Referral Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Cervical cancer risk factors, knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccine among coastal Kenyan women: A prospective cross-sectional survey.

e22515 Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite being a preventable disease. Currently, there is a global rolling out of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among young girls. However, the knowledge and attitude of Cervical Cancer and the HPV vaccine remain unknown among women in SSA. Methods: We conducted a voluntary cross-sectional survey among adult women attending the cervical and breast cancer screening during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2022 at the Coast General Teaching Referral Hospital Regional Cancer Center, Kenya. The demographic, cervical cancer risk factors, knowledge, and attitudes to the HPV vaccine data were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: Two hundred and fifty women participated in the survey, of which 48% were native coastal people. Their mean age was 39.3 ±12.4, and the majority (61%) of the participants were married. The most common age onset of sexual intercourse was 21-30 years (50%), followed by 16-20 years (41%), while 7% were virgins, and a quarter (n = 67) reported having multiple sexual partners. Most (90%) of the participants knew screening and early detection of cervical cancer are associated with better survival. Nevertheless, only a third had been screened previously for cervical cancer. Concerning the cause of cervical cancer, half of the patients (n = 126) knew cervical cancer is caused by HPV, and only 45% (n = 111) were aware of the free national HPV vaccination program, with only 5 participants having been vaccinated against HPV. The most commonly sighted reason for not being vaccinated was lack of knowledge of the HPV vaccine's existence (50%), a third was afraid of the vaccine’s side effects, 10% was due to lack of access, and 3%- were due to the vaccine’s age limit. With regards to the willingness to be vaccinated if they had qualified and the HPV vaccine is available for free, only two-thirds were willing to be vaccinated. However, most (90%) would recommend it to young girls. The few who would not recommend the vaccine to young girls were due to fear and lack of knowledge about the vaccine (73%). Conclusions: There is an unmet need for awareness and understanding of the HPV vaccine, and sensitization is needed to improve its uptake. In addition, it will be worth reviewing the age limit of HPV vaccination among Kenyan women as most women are sexually active after 20 years.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Clinical Outcomes at a Secondary Referral Hospital During the Delta Variant-dominant Period in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

The second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Indonesia, during which the Delta variant predominated, took place after a vaccination program had been initiated in the country. This study was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on unfavorable clinical outcomes including hospitalization, severe COVID-19, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death using a real-world model. This single-center retrospective cohort study involved patients with COVID-19 aged ≥18 years who presented to the COVID-19 emergency room at a secondary referral teaching hospital between June 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021. We used a binary logistic regression model to assess the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on unfavorable clinical outcomes, with age, sex, and comorbidities as confounding variables. A total of 716 patients were included, 32.1% of whom were vaccinated. The elderly participants (≥65 years) had the lowest vaccine coverage among age groups. Vaccination had an effectiveness of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25 to 66) for preventing hospitalization, 97% (95% CI, 77 to 99) for preventing severe COVID-19, 95% (95% CI, 56 to 99) for preventing ICU admission, and 90% (95% CI, 22 to 99) for preventing death. Interestingly, patients with type 2 diabetes had a 2-fold to 4-fold elevated risk of unfavorable outcomes. Among adults, COVID-19 vaccination has a moderate preventive impact on hospitalization but a high preventive impact on severe COVID-19, ICU admission, and death. The authors suggest that relevant parties increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage, especially in the elderly population.

Demographic and clinical features of patients suffering acute intoxication with an emphasis on cardiovascular complications; an observational case series

Introduction: Acute intoxication is an ongoing health issue worldwide and one of the most prevalent causes of hospital admission. Investigation of the features of acute intoxication occurrence allows for effectively planning preventive measures and required health resources. Objectives: The current study investigated acute intoxication’s demographic and clinical characteristics in an Iranian province. Patients and Methods: An observational case-series study was designed to investigate patients suffering from acute intoxication and admitted to two referral tertiary teaching hospitals over six months. Demographic data, vital parameters comprising neurologic, respiratory, and hemodynamic status, clinical symptoms, and blood analysis data were prospectively recorded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21 software. Results: In total, 447 patients were included in the study (3.5% of all emergency admission). The mean age of patients was 33±16 (4-88) years, and 190 (42.6%) patients were female. Seventy percent of patients were under 40 years. The male patients were significantly older than the female ones (P=0.001). Hospital mortality was 2.7%. Circulatory shock and respiratory apnea occurred separately in 13 (2.9%) patients, and alteration in consciousness affected 30%. Reduced arterial blood saturation and visual acuity were observed in 14% and 3.6% of the patients. A cumulative prevalence of electrocardiogram anomalies of 38% was also observed. The most prevalent electrolyte disorder was hypocalcemia (12%), followed by hypokalemia (10%); 17 % of patients were affected by severe blood acidosis. Conclusion: Acute intoxication is a medical emergency with a high risk of death. A multi-organ-based diagnosis and therapeutic approach should be implemented to manage the potentially lethal complications as soon as possible. Effective preventive planning for reducing acute intoxication should be performed concerning the socioeconomic status of the targeted population.

Volunteers, religious communities and users representatives as an alternative for visiting hospitalized patients: The importance of an infection control training.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the suspension of relatives' visits was a common measure in healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of the virus among patients. This measure caused significant adverse consequences for hospitalized patients. Volunteers' intervention was an alternative but could also lead to cross transmission events. in order to secure their intervention with patients, we implemented an infection control training to evaluate and to improve the knowledge of volunteers about infection control measures. We performed a before-after study in a group of five tertiary referral teaching hospitals in the suburbs of Paris. A total of 226 volunteers from three groups (religious representatives, civilian volunteers and users' representatives) were included. Basic theoretical and practical knowledge about infection control, hand hygiene, and glove and mask use were evaluated just before and immediately after a three-hour training program. The contribution of the characteristics of the volunteers to the results was studied. The initial conformity rate for theoretical and practical infection control measures ranged from 53% to 68%, depending on the participants' activity status and education level. Some critical shortcomings in hand hygiene as well as mask and glove wearing putatively endangered the patients and volunteers. Surprisingly, serious gaps were also identified among volunteers who experienced care activities. Regardless of their origin, the program significantly improved both their theoretical and practical knowledge (p<0.001). Real-life observance and long-term sustainability should be monitored. To become a secure alternative to relatives' visits, volunteers' interventions must be preceded by the assessment of their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in infection control. Additional study, including practice audit, must confirm the implementation of the acquired knowledge in the real-life.

Hospital Workforce Education and Training for Emergency Management and Disaster Response in Complex Settings.

Introduction:Understanding how to best prepare hospital staff for disasters or emergencies is critical, as there is increasing frequency and scope of these events. Considerations include: identifying key staff, their roles, strategies to support continuity of care, delivery mode of education, and resource allocation.Method:Participants experienced in disasters and major emergencies or preparation at three tertiary referral teaching hospitals were purposively selected during 2016 and 2019. An interpretive paradigm and case study design enabled the exploration of perspectives concerning effective and preferred methods for preparedness. Fifty-five allied health professionals, medical practitioners, and nurses participated in semi-structured interviews; and support staff participated in focus groups.Results:Key findings: 1. Recognition that allied health professionals and support staff are essential and must be included in disaster or major emergency preparation and plans. 2. Factors that increase the likelihood of staff deciding to be absent from work include: perception of danger, insufficient understanding of responsibilities, and hospital preparation is perceived inadequate. Staff understanding their role has a positive influence for attendance and coping during disasters. 3. Preferred and most effective method of disaster preparedness is practical learning, combined with other preparation methods. Online learning as the major mode was unpopular. 4. Challenges of inadequate resources limits managers’ ability to facilitate staff preparation and care delivery during disasters. Resources affect method, duration and multidisciplinary inclusion in disaster preparation.Conclusion:This research found disaster preparedness in hospitals is critical. Site and occupation specific differences need to be addressed. To mitigate impacts of disasters or major emergencies, preparation must include identification of required resources. Disaster preparedness and management must be inclusive of multidisciplinary staff, including allied health and support staff. Facilitation of role understanding to promote continuity of care during disasters or major emergencies is imperative to promote staff participation and effectiveness in response to disasters.

Effectiveness of implementing of an infection control link nurse program to improve compliance with standard precautions and hand hygiene among nurses: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundStandard precautions (SPs) including hand hygiene are considered fundamental protective measures to manage health care-associated infections (HCAIs) and to reduce occupational health hazards. The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of an infection control link nurse (ICLN) program on compliance with SPs and hand hygiene among nurses.MethodsA quasi-experimental study with a pretest-post-test design was conducted with participating of 154 clinical nurses who worked in different wards of a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Iran. The intervention group (n = 77) had 16 infection control link nurses nominated. The control group (n = 77) received only the standard multimodal approach used in the hospital. Pre- and post-test assessment of compliance with standard precautions and hand hygiene compliance was performed via the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS) and the World Health Organization observational hand hygiene form. Two independent sample t-tests were used to examine differences between Compliance with Standard Precautions and hand hygiene Compliance among nurses in intervention and control group. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the effect size.ResultsAfter developing and implementing the infection control link nurse program, no statistically significant improvement was found in the Compliance with Standard Precautions (β = 5.18; 95% CI= -0.3–10.65, p = 0.064). An improvement in hand hygiene compliance was observed among nurses in the intervention group that improved statistically significant from 18.80% before the program to 37.32% 6 months after the program (β = 20.82; 95% CI 16.40–25.25, p < 0.001).ConclusionsGiven the continuing level of interest that exists in improving health care workers’ hand hygiene practices, the findings of this study provide significant practical implications for hospitals seeking to improve compliance with hand hygiene among nurses, showing the effectiveness of using infection control link nurse program. Further research is needed to assess effectiveness of using infection control link nurse program to improve compliance with standard precautions.

Risk Factors in Post Operative Wound Infections Following Elective Abdominal Operations

Introduction: Surgical site infections are common post operative complication and cause significant post operative morbidity and mortality, and have serious consequences for outcomes and costs. Different risk factors are involved, including age, sex, smoking, nutrition, diabetes, pre existing illness, pre operative hospital stay time, pre operative shaving, level of surgeon, length of incision, duration of operation, per operative blood transfusion, wound drainage and nature of wound. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors affecting abdominal surgical site infections and their rate at Dhaka Medical College &amp; Hospital, a major referral teaching hospital in Bangladesh. Objectives: were to identify risk factors in post operative wound infections following elective abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional type of observation study was carried out among 153 patients in Department of Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from January 2008 to December 2009. Results: Patients (n = 153) who had undergone elective surgery were studied and the relationships among variables were analyzed by Student's t and Chi-square tests. To test the independence of the risk factors, the significant variables (p _.05) in the univariate analyses were entered into a stepwise logistic regression equation. Data were collected through pre and postoperative examinations. The subjects were followed till discharge. Of the 153 patients, 13 suffered from SSI (8.5%). Among the infections superficial SSI was in 8 cases (61.54%), deep SSI in 3 cases (23.08%), and organ/space SSI in 2 (15.38%) cases. There were 14 different variables in study to determine the risk factors. In univariate analysis ten risk factors were identified: age, underweight, diabetes, ASA score, pre operative hospital stay, per operative blood transfusion, length of incision, duration of operation, wound drain and contaminated wound. And in multivariate analysis duration of operation, diabetes mellitus and ASA score appeared to be independent risk factors for wound infection. Conclusion: The total elimination of wound infection is not possible, a reduction in the infection rate to a minimal level could have significant benefits in terms of both patient comfort and medical resources used. The SSI may be reduced to a more acceptable level by reducing the average operation time to less than 2 hours, pre operative hospital stay, and by reducing contamination during operation and wound drainage. Furthermore post operative study in large scale is recommended. Medicine Today 2023 Vol.35(1): 56-62

Adherence to recommendations for the evaluation and management of fungal infections in a referral teaching hospital in Iran: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of fungal infections are critical for reducing complications and mortality in hospitalized patients. Due to the lack of appropriate local management protocols as well as the unavailability and cost of advanced tests for diagnosis of fungal infections, the irrational use of antifungals is a concern in developing countries. This study was designed to evaluate diagnosis and management of fungal infections in hospitalized patients. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, the use of parenteral antifungal medications among hospitalized patients was evaluated according to the prepared protocols adapted from the international guidelines. Among 151 patients, diagnostic approaches were appropriate and inappropriate in 90 and 61 patients respectively. Indications for antifungal drug administration were empiric therapy (80.1%) followed by targeted therapy (19.2%) and prophylaxis (0.7%). The indications were appropriate and inappropriate in 123 and 28 patients respectively. Selection of antifungals was appropriate in 117 patients, inappropriate in 16 patients, and was not assessable in other cases. The doses of antifungal medications were appropriate and inappropriate in 111 and 14 patients respectively. Among 151 patients, the duration of treatment was appropriate just in 33 cases. The techniques for antifungal administration were appropriate in 133 patients and inappropriate in 18 cases. Due to limited access to diagnostic tests, most parenteral antifungal medications were administered as empiric therapy. The diagnostic workups, treatment monitoring, and follow-up were inadequate in most patients. Development of local diagnostic and management protocols for invasive fungal infections and considering a stewardship program for antifungal medications are essential for each medical center.

Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice with regards to nutritional management of diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide. Nurses work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to improve diabetes management. Yet, little is known about nurses’ role in nutritional management of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) toward nutritional management of diabetes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 160 nurses, who were recruited between July 4 and July 18, 2021 from two referral tertiary teaching hospitals in Iran. A validated paper-based self-reported questionnaire was used to assess nurses’ KAP. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe mean knowledge score of nurses about nutritional management of diabetes was 12.16 ± 2.83, and 61.2% showing a moderate knowledge level on nutritional management of diabetes. The mean attitudes score was 60.68 ± 6.11, with 86.92% of participants demonstrating positive attitudes. The mean practice score of study participants was 44.74 ± 7.81, with 51.9% having a moderate level of practice. Higher knowledge scores were observed among male nurses (B = -7.55, p = 0.009) and those with blended learning as a preferred learning method (B = 7.28, p = 0.029). Having an opportunity to provide education to patients with diabetes during shifts affected nurses’ attitudes positively (B = -7.59, p = 0.017). Practice scores were higher among nurses who perceived themselves competent in the nutritional management of diabetes (B = -18.05, p = 0.008).ConclusionNurses’ knowledge and practice in the nutritional management of diabetes should be increased to help improve the quality of the dietary care and patient education they provide these patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this study both in Iran and internationally.

Efficacy and safety of anastomotic leak testing in gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

Anastomosis-related complications such as bleeding, leakage, and strictures, continue to be serious complications of gastric cancer surgery. Presently, these complications have yet to be reliably prevented. Here we design a comprehensive leak testing procedure which combines gastroscopy, air, and methylene blue (GAM) leak testing. We aimed to evaluated the efficacy and safety of the GAM procedure in patients with gastric cancer. Patients aged 18-85 years without an unresectable factor as confirmed via CT were enrolled in a prospective randomized clinical trial at a tertiary referral teaching hospital and were randomly assigned to two groups: intraoperative leak testing group (IOLT) and no intraoperative leak testing group (NIOLT). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative anastomosis-related complications in the two groups. 148 patients were initially randomly assigned to the IOLT group (n=74) and to the NIOLT group (n=74) between September 2018 and September 2022. After exclusions, 70 remained in the IOLT group and 68 in the NIOLT group. In the IOLT group, 5 patients (7.1%) were found to have anastomotic defects intraoperatively, which included anastomotic discontinuity, bleeding, and strictures. The NIOLT group had a higher incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage compared to the IOLT group: 4 patients (5.8%) vs 0 patients (0%), respectively. No GAM-related complications were observed. The GAM procedure is an intraoperative leak test that can be performed safely and efficiently after a laparoscopic total gastrectomy. GAM anastomotic leak testing may effectively prevent technical defect-related anastomotic complications in patients with gastric cancer who undergo a gastrectomy. Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04292496.

The impact of lymphovascular space invasion on survival in early stage low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer

BackgroundThe lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is suggested as a prognostic factor for endometrial cancer in many studies, but it has not yet been employed in FIGO staging system. The present study was aimed to evaluate the impact of LVSI on survival in patients with early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer.MethodsThis retrospective cohort was conducted on early stage endometrial cancer patients who underwent surgical staging [total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH/BSO)] and omental biopsy at Referral Teaching Hospitals of Tehran from 2005 to 2021. Patient’s age, menopause status, tumor grade, tumor size, depth of myometrial invasion, LVSI and lower segment involvement were recorded. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22.Results415 patients with stage I and grade 1–2, endometrioid endometrial cancer were analyzed. 100 patients (24.1%) were LVSI-positive. 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 97.1% and 88.9%, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 53 patients (12.8%). 3-year overall survival rates in LVSI-negative and LVSI-positive were 98.7% and 92%. These rates for 5-year survival were 92.1% and 79%, respectively. Recurrence rates in LVSI-negative were 8.9% while it was 25% in LVSI-positive cases. Multivariate analysis showed that LVSI has significant correlation with 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates.ConclusionsLVSI in early stage endometrial cancer significantly and independently influences 3-year and 5-year survival rates and acts as a strong prognostic factor in these patients. LVSI should be implemented in endometrial cancer staging systems due to its significant correlation with cancer recurrence rates and 5-year survival rates.

Evaluating the efficacy of inhaled amikacin as an adjunct to intravenous combination therapy (ceftazidime and amikacin) in pediatric cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbation.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common microorganism found in the sputum culture of Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients causing the pulmonary destruction. Aminoglycosides have a low diffuse rate from lipid membranes, and respiratory system secretions. Regarding the burden of pulmonary exacerbation caused by the pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients in the long term and the limited number of clinical trials focused on appropriate treatment strategies, the present study evaluated the concurrent inhaled and intravenous aminoglycoside antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbation caused by the pseudomonas aeruginosa as a safe and effective treatment in children. Method: This study was a blinded, randomized clinical trial phase conducted in a tertiary referral pediatric teaching hospital from May 2021 to May 2022. The patients were randomly allocated to receive intravenously administered ceftazidime and Amikacin alone or with inhaled Amikacin. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1), Amikacin via the level, kidney function tests, audiometry, inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), hospital stay, and bacterial eradication rate were compared in two therapy groups. Results: the average FEV1 has increased by 47% in Neb + group compared to Neb- group following treatment. Hospital stay was lower in Neb + group. No renal toxicity or ototoxicity was observed in both therapy groups. Pseudomonas aeruginosa eradication rate Neb- and Neb + groups were 44% and 69%, respectively (p-value = 0.15). Conclusion: Concurrent inhaled and intravenous Amikacin is safe and effective to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa exacerbation in CF patients. Moreover, co-delivery antibiotics' route treatment increased the eradication rate. Although not statistically significant, never the less, it is clinically relevant. The intervention reduced the length of hospitalization in this group. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier [IRCT20120415009475N10].

Mandibular symphyseal fracture in dogs: a retrospective study on the incidence and age of cases admitted to the referral teaching hospital of faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo University, and some private clinics

The mandible and maxilla have unique structural and functional characteristics compared to the rest of the skeleton, which affect the incidence of their fractures, as well as the complications that occur as a result, which may affect other vital systems such as the central nervous, the digestive, and the respiratory systems. Mandibular symphysial fracture in dogs and cats frequently happens as a result of forced trauma like being hit by vehicles, falling down from a height,or fighting. The current study was designed as a retrospective study to record the incidence of dogs’ mandibular symphysial fractures at the hospital of the faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo University, and some private clinics in Egypt during a three-year study period from Jan 2020 to Dec 2022. This study was conducted on a total admitted fracture case of 949 dogs including 94 skull fractures and 855 other fracture cases with an age ranging from 2 months to 14 years of both sexes. Establishing of skull fractures diagnosis was based on history, clinical signs, and further diagnostic orthopedic examination and x-ray. From the obtained data, it could be concluded that the incidence of dogs’ mandibular symphysial fractures at the hospital of the faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo University, and some private clinics in Egypt was 5.1% of total canine fracture cases, and 51.1% of total canine skull fractures. Concerning age, mandibular symphysial fractures percentage were 60.4%, 27.1%, and 12.5% out of total mandibular symphysial fracture cases, 30.8%, 13.8%, and 6.4% out of total skull fracture cases, 7.1%, 3.5% and 3.5% out of total fracture cases related age, 3.1%, 1.4% and 0.6% out of total fracture cases, and 59.2%, 46.2% and 40.0% out of skull fracture cases related age of age less than one year, between one to three years and more than three years respectively.

Time to intestinal clearance of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in hospital patients: a longitudinal retrospective observational cohort study

Intestinal clearance of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE-IC) is a cornerstone to discontinue isolation precautions for CPE patients in hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the time to spontaneous CPE-IC and identify its potential associated risk factors. This retrospective cohort study was carried out between January 2018 and September 2020 on all patients in a 3200-bed teaching referral hospital with confirmed CPE intestinal carriage. CPE-IC was defined as at least three consecutive CPE-negative rectal swab cultures without a subsequent positive result. A survival analysis was performed to determine the median time to CPE-IC. A multivariate Cox model was implemented to explore the factors associated with CPE-IC. A total of 110 patients were positives for CPE, of whom 27 (24.5%) achieved CPE-IC. Median time to CPE-IC was 698 days. Univariate analysis showed that female sex (P=0.046), multiple CPE-species in index cultures (P=0.005), Escherichia coli or Klebsiella spp. (P=0.001 and P=0.028, respectively) were significantly associated with the time to CPE-IC. Multivariate analysis highlighted that identification of E. coli carbapenemase-producing or CPEs harbouring ESBL genes in index culture extended the median time to CPE-IC, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)= 0.13 (95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.45]; P=0.001 and aHR= 0.34 (95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.90); P=0.031). Intestinal decolonization of CPE can take several months to years to occur. Carbapenemase-producing E.coli are likely to play a key role in delaying intestinal decolonization, probably through horizontal gene transfer between species. Therefore, discontinuation of isolation precautions in CPE-patients should be considered with caution.

Characteristics of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacterales Isolated from Dogs and Cats, 2011-2021.

The rising prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales is a significant threat to animal and human health. This study aims to describe the clinical features, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and genotypic features of infections associated with ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in dogs and cats seen at a tertiary referral veterinary teaching hospital. Enterobacterales isolated from dogs and cats that underwent ESBL testing during the study period were identified using a search of the hospital antimicrobial susceptibility test software database. Medical records of confirmed ESBL isolates were reviewed, and the source of infection, clinical findings, and antimicrobial susceptibility were recorded. Genomic DNA from bacterial isolates was evaluated for antimicrobial resistance genes with whole genome sequencing. Thirty ESBL-producing isolates were identified based on phenotypic testing (twenty-nine from dogs, one from a cat); twenty-six were Escherichia coli and the remainder were Klebsiella spp. Bacterial cystitis was the most commonly identified (8/30, 27%) clinical problem associated with infection. Resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes was identified in 90% (27/30) of isolates, and all isolates were susceptible to imipenem. Over 70% of isolates were susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin, and cefoxitin. BlaCTX-M-15 was the most common ESBL gene identified, present in 13/22 (59%) isolate genomes. A wide range of clinical infections were identified. Piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin may be alternatives to carbapenem therapy. Further, larger-scale studies are needed.

Concurrence of Vesicoureteral Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Children

Background: There is anecdotal evidence regarding the simultaneous occurrence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which indicates the probability of pathophysiological commonality. Objectives: In the present study, we evaluated the concurrence of VUR and GERD in children candidates for the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) study. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 62 children between 1 and 14 years old referred to a tertiary referral teaching hospital for VCUG in 2019 - 2020. All subjects underwent ultrasound to assess GERD and VCUG to rule out VUR. Results: According to the ultrasound assessment, 14.5% of subjects were diagnosed with GERD: 8.3% in males and 18.4% in females. VUR was detected in 48.4% of children (50.0% in males and 47.4% in females) using VCUG. Overall, seven (23.3%) had concomitant VUR and GERD: 4.2% in boys and 15.8% in girls, indicating no difference between the two genders (P = 0.125). The prevalence of concurrent GERD and VUR was also independent of age. In the two groups with and without VUR, the prevalence of GERD was 23.3% and 6.2%, respectively, indicating a relative risk of 2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32 - 3.02, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Regarding the relationship between GERD and VUR, despite the deletion of physiologic GER cases, the pathophysiological overlap between the two phenomena could be considered.

The Effect of Long Working Hours as the Source of Stress on Employee Task Performance at a Teaching Referral Hospital in Nyamagana District, Mwanza-Tanzania

This study’s primary goal was to evaluate how long work hours affect employees' performance at the teaching referral hospital in the Nyamagana District of Mwanza, Tanzania. The study had two other supporting objectives which are; to identify the extent to which Job insecurity affects employee job performance and to determine the effects of excessive work pressure on job performance. In this article, the author explains only how long work hours affect employees’ performance. This study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. 103 staff members of the Teaching Referral Hospital in Mwanza served as the study's sample population. In order to justify sample representation, the percentile method was utilized to acquire 10% of the physicians and nurses employed at the Teaching Referral Hospital in Mwanza. Because of this justification, the sample size for doctors was 27 and for nurses, it was 71. Following nondirectional hypothesis testing, the findings of the zero-order correlations and the regression analysis were also shown and computed at 2-tailed levels of significance. Out of the 103 surveys that were issued, 103 were returned, yielding a 95.1% response rate. Amin (2015) states that a response rate of 95.1 percent is high and that findings from the collected respondents contain useful information since a decent representation of the survey population is at least 70%. The study's results demonstrate how variables like time management have an impact on work duties. The results imply that workload has an impact on the health of healthcare professionals.

Assessment of Depression and Its Correlation with Serum Levels of Interleukin-6 in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in patients on hemodialysis. An imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of depression in patients on dialysis. We undertook this study to assess the correlations of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with depression in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at our hospital, a tertiary care referral government teaching hospital, over 2 years. Depression was assessed using the Becks Depression Inventory score. A higher cutoff of >16 was taken for a diagnosis of depression. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Cytokines were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Eighty patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of depression in our study was 41.5%. Depression was more common in those who were unemployed and/or illiterate. Mild depression was found in patients from the upper-lower and lower-middle classes, but severe depression was seen in lower-economic classes. Serum levels of IL-6 showed a positive correlation with the severity of depression. Depression was common in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. High levels of serum IL-6 were observed in those with depression. Depression in patients on maintenance hemodialysis is associated with a considerable risk of mortality.

Etiological Profile, Targeted Levothyroxine Dosing and Impact of Partial Newborn Screening in Congenital Hypothyroidism-A Single Centre Experience.

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability. Newborn screening (NBS) for CH has been in vogue in many parts of the world since 1970, but despite its well-known benefits, many developing countries including India have not been able to establish universal NBS for CH till date. The aim of this study was to review the clinical aspects of congenital hypothyroidism in a tertiary care university referral teaching hospital, focusing on aetiology of CH, predictors of permanence, optimal targeted dose strategies based on aetiology and the effect of newborn screening on the time to diagnosis. The electronic medical records of 233 children with CH referred to our centre between January 2009 and December 2019 were analysed. A partial NBS was established in the state in 2012. Dyshormonogenesis (57.5%) was the most common aetiology of CH. The incidence of transient CH in children with a gland in situ (GIS) was 35%. Levothyroxine (LT-4) dose of >2.75 μg/kg/day (sensitivity 76.5, specificity 72), >2.15 μg/kg/day (sensitivity 82.4, specificity 61.9) and >1.85 μg/kg/day (sensitivity 76.5, specificity 61.9) at years 1, 2 and 3, respectively, were predictors of permanent CH. An initial LT-4 dose ≥8 μg/kg was sufficient and very seldom led to undertreatment in children with dyshormonogenesis. On the contrary, even doses ≥13 mcg/kg/day led to frequent undertreatment in children with thyroid dysgenesis. After the introduction of newborn screening, the median age at diagnosis came down from 45 days (IQR 14-180 days) to ten days (IQR 3-12 days). Targeted dosing based on aetiology of CH may be more appropriate to optimise outcomes. The time to diagnosis of CH reduced significantly after the adoption of even a partial NBS program highlighting the urgent need for implementation of the same in resource poor settings.

Analysis of a beta-lactam allergy assessment protocol challenging diverse reported allergies managed by an antimicrobial stewardship program.

To assess the safety and efficacy of a novel beta-lactam allergy assessment algorithm managed by an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) team. Retrospective analysis. One quaternary referral teaching hospital and one tertiary care teaching hospital in a large western Pennsylvania health network. Patients who received a beta-lactam challenge dose under the beta-lactam allergy assessment algorithm. A beta-lactam allergy assessment protocol was designed and implemented by an ASP team. The protocol risk stratified patients' reported allergies to identify patients appropriate for a challenge with a beta-lactam antibiotic. This retrospective analysis assessed the safety and efficacy of this protocol among patients receiving a challenge dose from November 2017 to July 2021. Over a 45-month period, 119 total patients with either penicillin or cephalosporin allergies entered the protocol. Following a challenge dose, 106 (89.1%) patients were treated with a beta-lactam. Eleven patients had adverse reactions to a challenge dose, one of which required escalation of care to the intensive care unit. Of the patients with an unknown or low-risk reported allergy, 7/66 (10.6%) had an observed adverse reaction compared to 3/42 (7.1%) who had an observed reaction with a reported high-risk or anaphylactic allergy. Our implemented protocol was safe and effective, with over 90% of patients tolerating the challenge without incident and many going on to receive indicated beta-lactam therapy. This protocol may serve as a framework for other inpatient ASP teams to implement a low-barrier allergy assessment led by ASP teams.