METHODS: In the previous study, the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine in the reactor was conducted at atmospheric pressure (0 atm) and shorter duration time. In this study, however, the azeotropic drying of non-carried-added (n.c.a) 18FFluorine was made at a high vacuum pressure (- 0.65 to - 0.85 bar) with an additional time of 30 seconds. At the end of the synthesis, the mean radiochemical yield was statistically compared between the two azeotropic drying conditions so as to observe whether the improvement made was significant to the radiochemical yield.
RESULTS: From the paired sample t-test analysis, the improvement done to the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine was statistically significant (p < 0.05). With the improvement made, the 18F-Fluorcholine radiochemical yield was found to have increase by one fold.
CONCLUSION: Improved 18F-Fluorocholine radiochemical yields were obtained after the improvement had been done to the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine. It was also observed that improvement made to the azeotropic drying of non-carrier-added (n.c.a) 18F-Fluorine did not affect the 18F-Fluorocholine quality control analysis.
METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study analysed data on consecutive STEMI patients who received thrombolytic therapy from May 2019 to December 2020 (20 months) in a non-PCI capable tertiary hospital. Total population sampling was used in this study. We compared all patients' characteristics and outcomes ten months before and during the pandemic. Regression models were used to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on door-to-needle time (DNT), mortality, bleeding events, and the number of overnight stays.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We analysed 323 patients with a mean age of 52.9 ± 12.9 years and were predominantly male (n = 280, 88.9%). There was a 12.5% reduction in thrombolysis performed during the pandemic. No significant difference in timing from symptoms onset to thrombolysis and DNT was observed. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.02-4.00, p = 0.044). Bleeding events post thrombolysis remained stable and there was no significant difference in the number of overnight stays during the pandemic.
CONCLUSION: STEMI thrombolysis cases were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an inverse increase in mortality despite the preserved Emergency Department performance in timely thrombolysis.
METHODS: This randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 30 healthcare practitioners at the University of Malaysia Sabah. Participants underwent a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Practical formal educational training program, and data were collected using a Basic Life Support questionnaire and skills assessment checklist sourced from the American Heart Association (2020). Data analysis was conducted utilizing repeated analysis of variance and the Cochran 'Q' test supported by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software.
RESULT: The control and intervention groups showed improved knowledge and skills from pre-to post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses; a significant increase was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. The F-test indicated a significant time-group effect (F-stat (df) = 16.14 (2), p = 0.01). Cochran's 'Q' test also revealed significant changes in the proportion of healthcare practitioners passing their skills assessments over time (2 = 14.90, control 01).
CONCLUSION: The smart-cardiopulmonary resuscitation application is convenient for refreshing cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills and maintaining proficiency. While it doesn't replace formal cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses, it saves healthcare practitioners and the community time and money. Both groups showed improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and skills, with the intervention group using the smart-cardiopulmonary resuscitation application showing higher success rates after two months. Adopting smartphone-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation training with comprehensive content is recommended.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the relationships between students' competencies achievement (SCA), student engagement, basic needs fulfillment, and stress levels among nursing students engaging in community-based clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DESIGN: and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 451 nursing students from Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. Online questionnaires assessing SCA, SE, BNF, and SL were administered between November and December 2021.
RESULTS: The study involved 131 participants from Indonesia, 138 from Malaysia, and 182 from India, with an average age of 22.52. Multivariate analysis, employing linear regression revealed that across the three countries, online student engagement demonstrated the strongest association with SCA (B: 0.701; p-value: 0.0001). However, specific factors-stress levels, learning methods, and study year-showed greater relevance in Indonesia, India, and Malaysia, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted nursing students' teaching and learning experiences during clinical practice. Enhancing online engagement between academic lecturers and students is imperative for attaining clinical competencies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involves a total of 650 patients who were divided into two groups: the intervention group, which received care according to ERAS protocols, and the control group, which received standard postoperative care. Patients aged >18 years and scheduled for elective abdominal surgery were included in the study.
RESULTS: The mean age of patients in ERAS group were 56.4 ± 12.3 years, while in the standard care group 57.1 ± 11.8 years. Out of 650 patients, there were 339 male and 311 female. Patients were selected from different surgery departments. The ERAS group had lower 30-day readmission rates (6.2% vs. 15.4%), quicker mobilization (12.5 vs. 24.8 hours), and faster resumption of oral intake (8.6 vs. 18.2 hours). Pain levels were lower (VAS 3.1 vs. 5.8), and patient satisfaction was higher (89% vs. 74%) in the ERAS group, with all differences being statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that ERAS protocols significantly improve postoperative outcomes, including reducing complications, shortening hospital stays, and lowering readmission rates for patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.