Smoking, Gender, and Overweight Are Important Influencing Factors on Monocytic HLA-DR before and after Major Cancer Surgery

Background. Monocytic human leukocyte antigen D related (mHLA-DR) is essential for antigen-presentation. Downregulation of mHLA-DR emerged as a general biomarker of impaired immunity seen in patients with sepsis and pneumonia and after major surgery. Influencing factors of mHLA-DR such as age, overweight, diabetes, smoking, and gender remain unclear. Methods. We analyzed 20 patients after esophageal or pancreatic resection of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (placebo group). mHLA-DR was determined from day of surgery (od) until postoperative day (pod) 5. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariate generalized estimating equation analyses (GEE), nonparametric multivariate analysis of longitudinal data, and univariate post hoc nonparametric Mann–Whitney tests. Results. In GEE, smoking and gender were confirmed as significant influencing factors over time. Univariate analyses of mHLA-DR between smokers and nonsmokers showed lower preoperative levels (p=0.010) and a trend towards lower levels on pod5 (p=0.056) in smokers. Lower mHLA-DR was seen in men on pod3 (p=0.038) and on pod5 (p=0.026). Overweight patients (BMI > 25 kg/m2) had lower levels of mHLA-DR on pod3 (p=0.039) and pod4 (p=0.047). Conclusion. Smoking is an important influencing factor on pre- and postoperative immune function while postoperative immune function was influenced by gender and overweight. Clinical trial registered with ISRCTN27114642.

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Children’s Health Habits and COVID-19 Lockdown in Catalonia: Implications for Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051657 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1657

Author(s):

Paula Sol Ventura ◽

Ana F. Ortigoza ◽

Yanira Castillo ◽

Zelmira Bosch ◽

Sara Casals ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Estimating Equation ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Health Habits ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Age And Gender Differences ◽

Before And After ◽

And Gender ◽

Sleeping Habits

Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic imposed changes in children’s daily routine that could lead to changes in behavior patterns. Using a survey targeted at children under 17 years of age, we described dietary (adherence to Mediterranean diet, AMD) and sleeping habits (disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep) after the implementation of lockdown, and examined the probability of the inadequate frequency of physical activity (PA) and use of TV and electronic devices (TV-ED) before and after lockdown through generalized estimating equation models, accounting for age and gender differences. From 3464 children included, 53.2% showed optimal AMD; 79.2% referred to delayed bedtime; and 16.3% were suspected of sleeping disorders after the implementation of lockdown. Delay in bedtime was more frequent among children older than 6 years, and inadequate sleeping hours among those younger than 11 years. There were no gender differences in AMD or sleeping habits. The odds of inadequate frequency of PA and TV-ED use were greater after lockdown, with a greater risk for TV-ED use. Boys were at greater risk of inadequate PA frequency and TV-ED use. Odds ratio of inadequate PA was greater at older ages. Lockdown could influence changes in children’s habits that could lead to risk factors for non-communicable diseases during adulthood if such behaviors are sustained over time.

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Psychological factors, immune function and recovery from major surgery

Acta Neuropsychiatrica ◽

10.1111/j.1601-5215.2009.00398.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 169-178 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Ute Vollmer-Conna ◽

Kevin D. Bird ◽

Bryan W Yeo ◽

Philip G. Truskett ◽

Reginald F. Westbrook ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Function ◽

Psychological Factors ◽

Immune Status ◽

Major Surgery ◽

Passive Coping ◽

Before And After ◽

Negative Effect ◽

And Coping ◽

Induced Changes

Objective:This study used a prospective design and the technique of structural modelling to examine the complex interrelations between psychological factors, immune status and complications after major surgery.Methods:Twenty-nine women scheduled for elective cholecystectomy were studied prospectively. Information regarding medical history, health practices, life stressors, and coping strategies was obtained two weeks prior to admission. At this initial meeting, as well as three days after surgery, and at one month follow-up immunological tests were performed and the level of psychological distress was assessed. The study additionally included measures of post-operative complications, and infections and negative effect during follow-up.Results:Pre-operative immune status emerged as a key variable exerting strong effects on subsequent immune function and, thereby producing significant, indirect effects on every recovery variable. Pre-operative distress was directly linked to increased mood disturbance at follow-up. Moreover, distress significantly influenced immune function both before and after surgery, which mediated a significant impact on most recovery variables. Active coping behaviour directly increased the risk of a complicated recovery.Conclusions:The study demonstrated that distress-induced changes in immune functioning have clinical relevance. Overall, the present findings suggest that recovery from surgery is facilitated in patients with a well-functioning immune system, a low-level of pre-operative distress and a passive coping disposition.

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Lymph nodes detection and the mesorectal excision quality evaluation

Perspectives in Surgery ◽

10.33699/pis.2019.98.5.200-206 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 98 (5) ◽

pp. 200-206

Keyword(s):

Lymph Nodes ◽

Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽

Quality Evaluation ◽

Rectal Resection ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cooperative Groups ◽

Mesorectal Excision ◽

Proper Number ◽

Before And After ◽

And Gender

ntroduction: Detection and examination of proper number of lymph nodes in patients after rectal resection is important for next treatment and management of patients with rectal carcinoma. There are no clear guideliness for minimal count of lymph nodes, variant recommendations agree on the number of 12 (10−14) nodes. There are situations, when is not easy to reach this count, mainly in older age groups and in patients after neoadjuvant, especially radiation therapy. As a modality for improvement of lymph nodes harvesting seems to be establishing of defined protocols originally designed for mesorectal excision quality evaluation. Methods: The investigation group was formed by patients examined in 2 three-years intervals before and after implementation of the protocol. Elevation in count of harvested lymph nodes was rated generaly and in relation to age groups and gender. Results: The average count of lymph nodes increased from 10 to 15 nodes, in subset of patients whose received neoadjuvant therapy from 7 to al- most 14 nodes. The recommended number of lymph nodes was obtained in all investigated age groups. By the increased number of lymph nodes, rises also possibility of positive nodes found, that can lead to upstaging of the disease, in subset of patients whose received neoadjuvant therapy it is more than 4%. Conclusion: Our conclusions show, that forming of multidisciplinary cooperative groups (chiefly surgeon-pathologist), implementation of defined protocol of surgery, specimen manipulation and investigation by detached specialists lead to benefit consequences for further management and treatment of the patients with colorectal cancer.

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Highlighted of Ramadan Fasting on Diabetes-Study of Complications, Biochemical Aspects and Anthropometry

Romanian Journal of Diabetes Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases ◽

10.2478/rjdnmd-2019-0023 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 227-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meriem Bencharif ◽

Ibrahim Sersar ◽

Maroua Bentaleb ◽

Fatima Zohra Boutata ◽

Youcef Benabbas

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Glucose Monitoring ◽

Public Information ◽

Blood Glucose Monitoring ◽

Loss Of Consciousness ◽

Ramadan Fasting ◽

Balanced Diet ◽

Before And After ◽

And Gender

Abstract Background and aims: The diabetic exempted from fasting by religion, wishing or not to observe the fast, is exposed like any other during Ramadan to a change in lifestyle. The objective of this study was to highlight the effects of Ramadan fasting on diabetes. Material and methods: Multicentre study on 899 diabetics was carried to collect data on the behaviour of diabetics with regard to the fast of Ramadan, biochemicals and anthropometry parameters. Results. The sample consists of 541 diabetic fasters (DTMF) and 358 no fasters. The causes of interruption of fasting were: hypoglycemia (82.4%), dehydration (44.5%), hyperglycemia (12.6%), high blood pressure (13.7%), loss of consciousness (8.3%). The risk factors related to fasting for DTMF were the type of diabetes and gender. Discussion and modifications about dietary, blood glucose monitoring and nutritional education sessions showed a protective effect against the occurrence of hypo and hyperglycemia and loss of consciousness. Decreasing differences were noted for Hb1Ac, LDL and Total-Cholesterol between before and after Ramadan. The weight of DTMF decreased in post-Ramadan (p=0.0000). Conclusion. There is a need to consider regular preventive measures based on public information on the effects of diabetes related complications and the benefits of a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity in nutrition education sessions.

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Cerebellar rTMS in PSP: a Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study Using Mobile Health Technology

The Cerebellum ◽

10.1007/s12311-021-01239-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Pilotto ◽

Maria Cristina Rizzetti ◽

Alberto Lombardi ◽

Clint Hansen ◽

Michele Biggi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Digital Technology ◽

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽

Health Technology ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Double Blind ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Lower Back ◽

Before And After ◽

Double Blind Design ◽

Theta Burst

AbstractThere are no effective treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty PSP patients underwent a session of sham or real cerebellar rTMS in a crossover design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-s trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with increase in time without falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005), acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.

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Frühgeborene unter maschineller Beatmung: Immunmodulatorischer Effekt der präventiven Gabe von Azithromycin

Karger Kompass Pneumologie ◽

10.1159/000513487 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Maximilian Jorczyk

Keyword(s):

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Preterm Neonates ◽

Double Blind ◽

Mechanically Ventilated ◽

Before And After ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

To Receive ◽

Therapeutic Possibilities ◽

Inflammatory Effect

Introduction: Macrolides have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that give this class of antibiotics a role that differs from its classical use as an antibiotic, which opens new therapeutic possibilities. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of azithromycin in preventing mechanical ventilation (MV)-induced lung injury in very-low-birth-weight preterm neonates. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of preterm neonates who received invasive MV within 72 h of birth. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous azithromycin (at a dose of 10/mg/kg/day for 5 days) or placebo (0.9% saline) within 12 h of the start of MV. Two blood samples were collected (before and after intervention) for measurement of interleukins (ILs) and PCR for Ureaplasma. Patients were followed up throughout the hospital stay for the outcomes of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as need for oxygen for a period of ≥28 days of life (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03485703). Results: Forty patients were analyzed in the azithromycin group and 40 in the placebo group. Five days after the last dose, serum IL-2 and IL-8 levels dropped significantly in the azithromycin group. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of death and O2 dependency at 28 days/death in azithromycin-treated patients regardless of the detection of Ureaplasma in blood. Conclusions: Azithromycin has anti-inflammatory effects, with a decrease in cytokines after 5 days of use and a reduction in death and O2 dependency at 28 days/death in mechanically ventilated preterm neonates.

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Effectiveness of paranasal air suction on acute migraine using portable air sucker – a randomized, double blind study

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-021-02203-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

S. M. R. Bandara ◽

S. Samita ◽

A. M. Kiridana ◽

H. M. M. T. B. Herath

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Side Effects ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Primary Headache ◽

Headache Disorder ◽

Low Pressure ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Double Blind ◽

Primary Headache Disorder ◽

Before And After

Abstract Background Migraine is a primary headache disorder and is the most common disabling primary headache disorder that occurs in children and adolescents. A recent study showed that paranasal air suction can provide relief to migraine headache. However, in order to get the maximum benefit out of it, an easy to use effective air sucker should be available. Aiming to fulfil the above requirement, a randomized, double blind control clinical trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a recently developed low–pressure portable air sucker. Methods Eighty-six Sri Lankan school children of age 16–19 years with migraine were enrolled for the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups, and one group was subjected to six intermittent ten-second paranasal air suctions using the portable air sucker for 120 s. The other group was subjected to placebo air suction (no paranasal air suction). The effect of suction using portable air sucker was the primary objective but side of headache, type of headache, and gender were also studied as source variables. The primary response studied was severity of headache. In addition, left and right supraorbital tenderness, photophobia, phonophobia, numbness over the face and scalp, nausea and generalized tiredness/weakness of the body were studied. The measurements on all those variables were made before and after suction, and the statistical analysis was performed based on before and after differences. As a follow–up, patients were monitored for 24-h period. Results There was a significant reduction in the severity of headache pain (OR = 25.98, P < 0.0001), which was the primary outcome variable, and other migraine symptoms studied, tenderness (left) (OR = 289.69, P < 0.0001), tenderness (right) (OR > 267.17, P < 0.0001), photophobia (OR = 2115.6, P < 0.0001), phonophobia (OR > 12.62, P < 0.0001) nausea (OR > 515.59, P < 0.0001) and weakness (OR = 549.06, P < 0.0001) except for numbness (OR = 0.747, P = 0.67) in the treatment group compared to the control group 2 min after the suction. These symptoms did not recur within 24-h period and there were no significant side effects recorded during the 24-h observation period. Conclusion This pilot study showed that low–pressure portable air sucker is effective in paranasal air suction, and suction for 120 s using the sucker can provide an immediate relief which can last for more than 24-h period without any side effects. Trail registration Clinical Trial Government Identification Number – 1548/2016. Ethical Clearance Granted Institute – Medical Research Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka (No 38/2016). Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registration No: SLCTR/2017/018. Date of registration = 29/ 06/2017. Approval Granting Organization to use the device in the clinical trial– National Medicines Regulatory Authority Sri Lanka (16 Jan 2018), The device won award at Geneva international inventers exhibition in 2016 and President award in 2018 in Sri Lanka. It is a patented device in Sri Lanka and patent number was SLKP/1/18295. All methods were carried out in accordance with CONSORT 2010 guidelines.

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The Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Children Is Modifiable by the Household Dogs: Impact of a Canine-Specific Probiotic

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9030557 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 557

Author(s):

Carlos Gómez-Gallego ◽

Mira Forsgren ◽

Marta Selma-Royo ◽

Merja Nermes ◽

Maria Carmen Collado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Home Environment ◽

Double Blind ◽

Before And After ◽

Probiotic Intervention ◽

Probiotic Product ◽

Acid Producing Bacteria ◽

Double Blind Design ◽

To Receive ◽

Gut Microbiota Composition

The development of the infant gut microbiota is initiated during pregnancy and continued through early life and childhood, guided by the immediate environment of the child. Our aim was to characterize the shared microbiota between dogs and children as well as to determine whether introduction to dogs of a dog-specific probiotic combination modifies the transfer process. We studied 31 children from allergic families with pet dog(s) and 18 control families without a dog. Altogether 37 dogs were randomized for a 4-week period in a double-blind design to receive canine-derived probiotic product containing a mixture of L. fermentum, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus, or placebo. Fecal samples from children and dogs were taken before and after the treatment. Distinctive gut microbiota composition was observed in children with dogs compared to those without a dog, characterized by higher abundance of Bacteroides and short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae. Probiotic intervention in dogs had an impact on the composition of the gut microbiota in both dogs and children, characterized by a reduction in Bacteroides. We provide evidence for a direct effect of home environment and household pets on children microbiota and document that modification of dog microbiota by specific probiotics is reflected in children’s microbiota.

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A Qualitative Case Study on Influencing Factors of Parents’ Child Abuse of North Korean Refugees in South Korea

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9010049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 49

Author(s):

Wonjung Ryu ◽

Hyerin Yang

Keyword(s):

Child Abuse ◽

South Korea ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

Acculturative Stress ◽

North Korean Refugees ◽

Korean Parents ◽

Before And After ◽

Maternal Parenting Stress ◽

Past Experiences

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influencing factors of parental child abuse by North Korean refugees who are living in South Korea. In-depth interviews were conducted with five parents who escaped from North Korea. The study identified three categories of factors impacting child abuse: the weakening of family functions from past experiences before and after defection, the stress of adapting to the culture of an unfamiliar society, and low parenting self-efficacy. North Korean parents suffered from emotional and functional crises from past traumatic events and, at the same time, experienced additional acculturative stress as a “minority” after entering South Korea, even as they continued to deal with Maternal Parenting Stress. These complex factors have been shown to lead to child abuse in migrant societies. This study contemplated the context of child abuse through specific examples. The results could provide thoughtful insights into child abuse among migrants and refugee parents, and provide evidence-based intervention plans for its prevention.

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Rehydration with a Caffeinated Beverage during the Nonexercise Periods of 3 Consecutive Days of 2-a-Day Practices

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.14.4.419 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 419-429 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Kelly A. Fiala ◽

Douglas J. Casa ◽

Melissa W. Roti

Keyword(s):

Body Fat ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Double Blind ◽

Psychological Measures ◽

Mild Heat ◽

Urine Color ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Time Point

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of rehydration with a caffeinated beverage during non exercise periods on hydration status throughout consecutive practices in the heat. Ten (7 women, 3 men) partially heat-acclimated athletes (age 24 ± ly, body fat 19.2 ± 2%, weight 68.4 ± 4.0 kg, height 170 ± 3 cm) completed 3 successive days of 2-a-day practices (2 h/ practice, 4 h/d) in mild heat (WBGT = 23 °C). The 2 trials (double-blind, random, cross-over design) included; 1) caffeine (CAF) rehydrated with Coca-Cola® and 2) caffeine-free (CF) rehydrated with Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola®. Urine and psychological measures were determined before and after each 2-h practice. A significant difference was found for urine color for the post-AM time point, F = 5.526, P = 0.031. No differences were found among other variables (P > 0.05). In summary, there is little evidence to suggest that the use of beverages containing caffeine during non exercise might hinder hydration status.

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