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Journal of Personalized Medicine Apr 2021Intravenous ports serve as vascular access and are indispensable in cancer treatment. Most studies are not based on a systematic and standardized approach. Hence, the...
Intravenous ports serve as vascular access and are indispensable in cancer treatment. Most studies are not based on a systematic and standardized approach. Hence, the aim of this study was to demonstrate long-term results of port implantation following a standard algorithm. A total of 2950 patients who underwent intravenous port implantation between March 2012 and December 2018 were included. Data of patients managed following a standard algorithm were analyzed for safety and long-term outcomes. The cephalic vein was the predominant choice of entry vessel. In female patients, wire assistance without use of puncture sheath was less likely and echo-guided puncture via internal jugular vein (IJV) with use of puncture sheath was more likely to be performed, compared to male patients ( < 0.0001). The procedure-related complication rate was 0.07%, and no pneumothorax, hematoma, catheter kinking, catheter fracture, or pocket erosion was reported. Catheter implantations by echo-guided puncture via IJV notably declined from 4.67% to 0.99% ( = 0.027). Mean operative time gradually declined from 37.88 min in 2012 to 23.20 min in 2018. The proposed standard algorithm for port implantation reduced the need for IJV echo-guided approach and eliminated procedure-related catastrophic complications. In addition, it shortened operative time and demonstrated good functional results.
PubMed: 33923312
DOI: 10.3390/jpm11050344 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Oct 2020The occupational environment influences oral health to a greater extent. The unique environment in the steel factory might influence oral health and oral health-related...
INTRODUCTION
The occupational environment influences oral health to a greater extent. The unique environment in the steel factory might influence oral health and oral health-related quality of life of its workers, especially those who are exposed to its environment.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
To determine oral health status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among production line and administration workers of a steel factory and assess their relationship with occupation exposure.
METHOD
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 533 production line and 517 administration workers of the steel factory aged 31-60 years using simple random sampling. The collected data includes information on demographic factors, adverse habits of the study subjects, and oral health-related quality of life using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). The oral health status was assessed using the WHO oral health assessment form 2013.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
SPSS Version 20 was used for statistical analysis. A student -test was done to compare means.
RESULTS
The prevalence of dental caries is 62.5% in the production line and 74.9% in administration workers, and the prevalence of periodontal status is 91.6% and 74.8%, respectively. The mean of OHIP-14 was 2.13 ± 0.73 in the production line and 2.33 ± 0.77 in administration workers. All domains of OHIP-14 were found to have high statistical significance with dental caries, periodontal pocket depth, loss of attachment, oral mucosal lesions, dental erosion, and dental trauma in both study groups ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
OHIP-14 scores were related significantly with oral health status indicators in both study groups. The prevalence of the periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions, and OHIP-14 scores was found to be significantly higher among production line workers.
PubMed: 33409207
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_877_20 -
HeartRhythm Case Reports Nov 2023
PubMed: 38023679
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2023.08.010 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2022The majority of ornithogenic soils studied in Antarctica focus on the influence of penguins, wherever little reports evaluated the influence of flying birds on soil...
The majority of ornithogenic soils studied in Antarctica focus on the influence of penguins, wherever little reports evaluated the influence of flying birds on soil genesis. This study aimed to characterize the morphologic, chemic, physic, mineralogic, and micromorphologic ornithogenic soil pockets influenced by flying birds in Snow Island, Maritime Antarctica. Fifteen soil pockets were selected, described, sampled and analyzed, these sites constitute the main areas with intense long-term terrestrial biological activity in Snow Island. In order to investigate the impact of phosphatization, we compared the soil pockets with the surrounding soils and soils affected by penguins. Zone of phosphatization have a high concentration of P, K, and Ca. The XRD patterns for the clay fraction of ornithogenic soils show that phosphate minerals are the main crystalline phases (leucophosphite, minyulite, fluorapatite, and apatite). We show that even under typical periglacial conditions, sites influenced by flying birds present active chemical weathering processes. The phosphatization release exchangeable bases and accelerate mineralogical and micromorphological transformations in soils. Under the current global warming trend and expected sea-level rise, the ornithogenic environments are susceptible to accelerated erosion rates and a great part of these hotspots may be lost for the open sea.
Topics: Animals; Antarctic Regions; Birds; Soil
PubMed: 35170669
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210595 -
BMC Oral Health Apr 2024Mouth dryness increases the risk of some oral health-related conditions. Furthermore, it is unclear if patients with dry mouth engage in appropriate oral health-related...
BACKGROUND
Mouth dryness increases the risk of some oral health-related conditions. Furthermore, it is unclear if patients with dry mouth engage in appropriate oral health-related behaviours. The study examined oral health, related behaviours, and perceived stress in dry-mouth patients and compared them to matched controls without mouth dryness.
METHODS
Information about 182 dry-mouth patients and 302 age- and sex-matched subjects was retrieved. Three dry mouth groups: xerostomia, Sicca syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome, were formed based on patient self-reported and objectively assessed symptoms. The World Health Organization's Oral Health for Adults and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaires inquired about sociodemographic characteristics, oral health-related behaviours, and self-perceived stress. Clinical oral health assessments included: caries experience measured as total numbers of decayed (DS), missing (MS), filled surfaces (FS), number of remaining teeth, erosive tooth wear and extent of periodontal pocketing. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable tests.
RESULTS
The dry-mouth participants had higher mean (SD) DMFS scores than their matched controls: xerostomia patients vs. controls: 74.6 (34.4) and 66.3 (35.4), Sicca syndrome patients vs. controls: 88.3 (34.0) and 70.1 (33.9), and Sjögren's syndrome patients vs. controls: 95.7 (31.5) and 74 (33.2). In comparison to controls, individuals with Sicca and patients with Sjögren's syndromes had lower mean (SD) number of remaining teeth, 15.9 (10.1) vs. 21.7 (8.4) and 13.8 (10.0) vs. 20.1 (9.2), and a lower mean (SD) extent of periodontal pocketing, 20.7 (28.6) vs. 41.1 (31.0), and 21.2 (24.1) vs. 34.8 (34.2), respectively. Xerostomia, Sicca syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome patients had higher odds of using fluoridated toothpaste; OR 1.8 (95%CI 1.1-2.9), OR 5.6 (95%CI 1.7-18.3) and OR 6.9 (95%CI 2.2-21.3), respectively. Participants with Sjögren's syndrome had lower odds of the last dental visit being within the last year; OR 0.2 (95%CI 0.1-0.8).
CONCLUSIONS
Dry-mouth patients had higher caries experience and fewer teeth than comparison groups but a lower extent of periodontal pocketing. Even though more participants with dry mouth used fluoridated toothpastes, their oral health-related behaviours were not optimal.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Sjogren's Syndrome; Oral Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Xerostomia; Periodontal Pocket; Dental Caries; Stress, Psychological; Psychological Tests; Self Report
PubMed: 38622697
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04224-7 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2024Bariatric surgery can cause oral health problems in individuals, such as an increase in dental caries, periodontal diseases and dental erosion, which can be avoided if... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgery can cause oral health problems in individuals, such as an increase in dental caries, periodontal diseases and dental erosion, which can be avoided if oral health promotion actions are implemented.
AIMS
To assess the impact of an oral health promotion program implemented among gastroplasty patients.
METHODS
This randomized clinical trial involved 208 patients undergoing gastroplasty; they were divided into two groups: Intervention Group, with participation in the Oral Health Promotion Program for Bariatric Patients, or Control Group. Assessments were carried out preoperatively, and six and 12 months postoperatively. The oral conditions assessed were: dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth wear, dental plaque, and salivary flow. Sociodemographic information was obtained through application of structured questionnaires. For data analysis, the Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, and Mann-Whitney tests were performed - α=5%.
RESULTS
Patients in the Intervention Group, when compared to those in the Control Group, presented: fewer changes in enamel (6M: p<0.0001; 12M: p=0.001), in dentin (6M: p<0.0001; 12M: p<0.0001), moderate tooth wear (6M=0.002; 12M=0.005), gingival bleeding (6M: p<0.0001), dental calculus (6M=0.002; 12M: p=0.03), periodontal pocket 4-5 mm (6M=0.001; 12M: p=<0.0001); greater reduction in the bacterial plaque index (6M: p<0.0001; 12M: p<0.0001), and increased salivary flow (6M: p=0.019).
CONCLUSIONS
The oral health promotion program had a positive impact on the prevention and control of the main problems to the oral health of the gastroplasty patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Oral Health; Female; Gastroplasty; Middle Aged; Adult; Health Promotion
PubMed: 38896700
DOI: 10.1590/0102-6720202400011e1804 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Mar 2022We reported the novel use of a taurolidine-containing antimicrobial solution in the successful salvage of a partially exposed and polymicrobially infected cardiac...
We reported the novel use of a taurolidine-containing antimicrobial solution in the successful salvage of a partially exposed and polymicrobially infected cardiac implantable electronic device pulse generator in a frail patient unfit for lead extraction. The old, salvaged device was entirely internalized, and there were no signs of recurrent infection at 9 months follow-up.
PubMed: 35323629
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9030081 -
Spinal Cord Series and Cases Nov 2023Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is an effective method of treating spasticity in persons with spasticity due to spinal cord injury (SCI), but complications are not...
INTRODUCTION
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is an effective method of treating spasticity in persons with spasticity due to spinal cord injury (SCI), but complications are not rare and can include spinal fluid leaks, infection, and catheter/pump malfunction.
CASE PRESENTATION
This study presents information related to an adult male patient with traumatic SCI and a history of two prior ITB pump pocket infections that required removal due to pump infection. The patient then developed skin erosion over the third pump, and the fluid around the pump grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, diphtheroids, and Candida parapsilosis. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics and anti-fungal medication without removal of the ITB pump. The ITB pump was eventually removed 27 months later, and the fourth pump was implanted 10 months later.
DISCUSSION
ITB pumps can be an effective treatment modality for spasticity in people with SCI; however, complications, including infection, can occur and require pump removal. This case illustrates a case of possible Candida colonization of the ITB pump, which was eventually removed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Baclofen; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Candida parapsilosis; Cervical Cord; Infusion Pumps, Implantable; Spinal Cord Injuries; Muscle Spasticity
PubMed: 38036498
DOI: 10.1038/s41394-023-00610-5 -
BMJ Open Aug 2020The 2008 financial crisis had a particularly severe impact on Greece. To contain spending, the government capped public health expenditure and introduced increased...
OBJECTIVES AND SETTING
The 2008 financial crisis had a particularly severe impact on Greece. To contain spending, the government capped public health expenditure and introduced increased cost-sharing. The Greek case is important for studying the impact of recessions on health systems. This study analysed changes in household health expenditure in Greece over the economic crisis and explored whether the impact differed across socioeconomic groups.
PARTICIPANTS
We used data from the Greek Household Budget Survey for the years 2004 and 2008-2017. The dataset comprised 51 654 households, with a total of 128 111 members.
DESIGN
We compared pre-crisis and post-crisis trends in Greek household out-of-pocket payments for healthcare from 2004 to 2017 using an interrupted time series analysis. This study explored spending in euros and as a share of total household purchases.
RESULTS
Our results indicated that the population level trend in household health spending was reversed after the crisis began (pre-crisis trend: €0.040 decrease per quarter (95% CI: -0.785 to -0.022), post-crisis trend: €0.315 increase per quarter (95% CI: -0.004 to 0.635)). We also found that spending on inpatient services and pharmaceuticals has been increasing since the start of the crisis, whereas outpatient services expenditure has been decreasing. Across all households, out-of-pocket payments incurred a greater financial burden after the crisis relative to pre-existing trends, but the poorest households incurred a disproportionately higher burden.
CONCLUSIONS
This was the first study to use an interrupted time series analysis to assess the impact of the economic crisis on household health expenditure in Greece. Our findings suggest that there was an erosion of financial protection for Greek households as a consequence of the economic crisis. This effect was particularly pronounced among poorer households, which is indicative of a regressive financing system.
Topics: Economic Recession; Family Characteristics; Greece; Health Expenditures; Humans; Interrupted Time Series Analysis
PubMed: 32784261
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038158 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Jan 2024Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been a well-established treatment modality for moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with left ventricular... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Clinical characteristics and outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure in National Hospital of Sri Lanka from year 2005 to 2020 - a retrospective observational study.
BACKGROUND
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been a well-established treatment modality for moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with left ventricular desynchrony. This is the pioneering study that analyses the cohort who underwent CRT implantation at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo from 2005 to 2020.
OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to describe socio-demographic factors, improvements in clinical outcome (symptoms, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic features), and post-CRT complications in the study population, as well as to determine the efficacy of CRT in heart failure.
METHOD
A retrospective observational study was conducted on all the living patients who had undergone CRT implantation from 2005 to 2020. The data was gathered from all the consented patients who visited the device programming clinic using a physician-administered questionnaire and clinical records. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25, and significant statistics were assessed with the McNemer test, the Student T test, and the Chi-Squared test.
RESULTS
The study included 50 patients with a mean age of 52.82+/- 11.66 years and female predominance (56%, n = 28). Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (50%, n = 25) was the leading etiological factor, followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (28%, n = 14). Clinical symptoms have improved significantly with CRT implantation (p < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in NYHA functional class (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.072 to 0.284), QRS width (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.229 to 0.534), ejection fraction (p < 0.001, 95% CI = - 16.437 to - 8.504), and LV EDD (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.89 to 9.24). Post-CRT complications included lead malfunction (6%, n = 3) and chronic (14%, n = 7), bleeding or hematoma (2%, n = 1), pocket erosion or infection (6%, n = 3), and infective endocarditis (2%, n = 1).
CONCLUSION
According to the study, CRT significantly improves both clinical and functional outcomes in patients with moderate to severe heart failure.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy; Sri Lanka; Heart Failure; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Hospitals
PubMed: 38262994
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03719-z