Easy Access Research Articles

The role of overnight pulse oximetry in risk stratification of paediatric sleep disordered breathing in a district general hospital

ObjectivesAdenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are common surgical interventions in paediatric patients with sleep disordered breathing. Post operative respiratory complications are a recognised risk, and pre-operative risk stratification of patients is important to enable safe delivery of peri-operative care. Due to easy accessibility, overnight pulse oximetry is commonly used for this purpose. However, its limitations have been widely reported and recent national guidance recommends limiting use to patients with significant risk factors. We reviewed the use of overnight pulse oximetry in our local unit to determine if local guidelines should be adapted in line with these national recommendations. MethodsRetrospective analysis of all paediatric patients referred for overnight pulse oximetry over an eighteen month period between August 2020 to February 2022. Data collection included patient age, weight, and relevant co-morbidities. The McGill score was used to risk stratify patients and determine the need for an overnight bed. This was then correlated with the occurrence of post operative respiratory complications. Results200 patients were referred for overnight pulse oximetry, with a mean age of 7.5 years. 7.5 % (15/200) had significant comorbidities. 64 % (128/200) of patients were subsequently listed for surgery. 20.3 % (26/128) were deemed at risk of post-operative complications due to McGill scores of 3 and 4 and planned for overnight ward observation. Of these, 15 % (4/26) were subsequently discharged the same day. None of our patients developed major respiratory complications in the post operative period. ConclusionOur findings support national recommendations that overnight pulse oximetry is not an accurate predictor of post-operative respiratory complications and resulted in unnecessary inpatient stays. Following discussion with the trust paediatric anaesthetist lead, our local guidance was tightened, limiting overnight pulse oximetry to children with relevant identifiable co-morbidities.

The Legal Analysis of Copyright Protection for E-Books in the Form of Non-Fungible Token (NFTs)

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) serve as a digital platform that aids creators of digital works, particularly E-Books, in marketing or introducing their creative outputs. This platform offers easy access and high-security systems to safeguard the copyright of E-Book creators. This study aims to analyze and provide insights into the copyright protection of E-Book works in the form of NFTs, under the perspective of Copyright Law. Additionally, the study seeks to determine whether NFT transactions can serve as a solution for Intellectual Property protection in Indonesia. The research employs a normative legal research method, utilizing literature review and descriptive techniques. The findings reveal that NFTs can indeed offer a solution for intellectual property protection in Indonesia. By transforming works into NFTs, their copyright is protected through ownership tokens that are automatically integrated into the blockchain (digital ledger).

Institutional and organisational influence on mental health management in Spanish and Italian primary care

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how institutional and organisational factors affect case management of patients with mental disorders by GPs in Italy and Spain. The paper highlights the importance of improving the effectiveness of primary care to ensure easy access to mental health services, which is crucial in responding to the increasing incidence of mental disorders and preventing negative outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis article details a qualitative research study that examines the management of patients with mental disorders by general practitioners (GPs) in Italy and Spain, using cross-national comparison and in-depth interviews with GPs as research methods.FindingsThe study revealed that Italian self-employed GPs have more scheduling autonomy than Spanish Health Centre GPs. Both face high work pressure and resource scarcity, highlighting the need for targeted training. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in phone consultations.Originality/valueThis study provides novel insights into mental health management by examining the case management of patients with mental disorders by GPs in Italy and Spain, with a focus on the impact of institutional and organisational factors. The cross-national comparison and in-depth interviews enhance the originality of the study, offering a nuanced understanding of the constraints faced by GPs in their work context. Furthermore, the comparison of the similar primary care frameworks of Italy and Spain may offer insight into their evolution.

Trexit: A “Clean” Withdrawal from Transrectal Prostate Biopsies – Prospective Results of In-office Freehand Transperineal Biopsies Under Local Anaesthesia

Introduction: Prostate biopsy (PB) may be performed by either the transrectal (TR) or transperineal (TP) approach. Cancer detection rates seem to be comparable between the two approaches. However, evidence suggests a reduced infection risk and a higher detection of tumours localised in the anterior zone of the prostate with the TP route. TP-PB is currently recommended as a first-line procedure for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) whenever available. We sought to report the initial results of in-office freehand TP-PB under local anaesthesia in the outpatient setting. Methods: We conducted a prospective study with consecutive sampling with data from men submitted to TP-PB from Sep/2019 to Sep/2021, in a tertiary care centre. A questionnaire was carried out to appraise the pain related to the procedure on a pain numerical rating scale from 0 to 10. Presenting PSA, biopsy result and characteristics and complications that motivated a visit to the emergency department–ED – until 1 month after the PB were analysed. Antibiotic (AB) prophylaxis was not provided to any of the patients undergoing TP-PB. TP-PB was performed under local anaesthesia by freehand method. Results: A hundred and eight (108) patients underwent TP-PB. The mean age was 66±9 years old. The median presenting PSA was comparable in patients with positive and negative PB results (7.7 ng/mL, p=0.11). Overall, 67/108 (62%) patients had PCa diagnosed. Clinically significant (cs) PCa (ISUP=2) was diagnosed in 42/67 (63%) patients. The TP approach allowed the diagnosis of anterior zone PCa in 61% (41/67) of the patients (anterior zone csPCa in 63% of these), 7% (5/67) had exclusively anterior zone pathological findings. Complications leading to an ED visit were recorded in only one patient. Patients reported only mild levels of discomfort related to the anaesthesia infiltration (3±3) and to the introduction of the US transducer (3±3). Globally, the patients ascribed a pain of 3±3 to the entire procedure. Conclusion: Freehand TP-PB under local anaesthesia, without AB prophylaxis, is a well-tolerated and safe procedure, feasible as an outpatient procedure. TP-PB provides an easy access to the anterior zone of the prostate allowing for the diagnosis of previously missed PCa.

Comparison of knowledge, attitude, practice and predictors of self-medication with antibiotics among medical and non-medical students in Tanzania.

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a widespread problem in developing nations, including Tanzania. Methods: This study compared knowledge, attitudes, practices, and factors influencing antibiotic SMA among medical and non-medical students. Results: The prevalence of SMA among medical students was 49.1% and 59.2% among non-medical students, respectively. The mean knowledge score of medical students (6.4) was significantly higher (p-value <0.001) than that of non-medical students (5.6). The main factors influencing SMA practices were the availability of antibiotics without a prescription, easy access to pharmacies, and a lack of knowledge about the risks of SMA. This experience was pivotal in influencing medical students to take antibiotics, with a substantial proportion of 67.5% as opposed to 59.4% of non-medical students. Medical students were 1.6 times more likely to self-medicate with antibiotics than non-medical students (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.2-2.3, p-value = 0.004). Age was also associated with self-medication, with an AOR of 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04-1.2, p-value = 0.006) per year increase in age. Additionally, attitude was associated with self-medication, with an AOR of 1.05 (95% CI: 1.04-1.1, p-value = 0.001) per unit increase in attitude score. Discussion: No significant associations were found between sex, marital status, having children, year of study, knowledge score, and self-medication with antibiotics. This study emphasizes the importance of educational interventions and public awareness campaigns to promote antimicrobial stewardship, appropriate antibiotic use, and preventing pharmacies from dispensing antibiotics without a prescription.

Hesperetin promotes bladder cancer cells death via the PI3K/AKT pathway by network pharmacology and molecular docking

Patients with bladder cancer (BLCA) still show high recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy. Hesperetin (HE), as a natural compound, has attracted researchers’ attention due to its low toxicity and easy access. However, the inhibitory effect of HE on BLCA remains unknown. The hub genes and enrichment pathways regulated by HE in the treatment of BLCA were predicted by network pharmacology. The molecular docking of HE and hub proteins was visualized. Colony and CCK8 assays were used to test cell proliferation, and BLCA migration was confirmed by transwell and wound healing assays. In addition, the occurrence of apoptosis and ferroptosis was demonstrated by Hoechst staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ROS (reactive oxygen species) assay. Western Blotting was performed to validate the hub proteins, target functions and pathways. SRC, PIK3R1 and MAPK1 were identified as hub targets for HE in BLCA, involving the PI3k/AKT pathway. Furthermore, HE inhibited the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells. The MMP2/MMP9 proteins were significantly inhibited by HE. The increased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 indicated that HE could promote BLCA cell apoptosis. In addition, Hoechst staining revealed concentrated and illuminated apoptotic nuclei. The activation of ROS and the decline of GPX4 expression suggested that HE might induce ferroptosis as an anti-BLCA process. Shrunk mitochondria and apoptotic bodies were observed in BLCA cells treated with HE, with reduced or absent mitochondrial cristae. We propose for the first time that HE could inhibit the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells and promote apoptosis and ferroptosis. HE may act by targeting proteins such as SRC, PIK3R1 and MAPK1 and the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Upaya Meningkatkan Perencanaan Karir Siswa SMA melalui Pendekatan Konseling Trait and Factor

Wise career planning significantly impacts the course of one's life; therefore, such decisions must be carefully considered. Career guidance for students is necessary. Career guidance can be defined as the counselor's effort to assist students in understanding themselves and their surroundings in the process of career selection and development. Therefore, the selection of counseling approaches or techniques should also be considered. Trait and factor is one approach that can be applied. The method used in this research is qualitative research, employing literature review as a means to collect data from relevant literature or journals related to the research topic as the primary source of data. The findings of this research indicate that the trait and factor approach can help students identify and understand factors related to their personality and abilities, facilitating a more effective career planning process aligned with their potential and interests. To maximize this approach, six steps must be followed: analysis, synthesis, diagnosis, prognosis, counseling, and follow-up.This theory has advantages in providing easy access for clients to obtain job-related information, including necessary requirements. However, it also has its drawbacks as it tends to overlook the role of emotional intelligence in the decision-making process of the client.

Pd-catalyzed regioselective hydroesterification of 3-allyl-2-hydroxynaphthoquinones: Easy access to linear or branched naphthoquinone esters

The successful hydroesterification of 3-allyl-2-hydroxynapthoquinones is presented, providing excellent regioselectivity of the linear and branched esters. The Pd(OAc)2/dppf catalytic system was used to prepare a series of linear naphthoquinone esters with high regioselectivity. A slight modification of the initial conditions afforded branched esters with high regioselectivity using a PdCl2/dppe combination. Control experiments facilitated observation of a correlation between the hydroxy group present on the substrate and the selectivity of the reaction. In addition, a cytotoxic test was conducted on the synthesized esters against six tumor cell lines, which provided valuable information about their biological activity.

GeneMiner: A tool for extracting phylogenetic markers from next-generation sequencing data.

The advancement of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has been revolutionary for the field of evolutionary biology. This technology has led to an abundance of available genomes and transcriptomes for researchers to mine. Specifically, researchers can mine for various types of molecular markers that are vital for phylogenetic, evolutionary and ecological studies. Numerous tools have been developed to extract these molecular markers from NGS data. However, due to an insufficient number of well-annotated reference genomes for non-model organisms, it remains challenging to obtain these markers accurately and efficiently. Here, we present GeneMiner, an improved and expanded version of our previous tool, Easy353. GeneMiner combines the reference-guided de Bruijn graph assembly with seed self-discovery and greedy extension. Additionally, it includes a verification step using a parameter-bootstrap method to reduce the pitfalls associated with using a relatively distant reference. Our results, using both experimental and simulation data, showed GeneMiner can accurately acquire phylogenetic molecular markers for plants using transcriptomic, genomic and other NGS data. GeneMiner is designed to be user-friendly, fast and memory-efficient. Further, it is compatible with Linux, Windows and macOS. All source codes are publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/sculab/GeneMiner) and Gitee (https://gitee.com/sculab/GeneMiner) for easy accessibility and transparency.

The Risks of “Getting High” on Over-the-Counter Drugs during Pregnancy

Easy access to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs makes it possible to procure active substances that normally used in therapeutic doses do not raise health problems. The use of high doses of OTC drugs containing codeine, loperamide, pseudoephedrine, diphenhydramine or dimenhydrinate, as well as the use of benzidamine systemically raises concerns regarding the increase in units sold. These drugs are used for recreational or euphorizing purposes, including by young women of childbearing age, psychoactive substance users representing a risk group in terms of the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. Abusive consumption of OTC products during pregnancy is harmful, with consequences for both fetal and late development that can occur in the infant. This literature review presents the risks (teratogenicity, fetal toxicity, neonatal abstinence syndrome, etc.) associated with the use of potentially psychoactive OTC drugs to emphasize the importance of re-evaluating OTC classification and dispensing.

Overview of Water Sanitation and Hygiene in School (WinS) Urban Areas, Indonesia

Objective: Indonesia is a developing country that still has water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) problems. Only 16% of education units have access to all basic services such as water, sanitation and hygiene and as many as 43.5 million Indonesian children do not have access to basic drinking water, basic sanitation and hygiene at school. This can have an impact on increasing disease transmission in children at school. This study aimed to analyse the coverage of school WASH in Bekasi City so as to identify the constraints and problems of WASH in schools. Methodology: This type of research used a cross sectional design approach. The samples of this study were 30 schools in Bekasi City. The indicator data measured consists of 3, namely sanitation, hygiene and air. Results: The results of this study indicate that school WASH in Bekasi is good, this can be seen from the availability of WASH facilities in schools such as the availability of drinking water, easy access, waste management facilities, the availability of hand washing facilities and the existence of toilets that have been widely separated between men and women. Suggestions: The role of stakeholders and school sanitation programme holders is very important in the implementation of school WASH.

Teletherapy Used to Breakdown Access Barriers.

The studies presented in this literature review reveal the numerous ways that teletherapy can be used to treat patients with mental health issues. The literature includes six research articles from published scientific journals that span from 2005 to 2020. The three types of telehealth therapy reviewed include mobile telehealth, telephone, and video technology. The six research articles focus on the ways that telehealth can reach communities of lower socioeconomic status (SES) and those suffering from access barriers. The benefits of teletherapy include cost savings, time efficiency, easier access, and a reduction in recidivism. Challenges include access barriers, financial difficulties, anxiety, and fear of stigmatization. Limitations of the studies presented include a lack of accessibility to internet and technology, privacy issues, and insurance coverage. Overall, results show that teletherapy provides an affordable, accessible alternative to traditional in-person mental health therapy, especially in reaching lower SES groups, Veterans, and patients with access restrictions.

Which variables and determinants influence online food delivery consumption among workers and students? Results from the DELIvery Choice In OUr Society (DELICIOUS) cross-sectional study.

Online food delivery (OFD) applications provide easy access to food, eliminating the need for cooking and meal planning. However, they predominantly promote processed and calorie-dense foods, potentially impacting diet and health. This study aimed to describe the use of OFD services in a sample of Italian workers and students, to explore potential determinants of OFD usage and to assess possible differences in use between these two categories. Data were collected through an online survey (convenience sampling) distributed on social media platforms between July 12, 2022, and February 1, 2023. The sample included individuals aged 18 and above, currently residing in Italy. The sample was stratified according to worker/student status. Descriptive analyses were performed on key variables. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the effects of variables on OFD usage, treated as a dichotomous variable (usage or non-usage). This study analyzed 3,502 questionnaires (2,594 from workers and 908 from students) after excluding 323 non-student and non-worker responses. Positive associations with OFD use included higher income, remote working, smoking, elevated BMI, depression risk, and impulsive buying among workers, while being female, frequent screen-watching during meals, daily smoking, higher BMI, and impulsive buying were associated with OFD use among students. Factors negatively associated with OFD use included older age (workers and students), living in suburbs (workers and students) or in an outline town (workers), being single (workers and students), adhering to the Mediterranean diet (students), having low health literacy (students), and job dissatisfaction (workers). OFD consumption was associated with some risky behaviors and conditions, such as high BMI or smoking, suggesting that it might be influenced by individual tendencies. Healthier habits, such as physical activity, did not significantly impact OFD usage, especially among workers. Whereas, among students, factors such as low health literacy and better eating habits were associated with less use of OFD, so that they could be more prone to use OFD in a measured way. Further research is needed to better understand potential associations between OFD and risky habits, as well as its role in promoting access to healthy food in underserved areas.

Verification and Validation of Rotating Machinery Using Digital Twin

Abstract Rotating machinery has extensive usage in industrial applications, either as leading equipment (power plants) or as auxiliary equipment (oil and gas exploitation). These highly complex systems demand expensive maintenance programs due to the high costs of eventual shutdown. Consequently, critical fault diagnosis and prognosis are essential during the operation of those systems. Fault identification and classification demand robust verification of codes and calculations and a discerning validation of numerical models used for rotating machinery. Hence, verification and validation (V&amp;V) are an essential initial service for a digital twin (DT), offering some advantages in this application. In this context, the following research question is proposed: Does V&amp;V using DT improve data access and reduce the effort of data exchange? The following objectives are created to address the research question: perform a code verification, conduct the calculation verification, validate the models using two different validation approaches, and demonstrate easy access to asset data. For this study, two identical hydrodynamic bearings and a noncentral disk were considered, representing a laboratory experimental setup. The validation metric requirement is promisingly satisfied for the disk and bearings according to validation Approaches 1 and 2. Furthermore, validation Approach 2 generates even more successful results than approach 1. Accurate estimation and reliable interpretation of the numerical model outcomes encourage the application of DT for future fault diagnosis and prognosis.

Multi-criteria analysis as a method for selecting the best route of hinterland connections: Case study in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Container Terminal Port of Boombaru is a Port that serves goods in container’s shape for shipping, and it is located in Palembang, South Sumatra Province. The results of the projections show that the growth rate of Berth occupancy at the Boombaru Port container terminal is very significant, which is 43.33% in year 2018–2019 and by 2030 it is predicted to be maximum. The port progress factor is determined by the support of hinterland connection, route infrastructure conditions as the main corridor. In overcoming goods distribution problems, which often hampers the port operational performance process due to the long waiting time for ships at the port to wait for heavy transportation vehicles in Boombaru port. The aim, of this study is to find the best selected road from various criteria, such as land use, accessibility, pavement structure, and road geometrics. The method that has been used in this study is Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA). The results show that highest weighted value for successive criteria, namely 3.795 for Geometric, 3.787 for Land Use, 3.521 for Pavement Structure, and 3.157 for Accessibility. Overall, the results show that the best selected route is route B, borderline with Lampung-OKU-Prabumulih- Indralaya-Palembang. The advantage of this route B is because it avoids urban congested area, and it has easy access to industrial area, distribution Centre, warehouses and Ports. Thus, it is less fuel consumption and less gas emission.

Blood Pressure Estimation Based on PPG and ECG Signals Using Knowledge Distillation.

Easy access bio-signals are useful for alleviating the shortcomings and difficulties associated with cuff-based and invasive blood pressure (BP) measurement techniques. This study proposes a deep learning model, trained using knowledge distillation, based on photoplethysmographic (PPG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to estimate systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The estimation model comprises convolutional layers followed by one bidirectional recurrent layer and attention layers. The training approach involves knowledge distillation, where a smaller model (student model) is trained by leveraging information from a larger model (teacher model). The proposed multistage model was evaluated on 1205 subjects from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database using the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the standards of the British Hypertension Society (BHS). The results revealed that our model performance achieved grade A in estimating both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and met the requirements of the AAMI standard. After training with knowledge distillation (KD), the model achieved a mean absolute error and standard deviation of 2.94 ± 5.61mmHg for SBP and 2.02 ± 3.60mmHg for DBP. Our results demonstrate the benefits of the knowledge distillation training method in reducing the number of parameters and improving the predictive accuracy of the blood pressure regression model.

Assessing the Impact of Naira Policy Redesign on Nigeria's Economic Development

This research investigated the impact of the Naira Redesign Policy on Nigeria's Economic Development by administering structured questionnaires to 800 participants across 3 Deposit Money Banks and 3 Tertiary institutions in the South East region of Nigeria. Of these, 160 respondents, representing 20%, either did not return or submitted incomplete questionnaires. Utilizing Cluster Mean Analysis based on Likert’s Five Point Scale, the study addressed its research inquiries. Additionally, it critically reviewed existing theoretical analyses related to the subject matter. The results indicate that the Naira redesign policy did not curtail illegal activities or corruption, stabilize exchange rates, facilitate easy access to production and investment loans, prevent vote buying or monitor campaign funding, lower interest rates, or increase financial inclusion while reducing the unbanked population. However, the policy did reveal currency holdings previously outside commercial bank vaults, aided security agencies in combating banditry and ransom incidents, but contributed to low savings and investment, resulting in citizen poverty. The study recommends a necessary redesign, production, and circulation of the Naira, aligning with globally accepted Central Banking standards. This call is particularly crucial considering the lack of such an exercise by the CBN for almost two decades. Moreover, this redesign process should occur concurrently with the withdrawal of the old currency. Keywords: Naira Redesign, Likert’s Five Point, Cluster Mean Analysis, Economic Development

Critical Factors Responsible for Low Corporate Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Cross River State, Nigeria

With the rapid expansion of unemployment rates is alarming and devastating problem that merited an urgent and eminent attention in Cross River State. The small and medium scale enterprises can be employed as a mechanism or internal strategy to salvage the alarming growth rates of unemployment in our society. But it is impossible for the SMEs to do this more effectively and efficiently due to some critical factors affecting the corporate performance of the small and medium scale enterprises in the system. The low corporate performance of SMEs is attributed to some critical factors or bottlenecks such as difficulty in accessing micro-finances, inadequate management, and lack of experience, market competition, and many other problems. Therefore, this study examined critical factors responsible for low corporate performance of SMEs in Cross River State. Survey design was used in this study. The population of the study was six hundred and fifty-three (653) of small and medium scale enterprises in the area. The sample size was 248 using Taro Yamane formula. The hypotheses formulated were tested using Simple Linear Regression Analysis Model using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20). The study revealed that different obstacles such as inadequate funding and poor capital outlay; lack of easy access to funding/credit facilities; lack of infrastructural facilities; poor management expertise, etc. do significantly affect the corporate performance and growth as well as development of small and medium scale enterprises in Cross River State. It also revealed that the level of corporate performance (productivity) of small and medium scale enterprises significantly affect the growth and development of the area. It was recommended that the operators, owners and management should take a concerted effort in considering the various factors/problems associated and encountered by small and medium scale enterprises and profound possible solutions to it, in order to enhance the growth and corporate performance of SMEs in Cross River State. The government should also establish a well-equipped entrepreneurial programmes and provide funds/grants for small and medium scale enterprises operators in order to boost the economic development of the state.

The Importance of Lambung Mangkurat Banjarbaru Archives And Museum In Towards Digital Archives

This research analyzes the importance of manuscript archives becoming digital the era information technology. Archives are important part historical research data, the transformation of archives from manuscripts to digital very necessary. This research uses historical methods with the steps of collecting the researched data, criticizing, interpreting and compiling historical events into stories. Obtain and validate research data, the researcher then conducted field research, namely interviews with museum managers, tour guides, and related agencies. The results the research illustrate that digitalization the most important thing in archive management. Changing the system from manuscript to digital archives can improve creativity, productivity, efficiency, and innovation performance. Digital archives manuscripts have become digital, providing convenience and easy access for every Museum visitor from any region. Other findings can be innovation for teachers teaching history school, thus giving the Lambung Mangkurat Museum distinction becoming more famous, example the Sangiran Museum in Central Java which digital.

Satisfaction of Paediatric Oncology Patients, Survivors, and Nurses with the Position of Their Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (SPACE-Study)

BackgroundTo compare paediatric oncologic vascular access ports located on the anterior thoracic wall to ports on the lower lateral thoracic wall, in terms of perceived port-related hindrance and scar-quality. MethodsA cross-sectional survey study including paediatric oncology patients (≥8-<19 yrs), caregivers (in patients <8 yrs), survivors (>22 yrs with only anterior ports) and nurses of the Princess Máxima Center, the Netherlands, was performed. The survey consisted of questions regarding satisfaction, hindrance during daily life, and port position preference. For survivors, scar-quality was assessed using the validated Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS 2.0); a high score (i.e., a displeasing scar) was defined as a score higher than the third quartile of the median for that question. ResultsIn total, 147 participants were included; 83 patients/caregivers, 31 survivors, and 33 nurses. Overall, 81 % was satisfied with the position of their port. Satisfaction, hindrance and complications did not differ between anterior and lower lateral ports. For the anterior position, minimal pressure on the port during daily life was a mentioned reason to prefer this position. For the lower lateral position, less visibility of the scar and easiest access were mentioned. Of all survivors with an anterior port scar, one in five had a displeasing scar and all scars observed were widened. Female patients preferred a lower lateral port, and scar-quality was better for left-sided port scars. ConclusionThe port position should be chosen together with patients/caregivers based on the (dis-)advantages of each position, as identified by this study. Level of EvidenceII.