{"title":"The Profile of People with Parkinson’s Disease Included in Community Boxing Exercise Programs","authors":"Josefa Domingos, T. Capato, C. Godinho","doi":"10.3390/MSF2021005005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/MSF2021005005","url":null,"abstract":"Exercise is widely recommended for people with Parkinson (PD). Boxing is a popular mode of training. However, including individuals with less favorable profiles may have a negative impact on participation. We performed a systematic review to study the patient characteristics that were included in boxing exercise programs research and reflect on the possible inclusion criteria that professionals can use for boxing exercise programs. Indications for the best profiles were limited due to the small number of studies. Boxing programs should include people with the diagnosis of PD in earlier stages, independently ambulatory, and without current severe musculoskeletal or cardiovascular conditions.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"196 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115653971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dispensing of Food Supplements in the Treatment and Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections","authors":"Beatriz Setoca, A. Fernandes","doi":"10.3390/MSF2021005001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/MSF2021005001","url":null,"abstract":"Urinary tract infections constitute an important public health issue due to recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Currently, antibiotics are the standard therapy but non-antibiotic approaches, such as food supplements, could be beneficial and reduce bacterial resistance. This work aimed at a better understanding of the perception of health professionals involved in dispensing and counselling, in the community pharmacy, regarding the utility of these products as preventive alternatives and therapeutic approaches.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116094763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Can Fused Deposition Modelling Enable the Manufacture of Uniform and Precise Dose Tablets?","authors":"J. Macedo, V. Vanhoorne, C. Vervaet, J. Pinto","doi":"10.3390/MSF2021005003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/MSF2021005003","url":null,"abstract":"The consistency of a printer to manufacture tablets in a uniform and precise fashion is an important element when considering fused deposition modelling. Blends of polymer [poly(vinyl alcohol)] and drug (paracetamol) in different ratios were considered to evaluate the mass, drug content, dissolution performance, and thermal properties of tablets. Relative standard deviations below 5%, for most of the properties considered in the study, demonstrated the high uniformity between tablets within a batch and between batches. Overall, the study confirmed the ability of the technology to manufacture tablets in a reproducible way based on the selected properties.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"108 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128015806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cohesiveness of Powdered Co-Amorphous Olanzapine and Impact on Tablet Production","authors":"N. D. da Costa, João Pinto, Ana Fernandes","doi":"10.3390/MSF2021005002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/MSF2021005002","url":null,"abstract":"The evaluation of the processability of co-amorphous mixtures is of paramount importance since these systems are increasingly used to address the poor solubility presented by most of the drugs in research and development. This work shows that co-amorphous olanzapine powders present higher cohesiveness than their crystalline counterpart and resulted in the production of tablets with a higher tensile strength and a slower release of the drug. As a result, this work demonstrates that despite the solubility advantages of co-amorphous mixtures, consideration should be given to the downstream processing of formulations containing such materials.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124890851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska, J. Wyszyńska, J. Leszczak, Joanna Baran, A. Weres
{"title":"Comparison of the Level of Physical Activity in Young Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Longitudinal Study","authors":"Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska, J. Wyszyńska, J. Leszczak, Joanna Baran, A. Weres","doi":"10.3390/iecmd2021-10406","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/iecmd2021-10406","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives: The frequency with which people leave their homes and the time they spend in recreational places is significantly reduced at a time of pandemic, particularly during lockdown, due to which it is significantly more difficult for them to be active. The aim of the study was to assess to what extent the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected young adults’ physical activity (PA). Materials and Methods: A total of 506 people aged 18 to 34 (24.67 years ± 4.23 years), who filled in a retrospective-pre-post online survey, qualified for the study. The survey began 12 days after the epidemic was announced at the site of the study, i.e., between weeks two and four of obligatory lockdown, including significant restriction of movement. The levels of physical activity and sedentary time were measured using a seven-item International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ–SF). The respondents provided two answers to each question, i.e., information relating to the last 7 days during the pandemic (lockdown), and to a period of 7 days before the pandemic. Results: During the pandemic, young adults spent significantly less time performing physical activity, shown as median (Q1–Q3): Me = 8752.5 [5403.0–11,820.0] vs. 5483.0 [2380.0–9009.0] metabolic equivalents (MET) min/week (p < 0.001) and they spent more time engaging in sedentary behaviours, Me = 240 [120.0–360.0] vs. 300 [180.0–420.0] min/day (p < 0.001). During the pandemic, respondents spent less energy engaging in vigorous PA from Me = 480.00 [0.0–1920.0] vs. 0.00 [0.0–1920.0] (MET) min/week, 100% decline, (p < 0.001); or in moderate PA from Me = 360.00 [0.0–840.0] vs. 240.00 [0.0–720.0] (MET) min/week, 33.34% decline, and they walked much less from Me = 6930.0 [3762.0–9702.0] vs. 3861.0 [1485.0–7260.0] (MET) min/week, 44.29% decline (p < 0.001). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic young adults are significantly less involved in PA, which adversely affects their health status, including their physical and mental condition. The importance of sufficient PA should be highlighted during this specific period, particularly among young people.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129245873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agnete Teivāne, K. Jurjāns, A. Rudzitis, K. Lazdovska, A. Balodis, E. Miglāne
{"title":"Five Year Follow-Up of Cryptogenic Stroke Patients Following Patent Foramen Ovale Closure","authors":"Agnete Teivāne, K. Jurjāns, A. Rudzitis, K. Lazdovska, A. Balodis, E. Miglāne","doi":"10.3390/iecmd2021-10313","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/iecmd2021-10313","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives: According to guidelines, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is recommended for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Paradoxial embolism from PFO-mediated right to left shunt has been described as the mechanism of stroke in these cases. The aim of the study was to determine whether PFO closure can be associated with improvement of complaints (headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, and visual impairment) and determine its long-term effectiveness on recurrent stroke risk reduction. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 patients were enrolled in a retrospective study and followed-up by phone up to five years after PFO closure. Standardized survey was conducted about their well-being, recurrent cerebrovascular events, and the use of prescribed medication. Patients were also followed up for residual shunts 24 h, 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years after PFO. The pathogenic ischemic stroke subtypes are determined using CCS (Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke). Results: Male patients accounted for 43.7% (n = 45). The mean age was—44.4 ± 13 (18–75). The most probable cause for cryptogenic stroke for 53.4% (n = 55) of patients with possible cardio-aortic embolism was PFO. Residual shunts were mostly observed in patients with Amplatzer occluder—87.5% (n = 14). There was correlation between residual shunt and increased risk of transient ischemic attack recurrence (p = 0.067). Five-years after PFO closure recurrent cerebrovascular events were reported in only 5.1% (n = 5) of patients, this difference is statistically relevant (p < 0.001). Out of 51 patients presented with complaints before PFO closure, 25.5% (n = 13) did not present with any complaints after PFO closure. Conclusions: PFO can be considered a possible risk factor for cryptogenic stroke. PFO closure is effective in reducing recurrent cerebrovascular events. Residual shunt after PFO closure increases the risk of transient ischemic attack recurrence. Amplatzer occluder device is associated with a higher risk for residual shunts after PFO closure. PFO closure can be associated with improvement of complaints.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"17 20","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"120861041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Grammatopoulou, Dimitra Sdravou, Foteini Gkiliri, Aikaterini Bourtzi, Artemisia Polymerou, S. Metallidis, E. Geka, G. Koumantakis, A. Christakou, Afrodite Evangelodimou
{"title":"The Effect of Post-ICU Physiotherapy on Respiratory and Physical Functioning Status in Patients with COVID-19: A Pilot Study","authors":"E. Grammatopoulou, Dimitra Sdravou, Foteini Gkiliri, Aikaterini Bourtzi, Artemisia Polymerou, S. Metallidis, E. Geka, G. Koumantakis, A. Christakou, Afrodite Evangelodimou","doi":"10.3390/iecmd2021-10311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/iecmd2021-10311","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives: According to recent physiotherapy recommendations (WHO, WCPT, 2020) for patients with COVID-19, after discharge from an ICU, they are expected to experience respiratory, physical, cognitive, and psychological problems due to the duration and nature of the immobilization and sedation, ventilation duration, and underlying morbidity. Moreover, only patients with a limitation in physical capacity and/or physical activity have an indication for physiotherapy. However, little is known about the effect of physiotherapy treatment on the functional capacity of patients with COVID-19. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to provide information for the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention on the respiratory and physical functional status of patients with COVID-19, since there will be a great demand for physiotherapy treatment for these people soon. Materials and Methods: The Ethics Committee of the AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece granted approval for this study. This pilot clinical study was conducted from March to June 2020. The sample consisted of 11 patients with COVID-19, discharged from an ICU and hospitalized in the COVID-19 clinic of AHEPA University Hospital. All participants had an indication for physiotherapy, according to the recommendations, and a medical referral as well. The duration of their hospitalization ranged from two to six weeks. Among participants, there were seven males and four females, aged from 44–75 yrs, five smokers and six nonsmokers, four obese and seven nonobese. According to the recommendations, physiotherapy intervention was tailored to the patients’ needs and goals. Breathing exercises, early mobilization, and self-management for daily living were performed once a day, for five days a week, as tolerated. Measurement tools: Pulse oximeter (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), the Borg scale (intensity of dyspnea), Medical Research Council scale for disability (MRCd), clinical evaluation for dysfunctional breathing (DB), Medical Research Council scale for muscle strength (MRCms), Berg balance scale, Sit to Stand test (leg strength and endurance), Time Up and Go test (TUG) (general mobility), 1 min walk test (1MWT) (aerobic capacity), and the Barthel Index (BI) (performance in daily activities). For the purposes of the study, two measurements were conducted: at admission and at discharge from the COVID-19 clinic. Results: Dependent sample tests showed a significant effect (p < 0.001) for the recommended physiotherapy treatment on respiratory variables: 6.9 (1.4)% for SpO2, 3.4 (0.9) breaths for respiratory rate, and 5.0 (1.3) for the Borg scale score. Significant improvements (p < 0.001) were additionally noted for physical functioning: 25.3 (13.0) for the Berg balance scale, 18.5 (11.2) for the MRCms score, 3 (1.3) s for the Sit to Stand test, 40.4 (40.6) s for the TUG efforts, 44.1 (25.5) s for 1MWT, and 65.9","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"498 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129944196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Association of Cardiovascular Disease with the T3111C Polymorphism in the CLOCK Gene","authors":"I. Škrlec, J. Talapko, S. Džijan, H. Lepeduš","doi":"10.3390/IECMD2021-10314","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/IECMD2021-10314","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death worldwide, although CVD mortality has decreased in developed countries. Numerous pathophysiological processes lead to the development of CVDs. The circadian rhythm coordinates many physiological processes, and its disruption can lead to many pathophysiological changes. One of the significant circadian rhythm genes is the CLOCK gene, whose polymorphisms are associated with CVD risk factors. Research findings of the association between CLOCK gene polymorphism and CVDs and its comorbidities are not consistent. This meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the associations between T3111C polymorphism and the risk of CVDs. Materials and Methods: The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies reporting onthe association between T3111C (rs1801260) in the circadian CLOCK gene and cardiovascular disease and its comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and coronary artery disease. A fixed-effect model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval by comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: Five independent studies, including case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort research methods, were analyzed with 3123 subjects in total. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between T3111C polymorphism and cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16–1.50, p < 0.001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 91.1%, p < 0.001) and no publication bias. The subgroup analysis on comorbidity related to CVDs revealed that hypertension was associated with T3111C polymorphism (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.60–2.54, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis based on available studies using a fixed model shows that T3111C polymorphism in the CLOCK gene is associated with CVD susceptibility.","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"73 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125460829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mortality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study and Systematic Review","authors":"Greta Charukevič, D. Miltiniene, J. Dadonienė","doi":"10.3390/iecmd2021-10310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/iecmd2021-10310","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives: Mortality rates among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported to be higher than in the general population. The long-term prognosis of RA has improved in recent years due to early diagnosis, as well as effective pharmacological treatment, and this may be able to diminish the excess mortality risk. This study was designed to investigate mortality (a) in patients with RA in a retrospectively defined national RA cohort in comparison with the general Lithuanian population, and (b) to conduct a systematic review of the literature from different countries and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: In this national retrospective cohort study, patients with a first-time diagnosis of RA in the period between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017 were identified from the Lithuanian Compulsory Health Insurance Information System database SVEIDRA. All cases were cross-checked with the Health Information Center at the Institute of Hygiene, for the vital status of these patients and date of death if documented. The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) obtained for all-cause mortality in patients with RA adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year were calculated. The search for published studies using the combination of keywords “rheumatoid arthritis AND standardized mortality ratio” was performed in MEDLINE (via PubMed, OVID, and EBSCO), Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, and Springer databases. Studies were selected according to described inclusion and exclusion criteria listed in the paper, and a meta-analysis was conducted. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to compute the pooled standardized mortality ratios (meta-SMRs). Results: Overall, 4623 patients with newly diagnosed RA during the 2013–2017 period were identified and enrolled in the Lithuanian population-based cohort. The mean age of patients at the time of RA diagnosis was 58.7 (standard deviation (SD) 15.1) years, and 77.1% of the patients were women. The estimated SMR for all-cause mortality was 1.15 (95% CI 1.02, 1.29). The SMR for men (SMR 1.14, 95% CI 0.94, 1.39) was higher than for women (SMR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89, 1.19). A systematic literature search revealed 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, starting from 2010 to 2020, representing 50,072 patients. The meta-SMR in patients with RA for all-cause mortality was 1.41 (95% CI 1.29, 1.55). All-cause mortality risk was higher for men (meta-SMR 1.53, 95% CI 1.31, 1.78) than for women (meta-SMR 1.46, 95% CI 1.2, 1.77). Conclusions: In a retrospectively defined population-based national RA cohort, a 15% excess risk of death was observed among patients with RA compared to the general Lithuanian population. Patients with RA have a higher mortality risk than the general population. Published data indicate that the risk of mortality is increased by 41% in patients with RA compared to the general population. Excessive all-cause mortality risk is higher in men than in ","PeriodicalId":147460,"journal":{"name":"Medical Sciences Forum","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114064404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}