Financial Difficulties Research Articles

Pengaruh Rasio Keuangan Terhadap Financial Distress Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Yang Terdaftar Di Jakarta Islamic Index 70 (JII70) Periode 2018-2021

Financial management is very important and vital for a company to maintain its business continuity and avoid financial distress. Financial distress is a condition of financial difficulties that can cause bankruptcy in a company which can be characterized by low financial ratios. This quantitative study aims to determine the effect of financial ratios on financial distress partially and simultaneously on the financial distress conditions of manufacturing companies listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index 70 (JII70) during the 2018-2021 period. This research involved 48 annual financial reports from 12 manufacturing companies in JII70 during the 2018-2021 period obtained from a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis used panel data regression which was processed using Eviews12 software. The results of this study indicate that financial ratios consisting of liquidity, solvency, activity and profitability ratios significant effect on financial distress. Then partially, the liquidity ratio and activity ratio have a positive and significant effect on financial distress. The solvency ratio has a negative and significant effect on financial distress. Meanwhile, the profitability ratio has no effect on financial distress. Following up on the findings of this study, companies need to pay attention to their financial ratios so they can avoid financial distress.

Knowledge, usability and challenges of e-learning platforms for continuing Professional Development of healthcare professionals at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali

BackgroundHealthcare professionals constitute a critical component of clinical care services. To provide the expected service, they must continuously develop their profession through continuous learning. This kind of learning is recognized as continuing professional development (CPD). Traditionally, CPD is offered onsite. Onsite training is associated with some barriers that prevent healthcare professionals from attending such educational activities, including financial difficulties and long distance. This is why online learning is proposed to overcome these barriers.ObjectiveThe main purpose was to evaluate usability, knowledge and challenges of e-learning platforms for CPD of healthcare professionals at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).MethodsThe cross-sectional quantitative study approach was utilized; the data was collected at the workplace of nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals by using a pre-designed questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and presented as frequencies.ResultsA significant majority was aware of CPD e-learning platforms. For example, 95.7% of the participants were familiar with these platforms, indicating that they had some degree of knowledge about their existence and purpose. Regarding the mode of accessing CPD courses, 82.1% of participants preferred online platforms, demonstrating a strong will to use e-learning platforms.ConclusionThis study highlighted a high level of awareness and utilization of CPD e-learning platforms among healthcare professionals at CHUK, additionally, participants expressed confidence in using the platforms but emphasized the need for further support and training.

Impacts of social determinants of health on chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the association between social determinants of health and chronic opioid therapy.Materials & methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from five family medicine and internal medicine clinics in Oregon in 2020 and 2021. Our outcome variable was whether a patient was receiving chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain. Our variables of interest included financial difficulty, insurance types, transportation barriers, currently married or living with a partnerand organizations participation.Results: Our results showed that patients with financial difficulty were more likely to have chronic opioid therapy (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.33).Conclusion: Addressing patients'social determinants of health disadvantages is important for optimizing pain management.

Prevalence and correlates of alcohol and drug harms to others: Findings from the 2020 U.S. National Alcohol Survey.

Measure prevalence and overlap of secondhand harms from other people's use of alcohol, cannabis, opioid, or other drugs and examine sociodemographic and other correlates of these secondhand harms. This cross-sectional analysis used data from 7,799 respondents (51.6% female; 12.9% Black, 15.6% Hispanic/Latiné; mean age: 47.6) in the 2020 U.S. National Alcohol Survey. Secondhand harms included family/marriage difficulties, traffic accidents, vandalism, physical harm, and financial difficulties. Weighted prevalence estimates provided nationally representative estimates of these harms. Logistic regression assessed associations between individual characteristics and secondhand harms. Lifetime prevalence of secondhand harms from alcohol, cannabis, opioid, or other drugs was 34.2%, 5.5%, 7.6%, and 8.3%, respectively. There was substantial overlap among lifetime harms: almost 30% of those reporting secondhand alcohol harms also reported secondhand drug harms. Significant correlates of secondhand substance harms included female sex (alcohol, other drug); white (alcohol, opioid), American Indian/Alaska Native (opioid), and Black (cannabis) race/ethnicity; and separated/divorced/widowed marital status (opioid). Those reporting family history of alcohol problems had significantly higher odds of reporting secondhand harms across substance types. Individuals who reported frequent cannabis use had higher odds of reporting secondhand alcohol and opioid harms compared to those with no cannabis use, (aOR=1.55; aOR=2.38), but lower odds of reporting secondhand cannabis harms (aOR=0.51). Although less prevalent than secondhand alcohol harms, 14% of participants reported secondhand harms from someone else's drug use and frequently experienced secondhand harms attributed to multiple substances. Population-focused interventions are needed to reduce the total burden of alcohol and drug use.

Eating behaviors as pathways from early childhood adversity to adolescent cardiometabolic risk.

To identify specific eating behavior pathways that mediate associations between financial difficulties, negative life events, and maternal depressive symptoms from 0 to 5 years and cardiometabolic risk in adolescence. Hypotheses were tested with data from birth to age 15 years using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a birth cohort in the United Kingdom (n = 3,887 for current analyses). Mothers reported on financial difficulties, negative life events, and maternal depressive symptoms at multiple points from 0 to 5 years and reported on worry about child overeating at 8 years. Youth self-reported restrained, emotional, and external eating at age 14. Youth completed a cardiometabolic health assessment at age 15 where waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and insulin resistance were measured. Longitudinal structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was used to test mediation models. Greater negative life events and maternal depressive symptoms predicted greater parental worry about child overeating at age 8, which directly predicted greater restrained and emotional eating at 14 and cardiometabolic risk at 15. Restrained and emotional eating at 14 directly predicted greater cardiometabolic risk at age 15. Negative life events and maternal depressive symptoms in infancy/early childhood are associated with cardiometabolic risk in adolescence through pathways of parental worry about child overeating in middle childhood and youth-reported restrained and emotional eating in adolescence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Quality of life (QoL) benefits following 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy in patients (pts) with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET positive primary site agnostic neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

e16291 Background: The QoL experience during the 1st year of follow up for 68Ga-DOTATATE PET positive primary site agnostic pts with progressive metastatic NET enrolled in a prospective single arm clinical trial of 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy (OZM 067) is described here. Methods: Pts with progressive NET, Ki67 Index < 30%, adequate organ function & ECOG £2 were eligible. Only pts demonstrating positive disease (Krenning score 3-4) on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET were eligible to proceed to 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy (4 cycles at 8- to 12- week intervals. Primary outcome was progression free survival (PFS) at 12 mths. QoL (EORTC QLQ 30 and GINET21) at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 months were recorded. Summary scores at time point of interest, and their change from baseline were estimated using a mixed model repeated measure, with baseline assessment included in the model as covariate. Data were normalized with a range of 0-100. A positive change score for Global Summary Status, Functioning Domains, and a negative change score for Symptom Scales and Items represent improvement. A ≥5 point change score is used as a threshold for Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID). Results: 195 pts were enrolled. 13 pts were 68Ga-DOTATATE PET negative while 5 pts withdrew consent. 177 pts received at least one dose of 177Lu-DOTATATE. All pts enrolled were eligible for a minimum of 12 mths follow up at time of data lock. The primary site was GEPNET in 143 (81%) and non GEPNET in 34 (19%). At 12 mths, the median follow-up was 33 (range 3-71) mths. PFS and OS were 81 (95% CI: 75-86)% and 92 (87-95)% respectively. QoL data at the following timepoints baseline, 6 & 12 (±2) mths were available in 174,128 & 111 pts respectively. The top three symptoms captured in EORTC QLQ 30 was Fatigue (32.5 SD 23.8) , Insomnia (26.7 SD 28.1) and Diarrhea (22.1 SD 29.4). At 12 mths, an improvement in mean score of ≥MCID in Global Health status (GHS) (+5.4), Role Fc Scale (+7,1), Social Fc Scale (+8.7) and multiple symptoms (Fatigue, Pain, Appetite, Constipation, Diarrhea, Financial Difficulties), Sexual fc, Social, Body image (Table 1) were captured. Conclusions: Patients with primary site agnostic 68Ga-DOTATATE PET positive NET experienced improvement in multiple quality of life domains including multiple symptoms post 177Lu-DOTATATE at 12 mths. Sexual fc and body image had the largest improvement. Clinical trial information: NCT02743741 . [Table: see text]

Caregivers' experience of caring for family members with complex health needs in Latvia.

The article examines the experiences of family caregivers engaged in the provision of long-term care for their relatives with complex health needs within the Latvian context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven caregivers who provide care in cases of dementia, depression, schizophrenia, opioid use, Down syndrome and mild cognitive impairment. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed common themes, such as the initial experiences when encountering a family member's disorder and the subsequent reactions, as well as the quest for support and resources. Variations mainly centered around differences in formal aspects and childhood experiences of care. Caregivers reported risk factors such as guilt, lack of support from family and friends, financial difficulties, deficiency of professional care and ignoring the caregiver's own needs. Awareness of personal resources, values and limits, coping with personal stigma and improved overall quality of life were identified as protective factors. The findings underscore several preventive measures that social and mental health services could implement to mitigate the adverse effects of caregiving on caregivers' lives.

Pengaruh Operating Cash Flow, Profitabilitas, dan Leverage terhadap Financial Distress pada Perusahaan Properti dan Real Estate yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) Tahun 2018-2022

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of operating cash flow, profitability, also leverage on financial difficulties among property also real estate firms listed on the Indonesian stock exchange (IDX) from 2018 to 2022. This research employs quantitative methods, utilizing secondary data sources such as annual also financial reports obtained from 47 property also real estate companies during the specified period. The sampling procedure involved purposive sampling, yielding a total of 235 data samples. The research framework adopts multiple linear regression analysis. Findings from this investigation reveal that, individually, operating cash flow also profitability do not significantly influence financial distress, whereas leverage exhibits a detrimental effect. Moreover, collectively, operating cash flow, profitability, also leverage jointly impact financial distress within the realm of property also real estate enterprises listed on the Indonesian stock exchange (IDX) during the 2018-2022 period.

Clustering analysis for predicting racial disparities in genitourinary cancer–related financial burden.

e13612 Background: Healthcare costs in the United States (US) are significantly impacted by genitourinary (GU) cancers. Prostate cancer treatment alone cost the US more than $22 billion in 2020. We sought to utilize machine learning (ML)-based classification to investigate differences in the total cost of healthcare expenditure among patients with GU cancer in the US. Methods: The study included eligible adult GU cases from the 2019–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Renal cell, prostate, urothelial, testicular, and penile cancers were identified using ICD-10 CM codes. Patients were clustered using demographic information such as age, race, sex, marital status, highest degree, insurance status, perceived health status, and perceived mental health status. The analysis accounted for the complex survey design and sampling weights. The cluster groups were taken into account when conducting descriptive and regression analyses. GU cancer cases were divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk healthcare expenditure clusters. Results: The study included a representative sample of 9,061,181 cases of GU cancer in the US between 2019 and 2021. The average age of the sample was 71.6 years (95% CI: 70.7, 72.5). There were 7.9% Hispanic (Hisp), 74.8% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 13.8% non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 3.5% individuals from Asian or other races. Overall, the mean total healthcare expenditures within low-, med-, and high-risk clusters were $17974 (13816, 22133), $20496 (13100, 27893), and $30512 (21389, 39635), respectively. Regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for sampling weight, cluster, gender, family income, age, insurance status, and survey year, the mean total expenditure was higher by $11209.70 and $13100.81 in med- and high-risk clusters when compared to the low-risk cluster (ref.). Within each race or ethnicity, the proportion of Hisp or NHB individuals was higher in med- and high-risk clusters. Med- and high-risk clusters were more likely to contain people with cognitive impairments, poor health status, and financial difficulties in their families. Conclusions: We used an unsupervised clustering algorithm that can distinguish between GU cases with high and low expenditure based solely on sociodemographic variables. We demonstrate that our findings were consistent for all three data cohorts. This approach can predict the disparity in utilization in any insured population. [Table: see text]

Racial disparities and survival outcome of patients with locally advanced cervix cancer in the international randomised phase 3 OUTBACK trial (ANZGOG 0902, RTOG 1174, NRG 0274).

1594 Background: OUTBACK was an international multi-center phase 3 trial investigating adjuvant chemotherapy following definitive chemoradiation in locally advanced cervix cancer. We analysed if baseline characteristics were associated with survival outcome. More specifically, we determined whether race held prognostic significance relative to established clinical factors. Methods: We compared baseline characteristics (encompassing demographics, biomarkers and participants’ self-ratings of EORTC QLQ-C30 scores) between racial groups using chi-squared tests. We then explored relationships between baseline characteristics and survival outcomes using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models with stepwise selection. Results: Black or African American participants accounted for 13% (n=121/919) of the OUTBACK study population. There were no evident differences in the proportion of Black or African American participants, as compared to other racial groups, across most baseline characteristics, except for country of residence (USA vs non-USA, p<0.01). When examining the impact of race (Black or African American vs other racial groups) on survival outcomes in locally advanced cervix cancer, we found no evident associations with overall survival (HR 1.2; 95%CI,0.84 – 1.72; p=0.32) or progression free survival (HR 1.29; 95%CI, 0.95 – 1.75; p=0.10). Multivariable analysis identified several independent prognostic factors for overall survival, including performance status (HR 1.43; 95%CI, 1.04-1.95; p=0.03), FIGO stage (HR 2.02; 95%CI, 1.48-2.75; p<0.01), nodal involvement (HR 1.59; 95%CI, 1.18-2.14; p<0.01), and elevated white cell count (HR 1.68; 95%CI, 1.21-2.33; p<0.01). Role function, social function, financial difficulties and eGFR showed significance in univariable analysis for overall survival but did not retain significance in multivariable analysis. These findings were consistent when examining progression-free survival. Conclusions: No discernible disparities in survival outcomes were observed between Black or African American participants and other racial groups undergoing primary treatment for locally advanced cervix cancer. The primary prognostic determinants for this disease continue to be cancer staging and clinical performance status. Enrolment into a clinical trial may have abrogated the historical disparities seen among ethnic and racial groups. Clinical trial information: 12610000732088.

The Impact of Financial Constraints on Quality of Life and Mental Health in the Elderly: Evidence from Spain

This study analyzes the association between financial difficulties and quality of life and depression in Spain. We apply extended probit models in order to control for potential endogeneity, in a sample of 1,759 people over 65 years of age. The results show that facing financial difficulties is significantly related to a lower quality of life and a higher probability of depression, particularly for women. Negative expectations about future finances are inversely and significantly related to the individual’s quality of life. These findings suggest that financial advisory and public intervention programs focused on the elderly with financial constraints are necessary to mitigate this negative impact.

Corrosion detection and localisation utilising a novel thin film guided wave sensor sparse array

Detecting and pinpointing corrosion-related damage in infrastructure poses significant financial and technical difficulties. It is simply not feasible to manually inspect all infrastructure for corrosion. Permanently installed systems can monitor critical failure points without the need for manual scanning but these are not always known. Ultrasonic guided wave technology can be used for full system coverage, however, there is a trade-off between range and resolution. This has found a place for long distance monitoring of significant defects, however high- resolution systems require too dense a network to be feasible to install, cost and maintain. This research seeks a middle ground between these two options by employing machine learning and a scalable setup of easy to install, printed detection sensors. A flexible array of printed thin film sensors is placed around two identical mild steel pipes, each 0.5m long with a 6 mm wall thickness and 115 mm outer diameter. Corrosion is then induced artificially in one sample. Two transmit transducers on the top and bottom of the pipes are used to emit an ultrasonic, circumferential guided wave. The transmitted waveform was then received on all sensors throughout the array for data collection. Through machine learning and a search algorithm, sub-millimetre resolution is achieved, detecting millimetre-scale corrosion and localisation to the nearest detection sensor. Crucially, the system maintains scalability for large-scale asset inspection. This technology shows promise in addressing inspection challenges, including Corrosion Under Pipe Supports (CUPS) and Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). It offers a potential solution to the costly problem of infrastructure damage detection and localisation while retaining scalability and a low-profile design philosophy.

The relationship between 'school readiness' and later persistent absenteeism.

Post-pandemic school absence is an increasing concern for governments worldwide. Absence is associated with poor academic outcomes and long-term illness (physical and mental). Absenteeism increases the risk of financial difficulties in adulthood and involvement in the criminal justice system. We hypothesized that early childhood problems might be an antecedent of absenteeism. We tested this hypothesis by investigating the pre-pandemic association between school readiness and persistent absenteeism using a population-linked dataset. Analyses included 62,598 children aged 5-13 years from the Connected Bradford database (spanning academic years 2012/13 to 2019/20). Special educational needs status, English as an Additional Language status, socioeconomic status, sex and ethnicity were covariates significantly associated with persistent absenteeism. Children who were not 'school ready' had increased odds of being persistently absent later in their education journey after controlling for these covariates. School readiness was associated with even greater odds of being persistently absent over two or more years. These findings show (i) the seeds of absenteeism are sown early in childhood; (ii) absenteeism shows the hallmark of structural inequities; and (iii) the potential of 'school readiness' measures to identify children at risk of long-term disengagement from the education system.

Efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads for bronchial arterial chemoembolization combined with intravenous chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

e20137 Background: We aim to explore the efficacy and tolerability of Drug-Eluting Bead Bronchial Arterial Chemotherapy Embolization (DEB-BACE) combined with intravenous chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with initially diagnosed extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: We collected data from 24 patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer who received DEB-BACE combined with intravenous chemotherapy (DEB-BACE-V) and initially diagnosed at our hospital between 2013 and 2022. Among them, nine patients received BACE combined with intravenous chemotherapy from the first-line (first-line DEB-BACE-V), ten patients from the third-line (third -line DEB-BACE-V), and five patients from the second-line (second -line DEB-BACE-V). Then, the treatment response (objective response rate and rate of cancer regression) and tumor marker levels were evaluated at the first month and third month after treatment. The quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale. Overall survival (OS) was also evaluated. First, compare the first-line DEB-BACE-V group with the second-line DEB-BACE-V group. Then, compare the first-line DEB-BACE-V group with third-line DEB-BACE-V group. Lastly, compare the second-line DEB-BACE-V group with the third-line DEB-BACE-V group. Results: In initially diagnosed extensive-stage SCLC patients treated with DEB-BACE combined with intravenous chemotherapy, first and third month post treatment, the objective response rates were 58.33% and 79.17%, respectively; and the rates of cancer regression were 75% and 91.67%, respectively. In addition, the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and progastrin-releasing peptide levels were reduced at the third and sixth month. Quality of life assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 scale, which included subscales of general health status, functional domains, symptom domains, and single domains except for financial difficulty, was markedly improved in first and third month of post treatment. Adverse reactions were mild and manageable, the most common being chest pain and low fever. Median values of OS in first-line DEB-BACE-V, second -line DEB-BACE-V and third -line DEB-BACE-V were 15.7 (95% CI: 9.1595-20.759) months, 29.63 (95% CI: 20.5684-36.268) months 16.92 (95% CI: 10.4044-21.871) months, and respectively. Conclusions: Due to its favorable therapeutic response, quality of life, survival benefits, and safety profile, DEB-BACE combined with intravenous chemotherapy may become a treatment option for patients with extensive-stage SCLC, particularly as second-line therapy.

Media coverage of the impact of the war on gender segregation in the Ukrainian labor market

The article aims to outline the trends of gender professional segregation occurring in Ukraine during the military conflict. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out with the use of qualitative methods. A content analysis was chosen for this study. The material consists of online textual publications, which include interviews with managers, specialists, and employees of the State Employment Center. It also includes interviews in which women residing on the territory of Ukraine share their experiences of employment and work during the war. Results and Discussion. In Ukraine today, two factors operate in parallel. On the one hand, there is an urgent need to fill vacancies in professions that have traditionally been dominated by men. On the other hand, the financial situation of women is on the decline. Women are forced to rethink their gender identity in the family and in society because of financial difficulties and their inability to guarantee a minimum of financial stability for themselves and their families. This leads them to be willing to accept jobs with working conditions that are particularly harmful and difficult. Employment opportunities for women are increasing due to differentiated demand, which contributes to the reduction of horizontal gender segregation. One factor that impedes this process is the demand for professions traditionally considered women’s domains, which do not require basic skills, and for which demand increased during the war. These professions are mainly related to manufacturing and working specialties. Given that educated and skilled women occupy blue-collar jobs, we can expect vertical segregation to intensify during wartime, when gender differences are manifested in positions and roles with differing status or potential for advancement. In the area of state gender policy, Ukraine has business development initiatives that reduce the gender gap in women’s access to assets and capital to invest in profitable entrepreneurial industries. However, these initiatives only involve a limited number of women and cannot be associated with radical gender changes in society. At the same time, the positive aspects of reducing horizontal gender segregation observed in Ukraine during wartime may be negated by the lack of or insufficient incentives for the development of preschool education. Thus, there are few effective levers to overcome gender segregation in Ukraine in the short and medium term. Achieving gender equality in the labor market is practically declaratory. Conclusions. In the context of the wartime crisis, gender segregation is a significant issue with negative consequences. A market specifically for women’s labor is emerging, and the social status of women’s work is declining compared to pre-war times. This situation may reinforce societal stereotypes that view men as more suitable for leadership positions, potentially decreasing women’s motivation and career aspirations.

Exploring factors impacting quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy: Experience of the Medical Oncology Department-CHU Hassan II-FEZ University Hospital.

e12507 Background: Considering that the recommended duration of adjuvant hormone therapy in localized breast cancer is at least 5 years, it becomes crucial to investigate the quality of life (QOL) of these patients and the factors influencing it. Objectives: To assess the quality of life (QOL) and identify factors impacting it in patients with localized hormone-sensitive breast cancer receiving adjuvant hormone therapy. Methods: We surveyed 335 patients with localized hormone-sensitive breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy using the Moroccan Arabic dialect version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Confidentiality of participant data was maintained. The study was carried-out with respect to the Moroccan regulation in effect. Results: The overall quality of life (QOL) in our patient population was moderate, with positive scores for social functioning, followed by physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Financial difficulties emerged as the most influential factor affecting patients' QOL, followed by fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. Age-related declines in physical functioning were observed, with symptoms more prevalent, especially diarrhea, in patients aged 70 and above (p = 0.009). Urban patients faced a greater financial impact on QOL than rural patients (p = 0.025). Higher education correlated with improved QOL, particularly in physical functioning (p = 0.025). Married individuals demonstrated better overall QOL and fewer symptoms (p = 0.027). Menopausal patients exhibited lower ability and a higher loss of appetite (p = 0.027). No significant correlation was found between UICC stage and QOL. Patey-mastectomy was associated with more pain than tumorectomy (p = 0.024). Previous chemotherapy had no overall QOL impact, but users reported less diarrhea (p = 0.016). Hormone therapy type did not significantly affect overall health status, except for tamoxifen users who demonstrated improved functional roles (p = 0.008). The duration of adjuvant hormone therapy (<5 years or >5 years) showed no significant difference in patient QOL. Associated castration had a significant impact on overall health and role functioning, favoring non-castration (p = 0.034 and p = 0.011). Effective treatment tolerance positively influenced overall QOL, leading to better physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning (p < 0.0001), with fewer pronounced symptoms. Conclusions: Our study indicate that the overall QOL of patients with localized breast cancer under AET was moderate, and several factors were identified as major influences, each affecting the QOL in distinct ways.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Waitlisted Preoperative General Surgical Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India - Problems and Probable Solutions: an Observational Study.

Among patients affected by Covid-19, a large subset included those who were on preoperative general surgical waiting list for elective operations. There are very few studies on the various factors that impacted these patients during the pandemic in India. The current study aimed to analyse the factors which hampered the surgical management of such patients and to suggest implementable solutions which can mitigate those factors in future pandemics. This was a cross sectional observational study conducted from March 2021 to February 2022. Patients from the surgical register who were placed on a waiting list for routine elective procedures like hernias, gallstone disease, benign thyroid swellings, etc were included, while those with malignancy and emergencies were excluded. We sought information about their current status regarding the planned surgery, the factors which have prevented or are preventing them from accessing suitable surgical service and the current status of individually experienced symptoms. There were 38 respondents. Most of the patients belonged to the age group 40-60 years and had an average waiting period of more than six months. In 20/38 patients, surgery was postponed because of Covid-19 pandemic, seven patients were admitted but operation was postponed for various reasons, while a few others suffered due to financial difficulty or lockdown restrictions. In 23/38 patients' symptoms progressed and nine patients had unbearable symptoms at the time of the study. Two of the 38 respondents underwent emergency surgery outside the institute. All subjects knew that Covid-19 patients were being treated in the institute, where most of them were still willing to continue their treatment. Three patients refused to continue treatment because of apprehension about getting Covid-19. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 pandemic over, experts opine that there might be more such incidents in not-too-distant future. Our study is among the few of its kind that provides some analytical data regarding the factors which prevented the general surgical patients access to surgical service in India during the Covid-19 pandemic and to suggest some implementable strategies to mitigate the effect of those factors in future pandemics.

A phase 2 study of regorafenib in metastatic/unresectable, refractory synovial sarcomas.

e23551 Background: Current therapeutic options for advanced synovial sarcomas remain limited. Adoptive T-cell therapies against NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-4 benefit a subset of patients, but is of limited value in Asian patients due to the absence of the HLA-A*02 genotype. Methods: The trial had a single arm, Simon two-stage design that included patients with advanced synovial sarcomas who had progressed on 2 lines of therapy, one of which could be an anti-VEGF therapy. Regorafenib was administered orally in a continuous regimen with 80mg and 120 mg doses on alternate days. The primary end point was 3-month progression-free rate (PFR). A 3-month PFR of greater than 40% was taken to be a marker of drug efficacy. Secondary end points included median PFS, OS and safety analysis. Quality of life assessment was carried out at baseline and at 3 months using the EORTC C-30 questionnaire. Radiological responses were assessed using RECIST 1.1 criteria after independent review by 2 radiologists. Results: A total of 22 patients were included in the study during the period from January 2022 to December 2023 with baseline characteristics as shown in Table 1. 18 patients were eligible for assessment of the primary outcome. The 3-month PFR with regorafenib was 57% with an ORR of 5%. At a median follow up of 9 months, the median PFS was 5.0 (2.9-7.0) months, and the median OS was 10.0 (7.8-11.2) months. In an exploratory analysis, the subset of patients previously exposed to pazopanib showed a 3-month PFR of 46% and a median PFS of 3 months. The grade ¾ toxicities seen included HFSR (52%), diarrhea (5%) and oral mucositis (5%). The quality-of-life analysis showed symptom burden to be highest in the fatigue, pain and financial difficulties domain at baseline. No worsening of symptom burden scores was seen over the study period. The global health status score showed a numerical improvement at 3 months. Conclusions: The study had a significant number of patients with poor PS. Regorafenib in the above-mentioned dosing regimen demonstrated meaningful clinical activity in a heavily pre-treated population of patients with synovial sarcoma, including those previously exposed to pazopanib, with a preserved quality of life. The treatment was associated with manageable toxicities and no new safety signals, albeit with higher HFSR rates. [Table: see text]

The Assessment of the Efficacy, Safety, and Challenges of Ketogenic Diet Therapy in Children with Epilepsy: The First Experience of a Single Center.

Background and Objectives: Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) has been used as a non-pharmacological treatment for childhood refractory epilepsy. Its efficacy and safety have been described in numerous studies and reviews. However, there have been fewer studies evaluating the challenges experienced by patients and their family members when starting KDT. When implementing a new treatment method, challenges arise for both the healthcare professionals and patients, making it important to summarize the initial results and compare them with the experiences of other centers. To analyze and evaluate the efficacy and safety of KDT in children with epilepsy, as well as to consider the challenges faced by their parents/caregivers. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients' data (N = 30) and an analysis of the completed questionnaires of the parents/caregivers (N = 22) occurred. Results: In the study group, 66.7% of the patients had a >50% decrease in seizure frequency, and 2/3 of them had a >90% decrease in seizure frequency or were seizure-free, which enabled reducing the anti-seizure medications in 36.4% of the patients, as well as reducing the hospital visits. Cognitive improvement and better alertness were subjectively reported by 59.1% of the parents/caregivers. No dangerous long-term adverse effects of KDT have been observed in the study group. The patients with generalized epilepsy experienced significantly more adverse events. Most of the adverse effects of KDT were related to the digestive system, but usually they were temporary and controllable. The challenges of the parents/caregivers were mostly related to social life issues and financial difficulties; the medical-related challenges were minimal. Conclusions: KDT is an effective and safe treatment option for children with drug-resistant epilepsy, and the challenges faced by families are resolvable. In order to ensure effective KDT, a multidisciplinary team is required. This would ensure smooth and comprehensive care and the timely resolution of emerging problems. The cooperation of the families undergoing KDT is also important, enabling them to share their experiences.

MENTAL HEALTH STATUS OF POST GRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS WORKING IN GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

During post-graduation stress led to untoward consequences such as impaired academic performance, burn out, substance abuse, suicide, cynicism, attrition from medical school, medical errors, broken relationships, poor selfcare (poor diet, poor sleep, inadequate exercise etc.) and a decline in physical health. Stress increases more in females .Up to 11.1% of medical students experience suicidal ideation. Furthermore, endorsement of suicidal ideation has been demonstrated to increase the risk of suicide completion over the next year by 100-fold Earlier Studies reported a high prevalence of depression in medical students but studies on Indian post graduate medical students are lacking. Aim and Objectives:1. To study profile of mentalillness (stress, anxiety , depression )among the pg. students .2. To study associated psychosocial factorswith mental health status . Methods:Cross sectional study was conducted during may 2023 – September 2023 covering post graduate students in govt medical college Aurangabad. Data collected by using pretested ,pre designed questionnaire. Observations &Result: Prevalence of depression was 16.48% , prevalence of stress was – moderate stress- 73% , severe stress – 26 %, the study revealed the prevalence of both together stress and depression to be 16.48 %. Those who were having severe stress also had depression , prevalence of depression and stress in capacitating ( impairing ) productivity of individuals it has seen to be 16.48% ( 30 participants have both severe stress and depression ). our findings show that females are more depressed than males during their residency.– it is seen that stress is more seen in 1st year residents. study shows that financial difficulties of own leads to depression in residency.