492 research outputs found
How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons
No full textCOVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March–April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients’ management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons’ personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon–patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons’ perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice
Paracetamol and antibiotics in childhood and subsequent development of wheezing/asthma: Association or causation?
No full textBackground: Several studies found an association between early administration of paracetamol and antibiotics and development of wheezing. This could be due to confounding: wheeze and asthmatic symptoms in early childhood are difficult to distinguish from respiratory tract infections that are widely treated with these drugs; in case of persistence of symptoms up to school age, this could explain the observed relationship. Methods: We investigated the association between paracetamol and antibiotics use in the first year of life and wheezing phenotypes, i.e. wheezing starting in different time periods (early, persistent and late-onset) in the SIDRIA-2 study, a cross-sectional survey of 16 933 children aged 6-7 years. Directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used to depict the causal structure. Results: Paracetamol and antibiotics administration in the first year were associated with early wheezing (first 2 years of life only) [odds ratio (OR): 2.27; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.98-2.62 and OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 3.31-4.27] and with persistent wheezing (first 2 years + last 12 months) (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.49-2.10 and OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 2.60-3.60), whereas the association with late-onset wheezing (in the last 12 months only) was weak (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.97-1.31 and OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.38 for paracetamol and antibiotics, respectively). DAG shows that even in the absence of a direct (causal) arrow from early drugs use to wheezing at school age, the two are associated due to confounding (through the 'infection' node). Conclusions: It is important to take into account different phenotypes in order to disentangle the association of paracetamol and antibiotics with wheezing. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association. © The Author 2011; all rights reserved
Paediatric musculoskeletal matters (pmm) – collaborative development of an online evidence based interactive learning tool and information resource for education in paediatric musculoskeletal medicine
No full textBackground
We describe the collaborative development of an evidence based, free online resource namely ‘paediatric musculoskeletal matters’ (pmm). This resource was developed with the aim of reaching a wide range of health professionals to increase awareness, knowledge and skills within paediatric musculoskeletal medicine, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and referral to specialist care.
Methods
Engagement with stakeholder groups (primary care, paediatrics, musculoskeletal specialties and medical students) informed the essential ‘core’ learning outcomes to derive content of pmm. Representatives from stakeholder groups, social science and web development experts transformed the learning outcomes into a suitable framework. Target audience representatives reviewed the framework and their opinion was gathered using an online survey (n = 74) and focus groups (n = 2). Experts in paediatric musculoskeletal medicine peer reviewed the content and design.
Results
User preferences informed design with mobile, tablet and web compatible versions to facilitate access, various media and formats to engage users and the content presented in module format (i.e. Clinical assessment, Investigations and management, Limping child, Joint pain by site, Swollen joint(s) and Resources).
Conclusions
We propose that our collaborative and evidence-based approach has ensured that pmm is user-friendly, with readily accessible, suitable content, and will help to improve access to paediatric musculoskeletal medicine education. The content is evidence-based with the design and functionality of pmm to facilitate optimal and ‘real life’ access to information. pmm is targeted at medical students and the primary care environment although messages are transferable to all health care professionals involved in the care of children and young people
Correction to: SICE national survey: current state on the adoption of laparoscopic approach to the treatment of colorectal disease in Italy (Updates in Surgery, (2019), 71, 1, (77-81), 10.1007/s13304-018-0606-5)
No full textPage 80, Acknowledgements section: The surname and given name of author Riccardo Brachet Contul was incorrectly published. The correct surname and given name should read as: Surname: Brachet Contul and Given Name: Riccardo
Survey the Effect of Low Dose Aspirin on Serum Level of Uric Acid in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease
No full textBackground & Objectives: Low dose aspirin has been widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The bimodel action of aspirin on serum uric acid showed that aspirin at a high dosage promoted uricusuria; while intermediate doses were (1-2gr/day) caused uric acid retention. The main goal of this study was to survey the effect of low dose aspirin on serum level of uric acid in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and analytical type. In this study we selected 60 patients who used low dose aspirin among the patients of Imam Khomeini hospital's heart clinic (2008-9) and their information was registered in special questionnaires including serum level of uric acid and creatinine before and after prescription of aspirin. Data was then statistically analyzed using Paired t test and Willcoxon.
Results: Of 60 patients 11 (18.3%) were under 50 years and 49 (81.7%) were above 50 years. The male to female ratio was 1.72 (38: 63.3% versus 22: 36.7%). 53.3% of patients showed an increase in serum uric acid, but 46.7% did not. No significant differences in uric acid levels was found in patients under 50 years before and after administration of aspirin. Serum uric acid levels were increased after administration of 0.1unit of aspirin.
Conclusion: Low-dose aspirin (80 mg/ day) caused a slight but significant increase in serum uric acid and creatinine levels in patients over 50 years of age
An occupational survey to determine the entry level CAD skills and competencies required by employers of civil engineering technicians in the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College district
No full textIncludes bibliographical references.The purpose of this study was to identify the CAD related technical skills and
competencies that are required for employability at an entry-level position as a civil engineering technician. The majority of employers represented in this study are civil engineering firms, governmental agencies, and surveying firms. Overall, civil engineering firms along with governmental agencies employ the greatest number of drafters. Civil drawings, survey maps, and topographical drawings are the most commonly prepared drawings by the respondents. Other reported drawing types include architectural, electrical/electronic, landscaping, structural, and technical illustrations. Almost all of the respondents use a CAD system for drafting functions. AutoCAD is
the primary CAD platform used. MicroStation is also used, but to a much lesser extent. Of the employers that use CAD software, most use at least one collaborative software package with their primary CAD platform. Eagle Point is the most common collaborative software utilized. AutoCAD Land Development Desktop (ALDD) was noted to be the next commonly used collaborative software. Out of the 24 basic CAD skills that were listed on the survey, 14 were considered to be valid curriculum items and will be either retained or added to the program curriculum. Six of the 24 items will be reviewed for being valid curriculum items, and four of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most basic CAD skills were performed frequently or considered important. Out of the 29 advanced CAD skills that were listed on the survey, none were considered to be valid curriculum items. Sixteen of the 29 items will be reviewed for being valid curriculum items, and 13 of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most advanced CAD skills were not performed frequently nor considered important. Out of the 15 basic architectural drawing skills that were listed on the survey, none were considered to be valid curriculum items. Eight of the 15 items will be reviewed for being valid curriculum items, and seven of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most basic architectural drawing skills were not performed frequently nor considered important. None of the six basic structural drawing skills that were listed on the survey were considered to be valid curriculum items. One of the six items will be reviewed for being a valid curriculum item, and five of the items will not be included in the curriculum. Overall, most basic structural drawing skills were not performed frequently nor considered important
Social and cognitive factors driving teamwork in collaborative learning environments: team learning beliefs and behaviors.
No full textSocial and cognitive factors driving teamwork in collaborative learning environments: Team learning beliefs and behaviors.
No full textWhat motivates stakeholders to engage in collaborative innovation in the infrastructure megaprojects?
No full textCollaborative innovation has become an innovation paradigm to improve innovation performance and firms’ economic output. However, there is relatively little research investigating stakeholders’ drivers for engaging in collaborative innovation and the relative importance of drivers in infrastructure megaprojects. This research aims to address this gap by identifying the drivers for collaborative innovation and their relative importance in the context of infrastructure megaprojects. We adopt the literature review and questionnaire survey methods to identify drivers, the Relative Importance Index to rank them, and exploratory factor analysis to group them. The results show that 18 drivers are grouped into 6 dimensions. Their rankings are as follows: responding to project and clients’ requirements, improving efficiency, gaining rewards, learning, responding to competition, responding to environmental changes. The research contributes to stake-holders’ drivers to engage in collaborative innovation and the relative importance of drivers in the context of infrastructure megaprojects. Identifying and prioritizing stakeholders’ drivers can provide practitioners with suggestions on managing the collaborative innovation process in infrastructure megaprojects.Integral Design & Managemen
An examination of University of Wisconsin-Stout students' perceptions of their secondary career guidance programs
No full textPlan BThe purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of University of Wisconsin Stout undergraduate freshmen and sophomores regarding the content and effectiveness of their high school career development programs and services. Data was collected through a survey given to all freshmen and sophomore students enrolled in General Psychology for the Spring 2002 semester. The participants were informed verbally of the nature and purpose of the study. Participation was voluntary and the participants were informed of this through the use of a written consent form. Participants were also given the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns with the researcher. The survey was developed by the researcher using information from the National Career Development Guidelines and the American School Counselor Associations Standards. These models provide a framework for schools to meet the career development needs of students. The survey examined whether the participant’s school program provided help in gaining competency in areas specified by the aforementioned models. The survey also asked participants to evaluate their preparedness in these same areas of competency. The survey also asked for suggestions and comments regarding how their school could have best prepared them for career planning. Data analysis was used only for those identifying themselves as graduating from high school since 1992. The rationale behind this was to minimize the effects of memory distortion due to the amount of time since the target events occurred. Data analysis looked at the percentages for each item response set. Data analysis also looked at possible relationships between different response sets. The content of the suggestions and comments section was analyzed for themes and summarized in the findings. This study hoped to examine whether schools are providing services and whether students are acquiring competencies as recommended by the national standards. The research also solicited suggestions and comments regarding program effectiveness from the subjects. The research also hoped to ascertain whether schools are effective in what they do address. Evaluating the state of secondary career guidance services is necessary to ensure that schools can improve their services to meet the needs of their students. Based on the research findings, the researcher hoped to develop recommendations to increase the effectiveness of secondary career guidance programs. This research also hoped to increase overall awareness of the important influence of career guidance to meeting the needs of students. It is hoped that this increased awareness of the need for career guidance will result in improved services for students. More effective career guidance programs would mean increased preparedness and success in transition from high school. Ultimately, developing skills and planning for transition into adulthood can increase the likelihood of success and satisfaction throughout ones career life span
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