THE EFFECT OF MENTORING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF NURSES IN DEVELOPING CAREER AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONS

Nurses, one of the most important members of health care services, are effective in determining the performance of health enterprises. To increase performance, businesses should give great importance to their employees and make an effort to improve them. Mentoring, which has an important place in the development of career and psychosocial functions, is important for both individual and organizational performance. This study was planned to investigate the effects of career and psychosocial functions on employee performance. 352 nurses working in various hospitals in Turkey participated in the research. The collected data were analyzed with statistical package programs used in social sciences. As a result of the analysis, a positive and significant relationship was observed between career function and psychosocial functions and employee performance. According to the regression result, all sub-dimensions of the career function and psychosocial functions do not affect the performance related to satisfaction. Developing new skills relationships, and psychosocial functions have a weak and positive effect on work-related performance

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT OF UNSTABLE ANGINA: A REVIEW

Unstable angina pectoris is a phenomenon that disrupts the early recovery phase of acute myocardial infection, the emergence of new ischemic symptoms, the development of more severe pain, usually at rest, or the formation of intermittent ischemic events. ۔ Acute myocardial infarction is the most serious complication of unstable angina pectoris, which can affect up to 25% of patients within three months of the onset of symptoms. Physically, changes in ECG and hemodynamics usually occur before the onset of pain. The following hemodynamic changes and an increase in oxygen demand in the already ischemic heart respond positively, leading to further instability in unstable angina. Hemodynamic changes may be the result of abnormal stress response or excessive chemotherapeutic discharge. While coronary spasm may play a role in the pathogenesis of unstable angina, other factors such as bleeding in the wall of the atherosclerotic plaque, peripheral embolization, alteration, or platelet aggregation in the coronary artery from nearby soft cholesterol "abscess". Feedback should also be considered. Along with medications such as nitrates, calcium antagonists, and warnings, beta-adrenergic blockers are used to stimulate coronary and peripheral vasodilation and reduce cardiac effort. Treatment with aortic counter-pulsating balloons is recommended for those who have failed to respond to pharmacological treatment. Emergency surgery should be performed voluntarily. The full clinical and pathological compatibility of unstable angina pectoris is still unknown. Future issues will revolve around further investigations into entity procedures, treatment and prevention. The purpose of this review is to explain the pathophysiology of unstable angina, highlight changes in ECG in the assessment of unstable angina, and improve the outcome of patients with unstable angina. Consider the need to strengthen the coordination of care within the team

MUCORMYCOSIS WITH FUNGAL BALL OF MAXILLARY SINUS – A RARE STUDY

Background and Aim: Mucormycosis is an infection caused by a group of filamentous molds within the order Mucorales. In developing countries, most cases occur in persons with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or following trauma. Mortality associated with invasive mucormycosis is high (> 30–50%). Noninvasive fungal ball, a matted  collection of fungal hyphae, previously known as 'Aspergillomas', has been rarely reported with Mucoraceaespecies. Case presentation: A 52-year-old man, known case of diabetes mellitus presented with a discharging sinus in left maxillary region and a blackish ulcer in Left molar region. Computed tomography scan revealed extensive cortical erosion of  left hemi-maxilla. Mucormycosis infection with a maxillary sinus fungal ball was confirmed on histopathological examination. The patient was treated with intravenous AmphotericinB. Discussion: The incidence of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS), once thought to be a rare condition, has dramatically increased recently. Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is relatively rare that is frequently observed in immunocompromised people specifically uncontrolled diabetics or people on immunosuppressive medications, typically associated with Aspergillus and Mucoraceae species. On the other hand, a fungal ball of the paranasal sinus is noninvasive and typically found in immunocompetent, non-atopic hosts. Aspergillus species are the most commonly isolated fungi, however, fungal ball formation is rarely seen with mucormycosis. Conclusion: An anomalous presentation of a Fungal Ball associated with mucormycosis is the primary focus of this report

PREVALENCE OF Cryptosporidium INFECTIONS BETWEEN APPARENTLY HEALTHY AND IMMUNO-COMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS AT PARKLANE HOSPITAL ENUGU

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium, that affect both young animals and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted among immune-compromised and apparently healthy subjects attending Parklane Hospital in Enugu, to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and associated risk factors. Faecal and urine samples were microscopically examined to demonstrate Cryptosporidium. While demographic data and other risk factors were obtained by structured questionnaire interview.  Only immune-compromised subjects had oocyst of Cryptosporidium with an overall prevalence of 2.82% and there was statistically significant difference (p=0.00213) in proportion of infection between immune-compromised and apparently healthy subjects. For type of samples, faecal material had 11(8.46%) positive cases while no Cryptosporidium was detected in all the urine samples. Male had the highest prevalence of 7.27%, while female had 5.00% Cryptosporidium infection. For age, the highest prevalence was in people within 15 – 25 years (9.09%) and lowest (6.25%) among 36 – 45 years old. People with educational level below primary school had highest prevalence (5.55%) though there was no association between proportion of infection and educational level of subjects (P=0.9618).  Subjects who wash their hands before meal had lowest prevalence (0.68%) while those who never wash hand before meal had highest infection (16.6%), those who said that they consumed roadside food had (6,66%) infection. Subjects who used piped water had 6.25% infection, while those who buy water from other sources had 3.06% infection. Those who source water from stream/river had 3.13% infection. Sources of drinking water were associated to proportion of infection (p<0.05). In conclusion, cryptosporidiosis is one of the health problems of immune-compromised patients in Enugu town. These findings confirmed that risk factors such as educational level, age, and types of food and water source are epidemiological factors of Cryptosporidium infection in human

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, INVESTIGATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT IN CASES OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Background: Reduced or full suspension of blood flow to a region of the myocardium causes myocardial infarction (MI), sometimes known as "heart attack." Myocardial infarction can be "silent," causing hemodynamic deterioration and abrupt death, or it can be a catastrophic event that causes hemodynamic deterioration and death. The most common cause of myocardial infarction is coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. The myocardium is deprived of oxygen when a coronary artery is blocked. Myocardial cell loss and necrosis can occur when the myocardium is deprived of oxygen for an extended period. Patients may complain of chest pain or pressure that spreads to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm. Myocardial ischemia may be accompanied by ECG alterations and elevated biochemical markers such as cardiac troponins, in addition to the history and physical exam. This exercise covers the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of myocardial infarction, as well as the role of the interprofessional team in enhancing patient care. Conclusion: This review article aims to review the basic pathophysiology of myocardial infarction, explain the management protocol when a patient is diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, including all necessary laboratory and another diagnostic testing, summarise long-term management and rehabilitation for a patient post-MI, and explain interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance the prevention and management of myocardial infarction

STRESS, EMOTIONS, AND COPING: THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS WHO RAISE ADOLESCENTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the relationship between primary caregivers and their adolescents who have bipolar disorder and the caregivers’ coping and adapting skills in handling their adolescents’ behaviors. The caregivers’ perceptions of their coping and adapting skills were interpreted and analyzed through transcribing, coding, and mapping processes by using Creswell’s six-coding step strategy [1]. The data were analyzed using Blumer’s [2] symbolic interaction, and constructs from R. Lazarus’s [3] stress and emotion theory, Selye’s [4] stress theory, and R. Lazarus and Folkman’s [5] transactional model of stress and coping provided the foundation of this phenomenological study to explore the stress and emotions of the primary caregivers of adolescents with bipolar disorder. Sixteen caregivers from North Carolina were selected by purposive sampling (snowball sampling) to share their stories during semi-structured interviews. The results of this qualitative analysis were examined using a phenomenological approach that took advantage of narrative inquiry and symbolic interaction that looked for emergent themes. Primary thematic results indicated that the primary caregivers of adolescents with bipolar disorder encountered stress, physical alignments, and emotional problems that often led to damaged marriages; strained or broken family relations; employment problems; and negative associations with neighbors, law enforcement, social services, and the school system. An unexpected finding was that the men in the study who were caring for adolescents with bipolar disorder were more likely than women in similar circumstances to prefer physical methods such as jogging and walking as ways to reduce their stress. No other studies found this specific finding. Results will be used to enhancethe current literature by providingempirical insights that support the need for further research into bipolar disorder among adolescents

EVALUATION OF THE BURDEN OF PEDESTRIANS’ INJURIES IN QATAR FROM ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN TERMS OF HEALTH CARE RESOURCES AND COST

Background: Road traffic injures is a significant public health issue which increase the global concern after being the tenth leading causes of death worldwide. The major victims from this issue are road users which include drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. According to Qatar National Road Safety Strategy, every year around 220 people lose their lives and a further 550 victims are seriously injured due to road traffic accidents (National Road Safety Strategy, 2013-2022). However, pedestrians’ fatal injuries constitute about twelve percent of the total death rate. Objective: To investigate the health care resources and costs burden of pedestrian injuries from Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) in Qatar during 2009 to 2011 and to estimate the injury severity score and mortality rates among these patients in order to provide evidence on the burden of managing pedestrians’ injuries in Qatar. Methods: A retrospective cross sectional analysis of data collected from Hamad General Hospital trauma registry between January 2009 and December 2011. We used a cost model for various healthcare services used by the HMC Finance Department. Resource use and cost data are produced across various injury severity scores and years. Since this study is investigating and analyzing pedestrians’ injury resources and costs, the injury severity score is chosen as the main variable reflecting the total cost, length of stay (LOS) cost, intensive care unit (ICU) cost, ward unit cost, total procedure cost, total diagnostic cost, and blood unit cost. The frequency of sex, nationality 1 (Arab – Non-Arab – Qatari), nationality 2 (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and others), and year were analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: The discoveries of this report could be determined as the following; the majority of pedestrians’ injury was males and the highest rate of admission was in year 2011. It can be noticed that there are significant differences in diagnosis cost due to years with p-value <0.0001. The injury severity score had a strong relationship with the total cost, length of stay (LOS), total procedure cost, total diagnostic cost, and blood unit cost. Thus, there are significant differences between groups of total procedure cost, LOS cost, blood unit cost, and total cost due to ISS with p-value <0.0001. The injury severity score had a strong relationship with the total cost, length of stay (LOS), total procedure cost, total diagnostic cost, and blood unit cost. Conclusion: This report offers evidence on healthcare resources and costs burden of pedestrians’ injuries over three years period in Qatar. It gives indication on how to better manage these patients in terms of healthcare resource allocations, and can be used in future planning by policy makers

DETERMINATION OF T. vaginalis AND OTHER ASSOCIATED STIs AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ABA NORTH, ABIA STATE NIGERIA

Trichomoniasis is a global public health problem affecting human genitals especially women with severe complications in pregnancy. It is poorly reported. A cross sectional survey of pregnant women in Aba North local council, Abia State southeast Nigeria was undertaken using specimen microscopy and structured questionnaire. Of 286 women investigated the overall prevalence of T. vaginalis alone in the population was 2.1%.  T. vaginalis disease proportion was associated with age (p < 0.05). Age range of 25-29 years had highest prevalence (4.8%) while 30-34 years had the least infection (1.05%). Pregnant mothers < 18 years and those within 35 years and above had no T. vaginalis infection. There was no association between trimester and disease proportion (p > 0.05). Of other STIs observed, Candida infection was highest (35.3%) while Chlamydia sp had the least prevalence (0.35%). Pregnant mothers within age of 25–29 years had more Candida infection (63.9%) than age group of 40 years and above. E. coli, Bacteria vaginosis, Staph aureus, and Chlamydia sp, had prevalences of 11.6%, 6.32%, 15.79%, and 1.05% respectively. Proportion of T. vaginalis, Candida, and E. coli infections in relation to age were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Proportions of observed STIs were significantly (p<0.05) associated with marital status. Candida sp and Staph aureus infections were more prevalent among traders and least among housewives. T. vaginalis and other STIs were not associated with level of education (p>0.05). There was significant (p<0.05) relationship between number of sex partners and sexually transmitted infections. Use of contraceptive such as condom was associated with proportion of infection (p < 0.05). T. vaginalis and other STIs are important public health threat in Aba hence routine screening and education of women about safe sex are highly recommended

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF MALARIA IN TAMIL NADU STATE IN INDIA

Background: To the best knowledge of the author, there is no available literature on the status of Malaria in Tamil Nadu. Hence the preparation of this document. Objectives: To assess the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) and number of Malaria cases in Tamil Nadu as recently as possible (from 2017-2021). Methods: By studying the documents prepared by the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases (NCVBD) and doing a web search on Malaria in Tamil Nadu. Results: It is seen that the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of Malaria in Tamil Nadu had come down to the very low level of 0.05 in 2018 and that there were only 772 cases of Malaria in Tamil Nadu during 2021. Conclusions: Tamil Nadu is very close to achieving near-elimination goals but will have to take active measures to reach it

ASSESSMENT SERUM GLUCOSE AND PLASMA GLUCOSE UNDER IDENTICAL CONDITIONS

According to the International Diabetes Federation, South and Central America region has the proportion of 41.9% people with diabetes who are undiagnosed. Several factors influence the stability of glucose values after collection as “in vitro” glycolysis. Aim of this study was to compare the fasting glucose levels either in plasma or in serum under identical conditions. Methodology: Blood samples were collected in K2 EDTA and serum tubes with clot activator and both tubes were maintained in upright position for 30 min at room temperature to allow clot formation. Also, linear regression model was used for evaluate la relationship between glucose plasma and glucose serum and multiple linear regression was used and two model for obtain coefficients adjusted by hematology parameters covariates. Results: Mean glucose in serum tube was -1.57 mg/dl than K2 EDTA tube and that was no statistically significant difference for glucose (p = 0.41) and neither clinically significant. But on the other hand, serum glucose increases by 1 mg/dl; while EDTA glucose increases by an average of 0.59 mg/dl (p<0.05). Conclusion: Serum glucose is similar to plasma glucose when hematology parameters between the reference range