Hasil untuk "Miscellaneous systems and treatments"

Carlos Eduardo Trindade, Fabiana Schneider Pires

Introdução:  No contexto histórico-político da estruturação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), a Educação Permanente em Saúde (EPS) emerge como política, ferramenta de aprendizagem e instrumento para maior participação dos trabalhadores nos processos de trabalho dos serviços de saúde. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 nas ações de EPS em município da região sul do Brasil. Metodologia: Pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo pesquisa-ação. A produção de dados se deu por meio de grupos focais com trabalhadores das equipes das Unidades de Saúde da Família do município do estudo, e pelo uso de diário de campo. Os dados foram interpretados pela Análise do Discurso. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram o quanto a EPS é vista como uma ferramenta importante para o trabalho, possibilitando reflexões sobre o fazer em saúde e qualificando as abordagens de acordo com as necessidades do território. O estudo analisou aspectos importantes para identificar fragilidades e potencialidades das ações de EPS após a pandemia no município. Destaca-se o papel da gestão da Atenção Primária à Saúde; o enfraquecimento das ações após a retomada das atividades nas Unidades de Saúde pelo excesso de demandas (agravos de saúde, casos crônicos, questões relacionadas à saúde mental dos usuários, entre outros) e a diminuição de horários e turnos para reuniões de equipe, que vieram na esteira do junto ao novo modelo de atenção regido pelo Previne Brasil (metas, produtividade e alcance de indicadores em saúde). Conclusão: A pandemia de COVID-19 acentuou processos que vinham em curso no município estudado, resultando em um processo de desarticulação. Os trabalhadores e gestores têm o desafio de retomar a fortalecer a EPS como uma das políticas de fortalecimento do SUS.

Vaidya Balendu Prakash, Shikha Prakash, Neha Negi et al.

Background: Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorder caused by genetic abnormalities, often accompanied by severe symptoms and complications. Conventional treatments offer limited relief but fail to halt disease progression. An Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol has been reported to be effective in treating various types of pancreatitis. Objectives: This observational clinical study is aimed at assessing the efficacy of a year long Ayurvedic treatment protocol (ATP) in mitigating attack frequency and intensity in Hereditary Pancreatitis patients. Materials &amp; Methods: The study enrolled 151 patients across diverse age groups and genders, subjecting them to a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment protocol at a specialized center. The protocol incorporated Metal-Based Ayurvedic Formulation (MBAF) named Amar, alongside supportive Ayurvedic compounds and dietary adjustments. Patients underwent pre- and post-treatment evaluations involving interviews, medical records, blood tests, radiological imaging, and symptom assessments. Notably, pancreatic enzyme use was discontinued prior to initiating Ayurvedic treatment. Results: Among 151 patients, 88 completed the year long ATP, resulting in significant enhancement of their quality of life. There was a marked 98.7% reduction in emergency hospitalizations and a notable 92.8% decrease in attack frequency (p < 0.0001). Radiological assessments indicated pancreatic health stabilization, while no adverse effects were reported, highlighting the intervention's safety and tolerability. Conclusion: The study furnishes promising evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of ATP, especially the MBAF, in managing Hereditary Pancreatitis. The observed decline in attack frequency, absence of adverse effects, and stabilization of pancreatic health underscore the potential of Ayurvedic medicine. Subsequent research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted to substantiate these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Verônica Ebrahim Queiroga, Isli Maria Oliveira Martins, Ailma de Souza Barbosa et al.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção educativa no conhecimento de enfermeiros sobre saúde sexual e reprodutiva, com enfoque no Dispositivo Intrauterino (DIU). Utilizou o delineamento de estudo quase experimental, do tipo grupo único, antes e depois, desenvolvido em um município da região Nordeste do Brasil. A intervenção educativa foi um curso de capacitação, teórico-prático, na modalidade remota, com carga horária de 30 horas, para enfermeiros em consulta ginecológica com enfoque no DIU. Utilizou-se um instrumento, avaliado por especialistas na área da saúde da mulher. Os dados foram coletados entre outubro de 2021 e janeiro de 2022. Foram seguidas as recomendações éticas para pesquisas com seres humanos. Participaram do estudo 31 enfermeiros da Atenção Primária à Saúde. O nível de conhecimento dos enfermeiros no pré-teste foi classificado como “satisfatório” (n=21; 67,7%) e no pós-teste como “muito satisfatório” (n=16; 51,6%). Houve diferença estatística significativa entre o número de acertos no pré e pós testes dos participantes, com aumento de acertos no pós-teste. A intervenção educativa mostrou-se efetiva para promover mudanças no conhecimento de enfermeiros sobre saúde sexual e reprodutiva com enfoque no DIU.

Jeremy Y. Ng, Shawn Liu, Ishana Maini et al.

Background: The sharing of health-related information has become increasingly popular on social media. Unregulated information sharing has led to the spread of misinformation, especially regarding complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM). This scoping review synthesized evidence surrounding the spread of CAIM-related misinformation on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This review was informed by a modified version of the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework. AMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases were searched systematically from inception to January 2022. Eligible articles explored COVID-19 misinformation on social media and contained sufficient information on CAIM therapies. Common themes were identified using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: Twenty-eight articles were included. The following themes were synthesized: 1) misinformation prompts unsafe and harmful behaviours, 2) misinformation can be separated into different categories, 3) individuals are capable of identifying and refuting CAIM misinformation, and 4) studies argue governments and social media companies have a responsibility to resolve the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. Conclusions: Misinformation can spread more easily when shared on social media. Our review suggests that misinformation about COVID-19 related to CAIM that is disseminated online contributes to unsafe health behaviours, however, this may be remedied via public education initiatives and stricter media guidelines. The results of this scoping review are crucial to understanding the behavioural impacts of the spread of COVID-19 misinformation about CAIM therapies, and can inform the development of public health policies to mitigate these issues.

The development of aquatic resource science and management has grown rapidly in the last decade, both in the context of biology, ecology, and the management of the resources in them. Trends and scientific status of aquatic resources need to be well understood as a benchmark for scientific development and responding to future challenges. Thus, scientific forums are urgently needed to mutually discuss achievements and important issues in the science and management of aquatic resources. The Department of Aquatic Resources Management (ARM), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FFMS), IPB University took the initiative to provide the needed discussion space by holding the 2nd International Symposium on Aquatic Sciences and Resources Management – Highland to Ocean, which is then abbreviated as 2nd ISASRM H2O 2022, which takes the general theme, namely Biology, Ecology and Resources Management. As the activity of the second international symposium on the sciences and management of aquatic resources in Indonesia, the sub-themes raised from the international symposium included: aquatic biology and ecology; aquatic environment, ecosystem, and conservation; aquatic endangered, protected, invasive alien and exotic species, miscellaneous; integrated inland waters and coastal management; fisheries management; social-ecological system framework for aquatic resources management; aquatic bioprospecting; and aquatic natural products. Sub-themes can accommodate all the scientific focus of science and management of aquatic resources from upstream to downstream and contribute to scientists, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, both direct beneficiaries of aquatic resources, managers of aquatic resources, and processors of aquatic resource products. In addition, this activity is also expected to assist the government in responding to the challenges of managing water resources in the future and realizing sustainable integrated management dan sustainable development goals. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Indonesian government still restricts travel, and meetings in large numbers, so the 2nd ISARM was held virtually using the Zoom platform organized at the Department of ARM, FFMS, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia on August 23-24, 2022. Virtual conferences are able to increase wider reach. However, time differences are challenging, and discussion interactions are not optimal. Hopefully, we can meet directly at another international conference at IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. The symposium was attended by 72 oral presenters and 14 poster presenters. Presenters come from at least seven countries: Indonesia, China, Philippines, Turkey, United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia. The total participants of this activity were 166 participants, both national and international. The 2nd ISARM also presented five speakers from various scientific fields, including the Management Program of Coral Reef in Indonesia by Dr. Sri Yanti, MPM from Fisheries and Marine Directory BAPPENAS, Republic of Indonesia; Coastal and Marine Resources Conservation and Management By Dr. Ruby Castrence-Gonzales from Mindanao State University Naawan, Philippines; Exploring Drug Repurposing for the Treatment of Aquatic Diseases by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar from UTHM Deputy Vice Chancellor, Malaysia; Coastal Watershed Ecological Processes, Modeling, and Management by Prof. Jinliang Huang from Xiamen University, China; and The Negative Impact of The Alien Freshwater Crayfish Invading Indonesia and Sustainable Fisheries Development of Native Crayfish in Indonesia by Dr. Tadashi Kawai from Immediately Past President of the International Association of Astacology Hokkaido Research Organization, Japan. The oral and poster presentations also discuss the issues and challenges for aquatic ecosystems, which are closely related to anthropogenic activities as driving factors. Everything is connected from the highlands to the ocean. Despite all the challenges, we, as scientists, still have a chance to do research towards the sustainable development of aquatic resources management. Moreover, make a better world. Many new ideas, insights, methodologies, and state-of-the-art science can be studied and adopted to improve our work in this important area further. There have been many interesting and useful presentations in plenary and interactive sessions. Many good experiences have been shared and lessons learned, including in the aspects of biology and ecology and managing resources from the highland to the ocean. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all partners, namely the Department of Aquatic Resources Management (ARM IPB University), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FFMS IPB University), Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL IPB University), International Collaboration Office (ICO IPB University), Fisheries and Marine Directory BAPPENAS Republic of Indonesia, and Indonesia Climate Change Trust Fund (ICCTF) with the Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program – Coral Triangle Initiative (COREMAP-CTI), for financial support and collaboration. Also, we would like to thank all the speakers, reviewers, and the committee for organizing this event and ensuring it runs smoothly. List of Editorial team, Organizing Committees are available in the pdf.

S. Katiyar, S. Gaur, R. Solanki et al.

Inhalational therapy, today, happens to be the mainstay of treatment in obstructive airway diseases (OADs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is also in the present, used in a variety of other pulmonary and even non-pulmonary disorders. Hand-held inhalation devices may often be difficult to use, particularly for children, elderly, debilitated or distressed patients. Nebulization therapy emerges as a good option in these cases besides being useful in the home care, emergency room and critical care settings. With so many advancements taking place in nebulizer technology; availability of a plethora of drug formulations for its use, and the widening scope of this therapy; medical practitioners, respiratory therapists, and other health care personnel face the challenge of choosing appropriate inhalation devices and drug formulations, besides their rational application and use in different clinical situations. Adequate maintenance of nebulizer equipment including their disinfection and storage are the other relevant issues requiring guidance. Injudicious and improper use of nebulizers and their poor maintenance can sometimes lead to serious health hazards, nosocomial infections, transmission of infection, and other adverse outcomes. Thus, it is imperative to have a proper national guideline on nebulization practices to bridge the knowledge gaps amongst various health care personnel involved in this practice. It will also serve as an educational and scientific resource for healthcare professionals, as well as promote future research by identifying neglected and ignored areas in this field. Such comprehensive guidelines on this subject have not been available in the country and the only available proper international guidelines were released in 1997 which have not been updated for a noticeably long period of over two decades, though many changes and advancements have taken place in this technology in the recent past. Much of nebulization practices in the present may not be evidence-based and even some of these, the way they are currently used, may be ineffective or even harmful. Recognizing the knowledge deficit and paucity of guidelines on the usage of nebulizers in various settings such as inpatient, out-patient, emergency room, critical care, and domiciliary use in India in a wide variety of indications to standardize nebulization practices and to address many other related issues; National College of Chest Physicians (India), commissioned a National task force consisting of eminent experts in the field of Pulmonary Medicine from different backgrounds and different parts of the country to review the available evidence from the medical literature on the scientific principles and clinical practices of nebulization therapy and to formulate evidence-based guidelines on it. The guideline is based on all possible literature that could be explored with the best available evidence and incorporating expert opinions. To support the guideline with high-quality evidence, a systematic search of the electronic databases was performed to identify the relevant studies, position papers, consensus reports, and recommendations published. Rating of the level of the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation was done using the GRADE system. Six topics were identified, each given to one group of experts comprising of advisors, chairpersons, convenor and members, and such six groups (A-F) were formed and the consensus recommendations of each group was included as a section in the guidelines (Sections I to VI). The topics included were: A. Introduction, basic principles and technical aspects of nebulization, types of equipment, their choice, use, and maintenance B. Nebulization therapy in obstructive airway diseases C. Nebulization therapy in the intensive care unit D. Use of various drugs (other than bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids) by nebulized route and miscellaneous uses of nebulization therapy E. Domiciliary/Home/Maintenance nebulization therapy; public & health care workers education, and F. Nebulization therapy in COVID-19 pandemic and in patients of other contagious viral respiratory infections (included later considering the crisis created due to COVID-19 pandemic). Various issues in different sections have been discussed in the form of questions, followed by point-wise evidence statements based on the existing knowledge, and recommendations have been formulated.

L. Surgenor, Shistata Dhakal, Roma L. Watterson et al.

Background Eating disorders (ED) can have profound effects on family members and carers. These impacts can be experienced across multiple domains and may contribute to the maintenance of ED symptoms. In the absence of any New Zealand studies quantifying this, and given country-specific differences in access to care and treatment, this study explores the psychosocial and economic impacts on those caring for someone with an ED in New Zealand. Methods Carers (N = 121) of those who had, or still had, a self-reported ED (82.6% anorexia nervosa) completed an online survey open between December 2016 and October 2020, adapted to the New Zealand context. Questions addressed ED recency and recovery status of the individual cared for, treatment access, and the financial and psychosocial impact on the carer. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, with financial cost data converted to the equivalent of 2020 New Zealand dollars. Results Most (88.6%) recruited carers reported still caring for someone with ED symptoms of varying severity. A majority reported difficulty accessing treatment for the person they cared for, with a sizable minority (45%) paying for private treatment, despite few having private insurance. Carer losses typically included reduced income and productivity, travel costs, and other miscellaneous costs. Carers reported significant psychosocial impacts across a range of dimensions including family life, interpersonal relationships, and their own personal well-being. Conclusions Carers in New Zealand report impacts which are far reaching and longstanding, covering their own personal and interpersonal well-being and that of those around them. While most of those they care for get access to public (free) treatment at some time or another, the wider financial and economic impacts on carers are significant, and likely to take years to recoup. Though not unique to EDs, interventions and supports for carers are much needed in New Zealand, alongside more comprehensive research methodology to further determine positive and other impacts of EDs over the long course of the caregiving role. Highlights A majority reported difficulty accessing treatment for the person they cared for 45% paid for private treatment, despite few having private insurance Carers reported reduced income and productivity, travel costs, and other costs. Carers reported significant psychosocial impacts on family life, interpersonal relationships, and their own personal well-being. Carers provide a pivotal role in supporting treatment and recovery in their family member with the These findings will be relevant for funders and service providers in developing further approaches to address barriers and gaps in service provision to reduce impacts on carers, and as a result, those with eating disorders. Caring for a person with any significant health or disability condition can have a harmful effect on the carer’s own wellbeing. This study estimates this burden of caring for people with either ongoing ED symptoms or who have recovered, in New Zealand. The study recruited 121 carers, of whom almost all (97.5%) were parents, with most caregivers reporting impacts as this related to caring for someone with anorexia nervosa (82.6%). Overall, the results found widespread impacts on carers, particularly impacts on multiple relationships in their life, especially family relationships. These impacts extended to reporting harmful effects on the relationship with the person with the ED. Carers are also burdened by difficulties accessing treatment and wider economic impacts such as loss of income and productivity at work. As New Zealand’s health system is relatively unique and this is the first quantitative study in New Zealand exploring ED carer impacts, larger studies are needed to capture the full extent of this in order to better meet these needs both at a health service and government level.

Muthappan Sendhilkumar, Ponnaiah Manickam

Nathália Belluzzi Ribeiro, Camila Cristina Bortolozzo Ximenes de Souza

Introdução: Tendo em vista a estrutura patriarcal da sociedade e as estratégias de controle dos corpos femininos utilizadas para a manutenção da mesma, entende-se que as violências de gênero repercutem no cotidiano das mulheres ressignificando os sentidos atribuídos a seus corpos e sexualidade, sendo importante considerar que tal ressignificação passa pela mediação das redes sociais de suporte das mulheres. Objetivo: Compreender a influência das redes sociais de suporte junto às mulheres que sofreram violência de gênero perpetrada por parceiro íntimo, no processo de percepção de si, do seu corpo e da sexualidade. Metodologia: Pesquisa qualitativa que se utilizou da análise de conteúdo para analisar entrevistas semiestruturadas virtuais com 5 jovens mulheres influenciadoras digitais. Resultados: Foram identificadas 3 categorias analíticas que gravitam sobre as ideias de uma culpabilização pela violência vivida; as marcas da violência sobre os corpos e a sexualidade das mulheres; e o papel das redes sociais e de suporte para a superação ou manutenção da violência. Conclusão: O papel da rede social desenvolve-se tanto no apoio, quanto na reafirmação das violências vividas. Essas violências impactam o corpo, a sexualidade, e o cotidiano das entrevistadas. Cabe ao terapeuta ocupacional pensar em estratégias para ressignificar a violência vivida, o sentido dos corpos e da sexualidade das mulheres.

Carla Daiane Silva Rodrigues, Regina Rigatto Witt, Ananyr Porto Fajardo et al.

Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa que objetivou identificar a abordagem da formação para a preceptoria, com foco nos desafios pedagógicos enfrentados pelos preceptores no ensino em serviço e as experiências de formação no contexto internacional. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Scientific Electronic Library Online e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, com os descritores em inglês: preceptorship, internship and residency e internship, nonmedical, e português: preceptoria, internato e residência e internato não médico no período entre 2000 e 2020. Foram selecionadas 24 publicações que apresentavam atividades de preceptoria conforme desenvolvidas nos programas brasileiros, ou seja, por profissionais de saúde de nível superior, sendo incluídas publicações em português, espanhol e inglês. Os trabalhos apresentam necessidades que são geradas em um contexto de exercício da preceptoria que demanda o cruzamento das dimensões de ensino e cuidado e extrapola os saberes sobre a prática. Os desafios identificados referem-se às necessidades da prática pedagógica, com destaque para mediação do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, avaliação e uso de metodologias ativas. Foram identificadas 13 experiências de formação para a preceptoria no contexto internacional, sendo duas no Brasil. O apoio dos serviços e das instituições de ensino se mostra fundamental e as experiências de formação examinadas podem orientar o arranjo de iniciativas para formação em preceptoria, a qual necessita ser ampliada e qualificada para atender às necessidades de atenção e formação em saúde no Sistema Único de Saúde.

P. Wells, A. Holbrook, N. Crowther et al.

Anders Brüggemann, S. Mukka, O. Wolf

Purpose This nationwide study aims to describe the epidemiology, fracture classification and current treatment regimens of olecranon fractures in adults. Methods We performed a descriptive study based on registered data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). All non-pathological olecranon fractures reported between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 in patients aged ≥ 18 years were included. Data on age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture classification (according to the modified Mayo classification system), primary treatment and seasonal variation were analyzed. We compared patients  65 years regarding injury mechanism, distribution of fracture types and subsequent treatment. Results In total, 2462 olecranon fractures were identified in the SFR. Median age was 66 years and 65% were women. Of all fractures, 303 (12%) were proximal avulsion, 1044 (42%) simple central, 717 (29%) comminuted central and 398 (16%) distal olecranon fractures. Nonoperative treatment was performed in 21% of the patients  65 years. Tension band wiring was used for most simple central fractures. Plate fixation was used in almost half of the operatively treated fractures classified as unstable comminuted central and distal olecranon fractures. Men show a higher proportion of high-energy trauma than women in both age groups. Conclusion Isolated fractures of the olecranon occur after a low-energy trauma, especially in older women (> 65 years). Non-operative treatment is common in uncomplicated fractures and operative treatment in more complex fractures nationwide. A shift to plate fixation in the more unstable fracture patterns is observed. These results may help health care providers and clinicians gain a better understanding of isolated olecranon fractures.

P. Raghav, Keerthana Kalyanaraman, Dinesh Kumar

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic having a higher spread rate rather than the mortality. Identification of a potential approach or therapy against COVID-19 is still under consideration. Therefore, it is essential to have an insight into SARS-CoV-2, its interacting partner, and domains for an effective treatment. The present study is divided into three main categories, including SARS-CoV-2 prominent receptor and its expression levels, other interacting partners, and their binding domains. The first section focuses primarily on coronaviruses' general aspects (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses (MERS-CoV)) their structures, similarities, and mode of infections. The second section discusses the host receptors which includes the human targets of coronaviruses like dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), CD147, CD209L, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), and other miscellaneous targets (type-II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs), furin, trypsin, cathepsins, thermolysin, elastase, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate 5-kinase, two-pore segment channel, and epithelium sodium channel C-α subunit). The human cell receptor, ACE2 plays an essential role in the Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS) pathway and COVID-19. Thus, this section also discusses the ACE2 expression and risk of COVID-19 infectivity in various organs and tissues such as the liver, lungs, intestine, heart, and reproductive system in the human body. Absence of ACE2 protein expression in immune cells could be used for limiting the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The third section covers the current available approaches for COVID-19 treatment. Overall, this review focuses on the critical role of human cell receptors involved in coronavirus pathogenesis, which would likely be used in designing target-specific drugs to combat COVID-19.

J. Sachdev, P. Munster, D. Northfelt et al.

Purpose Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) remains incurable and is associated with low survival rates. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of liposomal irinotecan in heavily pretreated patients with mBC, with or without active brain metastases (BM). Methods Following the dose escalation phase and determination of recommended phase 2 dose, the expansion phase of this phase I, open-label, non-randomized study, assigned adult women to cohorts based on mBC subtype: cohort 1, hormone receptor +/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2−; cohort 2, triple-negative breast cancer; or cohort 3, any mBC subtype with active BM. Patients received liposomal irinotecan 50 or 70 mg/m 2 free base every 2 weeks. Here, we report secondary outcomes including best overall response (BOR), objective response rate (ORR), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results For non-central nervous system (non-CNS) disease across all cohorts (intent-to-treat population, N  = 29), the ORR was 34.5% (95% confidence interval: 17.94–54.33), with a BOR of partial response in 10 patients (34.5%), stable disease in five (17.2%), progressive disease in 10 (34.5%); four patients were unevaluable (13.8%). The ORR for the CNS cohort was 30.0% (95% confidence interval: 6.67–65.25) using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Common grade 3 or higher TEAEs were diarrhea (27.6%), nausea (17.2%), fatigue (13.8%), asthenia (10.3%), and hypokalemia (10.3%). Serious treatment-related TEAEs were reported in six patients (20.7%). No treatment-related TEAEs resulted in death. Conclusions Liposomal irinotecan monotherapy demonstrated antitumor activity in heavily pretreated patients with mBC, with or without BM. The observed safety profile was consistent with that in previous studies. Clinical trial registration: Trial registration ID NCT01770353.

Fekade Beshah, Yilma Hunde, Mesfin Getachew et al.

Abstract Dodonaea (family Sapindaceae) - a genus of flowering plant (above 70 species recorded) and used for various activities. Dodonaea viscosa, D. angustifolia, D. spatulate, D. polyandra and D. ceratocarpa are well-known species of this genus. In spite of the possible health support, different plant species from this genus are not extensively noticed in the modern medicine system. Dodonaea genus has been traditionally used in the treatment of scurvy, inflammation, kidney pain, sore throat, intestinal parasite, herpes, wounds burn, rheumatism, cough, backache, toothache, skin burn, skin infection, tumor and wound healing. Plant leaves, stem and fruits are occasionally used in the formulation of traditional medicine. In terms of phytoconstituents, flavonoids, flavones and their derivatives, terpenoids and saponins are major isolated compounds. They have shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and anti-plasmodial activities. Plants of Dodonaea genus show insecticide, weedicide, pesticide activity and exhibit allelopathic effect. Further, some isolated bacteria from roots of D. viscosa have been used in other plants as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Additionally, leaf extract has also been used in nanoparticle synthesis. These particles have shown a significant antioxidant activity; and antibacterial activity towards both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Overall, this review paper aims to describe the different aspects of Dodonaea genus such as botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological and agricultural applications of Dodonaea genus. Besides, some other miscellaneous studies and applications have been also reviewed.

Emmanuelle Opsommer, Odile Chevalley, Irene Pegito et al.

Abstract Background In the context of demographic aging, active aging must be encouraged. In addition, the increase in life expectancy requires specific care for the elderly. Therefore, it is important to ensure appropriate training and education to caregivers. Educational institutions put value in positively influencing the attitudes and behaviours towards elderly people in order to ensure the quality of patient care in the future. Questionnaires are often used to assess attitudes. Among them, the University of California, Los Angeles Geriatrics Attitudes Scale (UCLA-GAS) was developed to assess attitudes towards older people and caring for older patients. This scale has been used to evaluate attitude of healthcare professionals and students including undergraduate physiotherapy students. To our knowledge, there is no scale that assesses the same concept in French. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and adapt the UCLA-GAS into French and to test its psychometric properties. Methods We conducted this study in two phases. First, we translated and adapted the UCLA-GAS from English into French following the five recommended stages of cross-cultural adaptation. Second, we validated the French version of the scale with undergraduate physiotherapy students. One hundred nineteen students participated from the first to the third academic years. We estimated reliability and validity of the scale. We performed correlation analyses between the French version of the UCLA-GAS (UCLA-GAS-F) with the Aging Stereotypes and Exercise Scale (ASES) and the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ). Results The scale was translated and adapted into French. Results of the validation phase showed that the UCLA-GAS-F had high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.83, 95%CI 0.74–0.89), but internal consistency below 0.7 (Cronbach’s alpha 0.49 to 0.57). The scale showed no ceiling or floor effect. As expected, the French version showed a weak correlation to the ASES (r = 0.28, p = .003) and to the AAQ (r = 0.32, p = .001). Conclusions Despite low internal consistency, the French version of the UCLA-GAS showed appropriate psychometric properties. Further validation should include healthcare professionals and other healthcare students.

M. Shahriari, N. Shakibazad, S. Haghpanah et al.

Flavia Napoletano, F. Schifano, J. Corkery et al.

Background There is growing availability of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including cognitive enhancers (CEs) which can be used in the treatment of certain mental health disorders. While treating cognitive deficit symptoms in neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders using CEs might have significant benefits for patients, the increasing recreational use of these substances by healthy individuals raises many clinical, medico-legal, and ethical issues. Moreover, it has become very challenging for clinicians to keep up-to-date with CEs currently available as comprehensive official lists do not exist. Methods Using a web crawler (NPSfinder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonaut fora/platforms to better understand the online situation regarding CEs. We compared NPSfinder® entries with those from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) NPS databases up to spring 2019. Any substance that was identified by NPSfinder® was considered a CE if it was either described as having nootropic abilities by psychonauts or if it was listed among the known CEs by Froestl and colleagues. Results A total of 142 unique CEs were identified by NPSfinder®. They were divided into 10 categories, including plants/herbs/products (29%), prescribed drugs (17%), image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) (15%), psychostimulants (15%), miscellaneous (8%), Phenethylamines (6%), GABAergic drugs (5%), cannabimimetic (4%), tryptamines derivatives (0.5%), and piperazine derivatives (0.5%). A total of 105 chemically different substances were uniquely identified by NPSfinder®. Only one CE was uniquely identified by the EMCDDA; no CE was uniquely identified by the UNODC. Conclusions These results show that NPSfinder® is helpful as part of an Early Warning System, which could update clinicians with the growing numbers and types of nootropics in the increasingly difficult-to-follow internet world. Improving clinicians’ knowledge of NPS could promote more effective prevention and harm reduction measures in clinical settings.

Dilip Dodda, Ajmera Rama Rao, Ciddi Veeresham

Background: Aldose reductase (AR) and Advanced glycation end product (AGE) are known to play important roles in the development of diabetic complications. The inhibitors of AR and AGE would be potential agents for the prevention of diabetic complications. Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the aldose reductase (AR) and advanced glycation end product (AGE) inhibitory potential of pterostilbene for its possible role in the treatment of diabetic complications such as cataract. Materials and methods: The compound was studied for its inhibitory activity against rat lens AR (RLAR) and rat kidney AR (RKAR) in vitro along with its ability to inhibit the formation of AGEs. Anticataract activity of pterostilbene was demonstrated using sugar induced lens opacity model in isolated cattle lens. Further, the involvement of pterostilbene in galactosemia in rats was investigated by assessing the key markers in the polyol pathway and the results were compared with that of a potent AR inhibitor, fidarestat. Results: Pterostilbene exhibited inhibitory activity against RLAR and RKAR with IC50 values of 5.49 mg/ml (21.4 mM) and 6.40 mg/ml (25.02 mM), respectively. In sugar-induced lens opacity model, pterostilbene displayed a significant protective effect by preventing opacification and formation of polyols in cattle lens. Besides, the compound exhibited in vivo inhibition of galactitol accumulation in lens and sciatic nerves of galactose fed rats. Conclusion: The results obtained in the study underline the potential of pterostilbene as possible therapeutic agent against long-term diabetic complications.

Jun-Yong Choi, Myungsoo Joo