Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students. ⋯ Conclusions: Dentistry students are introduced to good oral hygiene habits, especially female students, while dietary habits should be improved. However, one in eight dental students is at high caries risk. By assessing the level of caries experience, targeted strategies can be developed to promote, maintain, and enhance oral health among dental students.
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Review
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Tissue Sampling: Lesion Assessment, Needles, and Techniques.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue sampling includes the techniques of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle biopsy (FNB), and both procedures have revolutionized specimen collection from the gastrointestinal tract, especially from remote/inaccessible organs. EUS-FNB has replaced FNA as the procedure of choice for tissue acquisition in solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs) across various society guidelines. FNB specimens provide a larger histological tissue core (preserving tissue architecture) with fewer needle passes, and this is extremely relevant in today's era of precision and personalized molecular medicine. ⋯ But, apart from the basic framework of the needle, various other factors play a role that influence diagnostic outcomes, namely, sampling techniques (fanning, aspiration or suction, and number of passes), collection methods, on-site evaluation (rapid, macroscopic, or visual), and specimen processing. The choice taken depends strongly on the endoscopist's preference, available resources at the disposal, and procedure objectives. Hence, in this review, we explicate in detail the concepts and available literature at our disposal on the topic of EUS-guided pancreatic tissue sampling to best guide any practicing gastroenterologist/endoscopist in a not-to-ideal set-up, which EUS-guided tissue acquisition technique is the "best" for their case to augment their diagnostic outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A Preliminary Investigation into the Use of Cannabis Suppositories and Online Mindful Compassion for Improving Sexual Function Among Women Following Gynaecological Cancer Treatment.
Background and Objectives: The impact of gynaecological cancer and its treatments on sexual intimacy can be profound on female sexuality. However, very few registered clinical trials have addressed sexual intimacy among this cohort. Materials and Methods: This preliminary randomised control trial (RCT) and content analysis assessed the effectiveness of a brief online mindful compassion group intervention adjunct with cannabis suppositories. ⋯ Feedback suggested that cannabis mediated the effects of mindful compassion and supported well-being, sexual self-efficacy, and quality of life. Participants also voiced a preference for cannabis suppositories when using dilators as part of their treatment and the use of sex toys instead of dilators, suggesting that dilators had negatively impacted their sexuality. Conclusions: These preliminary and exploratory outcomes look promising and provide a foundation for future research to develop varied healthcare options to improve mental health service delivery and quality of life for this cohort.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Alterations in Biomarkers Associated with Cardiovascular Health and Obesity with Short-Term Lifestyle Changes in Overweight Women: The Role of Exercise and Diet.
Background and Objectives: In this study, the effects of an eight-week exercise and nutrition program on blood lipids, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, ghrelin, irisin, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) in overweight women were investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 women volunteers participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), exercise (E), nutrition (N), exercise + nutrition (E + N). ⋯ Results: It was determined that the body composition components, lipid profile indicators, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance, leptin, ghrelin, irisin, and MDA parameters examined in this study showed positive changes in the intervention groups. Group E had a greater effect on body muscle percentage, MDA, and irisin levels, while group N had a greater effect on blood lipids and ghrelin levels. Conclusions: As a result, it is thought that lifestyle changes are important to improve cardiovascular health and combat obesity, and that maintaining a healthy diet together with exercise may be more effective.
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Background and Objective: The modified prone position, which is an alteration of the standard prone position, reduces cardiac preload. Dynamic variables including stroke volume variation (SVV), pulse pressure variation (PPV), and pleth variability index (PVI) are reliable predictors for fluid responsiveness during surgery. To the best of our knowledge, no studies assessing dynamic variables for fluid responsiveness have been conducted in the modified prone position. ⋯ In the modified prone position, 13 subjects were responders, and the areas under the ROC curves for ΔPVI, ΔSVV, and ΔPPV after fluid loading were 0.524 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.329-0.730, p = 0.476), 0.749 (95% CI 0.566-0.931, p = 0.004), and 0.790 (95% CI 0.641-0.938, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Crystalloid pre-loading could not mitigate the decrease in SV caused by the modified prone position. Changes in PVI were less reliable in predicting fluid responsiveness in the modified prone position.