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Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4518.jsdr-16-1333
Hakim T.S.Corresponding author
Sleep Apnea Treatment Unit, Phoenix, AZ and University of South Florida, Department of Anesthesiology, Tampa, FL.
Expiratory Positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices such as prevent have been used for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea without discussing their limitations. In this short review we discuss the physiological limitations of EPAP devices during inspiration and during expiration. During spontaneous breathing, when EPAP is excessive, the patient would have difficulty breathing in because lung compliance decreases at higher volumes. Furthermore excessive EPAP could lead to progressive trapping of air in the lungs. An ideal EPAP device should allow the patient to adjust the resistance to a comfortable level that would provide EPAP without a progressive buildup in pressure, without compromising tidal volume, without causing CO2 retention, and without disturbing sleep. The use of EPAP devices with adjustable resistance is essential for best results in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Apr 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-16-980
Stein MarcoCorresponding author
Department of Neurosurgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In randomized trials on surgical therapy inclusion of the very old was limited by the recruitment process. This study was performed to evaluate the age limits in published surgical trials on ICH, and to determine how upper age limits effect the inclusion of men and women in these and future trials on the basis of a large cohort of ICH patients in central Europe. The Hessian stroke registry, a state-wide prospective stroke databank, was used to analyze upper age limits and sex differences for patients with the diagnosis of ICH (ICD-10: I61.0 to I61.9) who were admitted between January 2010 and December 2012. Sex differences were calculated at different age cutoffs, and the proportions of potentially excluded sex-specific patients from surgical trials on ICH were calculated. Overall, 5184 patients with the diagnosis of spontaneous ICH were identified. A total of 2457 (47.4%) patients were female and 2727 (52.6%) patients were male. Mean age was 72.3 ± 13.6 years. Female patients were significantly older compared to male patients (74.9 ± 13.5 years vs. 69.9 ± 13.2 years; p<0.001). With an upper age limit of 70, 75, and 80 years, 3437 patients (66.3%), 2664 patients (51.4%), and 1765 patients (34.0%) were excluded, respectively. Upper age limits in surgical trials on ICH could lead to the exclusion of a significant portion of patients from studies. This should be noted when transferring conclusions from these trials into clinical practice.
Jan 2026
Donald CourtneyCorresponding author
There is no shortage of terms that are used to describe and articulate the strategies, practices, and underpinnings associated with the work engaged in by behavior analysis. Two terms that a clinic-focused behavior analyst may hear often are maladaptive behavior and problem behavior. These terms are not only common within our everyday practice, but they are also peppered throughout behavioral literature. Despite their permanency in the behavior analyst's repertoire, their meanings remain inconsistent, interchangeable, and conceptually unclear. For over a century, this lack of precision has gone unchecked, despite extensive research on undesirable or clinically significant behaviors. This article offers individuals a recount of the history, definitional limitations, and functional implications of these terms. From the perspective of early psychological scholarship and contemporary behavior-analytic sources, I argue that the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) will benefit from distinguishing maladaptive behavior as the presence of behavior that adversely affects the individual, while problem behavior should refer to the absence or inhibition of adaptive responses in relation to others' social behaviors. Furthermore, I propose that both terms be used to describe the effects on the person engaging in the behavior, instead of others around the individual, as a method of improving directionality and functional clarity. As a field focused on verbal behavior, becoming more conceptually precise with our own verbal behavior will lead to a more coherent basis for interpreting and treating behaviors that interfere with individuals' adaptation and well-being.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5715
Couture LucyCorresponding author
Recruitment for research studies focused on communicable diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) has historically been challenging, particularly among populations who have been underrepresented in media messaging, yet maintain a significant vulnerability to new HIV cases, like Black women. This study examines the recruitment strategies utilized in Aim 2 of pilot study at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) in Houston, Texas that was funded by the Ujima Mentoring Program to develop, implement, and evaluate a video log (vlog)-based intervention. The overarching goal of the pilot study was to promote the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender Black women in Harris County, Texas. Aim 2 involved the creation of a culturally relevant vlog for use in Aim 3, which sought to educate and motivate participants to consider PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy. With the growing role of digital platforms in public health outreach, social media was employed alongside traditional recruitment methods such as flyers and word-of-mouth referrals. Despite an expanded online reach, engagement remained low, and participation rates did not increase proportionally to the number of individuals who viewed recruitment materials. The reluctance to participate was largely attributed to stigma surrounding HIV and concerns about being publicly associated with an HIV prevention study based on participants feedback to the research team. Even the availability of research incentives to encourage participation did not significantly improve recruitment accrual goals, particularly among healthcare providers who experienced limitations with eligibility due to institutional policies. This study underscores the need to better understand the social and cultural barriers that prevent Black women and healthcare providers from engaging in HIV prevention research. While digital recruitment strategies can enhance visibility to a larger audience, they must be supported with trust-building efforts, community partnerships, and culturally competent messaging to encourage meaningful participation. These findings point to the critical need for multi-faceted recruitment strategies that go beyond social media campaigns and actively build trust within communities, ensuring that HIV prevention research and interventions are both accessible and culturally resonant.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-25-5573
E. Imiruaye OghenetegaCorresponding author
Advancements in proteomic and genomic technologies have transformed molecular biology by enabling comprehensive analysis of biological systems at the molecular level. This literature review explores the evolution, methodologies, and practical applications of key proteomic and genomic techniques. In proteomics, tools such as two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, Western blotting, Edman degradation, and functional protein microarrays have facilitated high-throughput protein identification, post-translational modification analysis, and biomarker discovery. Similarly, genomic methodologies like PCR, recombinant DNA technology, gel electrophoresis, and Southern blotting have revolutionized gene detection, manipulation, and expression profiling. The review also highlights the interdisciplinary impact of these technologies across clinical diagnostics, oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease surveillance, cardiovascular research, and personalized nutrition. Integrative approaches combining proteomics and genomics are enabling the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, improving disease classification, and advancing precision medicine. Despite current limitations, such as the absence of amplification techniques for proteins and challenges in data interpretation, ongoing innovations promise to bridge these gaps. This synthesis underscores the pivotal role of molecular techniques in deepening our understanding of human biology and accelerating biomedical advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.
Sep 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-25-5688
Dahlmann NicolausCorresponding author
Obesity is associated with functional limitations in muscle performance. The true effect of obesity on skeletal muscle mass, including any interactions with aging effects, remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated the impact of obesity on the stimulation of muscle growth, based on a new model of body composition. A dataset of 44 men and 64 women was analysed. Body weight (Wt), body height (Ht), hand circumference (HdC) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Processed by the Dahlmann-Body-Analysis (DBA) system, a new model of body composition, the increase of skeletal muscle mass (ΔSMM) compared to the individual reference weight was calculated. Muscle mass data derived by the DBA model are compared with DXA-derived predictive equations of studies representing different countries and ethnicities estimating the appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Means of these groups are tested by ANOVA. Age ranged from 18 to 72 years. All subjects had a BMI ≥ 29.7 (kg/m²). The mean values of ΔSMM as an estimate of muscle mass gain calculated by the DBA-system were 11.8 ±3.6 kg for men and 8.9 ±2.6 kg for women, respectively, demonstrating a linear, significantly rising relationship with BMI (ß > 0, p<0.001). The study population did not show a decrease in muscle mass with age in either men or women up to an age of 65 years. The results suggest that the present model has satisfactory prediction qualities to detect an increase in skeletal muscle mass associated with a growing burden of body fat.
Feb 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-25-5436
J Johnson RalphCorresponding author
High rates of workplace psychological stress and burnout have been chronic among Healthcare Practitioners. Research shows that Healthcare Practitioner psychological stress / burnout is related to poor quality of care and a high probability of making medical errors and mishaps resulting in harm to patients and even workers themselves. In response, relatively impactful programs have been developed to address Practitioner burnout. To derive a better understanding of the subject and inform best practices and policy regarding the problem and its fixes, this article reports findings from a novel study of a systematic (PRISMA-based) literature review of current (circa ~10 years <) literature reviews; or a distillation of reviews already at 100 proof then undergoing a further distillation into a review of 200 proof.* This study employed a grounded theoretic qualitative methodology to iteratively generate and enumerate descriptive themes from the study’s literature review articles. This article reports on what is currently known regarding the precipitants of Health Practitioner Burnout, Burnout itself, its relationship to Safety lapses and mishaps, and Programmatic Interventions (i.e., Fixes). The primary conclusion is that Health Practitioners are the foundation of healthcare organizations and key to quality care and management / leadership should be concerned for their wellbeing; and this article provides a general blueprint in terms of addressing burnout and safety. Study Limitations and Future research are also discussed.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-24-5032
M. Akinseye FolorunsoCorresponding author
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of different sorghum varieties to micro-dosing fertilization strategies on yield and yield traits, as well as the impact on nitrogen fertilizer and water use efficiency (NUE and WUE). In addition, the benefit-cost ratio of sorghum cultivation under different fertilization strategies in the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria was analyzed. The experiment included eight fertilizer micro-application strategies as well as two control and three sorghum varieties. Our results showed that most agronomic indicators differed significantly between years, varieties, and fertilization strategies. However, the application of 100g hill-1 poultry manure plus 3g NPK hill-1 resulted in the highest average grain yield > 2000 kg ha-1 at both study sites (BUK and Minjibir). This means that the grain yield is 86% and 132% higher than the average grain yield with zero fertilization. There were extremely significant differences between NUE and WUE fertilization strategies and varieties at the two sites. At BUK and Minjibir, NPK applied with 3 g of hill-1 had the highest NUE with an average of 37.6 and 40 kg grain/kg N. Application of 100 g of poultry manure plus 3g of NPK hill-1 resulted in the highest average WUE of 6.1 and 5.6 kg grain/mm for BUK and Minjibir, respectively. BUK (3.2) and Minjibir (3.6) had the highest net income and benefit-to-cost ratios when applying 3 grams of NPK per hill. The adoption of micro-dosing fertilization strategies by smallholder farmers provides a good opportunity to prevent long-term soil fertility limitations and thereby increase sorghum productivity and farmer incomes by recommending multiple-choice fertilization strategies for improved sorghum varieties.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-24-4918
Jennifer Chinoye AmadiCorresponding author
Access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for sexual minority women is essential to fulfilling their human rights. This qualitative study was conducted in Rivers State, Nigeria, with fifteen participants as key informants. The study addressed the barriers to the sexual and reproductive healthcare needs of lesbians, bisexual women and sex workers in Port Harcourt metropolis. To address these barriers, the study answered the research questions on what access barriers prevent lesbians, bi-women, and sex workers from adequate utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare services and common mental health issues sexual minority women experience. The study found that the barriers that prevent sexual minority women from accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare services include limited sexual and reproductive health information on available services offered by the health facilities, prejudice from healthcare providers and lack of social acceptance. Common mental health issues experienced as a result of these limitations are self-doubt over sexual orientation, trauma from threats, and parental pressure over marriage. To mitigate these barriers, the study recommends training healthcare providers on inclusive sexual and reproductive healthcare and to eliminate stigma and discrimination to improve access. Additionally, an improvement in laws and increased agency of sexual minority women to minimize negative mental health experiences. Finally, it also recommends creating a social group for sexual minority women to share experiences, support each other and learn about their sexual and reproductive healthcare will minimise barriers.
Dec 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-22-4360
Millstein PhilipCorresponding author
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA. USA
Contact intensity is a significant factor in immoveable implant restorations. This study visually compares the use of four occlusal contact indicators one of which measures contact intensity and surface area in a single subject. The need for an occlusal contact indicator that can be used with fixed implant restorations is examined. Three contact indicators used in practice are visually compared to a novel system where pressure sensitive information and surface area can be evaluated numerically and stored. Findings suggest that intensity and surface area should be measured upon implant placement. Limitations of this observational study are discussed. Directions for future research and more systematic study are offered
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4316
E. Moro GuidoCorresponding author
Board of Directors of AIBLUD (Italian Association of Donor Human Milk Banks), Milan, Italy
Background Growing scientific evidence points to the benefits of human milk for the growth and development of a newborn. Compelling evidence has confirmed the benefits not only for full-term babies but also for preterm infants. Objective This survey was planned by the Italian Ministry of Health together with the Italian Association of Donor Human Milk Banks (AIBLUD) and aimed to evaluate the activity of human milk banks (HMBs) in Italy in the period 2018-2020, analyzing several items and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Following the two surveys performed in 2012 and 2016, a third survey was planned in the year 2021 to evaluate possible changes in the activity of the Human Milk Banks (HMBs) operating in Italy. A questionnaire was sent to all the 41 HMBs officially operating in Italy in the year 2021 with the purpose to obtain national data concerning milk banks activity, number of donors, volume of human milk collected, and other information related to the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Additional questions related to the impact of the COVID-19 on the activity of HMBs in the year 2020 were included. Therefore the questionnaire proposed in this third survey collected fundamental data on the donation of human milk with the implications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results 90% of the banks (37/41) responded to this survey. The collected data confirm the results of the second survey (2016), with a high level of adherence to the Ministerial Guidelines and the AIBLUD recommendations. The application of the principles of the HACCP system continues to improve (89%), while in the last three years there has been a sharp decline in the home collection service for donor human milk (68%). This decline is mainly linked to the interruption of this service due to the limitations imposed by the pandemic. In 2020 (the year of the COVID-19 pandemic) there was a clear reduction in the number of donors with a return to the values of 2016. The volumes of milk collected, and the average duration of donation, however, remained high. The reasons linked to the reduction in the number of donors are described. Conclusion This survey underlines the high quality standard of Italian HMBs and the usefulness of this service for the national health policy. Despite the difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian HMBs have maintained an efficient and safe service and have guaranteed the collection of satisfactory volumes of donor milk. Lack of information represents the most important barrier to the donation of human milk.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-6622.ijar-22-4221
Tadesse TeferaCorresponding author
National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Holotta, Ethiopia
Cyanobacteria are considered as one of the important group of organisms having significant ecological, industrial, and biotechnological importance. Cyanobacteria have gained a lot of atten ion in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology. This review presents an overview of uses of cyanobacteria in industry agriculture, environment pharmaceutical and medicinal roles and to provide future prospects of the field of cyanobacteria biotechnology. Nowadays cyanobacteria have gained attention researchers because of their various potential applications such as food and feed pharmaceutical industries in medicine, in bioremediation, soil conditioning, as biopolymers, bio adhesives, bioenergy and biofertilizers. Due to presence of wide spectrum of bioactive compounds cyanobacteria has possesses antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. Several strains of cyanobacteria are also rich in food supplements. Further nitrogen fixing and soil conditioning capacity of cyanobacteria attracted researchers. Recent studies have also shown that cyanobacteria have capability to degrade environmental pollutants and are also being used as a promising source of alternative energy. Cyanobacteria has also its limitations through bloom production it influnces on the nutrient availability and usage of phytoplankton plants. This review is an effort to forward the valuable information about the qualities of cyanobacteria and their potential role in solving the agricultural and environmental problems for the future welfare of the planet.Thus more efforts should be made in search of more potential strains of cyanobacteria to ensure maximum production of the desired products.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4101
Khalid Mehmood RaoCorresponding author
Laparoscopic General and Colorectal Surgical Consultant , Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, England
Medical education has been extraordinarily disrupted during the COVID-19 era worldwide. The pandemic limited routine ward or patient-based medical education. These limitations have resulted in new challenges for medical students, especially the final year students in completing their mandated curriculum. We are suggesting a revised curriculum for final year medical students, by following which we can address COVID restriction while making sure all competencies have been achieved by students. This revised curriculum centers around the usual placement of students in Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), however all students will be posted in simulation wards/labs on their turn to enhance and consolidate their understanding and learning of common surgical cases in these wards, so that they can replicate these skills in SAU and wards on their turns. This article highlights how the proposed curriculum addresses the learning needs of final year medical students in their surgery rotation. The article will also summarize the critical appraisal process of our curriculum in the context of curriculum design theories. Finally, the article will highlight the quality assurance measures adhered to while developing the curriculum.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-21-4026
Karabayev M.Corresponding author
Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health, Uzbekistan.
A theoretical paper proposes applications of golden proportion principles to physiological diagnostics. It outlines proposed metrics and discusses validation needs and limitations.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-6655.jcap-21-3888
Monique J. Grant CokeCorresponding author
The number of children with SEN is continuously growing, leading to pressure on the few special schools available in the USA. Furthermore, the adoption of a special school system has been criticized on the basis that it isolates and discriminates against children with special educational needs and disabilities. Even though inclusive education can address such limitations, the application of the most appropriate pedagogical approaches for SEN learners is still a challenge. The presented study focused on critically appraising the pedagogical approaches for SEN learners in the 21st century and beyond. In order to achieve this goal, a systematic review of the literature approach was adopted. The literature search process was conducted on three databases: Education Full Text, Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, and PsycINFO. The selection of these databases was influenced by their reputation of hosting high quality and up-to-date literature about special education. The initial literature search process generated 6129 hits, but only ten studies were finally selected for review after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A critical review of the evidence presented in the selected studies generated eight themes describing various pedagogical approaches for special education, within both blended and mainstream learning environment. Knowledge generated in this systematic review can be used by the special education sector of the U.S to develop pedagogical approaches for SEN students, leading to improved performance and social skill development.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-19-2955
N Pak VladimirCorresponding author
Research scientist, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
This review revisits alpha‑fetoprotein (AFP) and AFP receptor biology beyond their classic role as oncofetal markers. It summarizes signaling, tumor biology, and clinical implications across malignancies, including diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic angles. The authors highlight opportunities and limitations for AFP‑targeted interventions.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-5835.jcpn-19-2741
Ladislav ValachCorresponding author
Lindenstrasse 26, 3047 Bremgarten, Switzerland
After pointing out the wide scope of issues in nursing and summarizing some of the attempts in nursing to deal with this problem of wide scope we propose a conceptual consideration to address this issue anew. We suggest that the contextual action theory is well equipped to provide an economical and concise way of integrating various approaches and disciplines as well as different tasks a nursing conceptualization has to address, particularly in dealing with the issue of practice. We describe what action is, how it could be seen as a system and how it could be useful in nursing practice. Specifically, we detail the application of the contextual action theory in devising nursing procedures, in providing theories and research methods in nursing research and in evaluation processes in nursing. In addressing some limitations of the suggested approach, we stress that it is not a theory of everything and that it does not deliver ready-made instruments for obtaining quantitative data.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-19-2725
Murphy DominicCorresponding author
Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK.
Background Romantic partners living alongside veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) appear at increased risk of secondary traumatic stress (sPTSD) and common mental health difficulties (CMD) compared to the general population. The severity of symptoms implies the need for structured, bespoke and evidence-based interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of offering a community support programme (The Together Programme, TTP) for military partners. TTP was developed based upon a number of US programmes and consisted of 10 hours of group-based support delivered over a five-week course. 56 participants engaged in TTP over a year at nine locations across the UK and were followed up three months later. Methods Measures of CMD, sPTSD, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction were used to assess benefits. Data were also collected on attendance and participant feedback. Results Significant reductions were observed for symptoms of sPTSD and CMD at follow up. 51/56 (90.1%) participants completed TTP. The majority of participants reported positive experiences. However, several individuals stated wanting more sessions and that barriers such as work, and family commitments made it difficult to attend. Conclusions Whilst limitations exist, the data presented suggests cautious optimism for the efficacy of offering a structured programme of support to address the needs of military partners living alongside PTSD.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-18-2295
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Program in Health Education, Columbia University, Teachers College, and School of Health and Professional Studies, Department of Health, Physical Education & Gerontological Studies and Services, City Univers
Background: Osteoarthritis is a disabling joint disease with no known cure that negatively effects life quality among high numbers of aging adults. Aim: To examine the concept of health literacy as a potentially overlooked, but highly salient, disease correlate among this older chronically disabled group. Method: A literature search using the key terms osteoarthritis and health literacy was conducted using the major data bases. Results: Although almost no work has focused on health literacy and osteoarthritis, the concept of health literacy is clearly linked to health status and health outcomes. Varying from marginal to high, health literacy is not always assessed or recognized as being clinically relevant, however, despite a large volume of related literature. Conclusion: Acknowledging the possible role of limited health literacy in the context of osteoarthritis disease progression, and applying carefully tailored directives for overcoming any related health literacy limitations may offer a novel approach for improving the outcomes for older people with this condition.
Mar 2018
Rizzello LorisCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, University College London (UCL), 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ - London (UK)
The crusade against cancer has a new army: immunotherapy. The rational design is very simple, but brilliant at the same time. Extract the patients T-cells, reprogram them in vitro for the expression of highly specific receptors against cancer, perfuse them back to the patient. As a result, T-cells are now instructed to selectively kill circulating tumor cells, while avoiding potential side effects. This ‘Fairy Tale’ however does not lack of drawbacks and limitations. First, malignant progression can be accompanied by profound immune suppression, which counteracts the immune system-mediated tumor elimination. Second, the immune cells modification does not match high standards in terms of safety for humans. Here, nanotech can fill these gaps, and help immunotherapy to be safer and more effective.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-17-1430
Myezwa HellenCorresponding author
Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
HIV and AIDS remains a major health problem in South Africa even after two decades since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Long term survival with HIV is associated with new health related issues and a risk of functional limitation/disability. The aim of this study was to assess the impact and predictors of functional limitation associated with HIV/AIDS among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa. This study is a cross-sectional survey using a cohort in an urban area in Gauteng province South Africa. Questionnaires that were interview administered were used to collect information on demographics, disability, mental and physical health state, adherence and livelihood. A total of 1044 participants with an average age of 42±12 years, were included in the study and 51.9% of the participants reported functional limitation (WHODAS ≥ 2). These were reported mainly in the participation (40.2%) and mobility domains (38.7%). In addition, adherence to ARV, physical health symptoms and depression were strongly associated with functional limitations/disability. HIV as a chronic disease is associated with functional limitations that are not addressed and pose a risk of long term disability and negative adherence outcomes. Therefore, wellness for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) needs to include interventions that can prevent and manage disability.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-17-1536
Md. Kamrul HossainCorresponding author
Over the last few decades, many research works highlighted the role of miRNAs on cardiac diseases. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary heart disease is a condition that is mainly caused by atherosclerosis. It has been established that microribonucleic acids regulate many factors that are involved in the development and pathophysiology of IHD. As a result, there are great potential opportunities for miRNAs to be used as a biomarker for disease differentiation, as well as novel drug targets or therapeutics for the treatment and also as a diagnostic approach. As it is now evident that miRNAs play critical roles in the disease mechanisms, this review article tried to focus on the pathway, in which; the miRNAs stimulate the IHD to develop. By understanding the mechanisms, it will be possible to present a complete strategy of IHD treatment and also solving all the impediments that are highlighted in this article. Still, there are a number of limitations and obstacles on the way of developing a proper therapeutic approach that can be approved and well accepted. This review is mainly dependent on the potential of miRNAs as a promising arena on the field of cardiac treatment and the possible obstacles that are needed to be explored and overcome.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-16-1062
Gudala MeghanaCorresponding author
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Baystate Children’s Hospital, 50 Wason Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199
Background: Obese adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) have shown differences in body composition and response to varying diets when compared to obese adults without T2D. This difference in body composition affects management options for obesity. Such studies have not been done on adolescents thus far. Objectives: To estimate differences in fat mass at baseline as well as following a two-week high protein liquid diet in obese adolescents with and without T2D. Methods: Thiswas a pilot study using a non-randomized, unblinded pre/post intervention design without a control group. We planned to recruit 40 subjects (20 per group, with and without T2D) from ages 10 – 19 years, with Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95 percentile. Body fat mass was measured via the Bod Pod® at baseline and after two weeks of following the diet with Ensure High Protein shakes. Change in fat mass is presented as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Results: We recruited 28 subjects, 19 completed the study and 12 were compliant with the diet. The mean difference in fat mass percent from baseline in subjects who completed the study (n=19) and without T2D was 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.1 to -0.8) and in subjects with T2D was 1.2 (95% CI: -3.6 to 1.24). Conclusion: We did not find any meaningful difference in fat mass at baseline or after following a two-week high protein diet between the groups. High dropout rate and noncompliance with the diet were major limitations.
Aug 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-16-1105
J. Siembida ElizabethCorresponding author
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, USA
An often neglected factor in the examination of the mental quality of life of survivors of colorectal cancer is the role of family and community level resources and support. The aim of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of the influence of family and community level resources over and above previously examined mental health variables. A survey-based pilot study was conducted with 101 colorectal cancer survivors. Four multiple linear regression models were developed to examine the associations between demographic, health-related, individual psychosocial, family and community level factors, and specific dimensions of mental quality of life (measured using the mental health subscales of the SF-12). In addition to examining all of the correlates of mental quality of life, the unique role of family and community level factors over and above previously examined factors was examined. Analyses found that family and community level factors, as a whole, explained a significant portion of the variance in role emotional health, mental health, and social functioning over and above demographic, health-related, and individual psychosocial factors. Family cohesion was a significant, unique predictor of role limitations due to mental health, and family and community social support was a significant, unique predictor of role limitations due to mental health and overall mental health. These results suggest the potential importance of considering family and community level resources when conducting research and designing interventions to improve mental quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-16-1112
V. Seeman MaryCorresponding author
Professor Emerita, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath St. W., Suite 605, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 3L6, Canada.
Background: Mental health promotion depends to a large extent on the gathering of accurate baseline opinion data from a targeted population. Aim: The aim of this paper is to explore the potential applications of a new method of measuring true attitudes toward mental illness, and of monitoring and evaluating subsequent public health interventions. Method: This paper reviews the strengths and limitations of a novel survey method, RIWI, its early findings, and its potential applications in the field of mental health promotion. Comparisons are made to other commonly used survey methods through entering pertinent search terms into the Google Scholar™ database. Findings: The RIWI online survey method has several advantages over earlier survey methods: it is random, quick, anonymous, and reaches very large samples. Questionnaires are easily translatable and can be repeated, with excellent test-retest reliability. Anonymity reduces social desirability bias. The limitations are: a) variable completion rate, which carries the upside of allowing regional comparisons, and b) the reality that the respondent pool reflects regional Internet usage, often biased toward young literate males. Conclusions: A survey method that is able to quickly and repeatedly sample large numbers of random individuals is an important advance for health promotion in that interventions can be timely and their efficacy can be rapidly evaluated.
Jun 2016
V. Seeman MaryCorresponding author
Professor Emerita, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath St. W., Suite 605, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 3L6, Canada.
Background: There is a growing scientific interest in the phenomenon of earworms, which are melodies that are heard and re-heard despite the absence of an external stimulus. Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine whether understanding earworms can shed light on mechanisms underlying auditory hallucinations in psychosis. Method: Using recent data sources, this report briefly reviews what is most relevant about musical hallucinations and earworms. Results: Musical hallucinations, like hallucinated voices, are more prevalent in women. In the elderly, they are often associated with hearing impairment. They are most distressing when they first begin, with the degree of distress inversely proportional to the extent to which they can be controlled. Earworms can be provoked both by the memory of past events and by the anticipation of future events. Strong emotion can trigger earworms, but so can boredom. Limitations: The neurobiology potentially involved in the phenomenon of earworms is not explored in this paper. The pertinence of the literature about earworms and musical hallucinations, while interesting, is of unproven relevance to pathological voices in psychotic illness. Conclusions: The clinical relevance, while unproven, is that addressing recurring memories, as well as managing strong emotions and avoiding occupations that lead to boredom are all strategies worth trying when treating pathologicalauditory hallucinations
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-14-528
Sanjay SrinivasanCorresponding author
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
A previously healthy 25 year old Chinese male presented with left eye blurring of vision and was diagnosed to have left eye branch retinal vein occlusion. Initial blood investigations and thrombophilia screen were negative. The patient subsequently improved with observation and conservative management, with no further events over a 2 year follow up period. The blood investigations were repeated 2 years later as part of a health check-up and he was then tested to be heterozygous for the factor V leiden mutation. This was confirmed by sequencing of his genome that identified the mutation. The laboratory was contacted to provide details regarding the testing methods and was noted to have performed the two tests via different methods. While false negative rates in genetic testing are low, we believe that there is greater need to standardize testing methods as ascertaining genetic conditions play a great role in clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations of these tests. When clinical suspicion is high, there may be a role for repeat tests with different methods or in different laboratories.
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-13-283
Mei YongCorresponding author
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
Continuous-time glucose monitoring (CGM) effectively improves glucose control, as oppose to infrequent glucose measurements (i.e. using Lancet Meters), by providing frequent blood glucose concentration (BGC) to better associate this variation with changes in behavior. Currently, the most widely used CGM devices rely on a sensor that is inserted invasively under the skin. Because of the invasive nature and also the replacement cost of sensors, the primary users of current CGM devices are insulin dependent people (type 1 and some type 2 diabetics). Most non-insulin dependent diabetics use only lancet glucose measurements. The ultimate goal of this research is the development of CGM technology that overcomes these limitations (i.e. invasive sensors and their cost) in an effort to increase CGM applications among non-insulin dependent people. To meet this objective, this preliminary work has developed a methodology to mathematically infer BGC from measurements of non-invasive input variables which can be thought of as a “virtual” or “soft” sensor approach. In this work virtual sensors are developed and evaluated on 20 subjects using four BGC measurements per day and eight input variables representing meals, activity, stress, and clock time. Up to four weeks of data are collected for each subject. One evaluation consists of 3 days of training and up to 25 days of testing data. The second one consists of one week of training, one week of validation, and 2 weeks of testing data. The third one consists two weeks of training, one week of validation and one week of testing data. Model acceptability is determined on an individual basis based on the fitted correlation to CGM testing data. For 3 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks training studies, 35%, 55% and 65% of the subjects, respectively, met the Acceptability Criteria that we established based on the concept of usefulness.
Jan 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-13-357
I. Chen EmilyCorresponding author
Proteomics Shared Resource at the Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irvine Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032.
Mass spectrometry (MS) has been successfully used to analyze biological samples and advances of MS-based approaches have turn MS data from largely qualitative to quantitative. These MS-based quantitative approaches using label-free, tags, or stable isotope labeling have their own strengths and limitations. The variability introduced by different methods prior to quantitative mass spectrometry should be considered, and accuracy and precision of MS measurements can also vary depending on the strategy used for MS quantification. Therefore, the development of methods for accurate protein quantitation is one of the most challenging areas of proteomics. Using these quantitative approaches, one can investigate the dynamics of proteome through differential protein expression in normal biological processes and diseases.