Sample Size Of Study Research Articles

Relationship Between Waist Circumference, Smoking, and Physical Activity with Hypertension at Lenek Community Health Center

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, are a major problem and cause of premature death in developing countries. Data on hypertension in NTB is 282,970 with the most sufferers in East Lombok Regency. Non-modifiable hypertension risk factors include age, gender, and heredity, as well as modifiable risks include smoking, alcohol use, obesity, nutrition, and physical activity. The purpose of this study at the Lenek Health Center is to evaluate the link between waist circumference, smoking, and physical activity with hypertension. This study employs a cross-sectional approach and is observational quantitative analytical in nature. Purposive sampling is done using the Slovin formula. This study's sample size was 106 samples. The data was examined using the chi-square test. The findings revealed 106 respondents, the majority of whom had hypertension (74 people, 69.8%), while 32 people (30.2%) did not have hypertension. There is a substantial correlation between waist circumference and hypertension (p = 0.001). Smoking is significantly associated with hypertension (p=0.001). There is a strong link between physical activity and hypertension (p=0.001). The conclusion is that waist circumference, smoking, and physical activity all influence the prevalence of hypertension at the Lenek Health Center.

Hispanic survival paradox: a systematic review of short-term hospital readmissions among Hispanic kidney transplant recipients in the United States.

The epidemiologic phenomenon known as the "Hispanic paradox" postulates that Hispanic/Latino Americans generally tend to live longer than other racial/ethnic communities, despite facing many socioeconomic disadvantages and other healthcare barriers. Whether this phenomenon is relevant among kidney transplantation (KT) recipients remains unclear. To investigate the possibility of a Hispanic mortality advantage, we conducted a systematic review of the published literature comparing short-term KT outcomes (first 12-months) for US Hispanic versus non-Hispanic White KT recipients. This systematic review summarizes recent findings from sixteen observational retrospective cohort studies that met our study criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 42 to 244 037 total KT recipients and examined data between 2005 and 2022. Compared to their Non-Hispanic comparator, the Hispanic sub-samples were more likely to be younger, spend more time on dialysis, and less likely to receive preemptive transplant or living donation. Hispanic KT recipients experienced similar or more favorable outcomes in eleven studies (ten studies examining patient and graft survival, one study examining readmissions), but only three studies with statistical significance. As the US Hispanic and Latino population continues to grow into the diverse American melting pot, this review highlights the need for better approaches to studying racial and ethnic variables within kidney transplantation.

Patterns of dengue rash in patients presenting with dengue fever in emergency.

Objective: Patterns of Dengue Rash in Patients Presenting with Dengue Fever in Emergency. Study Design: Descriptive study. Setting: Emergency Department, Ziauddin Hospital. Period: September 2022 to October 2022. Methods: The sample size of study was n=250. The study was conducted in dengue endemic months on patients presenting in emergency department with confirmed dengue fever patients with serological testing positive of either gender and age 14yrs-60yrs with different clinical manifestations of dengue fever. All the patients with other febrile illness associated rash like measles, previous dermatological conditions were excluded from the study. Results: The mean age of the patients was 35.68±10.7 yrs. The frequency of males and females was n=129:121 (51.6%:48.4%). Mostly the patients presented from 20-35yrs of age were n=137 (54.8%), 36-50yrs n= 86(34.4%), n= 27(10.8%) for 51-60yrs of age. Of total cases enrolled, n=40 patients presented with an atypical rash resembling morbilliform n=10, n= 12 present with itchy rash with red patches of skin and raised border, n= 8 with itchy papular shutter cock resembling rash, and n=10 with isolated rashes involving only palms and soles with moderate to severe pruritus. Conclusion: Increasing incidence and emergence of different strains are associated with atypical rash further serotype testing for other types in dengue are required.

The effects of dance on maternal childbirth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPrevious guidelines have clearly stated that dance is safe and beneficial during pregnancy and for childbirth. However, due to the small sample size of individual studies and different interventions, there were inconsistencies about the effect of dance on maternal childbirth.MethodsWe included studies evaluating the effect of dance on women in labor. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Risk of bias assessment tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data analyses was performed using Review Manager Software version 5.4.ResultsA total of 12 RCTs comprising 1,486 pregnant women were included in the analysis. We found that the rate of natural childbirth and satisfaction with delivery were higher in the dance group than in the control group.The pain at 30 min and at 60 min after the intervention were lower in the dance group than in the control group. Meanwhile, the duration of the first stage, the second stage and the total labor duration was shorter in the dance group than in the control group.However, there were no statistically significant differences in the pain at 90 min after intervention, the duration of the third stage, and the rate of the normal 1-minute Apgar scores > 7 points between the two groups.ConclusionsDance during labor could reduce labor pain to an extent, shorten the duration of labor, promote natural childbirth, and improve satisfaction with labor, with no adverse effects on neonatal outcomes.Trial registrationThe protocol for this review was prospectively registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42022351001.

Systematic Analysis of the Design, Methodology and Patient Population Characteristics of the Pediatric Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) Trials of Venous Thromboembolism Treatment.

The pediatric direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) trials provide an opportunity to evaluate and characterize challenges in their design and execution to inform future antithrombotic trials. To perform a systematic review of pediatric DOAC trials for the treatment of venous thromboembolism to critically appraise their methodology and understand the feasibility and challenges. Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov (January 2002 to December 2022). Studies reporting the results of interventional trials of a DOAC for the treatment of acute VTE in children, and their respective design papers were included. Trial registration information was reviewed in clinicaltrials.gov. Discrepancies in study design, targeted populations, sample size and analyses between planned and actual trial conduct were examined qualitatively. Five published studies, and unpublished data for two additional trials were included. All trials had modifications to their design or methodology, and discrepancies between the trial's registration and the final published study, suggesting feasibility challenges. Modifications to the eligibility criteria, changes in sample size, challenges with recruitment of younger patients, and enrolled population not matching the clinical target population were identified for all trials. Discrepancies in outcome reporting, particularly for secondary endpoints, were also common. DOAC trials experienced feasibility challenges that led to design or methodology modifications. Future pediatric antithrombotic trials will need to be adaptive in their design, prioritize enrollment of younger children and input from clinicians providing care to target populations, ensure that enrolled populations match the clinical population, and select clinically meaningful endpoints.

Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients With Atrioventricular Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a new technique for patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), potentially offering better cardiac function than right ventricular pacing (RVP). We searched databases and registries for studies that compared LBBAP with RVP in patients with AVB and preserved LVEF. We extracted data on various outcomes and pooled the effect estimates using random-effects models. Our meta-analysis included 14 studies (10 observational and 4 RCTs) involving 3062 patients with AVB. The analysis revealed that the QRS duration was significantly shorter in the LBBAP group compared to the RVP group [MD = -35.56 ms; 95% CI: (-39.27, -31.85), p < 0.00001]. Patients in the LBBAP group also exhibited a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD = 5.48%; 95% CI: (4.07%, 6.89%), p < 0.00001], and a significant reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) compared to RVP [MD = -3.98 mm; 95% CI: (-5.88, -2.09 mm), p < 0.0001]. In terms of clinical outcomes, LBBAP was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart failure hospitalizations (HFHs) compared to RVP [OR = 0.26; 95% CI: (0.16, 0.44), p < 0.0001]. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the implant success rate, pacing impedance, or pacing threshold. The RVP group demonstrated a significantly higher R-wave amplitude increase than the LBBAP group [MD = 0.85 mV; 95% CI: (0.23, 1.46), p = .007]. Lastly, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups [OR = 2.12; 95% CI: (0.29, 15.52), p = 0.46]. LBBAP outperforms RVP in several cardiac function indicators, suggesting it may be a superior pacing method for AVB patients with preserved LVEF. However, the small sample size in studies and the result in heterogeneity call for more research to validate these findings and assess LBBAP's long-term effects.

The influence of intervention fidelity on treatment effect estimates in clinical trials of complex interventions: A meta-epidemiological study

BackgroundRandomized clinical trials (RCT) provide the most reliable estimates of treatment effectiveness for therapeutic interventions. However, flaws in their design and conduct may bias treatment effect estimates, leading to over or underestimation of the true intervention effect. This is especially relevant for complex interventions, such as those in rehabilitation, which are multifaceted and tailored for individual patients or providers, leading to variations in delivery and treatment effects. ObjectiveTo assess whether poor intervention fidelity, the faithfulness of the intervention delivered in an RCT to what was intended in the trial protocol, influences (biases) estimates of treatment effects derived from meta-analysis of rehabilitation RCTs. MethodsIn this meta-epidemiological study of 19 meta-analyses and 204 RCTs published between 2010–2020, we evaluated the difference in intervention effects between RCTs in which intervention fidelity was monitored and those in which it was absent. We also conducted random-effects meta-regression to measure associations between intervention fidelity, risk of bias (ROB), study sample size, and treatment effect estimates. ResultsThere was a linear relationship between fidelity and treatment effect sizes across RCTs, even after adjusting for ROB and study sample size. Higher degrees of fidelity were associated with smaller but more precise treatment effect estimates (d= -0.23 95% CI: -0.38, -0.74). Lower or absent fidelity was associated with larger, less precise estimates. Adjusting for fidelity reduced pooled treatment effect estimates in 4 meta-analyses from moderate to small or from small to no negligible or no effect, highlighting how poor fidelity can bias meta-analyses’ results. ConclusionPoor or absent intervention fidelity in RCTs may lead to overestimation of observed treatment effects, skewing the conclusions from individuals studies and systematic reviews with meta-analyses when pooled. Caution is needed when interpreting the results of complex intervention RCTs when fidelity is not monitored or is monitored but not reported.

The Impact of Health Promotion Using Leaflet Media on Mothers' Knowledge of the Early Stimulation of Toddlers' Development and Growth.

Children who get inadequate stimulation will develop slower than those who receive regular and purposeful stimulus. Toddler-age toddlers face a variety of growth and development issues as a result of their mother's lack of information about stimulating their development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of health education using leaflet media on mothers' knowledge of early stimulation for toddler-age kids from Gunung Tua village, Subang Regency. This study's research design is a quasi-experiment using a one-group pretest-posttest approach. This study's population consists of moms with toddler-aged children living in Gunung Tua village, Subang. The study's sample size is 80 moms, including criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The data collecting method employs a questionnaire derived from the SDIDTK (Stimulation, Detection and Early Intervention of Growth and Development) book Ministry of Health, which contains 20 questions. The data received from the outcomes of collecting data will be evaluated using univariate analysis, searching for the distribution of frequencies and averaged distributions of the variables studied, and using bivariate analysis via the Wilcoxon rank Test. Women with children aged 1-1.5 years. Of the 25 respondents in this category, 19had a good level of knowledge, while 6had a sufficient level of knowledge. After health education, the post-test findings showed that 24 participants had a good level of knowledge and 1 person had sufficient knowledge. Of the 30 mothers surveyed who have children aged 1.5-2 years, the majority (20 respondents) showed a good level of knowledge. Of the responses received, only one had a low level of knowledge, while the other nine had a sufficient level of knowledge. After the health education, the post-test results showed that 26 participants showed a good level of knowledge. Of the 25 respondents who are mothers with children aged 2-3 years, the majority (13 respondents) showed a good level of knowledge. Only one respondent had a low level of knowledge while the other 11 respondents had a sufficient level of knowledge. After health education, the post-test findings showed that 18 participants showed a good level of knowledge. Following healthcare learning, the post-test results revealed that 26 participants had a good level of understanding. The findings using the non-parametric in Wilcoxon Test, the significant values for respondents, particularly mothers with children ages 1-1.5 a long time, 1.5-2 years, and 2-3 years, are 0.002, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively. In summary, before and after health education using leaflet media can increase mothers' knowledge about stimulation of toddler growth and development in Gunung Tua the village, Subang Regency.

Impact of Updated Invasive Right Ventricular and Pulmonary Hemodynamics on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

Right-sided cardiac catheterization (RHC) is selectively recommended in mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge (M-TEER) workup because right ventricle (RV) hemodynamic parameters predict adverse outcomes. This study examines the impact of RV hemodynamics and the prognostic value of the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) pulmonary hypertension definitions on outcomes after M-TEER. Of 152 patients treated with M-TEER for symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) between December 2014 and February 2024 at our tertiary center, 71 underwent elective RHC before the procedure. The primary outcomes assessed were all-cause mortality and a composite of heart failure hospitalization and death at the longest available follow-up. In a cohort of 152 mostly male patients (64%) with a median age of 79 years who were treated for symptomatic severe MR, 71 underwent elective RHC. The causes were categorized as degenerative (47%), functional ventricular (41%), and atrial (12%). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was common, with 74% showing mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >20 mm Hg and 39% with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >2 Wood Units. Success rates were high, with technical, device, and procedural success at 97%, 88%, and 84%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 681 days, all-cause mortality was 50%, and the composite outcome (death or heart failure hospitalizations) occurred in 61%. Key hemodynamic parameters, including mPAP, PVR, and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio, were independently linked to mortality risk. Kaplan-Meier analysis found significant associations with mPAP >20 mm Hg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >15 mm Hg for long-term mortality, whereas the 2022 ESC PH thresholds showed greater sensitivity, correlating with increased mortality risk. In patients with severe MR who undergo M-TEER, most RV invasive hemodynamic parameters are linked to adverse long-term outcomes, with mPAP, PVR, and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio identified as independent predictors of mortality. Despite the study's limited sample size, the updated ESC PH definitions enhance prognostic assessment.

A CLINICAL STUDY OF VASCULAR ANOMALIES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN TELANGANA

Aim &amp; Objectives Of The Study Aim Of The Study: The aim of this study is to analyze the various modalities of treatment for vascular anomalies and their response at a Tertiary care centre in Telangana. Objectives Of The Study: 1. To study the incidence of various vascular anomalies. 2. To study the demographic features of various vascular anomalies. 3. To study the various modalities of treatment used at Tertiary care center 4. To study the complications. Need For The Study: Vascular anomalies signify a deviation from normal vasculature. Their morbidity can range from mild discoloration of skin to massive involvement leading to functional compromise ?These anomalies include a group of disorders which are difficult to classify as well as to treat. ?They are commonly misdiagnosed and hence mistreated. Hence, correct diagnosis which is of paramount importance for the proper management of vascular anomalies is done by proper history and clinical examination and proper investigations like color Doppler study and if needed Angiogram. ?These lesions can cause cosmetic deformities of the head and neck and can interfere with the normal function in these areas. ?Hence, early diagnosis with clinical evaluation and investigations like Color doppler study and if needed angiogram and treatment needs to be done to avoid dangerous complications associated with these lesions such as bleeding, cosmetic deformity, airway obstruction which might even cause death of the individual. Materials &amp; Methods Study Design: Retroprospective clinical study  Study subjects:  All patients admitted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery with vascular anomalies within the stipulated time period of 48 months ( 2 years retrospective and 2 years prospective from February 2021 to March 2025) are included in the study Sample size: All patients with vascular anomalies attending the OPD of Department of  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery within the stipulated time period is included in the study with minimum sample size taken as 20  Inclusion Criteria: All patients with vascular anomalies admitted in the Department of Burns Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery willing to participate are included in the study. Exclusion criteria: 1. Patients not willing to participate in the study. 2. Patients who are unfit for anesthesia. 3. Patients with CNS AV malformation Period of study: 48 Months (2 years Retrospective and 2 years Prospective). Place of study: Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad.

Dietary Habits of Pregnant Women in Spain: The Role of Nutrition Education in Midwife Consultations.

Background & Objectives: Correct nutrition during pregnancy is key to guaranteeing success at this stage of a woman's life, and nutritional education is the fundamental tool for achieving this. Studies carried out in different countries indicate that pregnant women do not comply with dietary and nutritional recommendations. Given the lack of evidence available in Spain and the importance of this knowledge to be able to assess the need for nutritional intervention in this group, the aim of this study focused on the current status of the issue in Spain: the quality of the diet of Spanish pregnant women and its conditioning factors. Methods: Two representative regions of the country were selected, one located in the north of Spain (Burgos) and the other in the south (Granada), and a descriptive, cross-sectional observational study (sample size: 771) was carried out using a questionnaire administered at the University Hospital of Burgos and the Hospital Clínico San Cecilio in Granada, which had previously been subjected to a process of evaluation by expert judgement. Results: Pregnant women presented an adequate diet quality (8.0 ± 2.0), according to the questionnaire used, despite their poor knowledge of food and nutrition (4.9 ± 1.6 out of 10). However, deficiencies were detected in the consumption of very interesting food groups from a nutritional point of view, such as legumes, nuts and fish (just 29.4%, 37.6% and 24.8% of the pregnant women met the recommendations, respectively) and insufficient physical exercise. The eating habits of pregnant women depend on their age, their country of origin, their level of education, their pre-pregnancy BMI, the knowledge acquired during pregnancy and the degree to which they put into practice the advice received from their midwife. Most pregnant women do not change their habits during pregnancy, although there are positive trends in this respect. Conclusion: The quality of the diet of the Spanish pregnant women surveyed, and their level of physical activity, could be improved by enhancing the nutritional education they receive during this stage of life. The role of the dietician in this respect, as part of multidisciplinary teams, should be the basis for future research.

Surgical approach for lower postoperative anal stenosis.

After anorectal surgery, hemorrhoids frequently lead to chronic issues, particularly in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. Liu et al investigated the outcomes of staple removal at the 3- and 9-o'clock positions following modified stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) in patients with grade III or IV hemorrhoids. This study included patients who underwent standard or modified SH between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020. Key metrics assessed included hospital stay duration, blood loss, operation time, and the incidence of minor or major complications. The findings indicated that the modified SH technique is a safe option for advanced-grade hemorrhoids, resulting in a lower rate of postoperative anal stenosis compared to standard SH. Notably, this technique also showed reduced anal stenosis rates in patients with prior hemorrhoid treatments. While the modified SH demonstrates immediate benefits, further research is necessary to evaluate long-term effects. Despite its advantages, the study's limited sample size restricts the generalizability of the findings, underscoring the need for larger, long-term studies to validate these results. Clinically, the modified SH method appears to significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative anal stenosis, a common concern following typical surgeries. If confirmed by larger trials, this procedure may become the preferred surgical approach for hemorrhoids. In conclusion, the work of Liu et al signifies a meaningful advancement in hemorrhoid surgery, enhancing patient safety and outcomes.

Zoledronic acid as adjuvant therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomised controlled pilot study

AimsTo assess the feasibility of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of zoledronic acid (ZA) as adjuvant therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).MethodsIn this 1-year, randomised, double-blinded,...

Children’s Sprint and Jump Performance after Plyometric-Jump Training: A Systematic Review

The effect of plyometric jump training on children’s jump and sprint performance remains unclear. To explore the effects of PJT on jump and sprint performance in children and to further analyze the influence of participant characteristics and training variables. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases. The included studies (n = 17) involved 587 children, with study sample sizes ranging from 9 to 44 participants. Overall, PJT improved children's vertical jump performance involving squat jump and countermovement jump (ES = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41-1.16, I² = 63%, p &lt; 0.01; n = 474), standing long jump performance (ES = 0.56, CI = 0.3-0.83, I² = 26%, p &lt; 0.0001; n = 414), and sprint performance involving 5 m to 30 m distances (ES = -0.41, CI = -0.61 to -0.22, I² = 0%, p &lt; 0.01; n = 424). Subgroup analysis showed non-tapering strategies (ES = 0.92, n = 88) resulted in significant difference than tapering strategies (ES = 0.37, n = 336 np = 0.01). Meta-regression showed a positive correlation between the total number of training sessions and standing long jump performance improvement (p = 0.03). Two studies have a high risk of bias (RoB), and 15 studies have a moderate RoB (some concerns). The GRADE assessment indicated a very low to low robustness of the evidence. In conclusion, PJT can improve children's jump and sprint performance. Increasing the number of training sessions may lead to better standing long jump results. However, the low to very-low robustness of the currently available evidence precludes recommendations regarding PJT for improving children’s neuromuscular performance.

PTSD Coach as an early mobile intervention to improve cancer-related anxiety and psychosocial oncology uptake in patients newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer: pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis pilot study aimed to provide supportive evidence for the feasibility of conducting a full-scale intervention trial with patients newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC). This included assessing the acceptability and potential usefulness of the PTSD Coach mobile app as an early self-management intervention that gives information about anxiety symptoms, offers self-assessment of symptoms with feedback, tools to self-manage anxiety, and connects to support.MethodsA three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted. The primary pilot study questions related to feasibility were: (1) can we recruit enough (i.e., n = 60 over 8 months or 8/month) and retain a sufficient proportion (i.e., ≥ 85% at three months post-randomization, having completed the primary outcome) of patients with HNC in all trial arms? (2) Will there be at least a 90% completion rate of PTSD Coach within 3 weeks from randomization? (3) Will at least 85% of the content for each module of PTSD Coach be completed? (4) Will there be at least a 90% completion rate of the attention-control tasks (i.e., 45 min/week over 3 weeks)? (5) What would be the anticipated sample size for a full study? (6) We also explored a signal for intervention effects on 1-, 3-, and 6-month levels of cancer-related anxiety, quality of life, anxiety and depression, self-stigma of seeking help, and professional psycho-oncology service uptake.ResultsParticipants comprised 39 patients (11 experimental group (EG), 13 attention-control (AC), 15 usual care (UC)), primarily male (82%). Enrolment was lower than expected, with strategies implemented to increase the study’s participation rate (i.e., shortening the questionnaire, more relevant AC games, pacing study components, and enlarging eligibility to 4 weeks post-diagnosis instead of 2). Retention rates, intervention completion rates, and completion time were adequate. The intervention was acceptable with all patients (100%) who received PTSD Coach reporting it a positive experience and that they would recommend it to others. When compared to UC, there was a signal for the PTSD Coach group to report lower 3-month cancer-related anxiety (PCL-S; eta squared = 0.013), lower anxiety and depression (HADS; eta squared = 0.015), anxiety (HADS-A; eta squared = 0.028), and higher functional wellbeing (FACT-FW; eta squared = 0.09), based on effect sizes calculated across all three groups. The sample size for a full study was estimated to be 118 to 154 per group.ConclusionA repeat pilot study with an expanded oncology population is warranted to further investigate feasibility prior to a full Phase III study. PTSD Coach could be a valuable self-management tool as an initial stepped-care approach intervention in patients newly diagnosed with HNC.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03651570. Registered June 26, 2018.

Pengaruh Bauran Pemasaran terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Skincare Aloe Vera XYZ di Kota Pontianak

The skincare sector has many prospects due to the growing public awareness of skin health. Indonesia's cosmetics industry grew by 20.6% between 2021 and 2022, according to data from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). The XYZ skincare products, which originated in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan, and are derived from aloe vera, are among the most well-liked items from this trend. This study examined how the marketing mix impacted Pontianak City's purchases of O-degree products. Pontianak City was chosen for this study because it is a hub for aloe vera farming and is renowned for generating high-quality goods. The study's sample size was 100 customers aged 17 and older who had bought skincare products containing aloe vera at least twice in the previous six months. The factors influencing purchase decisions are assessed using the data analysis technique known as structural equation modeling (SEM). Product, pricing, location, and advertising were the characteristics that were being examined. The survey's results showed that most participants were female, between the ages of 21 and 25, working for a private company, college-educated, and making between Rp1,500,001 and Rp3,000,000. The product variable influenced consumers' buying decisions the most of the four factors analyzed. This is due to the distinctive worth and uniqueness of XYZ items, which are native Pontianak commodities. To improve buying decisions, entrepreneurs must focus more on improving product quality and maintaining the features that are the product's main draws. By enhancing product quality and giving local Pontianak products more prominence, XYZ is expected to be able to compete more successfully in the fiercely competitive skincare market.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between sugar intake and dental caries in Nigeria

BackgroundThere is no national data on the association between sugar intake and caries experience in Nigeria. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between sugar intake and caries experience in Nigeria.MethodsA search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases for articles published between January 2001 and March 2023 on the associations between sugar consumption and caries experience. This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022372689). Data extracted included details of the study design, sample size, age and gender of study participants, and regions/states in Nigeria where the study was conducted. In addition, the types of sugary foods/beverages consumed, frequency and quantity of sugar intake, and periods of high sugar consumption were extracted. The studies’ bias risks were also assessed.ResultsThe review included 14 cross-sectional studies conducted between 2007 and 2023. Twelve (85.7%) studies were conducted in Southwest Nigeria. Seven (50.0%) had study participants with primary dentition, while eight (57.1%) had study participants with permanent dentition. The odds of caries are 18% higher in the group that consumes sugar compared to the group with low sugar intake (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.59). The odds of caries in primary (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.23, 5.44) and permanent (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.52) dentition were higher in the group that consumes sugar compared to the group with low sugar intake. There were no statistical associations between sugar consumption and caries experience. Of the 14 included studies, thirteen (92.8%) were classified as “low risk.”ConclusionAlthough a high frequency of sugar intake increased the risk of dental caries, this association did not reach statistical significance in Nigeria’s primary and permanent dentitions. Future studies should include longitudinal studies and studies that assess differences in the measures for sugar consumption and its association with the risk of caries.

A scoping review of digital technology applications in palliative care

BackgroundIn the current era of rapid technological development, digital technology is progressively transforming the medical field. In palliative care, its integration is an inevitable trend, offering new possibilities for improving care delivery and patient outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to review the application of digital technologies in palliative care, focusing on their advantages, challenges, and measurable impacts across diverse care settings.MethodsA scoping review was conducted, evaluating studies published between January 1, 2000, and August 1, 2024. Searches were performed across PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Original studies assessing digital interventions within palliative care settings were included. Data extraction included study design, sample size, setting, intervention type, and outcomes. Methodological quality was appraised using appropriate tools for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized studies, mixed-methods studies, and qualitative studies. Two independent reviewers conducted the data extraction and quality appraisal, resolving disagreements through discussion.ResultsTwenty-four studies were included, examining digital technologies such as computer systems, virtual reality (VR), and wearable devices. Key interventions supported information provision, symptom monitoring, psychological support, and communication feedback. Digital tools demonstrated positive impacts on pain management, symptom distress, quality of life, and patient acceptability. Despite methodological strengths in most studies, limitations such as small sample sizes and inconsistent outcome measures were noted.ConclusionDigital technologies in palliative care demonstrate significant potential to improve patients’ quality of life and alleviate symptom burden through remote monitoring, real-time feedback, and personalized interventions. These innovations address limitations of the traditional biomedical model, enhancing the accessibility and overall quality of palliative care.

Cytotoxic surface contamination in hospitals: Current practices, challenges and perspectives.

Despite significant advances in cancer treatment with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, cytotoxic chemotherapies are still extensively used. Potential cytotoxic contamination in preparing and administrating cytotoxics is still a major source of concern. Besides advanced protections including biological safety cabinets, work surface contamination needs to be continuously controlled to ensure that handling procedures and cleaning were appropriate. Contamination monitoring needs to be standardized. The study searched Pubmed/Medline and Embase with"hazardous drug", "cytotoxic drug", "surface contamination", "environmental contamination", "wipe sample", "pharmacy", "care unit", and selected studies reporting contamination results in work environment for pharmacy technicians and nurses, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022. The 29 studies totalized 16,196 samples and 189,571 assays. Contamination results showed 39.8% sample positivity, and 8.2% assay positivity. Multicentric studies gathering at least 500 samples or up to 800 samples would limit heterogeneity in sample positivity. In addition, monitoring of an appropriate tracer selection including at least the 7 tracers with the highest contamination frequencies (cyclophosphamide, gemcitabine, fluorouracile, ifosfamide, platinum derivatives, paclitaxel and methotrexate) would facilitate contamination comparisons amongst studies and local results. Most recent studies reported thresholds for cyclophosphamide close to 0.1 ng/cm² at the 90th percentile. The overall risk of exposure for healthcare professionals is a major concern. Sample size in multicentric studies would require at least 500 samples; quantification of all tracers with the highest contamination frequencies need to be quantified. This approach would provide a basis to develop guidelines to appropriately monitor contamination in pharmacies and patient care area managers.

Impact of artificial intelligence in transforming and replacing traditional learning and development of employees

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of artificial intelligence interventions in transforming learning and development of organizations and to investigate whether artificial intelligence can replace traditional learning methods. Design/methodology/approach Mixed method approach was adopted to conduct the study. The sample size for quantitative study was 300 employees belonging to domains of technology, finance, health care and manufacturing. Structural equation modeling was done to arrive at the results. The qualitative study was done on 25 employees by conducting in-depth interviews followed by thematic analysis. Findings The findings of quantitative study revealed that perceived usefulness, perceived experience and learning effectiveness significantly contributed to transformation of traditional learning. The same was validated by qualitative study, and it also indicated that respondents preferred blended learning and artificial intelligence cannot replace traditional learning. Originality/value The study contributes to research by highlighting the impact of artificial intelligence in transformation of traditional learning and development based on departmental and job-specific roles as well as sectors that require physical training in addition to knowledge-based training.