Demographic Profile Research Articles

Comparing FGFR-3 and TS-HDS Seropositive Small Fiber Neuropathy: Unique Patient Features, Symptoms, Laboratory, and Nerve Conduction Study Findings.

Small fiber neuropathy presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. To solve this challenge, efforts have been made to identify autoantibodies associated with this condition. Previous literature has often considered tri-sulfated heparin disaccharide (TS-HDS) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) as a singular seropositive group and/or focused primarily on symptomatic associations. One hundred seventy-two small fiber neuropathy patients with a Washington University Sensory Neuropathy panel were selected for TS-HDS seropositivity, FGFR-3 seropositivity, and seronegative controls. Data were collected to on the demographic, symptomatic, and laboratory profiles of each subgroup. Percent female (P = 0.0043), frequency of neuropathic pain symptoms (P = 0.0074), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.0293), vitamin D (P < 0.0001), and vitamin B12 (P = 0.0033) differed between the groups. Skin biopsy was more frequently normal within both the FGFR-3 and the TS-HDS cohort (P = 0.0253). TS-HDS and FGFR-3 display a distinct phenotype from both controls and one another. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) against FGFR-3 and IgM against TS-HDS may be individually valuable markers for the development of distinct clinical phenotypes.

Development of manufacturing engineering program of Bulacan State University using employability tracer study

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Tracer study is one of the continuous quality improvement tools for curriculum development. The graduates are invited to answer the tracer form to determine their employability. Since the Manufacturing Engineering program in Bulacan State University (BuLSU) is the youngest engineering program, there is minimal data on graduates available, especially on the details of their first jobs, such as the first job related to the program, time taken to land their first job, gross monthly salary, and learning competencies. The demographic profile of the manufacturing engineering graduates from 2015 to 2019 is preserved and remains strictly confidential for the safety of their identification. Correspondingly, the study applied a cross-sectional retrospective survey method. Moreover, 67.41% of manufacturing engineering graduates responded. The employment rate of manufacturing engineering graduates was 93.38%, whereas regular or permanent in their current employment was 84.40%. Furthermore, data show that they are employed within less than a month, 50.97% of responses. Lastly, the primary learning competency that manufacturing engineering graduates consider is critical thinking skills, with a response rate of 86.11%, followed by problem-solving skills, with 81.94% responses, while third was communication skills, with a rate of 78.08%. Ultimately, the recommendations for further curriculum and program improvement are exhibited.&lt;/span&gt;

Early Intervention in Septic Arthritis of the Hand, Optimizing Patient Outcomes in Hand Infections—A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: Hand septic arthritis is a potentially debilitating condition that can significantly affect patient functionality and quality of life. Understanding the demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of this condition is crucial for its effective treatment and management. : This study aimed to analyze the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with hand septic arthritis, to identify common microbial pathogens, and to evaluate the impact of various factors on clinical course and treatment outcomes. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study examined patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the hand, focusing on their demographic data, clinical presentation, causative organisms, treatment methods, and outcomes. Data on age, sex, cause of infection, affected sites, surgical interventions, microbiological findings, and patient outcomes were also collected. Results: This study found a higher prevalence of septic arthritis in males and identified bite as the predominant cause. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. A large number of patients did not exhibit bacterial growth, and bacterial resistance did not significantly affect the outcome. Outcomes were statistically influenced by the timing of medical presentation and the presence of comorbidities. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for effective management of hand septic arthritis. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that considers patient demographic and clinical characteristics to optimize treatment outcomes. Awareness and preventive measures are essential to reduce the incidence and severity of this condition.

The Most Essential Learning Competencies in Statistics of the Grade 7 Learners

This study aimed to formulate valid supplementary statistic learning materials for Grade 7 learners to improve their attainment of the most essential learning competencies in statistics. It examined the demographic profile of the respondents, level of attainment of the MELCs in statistics, mastered and least mastered competencies, and significant relationship between their profile and their attainment of the MELCs in statistics. Results revealed that the level of attainment of the MELCs in statistics for Grade 7 learners was Satisfactory. They showed less mastery on competencies involving posing problems, formulating simple statistical instruments, using appropriate graphs to represent organized data, calculating measures of variability, and drawing conclusions. The educational attainment of parents showed significant relationship with the attainment of the MELCs. The researcher recommends that parents must involve themselves in the learner’s education. Furthermore, supplementary learning activities can help poor performing students to help them improve their mathematical skills in statistics.

Outcomes from Early Experience with Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Versus Open Technique

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) regarding postoperative pain, recurrence rates, duration of hospital stay and other postoperative outcomes within the context of a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, and the initial experience of laparoscopic repairs. The current consensus in the literature often suggests LIHR as superior to open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR). Methods: This single-centre, retrospective, observational study was conducted at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Education and Research, Puducherry, India, from January 2011 to September 2020. All patients who underwent elective OIHR and LIHR were included. Data on the patients demographics, comorbidities, hernia type, mesh characteristics, surgery duration, hospital stay and immediate postoperative complications were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 2,690 OIHR and 158 LIHR cases were identified. The demographic profiles, hospital stay and complication rates were similar in both groups. However, surgical site infection was present exclusively in the OIHR group (3.55% versus 0.0%; P &lt;0.05). The timeline for returning to normal activities was statistically shorter for the LIHR group (6 versus 8 days; P &lt;0.05). The most frequent immediate complication in the LIHR group was subcutaneous emphysema (6.54% versus 0.0%; P &lt;0.05). Recurrence (9.23% versus 3.61%; P = 0.09) and chronic pain (41.53% versus 13.55%; P &lt;0.05) were higher in the LIHR group. Conclusion: Lower recurrence and chronic pain rates were observed with OIHR in the initial experience with LIHR in the hospital. However, LIHR had significant advantages concerning faster patient recovery and lower rates of surgical site infections. While the results contribute an interesting deviation from the standard narrative, they should be interpreted within the context of a learning curve associated with the early experience of the research team with LIHR. Keywords: Hernia; Inguinal Hernia; Laparoscopy; India.

Changes in biomarkers of lipid in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its association with various disease parameters: a 6-month follow-up study

Background: The objectives of our study were to determine the changes in lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and assess its association with epidemiological and clinical profile of JIA patients. Methods: This observational study was performed with 46 patients at presentation followed by 38 cases at 3 months and 18 cases at 6 months of follow up. Their demographic profile and clinical parameters including juvenile disease activity score (JADAS 27) were compared with the biomarkers of lipid profile. Results: The mean (SD) age was 105.85 (20.23) months at first visit with mean (SD) disease duration being 15 (6.4) months. Twenty-six participants had oligoarthritic (56.5%), while the rest had polyarthritis (43.4%). Most of the patients had borderline raised TG and LDL-C (cases with raised TG n=14 (30.4%), 12 (31.5%), 5 (27.7%) at 1st visit, 3 months, and 6 months respectively and LDL-C n=12 (26%), 10 (26.3%), 6 (33.3%) at 1stvisit, 3 months, and 6 months respectively). HDL-C level was low in 36 (78.2%) cases at first visit, 28 cases (73.6%) at 3 months and 12 cases (66.6%) at 6 months respectively. Lipid profile was significantly affected by gender difference, duration of disease and drug therapy (p&lt;0.05). Significant association have been found between JADAS score and TGL level with p value 0.03. Conclusions: Children with JIA definitely suffer from dyslipidemia. Among the biomarkers of lipid profile, low level of HDL-C is one of the most important highlights of our study. Further studies can help to strengthen the findings and formulate necessary interventions at an early stage.

Influence of Facebook Use on the Study Habits of Selected Grade 7 Learners in Mindanao State University - University Training Center

The study aimed to investigate the influence of using Facebook application on the study habits of selected fifty (50) Grade 7 learners in Mindanao State University- University Training Center, school year 2021-2022. The study adapted descriptive research design using survey-questionnaire to help researchers gain relevant information quickly and effectively. The instrument has two (2) parts: part one, the personal profile of the respondents, such are: age, gender, parents’ occupation and parents’ monthly income and part two, the perceptions on the influence of using Facebook application on the learners’ study habits. The instrument has twenty-two (22) items, and the respondents was given choices to answer using a 4-point Likert scales such Strongly Disagree=4, Disagree = 3, Agree = (2) Strongly Agree = 1. The gathered data result was treated using the statistical tools such are: frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using a Statistical Product and Service Solutions SPSS) software. The statistical tools used are vital that enabling researchers to gain meaningful insights and interpret the results adequately. Moreover, based on the findings of the study, the demographic profile of the respondents revealed that 52% of the respondents were belonged to the age bracket of 12 to 15 years old, 72% were female. Additionally, many or 36% of the respondents’ mothers’ occupation were engaged in business, likewise 44% of the respondents’ fathers’ occupation were engaged in small businesses too. Moreover, on the respondents’ parents’ monthly income 54% of them assessed that around Php 5,001.00 to 10,000.00 as their parents’ monthly income, and 72 % had one to two Facebook accounts registered and 72% answered that they spent three to five hours using Facebook application. Meanwhile, the results also manifest that frequent used of Facebook application affects learners’ study habit. The data showed average weighted mean is 2.568 and descriptively defined as “agree”, this connotes that respondents use Facebook application for fun and popularity. This signified that the use of Facebook app affected the study habits of the learners. Thus, the major implication derived from the higher addiction to Facebook, where the study habit become poor and academic achievement reduced resulting to lower grades. It is highly recommended that to the learners to use Facebook as a tool for studying rather than using it unnecessarily. Likewise, the Facebook addiction resulted to learner-respondents’ lower academic performance. Anent to this, the parents should set rules in using online applications.

Time Management Practices: Its Impact on Student Athletes' Performance

This study determined the time management practices and the performance of student-athletes. Focusing on key aspects such as student-athlete profiles, the level of time management practices, the impact of these practices, factors influencing student-athletes, and the significant relationship between profiles and time management levels, this research utilized a quantitative descriptive design. Employing a purposive random sampling method, the study encompassed 200 student-athlete respondents from the six prestigious GensanPRISAA colleges in General Santos City. Results showed that respondents were predominantly male, aged 21-23, engaged in basketball and team sports, and enrolled as first-year Criminology students with notable academic performance and local competition achievements. Results revealed a high level of time management skills demonstrated by student-athletes in managing both training sessions and academic schedules. These skills significantly influenced academic performance, athletic achievements, social relationships, and personal well-being. Additionally, the study identified various factors affecting time management, including school and teacher demands, athletic commitments, personal priorities, and social relationships. Surprisingly, there was no significant relationship between demographic profiles and time management practices, indicating other influential factors. To address these findings, the study suggested Enhancing the Student-Athlete Development Program to comprehensively support student-athletes in improving time management skills across different domains. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of time management skills among student-athletes and advocated for tailored support programs to foster their holistic development, regardless of demographic characteristics.

Trust in Intraorganizational Relationships: The Case of COOPERORG-DF

Purpose: Associativism and cooperativism, as social technologies, are promoters of rural development. Social capital and, above all, trust is essential for the success of organizations. The study considers – from the perspective of the members – the relationships of trust in the Cooperative of Producers of the Organic Market of Brasília, Federal District, as well as identifying the social capital formed by actors that make up this organization. Methodology: The research is applied, has an exploratory character, a qualitative and quantitative approach, representing a case study. The dimensions of organic food production in the DF are highlighted through the collection of updated data and, also, with emphasis on informality and the flow constant of (in)formal relations in the cooperative environment. Results and Discussion: The demographic and socioeconomic profile of the cooperative members demonstrate the influence of the strengthening of cooperative actors on the development of their own businesses, contrasting with the current development of the cooperative. The results reveal the gaps observed in cooperative management, demonstrating the importance of relationships based on trust for strategic management, as well as for strengthening social capital as a basis for the development of cooperative organizations. Implications of the Research: It is hoped that the results presented can support future studies and research relevant to collective actions based on trusting relationships and contribute to positive changes in cooperativism. Originality and Value: The research innovates in the presentation of a research agenda based on the construct – trust, observed in the interpretation of cooperative actors who form the first cooperative of organic food producers in the Federal District, Federal Capital of Brazil.

Twitch's Second Phase of Development: Analyzing Streamer Profiles and Content Trends That Boost Its Evolution into a Mass Media

Twitch is one of the leading platforms for live streaming audiovisual content, with a broad audience among the Gen Z population. Its growth in recent years has solidified a large Spanish-speaking streamer community that goes beyond gaming or eSports. The objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the activity of the most popular Spanish-language channels on Twitch, the demographic profiles of their streamers, and their trajectories in content creation. Additionally, we study the production, formats, advertising funding, and the relationship with followers during broadcasts categorized as In Real Life. We apply a quantitative analysis to 250 channels and a content analysis to 84 h of video. The results show that streamers, mostly millennial men who migrated from other communicative fields, have diversified the content and genres of their streams while professionalizing their production and monetizing their activity by establishing a close relationship with the audience.

Preferences and Travel Motivations of Pink Tourists Among Filipinos

The purpose of this study was to determine the preferences and driving forces behind LGBT, or pink, tourism. LGBT tourism is referred to as "pink tourism." (Greenberg, Peter (2007). This abbreviation, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, is frequently used to refer to the LGBT community. The motivations behind Pink Tourists' travel choices will be examined in this study. The research was split up into four sections: Phase 1 dealt with determining the demographic profile of the correspondents in terms of sexual orientation/gender, age, status, income, travel frequency, travel companion, and accommodation preference. Phase 2 focused on factors in choosing a travel destination among pink tourists, Phase 3 on perceiving the importance of motivation when considering travel, and Phase 4 on identifying the importance of factors when selecting a travel destination. For this study, fifty correspondents were chosen to take part. We used the Research Paradigm as the process of the study to able to get the results of the feedback and get a necessary adjustment.Purposive sampling was employed to select the participating correspondents. The findings indicated that the majority of Pink tourists—who are primarily bisexual—discovered they belong to the LGBTQ community between the ages of 21 and 25. BPO businesses tend to employ members of the LGBTQ community due to their anti-discrimination policies. Many of them made the decision to remain unmarried in order to travel with their buddies. LGBTQ people wish to travel twice a year for leisure, enjoyment, vacation, and to experience life; if they feel safe, accepted, and treated equally, they will remain for less than a week. These days, people plan their trips one to three months in advance by booking their journeys online. They also enjoy traveling for enjoyment and entertainment. When traveling, Pink Tourism prefers to go with friends since it makes them feel more at ease and allows them to express their actual gender identity. Here are our suggestions based on the findings of our investigation: LGBTQ people should be permitted to use restrooms according to their gender identity and comfort level in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. In addition, hotels ought to offer family rooms, which may accommodate a sizable gathering, in the event that a guest house or full house is unavailable at a specific location. Finally, LGBTQ-friendly events and activities should be added to destinations so that people may enjoy their trip, unwind, and meet new people more comfortably.

Cardiac and Renal Comorbidities in Aging People Living With HIV.

Contemporary World Health Organization data indicates that ≈39 million people are living with the human immunodeficiency virus. Of these, 24 million have been reported to have successfully accessed combination antiretroviral therapy. In 1996, the World Health Organization endorsed the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy, transforming human immunodeficiency virus infection from being a life-threatening disease to a chronic illness characterized by multiple comorbidities. The increased access to combination antiretroviral therapy has translated to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) no longer having a reduced life expectancy. Although aging as a biological process increases exposure to oxidative stress and subsequent systemic inflammation, this effect is likely enhanced in PLWH as they age. This narrative review engages the intricate interplay between human immunodeficiency virus associated chronic inflammation, combination antiretroviral therapy, and cardiac and renal comorbidities development in aging PLWH. We examine the evolving demographic profile of PLWH, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of aging individuals within this population. A central focus of the review discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin the heightened susceptibility of PLWH to renal and cardiac diseases as they age.

B.2 Time from symptom onset and number of health care encounters prior to diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis

Background: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)most commonly affects younger women. Diagnosis may be delayed due to its distinct presentation and demographic profile compared to other stroke types. Methods: We examined delays to diagnosis of CVT in the SECRET randomized trial and TOP-SECRET parallel registry. Adults diagnosed with symptomatic CVT within &lt;14 days were included. We examined time to diagnosis and number of health care encounters prior to diagnosis and associations with demographics, clinical and radiologic features and functional and patient-reported outcomes (PROMS) at days 180&amp;365. Results: Of 103 participants, 68.9% were female; median age was 45 (IQR 31.0-61.0). Median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 4 (1-8) days. Diagnosis on first presentation to medical attention was made in 60.2%. The difference in time to diagnosis for single versus multiple presentations was on the order of days (3[1-7] vs. 5[2-11.75], p=0.16). Women were likelier to have multiple presentations (OR 2.53; 95% CI1.00-6.39; p=0.05) and longer median times to diagnosis (5[2-8]days vs. 2[1-4.5] days; p=0.005). However, this was not associated with absolute or change in functional, or any patient reported, outcome measures (PROMs) at days 180&amp;365. Conclusions: Diagnosis of CVT was commonly delayed; women were likelier to have multiple presentations. We found no association between delayed diagnosis and outcomes.

#2058 IVC diameter and collapsibility via point-of-care ultrasound among clinically euvolemic Filipinos in Victoriano Luna Medical Center, Philippines

Abstract Background and Aims History, physical findings, and laboratory tests have limited sensitivity and specificity to assess relative intravascular volume or volume responsiveness. Inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound provides a direct assessment of relative intravascular volume status. The Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography (2010), recommended that an IVC diameter of &amp;lt;2.1 cm and collapsibility of &amp;gt;50% with a sniff indicates normal right atrial pressure of 3 mmHg (0-5 mmHg), while an IVC diameter of &amp;gt;2.1 cm with &amp;lt;50% inspiratory collapse indicates high right atrial pressure of 15 mmHg (10-20 mmHg). However, there have been occasions in the hospital setting wherein clinically hypervolemic Filipino patients were observed to have inferior vena cava diameters of less than 2.0 cm. This study aims to determine the average IVC diameter among clinically euvolemic Filipinos and to evaluate the applicability of standardized ultrasonographic IVC measurements in the Filipino population. Method This is a prospective observational study that included 45 clinically euvolemic patients and staff of Victoriano Luna Medical Center from 01 September 2023 to 01 November 2023. The demographic profile and anthropometric measurements of the volunteers were obtained. Ultrasound assessment was performed bedside and the IVC diameter was measured during passive respiration without sniff test 1 to 2 cm distal to the hepatic vein or 3 to 4 cm distal to the junction of the right atrium and inferior vena cava. The maximum and minimum diameters of the inferior vena cava was also measured using M-mode, and its collapsibility index was computed using the following formula: collapsibility index (CI) = (IVC max – IVC min) / IVC max. Categorical variables such as sex and comorbidities will be presented as frequencies and percentages while continuous variables such as age, body mass index, and inferior vena cava diameter and collapsibility will be presented as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range. Results The study group mainly consisted of males aged 65 years and below with normal body mass index for Asians. Cut-off values for the maximum inferior vena cava diameter were based on the venous excess ultrasound grading system, or VEXUS score, by Beaubien-Souligny et al. (2020) wherein congestion was considered at IVC diameters more than or equal to 2.0 cm. Of the 45 participants, 33 had maximum inferior vena cava diameter of less than 2.0 cm. Twenty-eight (28) out of 45 participants had a collapsibility index of more than 50%, which is indicative of normal right atrial pressure. Of the 33 with a maximum inferior vena cava diameter of less than 2.0 cm, 11 of which had a collapsibility index between 20 and 50%, and 22 with more than 50%. The remaining 12 participants had a maximum IVC diameter of more than or equal to 2.0 cm, with five having a collapsibility index between 20 and 50% and six with more than 50%. The mean maximum IVC diameter in the 45 volunteers on quiet respiration was 1.79 cm (+0.47), with an average computed collapsibility index of 54.43% (+19.78). Conclusion Thirty-three participants (73.33%) had a maximum inferior vena cava diameter of less than 2.0 cm, 22 of which have a collapsibility index of more than 50%. Among the 45 volunteers, the mean IVC maximum diameter on quiet respiration was 1.79 cm (+0.47), with an average computed collapsibility index of 54.43% (+19.78). Based on the results, standardized ultrasonographic IVC measurements can be applied on the Filipino population. Considering the Filipinos’ petite stature, the average IVC diameter among Filipinos is smaller and further investigation is warranted to establish clear cut-off values to identify plethoric IVCs in the Filipino setting.

#2408 Effect of low and very low protein diet with ketoanalogue on progression of CKD, quality of life and KAP in India: an interim analysis

Abstract Background and Aims Recent studies have established lack of advantages of Very Low Protein (VLP) with Ketoanalogues in CKD progression against to the KIDGO guidelines [1]. No systematic study is available in India to examine effect of Low protein (LP) and VLP with Ketoanalogue towards CKD prevention even though there were diverse in dietary habits. Further, effect of counseling on QoL, KAP and CKD outcomes have also not been examined. Present study intended to examine effect of dietary intervention on CKD progression, QoL, and KAP. Method This ongoing prospective randomized controlled trial was initiated since December 2022. A total of 198 patients of CKD 3 to 5 (ND) of age 18 to 60 years were completed one year. Enrolled subjects were screened from Nephrology OPD for CKD diagnosis and counselling was done for dietary intake. Their basic demographic profile socio- economic status, dietary habits, physical activity and biochemical details are being recorded through which e-GFR is calculated by CKD-EPI formula at baseline. All were randomised into 3 groups- Normal protein (0.8-1.0 gm/kg/day), low protein (0.6 gm/kg/day) and very low protein supplemented with Ketoanalogues (0.3 gm/kg/day) as a method of dietary intervention. Their dietary nutrient analysis (calories, protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus) was done by Diet Cal version 10.0 software using a 4-day dietary record. Dietary nutrients, nutritional status (BMI, BP, pallor, MUAC and handgrip) and all other parameters were measured at baseline, at 6th and 12th month. All patients underwent dietary intervention with home-based Personalised supervision (PS) diet. Dietary re-enforcement and counselling for clinical as well as diet-related patient concerns were done by exclusive renal dietician with weekly telephone calls. KAP and QoL were also recorded at baseline and after 6 months. The parameters were analysed by using the paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA to assess Effect of PS. Results A total 198 subjects were completed one year study. The detail demography has depicted in Table 1. Among them 79% were literate and 58.6%, 34.5%, and 6.8% were Non vegetarian, vegetarians and ovo-vegetarian respectively. Of total, there were CKD 3 (NP-30, LP- 28 and VLP-33), CKD 4 (LP-31 and VLP-32) and CKD 5 (LP-16 and VLP- 27) respectively. At baseline, all three stages have low protein intake (CKD3-36.0 g, CKD 4-34.1 g and CKD 5-31.6 g) against the standard (36.6-43.3 g) in 61 kg as mean weight. Further, in normal, low and very low groups there were 36.1 g, 35.5 g and 31.0 g protein intake respectively. Intake of sodium was high and potassium was low, which has been reversed after 1 year. (p = .000). Further, there were significant improvement in most of nutritional and biochemical parameters. However, total dietary intake and calories increased but couldn't reach to the recommendations in non-dialysis patients. (Table 1) As shown in Fig. 1, the e-GFR has increases in all groups, whereas in VLP group it has decreases non- significantly at one year. Physical component score (PCS) as QoL has improved from 2389.1 ± 415.2 to 3527.2 ± 657.5 (p = .000) whereas, Mental component score (MCS) has decreased. After counselling, all the components of KAP have been improved significantly. Conclusion Interim analysis showed that at sixth month there was slowing in progression of CKD manifested by increase in e-GFR among NP, LP and VLP with Ketoanalogue group, whereas at one year, there were non- significant reduction in VLP group. After dietary counselling, both KAP and PCS have been improved significantly.

Migrant Smuggling and Female Smugglers in South Texas

ABSTRACT Across South Texas, clandestine migration is often portrayed as crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and migrant smugglers are depicted as Mexican men. Yet, these narrow depictions fall short of the region’s realities and blur both the range of smuggling activities and the involved smugglers’ demographic profiles and backgrounds. This article uses a mixed-methods approach to address these issues and utilizes two original datasets: one with 184 South Texas migrant smuggling cases involving 289 arrested individuals, and another including 150 testimonies from migrants serving as material witnesses in smuggling cases. Through descriptive data analysis, the study finds that there are four migration stages within South Texas and smugglers’ demographic profiles and backgrounds vary by each stage. Notably, women participate in all four migration stages, although their frequency and reported motivations shift by specific smuggling activity.

Osteoporosis screening in Australian community pharmacies: A mixed methods study.

Osteoporosis and poor bone health impact a large proportion of the Australian population, but is drastically underdiagnosed and undertreated. Community pharmacies are a strategic location for osteoporosis screening services due to their accessibility and the demographic profile of customers. The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a community pharmacy health promotion service centred on encouraging consumers to complete an anonymous osteoporosis screening survey called Know Your Bones. The implementation process was documented using the REAIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework. Uptake of the Know Your Bones screening tool was monitored anonymously with website traffic. Surveys and interviews were designed to capture consumer outcomes after screening. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian community pharmacy stakeholders during design and implementation phases to explore their perspectives of the barriers and facilitators. The service was implemented in 27 community pharmacies. There were 448 visits to the screening website. Interviews were conducted with 41 stakeholders. There were a range of factors that appeared to influence implementation of the service. Perceived acceptability was critical, which depended on staff training, pharmacists' altruism, and remuneration. Staff relied heavily on their existing close relationships with consumers. No consumers completed non-anonymous surveys or agreed to participate in interviews post-screening. Using an implementation science approach, a community pharmacy osteoporosis screening service for the Australian context was designed and found to be acceptable to pharmacy staff and effective in reaching the target population. SO WHAT?: This low-cost and non-invasive health promotion has potential to sustainably increase national screening rates for osteoporosis.

Non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernias: results of transabdominal and transthoracic surgical approaches at a fourth-level hospital.

The objective of this study is to elucidate the clinical and demographic profiles, as well as perioperative outcomes, of patients undergoing surgery for non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernias. Additionally, it aims to analyse these outcomes based on the surgical approach employed (transthoracic versus transabdominal). This retrospective, observational study was conducted at a single center and involved patients diagnosed with non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernia who underwent either emergency or elective surgery between July 2007 and March 2023. Clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of these patients were compared using appropriate statistical tests.The research protocol for this observational, retrospective, and comparative study followed the Declaration of Helsinki's ethical requirements. The need for Clinical Research Ethics Committee approval was waived according to our institutional law because the study was a retrospective cohort study based on anonymous data of patients. Informed consent was waived because this study involved the secondary analysis of patient medical records. Additionally, this study followed the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies. The analysis included 22 patients being 59.1% men, with median age of 61years. The predominant clinical presentation was restrictive lung disease (40.9%). The majority of cases (68%) had traumatic aetiology with a median defect size of 4cm (range of 3-8cm). Elective surgery was performed in 15 cases (68.1%) and transthoracic approach was employed in 13 patients (54.5%). Postoperative major morbidity reached 27.2% and mortality within 30days was 9.1%. Emergency surgeries accounted for 44.4% of transabdominal interventions, compared to 23% in the transthoracic subgroup (p = 0.376). There were no statistically significant differences between the transabdominal and trasnthoracic approaches in terms of global postoperative complications (88.8% vs. 84.6%, p = 1), major complications (44.4% vs 15.4%, p = 0.734), mortality (11.1% v 7.6%, p = 1) and recurrence (11.1% vs 7.6%, p = 1). Postoperative stay was significantly shorter in the transthoracic subgroup (6days vs. 14days, p = 0.011). Non-hiatal diaphragmatic hernias are characterized by significant postoperative major morbidity and mortality rates, standing at 27.2% and 9.1%, respectively, accompanied by a recurrence rate of 9.1%. Both transthoracic and transabdominal approaches demonstrate comparable short- and long-term outcomes.

Using Clustering Methods to Map the Experience Profiles of Dementia Caregivers

Using Clustering Methods to Map the Experience Profiles of Dementia Caregivers

Epidemiological Profile of Hearing Deficiency in a Tertiary Care Hospital (2019-2022)

Abstract Introduction This study is an attempt to view the demographic profile of individuals presenting with hearing loss in an urban referral hospital with the help of available database of pure tone audiometry results over a three years period. Materials and methods It is adescriptive epidemiologicalstudy over a period of 3 years conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) of an urban referral hospital.The subjects presented with a complain of hearing loss were investigated with pure tone audiometry. Subjects below 10 years of age or with gross mental or physical disabilities were excluded. The results of pure tone audiometry done were analyzed followed by systematic analysis. Results A total number of 3536individuals inclusive of1980 males and1556 females were studied. Nearly, 570 individuals suffered B/L hearing loss (16%) which was again mostly Sensori-neural. Sensori-neural hearing loss was the most common hearing loss near about 52%.Mixed Hearing loss accounted for 13%.Conductive hearing loss accounted for 35 %. Mild hearing loss (25-40dB) accounted for maximum bulk of the patients.The bulk of the population comprised of people in their middle age (30-60) and elderly (&gt;60 years). Conclusion The demographic profile of hearing loss in an urban population is the ground work for any comprehensive planning to resolve the issue. In our study the increased burden of mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss as seen in the elderly population and increased prevalence of conductive hearing loss as seen in the young population shows us how respective management protocols can be instituted for the target populations.