Adverse Symptoms Research Articles

Effect of Fructooligosaccharides Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota in Human: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the effects of the supplementation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on the number of bacteria in the gut that are good for health, but the results have been inconsistent. Additionally, due to its high fermentability, supplementation of FOS may be associated with adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Therefore, we assessed the effects of FOS interventions on the composition of gut microbiota and gastrointestinal symptoms in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Design: All randomized controlled trials published before 10 July 2022 that investigated the effects of FOS supplementation on the human gut microbiota composition and gastrointestinal symptoms and met the selection criteria were included in this study. Using fixed or random-effects models, the means and standard deviations of the differences between the two groups before and after the intervention were combined into weighted mean differences using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Eight studies containing 213 FOS supplements and 175 controls remained in this meta-analysis. Bifidobacterium spp. counts significantly increased during FOS ingestion (0.579, 95% CI: 0.444–0.714) in comparison with that of the control group. Subgroup analysis showed greater variation in Bifidobacterium spp. in adults (0.861, 95% CI: 0.614–1.108) than in infants (0.458, 95% CI: 0.297–0.619). The increase in Bifidobacterium spp. counts were greater in the group with an intervention duration greater than 4 weeks (0.841, 95% CI: 0.436–1.247) than an intervention time less than or equal to four weeks (0.532, 95% CI: 0.370–0.694), and in the group with intervention doses > 5 g (1.116, 95% CI: 0.685–1.546) the counts were higher than those with doses ≤ 5 g (0.521, 95% CI: 0.379–0.663). No differences in effect were found between FOS intervention and comparators in regard to the abundance of other prespecified bacteria or adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis to explore the effect of FOS on gut microbiota and to evaluate the adverse effects of FOS intake on the gastrointestinal tract. FOS supplementation could increase the number of colonic Bifidobacterium spp. while higher dose (7.5–15 g/d) and longer duration (>4 weeks) showed more distinct effects and was well tolerated.

Efficacy and Safety of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We first searched PubMed, Wanfang Data, CNKI, Embase, ClinicalTrial.gov, and other databases. The retrieval time from the establishment of the database to January 2021. We collected relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of PCOS. Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis of RCTs were performed using RevMan 5.0 software. This systematic review and meta-analysis include a total of 9 RCTs involving 1021 patients. The results show that the addition of coenzyme Q10 may improve insulin resistance (HOMA-IR (WMD - 0.67 [- 0.87, - 0.48], P < 0.00001); fasting insulin (WMD - 1.75 [- 2.65, - 0.84], P = 0.0002); fasting plasma glucose (WMD - 5.20 [- 8.86, - 1.54], P = 0.005)), improve sex hormone levels (FSH (SMD - 0.45 [0.11, 0.78], P = 0.009); testosterone (SMD - 0.28 [- 0.49, - 0.06], P = 0.01)), and improve blood lipids (triglycerides (SMD - 0.49 [- 0.89, - 0.09], P = 0.02); total cholesterol (SMD - 0.35 [- 0.56, - 0.14], P = 0.001); LDL-C (SMD - 0.22 [- 0.43, - 0.01], P = 0.04); HDL-C (SMD 0.22 [0.01, 0.43], P = 0.04)). Only one RCT reported adverse events, and they found that patients had no adverse effects or symptoms following supplementation. Based on the current evidence, it could be considered that the addition of CoQ10 is a safe therapy to improve PCOS by improving insulin resistance (reduce HOMA-IR, FINS, FPG), increasing sex hormone levels (increase FSH, reduce testosterone), and improving blood lipids (reduce TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased HDL-C).

Economic recession, parental unemployment and adolescents’ health-related quality of life and mental health outcomes in Greece

ABSTRACT This study examines whether an association exists between parental unemployment and health-related quality of life and mental health for adolescents aged 15–18 in Athens, Greece. The gathered dataset covers the same upper high schools in two periods, 2011–2013 and 2017–2019. The study finds that parental unemployment bears an association with decreased health-related quality of life and increased adverse mental health symptoms for adolescents. Moreover, the 2011–2013 period, a period of increased parental unemployment, saw a decrease in health-related quality of life and increased adverse mental health symptoms for adolescents. In addition, parental unemployment proved more detrimental to adolescents’ health-related quality of life and mental health in 2011–2013 than in 2017–2019. The present research ranks among the first studies to examine whether parental unemployment could be associated with worse health-related quality of life and mental health for adolescents during periods of increased parental unemployment.

Prediction of the Occurrence of the Oculocardiac Reflex Based on the Assessment of Heart Rate Variability. An Observational Study

IntroductionOphthalmic surgery is assumed to be safe, but some operations require general anaesthesia which is associated with a number of potential complications. In addition, adverse cardiovascular symptoms, such as severe slowing of the heart rate and, in some cases, cardiac arrest may occur due to the surgical technique. The aim of this study was to determine whether it is possible to predict the occurrence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR) based on heart rate variability (HRV) analysis for autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity assessment measured prior to the induction of anaesthesia and immediately before eyeball traction.MethodsFifty-two adults of both sexes (age range 18–65 years) with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class 1 and 2 were enrolled in this study. All patients had underwent episcleral buckling under general anaesthesia. High-frequency (HF) changes in HRV are thought to reflect parasympathetic impulse transmission, whereas low-frequency (LF) changes reflect both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. However, in practice, LF changes can be considered to reflect sympathetic changes. Thus, the LF/HF ratio reflects the actual balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Based on that, frequency domain HRV parameters from 5-min Holter electrocardiogram recordings before anaesthesia induction and before eyeball traction were used for the analysis. The statistical analysis also included patient age, sex, ASA status and preanaesthesia and premanoeuvre heart rate and blood pressure.ResultsData from 42 patients were analysed. Oculocardiac reflex was observed in 32 patients (76.2%). No difference was found in the analysed parameters between patients with and without oculocardiac reflex. There was no relationship between the incidence of the OCR and the analysed parameters.ConclusionThe prediction of OCR based on initial ANS tone was not possible, and the initial heart rate, blood pressure, age, sex, and ASA status were not helpful for the identification of patients at risk of this reflex.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier no.: NCT01714362

M-health Apps and Physical and Mental Health Outcomes of Sexual Minorities

ABSTRACT Given the assigned health inequalities faced by sexual minorities, it is fitting to assess whether m-health could be associated with better health-related outcomes for these sexual minorities. The present study examines associations between m-physical and m-mental health apps and sexual minorities’ physical and mental health status in Greece. The study utilized three waves of panel data collected in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The findings indicated associations between the use of m-physical and m-mental health apps and increased physical and mental health status for sexual minorities. The work concludes that m-health could enhance informational capabilities associated with increased levels of physical and mental health for sexual minorities. Indeed, the study found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual minorities experienced physical and mental health deteriorations. Interestingly, the estimates indicated that the association between the use of m-physical and m-mental health apps and increased mental health status for sexual minorities was stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. The study suggests that tracking health-related information through m-health apps during periods of increased uncertainty could be associated with better health prevention and management. If m-health apps can alleviate adverse physical and mental health symptoms for sexual minorities, their potential should be considered.

Quality of Pre-operative Assessment for Mid Urethral Slings in Women Who Present With Mesh Complications

ObjectiveTo study quality of pre- and post-operative evaluation in women undergoing mid-urethral synthetic sling surgery who subsequently have complications. Materials and methodsStudy inclusion was chart availability for preoperative clinical history, examination, urodynamics and/or post-operative visit in women with mesh complications 2014-2021 in a tertiary practice. The primary outcome was compliance with quality indicators and guidelines for preoperative and post-operative clinical evaluation and urodynamics. Results122 women had preoperative, 102 urodynamic reports and 108 post-operative charts available for review. Only clinical history and examination showed moderate compliance (71% nature, 57% severity, 87% exam) with quality indicators, all other quality indicators were low. including documentation of counselling of mesh risks (11%) and risks of incontinence surgery (17%) . Compliance with guidelines (optimal care) was also low (bladder diary 61%, all others ≤41%). Post-operative evaluation did not comprehensively screen for complication e.g., flow rate/post-void residual performed in 9%. A significant proportion had an early adverse symptom (55%) or intervention e.g. trimming of exposure (40%) ConclusionCompliance with quality indicators and guidelines was generally low for pre-operative evaluation and urodynamic testing. There was inadequate content and length of post-operative evaluation despite a significant proportion presenting with adverse symptoms at first postoperative follow-up. Future research could target these areas for development of tools to improve compliance and education of health providers.

Risk factors in adolescence as predictors of trajectories of somatic symptoms over 27 years.

BackgroundSomatic symptoms among adolescents are common, yet little is known about long-term trajectories of somatic symptoms and the factors in adolescence that shape them. We examined individual, family and school-based factors at age 16 as predictors of trajectories of somatic symptoms over 27 years.MethodsParticipants from the Northern Swedish Cohort (n = 1001) responded to questions about individual factors (e.g. health behaviours), family factors (e.g. contact with parents, social and material adversity) and school satisfaction at age 16; as well as 10 somatic symptoms at ages 16, 18, 21, 30 and 43. Teacher assessments at age 16 included overall ability at school and peer relations. Age 16 predictors of somatic symptom trajectory group membership were analysed using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsPoor contact with mother and poor school satisfaction were significant predictors of adverse symptom trajectories among both men and women. Low birth weight and low parental academic involvement were contributing factors for women, while smoking and social adversity were more relevant factors for men.ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach that considers the unique contributions of individual, family and school-based factors in the development of trajectories of somatic symptoms from adolescence to middle age.

Cross-sectional examination of ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health symptoms.

To explore whether individuals who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) have more adverse mental health symptoms. Using a cross-sectional design, we measured the consumption of UPF as a percentage of total energy intake in kilo-calories using the NOVA food classification system. We explored whether individuals who consume higher amounts of UPF were more likely to report mild depression, more mentally unhealthy days and more anxious days per month using multivariable analyses adjusting for potential confounding variables. Representative sample from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2012. 10 359 adults aged 18+ without a history of cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin use. After adjusting for covariates, individuals with the highest level of UPF consumption were significantly more likely to report at least mild depression (OR: 1·81; 95 % CI1·09, 3·02), more mentally unhealthy (risk ratio (RR): 1·22; 95 % CI 1·18, 1·25) and more anxious days per month (RR: 1·19; 95 % CI 1·16, 1·23). They were also significantly less likely to report zero mentally unhealthy (OR: 0·60; 95 % CI 0·41, 0·88) or anxious days (OR: 0·65; 95 % CI 0·47, 0·90). Individuals reporting higher intakes of UPF were significantly more likely to report mild depression, more mentally unhealthy and more anxious days and less likely to report zero mentally unhealthy or anxious days. These data add important information to a growing body of evidence concerning the potential adverse effects of UPF consumption on mental health.

Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions and Suicidal Ideation Among State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Public Health Workers — United States, March 14–25, 2022

An increase in adverse mental health symptoms occurred in the general population at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which peaked in 2020 and subsequently decreased (1-3). The pandemic exacerbated existing stress and fatigue among public health workers responding to the public health crisis.* During March-April 2021, a survey of state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) public health workers found that 52.8% of respondents experienced symptoms of at least one of the following mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (4); however, more recent estimates of mental health symptoms among this population are limited. To evaluate trends in these conditions from the previous year, the prevalence of symptoms of mental health conditions and suicidal ideation, a convenience sample of STLT public health workers was surveyed during March 14-25, 2022. In total, 26,069 STLT public health workers responded to the survey. Among respondents,† 6,090 (27.7%) reported symptoms of depression, 6,467 (27.9%) anxiety, 6,324 (28.4%) PTSD, and 1,853 (8.1%) suicidal ideation. Although the prevalences of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among public health workers were lower (p<0.001)§ among 2022 survey respondents compared with those of 2021 survey respondents (4), the prevalences of symptoms of suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and PTSD remained high among those who worked >60 hours per week (range=11.3%-45.9%) and those who spent ≥76% of their work time on COVID-19 response activities (range=9.0%-37.6%). Respondents were less likely to report mental health symptoms if they could take time off (prevalence ratio [PR] range=0.48-0.55), or if they perceived an increase in mental health resources from their employer (PR range=0.58-0.84). To support the mental health of public health workers, public health agencies can modify work-related factors, including making organizational changes for emergency responses and facilitating access to mental health resources and services.¶.

Point-of-care HPV DNA testing of self-collected specimens and same-day thermal ablation for the early detection and treatment of cervical pre-cancer in women in Papua New Guinea: a prospective, single-arm intervention trial (HPV-STAT)

WHO recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and same-day treatment for cervical screening in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, few published data exist on the validity of the strategy. We aimed to evaluate the clinical performance, treatment completion rates, adverse events profile, and acceptability of a fully integrated strategy, comprising point-of-care HPV DNA testing of self-collected specimens and same-day thermal ablation, for screening of cervical cancer in women in Papua New Guinea. HPV-STAT was a large-scale, prospective, single-arm intervention trial conducted at two clinical sites in Papua New Guinea. Cervical screening clinics with an on-site consultant gynaecologist were selected in consultation with national and provincial health authorities, church health services, and local stakeholders. Eligible participants were women aged 30-59 years attending cervical screening services at the two clinics, who were willing to comply with study procedures and able to provide written informed consent. Women self-collected vaginal specimens for point-of-care GeneXpert testing (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for oncogenic HPV types. Women testing positive for HPV underwent pelvic examination followed by same-day thermal ablation or referral for gynaecology review. All HPV-positive women and a 15% random sample of HPV-negative women provided a clinician-collected cervical specimen for liquid-based cytology. The primary outcome was clinical performance (ie, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], and negative predictive value [NPV]) of the strategy for the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN13476702. Between June 5, 2018, and Jan 6, 2020, we recruited 4285 women, 3638 (84·9%) of whom tested negative for HPV and 647 (15·1%) tested positive for one or more oncogenic HPV type. Sensitivity of the algorithm to detect HSIL or worse was 85·4% (95% CI 81·0-89·6), with specificity 89·6% (88·6-90·6), PPV 35·2% (31·6-39·0), and NPV 98·9% (98·6-99·2). Among HPV-positive women, 602 (93·0%) received same-day thermal ablation and 42 (6·5%) were referred for gynaecology review, 37 (88·1%) of whom attended. Acceptability was high among both HPV-positive and HPV-negative women. Among the 329 HPV-positive women who attended a 3-month follow-up visit, 51 (15·5%) reported mild adverse symptoms that resolved in all cases by the follow-up visit. There were no serious adverse events. We conducted the first real-world evaluation of a fully integrated point-of-care HPV self-collect, test, and treat strategy for same-day cervical screening in a LMIC and found it to be effective, acceptable, and safe when implemented at scale in primary health-care facilities in Papua New Guinea. Our findings support the introduction and scale-up of HPV screening and treatment for the control and elimination of cervical cancer in LMICs, as recommended by WHO. Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Green exercise, mental health symptoms, and state lockdown policies: A longitudinal study

Lockdown policies aimed at decreasing the transmission of COVID-19 showed unintended mental health consequences; however, natural settings may offer a respite for individuals suffering from depression or anxiety symptoms. Previous cross-sectional literature reports protective effects of outdoor exposure on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We longitudinally assess whether green exercise corresponded with a decline in adverse mental health symptoms, controlling for state lockdown policies. We also examine whether the relation differed by state lockdown status. As our exposure variable, we specificized participation in an outdoor walk, jog, or hike (green exercise). We used, as the outcome variable, the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression symptoms. We utilized the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative sample of 8253 adults across 50 states in the US, surveyed biweekly between March 10, 2020–May 26, 2021. Linear fixed effect analyses controlled for time-invariant individual factors, as well as employment status, and household income. Regression results indicate a modest decline in PHQ-4 scores of approximately 0.10 (less mental health symptoms) as a function of green exercise, controlling for state lockdown status. We also find a slightly greater protective effect of green exercise on mental health symptoms during state lockdown policies. Additionally, we find that green exercise, as opposed to indoor exercise, corresponds with a decrease in PHQ-4 scores during lockdown. Contact with nature may improve mood and decrease mental health symptoms, especially during stress-inducing periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Green exercise as a recommended behavioral intervention may hold relevance for greater public health.

Treatment of destructive periodontitis with combined root resorption. Clinical case

Pathological resorption is diagnosed quite often in the treatment of periodontitis and is considered a prognostic adverse symptom. Increasing the effectiveness of the therapeutic treatment of destructive periodontitis is associated with the development of methods of instrumental and drug effects on root canals and depends on the correct selection of endo-sealant to achieve the predicted result. The combined pathology of root resorption is no exception in the case of a correctly chosen treatment strategy. The article reports on the successful therapeutic treatment of a tooth with destructive periodontitis and combined root resorption. Radiographically proven that there is a complete recovery of periapical tissues. Long-term results indicate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Household Financial Hardship Factors Are Strongly Associated with Poorer Latino Mental Health During COVID-19.

BackgroundLatinos have suffered disproportionate adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies have focused on comparing Latinos to other groups, potentially masking critical concerns within population. This study identifies potential pathways to poor mental health among Latinos during the pandemic.MethodsData from US Census Household Pulse Survey, covering April 23, 2020, to October 11, 2021, were analyzed. Ordinal logistic regression evaluated categorical frequencies of problems with anxiety, loss of interest, worry, and feeling down. Findings were stratified by gender, poverty status, metropolitan location, and work. Demographic, household, financial, and work covariates were mutually adjusted, and jackknife replications and population weights applied.ResultsAdverse mental health was common, with higher frequencies of 2 or more adverse mental health symptoms for at least several days in the prior 2 weeks (59.1–76.3%, depending on stratified group). Food insufficiency was strongly associated with adverse mental health symptoms across all characteristics. Odds ratios of often not having enough to eat compared to enough of foods wanted being associated with adverse mental health ranged from 2.6 to 6.56 (depending on stratified group). Difficulty with expenses was also strongly associated with adverse mental health across characteristics, with odds ratios very difficult compared to not at all ranging from 2.7 to 7.7 (depending on stratified group).ConclusionThese observations suggest household financial hardship factors influence mental health regardless of other personal characteristics, and this could inform services for Latinos. Targeted programs to ensure food sufficiency and income may be necessary to improve mental health in US Latinos.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40615-022-01366-8.

Effects of S-Amlodipine in the Management of Hypertension in Mongolian Patients

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-Amlodipine in patients suffering from hypertension.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A multicenter, prospective, open-label, non-comparative, clinical trial was conducted on 364 patients with hypertension in Mongolia. All these patients were treated with S- Amlodipine 2.5 mg or 5 mg orally once daily for a duration of 8 weeks.&#x0D; Results: S-Amlodipine treatment resulted in a considerable drop in blood pressure from baseline. After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean systolic blood pressure had decreased by 12.06 mmHg and the mean diastolic blood pressure had decreased by 8.77 mmHg. Furthermore, both physicians and patients assessed the overall efficacy and rated it as good. Also, during the therapy period, 6 individuals (1.7%) experienced minor or slight adverse symptoms such as cough and headache.&#x0D; Conclusion: The current study confirms that treatment with S-Amlodipine was effective and well-tolerated in the management of hypertension.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to High-Dose Melphalan Pretreatment in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Was Associated with the Mode of Melphalan Administration.

Objective To analyze the characteristics of gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to high-dose melphalan pretreatment in patients with multiple myeloma. Methods Between 1 January 2016 and 31 October 2021, 26 patients with multiple myeloma after autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with high-dose melphalan pretreatment were recruited. They were assigned to either the oral administration group or the intravenous administration group according to the administration modes, or to either the gastrointestinal bleeding group or the nongastrointestinal bleeding group. Analyses were performed based on the differences in general gastrointestinal symptoms and hemorrhage between different administration modes and on the differences in the general gastrointestinal symptoms, platelet alterations, and the intestinal microecology before pretreatment between patients with and without gastrointestinal bleeding. Results Of the 26 included patients, heavy secondary gastrointestinal bleeding was found in 6 patients with intravenous pretreatment. In patients given intravenous melphalan, those with gastrointestinal bleeding showed more pronounced general symptoms such as nausea and vomiting versus those without. There was no significant difference in platelet alterations between the two groups. Gastrointestinal bleeding was associated with more significant microecological disturbances than no bleeding. Conclusion Gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to high-dose melphalan pretreatment in patients with multiple myeloma was associated with the mode of melphalan administration, adverse symptoms at pretreatment, and the intestinal microecology prior to pretreatment. Thus, improvement of the intestinal microecology prior to pretreatment and mitigation of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms during pretreatment may contribute to a lower incidence of secondary gastrointestinal bleeding and enhanced transplantation safety.

Baroreflex activation therapy with the Barostim™ device in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a patient level meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains associated with high morbidity and mortality, poor quality of life (QoL) and significant exercise limitation. Sympatho-vagal imbalance has been shown to predict adverse prognosis and symptoms in HFrEF, yet it has not been specifically targeted by any guideline-recommended device therapy to date. Barostim™, which directly addresses this imbalance, is the first Food and Drug Administration approved neuromodulation technology for HFrEF. We aimed to analyse all randomized trial evidence to evaluate the effect of baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) on heart failure symptoms, QoL and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in HFrEF. An individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis was performed on all eligible trials that randomized HFrEF patients to BAT + guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) or GDMT alone (open label). Endpoints included 6-month changes in 6-min hall walk (6MHW) distance, Minnesota Living With Heart Failure (MLWHF) QoL score, NT-proBNP, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class in all patients and three subgroups. A total of 554 randomized patients were included. In all patients, BAT provided significant improvement in 6MHW distance of 49 m (95% confidence interval [CI] 33, 64), MLWHF QoL of -13 points (95% CI -17, -10), and 3.4 higher odds of improving at least one NYHA class (95% CI 2.3, 4.9) when comparing from baseline to 6 months. These improvements were similar, or better, in patients who had baseline NT-proBNP &lt;1600 pg/ml, regardless of the cardiac resynchronization therapy indication status. An IPD meta-analysis suggests that BAT improves exercise capacity, NYHA class, and QoL in HFrEF patients receiving GDMT. These clinically meaningful improvements were consistent across the range of patients studies. BAT was also associated with an improvement in NT-proBNP in subjects with a lower baseline NT-proBNP.

Study on the Effect of Phaseolus vulgaris Methanol Extract on Haloperidol and Tacrine Induced Parkinsonism

Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s disease is neurodegenerative disease with no cure till now, there are treatments that can be explored to ease the symptoms of this disease, and using plant extract we explore the possibility of neutralizing the adverse symptoms and providing better quality of life to patients. Purpose: To demonstrate Anti-parkinson’s activity of Phaseolus vulgaris methanol pod extract by using behavioural models in Wister Albino rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were given Phaseolus vulgaris methanol extract (PVME) prior Haloperidol and Tacrine induced Parkinsonism. Results: Phaseolus vulgaris, family (Leguminosae) is a plant, well known for its Traditional and Ayurvedic application for the treatment of various diseases. In the present studies, Phaseolus vulgaris pods were used to evaluate its Antiparkinson’s activity in behavioral models in Albino rats. The models used here were Haloperidol-induced catalepsy and Tacrine-induced vacuous jaw movement. Phaseolus vulgaris methanol extract (PVME) of 200 and 400 mg/kg were given to rats prior to inducing Catalepsy. Haloperidol, an Antipsychotic drug that induces motor symptoms like Parkinson’s disease, PVME administration for 5 days, and on last day Haloperidol (1mg/kg i.p) was given and catalepsy was observed, it was seen that PVME reduces catalepsy score in a dose-dependent manner. Behavioral parameters also observed using Tacrine, which is an Anticholesterase drug induces chewing movements and orofacial bursts. The results were noted for a duration of 1 hr and found that PVME 400 mg/kg dose significantly reduces the movements and bursts as compared to 200 mg/kg dose. The given results were found close to the standard group (levodopa + carbidopa). Conclusion: The study conducted on Phaseolus vulgaris plant pod extract demonstrates the Neuroprotective activity of plant and its effectiveness to assess the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Antiparkinson’s effect of PVME shown to treat symptoms of motor dysfunction attributed to its tendency to reduce oxidative stress and having phenolic content. Keywords: Phaseolus vulgaris, Haloperidol, Tacrine, Parkinson’s disease, Levodopa, Neuroprotective, Carbidopa, Oxidative stress.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression, Empathy, and Psychopathology in Adult Males Accused of Rape.

Background:Investigating the underlying psychosocial factors is a cornerstone of planning need-based intervention for adult males accused of rape. Unresolved debates on its etiology, mediation, or interaction among causal psychosocial variables fuel curiosity to scrutinize it further. Hence, we studied potential influence of and relation between adverse childhood experiences, aggression, empathy, and psychopathology in adult males accused of rape in India and investigated the risk factors for the same.Methods:With a correlational research design, 40 literate and consenting adult males medically confirmed for rape were recruited using convenient sampling. The assessment was done on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product–moment correlation, and stepwise linear regression analysis were calculated.Results:Approximately 75% of the participants experienced at least one category of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Scores above cut-off points were obtained on anger, hostility, fantasy, and personal distress. Significant correlations were obtained between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology; between hostility and psychopathology, perspective taking, and personal distress; and in case of indirect aggression, with perspective taking and empathetic concerns. Regression analysis revealed that an increase in Symptom Checklist-90 global scores increases hostility and that lower personal distress predicts higher scores on hostility on Aggression Questionnaire.Conclusions:Adverse childhood experiences, aggression, and psychopathology play a critical role and, therefore, should be included as core components of the prevention of rape or relapse prevention programs at the community level.

SAMSON and the Nocebo Effect: Management of Statin Intolerance.

Statins are essential medications in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, remain widely underutilized in large part due to concerns regarding adverse side effects. We describe the role of the nocebo effect in the perception of statin intolerance and provide management recommendations utilizing both statin and non-statin lipid-lowering therapies. The recent Self-Assessment Method for Statin side-effects Or Nocebo (SAMSON) trial demonstrated that 90% of adverse symptoms related to statins were also elicited by placebo, a powerful demonstration of the nocebo effect. Importantly, 50% of the study patients were able to successfully reinitiate statin therapy. Statin intolerance is common and can often be managed with expectation setting and adjustment of doses and/or dosing regimens. In those who remain unable to tolerate statins, numerous alternative lipid-lowering therapies exist with strong safety and efficacy profiles.

The Evaluation of Physiological Index Changes and Safety Work of Female Medical Staff With Different Medical Protection Standards in the Ward of COVID-19.

BackgroundEffective personal protective equipment (PPE) contribute to the prevention of COVID-19 infection. However, it is necessary to evaluate the potential risk of different medical protections in the isolation ward of COVID-19.ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the dynamics in physiological indexes of medical staff under primary and secondary PPE in the isolation ward of COVID-19 and provide the scientific basis for determining the safe work strategy.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 30 female nurses were selected to simulate medical work under the primary or secondary PPE, respectively. The oral temperature, axillary temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were measured and recorded every 20 min. The subjective adverse symptoms were recorded every 30 min. The blood glucose and weight of the individuals were measured and recorded before and after the trial.ResultsThe results indicated that the median trial persistence time in the participants with moderate-intensity work wearing the secondary PPE (70.0 min) was much lower than that with moderate-intensity work wearing the primary PPE (180 min) and with light-intensity work wearing the primary PPE (110 min; p < 0.05). Importantly, the heart rate, oral/axillary temperature, and respiratory rate of physiological indexes of the participants under moderate-intensity work wearing the secondary PPE increased significantly faster than the primary PPE (p < 0.001), while blood oxygen saturation decreased significantly faster than the primary PPE (p < 0.001). In addition, the proportions of subjective adverse symptoms (such as dry mouth, dizziness, palpitations, and anhelation) were much higher than primary PPE (p < 0.001). The average sweat volume and blood glucose consumption of participants under moderate-intensity work wearing primary PPE were higher than secondary PPE (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe combination of an exacerbated workload and secondary PPE worn by COVID-19 healthcare workers increases the change in physiological indicators, and in some cases the adverse symptoms, which can affect and even suspend their medical work. For any medical institution, there is room for improvement in terms of bioethics of a “Job Well Done” to reduce the risks of medical activities under secondary PPE.