Pedro Céspedes, Francisco M Martínez-Arnau, María Dolores Torregrosa, Omar Cauli, Cristina Buigues
{"title":"Effects of a Multimodal Program on Frailty Syndrome and Psychological Alterations in Breast Cancer Women Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors.","authors":"Pedro Céspedes, Francisco M Martínez-Arnau, María Dolores Torregrosa, Omar Cauli, Cristina Buigues","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15030041","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15030041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Treatment with aromatase inhibitors can worsen frailty syndrome and psychological symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) receiving these drugs to prevent cancer recurrence. We analyze whether postmenopausal women with localized BC receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) treatment can achieve improvements in their mental health and their level of frailty through a multimodal program that includes supervised physical exercise and health education workshops. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 52 postmenopausal women with a prior diagnosis of BC and receiving hormonal treatment with AIs were included in the multimodal physical exercise and health education program and evaluated before and after it. The assessment included the following five frailty syndrome (FS) criteria: involuntary weight loss, weakness, low physical activity, slow gait speed, and low muscle strength. Mental health was assessed using the Goldberg scale, with its subscales for anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Athens scale was used to assess subjective sleep quality. <b>Results:</b> There was a significant difference in the number of robust, pre-frail and frail women after the program compared to the baseline. Six women did not fulfill any criteria for (robust) FS before the program (11.5%), and thirty-three women (63.5%) after the program did not fulfill any criteria for FS. A total of 33 (63.5%) women met one or two FS criteria (pre-frail) before the program, and 18 (34.6%) met one or two FS criteria after the program; thirteen (25%) women met three or more FS criteria (frail) before the program and one (1.9%) after it (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement on the Goldberg scale was observed (on both the subscales for anxiety and depressive symptoms) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement was also noted on the Athens insomnia scale (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A multivariate regression model analysis identified marital status (being married) (<i>p</i> = 0.047, beta coefficient= -0.249, 95% CI -1.4844--0.14) and the percentage of attendance at training sessions (<i>p</i> = 0.041, beta coefficient = -0.290, 95% CI 0.104-0.002) as associated variables, with a lower score on the Goldberg depression subscale. <b>Conclusions:</b> Mental health and frailty, common in postmenopausal women diagnosed with BC on hormonal treatment with AI, can be improved with multimodal programs of supervised physical exercise and health education.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jetsi Marlen González-Fuentes, Miguel Angel Noyola-Frías, Oscar Arturo Benítez-Cárdenas, Elhi Manuel Torres-Hernández, Jessika Arlina González-Macías, Andreu Comas-García, Ricardo Martínez-Rider, Marlen Vitales-Noyola
{"title":"Surgical Treatment of Cranial Fasciitis in an Atypical Maxillary Region of a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.","authors":"Jetsi Marlen González-Fuentes, Miguel Angel Noyola-Frías, Oscar Arturo Benítez-Cárdenas, Elhi Manuel Torres-Hernández, Jessika Arlina González-Macías, Andreu Comas-García, Ricardo Martínez-Rider, Marlen Vitales-Noyola","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15030039","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15030039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> The aim of this case report is to show the surgical treatment of cranial fasciitis in a 2-year-old patient. Cranial fasciitis is an uncommon, nonmalignant, and swiftly proliferating lesion that primarily involves the cranium, predominantly in the temporoparietal area. It mostly comprises smooth muscle tissue, connective tissue, and diverse immune cells. The lesion often manifests as an indurated, asymptomatic mass, averaging approximately 2.5 cm in size, although it may exceed 15 cm. Cranial fasciitis predominantly manifests in children below the age of 6. The diagnosis is validated via histological investigation, which identifies a benign tumor defined by the proliferation of spindle-shaped cells organized in a myxoid matrix, frequently displaying a storiform pattern. <b>Methods:</b> We present a case of cranial fasciitis in a 2-year-old pediatric patient, characterized by an atypical manifestation in the maxillary region. The lesion underwent surgical intervention resulting in total excision. <b>Results:</b> Three years after the surgery, the patient is asymptomatic and shows no signs of recurrence. Regular clinical follow-up and imaging are scheduled biannually, and the patient is anticipated to have a favorable long-term prognosis. <b>Conclusions:</b> Cranial fasciitis is a very rare benign lesion that occurs more commonly in childhood. In this case, surgical resection was effective, and three years later, the patient remains asymptomatic and free of recurrence, with a favorable long-term prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941425/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dirk Rades, Jan-Dirk Küter, Michael von Staden, Ahmed Al-Salool, Christian Ziemann, Stefan Janssen, Julia Koeck, Justus Domschikowski, Charlotte Kristiansen, Christine Vestergård Madsen, Marciana N Duma, Tobias Bartscht, Jon Cacicedo, Florian Cremers
{"title":"Evaluation of Reminder App for Optimization of Bladder Filling Status During Hypo-Fractionated Irradiation for Prostate Cancer: Protocol of REFILL-PAC-HYPO Trial.","authors":"Dirk Rades, Jan-Dirk Küter, Michael von Staden, Ahmed Al-Salool, Christian Ziemann, Stefan Janssen, Julia Koeck, Justus Domschikowski, Charlotte Kristiansen, Christine Vestergård Madsen, Marciana N Duma, Tobias Bartscht, Jon Cacicedo, Florian Cremers","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15030040","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15030040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> During radiotherapy for prostate cancer, the risk of radiation cystitis is increased if the volume of the bladder is small. According to previous studies, it is important that bladder volumes are ≥200 mL. Drinking protocols may be helpful in this context. Adherence to such protocols can be challenging, and may be improved by an app reminding patients before each session of radiotherapy to drink a certain amount of water. Our prospective phase 2 trial (REFILL-PAC-HYPO, NCT06784115) evaluates the impact of a reminder app on bladder filling in prostate cancer patients treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-seven patients need to be recruited for the REFILL-PAC-HYPO trial. Radiotherapy, preferably with volumetric-modulated arc therapy, uses hypo-fractionation with 20 × 3.0 Gy over four weeks. An app reminds patients to drink water (300 mL) 45 min before each session of hypo-fractionated irradiation. On the last day of their treatment, patients are asked about their satisfaction with the app. In the case of a dissatisfaction rate of >20%, the app requires modifications. If this rate is >40%, the app is considered not useful. Additionally, patients are asked about the impact of their participation in the trial and using the app on their general attitude towards health technology. Furthermore, the phase 2 cohort is compared to a historical control group treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy during recent years but not supported by an app. The REFILL-PAC-HYPO trial will contribute to identifying the potential value of a reminder app for bladder filling during hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11941454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Metze, Silke Zimmermann, Holger Kirsten, Robert Werdehausen, Rhea Veelken, Florian van Bömmel, Timm Denecke, Hans-Jonas Meyer, Sebastian Ebel, Manuel Florian Struck
{"title":"Effects of Protamine Reversal on Coagulation Parameters After High-Dose Heparin Administration in Percutaneous Hepatic Chemosaturation Intervention.","authors":"Michael Metze, Silke Zimmermann, Holger Kirsten, Robert Werdehausen, Rhea Veelken, Florian van Bömmel, Timm Denecke, Hans-Jonas Meyer, Sebastian Ebel, Manuel Florian Struck","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020038","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intravenous protamine administration for heparin reversal after percutaneous hepatic chemosaturation intervention is generally recommended, but its effectiveness on coagulation parameters remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a single-center retrospective observational study, the effects of different postinterventional protamine doses on the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, platelet count (PLT), and hemoglobin (Hb) were analyzed in consecutive patients who underwent high-dose heparin administration (>300 U/kg body weight) and extracorporeal circulation for chemosaturation treatment. Due to the multiple treatments of individual patients, linear mixed-effects models were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-one patients underwent 90 chemosaturation interventions, 68 (75.6%) of which involved heparin reversal with protamine. All investigated variables showed significant postinterventional alterations, while protamine use was associated with significantly lower aPTT, lower INR, higher PT, and higher fibrinogen levels, whereas PLT and Hb levels were comparable to those in procedures without protamine use. After adjustment for aPTT, significant independent effects of protamine remained for the INR and PT. Dose-dependent effects of protamine were observed for reductions in aPTT and an increase in fibrinogen levels, which were confirmed after adjustment for the heparin dose. A 10% higher protamine dose resulted in a 3% decrease in aPTT and a 4% increase in fibrinogen. An increase of 0.1 in the protamine-to-heparin ratio was associated with an increase of 9% in fibrinogen.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The present results suggest that protamine contributes to the normalization of the aPTT, INR, PT, and fibrinogen levels. Further prospective studies should be conducted to determine optimal dosing ratios.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854874/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Development and Psychometric Validation of the Fainareti Screening Tool for Perinatal Mental Health in Greek Pregnant Women.","authors":"Maria Dagla, Irina Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou, Vassilis Daglas, Evangelia Antoniou, Eleni Rigoutsou, Alexandros Papatrechas, Calliope Dagla, Eleni Tsolaridou, Despoina Karagianni","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020037","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: It would be helpful for primary healthcare professionals to have access to a brief, general screening tool allowing them to detect patients suffering from major mental illness. This also holds for organizations and institutions at which pregnant women ask for support during the perinatal period. An evaluation of the psychometric properties, validity, and reliability of the Fainareti mental health screening tool was carried out in Greek women in this study. <b>Methods</b>: The study participants consisted of 518 women retrospectively followed from pregnancy to their first year postpartum as part of a health intervention at the Day Center for Women's Mental Health Care (Perinatal Mental Health Disorders), operated by the non-profit organization Fainareti. Alongside the newly developed screening tool, this study utilized the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). <b>Results</b>: The assessment of the tool's internal reliability included computing two separate internal consistency indices, with both indicating its significant level of reliability. The correlation analysis between the tool and the scales included in this study demonstrated the tool's strong convergent validity, while factor analyses confirmed its satisfactory construct validity. <b>Conclusions</b>: Overall, these findings suggest that the one-factor Fainareti mental health screening tool is suitable for initial assessments of the mental health of Greek women.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eman Elsheikh, Zainab Amjad, Samah I Abohamr, Muthana Al Sahlawi, Ibtsam Khairat
{"title":"Left Atrial Strain Value Versus Tissue Doppler Echocardiography and the Left Atrium Volume Index in the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.","authors":"Eman Elsheikh, Zainab Amjad, Samah I Abohamr, Muthana Al Sahlawi, Ibtsam Khairat","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020036","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and decreased ejection fraction (HFrEF), LA strain, an indicator of the filling and discharge of the left atrium (LA), was recently identified as a sign of diastolic dysfunction. Our objective was to examine the significance of left atrial (LA) strain relative to tissue Doppler echocardiography and the left atrial volume index (LAVI) in evaluating left ventricular (LV) diastolic performance in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). <b>Methods</b>: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 outpatients with CKD who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were referred to the cardiology clinic at Tanta University for routine echocardiographic assessment during a period of 6 months (April to September 2024). Based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), patients were divided into five groups: GFR ranges from 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> in Group 1, 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> in Group 2, 30 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> in Group 3, 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> in Group 4, and less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> in Group 5. All participants were evaluated using echocardiographic measurements, such as the E/e ratio, left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes, left atrial strain, left atrial volume index (LAVI), and ejection fraction (EF). <b>Results</b>: LA strain conduit and reservoir strain can significantly diagnose LV diastolic function in CKD patients (<i>p</i> < 0.001; AUC = 0.819 and 0.869, respectively) using cutoffs of ≤36 and ≥23, with 86% and 95.5% sensitivity, 65% and 60% specificity, 96.1% and 96% PPV, and 31.7% and 57.1%, NPV respectively. An AUC = 0.926 was observed with LAVI among grade 1 vs. grade 0 (0.9 is considered excellent in diagnosing patients with and without the disease). Other markers had AUC values of 0.5-0.6 among the grades of the diastolic function, suggesting no discrimination in diagnosing the disease. <b>Conclusions:</b> LA conduit strain and reservoir strain are independent markers that represent a superior and more sensitive approach than LAVI and tissue Doppler echocardiography for evaluating LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with CKD, even in the early stages.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854719/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Justina Skruodyte, Martyna Sveikataite, Jurate Sveikatiene, Pranas Serpytis
{"title":"Public Awareness of Ocular Chemical Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lithuania.","authors":"Justina Skruodyte, Martyna Sveikataite, Jurate Sveikatiene, Pranas Serpytis","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020035","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Ophthalmic emergencies are acute conditions that progress rapidly, posing a significant threat to a patient's vision and requiring urgent intervention to prevent permanent visual impairment. This study aimed to assess the general awareness of ocular chemical burns and the adequacy of the immediate response measures while also seeking to improve the understanding of these injuries and contribute to promoting a healthier society. <i>Methods:</i> A comprehensive literature review was performed, and the most frequently reported questions were incorporated into the original survey. An anonymous questionnaire, available both online and in print, was developed to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the general knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and appropriate first aid measures to be applied in cases of chemical ocular trauma. <i>Results:</i> Between April and May 2024, 175 individuals completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. More than half (54%) of the tested population demonstrated a poor level of knowledge about chemical ocular injuries, and only 30.9% of the respondents correctly indicated the need for imminent treatment. Twenty percent of the respondents could not identify whether alkalis or acids are more hazardous. Additionally, 5.7% of the respondents falsely considered consultation with an emergency department a priority before thorough irrigation. Most of the respondents (60.6%) incorrectly indicated that the appropriate first aid measures and treatment depend on the substance involved, and 68.1% of the respondents stated that treatment in the emergency department should be delayed, allowing for anamnesis collection and thorough examination. <i>Conclusions:</i> Ocular chemical injuries can substantially impact an individual's quality of life. The present study found that the public knowledge concerning ocular chemical trauma, and the necessary immediate treatment is insufficient. Public education is vital, as delaying prompt and thorough irrigation at the chemical injury site may result in irreversible complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sabri El-Saied, Oren Ziv, Aviad Sapir, Daniel Yafit, Daniel M Kaplan
{"title":"A Case Study and Concise Literature Review: Adult Patient's Initial Manifestation of Complicated Acute Otitis Media Presenting as Jugular Foramen Syndrome.","authors":"Sabri El-Saied, Oren Ziv, Aviad Sapir, Daniel Yafit, Daniel M Kaplan","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020034","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Jugular foramen syndrome (JFS) is a rare condition characterized by the compression or impairment of one or more terminal cranial nerves passing through the jugular foramen. Although malignancies are the primary cause of JFS. <b>Methods:</b> In this report, we present the first documented case of JFS caused by acute otitis media in an adult patient. <b>Results:</b> A 74-year-old woman presented with ear pain, hoarseness, dysphagia, dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss. A physical examination revealed a reddish-bulging tympanic membrane, left-sided hearing loss, right uvula deviation, and cranial nerve palsies affecting the ninth and tenth nerves. Imaging studies confirmed temporal bone inflammation, thrombosis of the sigmoid sinus extending into the internal jugular vein, and signs of thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein. The patient underwent a cortical mastoidectomy, sigmoid sinus decompression, and ventilation tube insertion, along with antibiotic, steroid, and anticoagulant therapy. Postoperatively, the patient's condition improved significantly. <b>Conclusions:</b> This case highlights the importance of considering complicated acute otitis media in the differential diagnosis of neurological abnormalities associated with JFS. A thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history and radiological imaging can assist in identifying the cause of the symptoms and guide appropriate surgical or conservative treatment. Further research is essential to gain more comprehensive insights into the pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions of JFS affecting the ears.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges of Constipation in People Suffering from Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Takahiko Nagamine","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020033","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are susceptible to constipation induced by antipsychotic medications. However, research investigating the prevalence of this adverse effect and its underlying mechanisms is limited. <b>Methods</b>: To address this knowledge gap, a narrative review was conducted on the subject of constipation in patients with schizophrenia. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in the PubMed and J-Stage databases. <b>Results</b>: The prevalence of constipation in individuals with schizophrenia is high, ranging from 30% to 60%. The risk of constipation increases with high doses of antipsychotics and with the concomitant use of anticholinergics and mood stabilizers. The prevalence of constipation varies by sex, with women demonstrating a higher risk compared to men. <b>Conclusions</b>: Constipation is a prevalent complaint among individuals with schizophrenia, with women exhibiting a higher risk. The underlying pathophysiology of sex differences in constipation is attributed to variations in monoamines within the descending pain inhibitory pathway, which governs the neural circuitry associated with defecation. Constipation can lead to significant complications, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to treatment that considers the intestinal environment beyond the mere use of laxatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sebastian Szajkowski, Jarosław Pasek, Grzegorz Cieślar
{"title":"Dentures Used for Rehabilitation of Mastication After Loss of Teeth Maintain Proper Biomechanical Properties of Masseter Muscles-A Comparative Study.","authors":"Sebastian Szajkowski, Jarosław Pasek, Grzegorz Cieślar","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15020032","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15020032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Various types of dentures are applied in the treatment of missing teeth. The research carried out so far has proven that both the absence of teeth and the replacement of missing teeth with dentures affect the functional condition of masseter muscles. The purpose is, thus, to find out how the tone, elasticity, and stiffness of masseter muscles change after prosthetic treatment. <b>Material and methods</b>: The material for the study consisted of 137 individuals, who were divided into group 1, with dentures (n = 87) and undergoing prosthetic treatment, and group 2, without dentures (n = 50) with teeth preserved, and not undergoing prosthetic treatment. Additionally, group 1 was divided into subgroups, in accordance with the type of prosthetic treatment applied: group 1a-removable complete dentures (n = 14), group 1b-removable partial dentures (n = 48), group 1c-fixed partial dentures (n = 22), group 1d-fixed complete dentures (n = 3). The biomechanical properties of masseter muscles, namely: tone, stiffness, and elasticity were assessed by means of myotonometry. The measurements were taken under muscle relaxation and under maximum muscle contraction. <b>Results</b>: The values of the parameters of tone, stiffness, and elasticity were higher in group 2, without dentures, in comparison with group 1, with dentures, yet they did not differ with statistical significance. The type of prosthesis used affected the results obtained. Masseter muscles demonstrated the best biomechanical parameters in the case of applying fixed partial dentures. <b>Conclusions</b>: Prosthetic replacement of missing teeth contributes to maintaining the good condition of masseter muscles, which has been confirmed by the results of myotonometric measurements taken.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11854373/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143494140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}