The Libyan journal of medicine
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Introduction: Temperature management is an important aspect of the treatment of critically ill patients, but there are differences in the measurement and management of temperature in different Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The objective of this study was to understand the current situation of temperature measurement and management in ICUs in China, and to provide a basis for standardized temperature management in ICUs. Methods: A 20-question survey was used to gather information on temperature management strategies from ICUs across China. ⋯ The most frequent recommendations for promoting temperature management were continuous monitoring and targeted management. Conclusion: Our investigation revealed a high level of variability in the methods of temperature measurement and management among ICUs in China. Since fever is a common clinical symptom in critically ill patients and can lead to prolonged ICU stays, we propose that standardized guidelines are urgently needed for the management of body temperature (BT) in these patients.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that causes inflammation of the central nervous system, resulting in myelin damage and axon degeneration. Although the cause of MS remains unknown, various factors such as sex, latitude, sun exposure, serum vitamin D levels, Epstein Barr Virus infection, diet, microbiota and ethnicity are being studied for their potential roles in the development of the disease. ⋯ Therefore, the authors of this letter call for future studies to investigate the possible effects of the lunar cycle on MS activity and course, given evidence suggesting that the lunar cycle may affect sleep, fatigue, melatonin secretion, and mood state in humans. A deeper understanding of the chronobiology of MS could have practical implications for the development of chronotherapeutic strategies and the prevention or mitigation of MS relapses, potentially improving the quality of life of MS patients.
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Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is triggered by periodontal pathogens influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have suggested that anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17 (IL-17) play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of CP. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between eight sub-gingival pathogens and interleukin 17F (IL-17F) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with CP among Libyans. ⋯ A novel variant in the c. *34 G>A in IL-17F gene caused a change in glutamic amino acid to lysine amino acid, position on chromosome number (6) in the third exon, mRNA/genomic position 597, found in 14.6% of CP patients (p-value = 0.010) while the IL-17F (rs763780) SNP showed no association with CP (p-value = 0.334). Conclusion: P. intermedia appear as keystone pathogen for CP in the Libyan population. A novel variant in the IL-7F gene may be related to the severity of CP.
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We compared the self-reported ability to perform Kegel's exercises pre- and post-coital penetration in postpartum women. A cross-sectional design. Twenty-seven postpartum women with mild urinary incontinence were recruited. ⋯ Additionally, the outcomes of both measures showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) between women who reached orgasm and those who did not. Self-reported ability to perform Kegel's exercise immediately after coital penetration is reported to affect the appropriateness of its performance and effective outcomes. Thus, women should be discouraged from performing Kegel's exercises immediately post-coitus.
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Yemeni healthcare workers (HCWs) experience high levels of psychosocial stress. The current study provides a psychosocial assessment of Yemeni HCWs during the COVID19 pandemic and the factors that influence this. Between 6 November 2020, and 3 April 2021, 1220 HCWs inside Yemen self-reported levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression and quality of life using a web-based, cross-sectional survey. ⋯ There was also a significant inverse relationship between wellbeing scores and stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression scores (p < 0.001). A high percentage of respondents (85.8%) were 40 years old or younger and 72.7% had fewer than 10 years' experience, suggesting that experienced medics leave Yemen for safer and more secure jobs elsewhere. Psychosocial support to assist in building resilience to the prevailing conditions may need to be embedded in medical school training and continuing professional development to help support HCWs within Yemen and prevent even more from leaving the country.