4/5, 80%), dysphagia (1/5, 20%), bilateral facial paralysis (1/5, 20%), urinary disorders (3/5, 60%) and gonadal abnormality (4/4, 100%). Nerve conduction studies suggested more severe damages in motor nerves than sensory nerves. All the patients showed abnormality on Von Frey filaments determination. Hence, tartarian buckwheat products may cause toxic peripheral nerve lesion and the use of herbal medication needs to be better regulated and closely monitored.

Patients' perceptions of benefits and risks of complete denture therapy.

The aim of this study was to assess patients' perceptions of benefits and risks concerning complete denture therapy. A secondary objective was to assess the influence of clinical and sociodemographic variables on patients' perceptions. The sample was composed of 104 volunteers who presented themselves for complete denture treatment at a dental school. The average age of the volunteers was 69.2 years (±) 9.3. Patient opinions concerning the benefits of complete denture therapy were recorded using a previously reported questionnaire. The answers were evaluated in three domains: (1) benefits (positive perceptions); (2) risks (negative perceptions); and (3) consequences of no treatment. The average time of use of the previous dentures was 20 years (SD ±12.9). Risk factors (negative perceptions) received lower scores by the patients, while the consequences of no treatment received higher scores. No association was found among evaluations of the previous dentures and educational level, marital status, and gender; however, patients' evaluation about their previous dentures was significantly different depending on age (p= 0.001) and previous dentures' time of use (p= 0.038). Patients presented a positive perception of complete denture therapy, and the risk factors (negative perceptions) received the lowest scores. Patient perception regarding complete denture therapy was not influenced by educational level, evaluation of the previous dentures, or marital status.

페이스북 이용자의 개인정보 공개와 결정 요인

국내 대학생을 대상으로 페이스북의 개인정보 공개 현황을 살펴보고 개인정보 공개에 영향을 미치는 요인을 살펴보았다. 페이스북의 개인정보 공개 현황은 프로파일의 정보를 토대로 개인정보 공개여부와 공개 범위, 두 측면에서 분석됐다. 개인정보 공개에 영향을 미치는 주요 변인은 페이스북 프라이버시 염려, 사회적 관계 유지 동기 등이 고려됐으며 성별, 이용기간, 이용시간 역시 분석에 포함됐다. 서베이 분석 결과, 페이스북 프라이버시 염려는 이용자에 관한 프라이버시 염려, 시스템에 관한 프라이버시 염려로 구분됐으며 개인정보 공개와 공개범위를 각각 종속변인으로 하는 회귀분석을 실시하여 주요변인의 영향력을 분석했다. 연구결과, 개인정보 공개정도의 경우는 성별, 이용기간, 사회적 관계 유지 동기에 의해 설명되며 개인정보 공개 범위는 이용기간, 페이스북 이용자에 의한 프라이버시 염려에 의해 설명되는 것으로 관찰됐다. 흥미로운 분석 결과는 공개정도 분석결과에서 사회적 관계 유지 동기가 페이스북 시스템에 의한 프라이버시 염려보다 우선하는 것으로 관찰된 점이다. 이에 대한 함의를 실었으며 페이스북 국내 이용자의 개인정보 공개 현황을 공개정도와 공개범위에 따라 항목별로 분석해, 이용자의 개인정보 공개와 페이스북 이용을 통한 사회적 관계와의 관련성을 유추하고자 했다. This study analyzed the profile of a Facebook account to examine how personal information is revealed and what kinds of factors influence personal information revelation. Categories of user's profile on Facebook were analyzed and two dimensions were developed; the degree that how much personal information is revealed and the network limits that personal information is accessed. Main variables to determine personal information revelation are Facebook privacy concern and uses for social relationships along with gender, the duration of Facebook use, and average time of use. Data were collected from college students. Factor analysis produced two factors of Facebook privacy concern, Facebook privacy concern with users and Facebook privacy concern with the Facebook system. Regression analyses were performed to identify significant determinants of the degree of information revelation and the network limits of personal information. The results found out that the degree of personal information revelation is explained by gender, the duration of use, and use for social relationships while the network limit is explained by the duration of use and Facebook privacy concern with users. Worthy of notice is that use for social relationships and Facebook privacy concern with the Facebook system offset each other. The implications of the results are discussed. Additionally and finally the categories of profiles are graphically re-grouped to show how personal information revelation is associated with social relationship generation and maintenance.