Department Of Medical Sciences Research Articles

Insights into Health Program Implementation and Evaluation in Iran: A Brief Review of National Healthcare Programs in Iran.

Healthcare program monitoring can play a key role in evaluating their implementation and identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This study was performed with the exploratory sequential mixed methods design in 2023 at Tehran, Iran. The information was categorized into indicators, refining, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and proposed challenges and recommendations. Medical Sciences Department of Public Health (TUMSDoPH) evaluation of its public health programs revealed a comprehensive approach covering a wide spectrum from disease management to health promotion, emphasizing electronic health records, targeted disease interventions, and strategies for non-communicable diseases, alongside efforts to enhance community health. There is a need for initiating "the monitoring committee" under the supervision of the deputy chancellor for public health to monitor key performance indicators and policies to discover the problems of each part of the health system and provide recommendations.

Navigating the Cow’s Milk Allergy Journey: From Diagnosis to Nutritional Optimisation

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) currently ranks as one of the most common infant food allergies and requires timely diagnosis and appropriate management to mitigate the impact on growth and developmental outcomes and minimise patient/parent distress. During this symposium, chaired by Yvan Vandenplas, Emeritus at KidZ Health Castle, University Hospital Brussels, Belgium, leading experts in paediatric gastroenterology, allergy, and nutrition, discussed how best to navigate the CMA journey in clinical practice, from accurate differential diagnosis to nutritional optimisation. Annamaria Staiano, Professor of Paediatrics and Chief of the Department of Translational Medical Sciences at the University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Italy, discussed the complexities of differentiating disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), previously known as functional gastrointestinal disorders, from CMA, and considered the potential role of the Cow’s Milk Related Symptom Score (CoMiSSTM) in ensuring infants follow the correct diagnostic pathway. Ralf Heine, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Allergist, and Honorary Research Fellow at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, explored the immune-modulating effects of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and lactose on the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in infants, highlighting the importance of the early-life microbiome during the nutritional management of CMA. Rosan Meyer, Paediatric Dietitian and visiting Professor at both KU Leuven, Belgium, and the University of Winchester, UK, focused on the final phase of CMA management, the reintroduction of cow’s milk protein, and also examined new evidence to support the optimal timing and strategy for this key step in clinical practice.

Upper Jaw Development After Lingual Laser Frenectomy and Myofuntional Therapy.

Over the years, the role of the lingual frenulum in the development of skeletal structures has been evaluated. However, the effect of short lingual frenulum treatment on bone structures is unclear. We need to investigate the effect of surgery and myofunctional therapy on maxillary development. This could be the rationale to establish an orthodontic interception protocol. The case-control study was carried out in the Operative Unit of Pedodontics of the University Dental Clinic, at the Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences of the University of "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara. The study population consisted in thirty children. The data were collected through anamnesis carried out by qualified health personnel before dental examination. Photos, frenulum length and cast measurements were taken. Student's t-test statistical analysis was used. Significance was ascertained based on the obtained P value of less than 0.01. The results confirmed the benefit of laser surgical treatment. The change in parameters related to the anterior palate region showed the power of frenectomy and myofunctional therapy in restoring the tongue's ability to stimulate bone development. The protocol adopted in the following study could be used in interceptive orthodontics. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effects on the upper jaw over the long term that have higher sample numbers.

First person – Manu Ahmed

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Manu Ahmed is first author on ‘ Identification of 30 transition fibre proteins in Trypanosoma brucei reveals a complex and dynamic structure’, published in JCS. Manu conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Professor Sue Vaughan's lab at the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK. He is now a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Sumeda Nandadasa at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA, investigating the molecular mechanisms of ciliopathies relating to cystic kidney disease and hydrocephalus.

Drug utilization and prescribing pattern in the treatment of urolithiasis: a perspective on World Health Organization recommendations

Background: Drug utilization research (DUR) is essential in promoting rational use of medicine, aimed at understanding the patterns of prescription, administration, and utilization of medications. It provides valuable insights into the actual drug usage patterns for specific disease conditions. To evaluate the current utilization pattern of drugs in patients of urolithiasis in the Department of General Medicine and Surgery at Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research Hospital, Lucknow. Methods: Following the approval of the institutional ethics committee, a prospective observational study was conducted at Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research Department of general medicine and surgery over a six-month period. Urolithiasis patients’ prescriptions were analyzed to study the prescribing patterns. Information about patient demographics, co-morbidities, and the number and types of medications prescribed were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 102 patients studied, a female preponderance over male patients was observed. The co-morbidities that are encountered most commonly were hydronephrosis, cystitis, and renal cyst. There is averaged 7 medicines per prescription, 15.25% of medicines written by the generic name, 83.33% of patients receiving antibiotics, 54.70% of patients receiving injections, and 83% of drugs prescribed are mentioned in the essential medicine list. Analgesics, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, antiemetic, alkalizing agents, and antispasmodics were among the class of medicines given. Conclusions: This study highlights the current use of medicines and drug utilization in urolithiasis management. The findings show important insights for healthcare professionals to enhance medication therapy, encourage cost-effective healthcare delivery and improve quality of patient in urolithiasis management.

Assessment of gingival recession in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Objective: To assess the gingival recession in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Orthodontic, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science Jamshoro and Department of Orthodontic, Civil Hospital Hyderabad. Period: 05-01-2021 to 04-06-2021. Material & Methods: A total of 183 patients aged 18–35 have been included in this descriptive cross-sectional research study. After the history was taken, the study participants went through a clinical examination, but for those patients with ongoing fixed orthodontic treatment, at least three to six months of orthodontic treatment have been completed. Gingival recession was assessed using Millers’ classification and oral hygiene index. Results: The average age of 183 individuals was 22.75+2.29 years. Women outnumbered men 65.5% to 35.5%. According to the oral hygiene index, 28.4% of patients scored exceptional (0-0), 39.3% acceptable (0-0.6), 25.7% fair (0.7-1.8), and 6.6% bad (1.9-3.0). Marginal gingival tissue recession categorization showed that 66.6% of patients had no recession, 21.8% had class I, 10.9% had class II, 0.5% had class III, and 0% had class IV. According to oral hygienic index, marginal tissue recession categorization was significant (p=0.001). At 0.035 significance level, marginal tissue recession and oral hygiene score were positively linked (r=183). Conclusion: Most of the cases with fixed orthodontic appliances had no gingival tissue recession, only few cases seen class I and class II. However, this mild gingival tissue recession was significantly associated to oral hygienic index.

Can robotic gastric bypass be considered a valid alternative to laparoscopy? Our early experience and literature review.

Robotic bariatric surgery serves as an alternative to laparoscopy. The technology provides the surgeon with an accurate three-dimensional view, allowing complex maneuvers while maintaining full control of the operating room. We report our experience with this innovative surgery compared with laparoscopy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to demonstrate its safety and feasibility. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential differences between the robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Our study retrospectively identified 153 consecutive obese patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic gastric bypass (RGB) procedures over a 2-year period at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia. Data on demographics, operative time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected and compared between two groups of patients: 82 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures and 71 who underwent robotic procedures. We analyzed 153 patients who underwent gastric bypass with a mean age of 42.58 years, of whom 74 were female; 71 were treated with a robotic approach and 82 with a laparoscopic approach. The mean operative time was 224.75 ± 10.4 min for RGB (including docking time) and 101.22 min for laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) (p < 0.05), which is statistically significant. The median length of stay was 4.1 days for the RGB group and 3.9 days for the LGB group (p = 0.89). There is only one conversion to laparoscopy in the RGB group. We observed only one case of postoperative complications, specifically one episode of endoluminal bleeding in the laparoscopic group, which was successfully managed with medical treatment. No mortality was observed in either group. The statistical analysis shows to support the robotic approach that had a lower incidence of complications but a longer operative duration. Based on our experience, the laparoscopic approach remains a technique with more haptic feedback than the robotic approach, making surgeons feel more confident.This study has been registered on ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with this ID: NCT05746936 for the Organization UFoggia (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05746936).

Hydrogen therapy for liver surgery: Current insights and future prospects in ischemia-reperfusion injury

Hydrogen therapy for liver surgery: Current insights and future prospects in ischemia-reperfusion injury Prof. Giovanni Brandi and Dr. Simona Tavolari of the 1 Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, discuss ischemia-reperfusion injury in hepatic surgery, and the potential to prevent it through hydrogen-therapy. Hepatic surgery is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, or some liver malignancies. In most hepatic surgical treatments, such as liver resection and transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of the development of complications in treated patients, being associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate after surgery.

Radiation dose in radiologist from cerebral angiography using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter

Background: The number of cerebral angiography procedures is increasing, resulting in higher X-ray radiation doses received by radiologists. Consequently, understanding the radiation doses received by radiologists and the accumulation of radiation in control rooms is crucial for guiding prevention strategies against radiation hazards. Objectives: This study aimed to measure and evaluate radiation doses to the hands, lenses of the eyes, and thyroids of radiologists performing cerebral angiography procedures, as well as to measure the accumulated radiation dose in the control room. Materials and methods: OSL dosimeters were placed on the eyeglass frames, thyroids, hands, and legs of radiologists performing 20 cerebral angiography procedures, as well as on the wall and window of the control room. Results: Radiologists’ average radiation doses were measured at specific body parts as follows: left eye (49 µSv), right eye (15 µSv), left hands (34 µSv), right hands (16 µSv), left legs (27 µSv), right legs (7 µSv), and thyroid glands (14 µSv). Notably, the received doses remained well within the maximum radiation dose limit established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). When calculating the maximum number of procedures that can be performed annually, we based it on the limit of the radiation dose that the eyes’ lenses should not exceed. Our findings revealed that the permissible number of procedures determined by the lens radiation dose limit, should not surpass 405 cases annually (equivalent to 34 cases per month). The radiation dose from therapeutic angiography procedures was discovered to be up to 5 times higher than that from diagnostic angiography procedures. The maximum accumulated radiation dose in the control room was 1.18 µSv/hr, which remained below the limit of the Department of Medical Sciences (&lt; 3 µSv/hr). Conclusion: Radiologists receive less radiation from cerebral diagnostic angiography than therapeutic angiography. Organs on the left side were exposed to greater radiation levels than those on the right side. Wearing radiation protection devices during each procedure can reduce radiation exposure and mitigate long-term effects on radiologists. It is recommended to monitor and calculate the accumulated radiation dose of workers to ensure their exposure remains within safety limits.

Radiography managers' perceptions on skills required in public health institutes in Gauteng.

Management of radiography departments requires skilled and competent managers. This task becomes complex if there is no management development and collaborative performance monitoring. The study aimed to explore and describe the radiography managers' perceptions regarding management training and skills required. The research was conducted in public health institutions of Gauteng, South Africa. Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted, and a purposive sampling method was used to select twenty-three (23) managers from the radiography departments; however, data saturation guided the sample size. Data were collected through online focus group discussions (FGDs). Ethical approval was obtained through Departmental Research Committee (DRC) of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) department, Higher Degrees Committee (HDC), Research Ethics Committee and Gauteng Department of Health Research Committees. Data trustworthiness was obtained through member checking, data verification and an independent coder to verify the accuracy of the data. Thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis and centred on: difficulties in transitioning into management, lack of management support, the need for postgraduate management qualification, coaching and mentoring and required skills for radiography managers. Public health institutions continuously face transitions in service delivery frameworks. This requires competent and skilled radiography managers to survive in this environment. The study revealed that new managers experience difficulties and require management support to succeed in their roles. Awareness of managers developmental needs relative to the real-life dynamics of radiography management in Gauteng public health environment.

Exploring Methotrexate Route of Administration Decisions for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Methotrexate is a common first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, yet its widespread and habitual usage often leads physicians to overlook the choice of administration route when planning management strategies. A recent survey involving 30 consultant rheumatologists from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, identified variation in the utilisation and perceptions regarding oral versus subcutaneous delivery for methotrexate. In November 2023, EMJ interviewed Roberto Caporali, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Milan, and Head of the Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences at Gaetano Pini Hospital, Milan, Italy. Caporali’s expertise is in clinical practice, teaching, and research in rheumatology, mainly rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, with a focus on prognostic factors, biomarkers, and treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis. During this interview, Caporali discussed the decision-making process for treating rheumatoid arthritis, with a particular focus on the use of methotrexate. The purpose was to gain insights from a rheumatology expert regarding the prevalence and management goals of the disease, and available treatment options. The interview considered key decision-making drivers and barriers to healthcare professionals when selecting the route of administration. Caporali suggested that the efficacy and safety profile of methotrexate when delivered subcutaneously may be the optimal choice for patients, often resulting in higher adherence compared to oral dosing. Caporali recommended education and re-evaluation of local guidelines to improve patient outcomes by better understanding the optimal use and efficacy of methotrexate.

History of the creation, development and achievements of the Department of medical sciences (To the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus)

History of the creation, development and achievements of the Department of medical sciences (To the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus)

Актуальные проблемы и перспективы развития методологии анализа риска в усло-виях современных вызовов безопасности для здоровья населения Российской Федерации

Medical Sciences Department, Russian Academy of Sciences, 14 Leninskii Av., Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation

Investigating Chronotype and Sleep Quality in Psoriatic Patients: Results from an Observational, Web-Based Survey.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease for which the implications and repercussions go far beyond the skin. Psoriasis patients suffer not only due to its skin manifestations and related symptoms but also because of comorbidities and a huge emotional impact. The objective of this study was to investigate chronotype and sleep quality in a group of Italian psoriatic patients. An observational, cross-sectional, web-based study was set up by the Dermatology and Clinical Medicine Sections of the Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy. The web questionnaire was sent to an email list of an Italian association of psoriatic patients with the aim of recording their main demographic, social, historical, and clinical data. The survey included two questionnaires: the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Two hundred and forty-three psoriatic patients (mean age 52.9 ± 12.8 yrs., 32.5% males and 67.5% females) filled out the questionnaire. A good 63.8% of them were affected with psoriasis for more than 10 years, 25.9% reported having a diffuse psoriasis, and 66.7% were on treatment at the time they completed the questionnaire. With reference to chronotype, the mean MEQ score was 55.2 ± 10.7; furthermore, 44% of the patients were "morning-oriented types", M-types, or "larks", 44.5% were "intermediate-types" or I-types, and 11.5% were "evening-oriented types", E-types, or "owls". No correlations were found between chronotype and psoriasis extension. Based on the PSQI results, 72.8% of the study population was judged to have a low sleep quality. Sleep disturbance was significantly related to female sex, living alone, and the presence of comorbidities. Sleep disturbance is very common in psoriatic patients, especially in those with comorbidities, in females, and in patients who live alone. The chronotype in psoriatic patients does not appear different when compared to the general population, nor does it seem to have any link with psoriasis severity.

The Time Hides It Deceptively

At the same time, the Pázmány Péter University stated as the reasons for the loss of employment that Dr. Orsós: “gave a series of false forensic opinions”, “gave a false expert opinion in the excavation of the Katyn mass graves”, “himself became a member of the SS”. The Verification Committee of the Hungarian Pázmány Péter University filed a denunciation on 13 July 1945 against “the war criminal university professors Dr. Ferenc Orsós, Dr. Károly Burger, Dr. József Boros, Dr. Gyula Darányi, who had escaped to Germany. On 28 May 1946, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Budapest issued a letter of inquiry against Dr. Ferenc Orsós. In my opinion, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences should set an example to the current generations in respecting the high standards, in objectively appreciating the past generation of scientists and in having the moral fibre to be able to expose the mistakes of the past not only in form but also in substance. Cynical cowards, the great powers (the Soviet Union, the United States of America, England, France) have a huge responsibility in the Orsós affair. As can be seen from the above list, no academics from the Department of Medical Sciences have been rehabilitated. In my opinion, it must be clearly stated that this must never happen again, that the recognition of scientific and professional achievements is subordinated to the winds of politics.In my opinion, financial support should be sought from them to give Orsós the recognition he deserves in Hungarian and international public opinion. We propose that his ashes be brought home and reburied with military honours as an outstanding Hungarian personality of World War II.

Increased dietary intake of ultraprocessed foods and mitochondrial metabolism alterations in pediatric obesity

The increased intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in the pediatric age paralleled with the risen prevalence of childhood obesity. The Ultraprocessed Foods in Obesity (UFO) Project aimed at investigating the potential mechanisms for the effects of UPFs in facilitating pediatric obesity, focusing on the direct role of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on mitochondrial function, the key regulator of obesity pathophysiology. We comparatively investigated the daily dietary intake of UPFs, energy, nutrients, dietary AGEs [Nε -(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), Nε -(1-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), and Nδ -(5-hydro-5- methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1)] in 53 obese patients and in 100 healthy controls visiting the Tertiary Center for Pediatric Nutrition of the Department of Translational Medical Science at the University of Naples “Federico II”. AGEs skin accumulation and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also assessed. A higher intake of UPFs and AGEs, energy, protein, fat, and saturated fatty acids was observed in obese patients. Obese children presented significantly higher skin AGEs accumulation and alterations in mitochondrial metabolism. PBMCs from healthy controls exposed to AGEs showed the same mitochondrial alterations observed in patients. These findings support the UPFs role in pediatric obesity, and the need for dietary strategies limiting UPFs exposure for obesity prevention and treatment.

Kenya Medical Training College laboratory student perception on adequacy of teaching and learning resources in the advent of COVID-19

The emergence of COVID-19 presented a big challenge in medical education, especially with regard to the adequacy of teaching and learning resources. In addition, an increase in student intake and demand for Kenya Medical Training College courses could compromise these resources. This study investigated the perceptions of students towards the adequacy of teaching and learning resources at Kenya Medical Training College in the advent of COVID-19. The general objective was to determine the perceived adequacy of teaching and learning resources in the advent of COVID-19 by students in the department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Kenya Medical Training College. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using mixed methods (triangulation) was used. Simple random sampling of the eight regions in the country was used to select one region (the Eastern Region). Census sampling was used to select all the four campuses in the region namely Machakos, Meru, Embu, and Kitui, which offer medical laboratory sciences. The study population was students in the department of medical laboratory sciences on these campuses, with 220 students participating. The data collection instrument was a self- administered closed- and open-ended questionnaires. Quantitative data collected was analysed using SPSS software, while qualitative data was analysed using themes. The response rate was 100% (220 students). The gender distribution among students showed a higher percentage in male (58%). Majority of the students were 21-23 years (35%). One-way ANOVA presented a statistically significance between and within groups (P&lt;0.05). Majority of students (51.8%) were not satisfied with adequacy of human resources. Majority of students perceived the state of physical facilities to be in poor state with a mean of 1.76, while the satisfaction level of majority of students’ on teaching aids was below 3.40 representing very inadequate to neutral. Ordinal regression tests on satisfaction level on teaching aids in relation to gender, year of study and campus was significant (chi-square test p&lt;0.000) while the goodness of fit model was (p=1.000) indicating it was a good model. R^2 value (Nagelkerke=99%) indicated that the study factors had great variations. The spearman’s rank test showed that laboratory equipment and computer assisted aids, internet, learning systems have negative correlation but with very strong coefficient correlation of 1.0000. Satisfaction levels with teaching aids in relation to gender, year of study, and campus were significant with a chi-square test of P &lt; 0.000. The study concluded that there were inadequate teaching and learning resources on the four KMTC campuses before COVID-19.

Researchers' Knowledge About the Ethical Norms of National Natural Science Foundation of China Funded Medical Research:Current Status and Suggestions

Objective To understand the current status of Chinese medical researchers' knowledge regarding the ethical norms of the research involving humans or laboratory animals,and provide reference for further improving the ethics review norms. Methods The questionnaire method was employed to survey the applicants for the 2019 projects supported by the Department of Medical Sciences,National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) about their knowledge of ethical requirements.Furthermore,the ethical supervision of the NSFC and affiliations at the project application and implementation stages was analyzed. Results The survey showed that 29.9% medical researchers were familiar with NSFC's ethical requirements for research involving human or laboratory animals.During the project application stage,59.0% affiliations adopted the simplified review method.Regarding the ethical supervison,95.5% medical researchers believed that the affiliations should fulfill the ethical supervision obligations and take relevant measures during the project implementation period.In addition,55.0% medical researchers fully agreed to discuss with the review experts about the ethical issues involved in the project. Conclusions The NSFC should establish rules and regulations to improve institutional management responsibilities and institutionalize the training about research ethics to comprehensively strengthening the training.Taking the management of research project ethics as a starting point,the NSFC should form a multi-party linkage between project funding and management and establish an accountability mechanism for ethics management.Furthermore,the NSFC should double the endeavors at the review of ethical issues during expert review and process management and attach importance to the research,judgment,and prevention of ethical risks.

First Round of External Quality Assessment Scheme for SARS-CoV-2 Laboratories During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 necessitated the rapid deployment of tests to diagnose COVID-19. To monitor the accuracy of testing across the COVID-19 laboratory network in Thailand, the Department of Medical Sciences under the Ministry of Public Health launched a national external quality assessment (EQA) scheme using samples containing inactivated SARS-CoV-2 culture supernatant from a predominant strain in the early phase of the Thailand outbreak. All 197 laboratories in the network participated; 93% (n=183) of which reported correct results for all 6 EQA samples. Ten laboratories reported false-negative results, mostly for samples with low viral concentrations, and 5 laboratories reported false-positive results (1 laboratory reported false positives and false negatives). An intralaboratory investigation of 14 laboratories reporting incorrect results revealed 2 main causes of error: (1) RNA contamination of the rRT-PCR reaction and (2) poor-quality RNA extraction. Specific reagent combinations were significantly associated with false-negative reports. Thailand's approach to national EQA for SARS-CoV-2 can serve as a roadmap for other countries interested in implementing a national EQA program to ensure laboratories provide accurate testing results, which is crucial in diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies. A national EQA program can be less costly and thus more sustainable than commercial EQA programs. National EQA is recommended to detect and correct testing errors and provide postmarket surveillance for diagnostic test performance.

Exploring Variations in Abstract Writing Formats and Structures Among Ph.D. Students

Background: &#x0D; The introduction, a crucial component of any research paper, must be well-written so that readers can evaluate its quality. A typical five-paragraph abstract includes an introduction, objective or purpose, methodology, findings/results, and conclusion. However, not all Ph.D. candidates follow this structure and format when writing their abstracts.&#x0D; Methodology: &#x0D; The purpose of this study was to identify and describe variations in abstract writing formats and structures among Surabaya state university Ph.D. candidates. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, the researchers analyzed 15 dissertation abstracts: eight from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning at FTSP-ITS and seven from the Medical Science department at Airlangga University Surabaya. They examined the number of paragraphs and the structure of the abstract in each.&#x0D; Findings: &#x0D; The study indicated various abstract structures and writing formats: 40% of the abstracts had three paragraphs, 26.66% had five paragraphs, 20% had four paragraphs, and 13.33% had one paragraph. In terms of abstract structure, 60% lacked a conclusion, 33.33% lacked an objective, 26.66% lacked all five abstract structures, 26.66% lacked both the objective and the conclusion, and 6.66% lacked an introduction.&#x0D; Conclusion: &#x0D; In conclusion, the study found several variations in dissertation abstract writing formats regarding both paragraph count and abstract structure.&#x0D; Originality: &#x0D; The novelty of this study rests in its focus on analyzing variations in abstract writing formats and structures among Surabaya state university Ph.D. candidates. By examining 15 dissertation abstracts from various faculties, this study sheds light on the inconsistencies and deviations from the standard format and structure of abstracts, which may impact readers' ability to comprehend and evaluate research papers. This study contributes to a better understanding of how Ph.D. students' abstract writing practices vary and identifies potential enhancement areas.