Benefits of breast milk for prevention of sore nipple & association with their demographic variables: A quasi-experimental study

A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of his mother, food from her breasts and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three. While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the choice for every baby because it fulfills the physical needs as well as psychotic complementary of the child. The study aimedto find out the association of nipple soreness in experimental group and comparison group in terms of sample characteristics of postnatal mothers. A quasi experimental study was conducted on 70 postnatal mothers, (35 in experimental group and 35 in the comparison group) who breast feeds their babies were selected conveniently. Feeding pattern was assessed by LATCH scale four times in a day followed by the application of hind milk minimum four times in a day for three or four days as per discharge day of mother. The mother was asked to rub hind milk on nipples after feeding the baby and letting it air dry in front of researcher and nipple soreness scale was used to check the sore nipple at third and fifth day or at the day of discharge. Follow up of postnatal mothers was done telephonically by using interview questionnaire on day 15 in both groups. Study findings revealed that on 3rd day, the mean nipple soreness score was higher in comparison group (1.45) than experimental group (0.10) and thus there was significant difference (t value = 3.87) in nipple soreness score.Study concluded that breast milk application was effective in preventing sore nipples among postnatal mothers. Hence, it can be recommended to use breast milk for the prevention of sore nipple.

The importance of surgical access in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer and abnormal prostate anatomy

Background. The increased volume of the prostate in patients with confirmed prostate cancer (pc) is observed in 10 % of cases. The limitations of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy associated with large prostate volume and obstructive symptoms define radical prostatectomy (Rp) as the only possible treatment for prostate cancer in these patients. The purpose of the study was to determine the importance of the surgical approach in radical prostatectomy in patients with abnormal anatomy of the prostate. Material and methods. The study group consisted of patients with a prostate volume of more than 80 cm3 (n=40) who underwent a robot prostatectomy. The comparison group was represented by patients also selected by the prostate volume ≥ 80 cm3, who underwent classical open prostatectomy (n=44). The groups were comparable in age and psa level. The average prostate volume in the study group was 112.2 ± 26 cm 3(80–195 cm 3). The average prostate volume in the comparison group was 109.8 ± 18.7 cm3 (80–158 cm 3) (р>0.05). Both groups had favorable morphological characteristics. Results. The average surgery time difference was 65 minutes in favor of the open prostatectomy (p<0.05). The average blood loss volume in the study group was 282.5 ± 227.5 ml (50–1000 ml). The average blood loss volume in the group with open prostatectomy was 505.7 ± 382.3 ml (50–2000 ml). Positive surgical margin in the robotic prostatectomy was not detected, at 6.9 % in the group with open prostatectomy (p<0.05). According to the criterion of urinary continence, the best results were obtained in the group of robotic prostatectomy (p<0.05). Overall and relapse-free 5-year survival did not show a statistically significant difference. Conclusion. The use of robotic prostatectomy in a group of patients with a large prostate volume (≥ 80 cm3) allows us to achieve better functional and oncological outcomes.

“Long covid” (postcovid syndrome). Mechanism of occurrence, diagnosis and rehabilitation

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the mechanism of occurrence of postcovid syndrome, a new laboratory method for its diagnosis and issues of drug and non-drug rehabilitation of patients who have suffered COVID-19.The purpose of this work was to study the possibilities of using the method of monochrome analysis of nanoparticles for instrumental and laboratory diagnostics of postcovid syndrome and to substantiate the use of complex therapeutic approaches to the treatment of patients.Materials and methods. The biomaterial (saliva) of 250 patients who underwent COVID-19 in mild, moderate and severe forms, with a slight predominance of males, in the age range from 18 to 75 years, who were in the Center of Eastern and European Medicine (Moscow) on rehabilitation treatment in the period from June 2020 to September 2021, was studied by the method of monochrome analysis of nanoparticles. According to the results of the work carried out, it was found that the most typical saliva spectrum of patients diagnosed with “postcovid syndrome” was multimodal (three or more peaks) with the greatest contribution (45%) to light scattering on agglomerates of nanoparticles with a diameter of more than 1000 nm, with detectable nanoparticles of the middle sub-range of the spectrum from 119 to 122 nm with a 15% contribution to light scattering and an increased contribution to light scattering up to 41% on small nanoparticles with a diameter of 22 nm.Results. Analysis of the results of the study showed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) appearance of a peak of 119 nm on the histogram of patients, which was not observed either in the group of practically healthy individuals (control group) or in the group of patients with general somatic pathology (comparison group). Conclusions. An algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of postcovid syndrome by saliva was developed. Also, special attention was paid during the study to the development of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection, including medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment. >< 0.01) appearance of a peak of 119 nm on the histogram of patients, which was not observed either in the group of practically healthy individuals (control group) or in the group of patients with general somatic pathology (comparison group).Conclusions. An algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of postcovid syndrome by saliva was developed. Also, special attention was paid during the study to the development of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection, including medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment.

Indication of Treatment For Children And Adolescents With Postural Tachycardia Syndrome By Intravenous Saline Infusion

Background: Intravenous saline infusion is considered effective for the treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in adults. However, few studies have assessed the efficacy of intravenous saline infusion for POTS in children and adolescents. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous saline infusion in children and adolescents with POTS.Methods: A total of 107 children with POTS (median age: 13 years, range: 10–15 years) were enrolled. Eighty-eight children were in the intravenous saline infusion group and 19 children were in the comparison group. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) were recorded before and after standing. A standing test was performed early in the morning for 2 consecutive days. A volume of 1.5 L of saline was administered intravenously to each participant in the intervention group for a mean duration of 17 hours between the two standing tests.Results: The mean change in PR was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the comparison group during the second test (36.9 vs. 52.8 beats/minute, p<0.001). Additionally, the mean change in PR was significantly lower in the second test than in the first test (44.7 beats/minute) in the intervention group (p<0.001). However, the mean change in systolic BP was not different before and after intravenous saline infusion between the two groups or between the two tests in each group.Conclusion: Intravenous saline infusion reduces the increased PR on standing in children with POTS. Intravenous saline infusion improves tachycardia in children with POTS when standing.

High dissociatives, nature versus nurture?

Non-pathological dissociative experiences are common among the general population, and anyone may experience them to some degree. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the degree of dissociative experiences such as fantasy proneness, imagination, and absorption in fine arts undergraduates prior to beginning their artistic studies, and at the end of their studies at the faculty of fine arts. Moreover, education undergraduates were used as a comparison group. The sample consisted of 440 undergraduates (204 fine arts, and 236 education undergraduates; 224 first-year undergraduates, and 216 fourth-year undergraduates), who were administered three dissociative experiences tests: Dissociative Ability Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and Questionnaire of Experiences of Dissociation. The working hypotheses were substantiated with dissociative experiences being a distinctive personality trait of fine arts undergraduates. We have found a grade level difference between first-year and fourth-year fine arts undergraduates, although the study does not examine the nature of the change itself. The results are discussed in the light of previous studies, and new lines of research proposed.

Impact of Collaborative Learning on Student Teachers’ Comprehension and Attitudes Towards Environmental Education Concepts in Chemistry

The study explored the impact of of collaborative learning on student teachers’ comprehension and attitudes towards environmental education concepts in Chemistry. The study involved 64 student teachers studying environmental chemistry at Mufulira College of Education in Zambia. The action research adopted a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The students were randomly assigned to the two intervention groups. In both groups students had opportunities to learn pollution, waste management and climate change. In the experimental group they used team based learning while in the comparison group students used think-pair-share learning. Overall, learners’ attitudes towards chemistry were improved from pre-test to post-test in both the experimental group. Results from the achievement test revealed a statistically significant difference (t (df, 62) = 2.030, p = .024 at α = .05) between the mean scores of the experimental group (Mean = 69.75; SD = 13.853) and the comparison group (Mean = 60.67; SD = 14.501) after the experimental Phase. Overall, both forms of collaborative learning incorporating environmental education concepts and issues in Chemistry had a positive impact on learners’ comprehension and attitudes towards chemistry.

Outcomes From a Hybrid Implementation-effectiveness Study of the Living Well During Pregnancy Tele-coaching Program for Women at High Risk of Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

BackgroundExcess gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with short-term perinatal complications and longer term cardiometabolic risks for mothers and their babies. Dietitian counselling and weight gain monitoring for women at risk of high pregnancy weight gain is recommended by clinical practice guidelines. However, face-to-face appointments, during a time with high appointment burden, can introduce barriers to engaging with care. Telephone counselling may offer a solution. The Living Well during Pregnancy (LWdP) program is a dietitian-delivered telephone coaching program implemented within routine antenatal care for women at risk of excess GWG. This program evaluation used a hybrid implementation-effectiveness design guided by the RE-AIM framework reports on the primary outcomes (reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance) and secondary outcomes (effectiveness) of the LWdP intervention. MethodsThe LWdP program evaluation compared data from women participating in the LWdP program with a historical comparison group (pregnant women receiving dietetic counselling for GWG in the 12 months prior to the study). The primary outcomes were described for the LWdP program. Between group comparisons were used to determine effectiveness of achieving appropriate GWG and pre and post intervention comparisons of LWdP participants was used to determine changes to dietary intake and physical activity. ResultsThe LWdP intervention group (n=142) were compared with women in the historical comparison group (n=49). Women in the LWdP intervention group attended 3.4 (95% CI 2.9 – 3.8) appointments compared with 1.9 (95% CI, 1.6 – 2.2). GWG was similar between the two groups, including the proportion of women gaining weight above the Institute of Medicine recommendations (70% vs 73%, p=0.69). Within group comparison showed that total diet quality, intake of fruit and vegetables and weekly physical activity were all significantly improved from baseline to follow-up for the women in the LWdP, while consumption of discretionary food and time spent being sedentary decreased (all p<0.05). ConclusionThe LWdP program resulted in more women accessing care and positive improvements in diet quality, intuitive eating behaviours and physical activity. It was as effective as face-to-face appointments for GWG, though more research is required to identify how to engage women earlier in pregnancy and reduce appointment burden.

Clinical simulation as a Nursing Fundamentals teaching method: a quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate students’ knowledge gain after the implementation of clinical simulation in Nursing Fundamentals disciplines. Methods: a quasi-experimental intervention was carried out with 60 students, distributed in comparison and intervention groups, who underwent traditional teaching and traditional teaching associated with simulated teaching, respectively. Pre-test and post-test instruments were applied to both groups. Results: after analyzing the students’ performance through the applied instruments, both groups had a cognitive evolution along with the taught content, however, when compared, the intervention group obtained a higher knowledge gain than the comparison group (p = 0.016), demonstrating progressive and increasing improvement with the use of the methodology. Conclusions: simulated teaching significantly helps students in gaining technical-cognitive knowledge. Therefore, it is recommended to adhere to the use of this methodology for teaching Nursing Fundamentals.

Association between Late-Onset Ménière’s Disease and the Risk of Incident All-Cause Dementia

Studies reported an association between impaired hearing and vestibular function with the risk of dementia. This study investigated the association between Ménière’s disease (MD) and the risk of dementia using a nationwide cohort sample of data obtained from the South Korea National Health Insurance Service. The MD group (n = 496) included patients aged over 55 years and diagnosed between 2003 and 2006. The comparison group was selected using propensity score matching (n = 1984). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate incidence and hazard ratios for dementia events. The incidence of dementia was 14.3 per 1000 person–years in the MD group. After adjustment for certain variables, the incidence of dementia was higher in the MD group than in the comparison group (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.17–2.12). Subgroup analysis showed a significantly increased adjusted HR for developing Alzheimer’s disease (1.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–2.37) and vascular dementia (1.99, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–3.57) in the MD group. Patients with dementia experienced a higher frequency of MD episodes than those without dementia. Our findings suggest that late-onset MD is associated with an increased incidence of all-cause dementia, and it might be used as a basis for an earlier diagnosis of dementia.

Proposal of the Measurement Conditions for Hanji–Determination Folding Endurance

This study aims to optimize the measurement conditions of handmade Hanji paper to reduce the time required for measurement while meeting folding endurance standards, for various basis weights. Thirteen types were selected, including 12 types of Hanji with grammages of 17 g/m2, 30 g/m2, and 45 g/m2, and one type of 75 g/m2 copy paper, and 24 sheets were prepared in the laid and chain directions. Subsequently, folding endurance experiments at different load (14.72 N, 9.81 N, 4.91 N) and specimen width conditions (15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm) were performed, using a 4-MIT folding endurance tester. The results showed that, for specimen widths of 15 mm and 10 mm under a load of 4.91 N, the folding endurance falls within the reference range (10∼10000 times). In particular, reduced folding endurance range and measurement time were observed at a width of 10 mm under a load of 4.91 N. Moreover, the endurance trend lines based on the average values of load and specimen width ranges enabled the prediction of the folding endurance within those ranges, according to the decreasing slope. Furthermore, for a specimen width of 15 mm under a load of 4.91 N, the folding endurance in the comparison group (35 to 17723 times) significantly exceeds the upper limit of the reference range (10∼10000 times). Therefore, the measurement conditions of 4.91 N with a specimen width of 10 mm are proposed.