Treatment Interventions Research Articles

Visualisation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in cultured cells, infected sheep and human tissue sections using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

We describe the development, testing and specificity of a modified oligonucleotide probe for the specific detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in culture and in infected tissue using fluorescent in situ hybridisation and confocal microscopy. The detection of MAP in both animal and human tissue using our modified probe allows for a more rapid diagnosis of MAP infection compared to the more often applied detection methods of culture and PCR and has the potential for quantification of cellular abundance. This approach would enable earlier treatment intervention and therefore the potential for reduced morbidity.

Epidemiology, Natural History, and Growth Risk of Meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors. As the number of incidentally discovered meningiomas has increased with the widespread access and use of neuroimaging, treatment strategies for meningiomas have become more important. Close observation is the first choice for asymptomatic lesions; however, the natural history of meningiomas remains unclear. It is necessary to recognize the characteristics of meningiomas that are likely to grow, such as high signal intensity on MRI T2WI. It is also important to examine the growth rates and patterns using multiple neuroimaging examinations during the follow-up period. The authors suggested a relationship between the various observed growth patterns and the length of the follow-up period based on the assumed development of tumor volume. Less than 10% of patients with asymptomatic meningiomas develop symptoms and require treatment. However, it remains unclear which lesions become symptomatic, and further studies are required. Lesions with a sustained growth pattern undergo preventive treatment interventions, but the need for and appropriate timing of these interventions are continuously under debate. Further studies will help elucidate the natural history of meningiomas.

The Relationship of Rumination, Worry and OCD Symptoms During Technology Supported Mindfulness Therapy for OCD

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn this study, we re‐examined data from a previous randomized controlled trial investigating ‘technology supported mindfulness’ (TSM)—an 8‐week treatment intervention for individuals experiencing OCD. The current analysis involves an examination of the longitudinal relationships between rumination, worry and OCD symptom changes during mindfulness treatment, in comparison to a waitlist control.MethodsParticipants experiencing OCD (n = 71) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of (1) TSM or (2) waitlist control. We tested the extent to which rumination (using the Ruminative Response Scale) and worry (using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire) are associated with OCD symptom changes during the acute phase of treatment, concurrently (i.e., within the same longitudinal model).ResultsGeneralized linear model (GLM) results indicated a significant time (week 1 vs. week 8) by condition interaction involving decreased rumination in the TSM condition: F(1, 61) = 13.37, p = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.18 and observed power = 0.94. A second GLM demonstrated decreased worry in the TSM condition: F(1, 69) = 37.34, p = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.35 and observed power = 0.83. Longitudinal ‘latent difference’ structural equation analyses demonstrated a cross‐lagged association between worry (but not rumination) and OCD symptom changes.ConclusionsIndividuals in the TSM condition experienced greater reductions in rumination and worry during 8 weeks of TSM treatment compared to the waitlist control, and reduced worry predicted subsequent OCD symptom reduction.

Unveiling the Potential: A Comprehensive Review of Dynamic Slow-Motion Video Endoscopy for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Evaluation.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) poses diagnostic challenges due to its complex pathophysiology and varied clinical presentation. Traditional diagnostic methods often lack direct visualization of the Eustachian tube (ET) function, leading to suboptimal evaluation and management. Dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy (DSVE) has emerged as a novel approach to address these limitations, offering real-time visualization of ET dynamics with enhanced clarity and precision. This comprehensive review provides an overview of DSVE as a promising tool for evaluating ETD. We discuss its methodology, clinical applications, comparative analysis with traditional methods, and future directions. Key findings from the literature highlight DSVE's ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate targeted treatment strategies, and improve patient outcomes. Integrating DSVE into routine clinical practice holds significant implications for the diagnosis and management of ETD, offering clinicians valuable insights into underlying pathophysiology and guiding personalized treatment interventions. Future research should focus on standardizing DSVE protocols, validating its diagnostic accuracy, and exploring its role in guiding novel treatment modalities. By advancing our understanding of ETD and optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, DSVE has the potential to revolutionize the management of this common yet challenging otologic condition.

Compare the effectiveness of two treatments, behavioral activation and acceptance and commitment therapy, on depression and mental rumination in mothers of children with cerebral palsy in Ilam city

BACKGROUND: Since in most families, mothers are more responsible for taking care of children and have more responsibility than fathers for monitoring the child, taking care of a disabled child can have a more negative effect on the psychological state of mothers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of behavioral activation (BA) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in depression and rumination in mothers with children with cerebral palsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was quasi-experimental field research with a pre-posttest and control group. The study population comprised 237 mothers with children who had cerebral palsy and were referred to occupational therapy centers in Ilam, Iran. The sample consisted of 60 participants selected by convenience sampling, who were randomly divided into two experimental groups (BA and ACT) and a control group (n = 20 per group). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 with descriptive and inferential statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). RESULTS: The results of both BA and ACT were effective in reducing depression (P < 0.01) and rumination (P < 0.01) in the two experimental groups compared with the control group in the posttest phase. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the ACT in reducing depression and rumination was found to be more significant than the effectiveness of BA (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggest that both BA and ACT are effective in reducing depression and rumination in the research participants. However, the study also found that ACT was more effective than BA in reducing depression and rumination. Thus, both approaches can be used to strengthen treatment interventions to lessen depression and rumination in the research participants.

Magnetic and pH dual responsive injectable magnetic zeolitic imidazole framework based colloidal gel for interventional treatment on hepatocellular carcinoma

Thermal ablation is frequently combined with systemic chemotherapy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the side effects of systemic chemotherapy on normal tissues limit its clinical application. Herein, we report a magnetic and pH dual-responsive colloidal gel assembled by doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded magnetic ZIF-8 and gelatin nanoparticles for HCC. The magnetic colloidal gel shows improved injectability and high functional particle loading, which could be injected through a 27G needle with an injection force as low as 8.8 N at 150 mg/mL solid content. Meanwhile, this colloidal gel could be magnetically heated and accelerated release DOX under tumor microenvironment, which presents a synergistic therapeutic effect by combining magnetic hyperthermia and localized chemotherapy. Furthermore, this colloidal gel could be manually injected interventional under ultrasound-guidance, exhibiting effective deep tumor treatment effect. Due to the high solid content, suitable injectability, and mechanical properties, the colloidal gel is also a promising embolic agent for transarterial embolization in HCC treatment.

Anatomical evaluation of a novel echocardiography based tricuspid valve classification in 60 hearts from body donors.

This study aimed to provide comprehensive morphological descriptions of the morphology of the tricuspid valve and to evaluate if a novel echocardiography-based tricuspid valve nomenclature can also be understood anatomically. Tricuspid valves of 60 non-embalmed human body donors without a medical history of pathologies or macroscopic malformations of the heart were included. Length, height and surface area of leaflets were measured. The valves were morphologically classified according to a novel echocardiography-based classification, in which 6 types are distinguished: classic 3-leaflet configuration, bicuspid valves, valves with 1 leaflet split into 2 scallops or leaflets and valves with 2 leaflets divided into 2 scallops or leaflets. We found a true 3-leaflet configuration in only 19 (31.7%) of valves. Five (8.3%) had a 2-leaflet configuration with a fused anterior and posterior leaflet. Of those, 3 had a divided septal leaflet. Four valves (6.7%) had a divided anterior leaflet, 17 (28.3%) had a divided posterior leaflet, 6 (10%) had a divided septal leaflet and 9 (15.0%) had 2 leaflets divided. Overall, 39 (65%) of valves have at least 1 leaflet that is divided. In 22 (36.7%) specimens, the leaflet was divided into true leaflets, and in 17 (28.3%) specimens, the leaflet was divided into scallops. In addition, we could identify 9 (15%) valves having 1 leaflet divided not only in 2 but 3 scallops or leaflets. This study provides further anatomical insight for the significant variability in the morphology of the tricuspid valve. By updating the understanding of its morphological characteristics, this study equips clinicians with valuable insights to effectively advance surgical and interventional treatment of tricuspid valves.

Analysis of abnormalities in cardiac arrhythmia based on 12 - LEAD electrocardiography

Myocardial Infarction otherwise called heart attack occurs in human beings when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart which in turn damages the heart muscle. Prediction of abnormalities in cardio arrhythmia disease is done by using standard 12-lead Electrocardiography (ECG) signals, which also detects Posterior Myocardial Infarction (PMI). The QRS complex is the merged output of different parts of graphical deflection seen on a typical Electro Cardio Gram (Electrocardiography). The main purpose of the paper is to monitor and analyze particularly the Rpeak upward deflections from the QRS complex. Denoising the ECG signal is done by butter worth filter. The denoised signals are used to detect R peaks and image plotting is done by segmentation. R peak images are used to classify the abnormalities in Myocardial Infarction (MI) with the help of the CNN image processing technique. The publicly available PTB diagnostic dataset is used to classify the abnormalities in PMI. The detection of the R peaks is used to guide Cardiologists must advance the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention treatment. Prediction has been done using probability weighted average method. Troponin level has been calculated to evaluate a person's health condition which also supports in close prediction of diseases and abnormalities. From experimental analysis of proposed Probability weighted average method in troponin level (PWAMT), the accuracy scores in the ensemble model were found to be 86 % respectively. The running of algorithm took 250 s–300 s to execute the program and display the prediction results.

Implementing the Certainty Factor Method in a Dental Disease Expert System

Health, including dental and oral health, is a fundamental human necessity often overlooked by many. Dental and oral diseases can affect anyone unexpectedly, underscoring the critical need for timely professional advice from dentists based on symptoms presented by patients. Various factors contribute to the reluctance in seeking dental consultations, including inadequate awareness of oral health importance, financial constraints, and discomfort from lengthy wait times. This research proposes an Expert System utilizing the Certainty Factor method to diagnose dental diseases efficiently. The Certainty Factor method quantifies the certainty or uncertainty of facts within expert systems. Through computational analysis of multiple symptoms, the system accurately diagnosed a patient with Tooth Faktur disease with a high certainty level of 98.8%. Such an expert system promises to significantly aid dental professionals in diagnosing diseases promptly, facilitating appropriate treatment interventions.

집단따돌림 피해 경험에 관한 국내 학술지 연구 동향

The purpose of this study is to examine the trend of research on the experience of victimization by peer rejection focusing on domestic journals, and suggest point of future improvement and direction of researches. To achieve the foregoing purpose, this study analyzed focusing on the year of publication, relevant characteristics of research subjects, research methods and types, measurement tools and research variables based on the 60 papers published in domestic journals. Results show that research have been carried out consistently since 2000 but are considered very insufficient in terms of quantity, and main subjects are the youth, giving too much emphasis on quantitative research method. As for the measurement tool, Peer-Victimization Scale accounts for the majority and individual variables related to self-esteem in addition to variables regarding emotion such as depression and anxiety have been researched the most. Follow-up research on the experience of victimization by peer rejection need specific intervention for prevention and treatment of victims, and development of a program to verify the effect based on the relevant research between variables through in-depth understanding of psychological characteristics experienced by the victims and development of a tool suited to the characteristics of Korea by expanding qualitative research.

Pain and root resorption due to surgical interventions to accelerate tooth movement in orthodontics: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There are several publications that show the efficacy of surgical interventions in accelerating the rate of tooth movement in orthodontics. Consequently, possible adverse effects must also be evaluated. The aim of the present study was to compare the perception of pain and root resorption between orthodontic treatment with a surgical acceleration intervention vs. conventional orthodontic treatment. An electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases up to September 12, 2022. Randomized or non-randomized, controlled, parallel-arm or split-mouth clinical trials were included. Fixed-and random-effects meta-analyses were performed with regard to heterogeneity. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. A total of 1,395 articles were initially retrieved, 40 studies were finally included in the review and 15 studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference in pain perception between acceleration surgery vs. conventional orthodontics at 24 h (p = 0.040); however, this difference was not significant at 7 days (p = 0.080). Overall, the patients who underwent any acceleration procedure presented significantly less resorption as compared to those who were applied conventional treatment (p < 0.001). A similar significant difference was found in retraction movements (p < 0.001) and alignment movements (p = 0.030). In the first 24 h, surgical interventions for the acceleration of tooth movement produce a greater perception of pain as compared to conventional orthodontic treatment, but the perception is similar after 7 days. Acceleration surgery results in less root resorption - in alignment movements, and especially in retraction movements.

Neoadjuvant therapy bridging percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy: a retrospective study.

Currently, there is no unified standard for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the treatments have their own advantages and disadvantages. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the safety and feasibility of neoadjuvant therapy during the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) period before surgery in patients with NSCLC coexisting with CAD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment. We retrospectively included 13 patients with T2aN0M0 (stage IB) NSCLC who also had concomitant CAD. After PCI treatment, neoadjuvant targeted or immunotherapy was administered based on the type of lung cancer, and the effects on treatment and impact on surgery were observed. The objective response rate (ORR) after neoadjuvant treatment in 13 patients was 53.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 25.1-80.8%], and the disease control rate (DCR) reached 100%. Ten patients (76.9%) experienced adverse events (AEs) ≤ grade 2. All patients underwent standard VATS lobectomy with lymph node dissection. One case (7.7%) required conversion to open thoracotomy, and all cases achieved R0 resection. The median operative time was 150 [interquartile range (IQR) 125-250] minutes, median intraoperative blood loss was 180 (IQR 150-235) mL, median postoperative drainage tube placement time was 4 (IQR 3-5) days, median total drainage volume was 1,310 (IQR 780-1,705) mL, and the median postoperative hospitalization was 7 (IQR 7-8) days. One patient (7.7%) experienced rapid atrial fibrillation. No deaths occurred. Postoperative pathological evaluation in three cases achieved major pathological response (MPR) (23.1%, 95% CI: 5-53.8%), with two cases achieving pathological complete response (pCR) (15.4%, 95% CI: 1.9-45.4%). The study presents initial evidence suggesting for the safety and feasibility of performing PCI treatment followed by neoadjuvant therapy during the DAPT period for patients with T2aN0M0 (IB) stage NSCLC coexisting with CAD. This approach presents a potential treatment option to control the disease while eliminating concerns about tumor progression and metastasis.

Rescue of outflow block of the remnant left liver after extended right hemihepatectomy for resection of a tumor in the caudate lobe.

Outflow block of the liver is a life-threatening event after living donor liver transplantation. Herein, we rescued a patient suffering from the outflow block of the remnant left hemiliver caused by bending of the left hepatic vein (LHV) after right hemihepatectomy plus caudate lobectomy combined with resection of the middle hepatic vein (MHV). A metastatic tumor sized 6 cm in the caudate lobe of the liver involving the root of the MHV was found in a 50's year old patient after resection of a right breast cancer eight years ago. Right hemihepatectomy and caudate lobectomy combined with resection of the MHV was performed using a two-stage hepatectomy (partial TIPE ALPPS). On day 1, the total bilirubin value increased to 4.5 mg/dL, and a dynamic computed tomography (CT) scan showed the bent LHV. On the diagnosis of outflow block of the left liver, a self-expandable metallic stent was placed in the LHV using an interventional approach, and the pressure in the LHV decreased from 27 cmH2O to 12 cmH2O. The bilirubin value decreased to 1.2 mg/dL on day 3. Outflow block of the LHV can happen after extended right hemihepatectomy with resection of the MHV. Early diagnosis and interventional stenting treatment can rescue the patient from congestive liver failure.

The Role of Extracurricular Activities on Kurdish EFL University Students’ writing skill performance

Participation in English language-oriented extracurricular activities outside the classroom results in the development and progress in EFL students’ language skills development the writing skill and written performances in particular. The current study investigates the roles and effects of extracurricular activities in enhancing the writing skill and written performances of Kurdish EFL university students. The design of this research is experimental as the study has been conducted at Charmo University which is one of the public Universities in Kurdistan region of Iraq. The participants are 50 Kurdish EFL university students who studied fourth semester in English language department during 2022 and 2023 academic years. They are randomly divided into two groups a control group with 25 students and an experimental group with 25 students as well. The data collection instruments were writing tests included a writing pretest and a writing posttest. A writing pretest was administrated to both of the groups at the beginning of the semester at the same date and time before starting intervention treatment which the treatment here means engaging in the activities by the experimental group of students. After the pretest directly the intervention started as the intervention duration lasted for ten weeks. Then after ten weeks of intervention a writing posttest was administrated to both of groups at the same date and time. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS 26) was used to perform all data analysis of the numerical results of the writing tests. The results of the statistical analysis of ANCOVA for the scores of both of the writing tests revealed significant different result between both of groups. The results disclosed students of the experimental group has achieved significant progress in their writing skill in terms of the written performance in comparison to the control group results due to the effect of the intervention which is here meant participation and engaging various English language-oriented extracurricular activities outside the classroom by the students of the experimental group .

How AI and Robotics Will Advance Interventional Radiology: Narrative Review and Future Perspectives.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics has led to significant progress in various medical fields including interventional radiology (IR). This review focuses on the research progress and applications of AI and robotics in IR, including deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) across specialties such as oncology, neurology, and cardiology, aiming to explore potential directions in future interventional treatments. To ensure the breadth and depth of this review, we implemented a systematic literature search strategy, selecting research published within the last five years. We conducted searches in databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar to find relevant literature. Special emphasis was placed on selecting large-scale studies to ensure the comprehensiveness and reliability of the results. This review summarizes the latest research directions and developments, ultimately analyzing their corresponding potential and limitations. It furnishes essential information and insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, potentially propelling advancements and innovations within the domains of AI and IR. Finally, our findings indicate that although AI and robotics technologies are not yet widely applied in clinical settings, they are evolving across multiple aspects and are expected to significantly improve the processes and efficacy of interventional treatments.

The challenges of living with Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT) – A qualitative study

ObjectiveWe sought to explore the lived experience of people with Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT) to inform the development of a potential treatment intervention. MethodsWe conducted one-to-one in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 13 people living in Australia affected by DSCATT. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsAlthough participants attributed the origin of their illness to tick bites, not all were adamant they had Lyme disease. Negative experiences in conventional healthcare were marked and were reported to exacerbate the impact of the illness and affect mental health. Further, these negative experiences propelled participants to seek unapproved treatments (by Australian standards). The desire for the illness to be acknowledged and causative agents identified was pronounced among the participant group. ConclusionsIndividuals with DSCATT experience significant challenges amid a contentious healthcare landscape surrounding chronic symptoms attributed to ticks in Australia. Our findings suggest the need for empathetic, supportive and patient-centred treatments for this cohort. Implications for public healthDSCATT results in a considerable burden across multiple domains for those affected. Negative experiences with healthcare exacerbate the suffering of people with DSCATT in Australia. New approaches that acknowledge the illness experience of people with DSCATT, alongside evidence-based treatments that encompass biopsychosocial models of care, are needed to tackle this debilitating condition.

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR).

Fetal growth restriction (FGR), or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is still the second most common cause of perinatal mortality. The factors that contribute to fetal growth restriction can be categorized into three distinct groups: placental, fetal, and maternal. The prenatal application of various diagnostic methods can, in many cases, detect the deterioration of the fetal condition in time because the nature of the above disorder is thoroughly investigated by applying a combination of biophysical and biochemical methods, which determine the state of the embryo-placenta unit and assess the possible increased risk of perinatal failure outcome and potential for many later health problems. When considering the potential for therapeutic intervention, the key question is whether it can be utilized during pregnancy. Currently, there are no known treatment interventions that effectively enhance placental function and promote fetal weight development. Nevertheless, in cases with fetuses diagnosed with fetal growth restriction, immediate termination of pregnancy may have advantages not only in terms of minimizing perinatal mortality but primarily in terms of reducing long-term morbidity during childhood and maturity.

An Ecological Exploration of Addressing Child Maltreatment

This commentary examines the cases of “Bashiir” and “Jaquann” (Singer, Deboard-Lucas, &amp; Fuentes, 2024) through an ecological lens as it pertains to addressing child maltreatment. The authors of these case studies offered a robust case formulation that provided an enhanced understanding of culturally informed treatment in cases where child maltreatment was a factor. This commentary explores ways in which the authors skillfully illustrated the theoretical tenets that shaped the treatment interventions, and offers an examination of key elements for further consideration related to child maltreatment.

A massive pulmonary arteriovenous fistula complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease treated by interventional therapy: a case report

BackgroundPulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, and its symptoms lack specificity. For patients with coronary heart disease(CHD), hypertension and other common cardiovascular diseases, PAVF is easy to be ignored. We presented a case of massive PAVF complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease by interventional treatment to improve the understanding of this complex disease.Case presentationA 77-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital due to chest tightness and shortness of breath following activities, which was diagnosed with CHD and hypoxemia in other hospitals. Coronary angiography showed that the patient had severe stenosis of coronary artery while pulmonary vascular DSA showing the patient had PAVF. After interventional therapy of both coronary artery and PAVF, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved.ConclusionWe presented a case of massive PAVF complicated with CHD by interventional treatment. For patients with unexplained hypoxemia and symptoms similar with CHD, the possibility of PAVF often leads to oversight, and various auxiliary examinations should be improved to avoid missed diagnosis. And intervention treatment should be carried out to improve the prognosis of patients as much as possible.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Camellia longii Orel & Luu Leaf Extracts for Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease: Novel Findings and Functional Food Applications.

Novel research on the chemical compositions and biochemical activities of Camellia longii Orel and Luu leaf extracts revealed valuable resources with potential applications in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Qualitative phytochemicals detected various compound groups, including polyphenols, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, coumarins, and polysaccharides. HPLC-MS identified 23 compounds in C. longii leaves with compounds found at significant levels, including epicatechin gallate (17.12%), tryptophan (13.73%), isovitexin (12.91%), gallic acid (3.06%), and quercetin (3.06%). Interestingly, the ethanol extract (CLL-Ew) exhibited the highest extraction yield (26.6%) and potent antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effects in vitro. In the Drosophila melanogaster model, CLL-Ew improved longevity, movement, and memory by reducing malondialdehyde and increasing glutathione levels. Docking simulations suggested that the above compounds bind tightly to AChE's active site, potentially contributing to memory enhancement. Interestingly, observations of male and female mice after administration of a dose of 5000 mg/kg C. longii leaf extract were recorded normally throughout the 14 day experiment. These findings highlight the potential of C. longii leaf extracts in functional foods and therapeutic interventions for memory impairment prevention and treatment.