Annals of medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Relationship between short-term self-reported dietary magnesium intake and whole blood ionized magnesium (iMg2+) or serum magnesium (s-Mg) concentrations.
Since we and others have shown that supplemental magnesium raises whole blood ionized magnesium (iMg2+) we investigated the relationships between self-reported dietary magnesium intake and concentrations of whole blood iMg2+ and serum magnesium (s-Mg). ⋯ Whole blood iMg2+ and s-Mg concentrations do not reflect short-term self-reported dietary intake in adults. Further research is needed to determine whether blood biomarkers of magnesium may reflect dietary magnesium intake.Key messagesDietary intake of magnesium, a shortfall nutrient, may be objectively measured using blood biomarkers of magnesium.Serum magnesium and whole blood iMg2+ were not associated with short-term dietary intake of magnesium.
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Multicenter Study
Serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae and pneumococcal vaccine coverage in adults in Turkey between 2015 and 2018.
To evaluate the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance in pneumococcal infections in adults and to provide a perspective regarding serotype coverage of both current and future pneumococcal vaccines. ⋯ The results revealed that novel PCV vaccines may provide improved coverage as compared with the currently available vaccine, PCV13. The significant antibiotic resistance rates imply the need to extend the serotype coverage of the vaccines. Continuing the surveillance in pneumococcal diseases is critical to explore the serotype distribution and incidence changes of IPD cases in the population and to inform policy makers to make necessary improvements in the national immunization programmes.Key messagesThis multicentre study demonstrated the most recent serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance in adult population in Turkey.Shifting from PCV13 to novel conjugated vaccines will significantly increase the coverage.Continuing the surveillance in pneumococcal diseases is critical to explore the serotype distribution changes and the incidence of cases with invasive pneumococcal disease in the population.
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We investigated the knowledge of COVID-19 pathogenesis and prevention, attitude, and adherence to safe clinical practices among radiographers during the pandemic and made some informed policy recommendations. ⋯ Participants' adherence to standard COVID-19 precautions was low. The level of professional qualification influenced participants' knowledge and safe practices during the pandemic. Upgrading the aseptic techniques and amenities in practice settings and broadening the infectious diseases modules in the entry-level and continuous professional education may improve radiographers' response to COVID-19 and future pandemics.Key messagesRadiographers whose qualifications were lower than a bachelor's degree had significantly less knowledge of COVID-19 prevention.Generally, radiographers had a positive attitude towards safe practices during the pandemic, but inadequate education, standard operational guidelines and resources affected their level of adherence.Apart from the shortage of personal protective equipment, poor infrastructural design and inadequate hygienic facilities such as handwashing stations, running water and non-contact hand sanitizer dispensers hampered adherence to COVID-19 precautions in low-resource settings.
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Clinical Trial
Predictors of long-term absence of coronary artery calcium in individuals with high blood pressure: results from the MESA study.
Individuals with high blood pressure (BP) have varying risks of cardiovascular events due to other coexisting factors. We aimed to identify the predictors of long-term absence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in individuals with high BP, which is an indicator of healthy arterial aging and can guide preventive strategies. ⋯ In individuals with high BP and initial CAC = 0, over 40% maintained CAC = 0 during a 10-year follow-up, which was associated with fewer ASCVD risk factors. These findings may have implications for preventive strategies in individuals with high BP.Clinical Trial registration number: The MESA was registered at clinical trials. gov as NCT00005487.KEY MESSAGESNearly half (46.5%) of individuals with high blood pressure (BP) maintained a long-term absence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) during a 10-year follow-up, and this was associated with a 66.6% lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events compared to those who developed incident CAC.Individuals with high BP, who are usually assumed to have an increased risk of ASCVD, exhibit significant heterogeneity in their ASCVD risk; those who maintain CAC = 0 have a lower ASCVD risk.Adding overall ASCVD risk factors to demographic information resulted in a moderate improvement in predicting long-term CAC = 0.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of exergaming in reducing cancer-related fatigue among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a randomized controlled trial.
Little is known about the effectiveness of the newly emerging technology of exergaming in reducing Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). ⋯ The protocol of exergaming used in this RCT effectively reduces CRF and promotes functional capacity/endurance and PA in children with ALL undergoing chemotherapy. It may provide an alternative treatment modality to decrease the healthcare load.Key messagesCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is described as physical exhaustion, sleep disturbance, emotional distress, and cognitive dysfunction.Exergaming reduces CRF and promotes functional capacity/endurance and physical activity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy.Exergaming may provide an alternative treatment modality to decrease the healthcare load.