Environmental Impact Assessment Follow-Up of Seismic Survey Offshore Activities in Brazil

Follow-up of environmental impacts is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, closely related to the effectiveness of the instrument. EIA follow-up has been receiving a lot of interest from scientists and practitioners, though it is recognized as one of the weakest points of EIA systems globally. Also, EIA follow-up is influenced by the context, mainly in terms of the types of projects or activities and their related impacts on the environment. Therefore, the present paper is focused on the investigation of the follow-up stage applied to the activity of seismic survey coupled with offshore oil & gas exploitation in Brazil. Research was based on a qualitative approach that included document analysis and semi-structured interviews with analysts involved in EIA processes, and sought to generate evidence of effectiveness of the EIA follow-up as conducted by the Federal Environment Agency (Ibama) in order to situate the practice of follow-up in the broader context of international best practice principles. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, due to the peculiarities of offshore seismic survey, it is necessary to promote adaptations in the procedures for monitoring impacts in order to ensure proper alignment with the principles and conceptual foundations that guide EIA practice. Specifically, the timing of the execution of the activity imposes challenges for its integration into the “conventional” cycle that has guided the monitoring of the impacts in the EIA of projects.

Consensus of the Characteristics of Clinical Judgement Utilised by Nurses’ in Their Practice: Results of a Survey

Clinical judgement is an important component of safe and effective nursing care. Clinical judgement remains a challenging cognitive process to articulate and assess. An integrative review of the literature conducted in 2016 identified 13 characteristics of clinical judgement. This paper reports the results of a 2-phase survey to obtain consensus whether these characteristics identified accurately represented nurses’ perception of clinical judgement. The 2-phase survey was administered via an online survey software tool. The survey in phase 1 sought Yes/No answers for nurse academics with recruitment via a hyperlink in an email to individuals identified from University websites, Google and published articles. In phase 2, the survey was modified to a Likert scale and recruitment occurred via online networks and was open to all nurses. The results identified that the characteristics accurately represented the nurse’s perception of clinical judgement. By articulating the characteristics, it allows clinical judgement to be easily described and can therefore be applied to both nursing research and education.

Digital chromoendoscopy utilization in clinical practice: A survey of gastroenterologists in Connecticut

AIM:To use a survey to characterize and identify potential barriers to the use of digital chromoendoscopy(DC)by practicing gastroenterologists.METHODS:An anonymous,internet-based survey was sent to gastroenterologists in Connecticut who were members of one of three national gastrointestinal organizations.The survey collected demographic information,frequency of DC use,types of procedures that the respondent performs,setting of practice(academic vs community),years out of training,amount of training in DC,desire to have DC training and perceived barriers to DC use.Responses were collected anonymously.The primary endpoint was the proportion of endoscopists utilizing DC.Associations between the various data collected were analyzed usingχ2 test.RESULTS:One hundred and twenty-four gastroenterologists(48%)of 261 who received the online survey responded.Seventy-eight percent of surveyed gastroenterologists have used DC during the performance of upper endoscopy and 81%with lower endoscopy.DC was used in more than half of procedures by only 14%of gastroenterologists during upper endoscopy and 12%during lower endoscopy.Twenty-three percent(upper)and 21%(lower)used DC more than one quarter of the time.DC was used for 10%or less of endoscopies by 60%(upper)and53%(lower)of respondents.Endoscopists reported lack of training as the leading deterrent to DC use with36%reporting it as their primary deterrent.Eighty-nine percent of endoscopists never received formal training in DC.Lack of time(30%of respondents),lack of evidence(24%)and lack of reimbursement(10%)were additional deterrents.There were no differences in DC use relative to academic vs community practice setting or years out of training.CONCLUSION:DC is used infrequently by most endoscopists,primarily due to a lack of training.Training opportunities should be expanded to meet the interest expressed by the majority of endoscopists.

Medical Emergencies in Dental Clinics: A Survey of 2013 Dentists in China

Objective To investigate the feature and frequency of medical emergencies in dental clinics in China and the Methods A survey study was conducted among 2408 dentists who attended continuing educational courses held by Society of Sedation and Analgesia of Chinese Stomatological Association in 18 cities from December 2015 to December 2018.Demographic information of the dentists and the characteristics of medical emergencies they encountered were collected and analyzed.The associated demographic features for dentist experiencing medical emergencies were analyzed by logistic regression model.Results A total of 2013 dentists provided valid responses and reported 2923 events of medical emergencies in dental clinics.Among them,85.0%reported that they had encountered medical emergencies,and 35.5%had encountered at least twice.Syncope(35.9%)and hypoglycemia(30.3%)were the most common reported medical emergencies.Medical emergencies were most likely to occur during local anesthesia(49.9%),out-patient oral surgery(25.9%),and root canal treatment(11.3%).There were 6 patients(0.2%)died in emergencies.84.0%dentists reported that they had never received training courses about medical emergency management in dentistry other than Basic Life Support.Longer practicing time(10-15 years)(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.41-0.85,P=0.004),working in private dental facilities(OR=1.69,95%CI:1.20-2.38,P=0.003)were associated with an increased risk of experiencing medical emergencies.Conclusion More efforts are needed in prevention,early identification,and timely management of medical emergencies in dental clinics in order to prevent fatal outcomes.The results of this survey are useful information for re-designing emergency training courses for Chinese dentists.

Data mining in clinical big data:the frequently used databases,steps,and methodological models

Many high quality studies have emerged from public databases,such as Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER),National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES),The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA),and Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care(MIMIC);however,these data are often characterized by a high degree of dimensional heterogeneity,timeliness,scarcity,irregularity,and other characteristics,resulting in the value of these data not being fully utilized.Data-mining technology has been a frontier field in medical research,as it demonstrates excellent performance in evaluating patient risks and assisting clinical decision-making in building disease-prediction models.Therefore,data mining has unique advantages in clinical big-data research,especially in large-scale medical public databases.This article introduced the main medical public database and described the steps,tasks,and models of data mining in simple language.Additionally,we described data-mining methods along with their practical applications.The goal of this work was to aid clinical researchers in gaining a clear and intuitive understanding of the application of data-mining technology on clinical big-data in order to promote the production of research results that are beneficial to doctors and patients.

Clinical Classification and Treatment Strategy of Hamate Hook Fracture

To explore the clinical classification of hamate hook fracture and the treatment strategy for different type of fractures,12 patients who suffered from hamate hook fractures were followed up retrospectively.According to the fracture sites and the prognosis,we classified the hamate hook fractures into 3 types.Type Ⅰ referred to an avulsion fracture at the tip of hamate hook,type Ⅱ was a fracture in the middle part of hamate hook,and type Ⅲ represented a fracture at the base of hamate hook.By the classification,in our series,only 1 fell into type Ⅰ,7 type Ⅱ,and 4 type Ⅲ.The results were evaluated with respect to the functional recovery,recovery time and the association among the clinical classification,pre-operative complications and treatment results.The average follow-up time of this group was 8.4±3.9 months.Two cases were found to have fracture non-union and both of them were type Ⅱ fractures.Six patients had complications before operation.Five cases were type Ⅱ fractures and 1 case type Ⅲ fracture.All the patients were satisfied with the results at the time of the last follow-up.Their pain scale and grip strength improved significantly after treatment.All the pre-operative complications were relieved.The recovery time of hamate hook excision was significantly shorter than that of the other two treatments.The incidences of both pre-operative complications and non-union in type Ⅱ fractures were higher than those in type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ fractures.It was concluded that,generally,the treatment effects with hamate hook fracture are quite good.The complication incidence and prognosis of the fracture are closely related to the clinical classification.Early intervention is critical for type Ⅱ fractures.

Development and Influencing Factors of Compliance Behaviors of Investigators in Clinical Trials

The development and influencing factors of compliance behavior of investigators in clinical trials were explored. According to literature review, a hypothetical model of development of compliance behavior of investigators in clinical trials was established, and the influencing factors of compliance behavior of investigators and their interrelationships were studied based on questionnaire survey of five hundred investigators sampled randomly from one hundred clinical trial institutions in China. Cron- bach＇s alpha coefficient and structural equation modeling were adopted to empirically analyze the re- suits. Six variables in the hypothetical model were included： compliance behavior of investigators, credibility of clinical trial, capability of government regulation, quality control of sponsor, quality con- trol of clinical institution and compliance intention of investigators. Empirical analysis showed that the compliance behavior of investigators in clinical trial was directly affected by compliance intention of investigators, quality control of sponsor and quality control of clinical institution. In addition, credibility of clinical trial and capability of government regulation indirectly affected the compliance behavior of investigators in clinical trial through influencing the compliance intention of investigators, quality con- trol of sponsor and quality control of clinical institution. Quality control of sponsor was affected by credibility of clinical trial and capability of government regulation while quality control of clinical in- stitutinn wan only influenced by capability of government regulation.

Clinical Experience with the Fifth-Generation of a Breast Implant with a Smooth, Fine Surface from a Korean Manufacturer in Asian Women

Background: In this study, we describe our clinical experience with the fifth-generation of a breast implant with a smooth, fine surface from a Korean manufacturer (BellaGel® SmoothFine;HansBiomed Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea) in Asian women. Methods: We analyzed 223 women (mean age = 35.28 ± 9.45 years and mean follow-up period = 12.03 ± 2.48 months), comprising 118 bilateral cases and 109 unilateral ones, who received breast augmentation using the BellaGel® SmoothFine at our hospital between June 4, 2018 and February 28, 2019. For safety assessment, we analyzed frequencies of postoperative complications and overall survival of the BellaGel® SmoothFine. Results: Postoperatively, complications (12 cases, 5.38%) include asymmetry (3 cases, 1.35%), hematoma (2 cases, 0.90%), hypertrophic scars (2 cases, 0.90%), wound disruption (2 cases, 0.90%), rippling (1 case, 0.45%), capsular contracture (1 case, 0.45%), stretch deformities with skin excess (1 case, 0.45%). In addition, time-to-events were calculated as 10.94 ± 0.64 months (95% CI 9.69 - 12.19) and the survival rate reached 0.290 ± 0.168 (95% CI 0.094 - 0.901) at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Here, we describe our clinical experience with the BellaGel® SmoothFine. Our results are of significance in that this is the first report about the fifth-generation of a breast implant with a smooth, fine surface from a Korean manufacturer for Asian women.

Treatment of hemorrhoids: A survey of surgical practice in Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common anorectal disorder.Hemorrhoids can be classified as external or internal,according to their relation to the dentate line.External hemorrhoids originate below the dentate line and are managed conservatively unless the patient cannot keep the perianal region clean,or they cause significant discomfort.Internal hemorrhoids originate above the dentate line and can be managed according to the graded degree of prolapse,as described by Goligher.Generally,low-grade internal hemorrhoids are effectively treated conservatively,by non-operative measures,while high-grade internal hemorrhoids warrant procedural intervention.AIM To determine the application of clinical practice guidelines for the current management of hemorrhoids and colorectal surgeon consensus in Australia and New Zealand.METHODS An online survey was distributed to 206 colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand using 17 guideline-based hypothetical clinical scenarios.RESULTS There were 82 respondents(40%)to 17 guideline-based scenarios.Nine(53%)reached consensus,of which only 1(6%)disagreed with the guidelines.This was based on low quality evidence for the management of acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoids.There were 8 scenarios which showed community equipoise(47%)and they were equally divided for agreeing or disagreeing with the guidelines.These topics were based on low and moderate levels of evidence.They included the initial management of grade I internal hemorrhoids,grade III internal hemorrhoids when initial management had failed and the patient had recognised risks factors for septic complications;and finally,the decision-making when considering patient preferences,including a prompt return to work,or minimal post-operative pain.CONCLUSION Although there are areas of consensus in the management of hemorrhoids,there are many areas of community equipoise which would benefit from further research.

Survivors of COVID-19 exhibit altered amplitudes of low frequency fluctuation in the brain: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study at 1-year follow-up

Although some short-term follow-up studies have found that individuals recovering from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)exhibit anxiety,depression,and altered brain microstructure,their long-term physical problems,neuropsychiatric sequelae,and changes in brain function remain unknown.This observational cohort study collected 1-year follow-up data from 22 patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19(8 males and 11 females,aged 54.2±8.7 years).Fatigue and myalgia were persistent symptoms at the 1-year follow-up.The resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that compared with 29 healthy controls(7 males and 18 females,aged 50.5±11.6 years),COVID-19 survivors had greatly increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(ALFF)values in the left precentral gyrus,middle frontal gyrus,inferior frontal gyrus of operculum,inferior frontal gyrus of triangle,insula,hippocampus,parahippocampal gyrus,fusiform gyrus,postcentral gyrus,inferior parietal angular gyrus,supramarginal gyrus,angular gyrus,thalamus,middle temporal gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,caudate,and putamen.ALFF values in the left caudate of the COVID-19 survivors were positively correlated with their Athens Insomnia Scale scores,and those in the left precentral gyrus were positively correlated with neutrophil count during hospitalization.The long-term follow-up results suggest that the ALFF in brain regions related to mood and sleep regulation were altered in COVID-19 survivors.This can help us understand the neurobiological mechanisms of COVID-19-related neuropsychiatric sequelae.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University(approval No.2020 S004)on March 19,2020.

A Survey of Current Treatment Practices for Postpartum Hemorrhage by Practicing Obstetricians and Hematologists

Objective: To identify current treatment strategies for postpartum hemorrhage used by obstetricians (OB/GYNs) and hematologists (HEMs). Study Design: We conducted a survey of OB/GYNs (n = 220) and HEMs (n = 30) to describe the characteristics of current treatment strategies for postpartum hemorrhage. Surveys were administered via a structured questionnaire on a secure internet website from 5 - 12 October 2009. Results: The majority of OB/GYN and HEM respondents were practicing in a community hospital environment (77%). Of the OB/GYNs, the majority practiced at hospitals with over 2000 deliveries per year (77%). A majority (58%) of OB/GYNs were affiliated with hospitals that lacked a massive transfusion protocol to treat severe postpartum hemorrhage. Subsequent to uterine massage and additional oxytocin, the majority of OB/GYNs (73%), preferred the administration of Methergine? as the next level of intervention for postpartum hemorrhage. There was considerable variability in response to specific treatment strategies for several hypothetical case scenarios;however, the large majority of OB/GYNs favored obstetrical procedures over interventional radiology or administration of rFVIIa. A large majority (77%) of physicians who are familiar with rRVIIa as treatment for postpartum hemorrhage reported being very satisfied with the agent for this indication. Conclusions: An established, systematic treatment strategy among OB/GYNs emerged only in the case of mild postpartum hemorrhage.

Effects of Occupational Noise on the Hearing Ability of Outpatient Clinic Nurses in Different Classes of Hospitals in Guangzhou

Background: Occupational noise can induce hearing impairment. Work-related hearing impairment has become a growing threat to medical practitioners who feel anxious about occupational noise exposure and its health outcomes or even experience auditory dysesthesia (including drumming, distending pain in the ears, and otalgia) after long-term exposure to a noisy work environment. Objective: To investigate the effects of occupational noise on the hearing ability of outpatient clinic nurses in Grade III, Level A and Grade II, Level A hospitals in Guangzhou. Methods: During June 2019, noise monitoring was performed by quantifying the noise levels at four measuring points (reception, waiting area, hallway, blood-sampling room) in five Grade III, Level A and five Grade II, Level A hospitals, in Guangzhou, four times a day (8 AM, 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM) for 19 working days, using a professional noise measuring application for smartphones. The measurements were verified and used to create a database in Excel. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS22.0, and questionnaires were distributed to nurses who had been working at outpatient clinics for five years and above to assess the impacts of occupational noise exposure on the hearing ability. Results: In the Grade III, Level A hospitals, the sound levels at the four measuring points during the specific time periods were 4.92 - 6.75 dB above the permissible limit of 55 dB and were all significantly higher than the sound levels at the outpatient clinics of the Grade II, Level A hospitals (P Conclusions: Exposure to excess noise can lead to auditory dysesthesia in outpatient clinic nurses. Compared to those from Grade II, Level A hospitals, outpatient clinic nurses from Grade III, Level A hospitals are at higher risk of auditory dysesthesia. The noise levels at outpatient clinics should be closely monitored, and effective measures should be taken to reduce occupational noise exposure. Outpatient clinic nurses should enhance protective measures and receive preventive health exams on a regular basis.

Risk factors in cardiovascular patients:Challenges and opportunities to improve secondary prevention

BACKGROUND Effective management of major cardiovascular risk factors is of great importance to reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease(CVD).The Survey of Risk Factors in Coronary Heart Disease(SURF CHD)II study is a clinical audit of the recording and management of CHD risk factors.It was developed in collaboration with the European Association of Preventive Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology(ESC).Previous studies have shown that control of major cardiovascular risk factors in patients with established atherosclerotic CVD is generally inadequate.Azerbaijan is a country in the South Caucasus,a region at a very high risk for CVD.AIM To assess adherence to ESC recommendations for secondary prevention of CVD based on the measurement of both modifiable major risk factors and their therapeutic management in patients with confirmed CHD at different hospitals in Baku(Azerbaijan).METHODS Six tertiary health care centers participated in the SURF CHD II study between 2019 and 2021.Information on demographics,risk factors,physical and laboratory data,and medications was collected using a standard questionnaire in consecutive patients aged≥18 years with established CHD during outpatient visits.Data from 687 patients(mean age 59.6±9.58 years;24.9%female)were included in the study.RESULTS Only 15.1%of participants were involved in cardiac rehabilitation programs.The rate of uncontrolled risk factors was high:Systolic blood pressure(BP)(SBP)(54.6%),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)(86.8%),diabetes mellitus(DM)(60.6%),as well as overweight(66.6%)and obesity(25%).In addition,significant differences in the prevalence and control of some risk factors[smoking,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,blood glucose(BG),and SBP]between female and male participants were found.The cardiovascular health index score(CHIS)was calculated from the six risk factors:Non-or ex-smoker,BMI<25 kg/m2,moderate/vigorous physical activity,controlled BP(<140/90 mmHg;140/80 mmHg for patients with DM),controlled LDL-C(<70 mg/dL),and controlled BG(glycohemoglobin<7%or BG<126 mg/dL).Good,intermediate,and poor categories of CHIS were identified in 6%,58.3%,and 35.7%of patients,respectively(without statistical differences between female and male patients).CONCLUSION Implementation of the current ESC recommendations for CHD secondary prevention and,in particular,the control rate of BP,are insufficient.Given the fact that patients with different comorbid pathologies are at a very high risk,this is of great importance in the management of such patients.This should be taken into account by healthcare organizers when planning secondary prevention activities and public health protection measures,especially in the regions at a high risk for CVD.A wide range of educational products based on the Clinical Practice Guidelines should be used to improve the adherence of healthcare professionals and patients to the management of CVD risk factors.

Survey and Practice of Reporting Quality of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Evidence obtained from randomized controlled trials （RCTs） has been generally accepted as the gold standard in the evaluation of clinical effectiveness. Readers need to understand the trial design, implementation, results, analysis and interpretation, so as to fully Jnderstand the results of RCTs. Thus, the investigators of RCTs have to report these items in a complete, accurate and clear manner. Since 1998, we have conducted several evaluations on the reporting quality of RCTs published in Chinese journals on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and results have shown that there is an urgent need for higher quality RCTs on TCM.

Cystic echinococcosis of the liver: A primer for hepatologists

Cystic echinococcosis(CE) is a complex, chronic and neglected disease with a worldwide distribution. The liver is the most frequent location of parasitic cysts. In humans, its clinical spectrum ranges from asymptom-atic infection to severe, potentially fatal disease. Four approaches exist in the clinical management of CE: surgery, percutaneous techniques and drug treatment for active cysts, and the "watch and wait" approach for inactive cysts. Allocation of patients to these treat-ments should be based on cyst stage, size and location, available clinical expertise, and comorbidities. However, clinical decision algorithms, efficacy, relapse rates, and costs have never been properly evaluated. This paper reviews recent advances in classification and diagnosisand the currently available evidence for clinical deci-sion-making in cystic echinococcosis of the liver.

Clinical features and outcomes of 210 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） is a lethal chronic interstitial lung disease （ILD） of unknown cause and having a variable and unpredictable course.This study aimed to summarize the clinical features and follow-up outcomes and to identify potential factors useful for the assessment of prognosis in IPF.Methods Two hundred and ten patients hospitalized and diagnosed as IPF in our unit from January 1999 to June 2007 were enrolled into this study.The baseline demographic,clinical,radiologic and physiologic characteristics were summarized.Clinical follow-up data until February 2010 were collected,and the median survival time and 1-,2-,and 5-year survival rates,as well as the influences of the summarized baseline variables on the prognosis were analyzed.Results The age at diagnosis as IPF was （64±10） years,the duration before diagnosis of 106 patients （50％） was shorter than 2 years,and 73％ were males.One hundred and forty-five patients （69％） had a history of smoking with a median pack-year of 18.Eighty-nine patients （42％） had emphysema and 62 patients （29％） pulmonary arterial hypertension （PAH）.One hundred and twenty-four patients were followed up,of which 99 patients died from various causes including respiratory failure related to IPF （93％）.The follow-up period was （21±23） months.The median survival time was 38months.The 1-,2-,and 5-year survival rates were 61％,52％,and 39％,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed clubbing,PAH,duration from initial onset to diagnosis,and forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1）/forced vital capacity （FVC） were independent prognostic indicators of IPF.Conclusion IPF patients who have clubbing,PAH,a higher FEVJFVC,and a short duration from initial onset to diagnosis have a poorer outcome.

Defensive medicine practices among gastroenterologists in Japan

AIM： To clarify the prevalence of defensive medicine and the specific defensive medicine practices among gastroenterologists in Japan. METHODS： A survey of gastroenterologists in Hiroshima, Japan, was conducted by mail in March 2006. The number of gastroenterologists reporting defensive medicine behaviors or changes in their scope of practice and the reported defensive medicine practices, i.e., assurance and avoidance behaviors, were examined. RESULTS： A total of 131 （77%） out of 171 gastroenterologists completed the survey. Three （2%） respondents were sued, and most respondents （96%） had liability insurance. Nearly all respondents （98%） reported practicing defensive medicine. Avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding certain procedures or interventions and avoiding caring for high-risk patients, were very common （96%）. Seventy-five percent of respondents reported often avoiding certain procedures or interventions. However, seasoned gastroenterologists （those in practice for more than 20 years） adopted avoidance behaviors significantly less often than those in practice for less than 10 years. Assurance behaviors, i.e., supplying additional services of marginal or no medical value, were also widespread （91%）. Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported that they sometimes or often referred patients to other specialists unnecessarily. CONCLUSION： Defensive medicine may be highly prevalent among gastroenterologists throughout 3apan, with potentially serious implications regarding costs, access, and both technical and interpersonal quality of care.

Left ventricular reconstruction with no-patch technique：early and late clinical outcomes

Background Few studies have evaluated late clinical outcome of no-patch technique in patients with large left ventricular aneurysms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a no-patch surgical technique to reconstruct the left ventricle in patients with left ventricular aneurysm and to assess early and late clinical outcomes.Methods In 1995, we began using a no-patch technique in patients with dyskinetic left ventricular aneurysms. A total of 145 patients underwent left ventricular reconstruction with this technique and were followed up for （59±29） months （range,1-127 months）. Risk factors for early mortality were analyzed by bivariate analyses. Cox＇s proportional hazards model was used to calculate risk factors for all-cause mortality and hospital readmission. Kaplan-Meier methodology was used to analyze late survival.Results One week after operation, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter had decreased from （61±8） mm to （55±8）mm, and geometry of the left ventricle was restored to a more normal conical shape. Early mortality was 3% and late mortality 11%. Over a 5-year follow-up period, hospital readmission was 28%. One-, 5-, and 10-year survival estimates were 95% （95% confidence interval （CI） 91%-99%）, 86% （95% CI 78%-94%）, and 74% （95% CI 60%-88%）.Readmission-free survival at 1 and 5 years after operation was 87% （95% CI81%-93%） and 60% （95% CI50%-70%）,respectively.Conclusion The no-patch technique for left ventricular reconstruction is an effective and simple procedure that can achieve satisfactory early and late clinical outcomes in patients with left ventricular aneurysms.

Status of the neonatal follow‑up system in China:survey and analysis

Background There is little information about neonatal follow-up programs(NFUPs)in China.This study aimed to conduct a survey of hospitals participating in the Chinese Neonatal Network(CHNN)to determine the status of NFUPs,including resources available,criteria for enrollment,neurodevelopmental assessments,and duration of follow-up.Methods We conducted a descriptive study using an online survey of all 72 hospitals participating in CHNN in 2020.The survey included 15 questions that were developed based on the current literature and investigators’knowledge about followup practices in China.Results Sixty-four(89%)of the 72 hospitals responded to the survey,with an even distribution of children’s(31%),maternity(33%)and general(36%)hospitals.All but one(98%)hospital had NFUPs,with 44(70%)being established after 2010.Eligibility criteria for follow-up were variable,but common criteria included very preterm infants<32 weeks or<2000 g birth weight(100%),small for gestational age(97%),hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(98%)and postsurgery(90%).The average follow-up rate was 70%(range:7.5%–100%).Only 12%of hospitals followed up with patients for more than 24 months.There was significant variation in neurodevelopmental assessments,follow-up schedule,composition of staff,and clinic facilities and resources.None of the staff had received formal training,and only four hospitals had sent staff to foreign hospitals as observers.Conclusions There is significant variation in eligibility criteria,duration of follow-up,types of assessments,staffing,training and facilities available.Coordination and standardization are urgently needed.

What factors influence patient experience in orthopedic oncology office visits?

BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction and reported outcomes are becoming increasingly important in determining the efficacy of clinical care.To date no study has evaluated the patient experience in the orthopedic oncology outpatient setting to determine which factors of the encounter are priorities to the patient.AIM To evaluate what factors impact patient experience and report satisfaction in an outpatient orthopedic oncology clinic.METHODS Press Ganey®patient surveys from a single outpatient orthopedic oncology clinic at a tertiary care setting were prospectively collected per routine medical care.All orthopedic oncology patients who were seen in clinic and received electronic survey were included.All survey responses were submitted within one month of clinic appointment.IRB approval was obtained to retrospectively collect survey responses from 2015 to 2016.Basic demographic data along with survey category responses were collected and statistically analyzed.RESULTS One hundred sixty-two patient surveys were collected.Average patient age was 54.4 years(SD=16.2 years)and were comprised of 51.2% female and 48.4%male.64.2%of patients were from in-state.Out of state residents were more likely to recommend both the practice and attending physician.The likelihood to recommend attending physician was positively associated with MD friendliness/courtesy(OR=14.4,95%CI:2.5-84.3),MD confidence(OR=48.2,95%CI:6.2-376.5),MD instructions follow-up care(OR=2.5,95%CI:0.4-17.4),and sensitivity to needs(OR=16.1,95%CI:1-262.5).Clinic operations performed well in the categories of courtesy of staff(76%)and cleanliness(75%)and less well in ease of getting on the phone(49%),information about delays(36%),and wait time(37%).CONCLUSION Orthopedic specialties can utilize information from this study to improve care from the patient perspective.Future studies may be directed at how to improve these areas of care which are most valued by the patient.