Formación docente para la educación inclusiva en instituciones públicas del Quindío / Teacher training for inclusive education in public institutions of Quindío

La formación docente es esencial dentro del proceso de educación inclusiva permitiendo responder a la diversidad de los estudiantes a partir de estrategias que promuevan su aprendizaje y participación. Este estudio analiza la formación en inclusión de 253 docentes de instituciones públicas mediante el Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). Los resultados indican niveles bajos de formación en las dimensiones concepciones, apoyos y metodologías. Lo que sugiere que no existe una preparación integral del profesorado para la inclusión y los planes de formación deben abordar desde aspectos conceptuales hasta la implementación de ajustes en el aula. (AU)

Teacher training is essential within the inclusive education process, allowing students to respond to diversity through strategies that promote their learning and participation. This study analyzes the inclusion training of 253 teachers in public institutions, through the Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). The results indicate low levels of training in the conceptual dimensions, supports and methodologies. This suggests that there is no comprehensive preparation of teachers for inclusion and training plans should address conceptual aspects to the implementation of adjustments in the classroom. (AU)

Formación docente para la educación inclusiva en instituciones públicas del Quindío / Teacher training for inclusive education in public institutions of Quindío

La formación docente es esencial dentro del proceso de educación inclusiva permitiendo responder a la diversidad de los estudiantes a partir de estrategias que promuevan su aprendizaje y participación. Este estudio analiza la formación en inclusión de 253 docentes de instituciones públicas mediante el Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). Los resultados indican niveles bajos de formación en las dimensiones concepciones, apoyos y metodologías. Lo que sugiere que no existe una preparación integral del profesorado para la inclusión y los planes de formación deben abordar desde aspectos conceptuales hasta la implementación de ajustes en el aula. (AU)

Teacher training is essential within the inclusive education process, allowing students to respond to diversity through strategies that promote their learning and participation. This study analyzes the inclusion training of 253 teachers in public institutions, through the Cuestionario de Valoración Docente de la Inclusión Educativa (CEFI-R). The results indicate low levels of training in the conceptual dimensions, supports and methodologies. This suggests that there is no comprehensive preparation of teachers for inclusion and training plans should address conceptual aspects to the implementation of adjustments in the classroom. (AU)

Mindfulness trait and the potential mediating role of emotional regulation strategies in bipolar disorder / Mindfulness rasgo y el potencial papel mediador de las estrategias de regulación emocional en el trastorno bipolar

En este estudio transversal se investiga la asociación entre los principales síntomas del Trastorno bipolar (TB) y las dificultades asociadas a las estrategias de regulación emocional (ERE) adaptativas y desadaptativas. Además, este estudio examina los efectos mediadores de las ERE con el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Método. Veinticuatro adultos con TB completaron la Escala de Conciencia de Atención Plena (MAAS), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI-II), la Escala de Autoevaluación de Manía de Altman (ARSM), el Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo (STAI-R), y el Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional Cognitiva (CERQ). Resultados. El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró cómo la depresión se relacionaba significativa y positivamente con la autoculpabilización, mientras que la ansiedad rasgo estaba positivamente asociada con la autoculpabilización y el catastrofismo. En segundo lugar, el análisis de mediación mostró un efecto de mediación significativo para la autoculpabilidad en la relación entre mindfulness y depresión (a*b = -.15; ICB 95% [-.36, -.03]) y entre mindfulness y ansiedad rasgo (a*b = -.09; ICB 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados informan del papel de la auto-culpabilidad y el catastrofismo en el TB y de cómo éstas podrían mediar significativamente entre el mindfulness rasgo y el TB. Estos resultados sugieren que una práctica de meditación enfocada en el catastrofismo y la autoculpabilidad puede ser especialmente útil para reducir los síntomas en los pacientes bipolares.(AU)

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between the main symptoms of Bipolar disorder (BD) and emotional regulation dif-ficulties in adaptive and maladaptive emotional regulation strategies (ERS). In addition, this study examines the possible mediating effects of ERS with dispositional mindfulnessand bipolar symptoms. Method.Twenty-four adults diagnosed with BD completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Altman Mania Self-Assessment Scale (ARSM), the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-R), and the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Results. First, mul-tiple regression analysis showed how depression was significantly positively related to self-blame, whereas trait anxietywas positively associated with self-blame and catastrophizing. Second, the results of the mediation analy-sis have shown a significant mediation effect for the self-blamein the rela-tionship between mindfulnessand depression (a*b = -.15; BCI 95% [-.36, -.03]) and between mindfulnessand trait anxiety (a*b = -.09; BCI 95% [-.27, -.01]). Conclusions. Our results report the role of self-blame and catastrophiz-ing in BD and how these might significantly mediate between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results suggest that a meditation practice focused on reducing catastrophizing and self-blame may be especially helpful for symptoms of depression and anxiety in bipolar patients.(AU)

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale in clinical and general populations / Propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la Escala de Fatiga de Chalder en población clínica y general

Objetivo: La Escala de Fatiga de Chalder (CFS) es una escala breve para evaluar fatiga que se utiliza en España, pero que no ha sido validada en su población. El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la CFS (Sp-CFS). Método: La muestra la conformaron 3,671 participantes (3.190 de la población general y 481 pacientes), con edades entre 18 y 86 años (M = 28.43; DT = 12.71), siendo el 67.6% mujeres. Las propiedades psicométricas de la escala se probaron en un diseño transversal utilizando validación cruzada (análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio) y estimación de la invarianza (sexo y condición clínica). Resultados: Un modelo de cuatro factores (baja energía, problemas de sueño, problemas de concentración y disfunción cognitiva subjetiva) en lugar de un modelo original de dos factores (fatiga física y mental) proporcionó mejores índices de bondad de ajuste a los datos. La consistencia interna y la estabilidad de la escala fueron excelentes. Su validez convergente se apoyó en su asociación significativa con la ansiedad, la depresión, el estrés y los síntomas positivos y negativos del espectro de la psicosis. El instrumento no mostró diferencias significativas entre sexos ni condiciones clínicas, y discriminó entre la población general y los pacientes, obteniendo estos últimos puntajes significativamente mayores. Conclusiones: Sp-CFS es una escala fiable y válida para medir la fatiga en población general y clínica española.(AU)

Objective:The Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS) is a brief self-report screening scale for fatigue that is used in Spain but has not been validated for the Spanish population. The aim of this study was to adapt and evalu-ate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the CFS (Sp-CFS). Method:The sample consisted of 3,671 participants (3,190 from the general population and 481 patients), aged 18 to 86 years (M=28.43; DT=12.71), 67.6% of whom were women. Psychometric properties of the scale were tested in a cross-sectional design using cross-validation (explora-tory and confirmatory factor analysis) and estimation of invariance (sex and clinical condition). Results:A four-factor model (low energy, sleep problems, concentration problems and subjective cognitive dysfunction) rather than an original two-factor model (physical and mental fatigue) pro-vided better indices of goodness of fit to the data. The internal consistencyand stability of the scale were excellent. Its convergent validity was sup-ported by its significant association with anxiety, depression, stress, and the positive and negative symptoms of the psychosis spectrum. The instru-ment did not show significant differences between sexes or clinical condi-tions, and it discriminated between the general population and the patients, with the latter obtaining significantly greater scores. Conclusions: Sp-CFS is a reliable and valid scale for measuring a transdiagnostic construct such as fatigue in Spanish general and clinical populations.(AU)

Mean cycloplegic refractive error in emmetropic adults – The Tehran Eye Study / Error refractivo ciclopléjico medio en adultos emétropes: estudio ocular de Teherán

Purpose: In children under 20 years, refractive development targets a cycloplegic refractive error of +0.5 to +1.5D, while presbyopes over 40 years generally have non-cycloplegic errors of ≥ +1D. Some papers suggest these periods are separated by a period of myopic refractive error (i.e., ≤ –0.50D), but this remains unclear. Hence, this work investigates the mean cycloplegic refractive error in adults aged between 20 – 40 years. Methods: In 2002 a cross-sectional study with stratified cluster sampling was performed on the population of Tehran, providing cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic refractive error data for the right eyes of 3,576 participants, aged 30.6 ± 18.6 years (range: 1–86 years). After grouping these data into age groups of 5 years, the refractive error histogram of each group was fitted to a Bigaussian function. The mean of the central, emmetropized peak was used to estimate the mean refractive error without the influence of myopia. Results: The mean cycloplegic refractive error at the emmetropized peak decreased from +1.10 ± 0.11D (95 % confidence interval) to +0.50 ± 0.04D before 20 years and remains stable at that value until the age of 50 years. The non-cycloplegic refractive error also sees a stable phase at 0.00 ± 0.04D between 15 – 45 years. After 45 – 50 years both cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic refractive error become more hypermetropic over time, +1.14 ± 0.12D at 75 years. Conclusions: The cycloplegic refractive error in adults is about +0.50D between 20 – 50 years, disproving the existence of the myopic period at those ages.(AU)

Job satisfaction of Spanish and Portuguese optometrists / Satisfacción laboral de los optometristas españoles y portugueses

Purpose: Given the increase in demand for optometry services by society and the importance of the Optometry profession in Portugal and Spain, the objective of this study was to determine job satisfaction and important factors related to this satisfaction in a sample of Portuguese and Spanish optometrists. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study was carried out from June to December 2021. An adaptation of the 15-item job satisfaction in eye-care personnel (JSEP) questionnaire validated by Paudel et al. was administered to Portuguese and Spanish optometrists. The questionnaire was shared through different social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, etc.) in a Google form during the months of June to December 2021 in Portugal and Spain. Results: A total of 530 surveys were collected in Portugal (42.3%; n = 224) and Spain (57.7%; n = 306). The factors that most influence overall job satisfaction are salary, career development opportunities, recognition/prestige in society, good work-life balance (all p<0.001), workplace equipment and facilities, and encouragement reward positive feedback (both p = 0.002). When comparing the determinants of job satisfaction of optometrists, it was found that Portuguese professionals were generally more satisfied than Spanish ones (p<0.001). However, Spanish optometrists reported feeling more supported by their colleagues (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study has shown that the level of job satisfaction was higher in Portugal than in Spain. The most important factors influencing job satisfaction were salary, job stability, and support from colleagues.(AU)

Time-dependent association between the economic activity restriction due to health condition and mental illness: Finding from 15-year prospective cohort study

Background and Objectives The Economic Activity Restriction (EAR) due to health conditions is being utilized as a foundational measure for the European indicator Healthy Life Years (HLY). The EAR group is experiencing limitations not only in economic activities but also in overall activities, and it is a population with a high likelihood of transitioning to mental illness due to health condition. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between EAR and mental illness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the association between EAR due to health conditions and mental illness for those aged 45 and older in South Korea. Methods We obtained data from the 2006–2020 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. EAR was assessed using self-reported questionnaires based on the Global Activity Limitation Indicator. mental illness was assessed based on the diagnosis data for participants who had been diagnosed. After excluding missing values, the data of 9,574 participants were analyzed using the chi-square test, log-rank tests, and time-dependent Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the association between EAR and mental illness. Results Out of the 9,574 participants gathered at baseline, the mental illness rate was 4.8 %. The hazard ratio (HR) of mental illness in those in the “very probable” of EAR was 2.351 times higher (p-value <0.0001) compared with “not at all” of EAR. In model 1 which includes under 64 years, HR of mental illness in “very probable” of EAR was 3.679 times higher (p-value: 0.000) and in “probable” of EAR was 2.535 time higher (p-value: 0.001) compared with “not at all” of EAR. Conclusion If we provide opportunities to participate in community activities or provide the mental health promotion programs for middle-aged population who are experiencing EAR due to health condition... (AU)

Miopatías RYR1 en la infancia: correlación fenotipo-genotipo e incidencia / RYR1 myopathies in childhood: phenotype-genotype correlation and incidence

Introducción: Las miopatías relacionadas con el receptor de rianodina de tipo 1 (RYR1-RM) constituyen la categoría más frecuente de miopatías congénitas. La introducción de técnicas genéticas ha cambiado el paradigma diagnóstico y sugiere la prioridad de estudios moleculares sobre biopsias. Este estudio busca explorar las características clinicoepidemiológicas de pacientes con variantes del gen RYR1 en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel con el objetivo de ampliar la comprensión de la correlación genotipo-fenotipo en las RYR1-RM. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, de pacientes menores de 14 años con síntomas miopáticos y variantes potencialmente patógenas del gen RYR1 entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2023, considerando variables como sexo, edad, desarrollo motor, variantes genéticas, patrón de herencia y otras manifestaciones. Todas las variables fueron tabuladas frente a la variante genética. Resultados: De los nueve pacientes incluidos, la incidencia estimada fue de aproximadamente 1/10.000 nacidos vivos. La mediana en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 6 años, con una variabilidad fenotípica significativa. Se observaron síntomas comunes, como debilidad y retraso del desarrollo motor. Las variantes genéticas afectaron al gen RYR1 de manera diversa, y hubo cinco variantes previamente no descritas. La biopsia muscular se realizó en cinco pacientes, en dos de ellos de tipo miopatía central core; en uno, multiminicore; en uno, desproporción congénita de fibras; y en otro, de patrón inespecífico. Conclusiones: Las RYR1-MR de nuestra serie ofrecieron variabilidad fenotípica y de afectación, con una incidencia en nuestra área de en torno a 1/10.000 recién nacidos. La mayoría de los casos fueron varones, de variantes missense dominantes. Aportamos cinco variantes genéticas no descritas con anterioridad.(AU)

Introduction: Ryanodine receptor type 1-related myopathies (RYR1-RM) represent the most prevalent category of congenital myopathies. The introduction of genetic techniques has shifted the diagnostic paradigm, suggesting the prioritization of molecular studies over biopsies. This study aims to explore the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with RYR1 gene variants in a tertiary pediatric hospital, intending to enhance the understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation in RYR1-RM. Patients and methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted on patients under 14 years old with myopathic symptoms and potentially pathogenic RYR1 gene variants from January 2013 to December 2023. Variables such as gender, age, motor development, genetic variants, inheritance pattern, and other manifestations were considered. All variables were tabulated against the genetic variant. Results: Of the nine included patients, the estimated incidence was approximately 1 in 10,000 live births. The median age at diagnosis was six years, with significant phenotypic variability. Common symptoms such as weakness and delayed motor development were observed. Genetic variants affected the RYR1 gene diversely, including five previously undescribed variants. Muscle biopsy was performed in five patients, revealing central core myopathy in two, multiminicore in one, congenital fiber-type disproportion in one, and a nonspecific pattern in another.(AU)

Type 2 diabetes patients requiring empagliflozin in Southeast of Iran: Frequency and guideline adherence (2022–2023) / Pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 que requieren empagliflozina en el sureste de Irán: frecuencia y cumplimiento de las directrices (2022-2023)

Introduction: Empagliflozin plays a beneficial role in individuals with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of individuals with type 2 diabetes who required empagliflozin based on clinical guidelines between the years 2022 and 2023. Material and methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted on a target population of patients with type 2 diabetes. Patient data, including demographic characteristics, smoking status, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal insufficiency, retinopathy, and proteinuria, were collected. The indication for prescribing empagliflozin was determined based on the risk of cardiovascular complications. Results: A total of 398 individuals with type 2 diabetes with a mean age of 58.4 years were examined. Overall, 87.4% of the patients had an indication for empagliflozin prescription. The indication for empagliflozin prescription was significantly higher in men, individuals with hyperlipidemia, those over 55 years of age, obese individuals, and smokers. The mean age, body mass index, and triglyceride levels were higher in candidates for empagliflozin prescription. Male candidates for empagliflozin had significantly higher rates of smoking and systolic blood pressure compared to females. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated that a significant percentage of individuals with type 2 diabetes had an indication for empagliflozin prescription based on clinical and laboratory criteria. (AU)

Introducción: La empagliflozina tiene un papel beneficioso en las personas con diabetes tipo 2 con alto riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de pacientes con este padecimiento que requerían empagliflozina según las guías clínicas entre los años 2022 y 2023. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal descriptivo-analítico realizado en una población objetivo de personas con diabetes tipo 2. Se recogieron los datos de los pacientes, incluyendo las características demográficas, el hábito tabáquico, la hipertensión, la hiperlipidemia, la insuficiencia renal, la retinopatía y la proteinuria. La indicación para prescribir empagliflozina se determinó en función del riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Resultados: Se examinaron un total de 398 individuos con diabetes tipo 2 con una edad media de 58,4 años. En general, 87,4% de estos tenía una indicación para la prescripción de empagliflozina, la cual fue significativamente mayor en los hombres, aquellos con hiperlipidemia, obesidad, los mayores de 55 años y los fumadores. La edad media, el índice de masa corporal y los niveles de triglicéridos fueron mayores en los candidatos a la prescripción de este medicamento. Los candidatos masculinos a este fármaco tenían tasas significativamente más altas de tabaquismo y presión arterial sistólica, en comparación con las mujeres. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que un porcentaje significativo de personas con diabetes tipo 2 tenía una indicación para la prescripción de empagliflozina según los criterios clínicos y de laboratorio. (AU)

Quality of life in 583 head and neck cancer survivors assessed with the FACE-Q head and neck cancer module.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is frequently affected in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Due to the shortage of studies investigating long-term patient-reported outcomes, we investigated long-term HRQOL using the novel FACE-Q HNC Module. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study was performed, including all patients who underwent curative treatment for HNC between 2006 and 2013. All eligible patients (n = 863) were invited to participate of whom 540 completed the questionnaires. Additionally, a prospective longitudinal cohort of 43 HNC patients treated between 2020 and 2022 was included who preoperatively filled in the FACE-Q, and at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. HRQOL domain scores were analyzed to visualize group characteristics by tumor site and type of surgical resection. RESULTS: Both surgical and non-surgical HNC treatments predominantly affected long-term functional HRQOL domains (eating, salivation, speech, and swallowing), eating distress, and speaking distress, with distinct profiles depending on tumor site and type of treatment. In contrast, few long-term intergroup differences between HNC patients were observed for appearance, smiling, drooling distress, and smiling distress. Longitudinal data showed significant deterioration across all functional HRQOL domains in the short-term following treatment. Patients predominantly reported long-lasting negative treatment effects at 12 months follow-up for functional domains, whereas psychological domains showed near-complete recovery at group level. CONCLUSIONS: At long-term, various function-related and psychosocial HRQOL domains still are affected in head and neck cancer survivors. The results may serve to better inform patients with regard to specific treatments and highlight HRQOL domains which may potentially be optimized.

Medical Error Prevalence, Nursing Power, and Structural Empowerment: A Serial Mediation Analysis.

Aim: To investigate how structural empowerment and power may contribute to and predict the reduction of medical errors. Background: Medical errors threaten patient well-being, leading to adverse outcomes. Improving work conditions holds promise for reducing medical errors among nurses. Methods: A multisite correlational cross-sectional design was utilized. Data were completed by 375 nurses from four hospitals in Jordan. Data collection occurred between September and November 2023 using sociodemographic, structural empowerment, and medical error questionnaires. The study employed descriptive statistics, Pearson r correlation, and serial mediation analysis. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Results: Pearson r correlation revealed significant negative correlations between medical error and structural empowerment, formal power, and informal power. The conceptual framework was significant and predicted 16% of the variance in medical errors. The mediation analysis confirmed that formal power and informal power mediate the relationship between structural empowerment and medical error. Conclusions and Implications. This study sheds light on the intricate connection of structural empowerment, formal and informal power, and their collective impact on reducing medical errors. Understanding and addressing these dynamics allows nurses and administrators to achieve a culture of patient safety. Reduction of medical errors is paramount to a safe healthcare environment that prioritizes patient outcomes. Strategies should be fostered to enhance structural empowerment, refine formal power structures, and leverage the positive aspects of informal networks.

Estimated Prevalence of Resident-to-Resident Aggression in Assisted Living.

Importance: Resident-to-resident aggression in assisted living facilities can result in physical and psychological harm, but its prevalence is unknown. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of resident-to-resident aggression, including physical, verbal, and sexual, among residents in assisted living facilities. Design, Setting, and Participants: This study used cross-sectional, observational data from a clinical trial, in which residents of assisted living facilities were monitored for events over a 1-month period. All residents of 14 large facilities randomly selected from 2 geographic locations (N = 1067), except those receiving hospice care (n = 11), were invited to participate; 93 died or moved prior to enrollment. There were 33 family and resident refusals; 930 residents were enrolled. Data were collected between May 30, 2018, and August 11, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: The data are from a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce resident-to-resident aggression. In addition, the study was designed to assess prevalence using the Time 1 (baseline) data, using a probability sample of facilities to allow for this analysis. Resident-to-resident aggression was identified using a mixed-method, case-finding strategy involving 6 sources: (1) cognitively capable resident reports regarding 22 possible events, (2) direct care staff report, (3) staff member reports collected from event-reporting forms, (4) research assistant observation of events in real time, (5) facility accident or incident reports, and (6) resident records. Results: The prevalence of resident-to-resident aggression among the 930 participants (mean [SD] age, 88.0 [7.2] years; 738 women [79.4%]) during the past month was estimated to be 15.2% (141 of 930 residents; 95% CI, 12.1%-18.8%). The most common forms of aggression included verbal (11.2% [104 of 930 residents; 95% CI, 8.8%-14.2%]), physical (41 of 930 residents; 4.4% [95% CI, 3.1%-6.3%]), sexual (0.8% [7 of 930 residents; 95% CI, 0.4%-1.6%]), and other (70 of 930 residents; 7.5% [95% CI, 5.5%-10.2%]). These categories are not mutually exclusive as residents could be involved with more than 1 type of aggressive behavior. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional, observational prevalence study, resident-to-resident aggression in assisted living facilities was highly prevalent. Verbal aggression was the most common form, and physical aggression also occurred frequently. The effects of resident-to-resident aggression can be both morbid and mortal; therefore, intervention research is needed to prevent it and to treat it when it occurs.

Pleiotrophin serum level and metastasis occurrence in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) cases in Makassar, Indonesia, are on the rise, with 2723 cases recorded in 2018. Tumor cells in the blood indicate metastasis, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and monitoring. Pleiotrophin (PTN) is associated with various human malignancies, and recent studies suggest a correlation between PTN expression and advanced BC stages; therefore, PTN could serve as an independent predictor of metastasis. This study aimed to determine the correlation between serum PTN level, histopathological grading, and metastasis occurrence in BC patients in Makassar, Indonesia. METHODS: This study used an observational cross-sectional design. Pleiotrophin serum levels were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. This study used a t-test and ROC curve analysis for the statistical tests. RESULTS: Of the 64 samples used in this study, metastasis was present in 26 cases and absent in 38 samples. The mean PTN serum levels in metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer patients were 4.311 and 1.253, respectively. The PTN receiver operating characteristic curve showed an area under the curve of 2.47 ng/dL, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between PTN level and metastasis (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient was 0.791, indicating a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the serum PTN level among breast cancer patients had a cut-off value of 2.47 ng/dL. The research established a clear correlation between PTN level and metastasis occurrence in breast cancer patients, indicating a higher likelihood of distant metastasis with elevated PTN concentration.

Treatment outcomes of tuberculosis cases by HIV status in Haramaya General Hospital, Ethiopia: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection pose significant challenges to global health, particularly in achieving the target of ending TB. However, the impact of HIV status on TB treatment outcomes remains unclear, especially in eastern Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the treatment outcomes of TB cases by HIV status and associated factors in Haramaya General Hospital from November 15 to December 30, 2022. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, reviewing the TB registry and treatment cards of patients who received anti-TB treatment between September 2017 and August 2022. Of the 420 samples addressed, 91.0% (95% CI: 88.3%-96.7%) of all TB patients had successful treatment outcomes. The treatment success rates of HIV-positive and HIV-negative TB patients were 80.0% and 91.9%, respectively. Being HIV-negative (AOR: 2.561, 95% CI: 1.002-6.542), being in the age group of 20 to 35 years (AOR: 2.950, 95% CI: 1.171-7.431), and urban residence (AOR: 2.961, 95% CI: 1.466-5.981) were associated with the TB treatment success rate. There was a high treatment success rate among all patients with TB. HIV status was associated with TB treatment outcomes. Strengthening TB-HIV collaborative activities, providing patient-centered care and support, and frequent monitoring and evaluation are recommended to improve the TB success rate.

How artificial intelligence can provide information about subdural hematoma: Assessment of readability, reliability, and quality of ChatGPT, BARD, and perplexity responses.

Subdural hematoma is defined as blood collection in the subdural space between the dura mater and arachnoid. Subdural hematoma is a condition that neurosurgeons frequently encounter and has acute, subacute and chronic forms. The incidence in adults is reported to be 1.72-20.60/100.000 people annually. Our study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability and readability of the answers to questions asked to ChatGPT, Bard, and perplexity about "Subdural Hematoma." In this observational and cross-sectional study, we asked ChatGPT, Bard, and perplexity to provide the 100 most frequently asked questions about "Subdural Hematoma" separately. Responses from both chatbots were analyzed separately for readability, quality, reliability and adequacy. When the median readability scores of ChatGPT, Bard, and perplexity answers were compared with the sixth-grade reading level, a statistically significant difference was observed in all formulas (P < .001). All 3 chatbot responses were found to be difficult to read. Bard responses were more readable than ChatGPT's (P < .001) and perplexity's (P < .001) responses for all scores evaluated. Although there were differences between the results of the evaluated calculators, perplexity's answers were determined to be more readable than ChatGPT's answers (P < .05). Bard answers were determined to have the best GQS scores (P < .001). Perplexity responses had the best Journal of American Medical Association and modified DISCERN scores (P < .001). ChatGPT, Bard, and perplexity's current capabilities are inadequate in terms of quality and readability of "Subdural Hematoma" related text content. The readability standard for patient education materials as determined by the American Medical Association, National Institutes of Health, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services is at or below grade 6. The readability levels of the responses of artificial intelligence applications such as ChatGPT, Bard, and perplexity are significantly higher than the recommended 6th grade level.

Heterogeneity of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters in systemic lupus erythematosus among four clinical subgroups, as stratified by clinical organ involvement in observational cohort.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Cardiac involvement in SLE is rare but plays an important prognostic role. The degree of cardiac involvement according to SLE subsets defined by non-cardiac manifestations is unknown. The objective of this study was to identify differences in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters associated with different SLE subgroups. METHODS: One hundred eighty-one patients who fulfilled the 2019 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for SLE and underwent baseline TTE were included in this cross-sectional study. We defined four subsets of SLE based on the predominant clinical manifestations. A multivariate multinomial regression analysis was performed to determine whether TTE parameters differed between groups. RESULTS: Four clinical subsets were defined according to non-cardiac clinical manifestations: group A (n=37 patients) showed features of mixed connective tissue disease, group B (n=76 patients) had primarily cutaneous involvement, group C (n=18) exhibited prominent serositis and group D (n=50) had severe, multi-organ involvement, including notable renal disease. Forty TTE parameters were assessed between groups. Per multivariate multinomial regression analysis, there were statistically significant differences in early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (RV-Ea, p<0.0001), RV S' wave (p=0.0031) and RV end-diastolic diameter (p=0.0419) between the groups. Group B (primarily cutaneous involvement) had the lowest degree of RV dysfunction. CONCLUSION: When defining clinical phenotypes of SLE based on organ involvement, we found four distinct subgroups which showed notable differences in RV function on TTE. Risk-stratifying patients by clinical phenotype could help better tailor cardiac follow-up in this population.

Determinants of uptake of influenza, zoster and pneumococcal vaccines in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Globally, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and illness. Vaccine-preventable infections may increase acute coronary vascular disease events and the risk of complications. Low vaccine coverage has been reported among adults at high risk of complications from vaccine-preventable infections. There is a gap in research evidence around determinants of uptake of vaccines among adults with CVD. This study examined the uptake of influenza, pneumococcal and zoster vaccines and the determinants of uptake of the vaccines among cardiac patients. METHOD: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out among hospitalised cardiac patients through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate self-reported uptake of influenza, pneumococcal and zoster vaccines. Univariate and multivariate analyses of participants' social demographic and clinical characteristics were conducted to identify factors for receiving influenza vaccine. RESULTS: Low vaccination rates among 104 participants were found for influenza (45.2%), pneumococcal (13.5%) and zoster (5.8%) vaccines. The most common reason for not receiving influenza vaccine was concern about side effects. Lack of awareness about the pneumococcal and zoster vaccines was the main reason for the poor uptake of these vaccines. Australia-born participants were more likely to receive influenza vaccine than overseas-born participants. Working-age participants and, interestingly, people living with a current smoker were less likely to receive influenza vaccine. CONCLUSION: Influenza, pneumococcal and zoster vaccine uptake among cardiac patients was low. Encouraging physician recommendations for vaccination for cardiac patients under 65 years of age and addressing vaccination challenges among people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and pharmacy, workplace, and hospital vaccination may help increase vaccination uptake among cardiac patients.

Health locus of control and symptom distress: The mediating role of illness acceptance and symptom severity in acute leukemia patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the multiple mediating roles of illness acceptance and symptom severity between health locus of control and symptom distress in acute leukemia patients. METHODS: From June 2022 to March 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 208 acute leukemia patients in the inpatient center of a hospital in Hebei. The Chinese versions of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, Illness Acceptance Scale, and Anderson Symptom Assessment Scale was used in the cross-sectional study. RESULTS: All participants reported the presence of symptom distress. Symptom distress was significantly correlated with chance health locus of control, illness acceptance, and symptom severity (P＜0.05). Illness acceptance alone played a mediating role in the relationship between chance health locus of control and symptom distress in acute leukemia patients (ß=0.087, 95%CI 0.030-0.167). The indirect role of chance health locus of control on symptom distress through symptom severity alone was also statistically significant (ß=0.131, 95%CI 0.008-0.252). Furthermore, the multiple mediating role of chance health locus of control and symptom distress through illness acceptance and symptom severity combined was verified (ß=0.027, 95%CI 0.001-0.089). The alternative model is also valid, indicating bidirectional relationships between symptom severity, illness acceptance, and chance health locus of control, collectively influencing symptom distress. CONCLUSION: There is a positive relationship between chance health locus of control and symptom distress; additionally, increasing social psychological interventions for illness acceptance and strengthening the management of core symptoms will help alleviate the impact of health chance locus of control on symptom distress in acute leukemia patients. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causal relationships among the variables explored within the model. IMPACT ON NURSING PRACTICE: It is recommended that healthcare professionals pay attention to the assessment of health locus of control in patients, identify patients with health chance locus of control in a timely manner, take measures to enhance their disease acceptance, and strengthen the management of core symptoms, thereby reducing their level of symptom distress.

Gender-based heterogeneity of FAHFAs in trained runners.

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acid (FAHFA) are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory lipokines. Recently FAHFAs were also found to predict cardiorespiratory fitness in a cross-sectional study of recreationally trained runners. Here we report the influences of body composition and gender on static FAHFA abundances in circulation. We compared the association between circulating FAHFA concentrations and body composition, determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry, in female recreational runners who were lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 6), to those who were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 7). To characterize the effect of gender we also compared circulating FAHFAs in lean male recreational runners (n = 8) to recreationally trained lean female (n = 6) runner group. Circulating FAHFAs were increased in females in a manner that was modulated by specific adipose depot sizes, blood glucose, and lean body mass. As expected, circulating FAHFAs were diminished in the overweight group, but strikingly, within the lean cohort, increases in circulating FAHFAs were promoted by increased fat mass, relative to lean mass, while the overweight group showed a significantly attenuated relationship. These studies suggest multimodal regulation of circulating FAHFAs and raise hypotheses to test endogenous FAHFA dynamic sources and sinks in health and disease, which will be essential for therapeutic target development. Baseline circulating FAHFA concentrations could signal sub-clinical metabolic dysfunction in metabolically healthy obesity.

The association of hypertension among married Indian couples: a nationally representative cross-sectional study.

Mounting evidence demonstrates that intimate partners sharing risk factors have similar propensities for chronic conditions such as hypertension. The objective was to study whether spousal hypertension was associated with one's own hypertension status independent of known risk factors, and stratified by socio-demographic subgroups (age, sex, wealth quintile, caste endogamy). Data were from heterosexual married couples (n = 50,023, women: 18-49 years, men: 21-54 years) who participated in the National Family Health Survey-V (2019-2021). Hypertension was defined as self-reported diagnosis of hypertension or average of three blood pressure measurements ≥ 140 systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic BP. Among married adults, the prevalence of hypertension among men (38.8 years [SD 8.3]) and women (33.9 years [SD 7.9]) were 29.1% [95% CI 28.5-29.8] and 20.6% [95% CI 20.0-21.1] respectively. The prevalence of hypertension among both partners was 8.4% [95% CI 8.0-8.8]. Women and men were more likely to have hypertension if their spouses had the condition (husband with hypertension: PR 1.37 [95% CI 1.30-1.44]; wife with hypertension: PR 1.32 [95% CI 1.26-1.38]), after adjusting for known risk factors. Spouse's hypertension status was consistently associated with own status across all socio-demographic subgroups examined. These findings present opportunities to consider married couples as a unit in efforts to diagnose and treat hypertension.