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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024The aims of this study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sun exposure and sun protection among the population of Kazakhstan.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sun exposure and sun protection among the population of Kazakhstan.
METHOD
A cross sectional study was conducted by administering an online questionnaire via social networking sites to residents of Kazakhstan. The questionnaire was designed to determine demographic information as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sun exposure and sun protection.
RESULT
The responses of 249 participants were analysed. Descriptive tests, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to statistically analyse the data. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 11.5 (SD) years. Most participants were of Kazakh nationality (88.7%), female (71.0 %), urban residents (93.9 %), and possessed higher education degrees (88.0 %). The level of knowledge and attitudes were found to be moderate amongst the population whilst practices were determined to be low. Knowledge (p=0.002), attitudes (p=0.002), female gender (p=0.002), and having children educated in school about sun safety (p=0.018) were significantly associated with improved sun-protective practices.
CONCLUSION
This study has demonstrated low adoption of sun protective practices in the Kazakhstan population, despite the identification of certain characteristics associated with higher rates of practice.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adult; Kazakhstan; Sunlight; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sunscreening Agents; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Follow-Up Studies; Health Behavior; Adolescent; Prognosis
PubMed: 38809640
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1681 -
Acta Biochimica Et Biophysica Sinica May 2024Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a severe syndrome affecting the urinary system for which there are no effective therapeutics. In this study, we investigate the effects...
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a severe syndrome affecting the urinary system for which there are no effective therapeutics. In this study, we investigate the effects and mechanisms of aminophylline in preventing CRF development. A rat model of chronic renal failure is established by 5/6 nephrectomy. The levels of serum creatinine (SCR), urinary protein (UPR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are detected by ELISA. Histological evaluations of renal tissues are performed by H&E, Masson staining, and PAS staining. Functional protein expression is detected by western blot analysis or immunofluorescence microscopy. Glomerular cell apoptosis is determined using the TUNEL method. Results show that Aminophylline significantly reduces the levels of SCR, UPR, and BUN in the CRF model rats. Histological analyses show that aminophylline effectively alleviates renal tissue injuries in CRF rats. The protein expression levels of nephrin, podocin, SIRT1, p-AMPK, and p-ULK1 are greatly increased, while p-mTOR protein expression is markedly decreased by aminophylline treatment. Additionally, the protein level of LC3B in CRF rats is significantly increased by aminophylline. Moreover, aminophylline alleviates apoptosis in the glomerular tissues of CRF rats. Furthermore, resveratrol promotes SIRT1, p-AMPK, and p-ULK1 protein expressions and reduces p-mTOR and LC3B protein expressions in CRF rats. Selisistat (a SIRT1 inhibitor) mitigates the changes in SIRT1, p-AMPK, p-ULK1, p-mTOR, and LC3B expressions induced by aminophylline. Finally, RAPA alleviates renal injury and apoptosis in CRF rats, and 3-MA eliminates the aminophylline-induced inhibition of renal injury and apoptosis in CRF rats. Aminophylline suppresses chronic renal failure progression by modulating the SIRT1/AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy process.
PubMed: 38808395
DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024049 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024A 10-year-old male Shar-Pei was referred for lethargy and proprioceptive deficits of the left thoracic limb. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the...
A 10-year-old male Shar-Pei was referred for lethargy and proprioceptive deficits of the left thoracic limb. An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the cervical spinal column and the brain was performed. The MRI examination of the brain was normal. A left-sided C3-C4 intervertebral disc extrusion with spinal cord compression was diagnosed. Medical treatment was elected. Within a week after the MRI examination, the dog presented with deep partial-thickness skin burn wounds in both axillae. Since the specific absorption rate had not exceeded the safety limits during any of the scans and no other procedures or circumstances were identified that could possibly have resulted in burn injuries, the thermal burn injuries were diagnosed as radiofrequency (RF) burns. The wounds healed by secondary intent over the next month. RF burns are the most reported complication in humans undergoing MRI but have not been reported in veterinary patients. Clinicians and technicians should consider the potential risk for RF burns in veterinary patients and take precautions regarding positioning of the patient and take notice of any signs of burn injury when performing follow-up examinations.
PubMed: 38807939
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1364635 -
Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare... 2024is an emerging pathogen responsible for healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks. This organism has a high tolerance to both high temperatures and high salinity....
is an emerging pathogen responsible for healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks. This organism has a high tolerance to both high temperatures and high salinity. We describe our experience with a outbreak in an 8-bed inpatient burn unit at an academic medical center.
PubMed: 38807933
DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.74 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2024This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of V-Y advanced flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap for repairing small range defects in the anterior knee...
INTRODUCTION
This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of V-Y advanced flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap for repairing small range defects in the anterior knee region.
METHODS
8 patients with skin and soft tissue defect/necrosis in the anterior knee area admitted to the Changshu No.1 People's Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected, with a defect range of 4 cm × 3 cm-9 cm × 6 cm, designed a V-Y advanced flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap to repair the wound in the anterior knee area. Adjust the size and position of the flap according to the number and position of perforating branches found during the surgery, with a cutting area of 6 cm × 5 cm-14 cm × 10 cm and the supply area was directly pulled and sutured.
RESULTS
4 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 2 perforating branches, 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 1 perforating branch and 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 3 perforating branches. 4 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 2 perforating branches, 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 1 perforating branch and 2 patients were repaired by flaps pedicled with 3 perforating branches. All flaps survived and following up for 6-15 months, the blood supply, appearance, and color of the flap were satisfactory, and the functions of knee joint flexion and extension were well preserved.
DISCUSSION
The V-Y advancement flap pedicled with freestyle perforator flap has the advantages of reliable blood supply, simple surgical operation, texture and thickness similar to the skin of the anterior knee area, and direct suture of the donor area. It is a perforator flap with good repair effect for small scale defects in the anterior knee area.
PubMed: 38807926
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1364340 -
Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine 2024Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumours (IPT) are rare entities that frequently lead to misdiagnosis with malignant lesions. The identification of these lesions is...
BACKGROUND
Intracranial inflammatory pseudotumours (IPT) are rare entities that frequently lead to misdiagnosis with malignant lesions. The identification of these lesions is difficult, but important to avoid inadvertent iatrogenicity and to adjust therapeutic protocols.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented a single tonic-clonic seizure. Brain imaging showed a right frontal lesion with intra and extra axial components. Facing the radiologic presentation, a brain tumor was suspected, thus the patient underwent surgery. Pathological exam concluded to a plasma cell granuloma. A whole-body CT-scan showed only a thoracic aortitis. Complete blood work studies came back negative. The patient was also tested for an array of antibodies among which antinuclear antibodies were positive (blood level superior to 1/100). CSF evaluation revealed clear fluid with normal glucose concentration, normal protein levels and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Finally, IgG-4 plasma levels were elevated which led to the diagnosis of an IgG4-RD. The patient was put under prednisolone with a favorable outcome.
CONCLUSION
IPT have several etiologies, among which IgG4 related disease may be one of the less known as only 2 cases have previously been reported. Herein, we report a new case of a young man who presented for seizures related to an intracranial lesion of an IgG4 related disease. The challenge is to suspect such conditions to avoid unnecessary surgeries.
PubMed: 38807725
DOI: 10.22088/cjim.15.2.354 -
BMJ Open May 2024It is well evidenced that healthcare professionals working in paediatric critical care experience high levels of burn-out, compassion fatigue and moral distress. This...
OBJECTIVES
It is well evidenced that healthcare professionals working in paediatric critical care experience high levels of burn-out, compassion fatigue and moral distress. This worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work examines the nature of challenges to workplace well-being and explores what well-being means to staff. This evidence will inform the development of staff interventions to improve and maintain staff well-being.
DESIGN
Qualitative study.
SETTING
Paediatric critical care units in the UK.
PARTICIPANTS
30 nurses and allied health professionals took part in online interviews and were asked about well-being and challenges to well-being. Lived experiences of well-being were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
RESULTS
Themes generated were as follows: perception of self and identity; relationships and team morale; importance of control and balance and consequences of COVID-19. They focused on the impact of poor well-being on participants' sense of self; the significance of how or whether they feel able to relate well with their team and senior colleagues; the challenges associated with switching off, feeling unable to separate work from home life and the idealised goal of being able to do just that; and lessons learnt from working through the pandemic, in particular associated with redeployment to adult intensive care.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings align closely with the self-determination theory which stipulates autonomy, belonging and competence are required for well-being. Participants' accounts supported existing literature demonstrating the importance of empowering individuals to become self-aware, to be skilled in self-reflection and to be proactive in managing one's own well-being. Change at the individual and staff group level may be possible with relatively low-intensity intervention, but significant change requires systemic shifts towards the genuine prioritisation of staff well-being as a prerequisite for high-quality patient care.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Qualitative Research; Female; Allied Health Personnel; Critical Care; Male; Adult; Burnout, Professional; United Kingdom; SARS-CoV-2; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; Compassion Fatigue; Attitude of Health Personnel; Pandemics
PubMed: 38806418
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084926 -
Infectious Disease Reports May 2024Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a critical disease with high morbidity and mortality rates that poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Prognostic factors...
INTRODUCTION
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a critical disease with high morbidity and mortality rates that poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Prognostic factors for the clinical course of NF remain unclear and are currently under research. This study aims to identify such factors in a large cohort of patients which represents a major comprehensive investigation of prognostic factors for NF.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis was conducted on necrotizing fasciitis cases from 2003 to 2023 at two German hospitals. Data included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, infection site, causative microorganisms and outcomes. Statistical analysis involved -tests, chi-square tests, and ROC analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 209 patients were included, with a mortality rate of 18%. Patients were categorized into survivors ( = 171) and non-survivors (n = 38). Non-survivors were significantly older (68.9 ± 13.9 years vs. 55.9 ± 14.3 years; < 0.01) and exhibited a higher prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases, cancer, and heart, liver, or renal insufficiency. Laboratory findings and scoring results also varied significantly between the two groups. The ROC curve analysis identified age as a predictor of mortality, with an optimal cut-off value of 68.5 years (sensitivity: 60.5%, specificity: 81.9%). Higher age was associated with increased mortality risk.
CONCLUSIONS
The patient's age stands out as the primary predictive element for mortality in necrotizing fasciitis. Additionally, we advocate for employing the Laboratory and Anamnestic Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LARINF-score), which holds substantial prognostic significance and is straightforward to calculate. Considering our findings, crafting a clinical algorithm or scoring mechanism to forecast mortality in NF would be a promising target for future research.
PubMed: 38804445
DOI: 10.3390/idr16030035 -
Clinics and Practice May 2024Despite the prevalence and incidence of kidney stones progressively increasing worldwide, public awareness of this condition remains unclear. Understanding trends of...
BACKGROUND
Despite the prevalence and incidence of kidney stones progressively increasing worldwide, public awareness of this condition remains unclear. Understanding trends of awareness can assist healthcare professionals and policymakers in planning and implementing targeted health interventions. This study investigated online search interest in "kidney stone" by analyzing Google Trends, focusing on stationarity of the trends and predicting future trends.
METHODS
We performed time series analysis on worldwide Google monthly search data from January 2004 to November 2023. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was used to assess the stationarity of the data, with a -value below 0.05 indicating stationarity. Time series forecasting was performed using the autoregressive integrated moving average to predict future trends.
RESULTS
The highest search interest for "kidney stone" (score 100) was in August 2022, while the lowest was in December 2007 (score 36). As of November 2023, search interest remained high, at 92. The ADF test was significant ( = 0.023), confirming data stationarity. The time series forecasting projected continued high public interest, likely reflecting ongoing concern and awareness. Notably, diverse regions such as Iran, the Philippines, Ecuador, the United States, and Nepal showed significant interest, suggesting widespread awareness of nephrolithiasis.
CONCLUSION
This study highlighted that "kidney stone" is a consistently relevant health issue globally. The increase and stationarity of search trends, the forecasted sustained interest, and diverse regional interest emphasize the need for collaborative research and educational initiatives. This study's analysis serves as a valuable tool for shaping future healthcare policies and research directions in addressing nephrolithiasis related health challenges.
PubMed: 38804404
DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14030072 -
Yonsei Medical Journal Jun 2024Repeated transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is expected to have the potential to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
PURPOSE
Repeated transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is expected to have the potential to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of at-home tDCS for elderly patients with MCI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients aged 60-80 years, who maintained normal daily living but reported objective memory impairments, were enrolled. Active or sham stimulations were applied to the dorsal frontal cortex (left: anode; right: cathode) at home for 2 weeks. Changes in cognitive function were assessed using visual recognition tasks and the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and safety and efficacy were assessed using self-reports and a remote monitoring application.
RESULTS
Of the 19 participants enrolled, 12 participants were included in the efficacy analysis. Response times and MMSE scores significantly improved after active stimulation compared to the sham stimulation; however, there were no significant differences in the proportion of correct responses. The mean compliance of the efficacy group was 97.5%±4.1%. Three participants experienced burns, but no permanent sequelae remained.
CONCLUSION
This preliminary result suggests that home-based tDCS may be a promising treatment option for MCI patients; however, it requires more attention and technological development to address safety concerns.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0002721.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38804028
DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2023.0430