Compliance Rate Research Articles

The impact of artificial intelligence on regulatory compliance in the oil and gas industry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the regulatory compliance landscape in the oil and gas industry. This paper examines the profound impact of AI on ensuring adherence to complex regulatory frameworks governing this sector. Regulatory compliance in the oil and gas industry involves adhering to a myriad of environmental, safety, and operational regulations, often posing significant challenges due to the volume and complexity of data involved. AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, offer innovative solutions to these challenges. AI enhances data management and analysis by automating data collection, processing, and reporting, thereby increasing accuracy and efficiency. Predictive maintenance and risk assessment tools powered by AI can identify potential compliance issues before they arise, allowing for proactive measures. Moreover, AI-driven compliance monitoring systems enable real-time tracking of regulatory adherence, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties. Automated auditing and inspection processes further streamline compliance checks, ensuring thorough and consistent evaluations. Case studies demonstrate successful AI implementations in regulatory compliance, such as automated reporting systems in offshore drilling and predictive maintenance in pipeline management, which have resulted in improved compliance rates and reduced operational risks. However, the adoption of AI is not without challenges. Issues related to data quality and integration, cybersecurity, and regulatory acceptance pose significant hurdles. Additionally, ethical and legal considerations surrounding AI deployment must be addressed to ensure responsible use. AI holds substantial potential to revolutionize regulatory compliance in the oil and gas industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and proactive risk management. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their integration into compliance processes will likely become more sophisticated, offering greater benefits and addressing current limitations. The future of regulatory compliance in the oil and gas sector will be increasingly shaped by the advancements in AI, driving both operational excellence and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.

Medicine Compliance Among Hypertensive Patients with Known Diabetes Mellitus in Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are prevalent chronic conditions, requiring long-term medication adherence for effective management. Non-compliance can lead to severe health complications and increased healthcare costs.Objective: To evaluate medication compliance among hypertensive patients with known diabetes mellitus in Sindh, Pakistan, and identify key factors contributing to non-compliance.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 381 participants from various cities in Sindh, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and factors influencing medication compliance. Blood pressure was recorded using a sphygmomanometer. Ethical approval was obtained, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Of the 381 participants, 67.98% were fully compliant with their medication regimen, while 32.02% were non-compliant. The most common reasons for non-compliance were complex medication regimens (17.21%), side effects (16.39%), and financial constraints (13.93%). Socioeconomic status significantly influenced compliance, with lower compliance observed in the lower socioeconomic group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Despite a high compliance rate, a substantial portion of patients remain non-compliant due to regimen complexity and financial barriers. Targeted interventions, including simplified treatment plans and improved patient education, are necessary.

Comparison of Amoxicillin Administered Twice versus Four Times a Day in First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication Using Tegoprazan, Clarithromycin, and Bismuth: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different amoxicillin (AMX) dosing schedules on bismuth quadruple therapy in Helicobacter pylori treatment-naïve patients. A total of 139 H. pylori-infected patients received a 2-week eradication regimen consisting of 50 mg tegoprazan, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 300 mg bismuth tripotassium dicitrate twice daily, 1000 mg AMX twice daily (BID group), or 500 mg AMX four times daily (QID group). We performed a urea breath test to evaluate H. pylori eradication eight weeks after treatment and compared the H. pylori eradication rate, patient compliance, and adverse drug events between the BID and QID groups. Based on propensity score matching, 114 and 100 patients were included in intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, respectively. The H. pylori eradication rate did not differ significantly according to the ITT (82.5% vs. 87.7%, p = 0.429) and PP (95.9% vs. 98.0%, p = 0.536) analyses between the BID and QID groups. No significant differences were found in treatment compliance or adverse drug event rates between the two groups. In conclusion, the eradication rate of first-line H. pylori therapy containing tegoprazan, clarithromycin, and bismuth was not affected by AMX dosing schedules administered twice and four times daily.

Effects of a Wearable-Based Intervention on the Hemiparetic Upper Limb in Persons With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Wearables have emerged as a transformative rehabilitation tool to provide self-directed training in the home. Objective. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a novel wearable device, "Smart Reminder" (SR), to provide home-based telerehabilitation for hemiparetic upper limb (UL) training in persons with stroke. Forty stroke survivors from community support groups were randomized (stratified by the period after stroke onset and impairment severity) to either the SR group or the sham device group. Participants received either 20 hours of telerehabilitation using the SR device or training with pictorial handouts and a sham device over 4 weeks. In addition, all participants wore a standard accelerometer for 3 hours each day, 5 times a week, outside the prescribed training. Participants were assessed by a masked assessor at baseline, post-intervention (week 4), and follow-up (week 8). The outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test, Motor Activity Log, muscle strength, active range of motion and amount of movement of the UL, and compliance rate of training. The SR group improved substantially in their FMA-UE scores after treatment (mean difference = 2.05, P = .036) compared to the sham group. Also, adherence to the training using the SR device was significantly higher, 97%, than the sham group, 82.3% (P = .038). The 4-week telerehabilitation program using a "SR" device demonstrated potential efficacy in improving FMA-UE scores of the hemiparetic upper limb. However, it did not significantly enhance the performance of the affected limb in daily activities. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) with the identifier NCT05877183.

Clinical Health Psychology Perspectives in Diabetes Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study Examining the Role of Depression in Adherence to Visits and Examinations in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Background: Depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impacts glycemic control and complications. This study examines the influence of depression on compliance with recommended annual diabetes assessments in patients within the Local Healthcare Authority of Romagna. From a clinical health psychology perspective, understanding how depression influences patients’ engagement in managing their conditions is crucial. This insight can help improve healthcare services by ensuring they address mental health needs and thereby enhance treatment effectiveness and overall patient outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included residents of Romagna with incident T2DM from 2015 to 2017, followed from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. Depression was identified via hospital discharge records or antidepressant prescriptions. Adherence to diabetes care guidelines was measured using the Guideline Composite Indicator (GCI). Results: The study included 13,285 patients, with a mean age of 61.1 years. Prevalence of post-diabetes depression increased from 3.0% in 2018 to 8.9% in 2022. Initial analyses showed higher GCI rates among patients with depression. However, propensity-score adjustment revealed that by 2021–2022, patients with pre-diabetes depression had 5% lower compliance rates (p-value ≤ 0.05). Older adults with depression had reduced adherence, while younger adults with post-diabetes depression had higher adherence rates. Conclusions: Depression significantly affects adherence to diabetes care guidelines in T2DM patients, particularly among older adults. Integrated care models addressing both diabetes and depression are crucial for improving health outcomes.

A model for VAT standardization in Nigeria: Enhancing collection and compliance

This paper explores a proposed model for the standardization of Value-Added Tax (VAT) in Nigeria, aiming to enhance both collection efficiency and compliance. VAT is a significant revenue source for Nigeria; however, inefficiencies in its collection and compliance present challenges to economic development. The study addresses these issues by proposing a comprehensive model that integrates global best practices with local context. The proposed model includes the uniform application of VAT rates across sectors, standardized invoicing and documentation procedures, and the adoption of advanced technological solutions for VAT monitoring and reporting. By standardizing VAT procedures and leveraging technology, the model seeks to reduce discrepancies and errors, streamline compliance, and enhance transparency. The methodology involves a thorough review of existing literature, comparative analysis of VAT systems in other countries, and case studies of past VAT standardization attempts in Nigeria. The study uses qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model and its potential impact on VAT collection and compliance. The findings indicate that implementing the model could significantly improve VAT collection efficiency and compliance rates, contributing to a more robust and transparent tax system. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers on adopting and refining the proposed model, along with suggestions for further research to address ongoing challenges in VAT administration. Keywords: Model, VAT, Standardization, Nigeria, Enhancing Collection, Compliance.

Examining the Impact of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use on Alcohol Consumption and Consequences: Protocol for an Observational Ambulatory Assessment Study in Young Adults.

There is significant conflicting evidence as to how using cannabis while drinking alcohol (ie, simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use) impacts alcohol volume consumed, patterns of drinking, and alcohol-related consequences. The impact of simultaneous use on drinking outcomes may be influenced by several within-person (eg, contextual) and between-person (individual) factors. This study was designed to examine naturalistic patterns of alcohol and cannabis use to understand how simultaneous use may impact drinking outcomes. The primary aims were to understand the following: (1) if simultaneous use is associated with increased alcohol consumption and riskier patterns of drinking,(2) if simultaneous use leads to increased alcohol consequences, and(3) how contextual circumstances moderate the impact of simultaneous use on consumption and consequences. Data collection involves a 28-day ambulatory assessment protocol in which a sample of non-treatment-seeking young adults who report simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis complete ecological momentary assessments (random, event-contingent, and time-contingent surveys) of alcohol and cannabis use, contexts, motives, and consequences on their personal smartphones while continuously wearing an alcohol biosensor bracelet. Participants also complete a baseline assessment, brief internet-based check-in on day 14, and a final session on day 28. Community-based recruitment strategies (eg, social media and flyers) were used to enroll 95 participants to obtain a target sample of 80, accounting for attrition. Recruitment and data collection began in May 2021 and continued through June 2024. Initial results for primary aims are expected in October 2024. As of March 2024, the project had recruited 118 eligible participants, of whom 94 (79.7%) completed the study, exceeding initial projections for the study time frame. Remaining recruitment will provide the capacity to probe cross-level interactions that were not initially statistically powered. Strengths of the project include rigorous data collection, good retention and compliance rates, faster-than-expected enrollment procedures, use of a novel alcohol biosensor, and successful adaptation of recruitment and data collection procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first investigation to assess the key momentary predictors and outcomes of simultaneous use as well as self-reported and objective (via alcohol biosensor) measures of alcohol consumption and patterns. The results of this study will inform prevention efforts and studies of individuals who use cannabis who are engaged in alcohol treatment. DERR1-10.2196/58685.

Evaluation of a training programme on the management of infectious and sharp healthcare waste in Tunisia

IntroductionThe management of healthcare waste is a crucial issue for public health and the environment. To minimise risks, it is essential to ensure that the management of healthcare waste is...

Evaluating the Effects of Decentralized District-Based Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Pakistan: An Alternative Model of Care

Background: Pakistan faces a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), with traditional centralized care resulting in delays and poor treatment outcomes. Decentralizing care to district-level hospitals offers a potentially more effective alternative.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of decentralized DR-TB care on treatment initiation time, patient follow-up, and treatment outcomes.Methods: A descriptive post-intervention study was conducted at a decentralized DR-TB clinic in Sheikhupura, Punjab, between June 2021 and December 2022. Data from 100 patients were retrospectively collected from hospital records and diagnostic labs, including demographic information, treatment compliance, smear and culture conversion rates, and adverse drug reactions. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics.Results: The average time from diagnosis to treatment initiation was 14.9 days. Smear conversion by the sixth month was 99%, while culture conversion was 98%. The treatment success rate was 70%, with a 7% loss to follow-up, 2% treatment failure, and 15% mortality.Conclusion: Decentralized DR-TB care significantly reduced delays in treatment initiation and improved patient outcomes. This model is feasible for national implementation with potential to enhance DR-TB management in Pakistan.

Antibiotic prophylaxis practice in gastrointestinal surgery in five hospitals in southern Benin

BackgroundBenin’s healthcare system is characterized by a lack of local guidelines for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP), which is essential to prevent surgical site infection. AimTo audit compliance for SAP practices in gastrointestinal surgery. MethodsData were prospectively collected from gastrointestinal surgery departments in five hospitals. Over a four month period, SAP was assessed using five conventional criteria (indication, choice of antibiotic, dosage, timing, and duration of administration) among patients admitted for Altemeier class 1 or 2 procedures. Three guidelines were used as reference: World Health Organization (WHO), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)and French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR). FindingsOf 68 surgical interventions, overall compliance with WHO, ASHP, and SFAR was observed in zero (0.0%), one case (1.5%) and two cases (2.9%), respectively. Compliance with indication varied according to the guidelines: 65 (95.6%) were compliant with WHO and ASHP and 47 cases (69.11%) with SFAR. Among compliant cases, the antibiotics administered were rarely selected according to guidelines: WHO, 2 (2.9%) and ASHP, 2 (2.9%), and SFAR, 3 (4.4%). Drug dosage compliance varied from 20 (29.4%) (SFAR) to 49 (72.0%) (ASHP). Timings were respected in 47 (69.1%; WHO), 45 (66.2%; ASHP) and 9 cases (13.2%; SFAR). The number of cases compliant with antibiotic prophylaxis duration were 13 (19.1%; WHO), 17 (25.0%; ASHP) and 16 (23.5%; SFAR). ConclusionThe SAP compliance rate in gastrointestinal surgery based on the five conventional criteria was very low. SAP guidelines must be implemented appropriately for local bacteriological epidemiology.

A comprehensive audit of difficult airway trolleys in selected Victorian hospitals.

This study aimed to assess the availability, design, and contents of difficult airway trolleys in hospitals in Victoria, Australia. A survey audit was conducted with a 92.3% reply rate, and the responses from 22 major Victorian hospitals were analysed. The results showed that difficult airway trolleys were available in 100% of operating theatres, emergency departments and intensive care units, and the rate of standardisation was high. Compliance with recommended design features and resources was on average 68.3%. There was no significant difference in the compliance rate of major tertiary centres compared with other hospitals. The carriage of non-essential items was reduced compared with earlier audits. However, there was heterogeneity in the brands of supraglottic airway devices, videolaryngoscopes and cognitive aids used. The study highlights the need for ongoing improvement to the organization and content of difficult airway trolleys, and for further discussion regarding the safety of equipment variation across institutions.

Abstract A126: Cancer screening trends in Louisiana’s sexual gender minority population

Abstract Cancer screenings in Louisiana (LA) have been consistently lower than the national average. Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are more likely to be non-compliant with cancer screening guidelines and consistently do not meet cancer screening recommendations. This study compares compliance to cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines over time between SGM and the non-SGM population in LA. Data were obtained from the LA 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The sample was divided into gay (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other sexual orientation other than straight) and straight. Three primary outcomes of interest were used to measure breast, cervical, and CRC cancer screening adherence based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) screening recommendation at the time of each survey. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests were conducted using sample weights. CRC had the lowest compliance rate in the entire population and across sexual orientation groups. Twenty-five percent of both populations had never received any CRC screening test. Comparatively, 3.6% of straight and 5.3% of gay populations had never received a mammogram while 6.6% of straight and 13.6% of the population had never received a pap smear. Significant improvements in compliance to breast, cervical, and CRC cancer screenings guidelines was observed among those who identified as straight over the survey years until 2020. Decreases in screening compliance were observed in this population from 2020 to 2022, likely due to the effects of the COVID pandemic. Screening compliance in those who identified as gay showed more variation over time in all three cancers. Screening compliance for CRC and cervical cancer were at its highest in 2016, declined to its lowest point in 2020, but increased in 2022. In 2016, there was a significant decline in breast cancer screening compliance in this population to the lowest ever observed in both groups. The initial increases in colorectal and cervical cancer screening observed from 2014 to 2016 among the gay population may be attributed to significant decreases in uninsured rates following the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, this population saw increased access to the private insurance market following the Obergefell decision and the Marriage Equality Act of 2015, which extended employer-sponsored coverage to same-sex couples. While breast cancer screenings declined from 2014-2016 in the gay population, there was a sharp increase from 2016 to 2018, which aligns with the 2016 expansion of Medicaid in Louisiana. Despite increases in access to insurance coverage, SGM individuals report being in fair or poor health and having negative experiences with healthcare providers at higher rates than their non-SGM counterparts. More research is needed to understand the healthcare landscape and experiences of SGM Louisianans. This will help to inform targeted interventions to increase screenings and improve cancer outcomes among this population. Citation Format: Bilikisu Elewonibi, Carleigh Baudoin, Ashely Fenton. Cancer screening trends in Louisiana’s sexual gender minority population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A126.

Evaluation of the reliability and usability of CARE-Radiology: A descriptive-analytic study.

The study aimed to evaluate the reliability and usability of the CARE-Radiology checklist in assessing radiological case reports and provide a basis for its broader adoption and optimization. Ten randomly selected radiological case reports published in scientific journals in 2020 were evaluated using the CARE-Radiology checklist. Twenty-six experts from 10 countries were invited to independently assess all ten reports. The reliability of the checklist was measured using Fleiss' Kappa, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Usability was evaluated by recording the time taken to complete the assessments and requesting the evaluators to rate each item on a Likert scale for its easiness of use. The median time for evaluating one radiological case report was 15 min. The overall agreement among evaluators showed moderate reliability with a Kappa value of 0.47 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.51. The mean compliance rate for the items of CARE-Radiology was 61.8%, with some items exceeding 90% compliance. Items related to abstracts and keywords had the lowest compliance rates. The evaluators found most items easy to understand, with a few exceptions. The CARE-Radiology checklist is relatively easy for researchers to use and understand. Continuous feedback is necessary for future revisions and updates, to enhance the effectiveness of the checklist, and to improve user experience.

Assessment of blood pressure measurement technique amongst nurses working at a tertiary care cardiac center

Background Accurate measurement is indispensable for effectively managing hypertension (HTN); any error in technique or instrumentation can lead to misdiagnosis and improper management. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of blood pressure (BP) measurement among nurses at a tertiary care cardiac center in Karachi. Materials and methods Nursing staff responsible for BP assessment at various stations were identified, observed, and interviewed to evaluate their skill and knowledge levels regarding BP measurement techniques. Nurses’ skill levels were assessed using a checklist based on the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for BP assessment. Results Seventy-five nurses participated in the study, with 49 (65.3%) being male and a mean age of 32.1 ± 6.2 years. Only 25 (33.3%) nurses reported reading the AHA guidelines for BP measurement. None of the nurses demonstrated excellent skills; 19 (25.3%) showed good skills, while 56 (74.7%) showed poor skills in BP measurement. A poor compliance was observed on a total of 14/31 steps with compliance rate of less than 50%. Similarly, none of the nurses exhibited excellent knowledge; only 3 (4%) had good knowledge, while 72 (96%) had poor knowledge about BP measurement. A poor knowledge was observed on a total of 18/36 items with correct response rate of less than 50%. Conclusion Nurses working at various stations of a tertiary cardiac center exhibited inadequate skills and knowledge regarding BP measurement. This underscores the necessity for comprehensive training and education to enhance the accurate assessment of BP.

Determinants of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Completion in Sarawak

Objective: Rabies remains persistent in Sarawak despite efforts to control its spread. This study investigates the determinants of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) completion among individuals in Sarawak that have been exposed to potential rabies transmission through animal bites.Material and Methods: A retrospective cohort study, using a universal sampling approach was employed, utilizing data from the Sarawak i-Bite System. Binary logistic regression was used to identify significant variables: a p-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The mean age of people having experienced animal bites was 38.1 (S.D.=22.4) years. Most were male (51.6%) and of Chinese ethnicity (37.2%). The predominant sites of animal bites were the upper (53%) and lower limbs (39.5%). Category 3 bite injuries and bites from fully confined pets were the most frequently reported (68.9% and 43.9%, respectively). In total 56.5% of the study population had a complete rabies vaccine regimen as post-exposure prophylaxis, while 5.4% had incomplete vaccinations, and 38% received no vaccination. The majority received treatment at government hospitals (59.1%). The significant determinants of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis completion in Sarawak were the Iban ethnicity (odd ratio (OR)=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.08-2.44, p-value=0.02), grade 3 bite (OR=3.9, 95% CI=,1.86-4.68, p-value<0.001), pet mixed with stray (OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.32-2.33, p-value<0.001), stray animals (OR=2.41, 95% CI=1.78-3.25, p-value,0.001) and treated in a government hospital (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.47-0.83, p-value<0.001).Conclusion: This study reported that only 56.5% of patients completed the rabies PEP series. The important determinants of PEP completion status were found to be the Iban ethnicity, bite severity, category of animal, and place of treatment. These findings offer valuable insights to assist the Sarawak State Health Department in prioritizing strategies to enhance the compliance rate, with the ultimate goal of eliminating dog-mediated Rabies deaths by 2030.

Establishment of cross-priming amplification for point-of-care detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria

ObjectiveTo simplify sputum sample preparation steps and achieve point-of-care testing (POCT) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) using Cross-Priming Amplification (CPA) technology on portable devices, overcoming the challenges of existing nucleic acid detection technologies that cannot be widely promoted in grassroots settings in China. MethodsEvaluate the liquefying ability of high-concentration guanidine thiocyanate (GTC) for sputum and the effectiveness of MTB inactivation; establish a rapid detection system for MTB and NTM based on CPA technology using EasyNAT integrated detection tubes, with the left amplification zone specific to MTB CPA amplification and the right amplification zone specific to both MTB and NTM CPA amplification. Suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients or patients diagnosed as suspected NTM pulmonary infections specimens collected from the Second Hospital of Longyan, Fujian Province, from September 2022 to September 2023, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and CPA-POCT were performed. The kappa coefficients was used to evaluate the consistency between the RT-PCR and CPA-POCT. ResultsThe liquefaction effect of 6M GTC on sputum was equivalent to 4 % NaOH, and no MTB growth was observed in the Lowenstein-Jensen medium of sputum samples treated with 6M GTC incorporating the H37Rv strain. The newly established CPA-POCT method showed good agreement with RT-PCR with a positive compliance rate of 86.27 %, a negative compliance rate of 89.36 %, an overall compliance rate of 87.75 %, and a Kappa coefficients of 0.786 (P < 0.05). Conclusion6M GTC can liquefy sputum and render MTB non-viable, eliminating the need for Mycobacterium nucleic acid testing in BSL-2 laboratories; the newly established CPA method can rapidly and accurately distinguish MTB and NTM in the form of POCT, with simple and fast operation, suitable for promotion and application in grassroots medical institutions and remote rural areas.

A 24-Week Combined Resistance and Balance Training Program Improves Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Jiang, G, Tan, X, Zou, J, and Wu, X. A 24-week combined resistance and balance training program improves physical function in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—This randomized controlled trial assessed the feasibility of older adults performing combined resistance and balance training (RBT) and compared the effects of RBT on physical function with those of resistance training (RT) alone and with no exercise training in older adults. In total, 65 community-dwelling adults aged 60–74 years were randomly assigned to an RT (n = 22), RBT (n = 22), or control (n = 21) group. The exercise intervention consisted of RT or RBT for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 24 weeks. The control group engaged in no exercise training. The compliance rates were 93% in the RT group and 92% in the RBT group. No training-related adverse effect was observed. In the RT and RBT groups, dynamic balance (p = 0.017; p &lt; 0.001, respectively), maximum walking speed (p = 0.014; p &lt; 0.001), upper extremity (p = 0.013; p = 0.009) and lower extremity (p = 0.009; p &lt; 0.001) muscle strength, and spirometry (p = 0.043; p = 0.018) were significantly improved at 24 weeks compared with the control group. Only the RBT group showed significant improvement in normal walking speed (p = 0.002). Compared with the RT group, the RBT group showed additional significant improvements in dynamic balance (p = 0.001) and lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.027). The findings of this randomized controlled trial indicated that RBT was safe and feasible for older adults. Long-term RBT had better effects than either no exercise training or RT alone on improving physical function in older adults. Compared with RT, RBT additionally benefited dynamic balance and lower limb muscle function, which are clinically important factors in preventing falls, frailty, disability, and other geriatric syndromes.

Study on hand disinfection in inpatient geriatric care on the superiority of cold plasma aerosol versus alcohol-based disinfection methods in a parallel group design

The introduction of fundamental hygiene protocols within the healthcare sector during the nineteenth century led to a significant reduction in mortality rates. Contemporary advancements, such as alcohol-based sanitizers, have further enhanced hand hygiene practices. However, these measures are often overlooked in nursing facilities, resulting in low staff compliance rates and increased cross-infection rates. Novel approaches, such as cold plasma hand disinfection, present promising alternatives due to their minimal skin damage and economic benefits. This study aims to compare the disinfectant efficacy of cold plasma aerosol under practical application conditions with an alcoholic hand disinfectant listed by the Association for Applied Hygiene. The microbial count on participants’ hands was measured, with particular attention paid to the spontaneous occurrence of fecal indicators and the presence of potentially infectious bacteria. A t-test for independent samples was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference between the two cohorts regarding the research question. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean log colony-forming unit (CFU) values were significantly lower in the test cohort using only the cold plasma method for hand disinfection compared to the cohort using conventional alcohol-based hand disinfection. Moreover, it was demonstrated that, unlike alcohol-based hand disinfection, cold plasma application ensures the effective elimination of Staphylococcus aureus. The findings indicate that staff utilizing plasma disinfection have an average bacterial count that is 0.65 log units lower than those who regularly use alcohol-based hand disinfection. In addition to the efficacy of cold plasma disinfection, its superiority over alcohol-based hand disinfection was also established. Beyond offering economic and logistical advantages, cold plasma disinfection provides additional health benefits as it does not induce skin damage, unlike alcohol-based hand disinfection.

A comparative analysis of 24-hour movement behaviors features using different accelerometer metrics in adults: Implications for guideline compliance and associations with cardiometabolic health.

Movement behavior features such as time use estimates, average acceleration and intensity gradient are crucial in understanding associations with cardiometabolic health. The aim of this study was to 1) compare movement behavior features processed by commonly used accelerometer metrics among adults (i.e. Euclidian Norm Minus One (ENMO), Mean Amplitude Deviation (MAD) and counts per minute (CPM)), 2) investigate the impact of accelerometer metrics on compliance with movement behavior guidelines, and 3) explore potential variations in the association between movement behavior features and cardiometabolic variables depending on the chosen metric. This cross-sectional study collected movement behavior features (Actigraph GT3X+) and cardiometabolic variables. Accelerometer data were analyzed by four metrics, i.e. ENMO, MAD, and CPM vertical axis and CPM vector magnitude (GGIR). Intraclass correlations and Bland‒Altman plots identified metric differences for time use in single movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior), average acceleration and intensity gradient. Regression models across the four metrics were used to explore differences in 24-hour movement behaviors (24h-MBs; compositional variable) as for exploration of associations with cardiometabolic variables. Movement behavior data from 213 Belgian adults (mean age 45.8±10.8 years, 68.5% female) differed according to the metric used, with ENMO representing the most sedentary movement behavior profile and CPM vector magnitude representing the most active profile. Compliance rates for meeting integrated 24h-MBs guidelines varied from 0-25% depending on the metric used. Furthermore, the strength and direction of associations between movement behavior features and cardiometabolic variables (body mass index, waist circumference, fat% and HbA1c) differed by the choice of metric. The metric used during data processing markedly influenced cut-point dependent time use estimates and cut-point independent average acceleration and intensity gradient, impacting guideline compliance and associations with cardiometabolic variables. Consideration is necessary when comparing findings from accelerometry studies to inform public health guidelines.

Role of Newborn Hearing Screening Done Over One Year in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) is universally acknowledged as a critical early intervention to prevent adverse developmental outcomes caused by undetected hearing loss. Despite its proven benefits, the implementation of NHS varies, especially in tertiary care hospitals that manage high-risk neonates. This study investigates the effectiveness and implementation of NHS protocols in these settings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. All newborns delivered between January 2023 and December 2023 were included. Screening involved initial otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) tests, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) followed by brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) for those who failed.Data on demographic characteristics, screening results, and follow-up compliance were collected and analyzed. A total of 1,398 neonates were screened. Initial screeningresulted in 416 (29.7%) referrals. Follow-up screenings showed high compliance rates, with significant detections of hearing impairments through BERA. The screening was completed for 1,341 babies. Fifty-five babies were lost to follow-up. Of these, 2 babies (0.1%) with a high risk for hearing loss were diagnosed with bilateral severe hearing loss. The study also noted demographic factors such as kinship and obstetric history that might influence hearing loss risks. NHS plays a vital role in the early detection and management of hearing impairments, which is crucial for preventing negative impacts on a child's development. This study advocates for the systematic implementation of NHS protocols in all tertiary care hospitals, especially those serving high-risk neonates, to ensure optimal developmental outcomes.