Mean Maximum Score Research Articles

Evaluation of drug tolerability as a function of toxicity and quality of life in patients enrolled on I-SPY2.

11113 Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are valuable for understanding treatment tolerability and toxicity. I-SPY2 is a phase-II neoadjuvant clinical trial for breast cancer with electronic PROs and quality of life (QOL) assessments. We sought to understand how well the GP5 self-reported tolerability item reflected toxicity burden and QOL during treatment and follow-up in I-SPY 2 participants. Methods: Our study included 306 patients who completed the FACIT Item GP5 and answered PROMIS surveys at two or more timepoints. Analysis timepoints included screening (SC), inter-regimen (IR), pre-surgery (PS), 1-month post-surgery (FU1), and 6-months post-surgery (FU2). Symptoms were assessed weekly using PRO-CTCAE and CTCAEv4.0. QOL was evaluated using PROMIS. The GP5: “I am bothered by side effects of treatment,” was used to estimate tolerability, where worse tolerability is a higher score. Odds ratios, Spearman correlation, and regularized multi-variate regression were used to evaluate the associations between individual symptoms and adverse events with GP5 scores. Results: Demographic information was available for 243 of the 306 (70.2%) participants (median age=47,73.7% white). In the 306, tolerability scores worsened over study treatment, with a maximum mean score of 1.71 at Cycle 11. Tolerability improved after treatment cessation at FU1(1.09). Mean tolerability at week 6 was 1.53. The only clinical factor that was associated with early change in tolerability (week 6 to PS) was age >50 (mean score ranged from 1.55-1.70 vs 1.29-1.45 (age<50), p<0.05). PRO-CTCAE and GP5 correlative analysis suggested that higher grade abdominal pain, decreased appetite, dizziness and blurry vision significantly associated with higher GP5 scores at multiple timepoints (p<0.05). Symptoms not associated with tolerability were nail loss, acne, hair loss, and rash (p>0.05). Additionally, the total number of low-grade (mild to moderate) symptoms a patient experienced during study treatment was significantly correlated to poor tolerability (p<0.00001). Among patients with CTCAE data, 9% had adrenal insufficiency, and higher GP5 was found across all study timepoints in those with (compared to without) adrenal insufficiency (mean GP5 = [1.7-1.9] vs [1.3-1.5] respectively). Similarly, among patients with neuropathy (14%), higher GP5 scores were reported across all study timepoints (mean GP5 = [1.8-2.3] vs [1.3-1.5] respectively). Higher GP5 scores during treatment were correlated with higher fatigue scores at PS and FU1 (p<0.02 and p<0.001) and lower physical functioning at PS (p<0.01). Conclusions: TheGP5 measure is associated with self-reported symptoms, higher grade adverse events and quality of life scores. Furthermore, greater accumulation of lower grade symptoms can lead to poor tolerability. The single measure GP5 composite score reflects multiple components of treatment toxicity.

Examination of the Relationship Between Physical Activity, Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality of Nursıng Students: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study

Nursing students often experience challenges related to sleep quality, which can have implications for their overall well-being and academic performance. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality among senior nursing students. This study employed a cross-sectional and correlational design. The study was conducted between September and Ocober 2021, involving senior nursing students who were undergoing practical training in a state hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the "Introductory Information Form," "International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short)/IPAQ" "Perceived Stress Scale/PSS" and "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index/PSQI". Out of 42 students, 40 students participated in the study. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, minimum and maximum scores, mean scores, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation test. The mean score for physical activity assessed using the IPAQ was 1051.38±890.17 MET (metabolic equivalent), the average score on the PSS was 27.88±8.72, and the average score on the PSQI was 14.10±2.38. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between sleep quality and physical activity levels (p≤0.05). Furthermore, a positive and moderate relationship was observed between sleep quality and perceived stress levels (p≤0.05). The findings indicate that nursing students have moderate levels of physical activity and perceived stress, and their sleep quality is considerably low.

Association between game metrics in a simulation game and nursing students’ surgical nursing knowledge – a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundSimulation games are effective for acquiring surgical nursing knowledge during education by offering possibilities to learn theoretical knowledge through practical patient scenarios, thus preparing students for demanding surgical nursing care. Game metrics stored in the game system enable assessment of students’ behaviour while gameplaying. Combining game metrics with the assessment of a student’s surgical nursing knowledge allows versatile information to be obtained about the student’s learning outcomes. However, studies on game metrics stored in systems and their relationship with learning outcomes are scarce.MethodsThe aim here was to evaluate the association between game metrics in a simulation game and nursing students’ surgical nursing knowledge. Nursing students from three universities of applied sciences in Finland participated in a one-week simulation gameplaying intervention that included five surgical nursing scenarios. Students’ surgical nursing knowledge was investigated with a quasi-experimental, one-group, pre- and post-test design using a surgical nursing knowledge test. In total, 280 students filled in the knowledge tests. In addition, cross-sectional game data were collected at a single time point between pre- and post-tests. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis methods.ResultsStudents’ surgical nursing knowledge improved with the intervention. The total number of playthroughs was 3562. The mean maximum score was 126.2 (maximum score range 76–195). The mean playing time of all playthroughs by all players was 4.3 minutes (SD = 81.61). A statistically significant association was found between mean score and knowledge test total score (p < 0.0072), but no significant association emerged between mean playing time and knowledge test total score.ConclusionThe results indicated that the higher the mean score the better the students’ surgical nursing knowledge in the knowledge test. This study did not show that the time spent playing had an impact on students’ post-playing knowledge. Our findings support the idea that game metrics can be used in performance evaluation and the results can be used to improve nursing students’ readiness for challenging preoperative and postoperative clinical situations.

Assessment of quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background: In India, as the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is high, it is essential to determine the quality of life (QoL) and it is predictors among them to improve the effectiveness of treatment and also to minimize the burden of DM on our society. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the impact of diabetes on QoL and to identify the association of sociodemographic factors that affect QoL. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 DM patients. Quality of life was assessed by the World Health Organization BREF questionnaire. To compare the means of two groups, the Unpaired “T” test and for three or more groups, one-way analysis of variance was applied. P &lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Out of 120, 61 were males (50.8%) and 59 females (49.2%) and their mean age was 53.72 ± 13.71 years. Almost half of them were illiterates (48.3%). Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (52.5%). Most of the participants had diabetes for 6–10 years (35.8%). Maximum mean score was observed for negative feelings (4.183 ± 0.721) minimum mean score for positive feelings (2.525 ± 0.517). Overall, 43% of the study population rated their QoL as neither poor nor good and 52% felt that their health was neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. QoL score was maximum in the environmental health domain (26.40) and minimum in the social relationship domain (10.75). Among different variables, there was no significant difference observed for overall QoL and health satisfaction. Conclusion: The present study showed overall QoL was neither poor nor good, and they perceived their health as neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. As almost half of the participants were illiterates, it is essential to create awareness regarding diabetes treatment and management of comorbidities and complications by conducting health campaigns using simple, local language, performing street plays, and interactive workshops.

Self-directed learning for medical graduates: A boon or bane in disguise? A cross-sectional study in Chennai.

Self-directed learning (SDL) is an essential aspect of adult education or andragogy, gaining significance in medical education with the introduction of competency-based medical education. The primary objective of this study is to assess the self-directed learning abilities of second-year medical undergraduates in Chennai, South India, and to identify potential challenges and gaps in their learning process. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 82 second-year medical students attending self-directed learning sessions at a medical college in Chennai. Data were collected using the self-directed learning instrument (SDLI), a standardized questionnaire, administered through Google Forms. Participants' identities were maintained confidential. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive data were presented as proportions and percentages. Normally distributed quantitative data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Non-normal continuous data were expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR). The majority of the students (61%) demonstrated a high level of SDL ability, with a median score of 76. Students exhibited strong learning motivation (mean score 4.11) but struggled with planning and implementation (mean score 3.07). The maximum mean score was 4.11 for item 3 (constant improvement and excelling in learning), and the minimum mean score was 3.07 for item 11 (arranging and controlling learning time). The students showed high self-monitoring (mean score 3.76) and interpersonal communication skills (mean score 4.00). SDL emerges as a boon for medical undergraduates in this study. By providing adequate training to faculty members on SDL implementation and guidance to students on planning and time management, SDL can play a pivotal role in enhancing medical education quality and fostering life-long learning among future medical professionals.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Inmates, Prison Staff and Soldiers Regarding Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Mazandaran Prisons.

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-sucking insects that bite humans usually at night and cause nuisance, psychological and social problems. These insects are considered a health hazard in densely populated places such as prisons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of inmates, soldiers, and prison staff regarding bed bugs in Mazandaran prisons. This is a descriptive-analytical study in which 450 inmates and 210 staff (105 personnel and 105 soldiers) from prisons of Mazandaran Province were included in the study. Data on knowledge, attitude, and practice of the participants regarding bed bugs were collected using a structured questionnaire. To determine the relative content validity coefficient, the questionnaire was assessed by 10 specialists in terms of difficulty, inappropriateness, and ambiguity of the phrases. The reliability of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach's Alpha and then the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. The maximum mean scores of knowledges, attitude, and practice between the three target groups were 16.42%, 44.07% and 71.21% respectively. Prison staff had the highest knowledge and practice, and inmates showed the highest attitude regarding bed bugs. There was no significant difference between the knowledge and attitude of inmates, prison staff and soldiers (P> 0.05) but there was a significant difference in their practice (P< 0.05). Results of this study confirmed that all three groups of people in the prisons need appropriate education regarding all aspects of bed bug including its control.

Psychometric Properties of the Hindi Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD) Module in Dehradun, India.

The perception of quality of life (QOL) is a subjective concept; however, attempts have been made to discern the key points and to give a metric view of this concept. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD) module is an international and cross-cultural tool that quantifies the QOL in older adults. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Hindi version of the WHOQOL-OLD module by calculating its reliability and validity among the elderly residing in the Dehradun district of India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 440 elderlies from the rural and urban areas of Dehradun by using the Hindi version of the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. The mean and standard deviations were calculated for QOL scores. Reliability was checked by calculating Cronbach's alpha (α), and factor analysis was done for the validity of the questionnaire. Mean (±SD) for total QOL score was 54.3 (±9.3). The death and dying facet had the maximum mean score, whereas the minimum mean score was calculated in the autonomy facet. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient for the overall QOL score was calculated as 0.86 which shows good internal consistency of the items in the questionnaire. To measure the construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on the 24 items of the WHOQOL-OLD module, and a six-factor model was identified. Satisfactory goodness-of-fit statistics were found on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). QOL is a multidimensional concept. The Hindi version of the WHOQOL-OLD module is reliable and valid. QOL in the elderly population can be measured by using the WHOQOL-OLD module in India.

ABOUT THE AVERAGE MAXIMUM VALUES OF QUEUES IN QUEUING SYSTEMS

In the classical theory of queuing systems, the assumption of mutual independence of events is fundamental, so we propose to consider the basic principles of the interval method of traffic analysis, which allows us to replace analysis of time intervals between neighboring requests and time intervals for processing requests by analyzing one random variable, i. e. the number of requests received during successive intervals of time for processing each of requests. The concepts of mean maximum values of queues and limiting maximum values are introduced. It is shown that the limit maximum value in a queue will be the largest of the possible maximum values for a given total value of requests in queues during one service cycle. The mean maximum score is the average of the maximum queue values. To determine the characteristics of traffic, we use the well-known «Leaky_bucket» algorithm. The proposed traffic model is based on the total number of requests during their processing cycles. Experimental modeling of the proposed method showed that variance and correlation properties of a specified random variable for a given load completely characterize the average queue size in a queuing system.

Evaluation of Current Community Pharmacist Practice in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study from Patients' Perspective (PART I).

This study aimed to evaluate the current practice of community pharmacists from patients' and pharmacists' perspectives in Saudi Arabia. This paper presents the patients' perspective. A self-administered cross-sectional survey was developed to collect responses from patients in Saudi Arabia from February to April 2021. The questionnaire comprised several statements related to the best practice in community pharmacy. Patients' responses to each statement were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher scores represented the greater extent to which the pharmacists perform the best practice in a community pharmacy setting and vice versa. The data of 233 participants were included in the analysis. The majority of the participants were female (67%) and Saudi nationals (96%). The minimum mean score was related to the statement: pharmacist discusses with you about herbal medications or vitamin supplements. The maximum mean score was related to the statement: Pharmacist explains to you about the dose of medications and when to take them. Participants who were <20 years old had a significantly highest mean score, whereas those above 40 years old had the least mean score, P = 0.001. Participants from the Eastern region had a significantly highest mean score, compared to South region participants who had the least mean score, P = 0.009. A gap in the current practice and the best practice of community pharmacists was found. The policymakers can utilize these findings to provide targeted professional development opportunities for the practicing community pharmacists to improve the overall service and care for the patients.

Knowledge and Application of CBCT Imaging amongst the Dental Interns - A Pan India Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: Evaluating the level of knowledge and applicative knowledge regarding Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) among interns from various dental institutes in the country. Materials and Methods: A Questionnaire with 15 close-ended questions was circulated to 2000 interns from various dental institutes across India. 1154 interns participated in the study. The response rate was 94.8%. Results: The majority of the interns (48.6%) gained knowledge regarding CBCT from lectures and faculty seminars while 15.3% through conferences. The maximum knowledge mean score was noted from the central zone (7.66 ± 3.8). Demographic variables did not show any signs of the impact of technical knowledge on the applicative knowledge of the study population. Conclusion: This study suggests CBCT be a definitive 3D imaging technology in the maxilla-facial region and awareness regarding the same needs to be increased. There is a need to include CBCT-based information in the undergraduate curriculum to improve knowledge levels.

Assessment of Implementation Outcome Measures for Positive Deviance Approach as a New Strategy to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Psychometric Follow-Up Study.

Implementation outcomes are the effects of deliberate actions while implementing new interventions which explain the process and are preconditions to achieve the desired outcomes. Positive DevianceApproach (PDA) was implemented as a new strategy to mitigate the gaps of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice in Jimma, Ethiopia. However, there was no evidence to what extent intervention participants' perceive/rate these outcomes. In addition, psychometric outcome measures lack conceptual clarity, have unknown reliability and validity to the context. Therefore, we aimed to assess implementation outcomes, determine valid and reliable scales and analyze their correlation and variation explained. A post-implementation follow-up study was conducted between August 28, 2020 and September 30, 2020 among the intervention participants of an earlier trial. A sample of 384 participants was invited to respond to an interviewer (or self)-administered structured questionnaire. The developed tool was refined through experts' comment, pre-test, and using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to determine the measurement scales, and Total Variability Explained (TVE). The reliability test was done. The mean scores were determined which indicates the extent of each scale's rate. Pearson's correlation, independent sample t-test/One-way ANOVA were used as needed. The explained variation (interdependency) of scales was checked using coefficientof determination (r2). Level of significance was declared at 95% CI and p-value of <0.05. This study identified nine implementation outcomes of PDA as a new strategy to promote EBF with a TVE 72.1%. 52 valid and reliable items were developed to measure these outcomes. The maximum mean score was for "appropriateness scale" - 27.81 (6.5SD), while the minimum was for "implementation cost scale" - 11.37 (5.2SD). The overall mean score was 164.18 (26.8SD). The emerged scales explained 72.1% of the total variability in implementation outcomes. Majority (6) of outcomes of PDA were highly rated. Implementation fidelity, penetration, organizational readiness, and sustainability scores were positively and significantly correlated with acceptability of the approach. This study identified nine valid, reliable, well explained and correlated implementation outcomes which help to understand the success of PDA as a new strategy to promote EBF. Majority of outcome measures were highly rated by intervention participants, which suggests it is a promising approach in promoting EBF in urban community by PDs.

Perception of nursing students towards educational quality in Khyber Pukhtankhwa Pakistan

Quality education is among the 17 Sustainable development goals recognized by the United Nations in September 2015. Quality education means that "Quality learners, a quality learning environment, quality materials, quality processes, and quality outcomes emphasize the necessity of focusing on all five key characteristics that are all vital aspects of education given by an education system". Objective: To assess the perception of nursing students towards educational quality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the nursing institutes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through a self-structured questionnaire from May 2022 to July 2022 having a sample size of 236. Results: The overall positive views of the students were (77%) towards the educational quality. The maximum mean score of students towards education quality was agree (45±9), then strongly agree (21±7), followed by neutral (14±3), strongly disagree (11±7), and disagree (9±6). Conclusions: There was a positive perception of students towards educational quality, but there are some factors that required paying attention.

Effect of Storage Temperature on Microbiological Quality of Optimized Almond Supplemented Paneer Kheer

Background: The present research entitled Effect of Storage Temperature on Microbiological Quality of Optimized Almond Supplemented Paneer Kheer was conducted to detect the relationship between storage temperature and storage period. Methods: The research took place in the laboratory of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi from October 2019 to December 2019. Three different aspects of Microbiological Parameters were studied viz. Standard Plate Count (SPC), Coliform Count (CFC) and Yeast and Mold Count (YMC) from the sample taken under study as control and optimized. All the samples were studied at distinguish storage temperatures like. 5°C, 25°C and 37°C. The CRD was used to find out the appropriate data obtained from research work. Result: Microbiological parameters have been the major influencer in determination of shelf life of any product. Milk possesses the characteristics to be refrigerated soon otherwise it starts degrading in its quality which is true also for milk products. It has been found that maximum mean scores of SPC of control sample (5.54) and of optimized sample (5.42) were obtained on 3rd day of storage at 37°C. But for YMC maximum mean score of control (1.32) and of optimized (1.25) were obtained on 18th days of storage at 5°C whereas CFC remained nil at every count regardless of storage temperature and period. Thus, the result revealed that with the elevation in the storage temperature along with storage period the life of product deteriorates at a faster rate showing directly proportional relation.

The spectrum of Self-directed learning perceptions among faculty members and students of Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences.

Objectives:To analyze the perception of students and faculty regarding self-directed learning (SDL).Methods:This mixed method study design (pragmatic) with both positivist and interpretive approaches was conducted on faculty members and students of Bolan Medical College Quetta from 1st April 2021 to 31st Aug 2021 on 246 medical and dental students and 12 faculty members. The research question was about the role of SDL in undergraduate medical students and faculty members. The inclusion criteria were any registered student and permanent faculty member, while exclusion criteria were any selected student and faculty member who not consented to participate in study. Data on self-directed learning instruments from medical students on 5 points Likert scale was collected by regular interval method and faculty members on an open narrative questionnaire by purposive sampling. The data were analyzed by the SPSS version 26, framework method of content analysis, and constant comparison technique.Results:The mean age of students was 21.45 + 2.01 years. There were 114 males and 132 females (ratio 1: 1.15). The maximum mean score (4.35) is 91.1% followed by (4.32) 84.0% of students’ percept that SDL constantly improves & excels in learning and successes and failures inspire SDL. The minimum mean score (3.32) 49.2% revealed that students felt difficulty in arranging and controlling their learning time. The faculty perception that SDL leads to professional identity (confidence & self-identity), improved technical skill (better expression & enhanced cognition), professionalism (focused learning, effective reflection, time management & self-satisfaction), collaboration, communicator, and leadership qualities.Conclusion:The students strongly believed that SDL will improve and excel but they need time management. Faculty members concluded that leadership, communication, collaboration, and professionalism are related to SDL.

Standardisation of Jackfruit Seed Incorporated Chocolates and its Quality Evaluation

Background: Chocolate is a popular product that millions enjoy every day due to its unique, rich and sweet taste. Jackfruit seeds rich in nutrients, produce a chocolaty aroma and could be potentially cheap abundant substitute for making chocolate. Hence, the present study was carried out to formulate nutritionally superior chocolates using jackfruit seed. Methods: Jackfruit seed flour was used in varying proportions ranging from 30 to 70 per cent along with 10 to 50 per cent cocoa butter and 20 per cent other ingredients. Other ingredients used were cane sugar, cocoa powder and milk powder. The best treatment was selected through sensory evaluation using a score card with a 9 point hedonic scale. Result: Based on organoleptic evaluation, chocolate prepared with 30 per cent roasted jackfruit seed flour and 50 per cent cocoa butter had a maximum mean score of 8.31 for overall acceptability. The selected roasted jackfruit seed flour based chocolate was subjected to physico-chemical analysis and observed to have moisture (7.62%), carbohydrate (63.03g 100g-1), protein (3.78g 100g-1), fat (1g 100g-1) and fibre (3.13g 100g-1).

MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG YEMENI WOMEN IN SANA’A CITY

Background: Menopause is a physiological phenomenon that can strongly affect the quality of life (QOL) of women. Objectives: To analyzes the menopausal associated symptoms among contributors and their effect on quality of life. To also investigate sociodemographic factors affecting QOL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 188 perimenopause and menopausal Yemeni women selected randomly from outpatient clinics of the main public hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen. Data was acquired using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Results: The mean age at menopause was found to be 47±3.4. The majority of participants were postmenopausal (71.27 %), and (71.80 %) were married. The most prevalent symptoms were aching muscles and joints (55%), dissatisfaction with personal life (37.7%), night sweat (35%) and avoidance of intimacy (30%). The total scores of menopausal quality of life for each MENQOL domain revealed that the maximum mean score was recorded for physical domain (42.81± 17.87), followed by psychosocial (14.11±5.72), then sexual (6.93±2.46), and finally vasomotor domain (4.78±3.10). Conclusion: The physical and psychosocial domains had upper mean MENQOL scores than vasomotor and sexual domains. There is a need to educate women about menopause and its symptoms and the need to seek medical advice from specialists and find a center for that. Peer Review History: Received: 1 May 2021; Revised: 12 June; Accepted: 28 June, Available online: 15 July 2021 Academic Editor: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Gulam Mohammed Husain, National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders, Hyderabad, India, gmhusain@gmail.com Dr. Salfarina Ramli, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. salfarina2892@uitm.edu.my Dr. Vanina Doris Edo’o, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroun, vanina_edoo@yahoo.com Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Haddad, Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hadhramout University, Al-Mukalla, Yemen, alhaddadster@gmail.com alhaddadster@gmail.com Similar Articles: PREVALENCE OF RUBELLA IGG ANTIBODIES AMONG PRODUCTIVE-AGE ‎WOMEN IN AL-MAHWEET GOVERNORATE, YEMEN THE ASSOCIATION OF ADULT MALE AND FEMALE INFERTILITY WITH CELIAC DISEASE PATIENTS IN YEMEN

The effect of peri-operative dexmedetomidine on the incidence of postoperative delirium in cardiac and non-cardiac surgical patients: a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Delirium occurs commonly following major non-cardiac and cardiac surgery and is associated with: postoperative mortality; postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction; increased length of hospital stay; and major postoperative complications and morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peri-operative administration of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of postoperative delirium in non-cardiac and cardiac surgical patients. In this randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial we included 63 patients aged≥60years undergoing major open abdominal surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium, as screened for with the Confusion Assessment Method. Delirium assessment was performed twice daily until postoperative day 5, at the time of discharge from hospital or until postoperative day 14. We found that dexmedetomidine was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative delirium within the first 5 postoperative days, 43.8% vs. 17.9%, p=0.038. Severity of delirium, screened with the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, was comparable in both groups, with a mean maximum score of 1.54 vs. 1.68, p=0.767. No patients in the dexmedetomidine group died while five (15.6%) patients in the placebo group died, p=0.029. For patients aged≥60years undergoing major cardiac or non-cardiac surgery, we conclude that the peri-operative administration of dexmedetomidine is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative delirium.

Perception of Saudi Mothers about Maxillary Midline Diastemas among Children with Mixed Dentition- A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Maxillary anterior spacing or midline diastema is the most frequently seen aesthetic concern among children, which can be quite challenging for the clinician to manage. There can be a significant disparity in the aesthetic perception from person to person and is greatly influenced by their personal experience and social environment. Aim: This study investigated the aesthetic perceptions of Saudi mothers to various Maxillary Midline Diastemas (MMDs) in mixed dentition. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaire was employed for Saudi mothers chosen by stratified-cluster random sampling technique over a period of eight months (November 2016 to June 2017). The questionnaire assessed their perception about various MMDs using photographs and the source of information about MMDs. Data were statistical analysed (SPSS version 20) using the Chi-square test, with the level of significance set at p-value &lt;0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 300 Saudi mothers with a response rate of 86.2%. The maximum mean score was 4.80±0.20 for the MMD photograph showing central incisor tooth discrepancy which the mothers perceived to be the most unpleasant (81%). The very unpleasant perception from the mothers’ perception for group D and B showing ugly duckling stage was (55%) and thumb sucking habit (33%), respectively. The MMD photograph showing high frenum attachment was perceived by 51% of the mothers to be unpleasant and 7% as very unpleasant. Moreover, on comparison it showed the least mean score of 3.65±0.41. Conclusion: The perception of Saudi mothers to various types of MMDs was found to be aesthetically unpleasant. Early detection of the MMDs by the Saudi mothers and intervention by the dental specialist can reduce the progression of the prevailing condition to a severe malocclusion.

Assessment methods - How do medical students perceive it? - A cross-sectional study in South India

Background: In medical education, assessment is an essential component because of its implications on the students, teachers, communities, and the whole world; also after graduation from their medical schools. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the perception of medical students about assessment methods used in the medicine curriculum in a university in South India. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Pondicherry between October and November 2017. Based on universal sampling, 210 medical students were selected for the study. After obtaining written informed consent, structured interview schedule was administered. Perception of medical students about formative and summative assessment was inquired. Results: Among the 210 students studied, the mean age was 19 years, most of them were from city as hometown. In assessment methods (preference scoring from 1 to 10), problem-based learning scored maximum (mean score of 7.5 ± 2.5) followed by multiple-choice questions and open book tests. Least preferred was log book (5.70 ± 2.5) and short essay type. Females preferred formative assessment method more than males, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 6.43, P < 0.05). Most of them (63%) think that it is not appropriate to assess a student (give pass/fail/judgment) based on his/her performance on 1 day. They also perceive that the internal assessment should be conducted once in every month. Conclusion: Formative assessment methods are mostly preferred by the students. Improvement in assessment planning is the need of the hour which should be designed prospectively and innovatively. Assessment cell/unit in medical universities will be of much help.

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