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Tropical Medicine & International... Jun 2024Many children in sub-Saharan Africa die from infectious diseases like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea that can be prevented by early diagnosis, effective and targeted...
OBJECTIVE
Many children in sub-Saharan Africa die from infectious diseases like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea that can be prevented by early diagnosis, effective and targeted treatment. This study aimed to gain insights into case management practices by parents before they present their children to hospital.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 332 parents attending a district hospital with their under-fives symptomatic with fever and/or diarrhoea between November 2019 and July 2020 in rural Tanzania. Timely and targeted treatment was defined as seeking health care within 24 h of fever onset, and continued fluid intake in case of diarrhoea.
RESULTS
The main admission diagnoses were acute respiratory infections (61.8%), malaria (25.3%), diarrhoea (18.4%) and suspected sepsis (8.1%). The majority of children (91%) received treatment prior to admission, mostly antipyretics (75.6%), local herbal medicines (26.8%), and antibiotics (17.8%)-half of them without prescription from a clinician. For diarrhoea, the use of oral rehydration solution was rare (9.0%), although perceived as easily accessible and affordable. 49.4% of the parents presented their children directly to the hospital, 23.2% went to a pharmacy/drug shop and 19.3% to a primary health facility first. Malaria symptoms began mostly 3 days before the hospital visit; only 25.4% of febrile children visited any health facility within 24 h of disease onset. Prior use of local herbal medicine (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.4-7.3), visiting the pharmacy (adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-9.8), the dispensary being the nearest health facility (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5-6.2), and financial difficulties (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.5) were associated with delayed treatment.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that antipyretics and antibiotics dispensed at pharmacies/drug shops, as well as use of local herbal medicines, delay early diagnosis and treatment, which can be life-threatening. Pharmacies/drug shops could be integrated as key focal points for sensitising community members on how to respond to paediatric illnesses and encourage the use of oral rehydration solutions.
PubMed: 38888511
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14022 -
Scandinavian Journal of Pain Jan 2024Chronic pain is highly prevalent in nursing home residents and often occurs with depression as well as cognitive impairment, which can severely influence and limit the...
OBJECTIVES
Chronic pain is highly prevalent in nursing home residents and often occurs with depression as well as cognitive impairment, which can severely influence and limit the expression of pain.
METHODS
The present cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pain, depressive mood, and cognitive impairment in association with pharmacological treatment against pain and depressive symptoms among Swedish nursing home residents.
RESULTS
We found an overall pain prevalence of 52.8%, a prevalence of 63.1% for being in a depressive mood, and a prevalence of cognitive impairment of 68.3%. Among individuals assessed to have depressive mood, 60.5% were also assessed to have pain. The prevalence of pharmacological treatment for pain was 77.5 and 54.1% for antidepressants. Prescription of pharmacological treatment against pain was associated with reports of currently having pain, and paracetamol was the most prescribed drug. A higher cognitive function was associated with more filled prescriptions of drugs for neuropathic pain, paracetamol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which could indicate an undertreatment of pain in those cognitively impaired.
CONCLUSION
It is important to further explore the relationship between pain, depressive mood, and cognitive impairment in regard to pain management in nursing home residents.
Topics: Humans; Nursing Homes; Sweden; Male; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Depression; Aged, 80 and over; Aged; Cognitive Dysfunction; Pain Management; Antidepressive Agents; Chronic Pain; Acetaminophen; Analgesics
PubMed: 38887790
DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2024-0007 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing Jun 2024The research was conducted to determine the practices of parents regarding the fever management of their children and reveal the relationship between their health...
AIMS
The research was conducted to determine the practices of parents regarding the fever management of their children and reveal the relationship between their health literacy (HL) and fever management of their children.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study was used.
METHODS
This study was carried out with 242 parents. The data were collected using the Parent Descriptive Information Form, Turkish HL Scale-32 and Parents' Fever Management Scale between September 2021 and September 2022. The data were evaluated with the SPSS program, using percentages, averages, Pearson's correlation and regression analysis.
RESULTS
The mean age of the parents was 31.87 ± 6.59. The parents' mean Parents' Fever Management Scale score was 36.22. It means that parents had high fever management practice. Their mean Turkish HL Scale-32 total score was 34.43. 51.6% of the parents had a problematic or insufficient HL level. In the cases of fever, 61.2% of the parents stated that they took off the child's clothes, 69.0% measured temperature from the armpit, and 55.4% gave antipyretics according to the doctor's prescription. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the Parents' Fever Management Scale and Turkish HL Scale-32. It is observed that 8.2% of the change in parents' fever management is explained by HL.
CONCLUSION
The study found that with an increase in parents' HL, fever management of their children also increased.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE
Emerging evidence showed that developing parents' HL knowledge and skills could be an option/approach in fever management. It should be a basic nursing skill that to provide HL support to parents.
REPORTING METHOD
This study adhered to the relevant cross-sectional STROBE (the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patient or public contribution.
PubMed: 38887109
DOI: 10.1111/jan.16275 -
Cureus May 2024Chenopodium ambrosioides L. is a plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, known for its use in traditional medicine as a remedy for its antiseptic, analgesic,...
Chenopodium ambrosioides L. is a plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, known for its use in traditional medicine as a remedy for its antiseptic, analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for its therapeutic properties internally as an infusion or externally as a vermifuge. Its use can be responsible for serious, even fatal, side effects and intoxications, particularly in infants and children. These may include neurological, digestive, hepatic, or renal complications. We present a case of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. intoxication in a four-year-old girl, resulting from repeated high-dose infusions of this plant for antipyretic purposes. She was admitted to the pediatric emergency department for management of a disorder of consciousness four hours after ingesting Chenopodium ambrosioides L. to treat acute fever.
PubMed: 38883026
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60351 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024also known as the "King of Bitters" is a herbal medicine of the family which is native to India and Sri Lanka. is a very useful medicinal plant as it has antioxidant,...
also known as the "King of Bitters" is a herbal medicine of the family which is native to India and Sri Lanka. is a very useful medicinal plant as it has antioxidant, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anticancer properties. The main antibacterial activity of is due to the presence of andrographolide and arabinogalactan proteins. The medicinal properties of rose are mostly due to their abundance in phenolic compounds. They have many pharmacological properties like antibacterial, antioxidant, thrombolytic, and anticancer properties. The hips of the rose plant have Vitamin C in a concentration that is three times more than a citrus fruit that can be used in the treatment of a flu or a cold. Mueller-Hinton agar was utilized for this activity to determine the zone of inhibition. The plant extracts with different concentrations were loaded, and the plates were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. After the incubation time, the zone of inhibition was measured. The results of this study are significant because they demonstrate the antibacterial activity of against three bacterial pathogens. This suggests that the formulation of has potential as a natural antibacterial agent. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanism of action and potential applications of this formulation. In conclusion, the study shows that the formulation of has significant antibacterial activity against , , . This suggests that the formulation of has potential as a natural antibacterial agent that could be further explored for its potential use in the treatment of bacterial infections.
PubMed: 38882789
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_574_23 -
Clinical and Translational Science Jun 2024This cohort study aims to assess the connection between cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 19 (CYP2C19) genotyping, platelet aggregability following oral...
This cohort study aims to assess the connection between cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 19 (CYP2C19) genotyping, platelet aggregability following oral clopidogrel administration, and the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. From May 2017 to November 2022, a total of 258 patients undergoing elective first-time CABG surgery, receiving 100 mg/day oral aspirin and 75 mg/day oral clopidogrel postoperatively, was included for analysis. These patients were categorized based on CYP2C19 genotyping. Platelet aggregability was assessed serially using multiple-electrode aggregometry before CABG, 1 and 5 days after the procedure, and before discharge. The incidences of POAF were compared using the log-rank test for cumulative risk. CYP2C19 genotyping led to categorization into CYP2C19*1*1 (WT group, n = 123) and CYP2C19*2 or *3 (LOF group, n = 135). Baseline characteristics and operative data showed no significant differences between the two groups. The incidence of POAF after CABG was 42.2% in the LOF group, contrasting with 22.8% in the WT group (hazard risk [HR]: 2.061; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.347, 3.153; p = 0.0013). Adenosine diphosphate-stimulated platelet aggregation was notably higher in the LOF group compared to the WT group 5 days after CABG (30.4% ± 6.5% vs. 17.9% ± 4.1%, p < 0.001), remaining a similar higher level at hospital discharge (25.6% ± 6.1% vs. 12.2% ± 3.5%, p < 0.001). The presence of CYP2C19 LOF was linked to a higher incidence of POAF and relatively elevated platelet aggregation after CABG surgery under the same oral clopidogrel regimen.
Topics: Humans; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C19; Atrial Fibrillation; Male; Female; Aged; Coronary Artery Bypass; Middle Aged; Clopidogrel; Postoperative Complications; Genotype; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Platelet Aggregation; Incidence; Aspirin
PubMed: 38877696
DOI: 10.1111/cts.13862 -
Biomolecules & Therapeutics Jun 2024Gefitinib is the well-tolerated first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. As it need for analgesics during oncology treatment, particularly in the context...
Gefitinib is the well-tolerated first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. As it need for analgesics during oncology treatment, particularly in the context ofthe coronavirus disease, where patients are more susceptible to contract high fever and sore throat. This has increased the likelihood of taking both gefitinib and antipyretic analgesic acetaminophen (APAP). Given that gefitinib and APAP overdose can predispose patients to liver injury or even acute liver failure, there is a risk of severe hepatotoxicity when these two drugs are used concomitantly. However, little is known regarding their safety at therapeutic doses. This study simulated the administration of gefitinib and APAP at clinically relevant doses in an animal model and confirmed that gefitinib in combination with APAP exhibited additional hepatotoxicity. We found that gefitinib plus APAP significantly exacerbated cell death, whereas each drug by itself had little or minor effect on hepatocyte survival. Mechanistically, combination of gefitinib and APAP induces hepatocyte death via the apoptotic pathway obviously. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and DNA damage accumulation are involved in hepatocyte apoptosis. Gefitinib plus APAP also promotes the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and downregulated the antioxidant factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), by inhibiting p62 expression. Taken together, this study revealed the potential ROS-mediated apoptosis-dependent hepatotoxicity effect of the combination of gefitinib and APAP, in which the p62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway participates and plays an important regulatory role.
PubMed: 38871446
DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.209 -
Clinical and Applied... 2024Aspirin is a widely used antiplatelet medication to prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of cardiovascular event. Healthcare providers need to be mindful of the risk...
BACKGROUND
Aspirin is a widely used antiplatelet medication to prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of cardiovascular event. Healthcare providers need to be mindful of the risk of aspirin-induced bleeding and carefully balancing its benefits against potential risks. The objective of this study was to create a practical nomogram for predicting bleeding risk in patients with a history of myocardial infarction treating with aspirin.
METHODS
A total of 2099 myocardial infarction patients with aspirin were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, with a 7:3 ratio, for model development and internal validation. Boruta analysis was utilized to identify clinically significant features associated with bleeding. Logistic regression model based on independent bleeding risk factors was constructed and presented as a nomogram. Model performance was assessed from three aspects: identification, calibration, and clinical utility.
RESULTS
Boruta analysis identified eight clinical features from 25, and further multivariate logistic regression analysis selected four independent risk factors: hemoglobin, platelet count, previous bleeding, and sex. A visual nomogram was created based on these variables. The model achieved an area under the curve of 0.888 (95% CI: 0.845-0.931) in the training dataset and 0.888 (95% CI: 0.808-0.968) in the test dataset. Calibration curve analysis showed close approximation to the ideal curve. Decision curve analysis demonstrated favorable clinical net benefit for the model.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study focused on creating and validating a model to evaluate bleeding risk in patients with a history of myocardial infarction treated with aspirin, which demonstrated outstanding performance in discrimination, calibration, and net clinical benefit.
Topics: Humans; Nomograms; Myocardial Infarction; Aspirin; Hemorrhage; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Risk Factors; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 38870349
DOI: 10.1177/10760296241262789 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Although aspirin can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), there is still uncertainty about its significance as a treatment for CRC, and the mechanism of...
Although aspirin can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), there is still uncertainty about its significance as a treatment for CRC, and the mechanism of aspirin in CRC is not well understood. In this study, we used aspirin to prevent AOM/DSS-induced CRC in mice, and the anti-CRC efficacy of aspirin was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and by determining the mouse survival rate and tumour size. 16S rDNA sequencing, flow cytometry (FCM), and Western blotting were also conducted to investigate the changes in the gut microbiota, tumour immune microenvironment, and apoptotic proteins, respectively. The results demonstrated that aspirin significantly exerted anti-CRC effects in mice. According to 16S rDNA sequencing, aspirin regulated the composition of the gut microbiota and dramatically reduced the abundance of Enterococcus cecorum. FCM demonstrated that there were more CD155 tumour cells and CD4 + CD25 + Treg cells showed increased TIGIT levels. Moreover, increased TIGIT expression on Treg cells is associated with reduced Treg cell functionality. Importantly, the inhibition of Treg cells is accompanied by the promotion of CD19 + GL-7 + B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + CCR4 + Th2 cells, and CD4 + CCR6 + Th17 cells. Overall, aspirin prevents colorectal cancer by regulating the abundance of Enterococcus cecorum and TIGIT + Treg cells.
Topics: Aspirin; Animals; Colorectal Neoplasms; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Mice; Receptors, Immunologic; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Enterococcus; Tumor Microenvironment; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 38867002
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64447-0 -
[Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi] Japanese... Jun 2024Objectives Although self-reported questionnaires are widely used to collect information on medication use in epidemiological studies, their validity for studies...
Objectives Although self-reported questionnaires are widely used to collect information on medication use in epidemiological studies, their validity for studies involving older adults has not been sufficiently assessed. This study evaluated the validity of self-reported medication use using questionnaires in comparison with drug notebooks.Methods The study enrolled 370 older community dwellers who participated in an aging sub-study survey of the Tsuruoka Metabolomics Cohort Study between April 2019 and March 2021. Medication use was assessed by comparing self-reported questionnaire data with drug notebook records. We analyzed medications used for hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, angina, diabetes, rheumatism, osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease, constipation, anxiety/depression, dementia, asthma, allergy, thrombosis, and thyroid disease. Moreover, gastrointestinal (GI) medications, steroids, and antipyretic analgesics were assessed, and data on injectable medications for osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease was collected. Using drug notebook records, we identified regular medication users by assessing whether they had received oral medication prescriptions covering over 28 days and took the medication within the 90 days preceding the day of their survey. To define medication categories, we used Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification codes. Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa statistics were calculated for each medication using drug notebooks as standards. Those who did not bring their drug notebooks on the day of the survey were defined as non-medication users.Results The mean age (standard deviation) of the 370 participants (146 men and 224 women) was 73.3 (4.0) years. The sensitivity and specificity for each medication were as follows: hypertension (0.97, 0.97), dyslipidemia (0.93, 0.98), myocardial infarction (0.24, 0.99), diabetes (0.94, 1.00), rheumatism (1.00, 1.00), osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease (0.82, 0.99), constipation (0.71, 0.98), GI conditions (0.63, 0.97), anxiety/depression (0.36, 1.00), dementia (0.67, 1.00), asthma (0.67, 0.98), allergy (0.57, 0.99), thrombosis (0.88, 0.98), steroids (0.80, 0.99), thyroid disease (1.00, 1.00) and antipyretic analgesics (0.75, 0.96).Conclusions Although sensitivity and specificity differed by medication categories, the results of our population-based cohort study suggested that self-reported questionnaires on medication use among older adults are valid, especially for medications with high sensitivity (≥ 0.8).
PubMed: 38866534
DOI: 10.11236/jph.23-110