1,720,966 research outputs found
Levels of understanding of the rules of correct medical usage among vietnamese pharmacy students: a cross-sectional study
Full text linkBackground. Comprehensive misunderstanding about medicine usage is often associated with high treatment risks which have led to unexpected and adverse effects or even death. Many researches assessing health literacy have been undertaken, but only in adults. This study was undertaken to evaluate the level of understanding in students of medical terms and its correlation with gender, grade and parental occupation.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from Septem- ber to October 2017 with 594 students (28.6% of men and 71.4% of women) of Hanoi University of Pharmacy from freshman to fifth-year students chosen randomly. The knowledge of pharmacy students was assessed by a questionnaire including 25 medical terms. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used with p < 0.05 as level of statistical significance.
Introduction
Nowadays, along with the continuous economic and so- cial development, people have to face many health and mental problems which increase the demand for drugs. Increased drug use is often associated with high risks of error, abuse or non-compliance in use leading to signifi- cant adverse effects or even death [1]. Even if the rules of correct administration of medication are followed, many potential treatment risks still exist and greatly increase if they are not followed. Especially, the fact that people in the developing countries usually select the drug-stores as the first-choice when they have any health problems without the doctor’s prescription or follow the social me- dia from pharmaceutical companies which has a great potential for the public to be exposed to misleading or dangerous information about medicine [1-7]. As a result, enhancing the awareness and understanding of people in the rational use of medicines plays a crucial role which helps improve the quality of treatment, reduces costs for patients and society alike and avoids wasting scarce resources and widespread health hazards [8, 9]. One of the first steps to raise people’s awareness about proper medicine usage is the better understanding of medical terminology which is commonly used in manuals or instruction sheets. A proper understanding of medical
Results. The level of understanding of students was high with most of medical terms reaching over 70% correct answers. A positive significant association between health literacy and education was found with higher knowledge demonstrated in upper years, while there was no difference among students with and without parents belonging to the medical field. Regarding the relation with gender, there was no significant correlation for most medical terms. Conclusions. Levels of understanding of medical terms in phar- macy students was high, presenting a significant association with education. This study should be extended in order to assess the level of health literacy in various populations, thereby indirect evaluating implementation of medical preventive programs
Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and Lifestyle Medicine (LM) for support and care of patients with type II diabetes in the COVID-19 era: a cross-observational study
No full textIntroduction: Diabetes affects 425 million people worldwide (range 20-79 years). Of these, between 87% and 91% are affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), and 79% live in medium/low income countries. Objectives: the main objective of the study was to observe, through the administration of specific questionnaires, the relationship existing between metabolic clinical parameters, quality of life of patients with DM2 and adherence to the MedDiet at first access to Diabetes Center in the period after the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was to observe the results obtained both qualitatively and quantitatively. Materials and methods: the study was a cross-sectional study. Two types of questionnaires were administered; the first (Medi-Lite) that expresses with specific score the level of "Mediterraneanness" diet while the second concerns the assessment of the SF-36 quality of life. Quantitative data such as biochemical and anthropometric parameters were collected and, through multiple regression, based on the method of least squares (OLS Model) and through the Gretl open source software were analyzed. Results: fifty-two of the 90 patients at first access to the recruiting center in the period considered, met the inclusion criteria and and written consent. None of the estimated coefficients was statistically significant except Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), with a p-value < 0.0466. With an improvement in the level of "Mediterraneanness" there is a favorable relationship regarding creatinine, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), DBP and glycemia. Conclusions: The necessary post-COVID-19 territorial management cannot fail to take into consideration this new method of care which puts the patient and the community to which they belong at the center of the complex process of assistance
Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients Receiving a Diabetes-Specific Nutritional Enteral Formula: A Case Series in Home Care Settings
No full textBackground and Aim: In patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Enteral Nutrition (EN) is associated with less hyperglycemia and lower insulin requirements compared to Parenteral Nutrition (PN). The primary aim of this study was to assess changes in glycemic control (GC) in DM patients on EN therapy. The secondary objectives included evaluating the impact of the specialized formula on various clinical parameters and the tolerability of the nutritional formula by monitoring potential gastrointestinal side effects. Methods: We report a case series on the effects of a Diabetes-Specific Formula (DSF) on GC, lipid profile (LP), and renal and hepatic function in a DM cohort receiving EN support. Results: Twenty-two DM subjects with total dysphagia (thirteen men, nine women) on continuous EN were observed. The use of a DSF in EN was associated with an improvement in glycemic indices across all patients studied, leading to a reduction in average insulin demand. No hospitalizations were reported during the study period. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the use of DSFs in a multi-dimensional home care management setting can improve glycemic control, reduce glycemic variability and insulin need, and positively impact the lipid profile of the DM cohort. The metabolic improvements were supported by the clinical outcomes observed
The impact of the solute carrier gene superfamily polymorphisms on tyrosine kinase inhibitors responses among chronic myeloid leukemia: A meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are currently the first-line therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but proportion of treatment responses may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms, especially, the solute carrier gene superfamily (SLC). This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship of polymorphisms in the SLC genes family and treatment responses to TKIs among CML patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted from four databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science, up to March 2023. The relationship between SLC polymorphisms and TKI efficacy was assessed by pooled odds ratios (ORs) of the complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and major molecular biological response (MMR) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CIs) across five genetic models (dominant, recessive, homozygote, heterozygote, and allele). Meta-analyses, heterogeneity between studies, publication bias, sensitivity, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were all performed. Results: A total of 19/983 studies meeting the criteria were included in the meta-analysis, with eight variants belonging to three genes (SLC22A1, SLCO1B3, and SLC22A4). The results showed that there was a statistically significant association between the SLC22A1 rs683369 variant and a lower rate of achieving MMR in all 05 genetic models. Similar results were also recorded in the dominant and homozygote models of the SLC22A1 rs628031 variant (OR= 0.61 (95 %CI= 0.46–0.82); OR= 0.46 (95 %CI= 0.23–0.94), respectively); particularly in Asian patients. No relationship was identified between MMR and other genes, as well as that of CCyR and all variants. Conclusion: SLC variants can be predictive signals of imatinib responses among CML; Asian patients should be paid attention during the treatment
Yoga or Mindfulness on Diabetes: Scoping Review for Theoretical Experimental Framework [Yoga o Mindfulness per il Diabete: una scoping review per un progetto sperimentale]
No full textBackground: About one in 11 adults worldwide suffers from diabetic disease with constantly increasing prevalence; from the 529 million patients registered in 2021, the number of people with diabetes was predicted to rise to approximately 1.31 billion in 2050. In Italy, 5.9% of the population is diabetic, with a higher prevalence with increasing age and in the South of the country. Yoga and Mindfulness could represent a valid support for the care of diabetic subjects especially in a stressful caring context such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Study design: A scoping review was conducted to achieve the goals of the study. Yoga or Mindfulness interventions on diabetic subjects were specifically analyzed and qualitative-quantitative data collected in the selected randomized controlled trials were extensive for possible meta-analysis. Methods: The review was conducted by two independent practitioners and a third one was consulted in case of conflict. The PRISMA method was used for both the selection and reporting of the studies to be included. Specific PICOS and search strategies have been developed on PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases. Included in the review were: randomised controlled trials, full dissertation articles and papers in English with a time limit on May 31, 2022. Results: The Review included 22 studies; 12 on Mindfulness, 9 on Yoga and one about both disciplines; among these, one studied patients with Type 1 Diabetes, 14 with Type 2 Diabetes, 6 with both and one with Gestational Diabetes. Only one paper studied adolescent subjects while the other 21 focused on a range of adult subjects. The studies showed that Yoga and Mindfulness have strong potential not only on stress management, but also on clinical-metabolic parameters. Conclusions: The recent Covid-19 pandemic has certainly redesigned a new way of treating and managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes. An increasingly fragile population, and with the growing need to reduce overall stress levels, could find alternative practices in Yoga and Mindfulness to support conventional therapies
COVID-19, Nutrients and Lifestyle Eating Behaviors: A Narrative Review
No full textBackground: COVID-19 infection, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), quickly emerged as the most significant event of the new millennium. A balanced diet seems to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system and plays a fundamental role in the prevention of viral disease, inflammation, or thrombosis. The principal aim of this secondary study was to investigate the relationship between nutrients, lifestyle eating behaviors, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: A narrative review was conducted in the PubMed-Medline database, analyzing primary studies. Results: Our review identified 21 relevant studies: 13 focused on vitamins, 1 on omega-3 supplementation, 1 on probiotics, and 6 on lifestyle and dietary behaviors. Vitamin supplementation has shown promise in attenuating COVID-19 symptoms and reducing mortality risk. Specifically, vitamin D has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing immune responses among patients with the disease. While preliminary evidence suggests the potential benefits of omega-3 and probiotic supplementation in improving health outcomes for COVID-19 outpatients, further research is needed to solidify these findings. Conclusions: The lifestyle changes imposed by lockdown measures have adversely affected psychological well-being and exacerbated health issues associated with reduced physical activity and poor dietary habits
Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
No full textIntroduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines depression as a persistent period of sadness or a reduced interest in everyday activities lasting at least two weeks. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, is notable for its significance and is regarded as the second most important factor related to non-somatic issues, following closely behind a depressed mood. This study primarily investigates how excessive or problematic use of Internet-connected devices affects the mood and emotions of young people, with a specific emphasis on anhedonia. Additionally, it explores associated socio-behavioral changes and examines the interaction between IA and depression. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials section), Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, and grey literature sources like Google Scholar. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 3812 records, 7 studies were included. The findings suggest that social anhedonia correlates with higher levels of IA, particularly among adolescents and young adults. In some studies, loneliness was identified as a mediator between social anhedonia and social functioning, indicating a complex interplay of emotional factors. Other investigations revealed that increased screen time is associated with a heightened risk of developing addiction-related behaviors. Practical Implications and Conclusions: This review highlights the key role of anhedonia in the development of Internet addiction (IA) among young people, particularly through its impact on emotional regulation and social interactions. Addressing psychological and environmental factors is essential for developing targeted strategies to prevent and manage IA and its related mental health challenges
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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