Review Of Current Scientific Evidence Research Articles

Effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening strategies: a review of current scientific evidence

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Its incidence and mortality could be reduce through primary prevention activities, which include healthy lifestyle behavior and avoidance of risk factors, and through screening (secondary prevention). Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different colorectal cancer screening strategies is within the scope of interest of different health professionals. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesis the current scientific evidence that addresses the issues of effectiveness of population-based colorectal cancer screening programs and new methods for its early diagnosis.

Menopause and sleep disturbances

The menopause in a woman’s life is one of the most significant events indicating the large-scale changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis function. Gonadal steroid hormones are actively involved in the central nervous system (CNS) growth, differentiation, physiology and ageing processes. Sleep provides restoration of the central nervous system, and also contributes to memory consolidation. Sleep influences the two primary effector systems, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which in turn regulate adaptive and innate immune responses. During sleep, blood levels of cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine drop, whereas the levels of neurotransmitters such as growth hormone, prolactin and melatonin show a steep increase. We get more and more facts showing the role of sleep in the processes of immunogenesis and metabolism, in particular fat metabolism. A systematic modern literature analysis on the prevalence and structure of sleep disturbances in women during pre-, peri- and postmenopause was carried out. The results of individual studies revealing the relationship between sleep disturbances and hormone levels including levels of sex steroids are presented. A review of current scientific evidence shows conclusively that the neuroendocrine system significantly determines the sleep quality. Sleep disturbances associated with RLS, COAC are highly prevalent, especially among postmenopausal women, due to declining ovarian function and deficiency of sex steroids. The results of conducted studies support the continued study and analysis of the relationships between gender, neuroendocrine factors, sleep disorders and the search for effective methods for their treatment. SonNorm Duo containing melatonin, peppermint leaf oil, and motherwort herb extract is one of the drugs used to manage sleep disturbances. SonNorm Duo is an adaptogenic sedative drug that is indicated for sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders associated with rapid travel across multiple time zones.

Surgical and non­surgical methods of penis enlargement

Abstract. In this scientific study we reviewed the literature on non-invasive and invasive methods of male genital enhancement. A non-systematic review of current scientific evidence was conducted to obtain reliable data on surgical and non-surgical penile procedures, which may form the basis of possible indications and recommendations for the future. To achieve this goal, we conducted a systematic search for scientific medical information in English-language databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine) and HMIC (Health Management Information Consortium). We analyzed all articles that met the specified search parameters. In addition, a manual search for relevant references in the found texts was conducted. The study conducted in this paper examined and recorded the main results related to changes in penis size in men who used both non-surgical and surgical methods of penis enlargement. One of the key goals of this study was to examine in detail the impact of different methods on the length and girth of the penis, as well as to analyze possible complications after these procedures. The principles of choosing treatment methods for patients who express a desire to increase the size of the penis are based on the individual characteristics of the patient, his medical indicators and personal preferences. Doctors should take into account the patient's general health status, possible risks of complications, and his realistic expectations of the procedure. Based on the results of the literature analysis, a strategy for working with patients before penis enlargement procedures was generalized. This strategy includes detailed counseling of the patient about possible methods, their benefits and risks, as well as taking into account his personal wishes. An important step is to prepare the patient for the procedure, including all the necessary examinations and tests to determine his suitability for the intervention.

The Promise and Peril of Vaping.

The increasing popularity and prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use in the USA necessitates careful evaluation of their proposed benefits and potential public health harms. This report provides a detailed review of current scientific evidence on potential benefits and health risks associated with e-cigarette use. E-cigarettes were introduced as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarette smoking. However, evidence on their use as effective and safe smoking cessation aids remains inconclusive. Their rapid uptake among tobacco-naive individuals can lead to nicotine addiction and subsequent cigarette smoking. Although e-cigarettes appear to be relatively safer than combustible cigarettes, they expose users to known harmful constituents whose long-term health risks remain unknown. While e-cigarettes have the potential to aid in cessation of cigarette smoking when used as part of a structured cessation program, use among tobacco-naive youth and long-term dual use with combustible cigarettes should be strongly discouraged due to excess risk with dual use.

Scientific appraisal of the Irish grass-based milk production system as a sustainable source of premium quality milk and dairy products

AbstractThe Irish dairy industry is critically important to the economy and general well-being of a large section of the Irish population. Its quality, sustainability and maintenance are the key for a vibrant rural society in the future. Two important elements for the future of this industry include (a) the quality, marketing and sale of dairy products on the export market and (b) sustainability from the perspectives of people, planet and profit. This paper provides a short review of current scientific evidence in relation to a number of topics, each of which is important in maintaining and developing dairy product quality and the sustainability of the Irish dairy industry. The topics addressed in the paper are as follows: the parameters of milk composition; milk processing; hygiene quality and safety; farm management practices and the regulations that govern such practices; animal health and welfare; environmental impacts; economic implications for farm families and rural communities; and the overall future sustainability of the family-based dairy farm structure.

Vaccinations in migrants and refugees: a challenge for European health systems. A systematic review of current scientific evidence

The decline of immunization rates in countries of origin of migrants and refugees, along with risky conditions during the journey to Europe, may threaten migrants’ health. We performed a systematic review of the scientific literature in order to assess the frequency of vaccine preventable diseases, and vaccination coverage among migrants and refugees in Europe. To this end, Medline and Cochrane databases were considered. After the screening and the selection process, 58 papers were included in the review. We focused on the following vaccine-preventable diseases: hepatitis B, measles, rubella, mumps, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis, diphtheria, meningitis, and varicella. The results were presented as a qualitative synthesis. In summary, several studies highlighted that migrants and refugees have lower immunization rates compared to European-born individuals. Firstly, this is due to low vaccination coverage in the country of origin. Then, several problems may limit migrants’ access to vaccination in Europe: (i) migrants are used to move around the continent, and many vaccines require multiple doses at regular times; (ii) information on the immunization status of migrants is often lacking; (iii) hosting countries face severe economic crises; (iv) migrants often refuse registration with medical authorities for fear of legal consequences and (v) the lack of coordination among public health authorities of neighboring countries may determine either duplications or lack of vaccine administration. Possible strategies to overcome these problems include tailoring immunization services on the specific needs of the target population, developing strong communication campaigns, developing vaccination registers, and promoting collaboration among public health authorities of European Countries.

¿Es necesario realizar una angiografía por tomografía computarizada urgente en la hemorragia digestiva baja aguda? Proyecto MAPAC-IMAGEN

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding usually presents as hematochezia, rectal bleeding or melena and represents 1-2% of the medical appointments in the Emergency Services. Mortality reaches the 30-40% and it is highly related with the severity and associated comorbidity. Most clinical practice guidelines include colonoscopy at some point in the diagnostic and therapeutic process (urgent for severe cases and ambulatory for mild ones) and look for predictors of severity. In the last years, there have been numerous studies where is clear the relevance and complementarity of advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, gradually incorporated as an alternative or second step in severe cases. Therefore, we have made a review of current scientific evidence to establish a clinical prediction rule for optimal indication of CT angiography in these patients. However, future studies providing greater robustness and level of evidence are necessary.

A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting.

The objective of this study was to compile existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of essential oils (EOs) administered via inhalation for the alleviation of nausea and vomiting. CINAHL, PubMed, and EBSCO Host and Science Direct databases were searched for articles related to the use of EOs and/or aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting. Only articles using English as a language of publication were included. Eligible articles included all forms of evidence (nonexperimental, experimental, case report). Interventions were limited to the use of EOs by inhalation of their vapors to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting in various conditions regardless of age group. Studies where the intervention did not utilize EOs or were concerned with only alcohol inhalation and trials that combined the use of aromatherapy with other treatments (massage, relaxations, or acupressure) were excluded. Five (5) articles met the inclusion criteria encompassing trials with 328 respondents. Their results suggest that the inhaled vapor of peppermint or ginger essential oils not only reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting but also decreased antiemetic requirements and consequently improved patient satisfaction. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to methodological flaws in the existing research articles and an acute lack of additional research in this area. The existing evidence is encouraging but yet not compelling. Hence, further well-designed large trials are needed before confirmation of EOs effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting can be strongly substantiated.

Anti-atherosclerotic effects of fruit bioactive compounds: A review of current scientific evidence

Thilakarathna, S. H. and Rupasinghe, H. P. V. 2012. Anti-atherosclerotic effects of fruit bioactive compounds: A review of current scientific evidence. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 407–419. Atherosclerosis is a condition which leads to a cascade of processes involved in thickening of arterial walls as a result of fatty deposition, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Among numerous remedies, the consumption of fruits is believed to have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis development. Various bioactive compounds are present in fruits and they have been found to be responsible for exerting these beneficial effects. Fruit flavonoids and certain terpenoids are among the most efficacious fruit bioactive compounds that have shown positive effects on different in vitro as well as in vivo research models of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms of actions of these compounds vary from exerting antioxidant activities to anti-atherogenic and lipid lowering activities, based on different experimental models. This review article briefly explains how some of the fruit bioactive compounds have affected atherosclerosis under experimental conditions.

Conocimiento enfermero sobre hipotermia inducida tras parada cardiorrespiratoria: revisión bibliográfica

ObjectivesThis paper aims to conduct a review of current scientific evidence on therapeutic hypothermia (TH) induced after cardiac arrest (CA).To examine the published literature; existing nursing knowledge; and the pursuit of the proper role of nursing. BackgroundCA is a problematic health status with a high associated mortality rate. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques have increased the number of patients who recover spontaneous circulation, whereas, mortality in intensive care units (ICU) arising from the neurological damage produced, remains very high. Induced TH is defined as a protective factor against neurological damage resulting from the CA and CPR, but despite the recommendations on its use in the management of post-cardiac arrest syndrome, there is little rigour in its use, little nurse standardisation, and a lack of protocols in our ICU. Search strategyThe databases which can be accessed are: Medline, Pubmed, Ocenet Health, Cochrane Library Plus, Cuiden, Scielo, and electronic platforms Elsevier, OVID and ProQuest. The following keywords were used to start the search: “Hypothermia, Induced”, “Heart Arrest”, “Nursing”.Inclusion and exclusion criteria: only evidence published since 2005, regardless of the output language, focusing on those works involving nursing. ConclusionsThis work shows clear evidence of the use of TH induced after CA, and the literature and knowledge required for nursing to interpret their own role, and to introduce standardised protocols for ICUs.

Is There a Role for Antiplatelet Therapy in Infective Endocarditis? A Review of Current Scientific Evidence

Recently, interest has emerged regarding adjuvant antiplatelet therapy in infective endocarditis (IE) and its impact on clinical outcomes. Despite ongoing research, the role of antiplatelet therapy in this setting remains unclear. Generally, investigations of IE are limited by the low incidence of the disease, practical issues related to diagnosis, and the highly variable latency period between symptom onset and definitive diagnosis. This article reviews the rationale for using antiplatelet therapy in the setting of IE and the contemporary literature that investigates its use.