International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2021
Reliability of impulse oscillometry parameters in healthy children and in children with cystic fibrosis.
Impulse oscillometry system (IOS) is an instrument developed to evaluate the mechanical lung properties. It has been reported that to analyse the exam in a proper way it is necessary to carry out more than one measure. However, studies addressing the standardisation are still scarce. The objective was to determine within trial reliability of three measures in IOS parameters in healthy children and children with cystic fibrosis (CF). ⋯ The IOS parameters are reproducible for healthy children and CF children in three measures. However, according to the population studied, the performance of only one measure is sufficient to assess respiratory mechanics, whereas the SEM were low, except for Fres, in both groups.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. On Lipid and Glycemic Profiles and Cardiovascular Function in Menopausal Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.
The reduced production of ovarian hormones is considered to be the cause of an increase in the incidence of heart disease in women after menopause. Phytoestrogens are found in various herbal sources and are considered as an alternative to hormone therapy because of structural similarity with oestrogen. Elaeagnus angustifolia L., known as Senjed in Persian, is used in Iranian traditional medicine with various medicinal properties, contains valuable compounds, including two types of phytoestrogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of E. angustifolia fruit on the cardiovascular function, lipid and glycaemic profiles in postmenopausal women. ⋯ E. angustifolia was somewhat effective in improving cardiovascular function and lipid profile, as well as the overall health of postmenopausal women. However, the use of isomalt and corn starch in menopausal women needs further investigation.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2021
Regulating antimicrobial sales in Saudi Arabia; Achievements and Challenges.
Antimicrobials save millions of lives annually from dying because of bacterial infections, but the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) becomes a global threat. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken containment measures to limit the misuse of antimicrobials via implementing restrictions on dispensing without prescriptions. Hence, we aim to evaluate the impact of regulating antimicrobial sales and identify challenges that pharmacists are facing to prevent self-medication with antimicrobial agents. ⋯ Restriction measures implemented by the Saudi MOH led to a 40% to 50% reduction in inappropriate sales of antimicrobials. Further studies are needed to investigate the methods for improving documentation and prescribing practices.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2021
Can the systemic immune inflammation index be a predictor of bcg response in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?
We aimed to investigate the predictor role of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) on Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) response in patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). ⋯ The SII might be a successful, non-invasive and low-cost parameter for prediction of BCG failure in patients with high-risk NMIBC. The cut-off value for SII is 672.75 and above this level BCG failure and progression to MIBC might be anticipated. However, these results should be validated in prospective randomised controlled studies with large patient groups.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2021
Drug Use Evaluation of Cefepime at Khartoum North Teaching Hospital in Sudan.
Cefepime is essentially used for life-threatening infections. Although overutilisation of antibiotics is strongly discouraged around the world, they are still overused in developing countries including Sudan. ⋯ This study highlighted the irrational use of cefepime regarding inappropriate dose, duration, and inadequate antibiotic sensitivity tests. A lack of attention to dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment had been observed. Positive clinical outcome was significantly associated with antibiotic sensitivity test.