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by Alessandra De Giani, Federica Perillo, Alberto Baeri, Margherita Finazzi, Federica Facciotti, Patrizia Di Gennaro
The human gut is a complex environment where the microbiota and its metabolites play a crucial role in the maintenance of a healthy state. The aim of the present work is the reconstruction of a new in vitro minimal human gut microbiota resembling the microbe-microbe networking comprising the principal phyla (Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Pseudomonadota, and Actinomycetota), to comprehend the intestinal ecosystem complexity. In the reductionist model, we mimicked the administration of Maitake extract as prebiotic and a probiotic formulation (three strains belonging to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera), evaluating the modulation of strain levels, the release of beneficial metabolites, and their health-promoting effects on human cell lines of the intestinal environment. The administration of Maitake and the selected probiotic strains generated a positive modulation of the in vitro bacterial community by qPCR analyses, evidencing the prominence of beneficial strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) after 48 hours. The bacterial community growths were associated with the production of metabolites over time through GC-MSD analyses such as lactate, butyrate, and propionate. Their effects on the host were evaluated on cell lines of the intestinal epithelium and the immune system, evidencing positive antioxidant (upregulation of SOD1 and NQO1 genes in HT-29 cell line) and anti-inflammatory effects (production of IL-10 from all the PBMCs). Therefore, the results highlighted a positive modulation induced by the synergic activities of probiotics and Maitake, inducing a tolerogenic microenvironment.by Koen M.F. Gorgels, Senna C.J.L. van Iersel, Sylvia F.A. Keijser, Christian J.P.A. Hoebe, Jacco Wallinga, Albert J. van Hoek
Measuring the severity of the disease of SARS-CoV-2 is complicated by the lack of valid estimations for the prevalence of infection. Self-administered rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) were available in the Netherlands since March 2021, requiring confirmation by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for positive results. We explored the possibility of utilizing the positive predictive value (PPV) of Ag-RDTs to estimate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. We used data from all Public Health service testing facilities between 3 May 2021 and 10 April 2022. The PPV was calculated by dividing the number of positive RT-PCR results by the total number of confirmation tests performed, and used to estimate the prevalence and compared with the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions. In total 3,599,894 cases were included. The overall PPV was 91.8% and 88.8% were symptomatic. During our study period, the estimated prevalence ranged between 2–22% in symptomatic individuals and 2–14% in asymptomatic individuals, with a correlation between the estimated prevalence and hospital admissions two weeks later (r = 0.68 (pAutism (formally autism spectrum disorder) encompasses a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions, characterised by differences in communication and social interactions. Co-occurring chronic gastrointestinal symptoms are common among autistic individuals and can adversely affect their quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of oral encapsulated faecal microbiome transfer (FMT) in improving gastrointestinal symptoms and well-being among autistic adolescents and adults.
This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial will recruit 100 autistic adolescents and adults aged 16–45 years, who have mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) score ≥2.0). We will also recruit eight healthy donors aged 18–32 years, who will undergo extensive clinical screening. Recipients will be randomised 1:1 to receive FMT or placebo, stratified by biological sex. Capsules will be administered over two consecutive days following an overnight bowel cleanse with follow-up assessments at 6, 12 and 26 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome is GSRS score at 6 weeks. Other assessments include anthropometry, body composition, hair cortisol concentration, gut microbiome profile, urine/plasma gut-derived metabolites, plasma markers of gut inflammation/permeability and questionnaires on general well-being, sleep quality, physical activity, food diversity and treatment tolerability. Adverse events will be recorded and reviewed by an independent data monitoring committee.
Ethics approval for the study was granted by the Central Health and Disability Ethics Committee on 24 August 2021 (reference number: 21/CEN/211). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to both scientific and consumer group audiences.
ACTRN12622000015741.
The empty pelvis syndrome is a significant source of morbidity following pelvic exenteration surgery. It remains poorly defined with research in this field being heterogeneous and of low quality. Furthermore, there has been minimal engagement with patient representatives following pelvic exenteration with respect to the empty pelvic syndrome. ‘PelvEx—Beating the empty pelvis syndrome’ aims to engage both patient representatives and healthcare professionals to achieve an international consensus on a core outcome set, pathophysiology and mitigation of the empty pelvis syndrome.
A modified-Delphi approach will be followed with a three-stage study design. First, statements will be longlisted using a recent systematic review, healthcare professional event, patient and public engagement, and Delphi piloting. Second, statements will be shortlisted using up to three rounds of online modified Delphi. Third, statements will be confirmed and instruments for measurable statements selected using a virtual patient-representative consensus meeting, and finally a face-to-face healthcare professional consensus meeting.
The University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine ethics committee has approved this protocol, which is registered as a study with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative. Publication of this study will increase the potential for comparative research to further understanding and prevent the empty pelvis syndrome.
by Mira Puthettu, Stijn Vandenberghe, Spyros Balafas, Clelia Di Serio, Geni Singjeli, Alberto Pagnamenta, Stefanos Demertzis
Although CO2 field-flooding was first used during cardiac surgery more than 60 years ago, its efficacy is still disputed. The invisible nature of the gas and the difficulty in determining the “safe” quantity to protect the patient are two of the main obstacles to overcome for its validation. Moreover, CO2 concentration in the chest cavity is highly sensitive to procedural aspects, such suction and hand movements. Based on our review of the existing literature, we identified four major factors that influence the intra-cavity CO2 concentration during open-heart surgery: type of delivery device (diffuser), delivery CO2 flow rate, diffuser position around the wound cavity, and its orientation inside the cavity. In this initial study, only steady state conditions were considered to establish a basic understanding on the effect of the four above-mentioned factors. Transient factors, such as suction or hand movements, will be reported separately.Post-stroke depression is the most common neuropsychiatric consequence and reduces rehabilitation effectiveness. However, the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) on mental health treatment for patients after a stroke is uncertain.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of VR as a co-adjuvant form of treatment to reduce depression in stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units.
We systematically searched medical databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 16, 2023. Clinical trials comparing the use of VR as an adjuvant form of treatment in stroke patients' rehabilitation with the usual treatment were included. Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to type of stroke, VR characteristics, and the scale used to measure depression. Meta-regression analysis was performed for intervention duration and to determine the mean age of the participants.
Eight studies and 388 stroke patients were included. The VR interventions were associated with a lower risk of depression in patients (ES = −0.69; 95% CI [−1.05, −0.33]; I 2 = 57.6%; p ≤ .02). The estimates were not affected by the type of stroke, the type of VR used, the blinding process, the type of scale used to detect depression, the duration of the intervention (weeks and minutes), and the total number of sessions. Meta-regression shows that younger samples (p = .00; 95% CI [0.01, 0.08) and longer interventions (p = < .05; 95% CI [−0.00, −0.00) lead to a greater reduction in depression.
This review provides an important basis for treating depression in patients after a stroke. Professionals working in stroke neurorehabilitation units should consider VR as a form of co-adjuvant treatment for depression in patients.
CRD42022303968.
The Covid-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges
around the world and Timor-Leste is no exception. Despite volatile
economic performance, consistent low levels of health spending, and
bureaucratic fragility associated with young democratic institutions,
Timor-Leste is one of the few nations that has mitigated the virus
effectively. We consider the first-hand accounts of healthcare and NGO
workers, community leaders, and Ministry of Health officials
responding to the Covid-19 pandemic in assessing the effectiveness of
‘South-South’ development partnerships and co-operation. Our analysis
of interview data collected during April and May show that Timor-
Leste’s success in responding to the pandemic is a product of the
continuing efforts of genuine partnerships and international aid. We
argue that despite criticism of the development effectiveness agenda
following the 2011 Busan Forum, on-the-ground accounts in Timor-Leste
display the value of unconditional partnerships, mutually defined goals,
and development cooperation in combatting the pandemic. This research
contributes to the literature on development effectiveness and is the first of its kind
characterising the Timorese response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
by Daniel König, Patrick Jendricke, Katharina Poggel, Lena Staab, Albert Gollhofer
Today, university students face study conditions that increase the risk of sedentary behavior, unhealthy eating, and the likelihood of stress, anxiety, and depression. Although the situation has likely worsened in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even in the pre-Corona era, several investigations have demonstrated that the students’ health behaviors could increase the incidence of metabolic risk factors and non-communicable diseases, however, further and detailed information is needed to develop tailored counter-strategies. Therefore, in the present survey, the current health status of students at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (ALU) will be recorded by various questionnaires. In addition, barriers that could potentially influence their health behavior will be identified, and information on the use and awareness of existing health services will be obtained in order to derive concrete needs for further health promotion activities. The study is designed as a monocentric and prospective study at the ALU; the survey of students’ situation and needs assessments will be conducted in the areas of nutrition, exercise, relaxation and stress reduction, self-management, psychosocial health and socio-demographic correlations via an anonymous and self-administered online questionnaire. Subsequently in two-year intervals, the survey will be repeated. Data will be collected over a period of 4 years. One goal of this survey is to gain more insight into the health situation of university students; another goal is to use the knowledge gained to integrate holistic health measures into the university landscape in a structured and sustainable manner. These health measures will be implemented by using the newly developed student health care management at the ALU (www.sgm.uni-freiburg.de). Every two years, after evaluation of the surveys, the effect of the health measures can be checked and adjusted. Trial registration: ETK: 20–1082; DRKS-ID: DRKS00024088.Schizotypal disorder is associated with a high level of disability at an individual level and high societal costs. However, clinical recommendations for the treatment of schizotypal disorder are scarce and based on limited evidence. This review aims to synthesise the current evidence on treatment for schizotypal disorder making recommendations for clinical practice.
This systematic review protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A systematic literature search will be performed in PsychArticles, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Additionally, we will search for relevant articles manually. Inclusion criteria are published studies including individuals diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria, or schizotypal disorder according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria. We will include interventional studies comprising any pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment trials for patients with schizotypal disorder, and all relevant outcome measures will be reported. Risk of bias will be assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. Data will be synthesised using narrative or thematic analysis and, if suitable, through meta-analysis.
No original data will be collected as part of this study and ethics approval is, therefore, not applicable. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and presented at international scientific meetings. We will aim at submitting the final paper for publication within 4 months of completion of analyses. Furthermore, this systematic review will inform clinicians and researchers on the current state of evidence on treatment for schizotypal disorder. Findings may guide proposals for further research and potentially guide recommendations for clinical practice using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
CRD42022375001.
The number of UK graduates choosing General Practice training remains significantly lower than the current numbers required to meet the demands of the service. This work aims to explore medical students’ perceptions of General Practice, experiences which lead to the development of these perceptions, and the ultimate impact of these on career intention.
This mixed-methods, qualitative study used focus groups, semistructured interviews, longitudinal audio diary data and debrief interviews to explore and capture the experiences and perceptions of students in their first and penultimate years of university.
Three English medical schools.
Twenty students were recruited to focus groups from first and fourth/fifth year of study. All students in these years of study were invited to attend. Six students were recruited into the longitudinal diary study to further explore their experiences.
This work identified that external factors, internal driving force and the ‘they say’ phenomenon were all influential on the development of perceptions and ultimately career intention. External factors may be split into human or non-human influences, for example, aspirational/inspirational seniors, family, peers (human), placements and ‘the push’ of GP promotion (non-human). Driving force refers to internal factors, to which the student compares their experiences in an ongoing process of reflection, to understand if they feel General Practice is a career they wish to pursue. The ‘they say’ phenomenon refers to a passive and pervasive perception, without a known source, whereby usually negative perceptions circulate around the undergraduate community.
Future strategies to recruit graduates to General Practice need to consider factors at an undergraduate level. Positive placement experiences should be maximised, while avoiding overtly ‘pushing’ GP onto students.
Objetivo principal: Analizar el papel de la enfermera pediátrica en el abordaje del neonato con gastrosquisis en un contexto de consumo de opioides durante el embarazo. Presentación del caso: Neonato con gastrosquisis, en cuyos antecedentes destaca el consumo de marihuana, por parte de la madre, durante el embarazo. Valoración: Según los 11 patrones funcionales de M. Gordon, se observó una alteración en los patrones 1, 2, 3, 5 y 7. Plan de cuidados: Destaca la identificación los diagnósticos NANDA Deterioro de la integridad tisular, Riesgo de motilidad gastrointestinal disfuncional y Síndrome de abstinencia neonatal. Se planificaron los criterios de resultado e intervenciones pertinentes, observándose una mejoría sustancial del paciente a las tres semanas. Discusión: El papel de la enfermera pediátrica en casos de este tipo, se basa en el cuidado integral del neonato, con intervenciones dirigidas, especialmente, al mantenimiento del confort y del estado hemodinámico, respiratorio y gastrointestinal del neonato.
To identify changes in mental health status among nursing professionals in a Brazilian municipality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An observational and longitudinal study.
Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the presence of depressive symptoms was evaluated among 690 nursing professionals in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, at two moments: June/July 2020 and June/July 2021.
13.0% incidence of depressive symptoms was identified; as well as 12.2% remission; 24.1% persistence and 50.7% absence. Among the factors associated with the worst prognoses we can mention female gender, greater workload, feeling of overload, illness of family members or friends due to COVID-19 and use of psychotropic drugs
There was significant mobility in the diagnosis of depression among the professionals studied during the period analysed, with incidence of new cases of significant depression and greater than the number of remissions. In addition to sociodemographic aspects, traumatic experiences and exposure to continuous overload were associated with persistence and incidence of new cases.
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase in depressive symptoms among nursing professionals; however, understanding the long-term effects of this scenario is still a challenge.
What problem did the study address? This study investigates changes in the mental health status of nursing professionals working at different care levels, taking the prevalence of screening for depression as a proxy, during a period of a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What were the main findings? Between both data collection moments, 2020 e 2021, there was a significant percentage of professionals with persistent depression, in addition to a significant proportion of incident cases that slightly exceeded the number of remissions and the factors associated with the worst prognoses were sociodemographic aspects such as gender and emotional stressors like illness of family members or close friends due to COVID-19, in addition to those related to the organisation and support provided by the services, such as workload and feeling of overload.
Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study will impact the nursing professionals and in role of the health services in order to establishing actions that contribute to minimising the deleterious effects of the pandemic on the mental health of their Nursing teams.
The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.
No Patient or Public Contribution.
Introducción. Las heridas crónicas suponen un grave problema de salud con gran impacto socioeconómico debido a su morbimortalidad y a la afectación de la calidad de vida. Desde hace tiempo se conocen las propiedades de los lípidos en el sistema inmunitario. Un sistema inmunológico débil podría conducir a una infección o cronificación de las heridas. El colesterol es un lípido con importancia cuantitativa en las membranas de las células donde contribuye al mantenimiento de la fluidez de membrana. Unos niveles bajos de colesterol se relacionan con mayor riesgo de padecer infecciones. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los niveles de lípidos en pacientes con úlceras por presión infectadas. Metodología. Se estudiaron 77 pacientes del Departamento de Salud de Elche Hospital General con úlceras por presión infectadas en un periodo de un año. Resultados. Se ponen de manifiesto diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre pacientes con niveles de C-LDL por debajo de 70mg/dL y pacientes con niveles por encima de 70mg/dL que presentan un CT por debajo de 140mg/dL. Discusión. La investigación futura sobre estos aspectos ayudará a aclarar los mecanismos de transporte del colesterol hacia los tejidos para así protegerlos de las agresiones de los microorganismos.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Chronic wounds are a serious health problem with great socioeconomic impact due to their morbidity and mortality and the affectation of quality of life. The properties of lipids in the immune system have been known for a long time. A weak immune system could lead to infection or chronic wounds. Cholesterol is a quantitatively important lipid in cell membranes where it contributes to maintaining membrane fluidity. Low levels of cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of infections. The objective of the study was to analyze the levels of lipids in patients with pressure ulcers infected. Methodology. 77 patients with infections in pressure ulcers from the Health Department of Elche-General Hospital were studied for one year. Results. Statistically significant differences are revealed between patients with LDL-C levels below 70mg/dL and patients with levels above 70mg/dL. Levels of TC were below 140mg/dL in both groups. Discussion. Future research on these aspects will help clarify the mechanisms of cholesterol transport to the tissues and therefore protect them from microorganism aggressions.
Objetivo principal: Evaluar la calidad de un artículo experimental y efectividad de una técnica de enfermería para cubrir el catéter venoso central en pacientes adultos. Metodología: Revisión crítica de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, basado en la mejor evidencia científica para la Práctica de Enfermería Basada en la Evidencia que diera respuesta a ¿El uso del apósito con clorhexidina comparado con apósito estándar al cubrir el sitio de inserción del catéter venoso central en pacientes adultos disminuye las infecciones locales o sistémicas? Para la lectura crítica se empleó la Escala de Jadad, el Programa de Habilidades de Evaluación Crítica en español, se calcularon medidas de efecto del tratamiento y medidas de riesgo. Resultados principales: El artículo mostró buena calidad con 4 puntos, tuvo validez en sus resultados al obtener respuestas afirmativas en preguntas de eliminación. La técnica de enfermería en métodos comparados fue efectiva y segura en beneficio del paciente, existió baja incidencia de infección primaria a nivel sanguíneo y buena fijación en ambos grupos, pero elevada tasa de reacción local. Conclusión principal: Ambos métodos fueron efectivos y seguros de utilizar en beneficio del paciente crítico, demostraron baja incidencia de infección primaria de la corriente sanguínea en los grupos. El apósito con clorhexidina no fue efectivo para disminuir la infección primaria de la corriente sanguínea.
Objetivo principal: Conocer la satisfacción de los usuarios del circuito de diagnóstico rápido de cáncer de pulmón. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo de cohortes que incluye todos los pacientes estudiados en consulta de cáncer de pulmón entre 1 de noviembre del 2016 hasta 31 de octubre del 2017, diagnosticados de neoplasia. Para conocer la satisfacción, la recogida de datos se realizó mediante cues-tionario en la última visita a la consulta de cáncer de pulmón. Resultados principales: Se estudiaron 566 pacientes con sospecha de malignidad, con diagnóstico final de neoplasia en 127 (84,7%) y con enfermedad metastásica en 29 (15,3%). Participaron 158 pacientes. La satisfacción fue alta (“excelente” y “muy bien”) en 85,4% pacientes. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos muestran alto índice de satisfacción de los pacientes con la atención recibida y esto es un indicador de calidad del proceso.
Objetivo: Analizar el papel del enfermero en el abordaje inicial del recién nacido afecto de síndrome de bridas amnióticas. Presentación del caso: Recién nacido prematuro con lesión por banda amniótica en muñeca derecha. Valoración: Según los 11 patrones funcionales de Gordon, se objetivó una alteración los patrones 2 y 6 en el neonato, y del 7 en los padres. Plan de Cuidados: Se identificaron los diagnósticos de Riesgo de perfusión tisular periférica ineficaz, Riesgo de deterioro de la integridad tisular, Dolor agudo y Ansiedad. Tras planificar los criterios de resultado y ejecutar las intervenciones pertinentes, se observó la no aparición de los riesgos identificados, resolución del dolor y disminución de la ansiedad de los padres. Discusión: El papel del enfermero en casos de este tipo, se basa en la inspección de la lesión para minimizar la aparición de complicaciones, el control del dolor y el apoyo emocional a la familia.
Rev Enferm;39(5): 20-4, 2016 May. . [Artículo]
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