Descriptive Analysis Research Articles

Neutrophilic Myocarditis: Insights from a Forensic Centre’s Retrospective Study

Background: Neutrophilic myocarditis often stems from bacterial or fungal infections, and it is typically detectable through blood cultures or analyses of the primary infection site. However, research specifically addressing the morphological features of acute myocarditis in complex sepsis cases is scarce, with existing studies primarily dating back to the pre-antibiotic era. Methods: This study constitutes a retrospective and descriptive analysis encompassing 22 forensic cases. We collected data from forensic reports emphasising clinical details, disease history, gross observations, and histopathological findings. Results: The results show that using positive-air-pressure ventilation could be related to cardiac inflammation (45.45%, 10/22). Despite large-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the blood samples were positive for Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA strain), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL strain), Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Colonies developed in the myocardium of 36% of the patients (8/22), where 4 of them had septic emboli. Fungal myocarditis accompanied bacterial infections (2/8) and were unsuspected clinically. Background changes, such as interstitial fibrosis and arteriosclerosis, were associated with a greater degree of inflammation and septic embolism. Conclusion: Neutrophilic myocarditis in patients with emerging sepsis is linked to fatal virulent infections, where bacteria and/or fungi contaminate and impair the myocardium syncytium. Prolonged hospitalisation and positive-air-pressure ventilation may be a risk factor for this condition and needs further research.

Juridical Analysis of the Comparison of Different Religious Marriage Laws Based on the Adminduk Law Article 35 with SEMA No 2 Years 2023 Concerning Marriage Registration

Interfaith marriage is an issue that has not been resolved to date. In current practice in Indonesian society, interfaith marriage processions are generally carried out by carrying out the marriage with a religious procession each of which is followed by the prospective husband and wife or in the sense that there are two religious processes being carried out or only carrying out one religious procession or what generally happens is not carrying out religious processions at all so that it does not comply with Article 2 paragraph (1) of the Marriage Law regarding valid marriages. The legal research method used in this research is normative juridical research which is research carried out or aimed only at written regulations with the nature of descriptive analysis research which is a method that functions to describe or provide an overview of the object being studied. The data source used is secondary data with quantitative data analysis. The results of this research are the Hierarchy of Legislation in Indonesia. If it is related to the Civil Admin Law Article 35 with SEMA Number 2 of 2023, the legal force of SEMA has a lower hierarchy than the law. Therefore, it can be concluded that the provisions contained in the Administer Law cannot be changed by SEMA Number 2 of 2023. However, this SEMA still influences the direction for judges not to grant requests for inter-religious marriages.

Digitalization in Logistics for Competitive Excellence

Logistics is presently undergoing a transformative phase driven by rapid digitalization. This trend has spurred an in-depth exploration of the industry's theoretical potential and practical challenges. This comprehensive review focuses on practical applications, delving deeply into the increasing interest in digital technologies within logistics. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to unravel the growth and academic development of the concept of logistic digitalization. The investigation examines academic literature from the Web of Science database spanning 2020-2024. Using VOS Viewer, an intellectual structure and bibliographic analysis are performed on selected articles. The cluster that concentrates on articles about the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and its impact on the logistics economy (the fourth cluster) is most closely related to the digital theme. The study combines theoretical framework, including Michael Porter's and the Resource-Based View, to illustrate the connections that improve business competitiveness. The examination of investments in digital technology sheds light on the logistics sector's experiences during the years when these investments impact labor productivity. Descriptive analysis results suggest that companies implementing technology can achieve a workforce productivity increase of up to 20%, underscoring the significance of technology investments for enhancing business competitiveness. These findings shed light on how various logistics sub-sectors respond to investments in software and computers and the rate at which these technologies influence labor productivity metrics. These empirical findings substantially reinforce the theoretical framework, providing practical implications and emphasizing the critical necessity for logistics firms to integrate digital technologies into their operational frameworks seamlessly. In conclusion, as the logistics landscape hovers on the brink of a digital revolution, businesses must adeptly navigate and wholeheartedly embrace digital solutions to ensure competitiveness.

Assessment of Food Masticatory Capability with Clear Aligners

Nowadays, aligners represent a possible therapeutical approach that combines both esthetic and function in order to address dental malocclusion. However, they require a significant level of compliance from the patient. According to the manufacturer, at least 22 h of wearing a day is demanded to reach the optimal therapeutical level; hence, aligners can only be removed during meals. Patients’ compliance might increase and the duration of the treatment might decrease if they were allowed to eat with aligners on. The idea of patients keeping the aligners on during meals has been contemplated, not only to favor patients’ compliance but also treatment effectiveness. This study aims to assess the degree of chewing difficulty that aligners cause when eating certain kinds of food and the quantity of residue left. Material and Methods: A questionnaire titled “Questionnaire for the Assessment of Masticatory Function with Aligners” was administered using Google Forms to 240 patients in treatment with clear aligners. The survey was validated through the reliability test using the test–retest method. This method had a higher correlation coefficient of 0.9 across all items (with a cutoff of 0.8) with statistical significance, and an excellent internal correlation coefficient (α > 0.9). The statistical analysis performed consisted of descriptive analysis, frequencies, percentages, Pearson’s correlation test and Friedman’s test. Results: Pearson’s test showed a statistically significant correlation between all items except between meat or clams and yogurt or ice cream and with mozzarella or soft cheese regarding food chewing difficulties. Pearson’s test showed a statistically significant correlation between all items regarding food residues. A total of 69.2% of the cohort reported some movements of aligners during mastication. In total, 88.3% of them affirmed not to have perceived deformations or breakage of aligners during chewing. Furthermore, 79.2% of them declared that they would continue to eat if eating with aligners was proven to speed up treatment. Conclusions: Wearing clear aligners while chewing foods such as yogurt, ice cream, soft cheese, bread, rice, etc., can be possible and can help shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment, benefiting both the patient and the orthodontist. However, further research using qualitative methods is needed to understand the barriers and facilitators to chewing food with aligners.

Do red and yellow flags indicate a danger zone?: Exploring Japanese university students’ beach safety behaviour and their perceptions of Australian beach safety signage

BackgroundCoastal drowning is a tragic regular occurrence in Australia, and in the decade 2012–2022, 455 overseas-born beachgoers drowned. Being one of the top five countries of international visitors who drown, Japanese tourists are an at-risk group. This study investigates Japanese university students’ knowledge of beach safety and their perceptions of Australian beach safety signage. MethodsThe present study conducted an online survey with 152 university students in Japan, comprising both closed and open questions. Although the survey was in Japanese, the signage terms used in the survey were in English as used in Australia. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the statistical data via SPSS and deductive thematic analysis was conducted on the open responses using Nvivo. Results90 % of them planned to visit beaches and 64 % would enter the water when or if visiting Australia. However, 60 % interpreted the safer supervised zone denoted by red and yellow flags as signifying a danger zone. Regardless of their English proficiency, almost none fully understood terms commonly used on safety and warning signs such as submerged objects, shore dump, shore break and rip currents, and 60 % of them didn’t know the Japanese term of rip currents, riganryuu. Visual icons were understood much better than these English terms. So what?This study explored a specific (i.e. Japanese) cultural perception and understanding of Australian beach signs beyond the scope of CALD communities. Future studies should continue exploring those of other cultures so Australian beach signs can be revised and improved based on scientific evidence.

Workshop Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Interaktif dengan Liveworksheets untuk Guru Sekolah Dasar di Gugus 13 Kota Palangka Raya

The challenge elementary school teachers face in the digital era is that using platform facilities to support learning is not optimal. This workshop aims to provide (1) training in using Liveworksheets and (2) evaluating elementary school teachers' interest in developing worksheets with the Liveworksheets application. This community service activity is carried out in the planning, implementation, and reflection stages. Participants were 14 elementary school teachers in Cluster 13 Palangka Raya. The interest evaluation instrument uses the Liveworksheet Platform and questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results of this workshop completing the workshop for making worksheets using Liveworksheet: (1) elementary school teachers' interest in Liveworksheets is in the high and very high range; (2) Liveworksheets are attractive because of the appearance they create in the application; (3) it is felt that the existence of the Liveworksheet has increased teachers' interest in making their worksheets; (4) teachers are interested in trying to make worksheets themselves with Liveworksheet; (5) teachers need Liveworksheets as a facility for creating worksheets. Based on the analysis of teachers' interest in using Liveworksheets, it can be concluded that providing technical guidance to make worksheets with Liveworksheets is interesting, needed, and motivates teachers to make worksheets for their learning.

The Influence of the Project Based Learning Model on Science Learning Outcomes in Class V Students at MIS Al Huda Langkat

This research aims to determine the science learning outcomes of students by applying the project based learning model in class V MIS AL Huda, Langkat. This type of research is quasi-experimental with a pretest and posttest control group design. The population of this study was all students in class V of MIS AL Huda, Langkat, totaling 30 students. The sampling technique used was probability sampling with a stage random sampling technique, namely 30 students were sampled as part of the population. The instrument used is a test sheet to measure student learning outcomes. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis with the independent sample test. Based on the results of the descriptive analysis, the average obtained for the two groups, in the control class before and after implementing the project based learning model, was a pretest score of 54.33 and a posttest score of 76.33. In the experimental class by applying the project based learning model, the pretest average was 43.33 and the posttest average was 71.33. Based on the results of the independent sample-test, it shows that the t test value with a sig value < a = 0.05 (0.000 < 0.05) indicates that H1 is accepted. The results of the research show that there is a significant difference between the experimental class (VA) applying the project based learning model and the control class (VB) on science learning outcomes for MIS AL Huda, Langkat students.

Geospacialization and statistical analysis of the evolution of cases of sporotrichosis: Timbaúba and Grande Recife - Brasil

With a predominance in countries with tropical and subtropical climates, dermatozoonosis such as sporotrichosis occurs in several nations. Sporotrichosis is caused by species of the genus Sporothrix, whose dissemination between animals and humans is due to the traumatic inoculation of the fungus. The objective of the present study was to propose a management model based on geospatialization, with statistical methods applied to preventive and corrective care in order to control the evolution of cases of sporotrichosis in care at animal health establishments in Timbaúba and Grande Recife/PE - Brazil. Computational tools and statistical techniques were used, verifying the emphasis on places of occurrence of the disease by geospatialization with the Kernel density estimation method and descriptive statistical analysis. The research was approved by the CEP (CAAE: 44330921.2.0000.9547) in the period from 2011 to 2020. The results demonstrated the prevalence of the disease in adult felines and, lack of records in the units. It is concluded that the lack of information and knowledge contributes to dispersion and abandonment of treatment. In this sense, a management plan is proposed with the implementation of a computer program.

Refining the Assessment Literacy Competence among K12 EFL Teachers

Language assessment literacy as a relatively new term denotes teachers’ understanding of the assessment construct both theoretically and practically. Given the importance of assessment in the teaching and learning process, the main purpose of the current study is to investigate the general and skill-based language assessment literacy levels of EFL teachers working at K12 schools in Türkiye and to analyse their needs both in pre-service and in-service years. Considering the purpose of the study, a mixed-method research design was employed. At the initial phase of the study, the quantitative data were collected by means of the Language Assessment Knowledge Scale (LAKS), and 272 EFL teachers working at K12 schools in Türkiye participated. Descriptive and inferential analyses were run, and results showed that the participants’ mean score in LAKS was 31.59 out of 60. The participants demonstrated the highest level of knowledge in assessing reading, while assessing listening was identified as the area where teachers had the least expertise. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers to learn more about the teachers’ opinions on language assessment knowledge and their needs. Qualitative findings complemented the findings from the questionnaire by revealing details about the reasons of the participants’ scores in LAK scale.

Women Emancipation in Indonesia: A Psychological desire to choose the field of physics education at university level

The gender bias that places women as incapable people ultimately reduces their psychological drive to engage with the field of science, especially physics. This is in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes at universities in Indonesia. This then became the basis for the aim of this research to explore whether women's interest in studying physics education was based on psychological factors in themselves by comparing them with men. The research was conducted using quantitative survey methods, and a sampling process using random sampling was carried out on the population of a university in Indonesia. The sample was divided into two groups based on gender: 77 women and 23 men. The data collection instrument was developed using the grounded theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social cognitive career theory (SCCT), which identified four main psychological factors: identity, interest, self-concept, and self-efficacy. The results of the descriptive and inferential data analysis, conducted using one-way MANOVA, indicate that the psychological factors of identity, interest, the self-concept, and self-efficacy for women are significantly higher than those for men. Furthermore, the Pearson analysis demonstrated a significantly strong positive correlation between the psychological factors tested

'In our culture, we come when you die': Qualitative descriptive analysis of end-of-life perspectives in a reservation-based community.

To explore (1) perspectives and attitudes of Native Americans regarding transitions from serious illness to death, and (2) awareness about hospice and palliative care service models in a Great Plains reservation-based community. Qualitative descriptive study. Community members and clinicians were invited to participate in a semi-structured focus group or interview by Tribal Advisory Board members. Analysis involved three phases: (1) qualitative descriptive analysis of preliminary themes using the Addressing Palliative Care Disparities conceptual model; (2) a cultural review of the data; and (3) reflexive thematic analysis to synthesize findings. Twenty-six participants engaged in two focus groups (n = 5-6 participants in each) and interviews (n = 15). Four themes were derived from their stories: (1) family connectedness is always priority; (2) end-of-life support is a community-wide effort; (3) everyone must grieve in their own way to heal; and (4) support needs from outside the community. Findings highlight cultural considerations spanning the life course. Clinicians, researchers and traditional wisdom keepers and practitioners, particularly those working in rural and/or reservation-based settings, must provide culturally safe care. This must include acknowledging and prioritizing the needs and preferences of Native American patients and the impact on their families and communities. Leveraging community assets, such as family and social networks, is key for supporting Native American patients with serious illnesses. Additionally, facilitating greater family and caregiver involvement along a patient's care trajectory may be a pathway for easing health care workers' caseloads in reservation-based areas, where resources are limited. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guideline was used. The study was ideated based on community insight. Tribal Advisory Board members oversaw all aspects including recruitment, data acquisition, interpretation of findings and tribal data dissemination.

Human Resource Development as a Key to Enhanced Performance: Insights from Outsourcing Employees in a Delivery Service Company

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of human resource development on the performance of outsourcing employees at PT Binajasa Abadikarya, focusing specifically on employees in Bali and Nusa Tenggara. This quantitative research involved 94 respondents, selected through purposive sampling based on the Slovin formula. Data collection included questionnaires, interviews, and observations, with descriptive analysis employed for data examination. The findings revealed a significant and positive correlation between human resource development and employee performance. Additionally, a significance level of 0.000, which is below the threshold of 0.05, further supports this positive correlation. Therefore, the study concludes that human resource development has a meaningful and positive effect on the performance of these employees.

Pediatric dentistry systematic reviews using the GRADE approach: methodological study

BackgroundTo assess the reporting of the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach in systematic reviews of interventions in pediatric dentistry.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) in pediatric dentistry that reported the certainty of the evidence through the GRADE approach. Paired independent reviewers screened the studies, extracted data, and appraised the methodological quality using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) tool. The certainty of the evidence was extracted for each outcome. A descriptive analysis was conducted.ResultsAround 28% of pediatric dentistry reviews of interventions used the GRADE approach (n = 24). Twenty reviews reported 112 evidence outcomes from RCTs and 13 from NRSIs using GRADE evidence profile tables. The methodological quality was high (16.7%), moderate (12.5%), low (37.5%), and critically low (33.3%), fulfilling the majority of the AMSTAR 2 criteria. The certainty of the evidence for outcomes generated from RCTs and NRSIs was very low (40.2% and 84.6%), low (33.1% and 7.7%), moderate (17.8% and 7.7%), and high (9.8% and 0.0%). The main reasons to downgrade the certainty were due to (for RCTs and NRSIs, respectively): risk of bias (68.8% and 84.6%), imprecision (67.8% and 100.0%), inconsistency (18.8% and 23.1%), indirectness (17.8% and 0.0%), and publication bias (7.1% and 0.0%).ConclusionThe proportion of systematic reviews assessing the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach was considered small, considering the total initial number of published pediatric dentistry reviews of intervention. The certainty of the evidence was mainly very low and low, and the main problems for downgrading the certainty of evidence were due to risk of bias and imprecision.RegistrationPROSPERO database #CRD42022365443.

[Artículo traducido] Efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento neoadyuvante del cáncer de mama triple negativo en la vida real

ObjectiveTriple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of aggressive breast cancer. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant treatment in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer and to identify predictors of pathological complete response. MethodsThis is a single-center, retrospective study involving 79 patients with triple-negative breast cancer who initiated neoadjuvant treatment between January 2017 and October 2022. Descriptive analyses were performed as appropriate. Statistical analysis utilized bivariate logistic regression to explore the presence of factors related to pathological complete response, and the Kaplan–Meier method was employed for survival analysis. ResultsIn the overall population, 27 patients (n = 78; 34.6%) achieved pathological complete response in the breast and axillary lymph nodes, and 31 (n = 73; 42.5%) achieved a grade 5 pathological complete response in the breast, according to the Miller and Payne classification. The addition of platinum to standard therapy improved both breast and axillary lymph node pathological complete response rates. Age less than 40 years was identified as a predictor of pathological complete response in our study population through bivariate analysis, while Ki67 levels lower than 70% were associated with a lower pathological complete response rate. Adverse events were reported in 72 patients (91.1%), with grade 3–5 adverse events observed in 33 (41.8%). There was a particularly notable increase in gastrointestinal and hematological adverse events when platinum was added. ConclusionsIn this population, we observed moderate rates of pathological complete response with acceptable chemotherapy tolerance. Platinum-based chemotherapy appears to enhance the likelihood of achieving pathological complete response, albeit with a less favorable safety profile. Therefore, evaluating the benefit–risk balance is crucial when selecting the optimal chemotherapy regimen for individual patients.

Tracing the Scientific Legacy: Bibliometric Analysis of LATAM Research in Bariatric Surgery for 33 Years.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has experienced considerable growth, addressing the challenges of obesity and its complications. The lack of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in Latin America motivates this study, highlighting the need to understand the evolution of research in this area and its impact on clinical decision-making and health policies. A cross-sectional bibliometric study was carried out using the Scopus database. A structured search strategy was designed to identify articles related to bariatric surgery with authors affiliated with Latin American countries. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, followed by a descriptive and bibliometric analysis of the scientific production found. A total of 3553 documents published between 1991 and 2024 were included. There was an annual growth of 11%, with an average age of documents of 7.5years. A concentration was observed in some countries, notably Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. Although scientific output increased, the average number of citations per article showed a downward trend since 2003. Despite the growth in scientific production, the quality and relevance of research is questioned, especially given the decrease in the impact received. It highlights the lack of meaningful regional collaboration, which could limit the sharing of knowledge and resources. Questions are raised about gaps in research capacity and the economic and development implications are discussed. This study provides valuable information to strengthen future research in bariatric surgery in Latin America. It highlights the importance of promoting regional and international collaboration and improving research training in countries with less participation. Clinical intervention strategies can benefit from better understanding research trends and adopting evidence-based practices in a more informed manner.

Analysis of Oncology and Radiation Therapy Representation on the National Board of Medical Examiners Official Practice Material for the United States National Standardized Medical Board Examinations.

Radiation therapy (RT) is a critical component of multidisciplinary cancer care, but has inconsistent curricular exposure. We characterize the radiation oncology (RO) content on the standardized undergraduate medical examinations by comparing its context and prevalence with other domains in oncology. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) self-assessments and sample questions for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Steps 1-3 and NBME clinical science shelf examinations were accessed (n = 3878). Questions were inductively analyzed for content pertaining to oncology and treatment modalities of RT, systemic therapy (ST), and surgical intervention (SI). Questions were coded using USMLE Physician Tasks/Competencies and thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics and analyses using the Kruskal-Wallis test are reported. A total of 337 questions (8.6%) within the USMLE and shelf exams included oncology content, with 101 questions (2.6%) referencing at least one cancer treatment modality (n = 35 RT, 45 ST, 57 SI). Treatment questions were more common on USMLE Step 2 CK (n = 35/101, 32%) compared to Step 1 (n = 23/101, 23%) and Step 3 (n = 8/101, 8%) (p < 0.001). RT was significantly less likely to be the correct answer (2/35, 6%) compared to ST (4/45, 9%) and SI (18/57, 32%) (p = 0.003). Therapeutic oncology questions are uncommon on the examination material, with an under-representation of radiation-related content, and contextual bias favoring surgical approaches. We advocate for greater RO involvement in the content creation of such examinations to help trainees better understand multidisciplinary cancer care.

Frequency and management of rod fractures following minimally invasive bipolar fusionless surgery in neuromuscular scoliosis patients

IntroductionNeuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is associated with an abnormal muscle tone. Traditional conservative treatments, with the historical practice of early posterior fusion, have proven ineffective. Recently, growth-sparing techniques have gained traction owing to their ability to maximize trunk height. However, these techniques have a substantial risk of complications, particularly rod breakage, with reported incidence rates ranging from 15 % to 42 %. The objective of this study was to conduct a descriptive analysis of NMS patients who experienced rod breakage following the minimally invasive fusionless surgery (MIFS) technique. MethodsThis was a single-center, retrospective study that included all NMS patients who underwent surgery between January 2015 and January 2021 and subsequently presented with rod breakage after MIFS. The MIFS technique is based on proximal fixation with double hook claws made of pedicular and -sus laminar hooks and pelvic fixation with iliosacral screws. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 5.2 ± 2.2 years. The mean dominant etiology of NMS was cerebral palsy (67 %). Of the 217 patients who underwent surgery, 15 (6.9 %) developed rod breakage. Rod breakage occurred 2.7 ± 1.3 years after the initial surgery. Four cases of rod fracture recurrence were reported in ambulatory patients with dystonia or hyperactivity. ConclusionCompared with other fusionless techniques, the minimally invasive bipolar technique appears promising for patients with NMS, with a lower rate of rod breakage. We recommend the use of a four-rod construct for ambulatory patients or for those with dystonia or hyperactivity.

Use of Cefiderocol in Adult Patients: Descriptive Analysis from a Prospective, Multicenter, Cohort Study.

Cefiderocol is a siderophore cephalosporin showing activity against various carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB). No data currently exist about real-world use of cefiderocol in terms of types of therapy (e.g., empirical or targeted, monotherapy or combined regimens), indications, and patient characteristics. In this multicenter, prospective study, we aimed at describing the use of cefiderocol in terms of types of therapy, indications, and patient characteristics. Cefiderocol was administered as empirical and targeted therapy in 27.5% (55/200) and 72.5% (145/200) of cases, respectively. Overall, it was administered as monotherapy in 101/200 cases (50.5%) and as part of a combined regimen for CR-GNB infections in the remaining 99/200 cases (49.5%). In multivariable analysis, previous isolation of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii odds ratio (OR) 2.56, with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-6.46, p=0.047] and previous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (OR 8.73, 95% CI 1.05-72.54, p=0.045) were associated with administration of cefiderocol as part of a combined regimen, whereas chronic kidney disease was associated with cefiderocol monotherapy (OR 0.38 for combined regimen, 95% CI 0.16-0.91, p=0.029). Cumulative 30-day mortality was 19.8%, 45.0%, 20.7%, and 22.7% in patients receiving targeted cefiderocol for infections by Enterobacterales, A. baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and any metallo-β-lactamase producers, respectively. Cefiderocol is mainly used for targeted treatment, although empirical therapies account for more than 25% of prescriptions, thus requiring dedicated standardization and guidance. The almost equal distribution of cefiderocol monotherapy and cefiderocol-based combination therapies underlines the need for further study to ascertain possible differences in efficacy between the two approaches.

Trends in Public Drug Plan Expenditures for Patients With Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Initiating Targeted Immune Modulator Therapy

The objective of this analysis was to examine the changes in drug expenditures with the initiation of targeted immune modulator (TIM) treatment in patients diagnosed with Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Patient cohorts for CD and UC were identified from hospitalizations in Canada. Expenditure data for TIMs with a Health Canada–approved indication for the treatment of CD or UC were extracted from all provincial drug plans (except Quebec) and Yukon from 2016 to 2021, and a descriptive analysis was performed to assess the expenditure patterns. Annual expenditures on TIMs for patients with CD increased each year from 2016 to 2019 before decreasing in 2020 and 2021, whereas expenditures on TIMs in UC increased each year, generally by a greater percentage than was observed in CD (peak percentage growth of 92.5% for UC versus 15.9% for CD in 2018). Expenditures associated with TIM initiation among patients with CD and UC were driven by infliximab and adalimumab, with the 2 drugs accounting for nearly all expenditures in both indications in 2016 and most expenditures in 2021. In both CD and UC, vedolizumab expenditures increased over time, as did the proportions of TIM expenditures on ustekinumab in CD and tofacitinib in UC, albeit to a lesser extent than vedolizumab.

Comprehensive Review on the Use of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) in Ethiopia: 2019 to 2023.

Cholera outbreaks in Ethiopia necessitate frequent mass oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaigns. Despite this, there is a notable absence of a comprehensive summary of these campaigns. Understanding national OCV vaccination history is essential to design appropriate and effective cholera control strategies. Here, we aimed to retrospectively review all OCV vaccination campaigns conducted across Ethiopia between 2019 and 2023. The OCV request records from 2019 to October 2023 and vaccination campaign reports for the period from 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively accessed from the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) database. Descriptive analysis was conducted using the retrospective data collected. From 2019 to October 2023, Ethiopian government requested 32 044 576 OCV doses (31 899 576 doses to global stockpile; 145 000 doses to outside of stockpile). Around 66.3% of requested doses were approved; of which 90.4% were received. Fifteen OCV campaigns (12 reactive and 3 pre-emptive) were conducted, including five two-dose campaigns with varying dose intervals and single-dose campaigns partially in 2019 and entirely in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Overall vaccine administrative coverage was high; except for Tigray region (41.8% in the 1st round; 2nd round didn't occur). The vaccine administrative coverage records were documented, but no OCV coverage survey data was available. This study represents the first comprehensive review of OCV campaigns in Ethiopia spanning the last five years. Its findings offer valuable insights into informing future cholera control strategies, underscoring the importance of monitoring and evaluation despite resource constraints. Addressing the limitations in coverage survey data availability is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of future campaigns.