Journal of Health Sciences
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The effect of the application of Kinesio Tape on pain relief in musculoskeletal disorders
Get PDFIntroduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in men and women of all ages in all sociodemographic strata of society. Pain and functional limitations caused by MSDs severely limit independence and quality of life and interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in family and social life and work. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the Kinesio Tape (KT) technique on pain intensity in patients with MSDs of the upper and/or lower extremities before, during, and after therapeutic treatment.
Methods: The study involved 123 patients of both sexes and all ages diagnosed with MSDs of the upper and/or lower extremities. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, a control group and an experimental group. The control group received the standard therapy protocol for MSDs, while the experimental group received the standard therapy protocol for MSDs plus the KT technique on the treated segment. The brief pain inventory was used to assess pain intensity. Both groups of participants were tested with the research instruments at baseline, during and after therapeutic treatment.
Results: The ability to walk due to pain was significantly less impaired in the control group than in participants in the experimental group, in whom pain significantly impeded walking (p < 0.001). Normal walking was significantly more impaired in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Pain significantly impaired relationships with others in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Subjects in the experimental group showed a significant decrease in pain in all areas after therapeutic treatment with KT compared to subjects in the control group
Clinical outcome in a neonate born from a coexisting pregnancy with a molar pregnancy
Get PDFIntroduction: The coexistence of a live fetus in a molar pregnancy is extremely rare and represents a challenge for the maternal-perinatal team. Obstetric aspects have been described previously, but it’s possible effects on the newborn have not been detailed. The case that we present to our knowledge is the first to describe such outcomes. Aim of this case report is to describe the clinical events that occur in a neonate born from the previous coexistence of a molar pregnancy with a live fetus.
Case Report: We present the case of a 35-week preterm neonate born by cesarean section due to loss of fetal well-being, who presented with severe intrauterine growth restriction and a high suspicion of intrauterine flow redistribution, with mild hyaline membrane disease. At 48 h after birth, enteral nutrition with infant formula was started in the absence of breast milk, reaching an oral volume of 75 cc/kg/day, after which he presented porraceous residues, abdominal distension, absence of hydroaerial noises, and deterioration. The diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis was considered, responding to medical management without the need for a surgical approach. The patient was discharged at 19 days of life with outpatient follow-up.
Conclusion: The outcome of complications in a newborn of this rare coexistence is similar to those associated with prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction, the latter being more severe. It is important to focus on the mother-child binomial from the antenatal stage, as well as family-centered care in such a way that modifiable factors such as the degree of acceptance support and availability of autologous milk turn out to be important allies in the context of places with limited resources
Morphological analysis and clinical significance of the opening of the third coronary artery
Get PDFIntroduction: The human heart is in most cases vascularized by two coronary arteries, the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery. The supernumerary coronary artery, which arises independently from the right aortic sinus and passes through sub-epicardial adipose tissue of the pulmonary conus and anterior side of the right ventricle is called the third coronary artery (TCA).
Methods: This study consisted of 28 formalin-fixed adult human cadaveric hearts. The presence of the TCA was determined. The position of the orifice of the right and excess arteries in relation to the sinotubular junction was determined, and then also the position of the orifice of the excess arteries “on the o’clock level” in relation to the orifice of the RCA. The radius of these orifices and their distance from the orifice of the RCA were measured. The angle between the aorta and TCA, as well as RCA and conus branch, was measured.
Results: A total 11 of specimens had supernumerary arteries. A supernumerary artery was found in two hearts. The angle formed by the aorta with the TCA was 60.09 ± 17.57, while the angle between the aorta and the conus branch had an average value of 89.88 ± 15.92. The orifices of all supernumerary arteries were located below the level of the sinotubular junction. The average diameter of the TCA was 1.49 mm ± 0.41. The average distance between the TCA orifice and the RCA orifice was 2.21 mm ± 1.03. In 45.45% cases, the orifice of TCA was located at the 10 o’clock level.
Conclusion: The present study highlights the presence of the TCA. It may constitute a significant collateral circulation contributing to apical and septal perfusion. Interpretation of signs and symptoms of coronary occlusion should therefore include possible contribution of this vascular channel
Changes in stress intensity associated with gastrointestinal health in students population during the COVID-19 lockdown
Get PDFIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions from routine life habits had a tremendous impact on psychological and physical health of youth. It is known that stress, anxiety and depression can be associated with the development of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and known to exacerbate present GI symptoms. The pandemic has forced many changes in the behavior of student population such as the studying in an asocial environment. The aim of this study was to examine and quantify the influence of stress onto the quality of life and GI symptoms in the student population in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), before and during the pandemic lockdown.
Methods: A total of 279 students from B&H were assessed for their GI and emotional status in pre-COVID period and during the COVID period using validated instruments: GI symptom rating scale (GSRS), Visceral Sensitivity Index, and the Patient Health Questionnaire 15-item Somatic Symptom Severity Scale.
Results: The results showed that moderate and severe GI symptoms were more frequently present among student population at the time of the pandemic than in period before pandemic. The most pronounced symptoms were bloating syndrome and abdominal pain syndrome according to the GSRS.
Conclusions: We concluded that concern for one’s health and changed way of life are directly related to a worsening of the symptoms of GI disorders in the student population. Further research should go in the direction of early prevention of GI disorders that take root in early youth and later develop into chronic forms
Inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in females with metabolic syndrome aged 50–75 years
Get PDFIntroduction: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Indonesia is 39% and it is higher in females than in males (46% vs. 28%). Features of this syndrome comprise low-grade chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction from cardiometabolic abnormalities. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (HsCRP) is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease, whereas ferritin and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) are markers of chronic inflammation. One of the markers of endothelial dysfunction is an intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Studies on MetS in women aged 50–70 years and using several markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are rare. The study aimed to determine differences in HsCRP, ferritin, PTX-3, and ICAM-1 level between females with and without MetS aged 50–75 years.
Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 160 females aged 50–75 years from South Jakarta were recruited, divided into MetS and non-MetS (control) groups, 80 participants each. Participants that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for vital signs and metabolic parameters (e.g., lipid profile, fasting blood glucose level, and waist circumference [WC]). The groups were compared using an independent t-test for inflammatory (i.e., HsCRP, PTX-3, and ferritin) and endothelial dysfunction (ICAM-1) (p < 0.05) biomarkers.
Results: The mean age of the MetS and control groups was 59.6 ± 5.6 and 59.2 ± 5.5 years. MetS criteria included WC of ≥80 cm (95.2%), increased blood pressure level (90.6%); and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of <50 mg/dL (76.2%). Significant differences were found between the MetS and control groups for ferritin (p = 0.027), PTX-3 (p = 0.045), and ICAM-1 (p = 0.004) but not for HsCRP (p = 0.136).
Conclusion: Elevated ferritin, PTX-3 level, and ICAM-1 level are significantly associated with an increased Mets risk in females aged 50–75 years; however, the same is not true for HsCRP
Risk assessment in biomedical laboratories – occupational safety and health aspects
Get PDFIntroduction: Laboratory personnel (LP) represent a high-risk group of healthcare workers for whom the primary laboratory environment and specific work activities are a major source of potential exposure to health hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the developed matrix and assess risk based on self-assessment.
Methods: This multicenter, qualitative, and cross-sectional study was conducted on LP employed in biomedical laboratories. The respondents were divided into groups according to their territorial affiliation. The data collection tool used was a six-area questionnaire distributed online through a network of professional associations. For the risk assessment, a matrix was developed with scores ranging from 0 to 650, dividing the risk level into four categories. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the statistical analysis.
Results: The developed model combined the classification of risk and risk factors with a certainty of p < 0.001. The regression analysis showed that working conditions had the greatest influence on overall risk, followed by physical, biological, and chemical hazards. Of the 640 respondents, the medium risk category was the highest in European Union (EU) countries (81.2%). Comparing the values in the high-risk category between the Bosnians and Herzegovinians (BiH) group and the Republic of Serbia, Republic of Northern Macedonia, and Montenegro (SCM) group with the EU group, a doubling (16.6%: 36.7%) and tripling (16.6%: 52.1%) of the proportion was found, respectively (p < 0.001). Overall, 1.7% of the LPs from BiH fell into the high-risk category.
Conclusions: The designed matrix provides a reliable basis for identifying risk predictors in the study population and can serve as a useful tool for conducting risk assessments in biomedical laboratories. The results of the risk assessment indicate significant differences between the studied groups and highlight the need for increased control of BiH workplaces through new regulatory requirements
Systemic inflammatory indexes (NLR, DNLR, PLR and SII) role in predicting COVID-19 progression
Get PDFIntroduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a worldwide emergency. The disease is characterized primarily by symptoms of the respiratory system, but also by systemic inflammation. Since the onset of the disease, there has been a need for biomarkers to predict the severity of the clinical picture and the outcome of the disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate systemic inflammatory markers for predicting severity of COVID-19.
Methods: The study was conducted at the Sarajevo Canton Health Center on a total of 170 adults suffering from COVID-19. 70 subjects had mild clinical picture, while the control group consisted of 100 subjects with moderate clinical picture. The results of complete and differential blood counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and systemic inflammatory indexes (SII) (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [NLR], derived NLR [dNLR], platelet/lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and SII) were used to compare the groups. IBM SPSS Ver. 23 was used for statistical analysis and data processing.
Results: The proportion of male patients in the group with a milder clinical picture was higher than the proportion of male patients with a moderate clinical picture, p = 0.016. The values of leukocytes and neutrophils were higher in patients with a moderate clinical picture (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). The values of all inflammatory indexes (NLR, dNLR, PLR and SII) were higher in patients with a moderate clinical picture of COVID-19 than in patients with a mild clinical picture (p < 0.001 for NLR, dNLR, and SII; p = 0.023 for PLR). In the research, patient age showed no correlation and CRP showed no correlation with SII.
Conclusion: SII show higher values in patients with a moderate compared with a mild clinical picture of COVID-19. These parameters can be cost-effective and useful indicators in patient classification, diagnosis, and probably in monitoring patients with COVID-19
The efficacy and safety of autologous activated platelet-rich plasma therapy as adjuvant treatment of atopic dermatitis in pregnant woman
Get PDFIntroduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder which involves skin barrier and immune dysregulation. The management of AD involves the use of moisturizers and immunosuppressant which are only used for temporary symptom relief and may potentially harm the fetal growth. Autologous activated platelet-rich plasma (aaPRP) is a potential adjuvant treatment for symptom control in pregnant AD patient. This report examines a case of a pregnant patient with AD treated with aaPRP and the monitoring of fetal growth until birth.
Case Report: A 37-year-old pregnant patient with a history of AD when in contact with latex or consumption of dairy products came to Hayandra Clinic. As she had been working as anesthesiologist continuously in contact with latex gloves, she underwent routine aaPRP therapy for 3 years and had 15 aaPRP treatments over the course of her pregnancy. The patient had lesser lesions when AD was induced, no exacerbation of symptoms during pregnancy, and the baby was healthy during pregnancy to birth.
Conclusion: The use of aaPRP therapy for the management of AD may be indicated as it controls the symptoms yet is safe for the patient during pregnancy. There was also no harm effect showing on the fetal development. A larger study such as randomized controlled trial is required to evaluate our findings
A comparison of post-operative parameters between the Shouldice methods modified according to Berliner darn and the Lichtenstein method in the repair of inguinal hernias
Get PDFIntroduction: Surgical treatment of inguinal hernia is one of the most common procedures in surgery. Various techniques can be used to repair inguinal hernias, but the two most commonly used are the Shouldice surgical technique, modified by the Berliner Darn and Lichtenstein techniques, as a non-extension technique. However, despite the long tradition of surgical hernia treatment, there is still no consensus on the best or most appropriate surgical technique for elective inguinal hernia repair. Therefore, it remains a challenge for surgeons to choose the appropriate hernia repair method on a case-by-case basis that results in low complications and faster recovery. The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of the Shouldice surgical technique modified by the Berliner Darn and Lichtenstein techniques in the treatment of hernias with respect to certain post-operative parameters.
Methods: A prospective and cohort study was conducted at the Clinical Hospital in Tetovo. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia and treated in hospital. The monitored patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used: 50 patients treated with Shouldice technique modified by Berliner Darn and 50 patients treated with Lichtenstein technique. In addition, we based the selection of the groups mainly on the reproductive age of the patients. Only male patients were treated in both groups, as there were very few female cases during the study period.
Results: Patients operated on with the Lichtenstein technique were more mobile postoperatively, post-operative pain was less severe and return to daily and occupational activities and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter than with the Shouldice technique.
Conclusion: The Lichtenstein tension-free surgical technique is more efficient and adequate than the modified Shouldice technique according to Berliner Darn in terms of post-operative pain intensity, length of hospital stay, return to daily activities, and return to work
RS17817449 FTO gene variation associated with familial disease burden rather than individual risk for breast cancer
Get PDFIntroduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in the female population globally. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal BC, BC recurrence, and mortality. Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms have attracted the most attention due to several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may have an impact on obesity and different types of cancer. The primary goal of our work was to assess the association of the SNP rs17817449 FTO, physical status/metabolic changes, and dietary habits with the occurrence of BC.
Methods: We conducted research as a population-genetic study including 93 women with a diagnosis of BC during their lifetime. Genomic DNA was extracted from the swabs of the buccal mucosa. Genotyping was achieved by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The IBM SPSS Statistics program v. 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. All values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The risk genotype of the FTO gene (rs17817449) GG was detected in 16 subjects (17.2%), the heterozygous TG in 46 subjects (49.5%), while the normal genotype TT was recorded in 29 subjects (31.2%). We found no statistically significant difference in the body mass index values of the three genotype groups, p = 0.72, χ2 = 2.1 and no significant relationship between the allelic or genotypic frequencies of the rs17817449 FTO gene polymorphism and other variables examined in our study. Analysis of the distribution of hereditary diseases in the family according to the molecular subtype of BC showed statistically significant p-values, p = 0.02.
Conclusion: While previous research has suggested a potential link between FTO gene polymorphism, obesity, and BC, our study did not find a statistically significant association between the aforementioned variables. Future studies with a larger number of subjects in different populations should confirm the role of the FTO genotype in the risk of BC