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Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Subtalar arthroereisis is a procedure commonly performed in children with flat feet. The procedure is performed when conservative treatment did not have the desired...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Subtalar arthroereisis is a procedure commonly performed in children with flat feet. The procedure is performed when conservative treatment did not have the desired effect,or when the patient's abnormal symptoms are very severe and make it difficult for them to function normally in daily life. The aim of this study was to assess whether subtalar arthroereisis and physiotherapy improve the quality of life among children with flat feet.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study comprised 79 patients (140 operated feet) diagnosed with a flat foot defect who underwent a subtalar arthroereisis procedure. A self-administered questionnaire and a shortened version of the standardised WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were used in the research.
RESULTS
The study confirmed that the patients' quality of life after surgery was high in all the areas regarding the somatic, psychological, social and environmental domains. In the group of children assessed 13-24 months after surgery. it was also found that rapid fatigue after exercise (30% ± 9%) and Achilles tendon contracture (7% ± 4%) were significantly reduced. The results of the study confirmed that subtalar arthroereisis contributes to a decreased demand for orthoses in children (9% ± 6%) and for orthopaedic footwear (11% ± 5%) than before surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The employment of subtalars arthroereisis has a positive effect on the quality of life of children with flat feet. The surgery contributes to a reduction in pain and other abnormal symptoms that are associated with flat feet. In addition, physiotherapy performed after the procedure had a positive effect on the healing process and contributed to the improvement of the children's quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Child; Flatfoot; Female; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adolescent; Subtalar Joint; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38940112
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/173220 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Jun 2024To determine whether individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have changes in whole-brain network characteristics and intracerebral node characteristics in...
PURPOSE
To determine whether individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have changes in whole-brain network characteristics and intracerebral node characteristics in the structural network, and whether there is a difference between SCD with and without Apolipoprotein E4 ().
METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 36 individuals without SCD without (healthy control, HC group), 21 individuals with SCD with (APOEε4+ group), and 33 individuals with SCD without (APOEε4- group). The white matter structural network was constructed using the fractional anisotropy (FA) based deterministic fiber tracking method. Graph theory was used to analyze the whole-brain network characteristics and intracerebral node characteristics of the three groups.
RESULTS
Regarding the whole-brain network characteristics, all three groups exhibited small-worldness in their structural networks. The clustering coefficient (Cp) and local efficiency (Eloc) in the APOEε4+ and APOEε4- groups were significantly lower than in the HC group ( < 0.05), but no significant difference in Cp or Eloc was observed between the APOEε4+ and APOEε4- groups. Regarding intracerebral node characteristics, there were significant differences in some brain regions, mainly the default mode network (DMN), the occipital lobe, the temporal lobe, and subcortical regions. The change in intracerebral node characteristics was different between the APOEε4+ group and the APOEε4- group.
CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with SCD demonstrate changes in whole-brain network characteristics and intracerebral node characteristics in the structural network. Moreover, differences exist between APOEε4+ and APOEε4- individuals.
Topics: Humans; Apolipoprotein E4; White Matter; Male; Female; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged; Middle Aged; Nerve Net; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Diagnostic Self Evaluation
PubMed: 38940088
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2306117 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potentials. As such, DPSCs have a wide range of clinical applications. Low-level...
BACKGROUND
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potentials. As such, DPSCs have a wide range of clinical applications. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has positive photobiostimulatory effects on cell proliferation, angiogenesis, osteogenic differentiation, bone regeneration, and fracture healing. However, there have been few studies on the effect of low-energy lasers on DPSC proliferation.
METHODS
DPSCs were obtained from dental pulp tissue. The effects of LLLT on the proliferation of DPSCs and the associated mechanisms were investigated by culture and laser irradiation.
RESULTS
LLLT with energy densities of 3.5 J/cm2 and 14 J/cm2promoted the proliferation of DPSCs. Differential protein expression studies suggested the stimulation of DPSC proliferation by LLLT involved the PI3K-Akt and Rap1 signaling pathways, as well as the apoptosis-related pathway.
CONCLUSION
This preliminary study demonstrated that low-energy lasers have a pro-proliferative effect on DPSCs, and identified possible associated mechanisms. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of DPSCs and suggest novel strategies for the treatment of related diseases.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Cell Proliferation; Humans; Stem Cells; Low-Level Light Therapy; Cells, Cultured; Signal Transduction; Apoptosis; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 38940041
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906211 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Emotion-oriented approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in the care of the elderly. However, related studies have reported conflicting results. We aimed to explore... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Emotion-oriented approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in the care of the elderly. However, related studies have reported conflicting results. We aimed to explore the pooled effect of emotion-oriented approaches on the psychological outcomes and cognitive function of older adults through a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
We searched eight databases - CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science - for RCTs from inception to 11 January 2024. Participants aged 60 years or older who received emotion-oriented approaches as the intervention, and reported outcomes of interest in the studies were included. The primary outcome was psychological outcomes (depression, self-esteem, life satisfaction and loneliness), and the secondary outcome was global cognitive function. The pooled effect size was computed in comprehensive meta-analysis 3.0 software using Hedges' g (g) with random-effects model. Furthermore, heterogeneity was assessed through Cochrane's Q and I tests. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. To explore potential sources of heterogeneity, moderator analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
We included 37 RCTs and found that emotion-oriented approaches improve depression (g = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.08, -0.56), self-esteem (g = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.31, 1.64), life satisfaction (g = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.88), loneliness (g = -2.22, 95% CI = -3.80, -0.64) and global cognitive function (g = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.49) in older adults. We also observed significant follow-up effects on depression (g = -1.40, 95% CI = -2.45, -0.34) and loneliness (g = -3.48, 95% CI = 6.02, -0.94).
CONCLUSIONS
Emotion-oriented approaches are promising interventions in improving psychological outcomes and global cognitive function in older adults. Health care workers should receive training to promote and integrate emotion-oriented approaches into routine care of older adults emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts among health care professionals and caregivers to ensure holistic care delivery.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Aged; Cognition; Emotions; Depression; Middle Aged; Loneliness; Self Concept; Aged, 80 and over; Personal Satisfaction
PubMed: 38939961
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04123 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Monitoring service quality for family planning programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been challenging due to data availability. Self-reported...
BACKGROUND
Monitoring service quality for family planning programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been challenging due to data availability. Self-reported service quality from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) can provide additional information on quality beyond simple service contact.
METHODS
The DHS collects need, use and counselling for contraceptives. We used this data from 33 LMICs to develop quality-adjusted demand for modern family planning satisfied indicator (DFPSq). We compared it with the crude indicator (demand for family planning satisfied (DFPS)) and performed an equity analysis. Median, interquartile ranges (IQR) and the absolute and relative gap by country were used to describe the findings.
RESULTS
The median DFPS was 49% (IQR = 41-57%) and the median DPFSq was 19% (IQR = 14-27%). We found similar relative differences in the gap stratified by SES indicating quality was universally low. One exception is that adolescents had a higher relative gap (70%, IQR = 57-79%) compared to adults (54%, IQR = 46-68%), indicating lower quality access.
CONCLUSIONS
Severe and pervasive quality gaps exist in family planning services across most LMICs. Our novel DFPSq indicator is one additional tool for monitoring access and quality of service that is critical to meet the family planning needs of women.
Topics: Humans; Family Planning Services; Developing Countries; Female; Adult; Adolescent; Young Adult; Health Surveys; Quality of Health Care; Middle Aged; Health Services Accessibility; Male
PubMed: 38939949
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04125 -
Annals of Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine Apr 2024Since the resurgence of mpox disease in 2017, Nigeria alone has accounted for about 60% of confirmed cases reported in the African region. This study therefore aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Since the resurgence of mpox disease in 2017, Nigeria alone has accounted for about 60% of confirmed cases reported in the African region. This study therefore aimed to understand the knowledge and perception of the general public towards the mpox infection.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 958 community members across three states (Oyo, Lagos and Jigawa) in Nigeria. Knowledge of mpox infection was assessed across four domains: (1) general knowledge, (2) transmission, (3) signs and symptoms, and (4) prevention and treatment where we assigned a score of 1 for each correct response. Binary logistic regression was conducted to explore factors associated with knowledge of mpox infection at 5% level of significance. We assessed perception of mpox infection across 5 constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy) from the health belief model, using 3-point Likert scales. We used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney- U tests to assess factors associated with each construct.
RESULTS
Overall, only about one-third (38.3%) of community members were aware of mpox infection. There were variations in perceptions and knowledge across the three states. Knowledge of mpox infection transmission, prevention, and treatment was low across the states. Only 28.9% of respondents knew that sharing utensils with an infected person is a means of contracting the disease, and just 15.9% were aware that mpox infection may resolve spontaneously. The mean of general knowledge scores was higher in Jigawa 14.8 (±3.2) compared to Lagos 12.1 (±4.1) and Oyo states 12.5 (±5.6) (p<0.001).Respondents with tertiary-level education (p=0.001) were significantly more likely to perceive themselves as susceptible to mpox while males (p<0.001) and respondents who live in Jigawa state (p=0.002) were significantly more likely to perceive mpox as severe with 90.5% believing that being infected will stop their daily activity (p<0.001). Perceived barriers to adherence to mpox preventive strategies were higher in Jigawa state (p<0.001), with 68.3% reporting that use of hand sanitizers might be expensive for them.
CONCLUSION
The analysis of our findings revealed significant knowledge gaps and a very low level of public awareness about mpox. Key areas of limited knowledge included the disease's route of transmission, as well as its prevention and treatment. To control the spread of mpox infection, there is need to strengthen public health risk communication focusing on the transmission and preventive actions.
PubMed: 38939883
DOI: No ID Found -
Exploration (Beijing, China) Jun 2024The coupling electrosynthesis involving CO upgrade conversion is of great significance for the sustainable development of the environment and energy but is challenging....
The coupling electrosynthesis involving CO upgrade conversion is of great significance for the sustainable development of the environment and energy but is challenging. Herein, we exquisitely constructed the self-supported bimetallic array superstructures from the Cu(OH) array architecture precursor, which can enable high-performance coupling electrosynthesis of formate and adipate at the anode and the cathode, respectively. Concretely, the faradaic efficiencies (FEs) of CO-to-formate and cyclohexanone-to-adipate conversion simultaneously exceed 90% at both electrodes with excellent stabilities. Such high-performance coupling electrosynthesis is highly correlated with the porous nanosheet array superstructure of CuBi alloy as the cathode and the nanosheet-on-nanowire array superstructure of CuNi hydroxide as the anode. Moreover, compared to the conventional electrolysis process, the cell voltage is substantially reduced while maintaining the electrocatalytic performance for coupling electrosynthesis in the two-electrode electrolyzer with the maximal FE and FE up to 94.2% and 93.1%, respectively. The experimental results further demonstrate that the bimetal composition modulates the local electronic structures, promoting the reactions toward the target products. Prospectively, our work proposes an instructive strategy for constructing adaptive self-supported superstructures to achieve efficient coupling electrosynthesis.
PubMed: 38939862
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20230043 -
Exploration (Beijing, China) Jun 2024To overcome the overheating phenomena of electronic devices and energy components, developing advanced energy-free cooling coatings with promising radiative property...
To overcome the overheating phenomena of electronic devices and energy components, developing advanced energy-free cooling coatings with promising radiative property seem an effective and energy-saving way. However, the further application of these coatings is greatly limited by their sustainability because of their fragile and easy contamination. Herein, it is reported that a bioinspired radiative cooling coating (BRCC) displayed sustainably efficient heat dissipation by the combination of high emittance and robust self-cleaning property. With the hierarchical porous structure constructed by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), modified SiO and fluorosilicone (FSi) resin, the involvement of the BRCC improves the cooling performance by increasing ≈25% total heat transfer coefficient. During the abrasion and soiling tests, the BRCC-coated Al alloy heat sink always displays stable radiative cooling performance. Moreover, the simulation and experimental results both revealed that reducing surface coverage of BRCC (≈80.9%) can still keep highly cooling efficiency, leading to a cost-effective avenue. Therefore, this study may guide the design and fabrication of advanced radiative cooling coating.
PubMed: 38939859
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20230085 -
Journal of the Endocrine Society May 2024Young adulthood can be a challenging time for individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) as they experience increasing independence and life transitions, which can make it... (Review)
Review
Young adulthood can be a challenging time for individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) as they experience increasing independence and life transitions, which can make it difficult to engage in DM self care. Compared to older adults, young adults are more likely to have higher glycated hemoglobin A (HbA). They also often have lower adherence to standards of care in DM, and higher utilization of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis. This review describes health-care utilization and explores factors that may contribute to high HbA among young adults with DM. In addition, it discusses the unique health-care needs of young adults with DM, examines the role of technology in their DM care, and analyzes the effects of social determinants of health on their health-care utilization.
PubMed: 38939833
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae115 -
JACC. Advances Jan 2024Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used to guide lipid-lowering therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI). Lack of LDL-C testing represents a missed...
BACKGROUND
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used to guide lipid-lowering therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI). Lack of LDL-C testing represents a missed opportunity for optimizing therapy and reducing cardiovascular risk.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of Medicare beneficiaries who had their LDL-C measured within 90 days following MI hospital discharge.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries ≥66 years of age with an MI hospitalization between 2016 and 2020. The primary analysis used data from all beneficiaries with fee-for-service coverage and pharmacy benefits (532,767 MI hospitalizations). In secondary analyses, we used data from a 5% random sample of beneficiaries with fee-for-service coverage without pharmacy benefits (10,394 MI hospitalizations), and from beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage (176,268 MI hospitalizations). The proportion of beneficiaries who had their LDL-C measured following MI hospital discharge was estimated accounting for the competing risk of death.
RESULTS
In the primary analysis (mean age 76.9 years, 84.4% non-Hispanic White), 29.9% of beneficiaries had their LDL-C measured within 90 days following MI hospital discharge. Among Hispanic, Asian, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries, the 90-day postdischarge LDL-C testing was 33.8%, 32.5%, 30.0%, and 26.0%, respectively. Postdischarge LDL-C testing within 90 days was highest in the Middle Atlantic (36.4%) and lowest in the West North Central (23.4%) U.S. regions. In secondary analyses, the 90-day postdischarge LDL-C testing was 26.9% among beneficiaries with fee-for-service coverage without pharmacy benefits, and 28.6% among beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage coverage.
CONCLUSIONS
LDL-C testing following MI hospital discharge among Medicare beneficiaries was low.
PubMed: 38939806
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100753