Tag: nevin manimala

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):442. doi: 10.1186/s12906-023-04278-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Natural health products (NHPs), including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements, are the most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients. Our survey determined the attitudes and behaviors of cancer patients toward natural complementary therapies that should be considered to implement an integrative approach in the future.

METHODS: Our survey was conducted in four hospitals in Belgium. Questionnaires were posted online from October 2020 to October 2021 for cancer patients. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A [Formula: see text] test was applied to study the type of NHP consumed according to diagnosis time. Fischer’s exact test compared patients who had changed their consumption since diagnosis and those who had not.

RESULTS: Out of 349 questionnaires collected, only 59 met all inclusion criteria. 83.1 % of the patients agreed that conventional medicine (CM) could benefit from complementary therapies, but they did not estimate (72.3 % of the patients) that those latter are more effective than conventional medicine. More than half of the patients used five or more NHPs. The most frequent NHPs consumed daily were vitamins (64.4 %), followed by other products (i.e., probiotics, gemmotherapy, birch sap and omega 3/6) (42.4 %) and herbs (40.7 %). Almost all patients started taking NHPs before their cancer diagnosis, but 72.7 % have changed their consumption significantly (p = 0.009) since their diagnosis. Boosting the immune system (79.7 %) and limiting conventional treatment side effects (76.9 %) were the most common reasons for NHPs’ use. 74.4 % of the patients did not take complementary therapies to delay or avoid conventional treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination and high diversity of NHPs consumption highlight the importance of educating patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) about the risk of drug interactions associated with these natural products. Most cancer patients are more interested in using this non-mainstream medicine to complement their conventional treatment than as an alternative. Knowing the patients’ reasons and understanding patients’ attitudes toward NHPs will be essential for HCPs to address NHPs’ use.

PMID:38057795 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-023-04278-0

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):971. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03639-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To measure adequate enamel thickness of maxillary incisors in planning enamel reduction for a porcelain laminate veneer restoration in relation to chronological age and sex by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an Iraqi subpopulation.

METHODS: From 81 CBCT images, 324 maxillary incisors were examined. Enamel thickness was measured at both mesial and distal regions of the tooth in three different levels: cervical, middle, and incisal (occlusal) 1/3 at a sagittal section. Measurements were made for the following tooth areas using CBCT: facial enamel thickness at 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), palatal enamel thickness at 5 mm from the CEJ (5 mm P), facial and palatal enamel thickness at the incisal edge (IFP), mid incisal enamel thickness (IET), and the incisal edge enamel-pulp distance (IEPD). Relationships of enamel thickness with age and sex were evaluated using Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and the Pearson correlation coefficient, a simple linear regression analysis used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in terms of an inverse association between enamel thickness and chronological age at all measurements above the CEJ and the regression model for the mid-incisal enamel thickness was (R2 of 0.4). In contrast, there was an increase in IFP, palatal, and IPED enamel thickness with age. Also, significant differences were found in enamel thickness between males and females, the enamel being thicker in females in relation to facial enamel thickness, enamel palatal thickness above CEJ and IET, while for IEPD, the enamel thickness was greater in males compared to females.

CONCLUSION: The measurements for enamel thickness outcome variables in relation to chronological age revealed significant differences for each measured distance and there were statistically significant differences in enamel thickness between males and females at all measurements except at IFP. These results demonstrate that CBCT can be used for noninvasive, accurate measurements of enamel thickness in both sex.

PMID:38057794 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03639-y

BMC Nurs. 2023 Dec 6;22(1):460. doi: 10.1186/s12912-023-01611-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intensive care units (ICUs) are often too noisy, exceeding 70-80 dBA, which can have negative effects on staff. The corresponding recommendation of the World Health Organization (average sound pressure level below 35 dBA) is often not achieved. To date there is a lack of intervention studies examining the extent to which unit-based noise management in ICUs contributes to a reduction in noise exposure for the staff. The study therefore aims to provide answers to 1) how unit-based noise management sustainably reduces the subjective noise exposure among staff, and 2) how this intervention affects other noise-related topics.

METHODS: We performed a monocentric prospective longitudinal study with three measurement points in a German university hospital in three ICUs. We collected data from different healthcare professionals and other professional groups between October 2021 and August 2022 using an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inference statistics.

RESULTS: A total of n = 179 participants took part in the surveys. The majority of participants were nurses or pediatric nurses. Most participants worked more than 75% full-time equivalent. Staff on the three ICUs reported high levels of noise exposure. No significant changes in noise exposure over time were observed. Participants were already aware of the topic and believed that a behavior change could positively influence the noise environment.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an initial insight into how a unit-based noise management could contribute to a reduction in the subjective noise exposure among staff in ICUs. The results of this study highlight the importance of this topic. Future studies should aim to research aspects of adherence and their facilitators or barriers, which promote the sustained implementation of noise-reducing measures by staff.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00025835; Date of registration: 12.08.2021.

PMID:38057790 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-023-01611-3

BMC Palliat Care. 2023 Dec 7;22(1):195. doi: 10.1186/s12904-023-01316-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) are clinical settings where patient loss is frequently experienced. A sense of professional grief and posttraumatic growth in nurses who have experienced patient loss has a significant impact on psychological and physical health, work satisfaction, turnover rates, as well as on personal and professional relations, and employee loyalty. The aim of this study was to investigate grief and posttraumatic growth in PICU nurses and to examine related factors.

METHODS: The study is of cross-sectional design and was conducted with 200 nurses who were working in 87 PICU’s around Turkey during the period March 30 – June 30, 2021. Data were collected with a Descriptive Information Form, the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and an open-ended question asking for suggestions as to how nurses can cope with loss. Online questionnaires were used in the data collection. Descriptive statistics, the student t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and post-hoc tests were employed in the analysis of the data.

RESULTS: The nurses’ mean scores were 49.425 ± 10.868 on TRIG and 61.450 ± 24.934 on PTGI. A negative weak correlation was found between the intensity of the nurses’ grief and their posttraumatic growth (r = 0.144, p = 0.041). Receiving training on dealing with a patient’s terminal stage (t=-2.688, p = 0.001), feeling comfortable about providing the patient’s care (t = 2.624, p = 0.009) and providing the family with emotional support during patient care (t = 1.979, p = 0.049), and the presence of supporting health professionals reduced levels of grief (t = 2.797, p = 0.000). Being a woman (t = 3.299, p = 0.001), willingness to work in the unit (t=-3.219, p = 0.002), and being given enough time to accept the loss (t = 3.986, p = 0.000) were correlated with higher levels of posttraumatic growth. The nurses most commonly wanted more time allotted to recuperate after a loss (n = 35) and professional support (n = 22).

CONCLUSIONS: Nurses experience a moderate sense of grief after a patient’s loss. As levels of grief decrease, posttraumatic growth increases. Healthcare administrators and future researchers can benefit from these findings when planning supportive interventions to help nurses cope with their feelings of grief and achieve posttraumatic growth.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: A limitation of the study is that it was conducted only with nurses who were Association members.

PMID:38057788 | DOI:10.1186/s12904-023-01316-z

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):974. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03687-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many monolithic machined materials have been introduced and provided a suitable mechanical and physical properties for inlay restorations. However, there is shortage in the studies evaluating the marginal adaptation using these materials.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effect of fabricating inlay restorations from 3 different CAD-CAM materials on marginal gaps before and after thermocycling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human premolars were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 20) according to the material used: (e.max CAD, Ivoclar AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein), (HC, Shofu, Koyoto, Japan) and (Brilliant Crios, Coltene, Altstätten, Switzerland) (n = 20). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) (JSM- 6510 lv, JEOL, Tokyo, JAPAN) was used to for measuring the marginal gaps after cementation of inlay restorations. The magnification was adapted to 250x. Marginal gaps were revaluated with SEM after thermocycling. The temperatures of baths were 5 and 55 °C was applied for a total of 5000 cycles. All data were statistically analyzed by using ANCOVA to demonstrate if there were any statistically significant differences between the gap measures after thermocycling of the three independent (unrelated) groups. A Bonferroni adjustmen was used to perform post hoc analysis (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: Post-intervention marginal gap was statistically significantly lower in group EX (110.8 μm) which was statistically significant compared with group SF (112.5 μm) (mean difference=-1.768, P = .007) and group BR (113 μm) (mean difference=-2.272, P = .001), however, in. comparing SF and BR groups, there was no significant difference (mean difference=-0.5, P = .770).

CONCLUSIONS: Thermocycling affected the marginal gaps of composite based restoration and resin-modified ceramics widely. However, it had a very small effect on glass ceramics marginal adaptation.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The marginal gaps of CAD-CAM inlays varied according to material used (ceramic based, combination, or resin based). Thermocycling has a minor effect on the marginal adaptation of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic inlays, where it affected the margin of resin-modified ceramic and composite based inlays greatly. Using lithium disilicate glass-ceramic might improve the clinical longevity of inlay restored teeth.

PMID:38057781 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03687-4

BMC Public Health. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):2430. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16790-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Those experiencing houselessness rely on obtaining food from community organizers and donations. Simultaneously, the houseless face disproportionally high rates of medical conditions that may be affected by diet including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. There is limited literature on the resources and barriers of the houseless community regarding optimal nutrition from an actionable perspective. Further, less data is available on how street medicine organizations may best impact the nutrition of the unhoused they serve. Elucidating this information will inform how organizational efforts may best support the nutrition of the houseless community.

METHODS: In partnership with the medical student-run organization, Chicago Street Medicine, at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, twenty adults experiencing houselessness in Chicago, Illinois participated in the cross-sectional study. A 10-item survey was verbally administered to characterize the participants’ daily food intake, food sources, barriers, resources, and nutritional preferences and needs. All data was directly transcribed into REDCap. Descriptive statistics were generated.

RESULTS: Individuals consumed a median of 2 snacks and meals per day (IQR: 1-3). No participant consumed adequate servings of every food group, with only one participant meeting the dietary intake requirements for one food group. Participants most often received their food from donations (n = 15), purchasing themselves (n = 11), food pantries (n = 4), and shelters (n = 3). Eleven of nineteen participants endorsed dental concerns as a major barrier to consuming certain foods. Twelve participants had access to a can opener and twelve could heat their meals on a stove or microwave. Seven had access to kitchen facilities where they may prepare a meal. Approximately half of participants had been counseled by a physician to maintain a particular diet, with most related to reducing sugar intake.

CONCLUSION: Most houseless participants were unable to acquire a balanced diet and often relied on organizational efforts to eat. Organizations should consider the chronic health conditions, dentition needs, and physical resources and barriers to optimal nutrition when obtaining food to distribute to the unhoused.

PMID:38057780 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-023-16790-6

BMC Prim Care. 2023 Dec 7;24(1):264. doi: 10.1186/s12875-023-02226-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) can cause significant burden in children. So far, pharmacological treatment has not been proven beneficial. More rigorous interventions have not been well studied. Current guidelines advise a “wait and see” policy. However, children and their parents frequently visit their GP requesting intervention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain insight into the approach to MC by GPs and parents’ expectations and to investigate willingness to participate in an interventional study.

METHODS: A survey study was carried out among GPs and parents using a questionnaire for each group inquiring about MC and potential study participation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results and logistical regression to investigate factors influencing participation.

RESULTS: The majority of GPs (88%) preferred an expectative approach; only 21% were willing to participate in a trial as proposed. GPs estimating ≥ 50% of parents would request treatment, were more likely to participate. Most responding parents did or would visit their GP requesting treatment. In contrast to GPs, 58% were willing to participate. Parents preferring cryotherapy or curettage were more likely to participate.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the majority of GPs preferred a conservative approach, adhering to current guidelines. However, most parents preferred treatment to resolve MC and symptoms. Parents’ willingness to participate was much higher than GP’s, reflecting parents’ desire for treatment. These findings underscore the need for continued therapeutic research. Careful preparation and selection of GPs and patients will be essential to ensure the feasibility of such an endeavor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This survey study was not part of a clinical trial.

PMID:38057771 | DOI:10.1186/s12875-023-02226-y

Cancer Cell Int. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):310. doi: 10.1186/s12935-023-03124-0.

ABSTRACT

This work compared the metabolic profile of a parental MDA-MB-231 cisplatin-sensitive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line with that of a derived cisplatin-resistant line, to characterize inherent metabolic adaptations to resistance, as a means for marker and new TNBC therapies discovery. Supported by cytotoxic, microscopic and biochemical characterization of both lines, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics was employed to characterize cell polar extracts for the two cell lines, as a function of time (0, 24 and 48 h), and identify statistically relevant differences both between sensitive and resistant cells and their time course behavior. Biochemical results revealed a slight increase in activation of the NF-κB pathway and a marked decrease of the ERK signaling pathway in resistant cells. This was accompanied by lower glycolytic and glutaminolytic activities, possibly linked to glutamine being required to increase stemness capacity and, hence, higher survival to cisplatin. The TCA cycle dynamics seemed to be time-dependent, with an apparent activation at 48 h preferentially supported by anaplerotic aromatic amino acids, leucine and lysine. A distinct behavior of leucine, compared to the other branched-chain-amino-acids, suggested the importance of the recognized relationship between leucine and in mTOR-mediated autophagy to increase resistance. Suggested markers of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cisplatin-resistance included higher phosphocreatine/creatine ratios, hypotaurine/taurine-mediated antioxidant protective mechanisms, a generalized marked depletion in nucleotides/nucleosides, and a distinctive pattern of choline compounds. Although the putative hypotheses generated here require biological demonstration, they pave the way to the use of metabolites as markers of cisplatin-resistance in TNBC and as guidance to develop therapies.

PMID:38057765 | DOI:10.1186/s12935-023-03124-0

BMC Urol. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):202. doi: 10.1186/s12894-023-01374-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent tumor in men, and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) serves as the primary marker for diagnosis, recurrence, and disease-free status. PSA levels post-treatment guide physicians in gauging disease progression and tumor status (low or high). Clinical follow-up relies on monitoring PSA over time, forming the basis for dynamic prediction. Our study proposes a joint model of longitudinal PSA and time to tumor shrinkage, incorporating baseline variables. The research aims to assess tumor status post-treatment for dynamic prediction, utilizing joint assessment of PSA measurements and time to tumor status.

METHODS: We propose a joint model for longitudinal PSA and time to tumor shrinkage, taking into account baseline BMI and post-treatment factors, including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), prostatectomy, and various combinations of these interventions. The model employs a mixed-effect sub-model for longitudinal PSA and an event time sub-model for tumor shrinkage.

RESULTS: Results emphasize the significance of baseline factors in understanding the relationship between PSA trajectories and tumor status. Patients with low tumor status consistently exhibit low PSA values, decreasing exponentially within one month post-treatment. The correlation between PSA levels and tumor shrinkage is evident, with the considered factors proving to be significant in both sub-models.

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to other treatment options, ADT is the most effective in achieving a low tumor status, as evidenced by a decrease in PSA levels after months of treatment. Patients with an increased BMI were more likely to attain a low tumor status. The research enhances dynamic prediction for PCa patients, utilizing joint analysis of PSA and time to tumor shrinkage post-treatment. The developed model facilitates more effective and personalized decision-making in PCa care.

PMID:38057759 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-023-01374-8

BMC Gastroenterol. 2023 Dec 6;23(1):428. doi: 10.1186/s12876-023-03061-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The D2 procedure has been accepted as the standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer (GC) in East Asia. Determination of the number of lymph nodes (LNs) after gastrectomy may influence the pathological stage assessment of lymph node metastasis, significantly influencing prognostic evaluations and formulation of chemotherapy regimens.

METHODS: Between January 2020 and January 2022, the medical files of 312 patients with clinical stage T0-4aN0-3M0 gastric cancer were reviewed retrospectively, and the patients were assigned to the normal group (lymph nodes were examined roughly), manual group (lymph nodes were manually examined meticulously), and device group (lymph nodes were examined by device). The clinical and pathologic characteristics, number of lymph nodes harvested, and the time required for lymph node examination was compared.

RESULTS: A total of 312 gastric cancer patients (mean age 65.8 ± 10.3 years, 85 females and 227 males) underwent gastrectomy with curative intent at our department. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, clinical TNM stage, and pathologic TNM stage in the three groups showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes in the normal, manual, and device group was 24.2, 36.6 and 35.2, respectively, which showed significant differences (P < 0.0001). The mean number of positive lymph nodes in the normal, manual, and device group was 3.5, 3.9 and 3.9, respectively (P = 0.99). The mean time consumption in device group was 15 min while the time consumption in manual group was 52.3 min, which showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: This improved lymph node examination method offers a simple approach that is worth promoting, and it can improve the number of harvested lymph nodes efficiently.

PMID:38057758 | DOI:10.1186/s12876-023-03061-2