Research Committee Research Articles

Clinical experience of cone-beam computed tomography in interventional neuroradiology

Objective ‒ to analyze the experience of using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) angiography during diagnostic and interventional procedures in the SO «Scientific-Practical Center of Endovascular Neuroradiology NAMS of Ukraine».Materials and methods. Informed consent was obtained from each patient (parent or guardian) enrolled in the study and the study protocol conforms to the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki as reflected in a priori approval by the Institutional Ethical Review Board (Institution's Human Research Committee). Since January 2024 in the SO «Scientific-Practical Center of Endovascular Neuroradiology NAMS of Ukraine» used in practical work a modern angio machine «Siemens Artis Q.zen» (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), equipped with a set of various techniques and programs, in particular CBCT, syngo Aneurysm Guidance Neuro, 3D Roadmap. We analysed 36 diagnostic and interventional procedures was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024, during which CBCT was used. Among the procedures, 29 cases of brain aneurysms, 4 arteriovenous malformations and 3 cases of dural arteriovenous fistulas.Results. CBCT is useful for understanding vascular anatomy and allows for more detailed visualization of the curvilinear course of vessels in 3D space along any plane with the possibility of their correlation with bone structures compared to traditional angiography, and also has a higher resolution compared to more common 3D digital subtraction angiography. CBCT images are also a valuable source of information for further understanding of both pathological and normal neurovascular anatomy. Our center has implemented rotation 3D images with contrast of the CBCT at the stage of preparation and planning of the interventional procedure, rotation with subtraction (3D-DSA) ‒ to control implanted devices and its relationship to the vessels and long-term rotation of the CBCT without contrast ‒ to control the straightening and positioning of the stent. To control the position of the stent and its relations to the vessels, the «fusion» mode was used, providing additional information about the vascular structures imposed during conventional angiography, as well as the ability to rotate the volume at any angle regardless of the mechanical capabilities.Conclusions. CBCT is an accessible and unique function of modern angiomachines and helps to improve the understanding of anatomical features in various pathologies of cerebral vessels and helps in making clinical decisions.

Time factors of clinical effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

It is known that time plays an important role in acute occlusion of large vessels, in particular, the clinical effect of treatment often depends on it. Along with this, there are often delays at the hospitalization stage, the causes of which require analysis and correction. Objective ‒ to analyze the relationship between the severity of the patient’s condition at admission, delays before the start of thrombectomy and the influence of the time factor on the functional outcome at discharge. Materials and methods. Informed consent was obtained from each patient (parent or guardian) enrolled in the study and the study protocol conforms to the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki as reflected in a priori approval by the Institutional Ethical Review Board (Institution's Human Research Committee). From January to July 2023 72 patients with acute occlusion of cerebral vessels who underwent thrombectomy at the «1 TMO of Lviv» were examined. Among them there were 40 (55,6 %) men and 32 (44,4 %) women. The age of the patients ranged from 34 to 90 years (on average ‒ 68.4±10.9). Stroke severity was assessed at admission using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (from 5 to 28 points). The functional capacity of patients was assessed on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at the time of discharge from the hospital as positive (mRS 0‒3 points) and negative (mRS 4‒6 points). We compared the time from onset of symptoms to admission and from admission to puncture in patients with a positive and negative functional result at the time of discharge, as well as the time from admission to puncture in patients with gross (NIHSS >15 points) and moderately expressed (NIHSS ≤15 points) neurological deficit at admission. mRS was compared between the NIHSS >15 and NIHSS ≤15 groups. Results. The time from onset of symptoms to admission was from 25 to 300 minutes, and the time from admission to puncture ‒ from 30 to 215 minutes. Reduction in time from onset of symptoms to admission (97.9±8.7 min. vs. 131.7±12.6 min, p=0.05) was associated with a positive functional outcome. The time from admission to puncture in this group was also significantly shorter compared to the group of patients with a negative functional result at discharge and amounted to 75.5±4.1 min vs. 94.8±5.7 min, respectively (p=0.01). Patients with gross neurological deficits on admission had a longer period from admission to puncture (on average 91.9±5.9 min) compared to patients with NIHSS ≤15 (77.2±6.1 min, p<0,05). In the group of patients with NIHSS >15 at the time of discharge, an excellent result of mRS (0‒2) was noted in 16.7 % of patients, mRS 3–4 ‒ in 55.5 %, mRS 5–6 ‒ in 27, 8 %; in the NIHSS ≤15 group ‒ in 53.1, 40.6 and 6.3 %, respectively. Conclusions. Factors associated with a positive clinical effect (mRS 0‒3) were early hospitalization from the time of onset of symptoms to the start of surgery without delays in the hospitalization stage. In the group of patients with gross neurological deficit at admission, the period from admission to puncture was longer than in the NIHSS ≤15 group. Patients from the group with moderately pronounced neurological deficits, in the vast majority, have a better functional result at the time of discharge.

Intracranial venous manometry in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Objective ‒ to analyse the results of cerebral angiography and venography with venous manometry in patients with medically refractory sdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and venous sinus stenosis.Materials and methods. Informed consent was obtained from each patient (parent or guardian) enrolled in the study and the study protocol conforms to the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki as reflected in a priori approval by the Institutional Ethical Review Board (Institution's Human Research Committee). A retrospective analysis of the clinical and neuroimaging features of 9 patients with suspected IIH was performed. All patinets were treated at the SO «Scientific-Practical Center of Endovascular Neuroradiology NAMS of Ukraine» from January 2022 to January 2024. The criteria for inclusion in the study were: clinical symptoms of IIH without any other intracranial pathology according to imaging, lumbar pressure >20 cm H2O, and symptoms refractory to medication treatment (optic disc edema, pulsatile tinnitus, etc.). Pressure gradients in contiguous sites were calculated for each patient in standard anatomical sites (superior sagittal sinus ‒ sinus drain, sinus drain ‒ transverse sinus, transverse sinus ‒ sigmoid sinus, sigmoid sinus ‒ internal jugular vein). The adjacent anatomical gradients were defined as the difference between the mean venous sinus pressure measurements in the venous sinuses where the manometry was performed. Pathological pressure gradients in the venous sinuses were defined as pressure gradients >8 mm Hg based on established guidelines. Results. Out of the 9 patients with suspected IIH treated at the clinic, 2 patients were excluded. One female with combination of thrombosis in posterior third of superior sagittal sinus with left transverse sinus stenosis, the second (male) with bilateral jugular vein occlusions. Of the 7 patients (4 women and 3 men) with a mean age of 39.7 years, 4 (57.1 %) had pressure gradients >8 mm Hg (transverse sine ‒ sigmoidal sine) and underwent sinus stenting. All procedures were successful. After stent implantation, control manometry was performed, which showed the gradient decreasing to 0‒2 mm Hg at the level of stenosis. The control examination after stenting was performed in all patients and showed regression of general cerebral symptoms, as well as varying degrees of ocular improvement. Conclusions. Our study evaluated the degree of pressure reduction in the anatomical sites of the cerebral venous system and showed a progressive decrease in pressure from the sigmoid sinus to the jugular vein. The venous sinus stenting leads to elimination of the pressure gradient, as well as neurological and ophthalmic improvement in carefully selected patients with refractory to conservative therapy IIH with a transstenotic pressure gradient >8 mm Hg.

The influence of patient motivation on the motor function restoration during stroke recovery. Preliminary results of a clinical study

BACKGROUND: Acute cerebrovascular accidents lead to disability. The most important task is the rehabilitation and adaptation of these patients to society. Impaired motivation reduces the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. AIMS: To assess the motivation of patients during stroke recovery; identify relationships between the level of motivation, duration and type of stroke, and cognitive and demographic indicators; and determine the influence of the patient’s initial level of motivation on the effectiveness of the rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study analyzed 36 patients with hemiparesis in the early and late recovery period of stroke. All patients were assessed according to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health; functional independence scale; Rivermead mobility index; degree of paresis according to the Medical Research Committee scale; level of spasticity according to the Ashford scale; risk of falls assessment according to the Morse scale; assessment of function of the upper and lower extremities using the Fugl–Meyer test; and balance assessment using the Berg scale. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the patient’s motivation and cognitive indicators: the integral level of the BTLD (r=0.653; p=0) and the integral indicator of the Mini-Mental State Examination (r=0.536; p=0.001). No convincing evidence supports the connection between the motivation level and indicators as such sex, age, body mass index, time since stroke, stroke type and location, pain level, functional independence level, and motor impairment. Although a trend toward greater positive changes in functional recovery of the arm, leg, balance, and overall independence was observed, no significant difference was found between groups. CONCLUSION: A significant relationship was found between motivation and cognitive functions, which can serve as predictors of the motivation level of patients when planning rehabilitation activities. A trend toward positive changes in functional recovery of the arm, leg, balance, and overall independence was found in patients with high motivation levels.

Is screening for motor skill deficits in Tyrolean preschool children warranted and feasible? A protocol for a two-stage cross-sectional study

IntroductionChildren with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) show deviations in motor development and motor skills in early childhood where the learning and execution of coordinated motor skills are below the level...

Communication and Contextual Factors in Robotic-Assisted Surgical Teams: Protocol for Developing a Taxonomy.

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has been rapidly integrated into surgical practice in the past few decades. The setup in the operating theater for RAS differs from that for open or laparoscopic surgery such that the operating surgeon sits at a console separate from the rest of the surgical team and the patient. Communication and team dynamics are altered due to this physical separation and visual barriers imposed by the robotic equipment. However, the factors that might comprise effective communication among members of RAS teams and the contextual factors that facilitate or inhibit effective communication in RAS remain unknown. We aim to develop a taxonomy of communication behaviors and contextual factors that influence communication in RAS teams. We also aim to examine the patterns of communication behaviors based on gender. We will first perform a scoping review on communication in RAS to develop a preliminary taxonomy of communication based on the existing literature. We will then conduct semistructured interviews with RAS team members, including the surgeon, assisting surgeon or trainee, bedside or first assistant, nurses, and anesthetists. Participants will represent different disciplines, including urology, general surgery, and gynecology, and have a range of experiences in RAS. We will use a reflexive thematic analysis to analyze the data and further refine the taxonomy. We will also observe live robotic surgeries at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)-affiliated hospitals. We will observe varying lengths and conditions of RAS procedures to a capture a wide range of communication behaviors and contextual factors to help finalize the taxonomy. Although we anticipate conducting 30 interviews and 30 observations, we will collect data until we achieve data sufficiency. We will conduct data collection in parallel with data analysis such that if we identify a new behavior in an interview, we will follow up with questions related to that behavior in additional interviews and/or observations. The taxonomy from this project will include a list of actionable communication behaviors, contextual factors, their descriptions, and examples. As of May 2024, this project has been approved by the RCSI Research and Ethics Committee. Data collection started in June 2024 and will continue throughout the year. We plan to publish the findings as meaningful results emerge in our data analysis in 2024 and 2025. The results from this project will be used to observe and train surgical teams in a simulated environment to effectively communicate with each other and prevent communication breakdowns. The developed taxonomy will also add to the knowledge base on the role of gender in communication in RAS and produce recommendations that can be incorporated into training. Overall, this project will contribute to the improvement of communication skills of surgical teams and the quality and safety of patient care. PRR1-10.2196/54910.

The effects of a Virtual Fracture Care review protocol on secondary healthcare utilization in trauma patients requiring semi-acute surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

The demand for trauma care in the Netherlands is increasing due to a rising incidence of injuries. To provide adequate trauma care amidst this increasing pressure, a Virtual Fracture Care (VFC) review protocol was introduced for treatment of musculoskeletal injuries to the extremities (MIE). This study aimed to assess the influence of the Dutch VFC review protocol on secondary healthcare utilization (i.e., follow-up appointments and imaging) in adult trauma patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent semi-acute surgery (2-14 days after initial presentation) for MIE, compared to traditional workflows. We hypothesized utilization of VFC review would lead to reduced secondary healthcare utilization. This retrospective cohort study assessed the influence of VFC review on secondary healthcare utilization in adult trauma patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent semi-acute surgery for a MIE. Patients treated before VFC review and the COVID-19 pandemic, from 1st of July 2018 to 31st of December 2019, formed a pre-VFC group. Patients treated after VFC review implementation from January 1st 2021 to June 30th 2022, partially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (including distancing measures), formed a VFC group. Outcomes were follow-up appointments, radiographic imaging, time to surgery, emergency department reattendances, and complications. The study was approved by the local ethical research committee approved this study (WO 23.073). In total, 2,682 patients were included, consisting of 1,277 pre-VFC patients, and 1,405 VFC patients. Following VFC review, the total number of follow-up appointments reduced by 21% and a shift from face-to-face towards telephone consultations occurred with 19% of follow-up appointments performed by telephone in the VFC group vs. 4% in the pre-VFC group. Additionally, VFC review resulted in a 7% reduction of radiographs, improved time scheduling of surgery, and a 56% reduction of emergency department reattendances. Registered complication rates remained similar. The utilization of VFC review for management of adult patients with a MIE requiring semi-acute surgery improves efficiency compared to traditional workflows. It results in a 21% follow-up appointment reduction, a shift from face-to-face to remote delivery of care, fewer radiographs, improved time scheduling of surgery, and reduces emergency department reattendances by 56%.

Multicentre, retrospective cohort study protocol to identify racial and ethnic differences in acute kidney injuries in children and adolescents with diabetic ketoacidosis

IntroductionApproximately 40% of children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of chronic kidney damage. At present, there is limited knowledge of racial or...

A Primer for Increasing Competency in Forensic Psychiatry Research.

Empirical research is foundational to the discipline of forensic psychiatry. Candilis and Parker provide a cogent systematic review of the empirical literature on restoration of competence to stand trial using National Institutes of Health quality metrics. Components of the study methodology are highlighted, as they represent current best practices for conducting a systematic review. A discussion of strategies to increase empirical research uptake in forensic psychiatry is pursued alongside concrete examples of how the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Research Committee can help facilitate this goal.

Insight into quality of life: Understanding the experience of patients with cancer in southern Brazil's public healthcare system.

e23223 Background: This study explores the quality of life of individuals undergoing cancer treatment in the southern region of Brazil within the public healthcare system. Recognizing the potential negative impacts of both the disease and its treatment on patients' well-being, there is a pressing need to comprehensively assess their quality of life. The study aims to understand the challenges faced by these individuals in various well-being dimensions. Methods: Data collection occurred from August 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, approved by the Ethics and Research Committee (Opinion Number: 6,136,833). Quality of life was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcome Survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36), a validated instrument comprising 11 questions. Inclusion criteria included individuals over 18, of any gender, residing in the southern region if the state of Espirito Santo, diagnosed with cancer, and receiving treatment at the public healthcare reference oncology center. Exclusion criteria encompassed those under 18, non-residents of southern region, lacking a cancer diagnosis and undergoing oncohematological treatments. Among 263 eligible participants, 21 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria and 16 invited individuals chose not to participate, resulting in a final sample of 226 individuals. Results: The composition of the participant pool comprised 71.6% women and 28.4% men. The evaluation of quality of life utilized the SF-36 instrument, which explores various domains: Functional Capacity, Limitation due to Physical Aspects, Pain, General Health Status, Vitality, Social Aspects, Emotional Aspects, and Mental Health.Functional Capacity saw 44.20% facing significant difficulties, 32.80% experiencing mild difficulties, and 23% reporting no hindrance in daily activities. Physical limitations due to cancer treatment were reported by 61%, while 39% did not face such limitations. Most patients experienced some level of pain; only 24.20% were pain-free. General Health Status varied from excellent (9.10%) to very bad (2%). Vitality fluctuated, with 31% reporting vitality all the time. Regarding the social dimension, most individuals experience interference, while only 37% report no impact.Emotional aspects interfered with daily life for 59% of participants. Conclusions: This research indicates that both physical and emotional aspects are significantly affected in cancer patients from southern Espírito Santo. While physical limitations and pain are prevalent, emotional aspects, including manifestations of anxiety and depression, also play a substantial role in influencing daily life. Understanding these dimensions is vital for developing targeted interventions, especially for vulnerable individuals relying on Brazil's public healthcare system, to enhance the quality of life during cancer treatment.

Breast cancer treatment access disparities: A retrospective cohort study of breast cancer in patients treated at a high-complex cancer center in southern Brazil.

e13689 Background: More than seventy-three thousand new breast cancer cases are expected in Brazil for the year 2023, representing the most common malignancy in this country. Delaying time to treatment initiation has been associated with increased risk of worse outcomes. The Brazilian government developed several initiatives to accelerate the access of cancer patients to treatment in an adequate time-bound. One of these is a federal law defining that oncological treatment should begin within 60 days of pathological diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in 2022–2023 in Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), a public hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The primary objective was to build a predictive model of risk factors that could delay the time to first treatment beyond 60 days from diagnosis. The present analysis describes the socio-demographic characteristics of these patients and explores their impact on the time to oncologic treatment initiation. This project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee (registration CAAE 71160423.7.0000.5327). Results: 184 patients who started their oncological treatment between 2022-2023 in HCPA were enrolled; 32 patients (17,3%) had their first treatment after 60 days from the diagnosis while 152 (82,7%) were treated before 60 days; 106 (57,3%) patients had studied up to elementary school and 32 (17,3%) were non-white; 53 patients (23%) had been submitted to biopsy outside HCPA. Patients who started their first treatment before 60 days had a mean of 38 days from diagnosis to first treatment while those treated after 60 days had a mean of 75,6 days. To evaluate how socio-demographic factors impacted the time to treatment initiation, a multivariate Poisson log-linear model adjusted for race, city of residence, stage of the disease, and type of first treatment considered different variables. Higher educational level had a statistically significant effect, with a rate ratio (RR) of 0.32 (95% CI 0.157 - 0.650, p < 0.05). We also found that performing biopsy in our institution instead of doing it elsewhere had a statistically significant impact on the time to first treatment, with an RR of 0.512 (95% CI 0.274 - 0.957, p = 0.036). Ethnicity was not related to delay of treatment (p-value=0.125). Conclusions: This study identified that socio-demographic factors are crucial to guarantee the appropriate time to start treatment for breast cancer patients in a middle-income country. Higher educational level had a positive impact on time-to-treatment initiation, as well as to perform biopsy in the same institution patients were treated. In this first analysis, ethnicity, clinical staging, and type of first treatment did not meet the statistical criteria to be considered relevant and the accrual of more patients is needed for further conclusions.

РОССИЙСКОЕ ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ: ОТ МОСКВЫ ДО САМЫХ ДО ОКРАИН... (ПО МАТЕРИАЛАМ 16-ГО «КРУГЛОГО СТОЛА» «РОССИЙСКОЕ ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ СЕГОДНЯ»)

The need to improve all levels of the educational institution is obvious to parents, schoolchildren, students, teachers, employers, authorities. The opinion of scientists was presented at the 16th Round Table “Russian Education Today”, held at the Institute of Sociology of the Federal Scientific Research Center on February 12-13, 2024. Co-organizers were presented by the Department of Sociology of Education of the Institute of Sociology of the Federal Scientific Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Research Committee “Sociology of Education” of the Russian Society of Sociologists, and the journal “Sociological Research”. In seven sections, 50 applications and 16 cities of the Russian Federation were presented - from Vologda to Chita. This review reflects the results of the work of seven sections, the topics of which went far beyond the stated theme of the year “Education and professional implementation”.

Utility, acceptability and applicability of a nucleic acid amplification test in comparison with a syndromic approach in the management of sexually transmitted diseases at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda (ASTRHA): protocol for an open-label, randomised controlled trial

IntroductionSexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major cause of long-term disability. Urethral discharge syndrome (UDS), abnormal vaginal discharge (AVD) and genital ulcer disease (GUD) are very common in low-income and...

Genetic testing in cancer care: An assessment of current practice in Africa.

e13784 Background: Genetic testing provides forprecision oncologic intervention, improving outcomes and minimizing traditional cytotoxicity. It has caused a dramatic change in the oncology landscape but remains underutilized in Africa. Data on genetic alterations associated with cancer in people of African descent continue to be inadequate due to multi-layered factors such as availability and cost of testing, provider awareness and knowledge, and availability and cost of targeted therapy. With cancer projected to be the leading cause of mortality in Africa within the next two decades, identifying the current patterns of testing and reasons for low uptake is crucial for developing strategies to improve cancer care and outcomes in Africa. This study aimed to map the current utilization pattern of cancer genetic testing among oncologists in Africa. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was administered to oncologists practicing in Africa. Responses were collected between September 2023 and January 2024 following IRB approval from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee. Surveys were administered in English and French. Results: 245 oncologists across 28 African countries participated in this study. The mean age of respondents was 41.6 (SD: 8.3), with 64.5% being male and Nigerians comprising the largest proportion (33.0%). The majority of respondents practice in public/government-owned facilities (44.1%), and 64.5% held consultant/attending positions. Survey findings showed that 69.8% of oncologists lacked confidence in understanding/interpreting genetic test results, 93.5% expressed the need for assistance in interpreting results, and 64.1% were unable to discuss findings confidently with patients. The most ordered test was BRCA1/2 (47.3%), while ABC and RB1 genes were the least commonly ordered (0.008% and 0.02%, respectively). The primary reason for ordering genetic tests (63.3%) was the potential to guide treatment planning. However, 54.7% reported not referring any patients for genetic testing in the past year. Barriers to testing included the high cost of tests (78%) and targeted therapies (60.4%). Furthermore, 67.8% of respondents lacked previous formal training in cancer genetics with nearly all respondents (97.6%) expressing interest in formal training and a preference for online courses (71.8%). Conclusions: This survey highlights the critical need to develop the capacity for understanding cancer genetic testing and targeted treatment options among oncologists in Africa. To optimize uptake, strategies must be developed to reduce testing costs through resource pooling and to reduce the high cost of targeted treatment. Oncologists should be encouraged to prioritize testing that guides actionable targets to promote the uptake of targeted treatment options in Africa.

Comparing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of text-message reminders and telephone patient navigation to improve the uptake of faecal immunochemical test screening among non-responders in London: a randomised controlled trial protocol

IntroductionParticipation in bowel cancer screening is lower in regions where there is high ethnic diversity and/or socioeconomic deprivation. Interventions, such as text message reminders and patient navigation (PN), have the...

Respiratory support with standard low-flow oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen therapy or continuous positive airway pressure in adults with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure in a resource-limited setting: protocol for a randomised, open-label, clinical trial – the Acute Respiratory Intervention StudiEs in Africa (ARISE-AFRICA) study

RationaleAcute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is associated with high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. This is at least in part due to critical care-related resource constraints including limited access to invasive...

Investigation of the Vascular-Endothelial Pattern of Expression of DAPK-1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders Through Immunohistochemistry.

Introduction Potentially malignant disorders, like oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral leukoplakia (OL)of several degrees of dysplasia, manifest a significant potential of malignant transformation being a precursor of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The role of microvascularization in carcinogenesis is critical; therefore, microvascularization constitutes a major therapeutic target. DAPK-1 constitutes a possible cancer marker, with proven implications in other human cancers, and there isn't any study on its vascular endothelial expression in the oral cavity, particularlyin oral cancer and oral potentially malignant diseases. The present study aims to investigate the vascular endothelial expression of the DAPK-1in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and oral lichen planus. Materials and methods The study focuses on the immunohistochemical, vascular-endothelial, expression pattern of biomarker DAPK-1 (NBP2-38468, Novus Biologicals, Centennial, CO, US). Tissue samples were obtained from six cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) (3 of reticular and 3 of erosive form), 30 cases of oral leukoplakia (OL) (10 with no dysplasia, 10 with mild dysplasia, and 10 with moderate/severe dysplasia), 22 cases of OSCC (2 well-differentiated, 17 moderately differentiated, and 3 poorly differentiated), as well as 5 cases of normal oral epithelium. The tissue samples were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Medicine/Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as from St Lukas Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece, from2004-2019. In accordance with the Research and Ethics Committee guidelines of the Aristotle University, School of Dentistry, and the Helsinki II declaration, the study was conducted. The primary inclusion criteria for the study focused on the presence of sufficient precancerous or cancerous tissue. Conversely, inadequate tissue served as the exclusion criteria.The staining was evaluated exclusively in a quantitative manner. The vascular endothelial staining was evaluated as either positive or negative. If at least one endothelial cell exhibited positive staining, the section was classified as positive. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics v25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US) utilizing Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test, depending on the sample size, to compare OLP to OL, OLP to OSCC, OLP to normal, OL to OSCC, OL to normal, and OSCC to normal. The significance level was established at 0.05 (p=0.05). Results A prevalence of positive OL cases may be noticed. The comparison between OLP and OL yieldedFisher's exact test of p>0.999, OLP and OSCC p=0.389, OLP and normal oral epithelium p>0.999, OL and OSCC p=0.226, OL and normal oral epithelium p>0.999, as well as OSCC and normal oral epithelium p=0.342. Conclusions The role of DAPK in tumorigenesis is already supported bylimited literature. However, its implication in the development of OSCC and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) has yet to be elucidated. Its elevated expression in OL suggests a role in affecting the microenvironment, the vessels, in particular,surrounding oral potentially malignant lesions, possibly assisting their transition into cancer. The evaluation of the vascular-endothelial immunohistochemical profile of DAPK-1 in OL, OLP, and OSCC requires further studies in more tissue samples to illustrate its possible implications.

Indigenous Identity and Household Food Insecurity are Associated with Poor Health Outcomes in Canada.

Purpose: To examine whether Indigenous identity and food insecurity combined were associated with self-reported poor health.Methods: Data from the 2015-2016 Canadian Community Health Survey and multiple logistic regression were employed to evaluate the association between Indigenous identity, household food insecurity, and health outcomes, adjusted for individual and household covariates. The Alexander Research Committee in Alexander First Nation (Treaty 6) reviewed the manuscript and commented on the interpretation of study findings.Results: Data were from 59082 adults (3756 Indigenous). The prevalence of household food insecurity was 26.3% for Indigenous adults and 9.8% for non-Indigenous adults (weighted to the Canadian population). Food-secure Indigenous adults, food-insecure non-Indigenous adults, and food-insecure Indigenous adults had significantly (p < 0.001) greater odds of poor health outcomes than food-secure non-Indigenous adults (referent group). Food-insecure Indigenous adults had 1.96 [95% CI:1.53,2.52], 3.73 [95% CI: 2.95,4.72], 3.00 [95% CI:2.37,3.79], and 3.94 [95% CI:3.02,5.14] greater odds of a chronic health condition, a chronic mental health disorder, poor general health, and poor mental health, respectively, compared to food-secure non-Indigenous adults.Conclusions: Health policy decisions and programs should focus on food security initiatives for all Canadians, including addressing the unique challenges of Indigenous communities, irrespective of their food security status.

Effectiveness of Teaching Communication Skills in Undergraduate Curriculum at Defence Services Medical Academy Myanmar: Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Study

Introduction: Good communication is the cornerstone of quality healthcare and it should be patient centered. Communication skills is taught and assessed with surrogates in undergraduate training. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of communication skills taught in undergraduate period in reality. Methodology: It was a combined qualitative and quantitative methods. For qualitative assessment, phenomenology was used. Informal focus group semi-structured interview was done to groups of interns who had completed internship at medical wards. The responses were analyzed interpreted and classified; thematic analysis was done. For quantitative assessments, open ended questions were set by experts in medical education. The questions were answered anonymously; they were grouped into same themes. This study was approved by ‘Hospital Research and Ethics Committee’ of No(1) Defence Services General Hospital. Informed consent was taken from each intern. Results: A total 20 interns were included. Four themes were formed after thematic analysis: (1) the extent of applicability of communication skills they were taught in undergraduate days;(2) self-admitted confidence and degree of satisfaction; (3) the challenges/gaps they faced in reality; and (4) their suggestions on undergraduate teaching to fill the gaps. All interns admitted that the communication skills they taught was 100% applicable in practice. And they were confident out of proportion to their medical experience. They were satisfied with communication skills they were taught in undergraduate days. The challenges faced were as follows; difficulty in understanding volume and clarity of language when dealing with some nationality; low education level of patients leading to difficulty in understanding the information they have given; difficulty in getting trust from patient being youngest doctor in the team; and, taking long time due to emotional reaction of patient in breaking bad news. They admitted that they need to fill their knowledge gaps to answer the questions raised by patients particularly in explanation of diagnosis and management. They realized the importance of facial expression and tone of voice to express sympathy and empathy especially in breaking bad news. To improve communication skills in practice, they suggested to teach with real patients with real scenario. Conclusion: Teaching communication skills in undergraduate period was effective. The interns had good self-reported confidence. The interns need more training and self-directed learning. The challenges faced by interns were acceptable/logical. We should find better teaching method/media in undergraduate teaching to promote communication skills.

Vinterforing av reinsdyr - effekter på reinsdyrs oppførsel, beitepraksis og miljøet

This report is based on the results from a Nordic network project funded by The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ) during the years 2021-2022. This network was created to encourage further cross-border discussions about the prospects of winter feeding of reindeer. In reindeer husbandry winter feeding has increased during the last decades due to competing land use activities and climate change. Herders in Norway, Sweden and Finland have previously raised concerns about the benefits and risks associated to the increasing need of winter feeding of reindeer in all three countries. The report, published in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and North Sámi, and covers the main findings from a series of preparatory workshops within each country and a main workshop in Arvidsjaur 8-9 June 2022. During the network activities, reindeer herders, researchers and managers discussed the effects of feeding on reindeer behaviour, herding practices and the environment. The two main topics discussed at the preparatory workshops were 1) the short- and long-term effects of winter feeding on reindeer behaviour, and 2) local to large scale effects of feeding on the environment and the natural pastures. During the main workshop, discussions were held about reasons for feeding of reindeer, the preconditions of feeding in the three countries, how winter feeding is usually performed, and best practices in relation to reindeer behaviour and the environment. The work aimed at promoting knowledge exchange on winter feeding of reindeer among all participants to help find solutions and mitigation actions to avoid changes in reindeer behaviour and negative effects of feeding on reindeer, reindeer herding and the environment. The report is aimed at herders, managers, as well as other land users, authorities and policymakers to give information on what was discussed and a summary of the challenges related to winter feeding and effects on reindeer behaviour and reindeer husbandry, and the environment. Rangifer Report No 20 is the Norwegian version of the report. The Swedish and Finnish versions have been published (Rangifer Report No 18 and 19, respectively). A version in North Sámi is published as a following number of Rangifer Report.