Medicine
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Constipation is the most predominant symptom of Parkinson disease (PD), preceding the occurrence of motor symptoms in some patients, leading to reduced quality of life (QOL). The general approaches for the treatment have some side effects, but probiotics are live or attenuated microorganisms attributed to ameliorating constipation effects. Moreover, as treatments are generally well tolerated and side effects are scarce, there is room for further research. Therefore this work aims at investigating the clinical effectiveness and safety of probiotics for constipation in PD. ⋯ CRD42021276215.
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Premature ventricular contractions are the most common type of arrhythmia. The clinical symptoms are mainly palpitations. In severe cases, syncope, angina pectoris and heart failure may occur, which seriously affect people's lives and ability to work. Antiarrhythmic drugs have many side effects and should not be taken for long periods. Acupuncture has a significant effect on the treatment of premature ventricular contractions. Therefore, to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of premature ventricular contractions, we conducted this study, with the goal of providing a scientific methodology for this alternative treatment. ⋯ INPLASY2021100040.
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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common disease and characterized by fatigue, exhaustion, heavy limbs, and dizziness. Tuina, as a traditional Chinese manual therapy, is usually used for CFS in China. Several studies have reported that Tuina can improve fatigue exhaustion, and dizziness of patients with CFS. However, the effects of Tuina for CFS still remain controversial. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to investigate the effects of Tuina in the management of CFS. ⋯ The conclusion of this study will provide the evidence for the treatment of CFS in the future. It is expected that the conclusions drawn from this review will benefit patients, clinical practitioners and policy makers.
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Observational Study
Evaluation of previous management against a developed clinical pathway for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center.
The study aims to evaluate previous management of CRSwNP patients in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) against a developed CP. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) has high economic burden and impacts patient's quality of life. Implementation of clinical pathway (CP) can standardize care while optimizing resources. ⋯ Study showed non-CP patients were undertreated compared to CP. We identified aspects which resulted in resource wastage and unnecessary burden to our healthcare system. This study enables development of a written CP by fine-tuning various aspects of CP which could be applied to our future practice.
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Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition risk. However, data on predictors of PrEP uptake in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. We assessed predictors of PrEP uptake among HIV-uninfected high risk individuals enrolled in a HIV vaccine preparedness study in Masaka, Uganda. ⋯ The commonest reasons for not starting PrEP were pill burden (38%) and needing more time to decide (27%). PrEP uptake was low and associated with HIV risk indicators in this cohort. Interventions are needed to improve access to PrEP especially in fishing communities.