A survey into the utilization of probiotics and medicinal plants among individuals afflicted with gastrointestinal disorders in healthcare institutions in Saïda, Algeria
Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are recognized as a major public health concern worldwide. These disorders involve persistent digestive symptoms indicative of digestive tract dysfunction. A survey examining the utilisation of probiotics and medicinal plants as supplementary treatments was conducted on 160 patients with GI disorders at healthcare institutions in Saïda from March to April 2023 using questionnaires that had been previously adapted and tested for reliability with Cronbach's alpha test. Raw data collected through the questionnaires were transferred to a database and analysed using SPSS software. Overall, 49.38% of participants possessed knowledge of or actively utilised probiotics; such awareness was strongly associated with the participants' educational attainment ( = 0.029). The noteworthy probiotic supplements were Biocharbon (36.09%), Lactocil (15.38%), Smebiocta (13.61%), Ultrabiotic Adult (12.43%), Effidigest (12.43%), and Ultralevure (7.69%). During crisis, individuals tended to consume natural goods rich in probiotics, including yoghurt (13.26%) and fermented milk (8.60%), as well as foods rich in prebiotic fibre, including vegetables (18.99%), fruits (13.26%), wheat (9.67%), bran (7.52%), rye (6.81%), and oat flakes (6.45%). Additionally, 77.56% of patients used medicinal plants during crises, with (12.2%), (11.3%), (8.5%), (8.0%), (7.8%), (7.5%), and (7.0%) being the more commonly favoured options in phytotherapy. The main focus of these herbs was to alleviate bloating (57%), constipation (30.12%), and diarrhoea (12.87%) ( < 0.001). The most frequently utilised plant parts were leaves (47.30%), seeds (25.21%), and bark (13.21%). Most patients (82.91%) favoured infusion as their preferred consumption method, and approximately 85.43% believed in phytotherapy's ability to extend symptomatic relief. The understanding of probiotics is still in its infancy, whereas phytotherapy is more widely accepted by patients. Nonetheless, patients are open to the exploration of natural alternatives to conventional medicines.
Prognostic value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) in patients with chronic heart failure across the different ejection fraction spectrum
The ratio of fibrinogen to albumin (FAR) is considered a new inflammatory biomarker and a predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. However, its prognostic value for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with different ejection fractions (EFs) remains unclear. A total of 916 hospitalized patients with CHF from January 2017 to October 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University were included in the study. Death occurred in 417 (45.5%) patients out of 916 patients during a median follow-up time of 750 days. Among these patients, 381 patients suffered from HFrEF (LVEF <40%) and 535 patients suffered from HFpEF or HFmrEF (HFpEF plus HFmrEF, LVEF ≥ 40%). Patients were categorized into high-level FAR (FAR-H) and low-level FAR (FAR-L) groups based on the optimal cut-off value of FAR (9.06) obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Upon analysing the Kaplan - Meier plots, the incidence of death was significantly higher in all patients with FAR-H and patients in both HF subgroups ( < 0.001). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses indicated that the FAR was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, regardless of heart failure subtype. (HR 1.115, 95% CI 1.089-1.142, < 0.001; HFpEF plus HFmrEF, HR 1.109, 95% CI 1.074-1.146, < 0.0001; HFrEF, HR 1.138, 95% CI 1.094-1.183, < 0.0001) The optimal cut-off value of FAR in predicting all-cause mortality was 9.06 with an area under the curve value of 0.720 (95% CI: 0.687-0.753, < 0.001), a sensitivity of 68.8% and a specificity of 65.6%. After adjusting for the traditional indicators (LVEF, Lg BNP, etc.), the new model with the FAR had better prediction ability in patients with CHF. Elevated FAR is an independent predictor of death in CHF and is not related to the HF subtype.
Do-not-attempt resuscitation policy reduced in-hospital cardiac arrest rate and the cost of care in a developing country
We aim to study the characteristics and outcomes of patients with a Do-Not-Attempt Resuscitation and to determine its impact on the Cost of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. A retrospective study of all adult patients admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to May 2022 who had a Do-Not-Resuscitate order. We abstracted patients' socio-demographics, physiologic parameters, primary diagnosis, and comorbidities from the electronic medical records. We calculated the potential economic cost using the median ICU length of stay for the admitted IHCA patients during the study period. There were 28,866 acute admissions over the study period, and 788 patients had DNR orders. The median (IQR) age was 71 (55-82) years, and 50.3% were males. The most prevalent primary diagnosis was sepsis, 426 (54.3%), and cancer was the most common comorbidity. More than one comorbidities were present in 642 (80%) of the cohort. Of the DNR patients, 492 (62.4%) died, while 296 (37.6%) survived to discharge. Cancer was the primary diagnosis in 65 (22.2%) of those who survived, compared with 154 (31.3%) of those who died (P = 0.002). Over the study period, 153 patients had IHCA and underwent CPR, with an IHCA rate of 5.3 per 1,000 hospital admissions. Without a DNR policy, an additional 492 patients with cardiac arrest would have had CPR, resulting in an IHCA rate of 22.3 per 1000 hospital admissions. Most DNR patients in our setting had sepsis complicated by multiple comorbidities. The DNR policy reduced our IHCA incidence by 76% and prevented unnecessary post-resuscitation ICU care.
Flow cytometric detection of leukemic blasts in Libyan pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
The diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common type of cancer in children, has become more accurate with the use of flow cytometry. Here, this technology was used to immunophenotype leukemic cells in peripheral blood samples from Libyan pediatric ALL patients. We recruited 152 newly diagnosed patients at Tripoli Medical Center (Tripoli, Libya) by morphological examination of blood and bone marrow. Twenty-three surface and cytoplasmic antigen markers were used to characterize B and T cells in circulating blood cells by four-color flow cytometry. Six children (3.9%) turned out to have biphenotypic acute leukemia, 88 (57.9%) had B ALL, and 58 (38.1%) had T ALL. There were 68 cases of pro-B ALL CD10-positive (44.7%), 8 cases of pro-B ALL CD10-negative (5.2%), 6 cases of pre-B ALL (3.9%), and 6 of mature-B ALL (3.9%). CD13 was the most commonly expressed myeloid antigen in ALL. We present immunophenotypic data for the first time describing ALL cases in Libya. The reported results indicate that the most common subtype was pro-B ALL, and the frequency of T-ALL subtype was higher compared to previous studies. Six cases were positive for both myeloid and B lymphoid markers. Our findings may provide the basis for future studies to correlate immunophenotypic profile and genetic characteristics with treatment response among ALL patients.
Factors influencing fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis: a multi-center cross-sectional study
Fatigue has been reported to be the most common symptom experienced by patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Fatigue can lead to a reduction in their ability to engage in both routine and self-care activities, which can negatively affect their self-confidence and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the level of fatigue and the factors that affecting its level among patients receiving uHD.
Eosinophilic cationic protein and D-Dimer are potential biomarkers to predict response to antihistamines but not to omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Biomarkers that could reliably anticipate the effectiveness of antihistamines and omalizumab in treating chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) have not been conclusively identified. Our objective was to examine how eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), tryptase, D-dimer, and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) impact the response to antihistamine and omalizumab treatments in individuals with CSU.
Prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in intensive care units at Tripoli University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya
Among hospitalized patients worldwide, infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to isolate MDR bacteria from five intensive care units (ICUs) at Tripoli University Hospital (TUH). A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a seven-month period (September 2022 to March 2023) across five ICUs at TUH. A total of 197 swabs were collected from Patients', healthcare workers' and ICUs equipment. Samples collected from patients were nasal swabs, oral cavity swabs, hand swabs, sputum specimens, skin swabs, umbilical venous catheter swabs, and around cannula. Swabs collected from health care workers were nasal swabs, whereas ICUs equipment's samples were from endotracheal tubes, oxygen masks, and neonatal incubators. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test was confirmed by using MicroScan auto SCAN 4 (Beckman Coulter). The most frequent strains were Gram negative bacilli 113 (57.4%) with the predominance of 50/113 (44%) followed by 44/113 (40%) and 6/113 (5.3%). The total Gram positive bacterial strains isolated were 84 (42.6%), coagulase negative 55 (66%) with MDRs (89%) were the most common isolates followed by 15 (17.8%). Different antibiotics were used against these isolates; Gram- negative isolates showed high resistance rates to ceftazidime, gentamicin, amikacin and ertapenem. were the most frequent MDROs (94%), and the highest resistance rates in Gram-positive strains were observed toward ampicillin, oxacillin, ampicillin/sulbactam and Cefoxitin, representing 90% of total MDR Gram-positive isolates. ESBL and MRS were identified in most of strains. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance was high for both Gram negative and Gram positive isolates. This prevalence requires strict infection prevention and control intervention, continuous monitoring, implementation of effective antibiotic stewardship, immediate, concerted and collaborative action to monitor its prevalence and spread in the hospital.
Satisfaction with telemedicine use during COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a systematic review
Telemedicine became a fundamental part of healthcare provision during COVID-19 pandemic. An evaluation of telemedicine-associated satisfaction helps the service develop more viable applications. This review evaluated the satisfaction of healthcare users and providers and their willingness to use this modality in future. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A search on empirical articles published between March 2020 and December 2022 was performed on 'PubMed' and 'Scopus' databases. Findings that reported on satisfaction of patients, families and caregivers as well as clinicians were extracted and analysed. Quality of included studies was assessed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the review included 27 eligible studies. Data was found from a variety of emergency and non-emergency departments of primary, secondary, and specialised healthcare. Almost all studies were undertaken within the NHS. There were many tools that measured satisfaction. Satisfaction was high among recipients of healthcare, scoring 9-10 on a scale of 0-10 or ranging from 73.3% to 100%. Convenience was rated high in every specialty examined. Satisfaction of clinicians was high throughout the specialities despite connection failure and concerns about confidentiality of information. Nonetheless, studies reported perception of increased barriers to accessing care and inequalities for vulnerable patients especially in older people. In general, willingness to use telemedicine in future was high in the recipients as well as the providers of healthcare. COVID-19 pandemic has transformed healthcare in the UK and promoted a revolution in telemedicine applications. Satisfaction was high among both recipient and provider of healthcare. Telemedicine managed to provide a continued care throughout the pandemic while maintaining social distance. The current review presented commendable evidence to encourage different specialities to engage in telemedicine application.
QR codes and international databases: promoting transparency in IRB approvals for medical research
Analysis of BRCA1 germline variants (exons 5, 11 and 20) in breast cancer families from Libya
Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in Libyan women. variants differ globally due to the diversity of genetic makeup and populations history. Their distribution, prevalence, and significance in Libyans remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the characteristics and distribution of variants in exons 5, 11, and 20 in Libyan families with BC. Thirty-six BC patients at ≤ 45 years, between 46-50 years and with a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer in close relatives, or with triple-negative BC, were selected from 33 unrelated families during 2018-2020 at the National Cancer Institute, Sabratha, Libya. From these 33 families, 20 women (18 BC patients and two unaffected) were screened for exons 5, 11 and 20 using Sanger sequencing. All families completed an epidemiology and family history questionnaire. Twenty-seven variants (26 in exon 11 and 1 in exon 20, minor allele frequency of < 0.01) were detected in 10 of 18 unrelated families (55.6%.) Among the 27 variants, 26 (96%) were heterozygous. A frameshift pathogenic variant, c.2643del, and one novel variant c.1366A>G were identified. Furthermore, seven variants with unknown clinical significance were detected: c.1158T>A, c.1346C>G, c.1174C>G, c.3630 G>T, c.3599A>T, and c.3400 G>C in exon 11, and c.5244T>A in exon 20. Six variants with conflicting pathogenicity interpretations, c. 3460T>A, c. 3572 G>A, c. 3700 G>C, c. 1246C>G, c. 1344C>G, and c. 1054 G>A, were also identified. Twelve benign/likely benign variants were identified. Rare variants that have not been reported in North Africa were found in Libyan patients. These findings provide preliminary insights into the variants that could contribute to hereditary BC risk in Libyans. Further functional, computational, and population analyses are essential to determine their significance and potential impact on BC risk, which could ultimately lead to more personalized management strategies.
Relationship between serum Midkine and Omentin-1 levels and the severity of sepsis in patients and their prognostic value
To explore the relationship between serum levels of midkine and omentin-1 and the severity of sepsis in patients, and their prognostic value. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 180 sepsis patients. According to the severity of the patient's condition, they were separated into sepsis group ( = 76), severe sepsis group ( = 59), and sepsis shock group ( = 45). Based on the survival within 28 days of admission, they were grouped into survivors group ( = 128) and nonsurvivors group ( = 52). The serum Midkine level and APACHE II score in the sepsis shock group were higher than those in the severe sepsis group and sepsis group, while the Omentin-1 level was lower than that in the severe sepsis group and sepsis group ( < 0.05). The serum Midkine level and APACHE II score in the severe sepsis group were higher than those in the sepsis group, while the Omentin-1 level was lower than that in the sepsis group ( < 0.05). The Midkine and APACHE II score in the nonsurvivors group was higher than those in the survivors group, while the Omentin-1 score was lower than that in the survivors group ( < 0.05). Midkine and APACHE II score were independent risk factors for the prognosis of sepsis patients, while Omentin-1 was a protective factor for the prognosis of sepsis patients ( < 0.05). The AUC of the combined prediction of serum Midkine and Ommentin-1 for the prognosis of sepsis patients was 0.880, with a sensitivity of 90.38% and a specificity of 72.66%. The combined prediction of serum Midkine and Ommentin-1 was better than that of individual prediction of Midkine and Ommentin-1. Serum Midkine is highly expressed and Omentin-1 is lowly expressed in sepsis patients, and the combination of the two has a high predictive power for the prognosis of sepsis patients.
Interactions of electrophoretically silent hemoglobin Hekinan II [HBA1:c.84G>T] with various forms of α-thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies: novel insights into the molecular and hematological characteristics and genetic origins
To determine the molecular basis, genotype - phenotype relationship, and genetic origin of Hemoglobin (Hb) Hekinan associated with several forms of α-thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies for a better understanding of its diverse clinical phenotypes. Seventeen participants with suspected abnormal Hb were studied. Hb analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Mutational and α-haplotypic and structural analyses were conducted, and the effects of mutations on globin-chain stability were determined. All participants harbored Hb Hekinan II (HBA1:c.84 G>T) co-inherited with another α-globin gene anomaly. Three novel genotypes, (αα/αα), (αα/αα,β/β), and (αα/αα,β/β), were characterized. Despite being co-inherited with both α- and β-Hb variants Hb Hekinan II led to minimal changes in erythrocyte parameters, suggesting a non-pathological nature. HPLC but not CE revealed a distinct small shoulder-like Hb pattern. Thai Hb Hekinan II was strongly associated with haplotype [+ - S + - - -] and the possibility of four different haplotypes, while two Burmese Hb Hekinan II were associated with haplotypes [± - S + - + -] and [± - S + - - -]. The novel genotypes identified provide a fresh perspective on Hb Hekinan II diversity. HPLC has superior identification capabilities for samples of Hb Hekinan II co-inherited with α-thalassemia. Thai and Burmese Hb Hekinan II have diverse origins.
Impact of cardiac rehabilitation exercise frequency on exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease: a retrospective study
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) significantly improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). International guidelines vary in the minimum recommended frequency of supervised exercise from 1 to 3 sessions per week. This is the first study in the Middle East and North African regions assessing the impact of 2 versus 3 days/week of supervised exercise on peak exercise capacity in patients with CAD. Single-center retrospective cohort study involving 362 patients enrolled in the only CR center in the State of Qatar. Only high-quality data was included by strict evaluation of compliance to the exercise intervention. Fifty patients who underwent a symptom-limited exercise test before and after CR were included (31 patients on 2 days/week, 19 on 3 days/week). No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between groups. Exercise intervention differed significantly between groups in exercise training frequency (2 days/week: 1.97 ± 0.2 vs. 3 days/week: 2.7 ± 0.3; < 0.00). Peak exercise capacity as peak metabolic equivalents of task (MET) significantly increased in both groups (2 days/week: Pre 8.3 ± 2.4 vs. Post 9.4 ± 2.9, p-value 0.00; 3 days/week: Pre 7.4 ± 1.6 vs. Post 8.4 ± 2.0, p-value 0.00). No significant difference was observed between groups for change in Peak Exercise Capacity (2 days/week 1.1 ± 1.1 vs. 3 days/week 1.0 ± 0.9, = 0.87). When the total number of exercise sessions is equal, supervised exercise frequencies of 2 and 3 days/week may significantly and equally improve peak exercise capacity in patients with CAD.
The role of human rhinovirus in COPD exacerbations in Abu Dhabi: molecular epidemiology and clinical significance
This study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology and seasonality of human rhinovirus (HRV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its association with COPD exacerbations in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sputum specimens were collected for analysis from all COPD patients who visited a medical center from November 2021 to October 2022. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test was used to detect HRV. Of the 78 COPD patients included in the study, 58 (74%) patients presented with one or more exacerbation episodes. The incidence of COPD exacerbation peaked over the winter and substantially decreased during the summer. HRV positivity in patients during exacerbation (E1) was 11/58 (19%) and 15/58 (26%) two weeks after the exacerbation episode (E2). There was no significant difference in the HRV load in these patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in the detection of HRV during exacerbation compared to patients with stable COPD. This is the first study to assess the association between HRV detection by qPCR and COPD exacerbations in the UAE. The high sensitivity of the detection technology helped collect reliable epidemiologic data. Few studies have provided similar Middle East data. This study's pattern of COPD exacerbations and HRV detection parallels that of temperate countries. This information can help with future, more extensive surveillance of respiratory viruses in the UAE and the Middle East and their association with COPD exacerbations.
Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after natural infection: insights from a study on Pasteur Institute of Tunis employees
This study aimed to assess the kinetics of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2, following natural infection in a cohort of employees of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT) and to assess the risk of reinfection over a 12-months follow-up period. A prospective study was conducted among an open cohort of IPT employees with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that were recruited between September 2020 and March 2021. Sera samples were taken at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after confirmation of COVID-19 infection and tested for SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the spike (S-RBD) protein (IgG anti-S-RBD) and for neutralizing antibodies. Participants who had an initial decline of IgG anti-S-RBD and neutralizing antibodies followed by a subsequent rise in antibody titers as well as those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR after at least 60 days of follow up were considered as reinfected. In total, 137 individuals were included with a mean age of 44.7 ± 12.3 years and a sex-ratio (Male/Female) of 0.33. Nearly all participants (92.7%) were symptomatic, and 2.2% required hospitalization. Among the 70 participants with three or more prospective blood samples, 32.8% were reinfected among whom 11 (47.8%) reported COVID-19 like symptoms. Up to 12 months of follow up, 100% and 42.9% of participants had detectable IgG anti-S-RBD and neutralizing antibodies, respectively. This study showed that humoral immune response following COVID-19 infection may persist up to 12 months after infection despite the potential risk for reinfection that is mainly explained by the emergence of new variants.
Radiographic evaluation of teeth with pulp stones and pulp canal obliteration: characteristics, and associations with dental parameters
The study aimed to radiographically assess the characteristics of pulp stones (PS) and pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in teeth and examined their associations with various dental parameters such as caries, restorations, periodontal status, and age. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University between September 2022, and May 2023, involved 101 patients exhibiting 402 teeth with PS or PCO. Data were collected from periapical and bitewing radiographs, and analyzed by two calibrated dentists. Multiple dental parameters were assessed, including caries level, presence and level of restorations, periodontal condition, and age of the patient. The study population consisted of 62 females and 39 males, with an age range of 18-65 years. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability were high (Kappa = 0.88 and 0.98 respectively). PS were more commonly found in molars (81.2%), while PCO were presented in only 115 teeth (23%). Age significantly affected the type of calcification ( < 0.001), with PS more common in the 20-30 age group and PCO more common in individuals over 40. Presence of caries was significantly associated with the type of calcification ( = 0.013), but restoration was not. The majority of teeth with PS (76%) or PCO (93%) had healthy periodontium. Around 40% of teeth with PCO showed signs of periapical changes, a finding significantly different from those with PS ( < 0.001). Pulp calcifications were significantly associated with various dental parameters, including caries presence, age, and periodontal status. The findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology and aetiology of pulp calcifications.
Antimicrobial resistance and carbapenemase dissemination in isolates from Libyan hospitals: a call for surveillance and intervention
is a multidrug-resistant bacterium capable of forming biofilms. This study aimed to assess resistance of clinical isolates from Libyan hospitals to antipseudomonal antibiotics, the prevalence of selected extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemase genes among these isolates, and the microorganisms' capacity for alginate and biofilm production. Forty-five isolates were collected from four hospitals in Benghazi and Derna, Libya. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using agar disc diffusion. The presence of resistance genes () was screened using PCR. Biofilm formation was quantified via the crystal violet assay, while alginate production was measured spectrophotometrically. Resistance to antipseudomonal antibiotics ranged from 48.9% to 75.6%. The most prevalent resistance gene was blaNDM (26.7%), followed by blaGES-1 (17.8%). Moreover, all isolates demonstrated varying degrees of biofilm-forming ability and alginate production. No statistically significant correlation was found between biofilm formation and alginate production. The dissemination of resistant genes in P. aeruginosa, particularly carbapenemases, is of great concern. This issue is compounded by the bacteria's biofilm-forming capability. Urgent intervention and continuous surveillance are imperative to prevent further deterioration and the catastrophic spread of resistance among these formidable bacteria.
Effects of Ramadan on cognitive functions in young boys
Fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, potentially influencing cognitive functions essential for the intellectual development of the youth. Therefore, understanding the effects of fasting on these functions in children/adolescents provides valuable perspectives to enhance education and promote mental well-being. However, studies on children/adolescents in this context are still limited. To evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on cognitive functions, including information processing speed, inhibition, decision-making, and auditory attention processes among children and adolescents aged 11 to 15 years. This study was conducted with 24 healthy children/adolescents (aged 12.84 ± 0.69 years). The experimental protocol consisted of two sessions: Before-Ramadan (BR) and at the beginning of the second week of Ramadan (R2). At each session, the boys were randomly tested on simple reaction time (SRT), choice reaction time (CRT), negative priming reaction time (NPRT), and auditory discrimination (P300). The tests were administered and scored by the same person in the different sessions. The study found that Ramadan fasting did not have an effect on various reaction times or on electro-physiological data, including P300 amplitude and latency. The current study, conducted with healthy children/adolescents, indicates that Ramadan fasting had no impact on various reaction times (SRT, CRT, NPRT), suggesting the preservation of information processing speed and decision-making, even in the face of increased task complexity. This is evident, on the one hand, through the maintenance of the ability to react to unexpected events, and, on the other hand, through the mastery of resistance to automatism, thus reflecting the preservation of inhibitory function (NPRT). Regarding P300 data, the absence of changes in latencies and amplitudes suggests that Ramadan fasting did not alter either the evaluation time of auditory stimuli or auditory attention processes.
Physician autonomy in crisis: examining the right to refuse commitment
Prevalence of toxigenic in hospitalized patients in the southwestern province of Saudi Arabia: Confirmation using the GeneXpert analysis
() is a leading cause of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients worldwide. Stool samples were collected from 112 inpatients admitted to different hospitals and were screened for GDH + toxin A + B by immunoassay, and all positive samples by immunoassay were processed for molecular detection of using the GeneXpert assay. strains were detected in 12 (10.71%) out of 112 stool samples using the GDH + toxin A + B immunoassay method and toxigenic was confirmed in 5 stool samples using the GeneXpert molecular assay. strains were also detected in 7 (8.97%) out of 78 stool samples from intensive care unit patients, 3 (25%) out of 12 stool samples from internal medicine ward patients, 1 (11.11%) out of 9 stool samples from surgery ward patients, and 1 (10%) out of 10 stool samples from isolation ward patients using the GDH + toxin A + B immunoassay method and the toxigenic strain was confirmed in 1, 2, 1, and 1 stool samples, respectively, using the GeneXpert molecular assay. Toxigenic was confirmed in patients at 4 (51.14%) out of 7 hospitals. In the present study, we also analyzed the clinical information of patients with -positive stool samples who were receiving one or more antibiotics during hospitalization. The binary toxin gene (), the gene, and the strain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotype 027 were not detected using the GeneXpert molecular assay among 12 positive samples by immunoassay. This study should aid in the prevention of unnecessary empiric therapy and increase the understanding of the toxigenic burden on the healthcare system in the southwestern province of Saudi Arabia.
Impact of Implementing Electronic Nursing Records on Quality and Safety Indicators in Care
Electronic Health Records (EHR) have been adopted to improve the quality of care. Despite the growing use of health information technology, nursing documentation remains a challenge. In Tunisia, the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system is gaining momentum as part of national initiatives to modernize healthcare. However, nursing documentation is still largely paper-based, and no studies in Tunisia have adressed this topic. This research aims to assess the effect of the Electronic Nursing Record (ENR) on the quality and safety of care indicators (QSCI). This is an interventional study structured in four phases: development, pre-implementation, implementation, and evaluation, integrating the principles of the 'Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies' (StaRI). A list of QSCI was defined and validated through a literature review and Delphi consensus. The impact of the ENR on these indicators was evaluated in a Tunisian university hospital through a quasi-experimental study. Indicators were measured before ENR, one month after, and six months after. Data analyses was conducted using SPSS with statistical tests. Initially, the study led to the identification and validation of seventeen QSCI. Subsequently, a quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the impact of ENR implementation on these indicators. The results revealed a significant improvement in the intervention group (using ENR), particularly in the traceability of vital signs (p < 10⁻) and infusion administration (p = 0.027). Conversely, the control group (using paper-based documentation) performed better in terms of traceability of inter-team handovers (95.1% compared to 71.9% for the intervention group). The electronic documentation system is seen as a major transformation in healthcare in many hospitals worldwide. Moreover, electronic nursing documentation is crucial for patient safety. Its implementation in our hospital revealed a positive impact of the ENR on certain aspects of care quality while highlighting gaps in inter-team handovers.