12 research outputs found
Early Postural Changes in Individuals with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
No full textBackground and Objectives. Postural changes are frequent and disabling complications of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Many contributing factors have been evident either related to disease pathology or to adaptive changes. This study aimed at studying the postural changes in subjects with Parkinson’s disease and its relation to duration of illness and disease severity. Methods. Eighteen patients with PD and 18 healthy matched volunteers represented the sample of the study. The patients were at stage 1 or 1.5 according to the Modified Hoehn and Yahr Staging with duration of illness between 18 and 36 months. Three-dimensional analysis of the back surface was conducted to explore the postural changes in the sagittal and frontal planes in both the patients and the healthy subjects. Results. Kyphotic angle, lordotic angle, fleche cervicale, fleche lombaire, scoliotic angle, and associated vertebral rotation and pelvic obliquity were significantly increased in patients with PD compared to the healthy subjects (P≤0.05). There was no association between the measured postural changes and duration of illness as well as the severity of the IPD (P≤0.05). Conclusion. Postural changes start in the early stages of idiopathic PD and they have no relationship to the duration of illness and disease severity
Artificial Intelligence for marketing plan: the case for e-marketing companies
No full textУ статті узагальнено аргументи та контраргументи в рамках наукової дискусії щодо застосування штучного інтелекту
(ШІ) при підготовці маркетингового плану в Інтернеті. Систематизація літературних джерел та підходів до вирішення
проблеми застосування маркетингових інструментів засвідчила, що ШІ дозволяє підвищити ефективність проведення
аналізу конкурентоспроможності компаній, оцінювання стратегій конкурентів, планування маркетингового бюджету та
моніторінгу його виконнання тощо. Виявлено проблеми ШІ, які можуть вплинути на ефективність діяльності компаній.
Метою роботи є дослідження можливостей використання ШІ при підготовці маркетингового плану компанії. Для досягнення
поставленої мети, дослідження проведено у наступній логічній послідовності: 1) формування стратифікованої вибірки
дослідження на основі статистичних даних 141 компанії в різних галузях; 2) аналіз даних за допомогою програмного
забезпечення SPSS; 3) аналіз можливостей застосування ШІ при підготовці маркетингового плану; 4) визначення етапів
процесу підготовки маркетингового плану на основі можливостей ШІ. Об’єктом дослідження є компанії Королівства
Саудівської Аравії. Практичну реалізацію всіх етапів дослідження здійснено з використанням статистичних методів
множинної регресії та тесту Фрідмана. Дослідження емпірично підтверджує та теоретично доводить, що ШІ має суттєве
значення у процесі розробки маркетингових планів завдяки можливостям аналізу зовнішнього середовища та стратегій
конкурентів, а також формування маркетингових цілей компанії. При цьому ШІ може застосовуватись у підготовці та оцінці
бюджету та маркетингового плану, а також здійснювати подальший моніторінг їх виконання. У ході дослідження автор
приходить до висновку, що ШІ сприяє кращому розумінню цільових ринків та аудиторії, дозволяє підготувати відповідні
стратегії. Наведено практичні рекомендації щодо особливостей застосування ШІ при підготовці маркетингового плану
компанії.This paper summarises the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on
artificial intelligence (AI) in preparing a marketing plan for e-marketing organizations. This research aims to identify
the extent of the contribution of AI in preparing the marketing plan. The author noted that intended to know how emarketing companies could use AI techniques in situation analysis, analyze competitors' strategies, strategic goals,
preparing marketing strategies, preparing an estimated marketing budget, and control a marketing plan.
Systematization of the scientific background and approaches on preparing a marketing plan for e-marketing
organizations indicates that many companies, especially small companies, marketing their products via the Internet,
cannot develop a successful marketing plan. In turn, it could be solved through the use of AI techniques. The study
was conducted on a group of companies that market their products via the Internet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
To gain the research goal, this study was carried out in the following logical sequence: 1) developing the stratified
sample by collecting statistical information for 141 company in a variety of fields; 2) analyzing the data using SPSS;
3) predicting how AI could be used in preparing the marketing plan; 4) identifying the arrangement of the steps for
preparing the marketing plan in terms of the ability of AI techniques. The methodological tools of the study were
methods of the multiple regression analysis and the Friedman test. The study empirically confirms and theoretically
proves that AI contributes significantly in developing marketing plans through its great contribution to environmental
analysis and analysis of competitors' strategies and setting marketing goals. Besides, AI contributes to preparing the
budget and appreciating the marketing plan, to its evaluation and control. The author mentioned that AI provides
understanding and selecting target markets and sectors, targeting customers, and preparing appropriate marketing
mix strategies for each market sector. Therefore, the study provides recommendations to online organizations to
use AI in preparing their marketing plan because of its great ability to contribute to this
Effect of Task Specific Exercises, Gait Training, and Visual Biofeedback on Equinovarus Gait among Individuals with Stroke: Randomized Controlled Study
No full textBackground and Purpose. Equinovarus foot is a common sign after stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on correcting equinovarus gait among individuals with stroke. Subjects and Methods. Sixteen subjects with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to two equal groups (G1 and G2). All the patients were at stage 4 of motor recovery of foot according to Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment without any cognitive dysfunction. E-med pedography was used to measure contact time, as well as force underneath hind and forefoot during walking. Outcome measures were collected before randomization, one week after the last session, and four weeks later. Participants in G1 received task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback and a traditional physical therapy program was applied for participants in G2 for 8 weeks. Results. Significant improvement was observed among G1 patients (P≤0.05) which lasts one month after therapy termination. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between measurements of the participants in G2. Between groups comparison also revealed a significant improvement in G1 with long lasting effect. Conclusion. The results of this study showed a positive long lasting effect of the task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on equinovarus gait pattern among individuals with stroke
Effect of Task Specific Exercises, Gait Training, and Visual Biofeedback on Equinovarus Gait among Individuals with Stroke: Randomized Controlled Study
No full textBackground and Purpose. Equinovarus foot is a common sign after stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on correcting equinovarus gait among individuals with stroke. Subjects and Methods. Sixteen subjects with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to two equal groups (G 1 and G 2 ). All the patients were at stage 4 of motor recovery of foot according to Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment without any cognitive dysfunction. E-med pedography was used to measure contact time, as well as force underneath hind and forefoot during walking. Outcome measures were collected before randomization, one week after the last session, and four weeks later. Participants in G 1 received task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback and a traditional physical therapy program was applied for participants in G 2 for 8 weeks. Results. Significant improvement was observed among G 1 patients ( ≤ 0.05) which lasts one month after therapy termination. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between measurements of the participants in G 2 . Between groups comparison also revealed a significant improvement in G 1 with long lasting effect. Conclusion. The results of this study showed a positive long lasting effect of the task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on equinovarus gait pattern among individuals with stroke
Plasma long non-coding RNA <i>HOTAIR</i> as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer
No full textBackground: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA ( HOTAIR) has been suggested to be implicated in gastric cancer tumorigenesis and progression; however, little is known about the role of the plasma HOTAIR in gastric cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Objective: The current study was aimed at investigating the clinical relevance of plasma long non-coding HOTAIR as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker in gastric cancer. Methods: Plasma HOTAIR expression was measured in 50 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Plasma level of HOTAIR was significantly higher in gastric cancer patients compared with healthy controls ( P < 0.001). By using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, it was found that plasma HOTAIR could diagnose gastric cancer with 88% sensitivity and 84% specificity. Furthermore, increased HOTAIR expression was associated with advanced tumor stages, higher grades, and metastasis. Conclusion: Plasma HOTAIR might serve as a potential non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis of gastric cancer. </jats:sec
The correlation between the frequent intake of dietary migraine triggers and increased clinical features of migraine (analytical cross-sectional study from Egypt)
No full textAbstract Despite the high prevalence of primary headaches, the role of food in modifying clinical characteristics among migraine patients is often overlooked. The aim is to detect the correlation between adopting unhealthy dietary habits and migraine severity and identify foods that have a greater chance of triggering specific subtypes of migraine. The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that was conducted at Kasralainy Hospital, Cairo University, headache clinic at Alexandria University Hospital, and Al-Azhar University Hospitals from January to June 2020. We included 124 patients fulfilling the ICHD-3 criteria for migraine. A full clinical profile for migraine headaches was reported using a headache sheet applied to the Al-Azhar University headache unit. A nutritionist obtained data collected about dietary habits using many reliable scales and questionnaires such as food frequently sheets questionnaire. Logistic regression and Pearson correlation coefficients have been used to identify foods that are more likely to be associated with increased clinical features of migraine. Our participants reported that the fried meat, fried chicken, processed meats, fava beans, falafel, aged cheese “Pottery salted cheese” and “Rummy cheese”, salted-full fatty cheese “Damietta cheese”, citrus fruits, tea, coffee, soft drinks, nuts, pickles, chocolate, canned foods, sauces, ice cream, smoked herring, in addition to the stored food in the refrigerator for many days were significantly associated with the diagnosis of chronic migraine CM compared to episodic migraine (EM). Margarine, pickles, and smoked herring were significantly associated with the diagnosis of migraine with aura (MA) compared to migraine without aura (MO). Adopting unhealthy eating habits was a more prevalent dietary consumption pattern among people with chronic migraines compared to those with episodic migraine
Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey
No full textBackground: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020
Global Incidence and Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Elective Inguinal Hernia Repair
No full textImportance: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a well-recognized complication of inguinal hernia repair (IHR). A variable incidence of POUR has previously been reported in this context, and contradictory evidence surrounds potential risk factors. Objective: To ascertain the incidence of, explore risk factors for, and determine the health service outcomes of POUR following elective IHR. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Retention of Urine After Inguinal Hernia Elective Repair (RETAINER I) study, an international, prospective cohort study, recruited participants between March 1 and October 31, 2021. This study was conducted across 209 centers in 32 countries in a consecutive sample of adult patients undergoing elective IHR. Exposure: Open or minimally invasive IHR by any surgical technique, under local, neuraxial regional, or general anesthesia. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the incidence of POUR following elective IHR. Secondary outcomes were perioperative risk factors, management, clinical consequences, and health service outcomes of POUR. A preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score was measured in male patients. Results: In total, 4151 patients (3882 male and 269 female; median [IQR] age, 56 [43-68] years) were studied. Inguinal hernia repair was commenced via an open surgical approach in 82.2% of patients (n = 3414) and minimally invasive surgery in 17.8% (n = 737). The primary form of anesthesia was general in 40.9% of patients (n = 1696), neuraxial regional in 45.8% (n = 1902), and local in 10.7% (n = 446). Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 5.8% of male patients (n = 224), 2.97% of female patients (n = 8), and 9.5% (119 of 1252) of male patients aged 65 years or older. Risk factors for POUR after adjusted analyses included increasing age, anticholinergic medication, history of urinary retention, constipation, out-of-hours surgery, involvement of urinary bladder within the hernia, temporary intraoperative urethral catheterization, and increasing operative duration. Postoperative urinary retention was the primary reason for 27.8% of unplanned day-case surgery admissions (n = 74) and 51.8% of 30-day readmissions (n = 72). Conclusions: The findings of this cohort study suggest that 1 in 17 male patients, 1 in 11 male patients aged 65 years or older, and 1 in 34 female patients may develop POUR following IHR. These findings could inform preoperative patient counseling. In addition, awareness of modifiable risk factors may help to identify patients at increased risk of POUR who may benefit from perioperative risk mitigation strategies.
Pancreatic surgery outcomes: multicentre prospective snapshot study in 67 countries
No full textBackground: Pancreatic surgery remains associated with high morbidity rates. Although postoperative mortality appears to have
improved with specialization, the outcomes reported in the literature reflect the activity of highly specialized centres. The aim of
this study was to evaluate the outcomes following pancreatic surgery worldwide.
Methods: This was an international, prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional snapshot study of consecutive patients undergoing
pancreatic operations worldwide in a 3-month interval in 2021. The primary outcome was postoperative mortality within 90 days of
surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore relationships with Human Development Index (HDI) and other parameters.
Results: A total of 4223 patients from 67 countries were analysed. A complication of any severity was detected in 68.7 per cent of
patients (2901 of 4223). Major complication rates (Clavien–Dindo grade at least IIIa) were 24, 18, and 27 per cent, and mortality rates
were 10, 5, and 5 per cent in low-to-middle-, high-, and very high-HDI countries respectively. The 90-day postoperative mortality
rate was 5.4 per cent (229 of 4223) overall, but was significantly higher in the low-to-middle-HDI group (adjusted OR 2.88, 95 per
cent c.i. 1.80 to 4.48). The overall failure-to-rescue rate was 21 per cent; however, it was 41 per cent in low-to-middle- compared
with 19 per cent in very high-HDI countries.
Conclusion: Excess mortality in low-to-middle-HDI countries could be attributable to failure to rescue of patients from severe
complications. The authors call for a collaborative response from international and regional associations of pancreatic surgeons to
address management related to death from postoperative complications to tackle the global disparities in the outcomes of pancreatic
surgery (NCT04652271; ISRCTN95140761)
