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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver...
Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver health using natural products and herbal medicines. We aimed to investigate the effect of enzyme-treated ethanol extract (ETZL), which increases the content of tricin via enzymatic hydrolysis, for 8 weeks on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and fatigue compared to a placebo. Healthy Korean adult males aged 19-60 years were randomized into ETZL treatment and placebo groups, and alcohol consumption was 24.96 and 28.64 units/week, respectively. Alanine transaminase, a blood marker associated with liver cell injury, significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the baseline in the ETZL treatment group ( = 0.004). After 8 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes in the levels of high-density lipoprotein and hepatic steatosis index compared to the baseline ( = 0.028 and = 0.004, respectively). ETZL treatment tended to reduce antioxidant-activity-related factors, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde, but there was no significant difference. In the multidimensional fatigue scale, ETZL treatment showed a significant reduction in general fatigue and total-fatigue-related values after 8 weeks compared to the baseline ( = 0.012 and = 0.032, respectively). Taken together, the 8-week treatment of enzyme-treated ethanol extract demonstrated positive effects on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, and mental fatigue without adverse effects on safety-related parameters.
PubMed: 38890953
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111725 -
International Journal of MS Care May 2024Although the COVID-19 quarantine required everyone to make lifestyle changes, it may have had especially profound implications for individuals who experience multiple...
BACKGROUND
Although the COVID-19 quarantine required everyone to make lifestyle changes, it may have had especially profound implications for individuals who experience multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue. Individuals with MS who suffer from fatigue are at risk of worsening symptoms and already predisposed to inactivity and social isolation. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 national quarantine and related restrictions on mental, emotional, and physical fatigue in persons with MS in the United States.
METHODS
We conducted a survey open to all adults (>18 years) with MS within the United States. The survey gathered demographic information and asked how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.
RESULTS
The survey was completed by 600 individuals, 478 with relapsing MS and 122 with progressive MS. There was a significant 2-way interaction of time by fatigue type; both physical and emotional fatigue significantly increased during the pandemic ( <.01) and remained significantly higher after the pandemic than prior to the pandemic ( <.01). Mental fatigue increased significantly during the pandemic ( <.01) and although it remained higher, on average, after the pandemic, it was not significantly different from the level before the pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with MS experienced increases in physical, mental, and emotional fatigue over the course of the COVID-19 quarantine. Even after the lifting of quarantine restrictions, these levels have not returned to baseline. To adequately address fatigue, it is critical that health care professionals inquire about all types of fatigue in persons with MS.
PubMed: 38887278
DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2023-031 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Rapid diagnostic clinics (RDCs) provide a streamlined holistic pathway for patients presenting with non-site specific (NSS) symptoms concerning of malignancy. The...
BACKGROUND
Rapid diagnostic clinics (RDCs) provide a streamlined holistic pathway for patients presenting with non-site specific (NSS) symptoms concerning of malignancy. The current study aimed to: 1) assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and 2) identify a combination of patient characteristics and symptoms associated with severe anxiety and depression at Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust (GSTT) RDC in Southeast London. Additionally, we compared standard statistical methods with machine learning algorithms for predicting severe anxiety and depression.
METHODS
Patients seen at GSTT RDC between June 2019 and January 2023 completed the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) questionnaires, at baseline. We used logistic regression (LR) and 2 machine learning (ML) algorithms (random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM)) to predict risk of severe anxiety and severe depression. The models were constructed using a set of sociodemographic and clinical variables.
RESULTS
A total of 1734 patients completed GAD-7 and PHQ-8 questionnaires. Of these, the mean age was 59 years (Standard Deviation: 15.5), and 61.5% (n:1067) were female. Prevalence of severe anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥15) was 13.8% and severe depression (PHQ-8 score≥20) was 9.3%. LR showed that a combination of previous mental health condition (PMH, Adjusted Odds Rario (AOR) 3.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36-4.56), symptom duration >6 months (AOR 2.20; 95%CI 1.28-3.77), weight loss (AOR 1.88; 95% CI 1.36-2.61), progressive pain (AOR 1.71; 95%CI 1.26-2.32), and fatigue (AOR 1.36; 95%CI 1.01-1.84), was positively associated with severe anxiety. Likewise, a combination PMH condition (AOR 3.95; 95%CI 2.17-5.75), fatigue (AOR 2.11; 95%CI 1.47-3.01), symptom duration >6 months (AOR 1.98; 95%CI 1.06-3.68), weight loss (AOR 1.66; 95%CI 1.13-2.44), and progressive pain (AOR 1.50; 95%CI 1.04-2.16), was positively associated with severe depression. LR and SVM had highest accuracy levels for severe anxiety (LR: 86%, SVM: 85%) and severe depression (SVM: 89%, LR: 86%).
CONCLUSION
High prevalence of severe anxiety and severe depression was found. PMH, fatigue, weight loss, progressive pain, and symptoms >6 months emerged as combined risk factors for both these psychological comorbidities. RDCs offer an opportunity to alleviate distress in patients with concerning symptoms by expediting diagnostic evaluations.
PubMed: 38887232
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1358888 -
Journal of Bone Metabolism May 2024Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by chronic hypocalcemia with low or abnormal parathyroid hormone levels. Thyroid surgery remains a predominant cause of...
BACKGROUND
Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by chronic hypocalcemia with low or abnormal parathyroid hormone levels. Thyroid surgery remains a predominant cause of hypoparathyroidism, often preventable by partial thyroidectomy. Although hypoparathyroidism can impair quality of life (QOL), data remain limited for Latin America. We aimed to characterize clinical manifestations and QOL in patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism.
METHODS
This case-control study included patients (>18 years) who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (Group 1, Cases) and those with DTC who underwent TT without postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (Group 2, Controls). Clinical records were collected, and the SF-36v2 QOL survey and a structured symptom survey were applied. A logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed.
RESULTS
This study included 106 subjects (Group 1, N=41; Group 2, N=65). Group 1 patients were younger, had a higher frequency of lymph node resection, and more frequently received Ι-131 than Group 2 patients (p<0.05). In the SF-36v2 survey, Group 1 had fewer physical-functioning scores (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-11.7) and lower scores in mental and physical components than Group 2 and national records. Commonly reported symptoms include paresthesia, daily fatigue, and memory alterations. Treatment adherence rates were 56% and 71% for calcium and calcitriol, respectively. Furthermore, 24% of patients experienced one or more hypoparathyroidism drug-related adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism had an impaired QOL, a high frequency of disease-associated symptoms, and limited treatment adherence. These results should be considered when deciding the best surgical alternative for DTC.
PubMed: 38886971
DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2024.31.2.140 -
Discover Oncology Jun 2024Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the postoperative recovery period often experience reduced exercise capacity and impaired lung function, which...
UNLABELLED
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the postoperative recovery period often experience reduced exercise capacity and impaired lung function, which affects their overall quality of life. This paper investigated the effect of exercise interventions on exercise capacity, lung function, quality of life, and symptoms in these patients.
METHODS
We performed a literature search across Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to September 2023, all English RCTs were eligible if they assessed the effects of exercise interventions on postoperative NSCLC patients.
RESULTS
Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria, evidencing that exercise interventions could significantly improve the functional capacity of NSCLC patients in postoperative recovery. Notably, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1) was improved, indicating enhanced lung function. Furthermore, exercise improved the physical and mental health scores of SF-36, along with increased quadriceps strength and relieved dyspnea. However, fatigue levels were not significantly changed.
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise interventions of NSCLC patients in the postoperative recovery are associated with improved functional capacity, lung function, quality of life, and quadriceps strength, as well as alleviated symptoms of dyspnea. These findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating exercise into postoperative care for NSCLC patients. Nonetheless, further large-scale RCTs are required to solidify the evidence base on the clinical outcomes of exercise following pneumonectomy.
PubMed: 38884823
DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01079-w -
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden) Jun 2024The Region of Southern Denmark has recently established four late effects clinics to help cancer survivors suffering from complex and severe late effects. This study...
PURPOSE
The Region of Southern Denmark has recently established four late effects clinics to help cancer survivors suffering from complex and severe late effects. This study aimed to capture and analyze the full range of physical, mental, and psychosocial issues using patient-reported outcomes. Moreover, we aimed to describe demographic data and the type and severity of the late effects.
METHODS
A prospective cohort study was conducted among cancer survivors referred to a late effects clinic. Before their first appointment, patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life cancer survivorship core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SURV100). We compared mean scores of the EORTC QLQ-SURV100 scales that were comparable to the scales/items from the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire with norm data for the Danish population and EORTC reference values.
RESULTS
All patients referred to the clinic within its first 2 years were included (n = 247). The mean age was 57 [23-85] years and 74% were females. The most common cancer diagnoses was breast cancer (39%). The five most commonly reported late effects were fatigue (66%), pain (51%), cognitive impairment (53%), sleep problems (42%), and neuropathy (40%). A total of 236 of the patients entering the clinic completed QLQ-SURV100. They reported significantly worse mean scores on all scales compared to the Danish norm population and EORTC reference values for pretreatment cancer patients, p < 0.001. Effect sizes were moderate or large for all scales.
INTERPRETATION
In this study, we collected demographic data and described the late effects presented by the patents referred to the clinic. Moreover, we captured and analyzed the full range of physical, mental, and psychosocial issues using QLQ-SURV100. Patients referred to the Late Effects Clinic (LEC) had a number of late effects and reported a significantly lower health-related quality of life compared to the general Danish population and patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer, suggesting the aim of helping patients suffering from late effects gain a better quality of life is in dire need.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Female; Male; Prospective Studies; Denmark; Middle Aged; Aged; Adult; Cancer Survivors; Aged, 80 and over; Neoplasms; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Fatigue; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 38881340
DOI: 10.2340/1651-226X.2024.39937 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024In the working population, there are risks of overload due to physical, mental, and emotional demands. No instrument is available in Spanish to measure these three types...
BACKGROUND
In the working population, there are risks of overload due to physical, mental, and emotional demands. No instrument is available in Spanish to measure these three types of work fatigue (WF) separately. This paper adapts the Three-Dimensional Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI) (2015), which is of American origin and measures and differentiates these three different types of WF. It has adequate psychometric properties at its root, as do the subsequent German (2018), Lebanese (2022), and Chinese (2023) adaptations.
METHODS
A total of 1100 workers (average age = 40 years) from economic sectors such as security and transportation of valuables, secondary and university educational institutions, and healthcare centers participated. They responded to the 3D-WFI, the Health-Related Quality of Life Index, and the Individual Strength Checklist for concurrent validity effects, together with items with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables.
RESULTS
A confirmatory factor analysis with the total sample 3D-WFI supports its three-dimensionality; Cronbach's alpha and Omega values are adequate by dimensions: for physical work fatigue (α = 0.92, Ω = 0.92), for mental work fatigue (α = 0.94. Ω = 0.94), and emotional work fatigue (α = 0.95, Ω = 0.95). The 3D-WFI correlates significantly with the Checklist Individual Strength (0.743), and a pattern of significant relationships is found between WF and antecedent variables (e.g., being exposed to heat and noise, emotional labor, concentration, and workwear), as well as some consequences of WF (for example, mental health, absenteeism, work satisfaction, and sleep quality).
CONCLUSIONS
We contribute here to the cross-cultural validity of the 3D-WFI, which can be used reliably and validly in the Chilean and probably Latin American working population. Some WF predictor variables are confirmed, as well as WF impacts on the absenteeism, health, and quality of life among workers.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Male; Female; Psychometrics; Fatigue; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Spain; Young Adult; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38880877
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19120-6 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jun 2024Postpartum depression is a complex mental health condition that often occurs after childbirth and is characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. Recent...
BACKGROUND
Postpartum depression is a complex mental health condition that often occurs after childbirth and is characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. Recent research suggests a metabolic component to the disorder. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and postpartum depression using mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS
This study used a bi-directional MR framework to investigate the causal relationship between 1,400 metabolic biomarkers and postpartum depression. We used two specific genome-wide association studies datasets: one with single nucleotide polymorphisms data from mothers diagnosed with postpartum depression and another with blood metabolite data, both of which focused on people of European ancestry. Genetic variants were chosen as instrumental variables from both datasets using strict criteria to improve the robustness of the MR analysis. The combination of these datasets enabled a thorough examination of genetic influences on metabolic profiles associated with postpartum depression. Statistical analyses were conducted using techniques such as inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and model-based estimation, which enabled rigorous causal inference from the observed associations. postpartum depression was defined using endpoint definitions approved by the FinnGen study's clinical expert groups, which included leading experts in their respective medical fields.
RESULTS
The MR analysis identified seven metabolites that could be linked to postpartum depression. Out of these, one metabolite was found to be protective, while six were associated with an increased risk of developing the condition. The results were consistent across multiple MR methods, indicating a significant correlation.
CONCLUSIONS
This study emphasizes the potential of metabolomics for understanding postpartum depression. The discovery of specific metabolites associated with the condition sheds new insights on its pathophysiology and opens up possibilities for future research into targeted treatment strategies.
Topics: Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Female; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Metabolomics; Biomarkers; Adult; White People; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38877415
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06628-3 -
La Revue de Medecine Interne Jun 2024Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly... (Review)
Review
Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly understood, and their management is often inadequately defined. Medications typically show limited effectiveness, while mind-body approaches play a central role, guided by three key principles: establishing an empathetic, respectful, and sincere doctor-patient relationship; promoting regular and gradual physical activity; and implementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Special attention must be devoted to establishing a trustworthy relationship between the physician and the patient. Recognizing the reality and severity of symptoms and providing a positive diagnosis as well as an explanatory model to account for them rationally are fundamental aspects of patient management. Cognitive and behavioral maintenance factors should be investigated and constitute therapeutic targets. Cognitive factors include focused attention on body functioning and catastrophizing. Patients frequently display avoidance behaviors, particularly in relation to physical exertion, and it is crucial to motivate them to reintroduce gradual physical activity customized to their abilities. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in improving fatigue, pain, and the physical and mental quality of life for patients with FSD. Among psychotherapeutic approaches, the benefit of CBT is well-established. The combination of gradual physical activity and CBT appears to be complementary. Other mind-body approaches such as mindfulness meditation might help although their level of evidence is weaker. Given the prevalence of FSD in the general population, it seems necessary for all physicians to be trained in managing this condition.
PubMed: 38876948
DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2024.05.025 -
European Journal of Sport Science Jun 2024Perception of Velocity (PV) is the ability to estimate single repetition velocity during resistance training (RT) exercises. The main purpose of the study was to...
Perception of Velocity (PV) is the ability to estimate single repetition velocity during resistance training (RT) exercises. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of Mental Fatigue (MF) on the accuracy of barbell PV. The secondary aims were to evaluate whether MF affected RT performance and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE; OMNI-RES) in the back squat. Twenty-four (14 Females, 10 Males) resistance-trained participants underwent 2 familiarization sessions and 1RM test for the back squat. In two separate sessions, PV was tested for light, medium, and heavy loads in 2 conditions in random order: at rest (REST) and in MF condition (POST-MF) induced by previous incongruent Stroop color-word task. MF and Motivation were assessed through visual analog scales (VAS; 0-100) before and after the Stroop task. For each load subjects performed 2 repetitions and reported the RPE value. Mean propulsive velocity (Vr) of the barbell was recorded with a linear encoder, while the perceived velocity (Vp) of the subjects was self-reported using the Squat-PV scale. The PV accuracy was calculated through the delta score (ds: Vp-Vr). Following the Stroop task MF increased significantly (p < 0.001; F (1, 23) = 52.572), while motivation decreased (p < 0.05; F (1, 23) = 7.401). Ds, Vr, and RPE did not show significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05) for the three loads analyzed. MF induced by previous demanding cognitive task did not affect PV accuracy. Furthermore, subjects maintained unchanged both RT performance and RPE values associated with each load, even when mentally fatigued.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Resistance Training; Mental Fatigue; Young Adult; Adult; Perception; Physical Exertion; Stroop Test; Motivation; Weight Lifting
PubMed: 38874957
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12105