COVID-19 vaccine coverage, determinants and inequity amongst refugees and migrants in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Migrants and refugees are at a disadvantage in accessing basic necessities. The objective of this study is to assess the inequity in access, needs and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among refugees and migrant populations in Pakistan. DESIGN: We conducted a mixed-method study comprising a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study. In this paper, we will only report the findings from the cross-sectional survey. SETTING: This survey was conducted in different cities of Pakistan including Quetta, Karachi and Hyderabad. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 570 participants were surveyed including refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of the study was to estimate the proportion of refugees and migrants, both in regular and irregular situations vaccinated against COVID-19 and assess the inequity. The χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the significant differences in proportions between refugees and migrants and between regions. RESULTS: The survey showed that only 26.9% of the refugee and migrant population were tested for COVID-19, 4.56% contracted coronavirus, and 3.85% were hospitalised due to COVID-19. About 66% of the refugees and migrants were fully vaccinated including those who received the single-dose vaccine or received all two doses, and 17.6% were partially vaccinated. Despite vaccination campaigns by the government, 14.4% of the refugee and migrant population remained unvaccinated mostly because of vaccines not being offered, distant vaccination sites, limited access, unavailability of COVID-19 vaccine or due to a difficult registration process. Vaccination rates varied across provinces, genders and migrant populations due to misconceptions, and several social, cultural and geographical barriers. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the COVID-19 vaccine coverage, access and inequity faced by refugees and migrants during the pandemic. It suggests early prioritisation of policies inclusive of all refugees and migrants and the provision of identification documents to ease access to basic necessities.

Malaria in pregnancy: Meta-analyses of prevalence and associated complications.

This review aims to assess the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy during antenatal visits and delivery, species-specific burden together with regional variation in the burden of disease. It also aims to estimate the proportions of adverse pregnancy outcomes in malaria-positive women. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, a thorough and systematic search was conducted in July 2023 across two electronic databases (including PubMed and CENTRAL). Forest plots were constructed for each outcome of interest highlighting the effect measure, confidence interval, sample size, and its associated weightage. All the statistical meta-analysis were conducted using R-Studio version 2022.07. Sensitivity analyses, publication bias assessment, and meta-regression analyses were also performed to ensure robustness of the review. According to the pooled estimates of 253 studies, the overall prevalence of malaria was 18.95% (95% CI: 16.95-21.11), during antenatal visits was 20.09% (95% CI: 17.43-23.06), and at delivery was 17.32% (95% CI: 14.47-20.61). The highest proportion of malarial infection was observed in Africa approximating 21.50% (95% CI: 18.52-24.81) during ANC and 20.41% (95% CI: 17.04-24.24) at the time of delivery. Our analysis also revealed that the odds of having anaemia were 2.40 times (95% CI: 1.87-3.06), having low birthweight were 1.99 times (95% CI: 1.60-2.48), having preterm birth were 1.65 times (95% CI: 1.29-2.10), and having stillbirths were 1.40 times (95% CI: 1.15-1.71) in pregnant women with malaria.

The Last Mile-Community Engagement and Conditional Incentives to Accelerate Polio Eradication in Pakistan: Study Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Trial.

Poliomyelitis is a condition of great concern and is endemic in only two countries of the world: Pakistan and Afghanistan. Community mobilization plays a vital role in raising awareness and can help reduce polio vaccine refusals. The objective of this study will be to decrease polio vaccine refusals and zero-dose vaccines by motivating behavior change through the provision of conditional-collective-community-based incentives (C3Is) based on a reduction in polio vaccine refusals. The project will adopt a pretest/post-test quasi-experimental design with two intervention high-risk union councils (HRUCs) and two control union councils (UCs) of peri-urban (Karachi) and rural (Bannu) settings in Pakistan. A participatory community engagement and demand creation strategy with trust-building community mobilization with C3Is, to reduce vaccine refusals and improve polio immunization coverage in two HRUCs, will be used. These UCs will be divided into clusters based on the polio program framework and community groups will be formed in each cluster. These community groups will carry out awareness activities and will be given serial targets to reduce vaccine refusals and those who qualify will be provided C3Is. The project intends to create a replicable model that the government can integrate within health systems for long-term sustainability until the goal of eradication of poliovirus is achieved. The evaluation will be carried out by an independent data collection and analysis team at baseline and endline (after 12 months of intervention). The trial is registered with linicalTrials.gov with number NCT05721274.

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release versus open: propensity-matched analysis of 30-day outcomes.

PURPOSE: To examine the hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30 day outcomes of hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) compared with open transversus abdominis release (oTAR). METHODS: Patients receiving hrTAR were selected from the AHSQC database and propensity matched with a contemporary cohort of oTAR patients. RESULTS: The cohort included 95 hrTAR and 285 oTAR patients. There was a significantly shorter median LOS in the hrTAR cohort (3 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001). The rate of surgical site occurrences in the hrTAR cohort was also lower than for oTAR (5% vs. 15%, p = 0.015). Readmission rates were not different between hrTAR and oTAR (6% vs. 8%, p = 0.65). CONCLUSION: hrTAR demonstrates improved LOS compared to oTAR as well as fewer surgical site related occurrences. Further studies are needed to investigate the etiology behind the improved LOS and to confirm appropriate long-term outcomes from hybrid robotic TAR.

Endothelin-1 receptor subtypes expression and binding in a perfused rat model of myocardial infarction.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) pathophysiologic actions are mediated via binding with two receptor subtypes, ET(A) and ET(B). Release of ET-1 from endocardial endothelial cells and cardiac myocytes can modulate heart tissue necrosis and alterations. This study investigates the remodeling processes in Sprague-Dawley rats of myocardial infarction (MI) induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Histological studies were done on cell type distribution using cell specific markers and Western blot analysis to localize ET-1 receptor subtypes and assess their expression post-MI. In addition, the binding kinetics of ET-1 with its receptors in heart perfusion, inlet via the aortic lumen and effluent outlet via the right atrium, between two animal model-subgroups were done: (1) sham-operated, and sham-operated-CHAPS (3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate)-treated; and (2) MI-operated, and MI-operated-CHAPS-treated. Effluent ET-1 concentration was plotted vs. time using a physical model for 1:1 ligand-receptor binding at coronary endothelium and myocytes. First order impulse function was used to calculate the affinity constants. In MI hearts, fluorescence activity increased for ET(A) vs. ET(B) across areas of the muscle compared to normal hearts. Western blotting showed upregulation of ET(A) and ET(B) receptors in MI compared with normal hearts. Results of ET-1 binding affinity post-MI indicated drastic reduction in spite the upregulation of ET(B) on coronary endothelium. Furthermore, substantial affinity increase was observed between ET-1 binding with ET(A) at the myocyte site. These findings stipulate that during 1 month post-MI some biochemical and hormonal effects could alter ET-1 receptor subtype(s) regulation and pharmacodynamics thus predisposing to cardiac hypertrophy and mitogenesis.

Accuracy and efficacy of nuclear scintigraphy for the detection of gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of nuclear scintigraphy for the diagnosis and localization of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and to determine whether nuclear scintigraphy accurately predicts the results of angiography. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. The following data were obtained from the medical records: age; diagnosis before scintigraphy; duration of bleeding; hemoglobin and hematocrit values; number and duration of blood transfusions; results of angiography and GI endoscopy; location of bleeding as determined by angiography, endoscopy, and nuclear scintigraphy; treatment received by patients; actual site of bleeding as documented in the medical record; and outcome of treatment. SETTING: Community hospital in a city with a population of approximately 100,000 and a catchment area of approximately 500,000. PATIENTS: One hundred fifty-five patients undergoing 161 nuclear scintigraphic examinations because of GI bleeding between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1992. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnosis and location of GI bleeding as determined by nuclear scintigraphy and angiography and actual site of GI bleeding as confirmed by operative intervention or endoscopy. RESULTS: Of 114 scintigraphic examinations for which the diagnosis and localization of GI bleeding were definite, results were positive in 56 (49.1%); of these 56, a definite location of the bleeding was shown in 51 cases (91.1%), and the bleeding was localized to its exact site in 22 cases (19.3%). Of the scintigraphic examinations for which results were positive, results of angiograms were positive in 7 cases, which gives nuclear scintigraphy a 39% positive predictive value for angiography. CONCLUSION: The routine use of nuclear scintigraphy is neither accurate nor cost-effective for determining the site of GI bleeding in the community hospital.

Survey analysis of the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how other program directors use the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores in the resident evaluation process. DESIGN: A cover letter and a printed one-page survey of eight questions about individual residency programs, the use of ABSITE scores in the evaluation process, minimum score for advancement, and actions taken, if any, for failure to meet required scores; space was provided for comments. SETTING: Two hundred seventy directors of surgical residency programs. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty-one (86%) directors of general surgery residency programs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The responses received in this questionnaire were similar to those received in the 1983 survey given by the American Board of Surgery. RESULTS: The majority of directors require their residents to take the ABSITE, but they differ greatly in their methods to retain or dismiss a resident, to evaluate the program and the cognitive knowledge of the residents, and to measure resident performance. CONCLUSIONS: The actions taken by program directors in their use of ABSITE scores vary widely, with a noticeable difference found when comparing the methods between the university and community hospital directors. Our survey findings show that there is still no uniform standard or agreement as to how the scores should be used, even though the ABSITE has been in existence for 20 years.

Alcohol, drugs, and urban violence in a small city trauma center.

Substance abuse and urban trauma go hand in hand. But research focuses on large cities served by major academic medical centers. Do small cities face the same problems? Two hundred thirty-three urban trauma inpatients from a metro area of 250,000 were studied using patient interviews and medical records. As in large cities, one half used alcohol or drugs when attacked. Seventy percent were likely to be young, male, poor African-Americans. Only 3% were gang members, but demographic characteristics failed to explain substance abuse as they have for larger cities. A culture of violence pervades the small city, as it does in large urban ghettos. Two fifths were repeat urban trauma victims. Two fifths witnessed assaults in the past year. One third carried a knife or gun. Fifteen percent used a weapon on another person in the last year. Contextual variables, like being hurt in a bar, were related to drinking and drugs. The best predictor of present substance abuse and urban trauma was medical history of substance abuse. The need for (a) toxicology screens for all trauma victims, (b) referrals to substance abuse programs, (c) targeting at-risk populations for prevention, and (d) eliminating environments fostering violence and substance abuse is supported.

Repeat victims of violence in an urban trauma center.

Repeat victims of violence are overwhelming urban trauma centers, yet little is written about them in the medical literature. This study combined medical record and survey data to study urban trauma recidivism among patients presenting at the Emergency Department [ED] of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio during a 4-year period. Two-fifths of urban trauma patients were repeat victims. Repeat victims were more likely to be poor African-American males, have substance abuse and mental health problems, and live in neighborhoods where violence is pervasive. Most have no health insurance. Demographic characteristics were less important in explaining recidivism than were the circumstances surrounding violent behaviors. ED physicians must be trained to take into account a wide variety of environmental, personal, and circumstantial factors in treating and managing urban trauma patients. This may require reforms in health care financing.

Gastric syphilis mimicking linitis plastica.

The decreased incidence of gastric syphilis has made its clinical presentation less widely appreciated. A 61-year-old man suffering from epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting had an initial diagnosis of gastric carcinoma; the pathologic diagnosis was equivocal. Eventually, gastric syphilis was diagnosed. In the context of the case described below, positive serologic findings in a relatively young adult should raise the suspicion of gastric syphilis. Carcinoma must be ruled out, lest the patient lose valuable time while being treated for syphilis.

Initial experience with laparoscopic surgery: establishing a new surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery impacted the surgical world in the United States in 1990. This report reviews the initial experience of 34 surgeons in 8 teaching hospitals of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. There were 538 cases reported from May 1, 1990 to January 31, 1991. There was no mortality and the morbidity rate was 4.8%, including three bile duct injuries. The conversion rate to an open procedure was 6.1%. The criteria for credentialing, training, and resident and faculty education are included. The data reported by the Surgery Department of Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine are very similar to reported series from the current literature.

Delayed splenic rupture: real or imaginary?

Although splenic injury is the most frequent abdominal injury resulting from blunt trauma, delayed splenic rupture is a rare event. From 1981 to 1990, 75 patients treated at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center (Youngstown, OH) had blunt splenic injury. Splenic rupture was delayed in six of these patients (8%). More severe trauma, such as occurs with motor vehicle accidents, is more likely to lead to immediate rupture. Lesser trauma resulting from minor falls or fights is more likely to lead to delayed rupture. Subcapsular hematoma is the most common etiology for delayed splenic rupture. Although there is no reliable symptom or sign during the latent period, abdominal pain occurs almost uniformly and Kehr's sign is quite common. Peritoneal lavage and abdominal computerized axial tomography scan are accurate in diagnosing splenic rupture. Unfortunately, they are not always reliable in predicting delayed rupture.

Osteosarcoma of the spermatic cord.

Malignant tumors of the spermatic cord are rare but the vast majority of these tumors are sarcomas. We report on a patient with osteosarcoma arising in the spermatic cord. Left radical orchiectomy with high dissection of the spermatic cord was performed, and the patient remains free of recurrence 2 years postoperatively. We could find no previous discussion or report of this tumor.

Urgent management of a giant scrotal hernia.

An unusual case of giant scrotal hernia is presented. Hernias of this magnitude are extremely rare, even in underdeveloped countries, and their repair is challenging to the surgeon and stressful to the patient. Only a few case reports on the use of pneumoperitoneum prior to herniorrhaphy have been published; however, our patient's accompanying complications of diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal symptoms precluded the use of pneumoperitoneum. The emergency management, including the expansion of the abdominal cavity with prosthesis, the ensuing postoperative complications, and the patient outcome, are discussed.

Acute gastric necrosis in anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Two case reports.

In recent years we have treated two patients with gastric infarction as a complication of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. We found only three other cases reported in the literature. Surgical intervention was delayed in all five patients either because the diagnosis was missed by the physician or because the patient failed to seek medical attention. Physicians should be alerted to the possibility of acute gastric dilatation if a young woman, who may be undernourished and anorexic, complains of abdominal pain after ingestion of a large meal. Often this condition can be treated conservatively before irreversible damage to the gastric wall has taken place. If the gastric dilatation progresses, the stomach loses its contractility, resulting in venous occlusion, infarction, and gastric perforation. An extensive operation is required, and the patient undergoes an often complicated and prolonged hospital course.

Mesenteric venous thrombosis--1911 to 1984.

The objective of this study was to identify those patients in whom mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is likely to develop and to review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and patient outcome. We present a review of the literature from 1911 to 1984 with respect to 372 patients with MVT, including five of our own patients. Data on 99 of these patients were obtained from autopsy reports and were not included in the study. This disease is common in the sixth and seventh decades of life, with 81% of these older patients having associated illnesses. MVT involves segments of the small bowel, but rarely of the colon, with hemorrhagic infarcts rather than gangrene. This disease does not conform to a pattern, although a prodromal period of days or weeks of abdominal pain (which is usually out of proportion to physical findings), marked leukocytosis, and dehydration are all highly suggestive of MVT. Serosanguineous fluid obtained by means of peritoneal tap is a useful diagnostic tool. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt surgical intervention with the addition of anticoagulants seems to improve survival and reduce recurrence.

Comparison of right colon, left colon, and rectal carcinoma.

Three hundred fifteen cases of adenocarcinoma were analyzed for differences between lesions in the right colon, left colon, and rectum for the period 1978 to 1983. The right colon cancers accounted for 1/3 of the cases and were associated with a higher incidence of anemia. The incidence of obstruction was the same between the right and left colon but lower for the rectal lesions. Left colon and rectal cancers had a higher incidence of gross bleeding than right colon cancers, but all had a high rate of occult blood in the stool. The Duke stage of the lesions, which was similar throughout the colon and rectum, is a reliable prognostic indicator.

Ambulatory herniorrhaphy under local anesthesia in a community hospital.

Four hundred groin hernias were repaired under local anesthesia over a 5 1/2 year period. Eighty-two percent of the patients were discharged on the same day of operation and 12 percent within 24 hours. In 60 percent of these patients, knitted polypropylene mesh (Marlex) was used to reinforce the inguinal floor. There were two infections in this series and other postoperative complications were minimal. Most of the patients returned to their full-time occupations in 4 to 6 weeks. The saving in hospital beds and cost was profound. The follow-up results, although not 100 percent complete, are very encouraging and suggest that this method can be appropriately and safely used by surgeons working in community hospitals.

Repair of paracolostomy hernias with Marlex mesh.

The author's limited experience with the use of Marlex mesh to repair large paracolostomy hernias on five patients supports the experiences of others who have used this method of repair. The use of synthetic material in the repair of these often troublesome hernias is by no means conclusive since it was used only in a small number of patients. However, it is encouraging enough to warrant further use.