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Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Hyperuricemia exhibits a high incidence among individuals with diabetes; however, the significance of hyperuricemia and gout is often underestimated. This study aimed to...
Hyperuricemia exhibits a high incidence among individuals with diabetes; however, the significance of hyperuricemia and gout is often underestimated. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers and patients with diabetes. Two questionnaires were designed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers and patients with diabetes in Chenghua District, Chengdu, from August 2021 to January 2022. A total of 709 community health workers were included, whose average score was 17.74/30. Approximately half of general practitioners (GPs) demonstrated knowledge regarding the target serum uric acid levels for hyperuricemia and gout. Only 11.2% of GPs were fully aware of the preferred medicine for acute gout. The majority of GPs (86.7%) demonstrated limited awareness regarding the contraindications associated with colchicine, while a significant proportion (65.1%) lacked knowledge about the specific classes of drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis. Among the 508 patients with diabetes included in this survey, 32.3% demonstrated awareness of hyperuricemia, while 60.8% exhibited knowledge regarding gout. The average score attained by these individuals was recorded at 7.21 out of a total of 26 points. The majority of patients with diabetes (87.8%) held the mistaken belief that hyperuricemia definitely led to the development of gout. Almost 66% agreed that a massage or a hot compress could be used when acute gouty arthritis attacks. The knowledge rate of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers was moderate, while it was low in patients with diabetes.
PubMed: 38891147
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111072 -
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental... 2024Leukemia is a life-threatening malignant tumor of the hematopoietic system. Currently, the main treatment modalities are chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell... (Review)
Review
Leukemia is a life-threatening malignant tumor of the hematopoietic system. Currently, the main treatment modalities are chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, increased drug resistance due to decreased sensitivity of leukemia cells to chemotherapeutic drugs presents a major challenge in current treatments. Autophagy-associated proteins involved in autophagy initiation have now been shown to be involved in the development of various types of leukemia cells and are associated with drug resistance. Therefore, this review will explore the roles of autophagy-related proteins involved in four key autophagic processes: induction of autophagy and phagophore formation, phagophore extension, and autophagosome formation, on the development of various types of leukemias as well as drug resistance. Autophagy may become a promising therapeutic target for treating leukemia.
PubMed: 38887520
DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1394140 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction (ZSXBGZD) is a traditional herbal manuscript used to treat cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease....
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction (ZSXBGZD) is a traditional herbal manuscript used to treat cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The decoction has demonstrated its capability to protect arteries and resist atherosclerosis. Its mechanisms for anti-atherosclerosis effect, nevertheless, remain unknown.
AIMS OF THE STUDY
The goal of the present study is to explore the effectiveness of ZSXBGZD acting on atherosclerosis and its key components based on experimental verification and network pharmacology analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and databases were used to identify chemical components in ZSXBGZD. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking were implemented in order to reveal the possible therapeutic targets of ZSXBGZD. To form the model of atherosclerosis, we gave Apolipoprotein E knocked out mice a high-fat diet. H&E staining was performed to observe the effects of ZSXBGZD on atherosclerosis. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to investigate whether ZSXBGZD could affect autophagy, apoptosis, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and other related mechanisms.
RESULTS
In total, 30 core compounds were screened through intersecting UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and the databases. The anti-atherosclerotic effect of ZSXBGZD might relate to the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway via network pharmacology analysis. ZSXBGZD could inhibit apoptosis, activate autophagy and ease inflammation by modifying AGE-RAGE signaling pathway to reduce the area of atherosclerotic plaque.
CONCLUSION
ZSXBGZD could treat atherosclerosis by regulating autophagy and apoptosis via adjusting the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway.
PubMed: 38885915
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118466 -
American Journal of Translational... 2024Formulate a gel and test its scientific efficacy for treating musculoskeletal ailments with or without phonophoresis.
OBJECTIVE
Formulate a gel and test its scientific efficacy for treating musculoskeletal ailments with or without phonophoresis.
METHODS
Gel was made from leaf extract (30:70 aqueous-methanolic). A pragmatic, community-based, double-blinded randomized clinical study (IRCT20230202057310N1) was undertaken on 380 pre-diagnosed individuals with 1st and 2nd-grade musculoskeletal injuries, divided into four parallel groups (n = 95 per group): Group I got phonophoresis-applied 10% gel. Group II got phonophoresis-applied diclofenac diethylammonium 2% gel. 10% gel was superficially massaged onto Group III. Group IV received a superficial massage with diclofenac diethylammonium 2% gel. Color, stability, pH, spreadability, beginning of pain relief, discomfort, stiffness, and activities of daily living were recorded using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Scale. Methods included phytochemical analysis, molecular docking, and antioxidant quantification using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) tests.
RESULTS
gel worked better than diclofenac gel in phonophoresis and massage, with regard to NPRS P<0.001, WOMAC pain P<0.001, WOMAC stiffness P<0.003, and WOMAC activities of daily living (ADLs) P<0.001. There were also significant differences in pain, stiffness, and ADLs. showed significant (P<0.005-0.001) results.
CONCLUSION
gel relieved pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal injury patients. gel is natural, cheap, and easy to make. Better drug absorption may explain the effectiveness of phonophoresis.
PubMed: 38883366
DOI: 10.62347/VMJO7002 -
ARYA Atherosclerosis 2023Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a major public health problem with over 90% case fatality. Although it is known that good quality of cardiopulmonary Resuscitation...
INTRODUCTION
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a major public health problem with over 90% case fatality. Although it is known that good quality of cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) leads to improved patient outcomes, health care practitioners commonly perform sub-optimal CPR. The CPR feedback device is a small device designed to measure the number and depth of chest compressions (CC) and if the rate of compressions or the depth of the compressions is low or high, it will try to correct the CPR operation by announcing a warning to the resuscitator. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this device which was designed and made by the authors' technician study group member in improving CPR operations, to determine the need for it in all hospitals on a routine basis.
METHOD
This cross-sectional study was performed on patients who have suffered from cardio-pulmonary arrest in Al-Zahra Hospital in 2020. Patients needed primary CPR for any reason, were randomly divided into two groups using random allocation software. The first group contains patients as the CPR Feedback device is on and alarm is on and warns, if resuscitation is ineffective, the second group also uses the device, but with the difference that the alarm is off. The data was analyzed by general linear model method (repeated measure ANOVA).
RESULTS
80 patients were studied, including 63 men (79%) and 17 women (21%). Patients were divided among two groups. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between two groups. The results showed that there was no significant interaction between group and time for the compression depth variable and there was no significant difference in the depth of compressions between the two groups(P>0.05). For the rate of compressions, there was a significant interaction between group and time. These results indicate that turning on the CPR feedback device's warning increases the number of compressions during CPR and, as a result, makes it more effective. The between-group effect which showed the difference in the number of compressions in the two groups, was statistically significant (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
These results indicated that turning on the CPR feedback device's warning increases the rate of compressions during CPR and, as a result, makes it more effective. Therefore, the use of real-time CPR feedback device during chest compression in real-time CPR improves the quality of CPR.
PubMed: 38882651
DOI: 10.48305/arya.2022.39288.2840 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Interpersonal touch represents the primal sensory experience between humans, fostering social bonding from the cradle to the death bed. In recent decades "affective... (Review)
Review
Interpersonal touch represents the primal sensory experience between humans, fostering social bonding from the cradle to the death bed. In recent decades "affective touch" has been intensely studied, stimulated by the discovery of a population of mechanosensitive unmyelinated C-tactile afferents in mammalian skin. A lack of touch in childhood is associated with negative consequences for psychosocial and physical health and the benefits of professional touch techniques in the prevention and treatment of various diseases have been shown over and over again in clinical studies. However, its application in mainstream clinical applications remains limited. To bridge the gap between recent discoveries in touch research and clinical medicine, we propose the establishment of a new discipline: 'Touch Medicine'. Here, we unfold the potential of Touch Medicine by focusing on the treatment of depression, which in our view is primarily a disorder of the lived body. Controlled studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated the antidepressant, anxiolytic and analgesic effects of specific massage techniques. Underlying mechanisms of action are currently under investigation, ranging from interoceptive, endocrinological, to stress-related or psychological underpinnings. Touch Medicine represents a novel interdisciplinary field connected to various medical specialities such as neonatology, pediatrics, pain medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and geriatrics - but also clinical psychology and psychosomatic medicine might benefit from the integration of these findings into their daily practice.
PubMed: 38881553
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1390673 -
Chinese Medicine Jun 2024Liguzinediol (Lig) has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity, a significant limitation in the clinical application of...
BACKGROUND
Liguzinediol (Lig) has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity, a significant limitation in the clinical application of this widely used antineoplastic drug known for its efficacy. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms underlying Lig's protective role against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
METHODS
C57BL/6 mice were treated with DOX. Cardiac function changes were observed by echocardiography. Cardiac structure changes were observed by HE and Masson staining. Immunofluorescence was applied to visualize the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), Caspase-3 and gasdermin E N-terminal fragment (GSDME-N). These experiments confirmed that Lig had an ameliorative effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.
RESULTS
The results demonstrated that Lig effectively countered myocardial oxidative stress by modulating intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Lig reduced levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), while ameliorating histopathological changes and improving electrocardiogram profiles in vivo. Furthermore, the study revealed that Lig activated the AMPK/SIRT3 pathway, thereby enhancing mitochondrial function and attenuating myocardial cell apoptosis. In experiments with H9C2 cells treated with DOX, co-administration of the AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC) led to a significant increase in intracellular ROS levels. Lig intervention reversed these effects, along with the downregulation of GSDME-N, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), suggesting a potential role of Lig in mitigating Caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study suggest that Lig effectively alleviates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT3 pathway, thereby presenting itself as a natural product with therapeutic potential for preventing DOX-associated cardiotoxicity. This novel approach may pave the way for the development of alternative strategies in the clinical management of DOX-induced cardiac complications.
PubMed: 38877519
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00955-5 -
Nursing Open Jun 2024To investigate mothers' experience of infant massage.
AIM
To investigate mothers' experience of infant massage.
DESIGN
This was an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study based on individual interviews.
METHODS
A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was used according to the COREQ guidelines. The participants in the study were mothers (n = 11) residing in Sweden who received training in infant massage from the child health care nurse in the child health care services. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a qualitative content analysis.
RESULTS
The collected material resulted in two categories and eight subcategories. The categories were learning infant massage and using infant massage as a tool. The eight subcategories were massaging in a parent group, massaging at home, massage movements and the child health care nurse's supporting hand, reading the child's signals, creating time and relaxation together, interaction and connection between the child and the parent, relief from stomach problems and anxiety and continuing to massage the older child. The study showed that mothers experienced that the relationship created through infant massage brought more joy, tenderness and security to the child. The child health care nurse had an important role in supporting the mothers, especially when it came to different views on doing infant massage at home and in groups.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
Mothers with experience of infant massage were interviewed.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Mothers; Female; Qualitative Research; Infant; Sweden; Adult; Interviews as Topic; Mother-Child Relations
PubMed: 38875351
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2206 -
International Journal of Therapeutic... Jun 2024Lumbar hyperlordosis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal postural deformity. Maintenance of normal limits of lumbar lordosis is necessary for obtaining an ideal...
BACKGROUND
Lumbar hyperlordosis is the most prevalent musculoskeletal postural deformity. Maintenance of normal limits of lumbar lordosis is necessary for obtaining an ideal posture. Literature suggests that poor posture results in fascial restriction in which the fascia reorganizes in response to tension. Gross myofascial release (MFR) combined with posterior pelvic tilting exercises proved to be beneficial in improving the lumbar range of motion. Three-dimensional (3D) MFR is a novel approach toward reducing fascial restrictions. However, the literature determining the effects of 3D MFR is still emerging.
AIM
To determine the effect of 3D MFR on a lumbar lordosis angle and lumbar range of motion, in individuals with asymptomatic hyperlordosis.
METHOD
Participants (n = 30) with hyperlordosis were randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving 3D MFR (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15) that received sham 3D MFR for six sessions (3 alternate days for 2 weeks). The outcomes were assessed at day 1 and day 6. Lumbar range of motion was assessed using modified-modified Schober's test and the lumbar lordosis angle was measured using x-ray and flexicurve.
RESULTS
There was significant decrease (p = 0.0001) in the lumbar lordosis angle, increase in the lumbar flexion (p = 0.0001), and decrease in the extension (p = 0.0011) range of motion in the experimental group when compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
Lumbar lordosis decreased and the lumbar range of motion increased in the experimental group only with 3D MFR and not with sham 3D MFR. Hence, 3D MFR is an effective method in the correction of lumbar hyperlordosis and improving the lumbar range.Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) trial number
PubMed: 38873188
DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v17i2.957