Dosage Calculation Research Articles

The effects of screen-based simulation on nursing students’ acquisition of medication administration and dosage calculation skills: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundScreen-based simulation is a cost-effective educational modality that allows nursing students to comfortably acquire new skills as they become accustomed to digital environments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a screen-based simulation tool in enhancing knowledge and skills related to medication administration and dosage calculation in nursing students.MethodsThis multicenter, single-blind, stratified, randomized controlled trial initially enrolled 480 nursing students. The 351 students eligibles were randomly allocated to two groups. Using a screen-based simulation tool (SIMDOSE®), the intervention group was trained in drug administration and dosage calculation through four perfusion clinical cases. The control group underwent the same training content using the paper-and-pencil method. knowledge and skills acquisition, Students’ satisfaction, self-confidence and anxiety were analyzed using Jamovi software (version 2.3.18).Results4 out of 5 main variables examined were significantly different, specifically in dosage calculation, where the simulation group excelled both in the knowledge post-test (post – pre = 1.00 (20%); p = 0.004) and in the objective structured clinical examination (p = 0.013). The intervention group reported higher levels of satisfaction and self-confidence than the control group (p < 0.001). Their moderate anxiety levels didn’t differ significantly (0.161).ConclusionThe SIMDOSE® platform can be used as a supplementary teaching method of dosage calculation for nursing students. Screen-based simulation has benefits that nurse educators should be aware of, such as being a key to more satisfied and confident students.Trial registrationThis Moroccan clinical trial was prospectively registered (16/05/2023) in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (pactr.samrc.ac.za) with trial registration number PACTR202305505743210.

Quantification of Adeno-Associated Viral Genomes in Purified Vector Samples by Digital Droplet Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a non-pathogenic virus used as a delivery vehicle to transfer therapeutic genes into patients. Accurate quantification of AAV genome copy number in vector preparations is essential for bioprocess optimization and dosage calculation in both preclinical and clinical studies of AAV-based gene therapy products. Currently, a consensus protocol for AAV viral genome titration is lacking. Here, we present a digital droplet PCR (dd_PCR) protocol for the quantification of viral genomes in purified vector samples. Samples are treated with DNase I to eliminate unpackaged contaminant DNA. DNase-treated samples are then mixed with an appropriate primer-probe set (designed according to the target AAV genome) and PCR reagents, and then loaded into a droplet generator. The prepared droplets are transferred into a PCR plate, where PCR amplification is performed and analyzed. The viral genome titer is calculated based on the concentration (copies/µL), accounting for sample dilutions. A successful measurement shows a clear separation of the positive and negative droplet clouds, has at least 10,000 accepted droplets, shows a value between 10 copies/µL and 10,000 copies/µL, and has a coefficient of variation (CV) between repeats lower than 20%. Reliable viral genome titration will aid in the development of safe and effective AAV-based gene therapy products.

Making the Move from "Med Math" to Medication Administration and Safety

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized medication errors as a global health problem in 2017 highlighting them as a top patient safety challenge (World Health Organization, 2023). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) highlights quality and safety one of the essentials of nursing (2021). In response to declining medication math scores and the emphasis on patient safety, one Midwest United States nursing program updated their curriculum to address medication administration and safety on exams instead of just “med math” as dosage calculation. Addressing the varying skills and knowledge of foundational mathematical concepts for nursing students entering and progressing throughout the program remains an area of further study.

Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dosage: Geographical Variations and Real-Life Modules in Parkinson's Disease.

The Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dosage (LEDD) calculation algorithms help in capturing and harmonization of Parkinson's Disease (PD) therapies. Analyzing these updates is essential for validating their effectiveness. To assess updated LEDD conversion factors in capturing the newer therapies in PD and therapy modules in different geographical cohorts. Data were sourced from 10 Centers from 6 countries representing 2 different continents. The study compared the LEDD conversion factors proposed by Tomlinson et al and Jost et al, alongside investigating demographic disparities. The analysis involved 2943 subjects; 87% (n = 2577) met the UK Brain Bank criteria for PD. The LEDD differed significantly across methodologies (Tomlinson vs. Jost, 598 mg vs 610 mg, P < 0.0001). Geographical disparities highlighted variations in PD onset age (P < 0.0001). Jost and Tomlinson's calculations demonstrated consistency within but significant differences across countries (P < 0.0001).Age at onset revealed statistically significant differences in LEDD requirements (P < 0.0001), which were particularly higher in 21-50 years (718 mg vs 566 mg). This subgroup also demonstrated increased usage of non-Levodopa therapies (P < 0.0001). Men exhibited higher total LEDD (P = 0.001). 34% reported dyskinesia, associated with higher LEDD (756 mg, P < 0.0001). Surgically treated patients also had higher LEDD (P < 0.0001) and a significant difference between Jost and Tomlinson dosages (761 mg vs716mg) reflecting the incorporation of newer therapeutic molecules. This analysis delineates the importance of updated LEDD algorithms and intricacies in the landscape of PD treatment, underscored by geographical, age-related, and gender-specific variations, in real-life management scenarios.

The quest for optimal ketamine dosing formula in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

Emerging evidence indicates that intravenous ketamine is effective in managing treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar depression. Clinical studies highlight its favorable efficacy, safety, and tolerability profile within a dosage range of 0.5-1.0mg/kg based on actual body weight. However, data on alternative dosage calculation methods, particularly in relation to body mass index (BMI) and therapeutic outcomes, remain limited. This retrospective analysis of an open-label study aims to evaluate dose calculation strategies and their impact on treatment response among inpatients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 28). The study employed the Boer and Devine formulas to determine lean body mass (LBM) and ideal body weight (IBW), and the Mosteller formula to estimate body surface area (BSA). The calculated doses were then compared with the actual doses administered or converted to a dosage per square meter for both responders and non-responders. Regardless of treatment response, defined as a reduction of 50% in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the use of alternative ketamine dosing formulas resulted in underdosing compared to the standardized dose of 0.5mg/kg. Only two participants received higher doses (102.7% and 113.0%) when the Devine formula was applied. This study suggests that ketamine dosing formulas, alternative to the standardized 0.5mg/kg based on body weight, may lead to underdosing and potentially impact outcome interpretation. To enhance dosing accuracy, future studies should consider incorporating body impedance analysis and waist-to-hip ratio measurements, as this study did not account for body composition.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF HYDRATE FORMATION PECULIARITIES FOR CONDITIONS OF THE TURNO AND CENOMANIAN DEPOSITS. Part I

This paper is the Part I of a study devoted to investigating the peculiarities of hydrate formation for the conditions of Turonian and Cenomanian reservoirs. The launch of new gas projects at the Turon and Senoman production facilities in Western Siberia provided a good opportunity to critically analyze the known methods of protecting production, gathering and transportation facilities of the gas field from the formation of solid gas hydrates. The paper presents the experience of implementing a program of laboratory studies of conditions of gas hydrate formation with their subsequent processing and in-depth analysis. The research program covered the area of thermobaric parameters typical for the conditions of Turon-Senoman deposits exploitation with localization of hydrate-hazardous areas in the conditions of technological regimes for full development. The description of laboratory studies is given, in which two gas compositions of Senoman and Turon objects, different variants of mineralization and ionic composition corresponding to formation and condensation water, as well as hydrate formation conditions under changing dosages of basic inhibitor on the basis of methanol were considered. The details of the experiment based on the method of swinging cells and the subsequent analysis of the results of the completed experiments to determine the thermobaric conditions of formation and decomposition of hydrates are given. The main features of the experiment are specified, estimates of the rate of change of the influencing parameters of the experiment on its quality are given. In the process of implementation of the experimental program, the optimal values of these parameters were selected, which allowed us to significantly reduce the variation of experimental results to determine the thermobaric conditions of hydrate formation. It is experimentally established that the temperature of hydrate decomposition is higher than the temperature of its formation at all investigated gas compositions and water mineralization.Based on the processing of an extensive matrix of experimental studies, the calculation dependences of thermobaric conditions of hydrate formation were specified, which allowed to significantly improve the efficiency of prediction and accuracy of calculation of optimal dosages of inhibitor for the Kharampurskoye gas field. In this part of the study, the characteristic thermobaric conditions of natural gas production and collection from Turonian-Cenomanian deposits are summarized, the component composition of the investigated gas and water is described, and the methodology of laboratory tests is described.

Assessing knowledge of dental house officers regarding dosage calculation and complications of local anaesthesia, in three tertiary care dental hospitals of DUHS, Karachi.

To assess the knowledge and awareness of dental house officers regarding calculation of local anaesthesia dosage, and to evaluate differences in practices at various tertiary care facilities. The cross-sectional study was conducted at three dental hospitals affiliated with Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi from July to December 2022, and comprised house officers of either gender currently enrolled at the participating centres. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and awareness of local anaesthesia dosage calculation, administration methods, and common complications. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Of the 200 subjects approached, 136(68%) responded, and 89(65.4%) of them were females. Knowledge regarding the meaning of 2% lidocaine solution was low 45(33%), and 68(50%) subjects were knowledgeable about the maximum dosage of lidocaine with epinephrine. In terms of practice, lidocaine was the most commonly administered local anaesthetic 115(85%), followed by bupivacaine 15(11%). The majority of subjects administered local anaesthesia with vasoconstrictor 127(94%), but only 36(27%) performed aspiration during administration. Syncope 71(52%) was the most commonly reported complication, followed by lip/cheek/tongue biting by 35(26%). House officers' knowledge level of local anaesthesia administration indicated the need for adequate training.

Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

This study showcases a comprehensive treatment protocol for high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, focusing on the combined use of Y-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors as neoadjuvant therapy. Highlighted through a case report, it offers a step-by-step reference for similar therapeutic interventions. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a patient who underwent hepatectomy following Y-90 TARE and PD-1 inhibitor treatment. Key demographic and clinical details were recorded at admission to guide therapy selection. Y-90 TARE suitability and dosage calculation were based on Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) macroaggregated albumin (MAA) perfusion mapping tests. Lesion coverage by Y-90 microspheres was confirmed through single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion imaging, and adverse reactions and follow-up outcomes were meticulously documented. The patient, with a 7.2 cm HCC in the right hepatic lobe (T1bN0M0, BCLC A, CNLC Ib) and an initial alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 66,840 ng/mL, opted for Y-90 TARE due to high recurrence risk and initial surgery refusal. The therapy's parameters, including the lung shunting fraction (LSF) and non-tumor ratio (TNR), were within therapeutic limits. A total of 1.36 GBq Y-90 was administered. At 1 month post-therapy, the tumor shrank to 6 cm with partial necrosis, and AFP levels dropped to 21,155 ng/mL, remaining stable for 3 months. After 3 months, PD-1 inhibitor treatment led to further tumor reduction to 4 cm and AFP decrease to 1.84 ng/mL. The patient then underwent hepatectomy; histopathology confirmed complete tumor necrosis. At 12 months post-surgery, no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed in follow-up sessions. This protocol demonstrates the effective combination of Y-90 TARE and PD-1 inhibitor as a bridging strategy to surgery for HCC patients at high recurrence risk, providing a practical guide for implementing this approach.

THE INFLUENCE OF RESISTANCE TRAINING VARIABLES ON MUSCLE STRENGTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND Development of muscle strength through resistance training (RT) is associated with health and performance benefits. Prescribing resistance training utilising six different variables (sets × repetitions × exercises × intensity × frequency × duration) is complex to optimise outcomes. It is unclear if, the prescription of these variables to derive a composite variable, RT dosage, influences the development of muscle strength. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate if variations in RT dosage influence muscle strength. METHODS CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched; adults performing RT were compared against non-exercise controls where muscle strength was assessed. Only randomised controlled trials assessing chest and quadriceps muscle strength were considered. The six RT variables were extracted from eligible studies and were multiplied to generate RT dosage. Quadratic non-linear regressions were performed on pooled muscle strength data. Variable importance and model selection were performed to explore different linear combinations of RT variables to determine the most effective variable in developing muscle strength. RESULTS 207 articles were eligible that enabled the calculation of RT dosage. Meta-analyses confirmed a significant effect of RT on muscle strength (SMD ≥ 1.3, CI = 1.1-1.6, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Quadratic non-linear regression models for the chest and quadriceps strength indicated that RT dosage as a continuous variable showed a significant dose-response for muscle strength (SMD = &amp;gt; 1.5, CI = 0.01-3.1, P &amp;lt; 0.05). The individual variables of most importance to develop muscle strength appear to be volume and duration (p &amp;lt; 0.03). CONCLUSIONS As expected, RT significantly influences muscle strength and as RT dosage increases, so too does muscle strength; however, only up to a point (∼1.5 million arbitrary units) before further increases in RT dosage don’t appear to further develop muscle strength. Prescription of RT volume and duration should be prioritised for developing muscle strength.

Optimisation of Advanced Nutrient Solutions for Escalating Crop Production under Hydroponic Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Hydroponic farming has the potential to be a viable solution to problems related to conventional agriculture, such as deteriorated soil and limited water supply. Hydroponic farming may significantly increase crop yields while preserving the resources by cultivating various plants in a soilless medium using a precisely calculated nutrient solution. This review examined the functions of nutrient solutions which are being used under hydroponic farming, emphasizing the formulations, preparation and utilization of these solutions for growing crops. A crucial part of hydroponic systems is the nutrient solution which offers the plants both the macro and micronutrients as they are required for plant growth and development. Nutrient management in hydroponics is critical for making the optimum use of crop nutrients while minimizing the environmental impact. Total dissolved solids, pH and electrical conductivity are the three most important components in nutrient management in soilless cultivation. Nutrient availability is influenced by pH, however, pH of 5.8-6.5 is considered as the best range for hydroponic-based productions. The optimal range for electrical conductivity (EC) is 1.5 to 2.5 dS/m. The optimal range for total dissolved solids (TDS) for successful hydroponics growing ranges from 800–1500 ppm. For avoiding the toxicities or nutritional-based deficiencies, any fluctuations in pH, EC and TDS can lead to yield retardation, and therefore, these parameters should be monitored on a daily basis for successful hydroponics goal. Hence, the review paper emphasizes on different fertilizer dosage calculations for hydroponic systems. Although different crops require different amounts of nutrients, so it become essential to analyse, modify and apply the right nutrients dose at right crop stage. Ultimately, the review provides better insights and understanding of different nutrient formulations opted for hydroponically based crops such as leafy vegetables and herbs. In a hydroponic environment, these formulations are produced to fulfil the nutritional demand for ensuring healthy development and boosting yields.

Expanding Access to Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis for Monogenic Conditions to Consanguineous Families.

Cell-free fetal DNA exists within the maternal bloodstream during pregnancy and provides a means for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD). Our accredited clinical service offers definitive NIPD for several autosomal recessive (AR) and X-linked conditions using relative haplotype dosage analysis (RHDO). RHDO involves next-generation sequencing (NGS) of thousands of common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) surrounding the gene of interest in the parents and an affected or unaffected offspring to conduct haplotype phasing of the high- and low-risk alleles. NGS is carried out in parallel on the maternal cell-free DNA, and fetal inheritance is predicted using sensitive dosage calculations performed at sites where the parental genotypes differ. RHDO is not currently offered to consanguineous couples owing to the shared haplotype between parents. Here we test the expansion of RHDO for AR monogenic conditions to include consanguineous couples. The existing sequential probability ratio test analysis pipeline was modified to apply to SNPs where both parents are heterozygous for the same genotype. Quality control thresholds were developed using 33 nonconsanguineous cases. The performance of the adapted RHDO pipeline was tested on 8 consanguineous cases. The correct fetal genotype was predicted by our revised RHDO approach in all conclusive cases with known genotypes (n = 5). Haplotype block classification accuracies of 94.5% and 93.9% were obtained for the nonconsanguineous and consanguineous case cohorts, respectively. Our modified RHDO pipeline correctly predicts the genotype in fetuses from consanguineous families, allowing the potential to expand access to NIPD services for these families.

Development and Evaluation of a Prototype Mobile Application for Intravenous Drug Dose Calculation in Overweight and Obese Thai Children: Precision Dosing in Practice.

Background: Medication dosing in overweight and obese children often involves complex weight-based calculations, leading to higher dosing errors, particularly with intravenous drugs. Currently, tools to aid in dosage calculations are lacking for these patients, especially in Thai population. Objective: This study aimed to develop a mobile application with the intent of utilizing it as a tool to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of dosing calculations required for obese and overweight Thai children. Methods: The performance of the application was assessed in 3 key aspects using a sample of 30 healthcare professionals. These key aspects included: 1) the accuracy of dosage calculations, assessed through pre- and posttests comparing manual calculations to app-based calculations using a 10-item questionnaire, 2) the time taken for calculations before and after app usage, 3) user satisfaction, which was measured through a questionnaire. Results: The integration of applications into the calculation demonstrated a significant improvement when compared to the manual calculation in both accuracy (6.10 vs 9.33 out of 10, P < .001) and efficiency (10.40 vs 8.53 minutes per 10 questions, P = .008). Also, the application elicited high levels of satisfaction among users, as reflected by an overall mean satisfaction score of 4.57 on a 5-point scale. Conclusion: The integration of this application to assist in dosage calculations for overweight and obese pediatric Thai patients has yielded favorable outcomes concerning accuracy, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Further development should be pursued within a larger cohort, with an emphasis on real-world implementation in clinical settings.

Opioid Treatment in Primary Care: Knowledge and Practical Use of Opioid Therapy.

Primary care physicians play a key role in initiating opioid therapy. However, knowledge gaps in opioid use and pain management are significant barriers to providing optimal care. This research study aims to investigate the educational needs of primary care physicians regarding opioid therapy and opioid use in pain management. A computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) protocol was used to collect data from primary care physicians. Drug selection criteria, knowledge of opioid substitutes and dosage, and practical use of opioid therapy were evaluated. While 84% of participating physicians (724 respondents) reported initiating opioid treatment, only a minority demonstrated accurate opioid dosage calculations. Significant discrepancies between physicians' self-perceived knowledge and their clinical skills in opioid prescribing and pain management were observed. In total, 41% of physicians incorrectly indicated dose conversion rates for tramadol (the most frequently used drug according to 65% of responders). Targeted educational programs are essential to bridge the knowledge gap and increase physicians' competence in pain management. The proper self-assessment of one's own skills may be the key to improvement. Further research should focus on developing specialized educational courses and decision-support tools for primary care physicians and examining the impact of interprofessional pain management teams on patient outcomes.

Uma contribuição para o estudo de concreto geopolimérico leve com argila expandida: avaliação de seu desempenho térmico

Purpose: The objective of this work was to evaluate the thermal insulation performance of lightweight geopolymer concretes with expanded clay, considering their implications for energy consumption and construction efficiency. Theoretical framework: The urgent need for sustainable construction practices amid global concerns about climate change and environmental degradation has been increasingly discussed. With the cement industry being a major contributor to CO2 emissions, alternative materials like geopolymers offer a promising solution, once the consumption of concrete tends to grow bigger. The production of geopolymer concrete, known for its strength and low environmental impact, involves combining a precursor rich in aluminosilicates with an alkaline activator, usually sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. Notably, geopolymer cement can cut up to 64% of greenhouse gas emissions. Expanded clay, as a lightweight aggregate, garners attention for its porous structure and ability to provide thermal and acoustic insulation to concrete. Its application in constructing vertical enclosures, such as concrete walls, enhances thermoacoustic comfort and aids in assembly and transportation on construction sites. Effective thermal insulation, achieved through materials with low thermal conductivity, plays a pivotal role in creating thermally suitable environments, impacting user satisfaction, productivity, and energy conservation. Method and materials: The materials used for concrete production, including metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, expanded clay, crushed stone, and sand, were initially characterized. Subsequently, the dosage calculation for the production of test specimens was performed, involving mini concrete slabs with dimensions of 20x40x12 cm, compacted on a vibrating table. The concretes were produced with volume substitutions of crushed stone by expanded clay at 0% (GP) 30% (GP30%) and 70% (GP70%). For the thermal insulation test, the slabs were exposed to a heat source, and temperatures on the exposed and opposite faces were measured over 12 hours, at 30-minute intervals. After obtaining the experimental data, logarithmic equations with three parameters were fitted to achieve the stabilization temperature of the surfaces. Results and conclusion: Despite the expectation of stabilization in temperature after exposure to a heat source, it was not observed for the faces of the tested panels. A mathematical curve was derived through a curve-fitting process using logarithmic equations with three parameters. All curve fittings yielded R² values equal to or higher than 0.95, indicating satisfactory representativity and suggesting viability in analyzing panel thermal insulation through the adjusted equations. Considering the adjusted data, thermal insulation values for GP, GP30%, and GP70% were 31.82 °C, 35.30 °C, and 40.24 °C, respectively. Expanded clay's effect on increasing thermal insulation was evident, aligning with references indicating its insulating characteristics. Moreover, the substitution of crushed stone with expanded clay led to a noticeable reduction in specific mass, highlighting the lightweight nature of the compositions. Both 30% and 70% mixes fall under the lightweight category. Research implications: To produce a more environmentally friendly concrete using geopolymer cement, combined with expanded clay, aiming for a weight reduction in precast concrete wall structures and an improvement in the thermal insulation of these systems. Originality/value: To assess the feasibility of using lightweight geopolymer concretes with locally sourced materials through tests conducted in Brazilian studies, aiming to contribute to the existing gap in knowledge regarding the behavior of this alternative binder.

AN OVERVIEW OF SEMEN EXTENDERS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES TO DEVELOPMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN CAMEL

Artificial insemination is an emerging technique to ensure productivity and rapid genetic improvement in camels. This technique is not well developed due to involving different challenging factors because of semen collection, viscosity, nature of ejaculates, dilution in stabilized semen extenders, processing and cryopreservation, challenging related to artificial insemination and low conception rate. Numerous bovine commercial and non-commercial extenders with slight modification have been utilized for camel semen cryopreservation with little success. The gelatinous nature of the camel semen is one of the major challenges for proper evaluation, dosage calculation and cryopreservation. Various techniques have been used to liquefy the semen within a short spin of time without compromising the quality of sperm cells. This review provides precise data that appears in the peer reviews journals collected most of information to highlight the different semen extenders, addition of different supplementation and essential additives in semen extenders, challenges factors regarding camel bull and camel cow involved in success of artificial insemination.

The effect of functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity on resting motor threshold transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia participants

Schizophrenia is a neurological disorder known to influence the motor region. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique being investigated as a treatment for schizophrenia. Resting motor threshold (RMT) is the dosage parameter for TMS treatment protocols and is known to vary between participants with limited understanding of the drivers of this variance. Previous investigations have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and individual level neuroanatomy to explain RMT variability. Our previous investigation showed neuroanatomy influences RMT in both schizophrenia and healthy populations and this relationship was weakened by the presence of schizophrenia. In this study, 54 participants with schizophrenia-diagnosed, who were antipsychotic naive and 43 non-impaired controls underwent single pulse TMS, structural magnetic resonance imaging, and fMRI. An independent component analysis (ICA) was used to process fMRI data into 25 distinct channels where correlations were derived between channels. Linear and multiple regression models were used to evaluate first, the influence of these channel interactions on RMT followed by their influence when individual level neuroanatomy was also considered. We found that between-channel functional connectivity was altered in individuals with schizophrenia and that fMRI can contribute to prediction of RMT, but differently in both cohorts and to a lesser degree than individual level neuroanatomical measures. This suggests that functional connectivity influences TMS response and fMRI might help in dosage calculations of clinical TMS protocols.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Nursing Students' Math Skills and Drug Dosage Calculation Performance

Giriş: İlaç uygulamaları, hasta güvenliği için yüksek düzeyde dikkat ve bilgi gerektirmektedir. İlaç uygulamalarında ilaçlar ile ilgili temel bilgilere sahip olmak ve ilaç tedavisini uygulamak hemşirelerin sorumluluğundadır. Amaç: Bu araştırmada öğrenci hemşirelerin matematik becerileri ile ilaç dozu hesaplama performansı arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırmanın evrenini bir üniversitede öğrenim gören 2., 3., 4. sınıf ve yeni mezun hemşirelik bölümü öğrencileri oluşturmuştur (n=562). Online anket yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Verilerin toplanmasında araştırmacılar tarafından uzman görüşü alınarak hazırlanmış yapılandırılmış anket formu kullanılmıştır. Veriler Aralık 2020-Haziran 2021 tarihlerinde toplanmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde paket istatistik programı kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Matematik becerilerini yeterli gören öğrencilerin (%23.8) ilaç dozu hesaplama beceri testinden almış oldukları puanlar, matematik becerilerini yeterli görmeyen öğrencilere (%6.58) göre anlamlı olarak daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Matematik dersini zor bulan öğrenciler (%6.05) ilaç dozu hesaplama beceri testinden, bu dersi kısmen zor bulan öğrencilere (%25.4) göre anlamlı olarak daha düşük puan almıştır. Sonuç ve Öneriler: Öğrencilerin ilaç dozu hesaplama beceri testinden aldıkları puanlar, matematik becerilerine göre anlamlı değişiklik göstermiştir. Gelecekte yapılacak çalışmalarda, matematik becerilerinin geliştirilmesine paralel olarak, ilaç dozu hesaplamalarına yönelik eğitim grupları oluşturulması ve eğitim sonrası ilaç dozu hesaplama performansının incelenmesi değerli veriler elde edilmesine olanak sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

Cross Sectional Study to Correlate the Stature and Percutaneous Length of Ulna Bone of Pediatrics Age Group in North Karnataka State of India

BACKGROUND: Estimating stature is important for clinical, anthropological, forensic as well as medico-legal standpoint. In clinical scenarios, its significances range from estimating the BMI (body mass index) to diagnosing certain physical growth disorders and assessment of nutritional status. Height is one of the key parameters in multiple vital decision-making setting, such as: body surface area, drug dosage calculations, glomerular filtration and prediction of pulmonary function. Moreover, lack of cooperation from patient in pediatric is much common which may delay the classical method of stature estimation. Above all, height measurement is restricted to ambulatory patients only. But measurement of ulna bone overcomes all these shortcomings. The long bone, ulna is mostly subcutaneous throughout its length and easily approachable for measurement makes it the most preferable to be selected for the study. AIM: To calculate age wise stature variations among pediatric groups, to estimate percutaneous length of ulna bone, to establish a relationship between stature and percutaneous length of ulna bone, and to formulate predictive equations for calculating stature with ulnar length, respectively for each of the genders METHODS: The study was conducted at the pediatric ward of a medical college in North Karnataka from August 1,2022 to December 31, 2022. Sample size for proportion was calculated to be 96, taking 33% as P (Pilot study) and at 5% absolute precision at 95% confidence level. All steps and precautions were followed appropriately as per guidelines published by World Health Organization. Length of ulna bone was measured using a measuring tape (0-152cm/60 inches) with rounded ends, from the tip of the olecranon process to the tip of the styloid process of ulna keeping elbow joint flexed and palm spread over opposite shoulder. Measurements of length of both the right and left ulna were taken separately for calculation. Both the stature and the length of ulna were measured in centimeters. Means of age, length of ulna and body height/length were analyzed amongst both the genders for each age group. Data analysis would be done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; SPSS version 23; p≤0.05 would be considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the study, relationship between stature and percutaneous length of ulna bone were analyzed and predictive equations for calculating stature with ulnar length, respectively for each of the genders were formulated as: For males, length or height = 6.545455 × (mean ulnar length of both the arms) ±0.3cm. For females, length or height = 6.540540 × (mean ulnar length of both the arms) ±0.3cm. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that there is a linear correlation between stature and ulna bone length in pediatric age groups. The derived equation can be used to estimate the stature of pediatric age group, specific to the gender. Similarly, length of ulna bone may be estimated if the stature is known. It will contribute greatly towards anthropometry and its widespread applications in clinics and forensics.

Description and student perceptions of a medications dosing calculations course for non-healthcare majors.

To describe and assess a dosing calculations course presented to first-year college honors students who are not healthcare majors. The primary objective is, can first year undergraduate college honors students, who have not enrolled in a professional healthcare program, be successful in a calculations dosing course? The secondary objective is, what are the students' perceptions of the course? The instructor facilitated an in-person dosage calculations course, 1 h per week over 14 weeks. Small teams of students were created to facilitate learning throughout the semester. All 15 students passed the course, and overall, the student perceptions were positive. First-year college students, who were not healthcare majors, were able to be successful in a math and medications course. Overall, students had a positive perception of the course. Some students did have a concern about the relevance of the course to their future careers. This may be improved with the selection of healthcare students in the course for future offerings.

Analyzing Best Practices for Pediatric Well-Child Clinic Visits in the United States for Children Aged Three to Five Years: A Review.

Inadequate routine healthcare check-up visits for children aged three to five years impose substantial economic and social burdens due to morbidity and mortality. The absence of regular well-child visits and vaccinations leads to avoidable diseases, underscoring the need for a renewed emphasis on childhood immunizations and check-ups. Out of 160 articles initially screened after removing duplicates, 45 were chosen for full-text review following initial title and abstract screening by two independent reviewers. Afterward, 20 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria during the final assessment of full-text articles, and data were systematically extracted from these selected studies using standardized forms to ensure accuracy and consistency. Well-child visits promote holistic development, health, and well-being in children aged three to five years. Following established guidelines and evidence-based practices, healthcare professionals provide assessments, vaccinations, and guidance for a healthy future. Despite challenges, well-child visits are vital for preventive care, empowering informed decisions for children's growth and development. The benefits of well-child visits encompass growth monitoring, anticipatory guidance, and preventive measures, crucial for children with chronic illnesses. Key components include comprehensive assessments, developmental screenings, vision and hearing evaluations, immunizations, health education, and counseling. In the case of juvenile diabetes, parental education is paramount. Parents need to understand the intricacies of insulin administration, including proper dosage calculation based on glucose measurements, meal planning, and the importance of timing insulin injections. Implementing guidelines and principles by organizations such as Bright Futures and the American Academy of Pediatrics ensures holistic care, parent involvement, and evidence-based practices. This review explores best practices and guidelines for such visits, emphasizing their role in monitoring and promoting children's development.