Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research
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BACKGROUND Beginning in the 2020 spring semester, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all school-age children in China were homeschooled via live/recorded broadcasts, online group communication, and software-based homework submission. This study assessed the effects of and proper preparation for this educational approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS The homeschooling behaviors and feelings of school-age children were assessed with 2010 online surveys obtained separately from students, parents, and teachers of grades 1-9 in 15 Chinese provinces. ⋯ CONCLUSIONS Students should continue the going-to-school rhythm at home to cope with changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrated grade-specific approaches are needed. Because long screen time and insufficient outdoor activities can severely affect children's eyesight, appropriate eye-protection measures should be implemented.
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BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocytes (LYM), and the ratio of CRP to LYM (CRP/LYM) on assessing the prognosis of COVID-19 severity at early stages of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 108 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from January 17, 2020 to March 12, 2020 were enrolled. Data of demographic parameters, clinical characteristics, laboratory indicators, clinical manifestation, and outcome of disease were collected. ⋯ The associated criterion value of CRP/LYM was calculated, with an excellent sensitivity of 95.83%. CONCLUSIONS The effect of CRP/LYM and CRP on the assessment for severe COVID-19 may be superior to LYM alone. CRP/LYM is a highly sensitive indicator to assess the severity of COVID-19 in the early stage of disease.
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BACKGROUND The rapid worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has placed patients with pre-existing conditions at risk of severe morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS This study enrolled 336 consecutive patients with confirmed severe COVID-19, including 28 diagnosed with COPD, from January 20, 2020, to April 1, 2020. ⋯ Of the 28 patients with COPD, 22 (78.6%) died, a rate significantly higher than in patients without COPD (36.0%). A comparison of surviving and non-surviving patients with severe COVID-19 and COPD showed that those who died had a longer history of COPD, more fatigue, and a higher ICU occupancy rate, but a shorter average hospital stay, than those who survived. CONCLUSIONS COPD increases the risks of death and negative outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of a Preoperative Carbohydrate-Rich Drink Before Ambulatory Surgery: A Randomized Controlled, Double-Blinded Study.
BACKGROUND The guidelines recommend oral carbohydrates up to 2 hr before elective surgery. The objective of this study was to explore the safety and feasibility of preoperative carbohydrate drink in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients undergoing ambulatory surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. ⋯ Blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium) and glucose concentration levels were similar in both groups at T₂. No gastric regurgitation or pulmonary aspiration was recorded. CONCLUSIONS Administration of 200 mL of oral carbohydrate beverage 2 hr before ambulatory surgery is safe, effective, and can be used for preoperative management of fasting patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Elevated Lateral Position Improves the Success of Paramedian Approach Subarachnoid Puncture in Spinal Anesthesia before Hip Fracture Surgery in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine whether an elevated lateral recumbent position, compared to regular lateral recumbent position, may reduce the number of needle passes and attempts required for success subarachnoid puncture in spinal aesthesia before surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a randomized controlled interventional study in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. Patients older than 65 years of age with hip fracture orthopedics who were planned to receive subarachnoid block in the lateral recumbent position before surgery were enrolled. ⋯ The procedure process, including overall times needed for puncture, anesthesia, and surgery did not show differences between the 2 groups. Complications were few and similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS An elevated lateral recumbent position during the subarachnoid puncture in spinal anesthesia significantly reduced the needle pass numbers needed for success dural puncture, and reduced discomfort in elderly patients with hip fractures.