Descriptive Study Research Articles

Ventilator circuits mechanics and ventilator compensation

Introduction Invasive mechanical ventilation usually uses a double limb circuit. However, those circuits are not standardized and usually come from different manufacturers with different lengths, diameters, compliances and resistances. Those differences can affect the delivered tidal volumes and pressures delivered to the patient. We aimed to test three different circuits to measure their compliance and resistance and measure their effects on delivered tidal volume and airway pressures after being calibrated by the ventilator. Methods Descriptive study, three different double limb circuits: separate inspiratory and expiratory limb (Vyaire 72 inch length, 22 mm diameter), separate inspiratory with heated wire and expiratory limb (Fisher and Paykel 71 inch, 22 mm diameter), and separate inspiratory and expiratory limb in one tube (Vyaire length 75 inch and 22 mm diameter). Bellavista 1000e ventilator (Zoll, MA, USA) was used to conduct the experiment with the volume controlled mode, tidal volume 500 ml, inspiratory flow of 30 L/min, PEEP of 5 cmH2O, respiratory rate of 20 bpm. Leak, resistance and compliance obtained from the ventilator display during circuit calibration. A passive single lung model with compliance of 80 ml/cmH2O and resistance of 10 cmH2O/L/s constructed using lung simulator (ASL 5000) used to measure the delivered the tidal volume, flow, airway pressures (Peak, plateau, PEEP) delivered to calculate the total compliance and resistance and the effect of the circuits. Results The three circuits had different compliances and resistances. Separate limbs: compliance of 0.84 ml/cmH2O, Inspiratory resistance 3.37 cmH2O/L/s, expiratory resistance 5.54 cmH2O/L/s resulting in total compliance 84.06 ml/cmH2O, inspiratory resistance 4.8 cmH2O/L/s. Separate limbs with heated wire in inspiratory limb: compliance 1.88 ml/cmH2O, Inspiratory resistance 3.22 and expiratory resistance 4.67 cmH2O/L/s, resulting in total compliance 82.74 ml/cmH2O, inspiratory resistance 4.81 cmH2O/L/s. Double limb in one circuit: compliance 2.25 ml/cmH2O, Inspiratory resistance 4.07 cmH2O/L/s, expiratory resistance 4.38 cmH2O/L/s, resulting in total compliance 82.91 ml/cmH2O, inspiratory resistance 4.81 cmH2O/L/s. Conclusion The measured compliances and resistances of the circuits differed slightly, however the ventilator compensated well for the differences with minimal difference in the combined total compliances and resistances. Further investigation across a broader range of circuit designs and ventilator models could help establish more standardized guidelines and recommendations for circuit selection in clinical practice. Keywords: Ventilator circuits, circuit compliance and resistance, ventilator compensation

Epidemiology, microbiological profile and susceptibility pattern of uropathogens from a tertiary care hospital in central India

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common infection in the community, whereas in hospitals, they are the most common healthcare-associated infections. Monitoring factors like the most common causative organisms and their susceptibility pattern is essential for tailored management and practicing antimicrobial stewardship. This study was done to determine the epidemiology, microbiological profile, and susceptibility pattern of uropathogens to make better antibiotic policy.: This was a retrospective descriptive study done at the Department of Microbiology, Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh in which analysis of the culture isolates obtained from urine samples received between January 2022 to December 2022 was performed.: Out of 2893 urine samples, 784 (27.1%) showed significant growth on culture. Females were more affected than males with male to female ratio being 1:2.3. Most common causative organism found in our study was (41.9%) followed by species (23.9%), non-albicans species(11.09%) and (10.3%). isolates showed 100% susceptibility to fosfomycin; 93% for nitrofurantoin, and 93% for carbapenems. In the case of isolates of the susceptibility percentage for nitrofurantoin and carbapenems were 59% and 82% respectively. In isolates were 100% susceptible to Teicoplanin and Fosfomycin, 82% for Nitrofurantoin.: followed by species the most common uropathogen. Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin were the most effective antibiotics against uropathogens.

Implementation of written asthma action plan among asthma patients in Türkiye: a multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive study

Implementation of written asthma action plan among asthma patients in Türkiye: a multicenter, cross-sectional, descriptive study

Behind closed doors: Freelance nurses and the reality of unmet care needs in Italian home care setting. Insight from a phenomenological descriptive study.

The term 'Missed Nursing Care' (MNC) refers to any aspect of nursing care that is not delivered, partially delivered, or delayed. MNC has significant negative consequences, including adverse patient outcomes, safety risks, and decreased job satisfaction. While extensively studied in hospitals, MNC in community healthcare settings, remains under-researched, especially in Italy. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of MNC in Italian home care settings by documenting and analyzing the lived experiences of freelance nurses, focusing on the characteristics, influencing factors, and consequences of MNC as perceived by these healthcare professionals. This is a descriptive phenomenological study. Using snowball sampling, 12 Italian freelance nurses were recruited and interviewed from November 2022 to February 2023. Data collection was based on in-depth interviews, that have been transcribed and analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological framework. The study report adhered to the COREQ-32 checklist for qualitative research. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: dimensions of MNC, organizational challenges, consequences of MNC, and family-nurse collaboration. Freelance nurses frequently addressed unmet fundamental and complex nursing needs, highlighting significant clinical, psychological, and economic impacts on patients and families. Organizational issues, such as rigid public service schedules and inadequate staffing, were identified as primary contributors to MNC. Families played a crucial role in managing care and collaborating with freelance nurses to ensure continuity. This study provides novel insights into MNC in Italian home care settings, emphasizing the critical role of freelance nurses in filling care gaps. The findings suggest the need for systemic changes to improve flexibility, staffing, and integration of public and private nursing services. Further research, particularly quantitative studies, is essential to validate these findings and explore broader implications for patient care and health outcomes.

Lung cancer in patients with pulmonary fibrosis: characteristics features and prognosis.

Lung cancer is one of the significant comorbidities seen in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). However, there is limited data on non-IPF Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) patients with lung cancer (LC). The present study aims to compare the characteristics and survival outcomes of patients diagnosed with LC in IPF and non-IPF PF. The multicenter data records of IPF and non-IPF PF patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 2010- 2022 were analyzed in this descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study. Of the 251 patients involved in this study [164 IPF-LC, 87 non-IPF PF-LC], 89.6% were male, the mean age was 69±7.9 years and the smoking rate was 85.7%. Honeycomb pattern was more frequently observed in IPF-LC patients [62.8%,37.9%p<0.001], whereas ground-glass opacity [33.5%,59.8%p<0.001] and emphysema [37.8%,59.8%p<0.001] were more frequently seen in non-IPF PF-LC patients. The most commonly seen histological type was squamous cell carcinoma [42.7%,33.9%], followed by adenocarcinoma [28.2%; 32.2%]. [46.4%;47.2%] and their 5-year mortality rates were high [64.6%, 63.2%]. The median survival for both groups was 2±0.22 years [median 95% CI (1.55-2.44)]. The shortest survival time was observed in non-IPF PF-LC subgroup with unclassified PF [1±0.253 years median 95% CI (0.50-1.49) (p=0.030)]. The majority of IPF and non-IPF PF LC patients were male, elderly, and had a high smoking rate. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequently seen histological type and they had short survival periods and high mortality rates. The survival period of unclassified non-IPF PF-LC patients was found to be the shortest.

Sarcoidosis in north African people: about 35 cases.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown cause characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomatous inflammation in various organs, mainly lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. Its clinical and paraclinical presentation can vary from mild to life-threatening. Our objective is to study the clinical, paraclinical and evolution profile of mediastino-pulmonary sarcoidosis. This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytic study conducted over a 20-year period (January 2002 to December 2022). It compiled records of patients who were followed up for confirmed mediastino-pulmonary sarcoidosis. The study included 35 patients with a mean age of 56.69 ± 14.42 . There was a clear predominance of female patients, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 0.346. The most common functional respiratory signs were dyspnea (82.9%) and dry cough (80%). Extra-respiratory symptoms were noted in 45.7% of cases, with the most common being polyarthralgia (28.6%), xerophthalmia (20%) and xerostomia (14.3%). The most common parenchymal lesions were micronodules (71.4%), nodules (51.4%), and peribronchovascular thickening (40%). The The right upper lobe (77.1%) and middle lobe (74.3%) were the most affected lobes. Hilar adenopathy (71.4%), paratracheal adenopathy (60%), and the aorto-pulmonary window (54.3%) were the most frequent lymph node involvements. Respiratory function tests revealed a restrictive ventilatory defect in 32% of cases and an obstructive ventilatory defect in 13%.Oral corticosteroids were initially administered in 60% of cases. Chronic respiratory failure was observed in 20% of cases. Factors significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome included hemoptysis (p=0.008), the need for corticosteroid treatment (p=0.009), Acute respiratory failure (p=0.05), and echographic dilation of the right cavities (p=0.002). The clinical phenotype of sarcoidosis can be extremely diverse.Thoracic computed tomography plays an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The evolution of sarcoidosis is variable and depends on the occurrence of complications.

Factors influencing community intensive care unit research participation: a qualitative descriptive study.

Community hospitals account for 90% of hospitals in Canada, but clinical research is mainly conducted in academic hospitals. Increasing community hospital research participation can improve generalizability of study results, while alsoaccelerating study recruitment and increasing staff engagement. We aimed to identify and describe the factors that influence community intensive care unit (ICU) research participation and the development, implementation, and sustainability of a community ICU research program. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews. Between April 2022 and May 2023, we interviewed a purposeful sample of individuals interested or involved in community hospital research in Canadian community ICUs. We analyzed qualitative data using both conventional content analysis and rapid qualitative analysis. Findings were deductively mapped out using the Ecological Model of Health Behavior. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants included 23 health care workers, ten research staff, and five hospital administrators (n = 38) from 20 community hospitals across six provinces in Canada. The main factors associated with community ICU research participation were 1) infrastructure, 2) personnel characteristics, 3) key relationships and connections, and 4) the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative descriptive study, participants identified the physical resources, skills, and relationships required to start and sustain a clinical research program in a Canadian community ICU. Our findings suggest that all levels of the Canadian health care system need to invest in strengthening community hospital research capacity to increase research participation.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Palpable Head and Neck Masses: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a quick and safe technique done for the initial diagnosis of head and neck region masses. This study aims to assess the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in head and neck palpable masses. Materials &amp; Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Pathology Department of Kathmandu Medical College from 1st February 2023 to 31st December 2023. All the patients with palpable head and neck lumps were included in the study. A convenience sampling method was used. The data was entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0 Results: Among 650 fine needle aspiration cytology done during the study period, 184 were from head and neck lesions (28.30%). The mean age of the patient was 35.4 years with female predominance. The most common site was lymph node 85 (46.19%) followed by thyroid 39 (21.19%). Reactive lymphadenitis was the most common cause of lymphadenopathy seen in 41(22.2%) patients and colloid goitre was the most common cause of thyroid swelling seen in 26(14.13%) patients. Conclusions: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a useful and reliable technique for the diagnosis of head and neck mass. It helps to avoid unnecessary surgeries and is recommended and guides the clinician in general clinical management.

Diabetes Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Self-Care among Nigerian Undergraduates: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background Diabetes mellitus is a noncommunicable chronic disease that is becoming prevalent among the youthful population. Aim This study assessed diabetic awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices among undergraduates of a Nigerian university. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 consenting undergraduates that completed a self-administered questionnaire on diabetes and diabetic self-care. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The undergraduate age ranged from 16 to 30 years with the majority less than 20 years (55.5%), females 53.8%, Yoruba (87.4%), and second-year students (34.2%). Although a majority (85%) was aware of diabetes mellitus, 53% had poor knowledge, 70% had a negative attitude, and 60% had poor practices toward diabetes mellitus and diabetic self-care. Significant predictor of poor knowledge was being female (adjusted odds ratio 4.56; 95% confidence interval 2.79–7.45; p = 0.0001). Conclusion Despite high diabetes awareness, the knowledge, attitude, and practices were poor among undergraduates. There should be continuous education program on diabetes and diabetic self-care among the students.

Hypertension Among Patients Presenting with Epistaxis in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Epistaxis is one of the most common emergency conditions. Hypertension has been considered to be a major cause of spontaneous epistaxis for a long time. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension among patients presenting with epistaxis in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the patients visiting Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital with active nose bleeding from January 2023 to December 2023. Patients visiting the Emergency Department with active nose bleeding were included in the study by convenience sampling method. The blood pressure (BP)was measured in the Emergency Department at the time of presentation and patients with BP of &gt;140/90 mmHg were considered to be hypertensive. Data was collected and statistical analysis was done in Statistical Packages for Social Services version 22. Results: A total of 250 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of hypertension in patients with epistaxis in the present study is 28.8 %. Hypertension was more common in males and elderly patients above 60 years. Conclusions: Our study showed that hypertension was more common in male and elderly patients Regular blood pressure monitoring should be advised for elderly patients. Other causes of epistaxis could be explored in future studies.

CONHECIMENTO SOBRE PRIMEIROS SOCORROS ENTRE PROFESSORES DO PÚBLICO ADOLESCENTE

This article aims to evaluate, through the scientific literature, the knowledge about first aid among teachers of the adolescent public. Methods: This is a descriptive study, using an integrative review through a search on the Pubmed and VHL platforms, selecting articles between 2019 and 2024, available for free and complete access. Results: The results indicated that the teachers, in most of the schools selected in the studies, do not have sufficient knowledge and practice to assist in emergency cases, which places the students as susceptible to errors and risk. It was also observed that the main urgent and emergency cases are fainting and orthopedic trauma (&gt;40%). In addition, the main complications worked on, through training, were falls, child choking, convulsion, choking, resuscitation due to CPA, electrical accidents, burns and knowledge related to the Mobile Emergency Care Service – SAMU – and its contact number. Conclusion: The analysis of the results revealed that, in view of the insufficient knowledge of teachers, training courses, regardless of online or face-to-face, are effective in fixing the content and increasing the safety of the education professional when assisting the student, which promotes the improvement of the victim's clinical condition and reduces the incidence of hospitalization and death.

Job Polarisation: The Change of Nature of Task and Skill Needs

Job polarisation is the growth of high- and low-skilled employment relative to middle-skilled employment, typically in developed countries. Based on Khazanah Research Institute’s (KRI) descriptive study in 2017, Malaysia’s workforce experienced job polarisation over the last two decades. This study uses a different approach, i.e. multinomial logistic regression, to measure the probability of employment choice by different job categories to validate the presence of job polarisation in Malaysia. Unlike past research that used headcounts based on wage quantiles, this paper considers the individual and sectoral effects. This study confirms the job polarisation finding of KRI (2017) by comparing Malaysia’s employment structure between 2011 and 2017. Technology changes the methods and skills required to perform the same tasks. Besides, the adoption of technology depends on the firm’s or industry’s foresight of how technology may change the productivity of the worker. If the investment cost of a technology is greater than the training cost, firms may not adopt the technology. If an industry has the foresight of how technology may change the performance of tasks, and recruit workers in tandem with upskilling programmes, the phenomenon of job polarisation will fade out eventually.

MOGAD and NMOSD: insights on patients’ radiological and laboratory findings from a single UAE center

IntroductionAlthough neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) are rare diseases, they pose a significant burden on both society and the healthcare system. This study aims to discuss the demographics and patient characteristics of these diseases in a single center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThis is a retrospective, descriptive study that included patients with either NMOSD or MOGAD treated at Rashid Hospital, UAE during the period between January 2019 and January 2024. Patients were selected and categorized according to NMOSD criteria, aquaporin-4 antibodies, and MOG antibodies. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and medical history were retrieved from their medical records and descriptively analyzed in the light of patients’ serological data.ResultsWe identified 34 patients with non-multiple sclerosis atypical CNS inflammatory/demyelinating syndromes. Twenty-seven patients (79.4%) fulfilled the criteria for NMOSD, while seven (20.6%) tested positive for MOG antibodies, fulfilling the criteria for MOGAD. In the NMOSD cohort, 19% (n = 5) were AQP4-antibody negative. Seventy-four percent of the NMOSD cohort and 43% of the MOGAD cohort were female. For MOGAD patients, disease onset was at a younger age (median onset age of 25 years) compared to the overall study population (mean onset age of 28.94 years). Long segment transverse myelitis was only detected in NMOSD patients (33.3%), and brainstem syndrome with area postrema syndrome was more common in the MOGAD cohort (29% vs. 4%). The rate of positive response to intravenous methylprednisolone as initial therapy was comparable across both cohorts (74% in case of NMOSD and 71% in case of MOGAD).ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the status of NMOSD and MOGAD in the UAE, highlighting the need for larger, prospective studies to further characterize these diseases in the local population, as well as the need for improved understanding of the epidemiology and management of these rare but debilitating conditions.

Neurological involvement in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a descriptive study in an Egyptian cohort

BackgroundNeurologic manifestations in the systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are protean. They add to the disease burden and could contribute to mortality. Increasing awareness about the neuro-rheumatologic syndromes might help with early diagnosis and effective therapy. Our aim is to survey the clinical and imaging patterns of neurological involvement in Egyptian patients with SARDs.ResultsNeurological involvement is common in Behçet’s disease (BD) (12.7%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (6.4%) patients compared with other SARDs. Compared with SLE, neurological involvement in BD tends to develop at an older age (31 ± 7.1 versus 28.3 ± 9.6 years = 0.022) with a greater progression risk (13.8% versus 2.6%, P = 0.003). A higher proportion of SLE patients had abnormal neuroimaging without neurological symptoms (15.7% versus 4.3%, P = 0.026, OR = 4.9, 95%CI 1.1–22.4). SLE patients had a higher frequency of seizures (31.3% versus 6.4%, P < 0.001, OR = 6.7, 95%CI 2.7–16.7) and benign intracranial hypertension (9.6% versus 1.1%, P = 0.009, OR = 9.8, 95%CI 1.2–77.7) but a lower prevalence of quadriplegia due to brain insult (1.7% versus 3.2%, P = 0.045, OR = 0.2, 95%CI 0.04–0.9), dural sinus thrombosis (13% versus 33%, P = 0.001, OR = 0.3, 95%CI 0.2–0.6), brainstem syndrome (0.9% versus 6.4%, P = 0.047, OR = 0.1, 95%CI 0–1.1) and cranial neuropathies (9.6% versus 31.9%, P < 0.001, OR = 0.2, 95%CI 0.1–0.5). Concerning neuroimaging, brain atrophic changes were more common (27.4% versus 9.5%, P = 0.002, OR = 3.6, 95%CI 1.6–8.3) while thrombosis was less prevalent (36.3% versus 53.6%, P = 0.016, OR 0.5, 95%CI = 0.3–0.9) in lupus patients. The cerebral cortex was more commonly affected (20.4 versus 4.8%, P = 0.002, OR = 5.1, 95%CI 1.7–15.4) while dural sinuses (14.2% versus 40.5%, P < 0.001, OR = 0.2, 95%CI 0.1–0.5), basal ganglia (1.8% versus 10.7%, P = 0.010, OR = 0.2, 95%CI 0–0.7), diencephalon (0% versus 13.1%, P < 0.001) and brainstem (1.8% versus 22.6%, P < 0.001, OR = 0.1, 95%CI 0–0.3) were less frequently involved in SLE patients. Concerning other SARDs, cranial neuropathies were the most common neurological presentations. Abnormalities in neuroimaging did not correlate with the patients’ clinical presentations.ConclusionsNeurological presentations associated with SARDs are protean. Neuroimaging abnormalities should be interpreted within the context of the clinical picture and the results of other investigations.

The dimensions of the sex as leisure view and their links to young adults’ sexual attitudes and comfort with sexuality

ABSTRACT The sex as leisure view contributes to positive sexuality values and serves as a coping mechanism for personal crises, public health crises, and challenging marginalising societal stereotypes. Nevertheless, the underlying tenets of this view remain understudied, especially among young adults, and a scale for measuring sex as leisure is nonexistent. Thus, the purpose of this research was to develop a scale for establishing and measuring the dimensions of the sex as leisure construct and examining the links between young adults’ perceptions of these dimensions and their general sexual attitudes and levels of comfort with sexuality. Cross-sectional data were collected using survey methodology (N = 270; 55.2% women) and analysed with exploratory factor analysis and general linear modelling. This study found three underlying dimensions of the sex as leisure view, including the perceptions of sex as intrinsic recreational pleasure, the frivolous time-filling leisure, and the biopsychosocial benefits of sex as leisure. The first two dimensions significantly predicted people’s overall propensity to view sex as leisure. Sexual attitudes and comfort with sexuality significantly predicted perceptions of all three dimensions of the sex as leisure view, albeit in different ways. The study contributes to both research and practice in the leisure and sexual health fields.

Visceral adiposity index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and fasting plasma glucose associations in adolescents.

The global rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents is partly linked to the increasing rates of childhood obesity and physical inactivity. To explore the independent relationships of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in adolescents. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 403 adolescents (202 boys and 201 girls) aged 11-19 years. Participants were evaluated for VAI, CRF, and FPG. Regression models, adjusted for age and maturity status, were used to assess the associations between VAI, CRF, and FPG. The prevalence of T2DM risk was 15.3% (girls = 7.4%; boys = 7.9%). In boys, high VAI was positively associated with FPG (β = 0.190, P = 0.009), while low CRF was negatively associated with FPG (β = -0.206, P = 0.010). These associations persisted even after adjusting for CRF and VAI. However, no significant associations between VAI, CRF, and FPG were observed in girls (P > 0.05). Adolescents with high VAI and low fitness levels demonstrated poorer glycemic profiles. Among boys, both VAI and CRF were independently associated with T2DM risk, with CRF showing a stronger association. These associations were not observed in girls. Promoting regular aerobic exercise and healthy diets may serve as essential public health promotion strategies in preventing and managing T2DM risk in adolescents.

Storypath: How Civic Advocacy Through Creating Music Empowers Civic and Political Thinking in Elementary Classrooms

This descriptive qualitative study examined how the Storypath (also known as Storyline) approach to teaching social studies involves elementary school students in action civics (authentic civic activities, self-chosen issues, ongoing reflection, decisions valued). Storypath, a project-based approach, utilizes the story structure to frame learning through an inquiry process whereby students consider an overarching question about a topic, create a relevant setting, become characters in the setting, and engage in the plot of the story (critical incidents). This Storypath engaged a class of ethnically and culturally diverse fifth graders in creating a music company (setting) dedicated to producing songs for social change. As company employees (characters), students researched issues they chose (affirming their agency in the learning process), then created songs and music videos for social impact. The arts (songs and videos) and technology (digital media) became integral to students’ efforts as they created and recorded music to share with the world. Students responded to Padlet and worksheet prompts, wrote song lyrics, and recorded music videos which all were analyzed to address this research question: What did authentic civic advocacy through creating music within the Storypath approach reveal about elementary students’ civic disciplinary knowledge, thinking, and skills? Findings revealed two overarching types of thinking: civic and political. Evidence indicates that civic thinking was justice-oriented for social well-being while political thinking was influence-oriented for strategic impact. This suggests that the Storypath implemented in this study can engage elementary school students in authentic civic advocacy within the classroom to cultivate civic and political thinking for meaningful participation in democratic life beyond the classroom.

Knowledge and application of assigned staff and Anesthesiology residents of the Vortex model for airway management measured by the CICO preparation survey

Objective: To identify in the Assigned staff and Residents of the Anesthesiology Service of the CMN La Raza Specialty Hospital the knowledge and application of the Vortex tool for airway management through the NVNI preparation survey. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective, single-center and cross-sectional study was carried out, applying surveys via anonymous internet to Resident Doctors of the 3 years of the course and Doctors assigned to the Anesthesiology service. Variables were recorded from population characteristics, knowledge and application of the Vortex tool. The training stage was carried out on the Vortex tool, to repeat the application of the post-training NVNI preparation survey. The information was organized in a database and descriptive statistical analysis was performed by comparing variables. Results: 102 pre-training and 61 post-training surveys were administered. For the post-training survey, there is an increase in the identification of the term NVNI by 22.5%, CICO is recognized by 57.4% of personnel, an increase of 5.9% in the use of the term Emergency frontal neck access, identification of equipment location NVNI rescue rate increased 15.9%. Conclusions: Training personnel in NVNI events is important, since 50.80% of participants know of a case. Knowledge of the Vortex model was increased to 31.10%. There is an area of opportunity for teaching and professional preparation regarding the application of the model.

Comfort-Promoting Interventions for the Elderly in Hospital Settings

Background: The comfort of the elderly in hospital settings requires special attention from the health care professionals involved, particularly nurses, since hospitalization often generates suffering and discomfort. In such contexts, it is essential to consider the specific characteristics of the elderly, taking into account their life experiences and their needs, to promote the health, well-being, and comfort of this population. Hence, the present work aimed to explore the nursing interventions that promote comfort among the elderly in hospital settings. Methods: A mixed descriptive exploratory study was conducted through the application of a questionnaire, using intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The study encompassed 55 elderly individuals hospitalized in the medical service of a public hospital located in Lisbon. Results: The results show that the participants perceived a reasonable level of comfort (5.65 ± 6.46). The following categories emerged from the content analysis: (1) physical interventions; (2) psycho-spiritual interventions; (3) socio-cultural interventions; and (4) environmental interventions. Conclusions: These findings help to understand comfort-promoting nursing interventions in the studied population. It was concluded that, to improve care quality, comforting interventions should focus on the elderly patient’s individuality, through support activities, empowerment, and the preservation/correction of the surrounding environment. Additionally, the provided care should be based on the real needs, expectations, preferences, and values of the elderly individual.

Investigating the relationship between the type of occlusion and mandibular radiomorphometric indices in patients with normal facial height.

The ability to predict the extent and direction of horizontal growth of the patient's face at an early age allows clinicians to timely identify cases that require treatment during the growth period and to ensure that appropriate treatment can be administered. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the antegonial angle, gonial angle, antegonial notch depth, and the type of the antegonial notch on predicting horizontal facial growth in individuals with normal facial height. In this descriptive analytic study, lateral and panoramic radiographs of 180 patients aged 17-30 years with normal facial height who were referred to the School of Dentistry of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences and private dental clinics were investigated. The indices of the gonial angle, antegonial angle, type of antegonial notch, and antegonial notch depth were plotted bilaterally on tracing paper and subsequently measured using panoramic radiographs. Additionally, the relationship between the desired radiomorphometric indices and the occlusion class in the samples was investigated. There was a statistically significant relationship between the occlusion class and the antegonial notch depth (analysis of variance (ANOVA), p = 0.048), as well as the antegonial angle (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.002). The results of this study indicate that the antegonial notch depth and angle indices can be clinically valuable in predicting the process of mandibular growth and developing appropriate treatment plans.