Dry mouth: saliva substitutes which adsorb and modify existing salivary condition films improve oral lubrication

Clinical Oral Investigations - The aims of this study are to assess different saliva substitutes for their efficacy to lubricate the oral cavity, and to relate this oral lubrication to the ability...     

Accuracy and Precision of Acetabular Component Placement With Imageless Navigation in Obese Patients

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for acetabular component malposition when total hip arthroplasty is performed with manual techniques. The utility of imageless navigation in obese patients remains unknown. This study compared the accuracy and precision of imageless navigation for component orientation between obese and nonobese patients.

Medical waste management and environmental assessment in the Rio University Hospital,Western Greece

At this study a multi-criteria model was developed to examine the available procedures, techniques and methods of handling infectious waste in the large healthcare unit of University Regional General Hospital of Patras, Western Greece. Particularly, this study examined the: a) current legislation and Directives issued for medical waste management at Greece and among the other EU-members, b) contribution of healthcare wastes (HCW) generation rate on social and economic parameters in selected European countries, c) available procedures, techniques, and methods upon the disposal of infectious wastes at the healthcare studied, and, d) propositions for integrated management of such hazardous wastes. Specifically, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology was applied under pair wise comparison matrices in two stages: 1) the scale factors and the indicators, and 2) the criteria and their sub–criteria. The assessment of these pair wise matrices included the indicators and the sub–criteria. Subsequently, two pair wise comparison matrices, upon a) the “Fulfillment of environmental objectives” indicator and b) the “Energy consumption” sub criterion, were denoted. The AHP methodology yielded good results; however there is still space of improving the environmental performance. The normalized relative weights obtained for the criteria and sub criteria motivated specific actions that have to be handled. Particularly, the results indicated a very good value in environmental management criteria due the values obtained for the commitment towards the environmental policy standards and the waste management procedures. However, further improvements on staff awareness (such as development programs to enhance sensitivity) and more green purchasing suppliers, should be further addressed.     

Generalisierter Krampfanfall während der Anlage einer axillären Plexusblockade

Die Anaesthesiologie - Eine junge Patientin erleidet während der Anlage einer axillären Plexusblockade einen generalisierten Krampfanfall. Die Mechanismen, im Wesentlichen die vermutlich...     

Increased hospital costs are associated with low skeletal muscle mass in patients undergoing elective open aortic surgery

Objective

Low psoas muscle area is shown to be an indicator for worse postoperative outcome in patients undergoing vascular surgical. Additionally, it has been associated with longer durations of hospital stay in patients with cancer who undergo surgery and subsequently greater health care costs in Europe and the United States. We sought to evaluate this effect on hospital expenditure for patients undergoing vascular repair in a health care system with universal access.

Circumstances of substance use by street youth in Egypt support the case for intervening to prevent adverse childhood experiences

Background: Egyptian street youth use substances including tobacco, illicit drugs, and pharmaceutical drugs. To understand the circumstances, including adverse childhood experiences, that place adolescents at risk for engaging in substance use, we conducted in-depth interviews among a sample of Egyptian street children. Methods: From youth residing at or attending Caritas, a non-profit organization, which provides shelter and education to street youth, seven girls and twelve boys, aged 12–18 years, participated in open-ended, in-depth interviews. Results: Eight out of the 19 participants reported family history (early exposure) to substance use; and seven of them were initiated by either a family member (sibling), friend or coworker. Most of the participants reported a history of conflict with or abuse (verbal or physical) by their parents or siblings, or stressful situations at home; they used substance(s) to alleviate their stress. Few attended school, and some were forced to work and help their family. Conclusions: Among Egyptian youth, adverse childhood experiences, such as poverty, child abuse, and family substance use, challenge somewhat susceptible youths and lead them to the path of substance use and addiction. Prevention intervention should be multifaceted, culturally adaptable, and primarily targeting the social environment during childhood.     

Matrine,oxymatrine, and compound Kushen injection from the roots of Sophora flavescens: an overview of their anticancer activities

In the present review, we updated current information on the chemistry, contents, and anticancer properties of matrine (MT), oxymatrine (OMT), and compound Kushen injection (CKI). The anticancer properties were focused on lung, breast, and liver cancer cells because they are most susceptible. Sources of information were from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, PubChem, J-Stage, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Reference was also made on botanical websites, such as Flora of China and World Flora Online. MT and OMT are dominant quinolizidine alkaloids from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Kushen) of the family Fabaceae. Against lung, breast, and liver cancer cells, MT and OMT inhibit cell proliferation; induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy; restrict angiogenesis; and inhibit cell metastasis, invasion, and migration. The processes involve various molecular targets and signaling pathways. CKI is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) composed of root extracts of S. flavescens and Smilax glabra (Baituling) of the family Smilacaceae. With MT and OMT as major components, CKI has been approved for the treatment of cancer in China more than 20 years ago. In recent years, systematic reviews and meta-analysis have been undertaken to evaluate the anticancer effects of CKI. When CKI is used alone and in combination with chemotherapy of western medicine, there is much to be learned concerning their interactions besides their individual and integrated efficacy. Some perspectives of MT, OMT, and CKI are discussed, and their suggestions for future research are provided.