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Journal of Pharmaceutical and... Apr 2024MDPHP is a synthetic cathinone (SC) belonging to α-pyrrolidinophenone derivatives. It is a central nervous system stimulant and may induce hallucinations, paranoia,...
MDPHP is a synthetic cathinone (SC) belonging to α-pyrrolidinophenone derivatives. It is a central nervous system stimulant and may induce hallucinations, paranoia, tachycardia, hypertension, chest pain, and rhabdomyolysis. In literature, a few cases of intoxication have been reported. In the present study, 17 cases of MDPHP intake were described including the analytical findings and clinical manifestations. MDPHP was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in blood (range 1.26-73.30 ng/mL) and urine (range 19.31-8769.64 ng/mL) samples. In three cases the presence of α-PHP was observed. In one case, MDPHP was the only detected substance. Concomitant use of MDPHP with other substances, particularly psychostimulants, was common and it was difficult to describe the peculiar clinical characteristics of this SC. Most of the symptoms overlapped those expected, some of them were unusual and all of them particularly severe thus inducing the research of NPS in laboratory tests. We demonstrated the presence of psychiatric, neurological, and respiratory symptoms, as well as the possible presence of rhabdomyolysis and cardiotoxicity associated with the use of MDPHP. ED admissions were also more frequent in patients with addiction problems. In some cases, MDPHP intake required intensive supportive care. A multidisciplinary approach, including specialist consultation, is recommended for patients showing challenging features. Moreover, we demonstrated that the adoption of advanced analytical techniques, i.e., liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, is necessary to detect these molecules. Further studies are needed to understand MDPHP intake patterns and associated symptoms. It is essential to raise awareness in addiction treatment centers and among potential users, especially young people, and chemsex addicted.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Synthetic Cathinone; Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid; Rhabdomyolysis
PubMed: 38277706
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115974 -
HERD Apr 2024A working group conducted a survey on the use of the principle of buffer space (BS), which in case of emergencies, could benefit healthcare settings. The aim of the...
OBJECTIVES
A working group conducted a survey on the use of the principle of buffer space (BS), which in case of emergencies, could benefit healthcare settings. The aim of the preliminary investigation is to define new research lines in hospitals' functional design.
BACKGROUND
The global experience of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted challenges faced by hospitals when responding promptly to emergencies, including spatial reorganization and suspension of ordinary medical activities for ensuring adequate management of the emergency surge of patients.
METHODS
The group designed questionnaires to be administered to healthcare staff and healthcare designers aimed at understanding varied conceptions and features of BSs. Content across the two surveys overlapped significantly, allowing for direct comparisons of responses, while also including tailored questions in relation to the respective experience and skills of the two groups of respondents.
RESULTS
102 healthcare professionals and 56 designers took part to the survey. Analysis of the responses permitted for initial recommendations regarding BS typology including (a) proximity to the emergency department (ED), intensive care units (ICUs), and inpatient wards (IWs); (b) location within hospitals but separate from other medical areas; (c) need for independent access; (d) organizational and spatial features similar to ED, ICUs, and IWs; (e) existing as a fully flexible operational space; and (f) BS bed capacity to be approximately 12% of ED beds.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the analysis is related to the Italian context, the expansion of this preliminary research to alternate healthcare facilities and geographic areas is necessary for reaching a wide consensus by different professionals on this field. It serves as a starting point for future investigations regarding the implementation of BS in hospital settings.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Hospital Design and Construction; Surveys and Questionnaires; SARS-CoV-2; Emergency Service, Hospital; Pandemics
PubMed: 38259242
DOI: 10.1177/19375867231222563 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2024Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is characterized by the association of alcohol use with compensatory behaviors such as restricting calories, physical activity and...
Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is characterized by the association of alcohol use with compensatory behaviors such as restricting calories, physical activity and purging. Despite not being part of the current nosography, research has grown in the past 10 years, mostly on college students' samples. In this study, we aim to describe the prevalence, characteristics and association of FAD with problem drinking (PD) and eating disorder risk (EDR) in a sample of Italian high school students. Participants were 900 high school students (53.6% males; mean age = 16.22) that were administered standardized questionnaires. Students who screened positive for PD, EDR and both were, respectively, 17.3%, 5.9% and 1.3%. Approximately one out four students reported FAD behaviors, mostly to control weight and by restricting calories, with higher prevalence and severity among those who screened positive for PD. Purging behaviors were rare overall (15.5%), but significantly more frequent in participants who screened positive for both PD and EDR (41.7%). FAD was more strongly associated with alcohol use severity than with ED symptom severity across all subgroups. FAD behaviors appear to be common in the Italian high school population and more strongly associated with PD. Future studies should investigate FAD's impact on adolescents' functioning and possible early interventions.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adolescent; Female; Prevalence; Alcoholism; Alcohol Drinking; Early Intervention, Educational; Feeding and Eating Disorders
PubMed: 38248546
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010083 -
Heliyon Jan 2024Cardiac involvement, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, can be a severe complication of monkeypox virus (mpox) infection and could be related to other co-infections...
When it rains, it pours: Early treatment with tecovirimat of cardiac complications associated with monkeypox infection in a person with HIV and previously undiagnosed Lyme disease. A case report.
Cardiac involvement, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, can be a severe complication of monkeypox virus (mpox) infection and could be related to other co-infections with cardiac involvement. Tecovirimat is an antiviral specifically designed to inhibit smallpox infection diffusion and approved by the FDA for other Orthopoxvirus infections; its efficacy in mpox-infected patients is not well established. We present the case of a cardiac complication during mpox infection in a previously undiagnosed Lyme disease in a 42-year-old man living with HIV. Two days after the typical maculopapular rash, the patient reported a rise in body temperature up to 39 °C, chest pain without irradiation, and shortness of breath. We found an increase in troponin level, a slight reduction in ejection fraction, and grade 2 AV block (Mobitz 1 and 2) with frequent sinus pauses (the longest of 10.1 s). Given the suspicion of myopericarditis with cardiac conduction system involvement, the patient was admitted to the Intermediate Care Unit for continuous monitoring and further evaluation. Treatment included Ibuprofen 600 mg every 12 hours (bid) and colchicine 1 mg once daily for anti-inflammatory purposes. Concomitantly, treatment with tecovirimat was started at 600 mg bid for a total of 14 days. Cardiac MRI with gadolinium showed mild interstitial edema and pericardial enhancement. However, despite the clinical and laboratory resolution of the acute phase, bradycardia with episodes of AV block persisted at follow-up, suggesting the possibility of an additional etiology. Thus, the patient was investigated for Lyme disease because high-degree AV block is the most common presentation of Lyme carditis. Serological results evidenced a previous senso latu. We decided to start treatment with doxycycline 100 mg every 12h, even pending the uncertainty of the role of a previous Lyme disease in determining the cardiac rhythm disturbances. At the evaluation on day 44, the patient was systemically well, and after cardiologist consultation, pace-maker implantation was not deemed indicated. This case underscores the importance of considering alternative causes of carditis when the clinical picture remains unclear or persists after the acute phase.
PubMed: 38226256
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23965 -
JAAD Case Reports Jan 2024
PubMed: 38204881
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.10.016 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Nov 2023During the neonatal life cycle, various dermatological conditions are common. In comparison to the skin of adults, neonates' skins are more susceptible to infections in...
BACKGROUND
During the neonatal life cycle, various dermatological conditions are common. In comparison to the skin of adults, neonates' skins are more susceptible to infections in the first week of their lives. These infections often lead to many dermatological skin complications and create worrisome among parents. Hence, it is crucial to diagnose and manage such affected neonates at the earliest. This study aimed to highlight and estimate the occurrence of numerous dermatoses and assess various skin changes that occurred physiologically and pathologically in neonates.
METHODOLOGY
In this cross-sectional observational study, 474 neonates were enrolled in the neonatal intensive care unit. The whole newborn skin surface, comprising the palms and soles, scalp, mucous membranes, genitalia, hair, and nails, was scrutinized under adequate light, and all changes that occurred over the skin were observed and recorded. The sample size estimation was undertaken from the references that have the least prevalent cutaneous dermatosis: hypertrichosis desquamation and napkin dermatosis. A statistical analysis like the Chi-square test was performed to associate the type of dermatosis with the parameters of age, gender, delivery type, and birth weight.
RESULTS
Of the total 474 cases, 90 (18.98%) had single dermatosis, while the remaining 384 (81.01%) had more than one form of dermatosis. Among the 384 cases, sebaceous gland hyperplasia (SGH) in 105 (22.15%), Epstein pearls in 50 (10.54%), erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN) in 40 (8.43%), physiological desquamation in 25 (5.27%), lanugo hair in 20 (4.21%), miliaria in 22 (4.64%), salmon patch in 13 (2.74%), cradle cap/seborrheic dermatitis in 6 (1.26%), vernix caseosa in 12 (2.53%), transient neonatal pustular melanosis in 13 (2.74%), congenital melanocytic nevus in 20 (4.21%), hemangioma in 15 (3.16%), neonatal acne in 5 (1.05%), napkin dermatitis in 10 (2.10%), cutis marmorata in 6 (1.26%), milia in 2 (0.42%) intertrigo 3 (0.63%), collodion baby in 2 (0.42%), and neonatal occipital alopecia in 2 (0.42%) neonates each and others, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The findings from the present study were representative of a specific racial/geographic distribution and will assist in adding or comparing the prevalence of neonatal dermatosis with other geographic regions as the array of dermatological characterizations in neonates varies as per time and place. This study aims to provide insight into the future implications in the neonatal dermatology domain and avoid further skin complications.
PubMed: 38186839
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_513_23 -
Journal of Nephrology Jan 2024
PubMed: 38114883
DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01864-w -
Addictive Behaviors Apr 2024Few studies have examined whether specific aspects of group identification predict problematic and non-problematic addictive behaviours and none have focused on...
Few studies have examined whether specific aspects of group identification predict problematic and non-problematic addictive behaviours and none have focused on gambling. Applying Leach et al.'s (2008) hierarchical model of in-group identification, we tested the associations between components of self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality) and components of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) on distinguishing between problem and non-problem gambling (n = 10,157) and on the severity of problematic gambling behaviour (n = 2,568). Results showed that (i) in-group-based identities are important in predicting problematic vs. non-problematic gambling behaviours; (ii) in-group-based identities are important in predicting the severity of problematic gambling; (iii) how self-invested an individual is with their in-group and aspects associated with self-definition processes are both important predictors; (iv) perceptions related to how chronically salient one's group membership is for the self (centrality) are essential features of the self-investment mechanism; and (v) self-stereotypical beliefs about one's essential similarities to the prototypical gambling group member norm are fundamental for the defining oneself as a gambler.
Topics: Humans; Gambling; Behavior, Addictive; Social Identification
PubMed: 38104421
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107936 -
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic... Nov 2023Basaloid follicular hamartoma is an uncommun benign neoplasm of the hair follicule. The linear form of basaloid follicular hamartoma can be associated with basal cell...
BACKGROUND
Basaloid follicular hamartoma is an uncommun benign neoplasm of the hair follicule. The linear form of basaloid follicular hamartoma can be associated with basal cell carcinoma. We report a case of a patient with multiple basal cell carcinomas developing on a congenital lesion allowing the diagnosis of basaloid follicular hamartoma on histopathology.
METHODS
Each lesion was evaluated by two dermatologists. All biopsy specimens were routinely stained with hematoxylin-eosin.
RESULTS
A 76 year-old-man consulted our dermatology departement for erythematous papules spread over the left lower limb. The lesion had been evolving since birth with flesh-colored to pinkish papules following Blaschko's lines from the root of the thigh to the foot. Three months before consultation, the papules increased in size leading to nodules with sometimes an ulcerated center. Dermoscopy under polarized mode displayed for ulcerated lesions (A) yellow-brownish crusts and ulceration surrounded by blue-grey ovoid nests, subtle short white streaks, brown dots and linear/arborising vessels. For nodular lesions (B), dermoscopic features are white pinkish hue, dotted and linear vessels, brown dots, blue-grey structureless areas and white prominent shiny streaks. There were some more erythematous inflamed and eroded areas in the background with a reversed honeycomb white network on dermoscopy (C), polymorphous vessels, whitish scales, ulcerations and milia-like cysts. The background lesion showed varied dermoscopic structures on a flesh colored slightly pinkish bottom (D). Histolopathology concluded for lesions A to an infiltrating and nodular basal cell carcinoma, (B) and (C) to fibroepithelioma of Pinkus and (D) to basaloid follicular hamartoma.
CONCLUSION
Several case reports have documented dermoscopic features of a solitary basaloid follicular hamartoma. However, further studies are required to specify any reproducible features.
PubMed: 38076655
DOI: No ID Found -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Nov 2023Linseed is an ancient crop used for diverse purposes since the beginning of civilization. In recent times, linseed has emerged as a superfood due to its high content of... (Review)
Review
Linseed is an ancient crop used for diverse purposes since the beginning of civilization. In recent times, linseed has emerged as a superfood due to its high content of health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids and other bioactive compounds. Among primary health effects, it has potential to manage hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, arthritis, neurological, cardiovascular diseases including blood cholesterol levels, constipation, diarrhea, and autoimmune disorders etc. due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acid, lignans, high dietary fibers, and proteins, whereas, secondary health effects comprise of relieving from various skin disorders. Due to these health-beneficial properties, interest in linseed oil necessitates the intensification of research efforts on various aspects. These include cultivation technology, varietal and genetic improvement, post-harvest processing, profiling of nutrients and bioactive compounds, pre-clinical and clinical studies, etc. The present review discussed the advances in linseed research including pre- and post-harvest processing. However, focus on the bioactive compounds present in linseed oil and their health effects are also presented. Linseed cultivation, pre- and post-harvest processing aspects are covered including climatic, edaphic, agronomic factors, type of cultivar and storage conditions etc, which impact the overall oil yield and its nutritional quality. Various emerging applications of linseed oil in functional food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical preparations were also presented in detail. Further, recommendations were made on linseed oil research in the field of genetics, breeding germplasm resources and genome editing for exploring its full applications as a nutrition and health product.
PubMed: 38032160
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2280768