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1.
Int Breastfeed J ; 19(1): 63, 2024 Sep 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39261855

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Despite the many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to infants and mothers, only 33% of Jamaican infants are exclusively breastfed up to the recommend six months. This study was conducted to identify factors affecting mothers' feeding choices focusing on barriers to exclusive breastfeeding of infants six weeks to less than six months old. METHODS: A qualitative study consisting of four focus group discussion sessions was conducted among 22 mothers attending postnatal clinics in western Jamaica from May to August 2016. The transcripts were coded by three independent coders and content analysis conducted to generate themes. RESULTS: Four themes were identified namely, perceived advantages of breastfeeding centered mainly on the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and mother, perceived barriers of breastfeeding highlighting physical pain and fatigue, supplementing culturally acceptable complementary foods and herbal remedies, and cultural norms including perception of how breastfeeding affects a woman's body, societal sources of breastfeeding information, satiation of infants, and family and other support. Mothers overwhelmingly agreed that breastfeeding was inexpensive, allowed them to bond with their infants and was good for the overall health and intellectual development of the infants. They identified painful nipples, engorged breasts, lack of sleep, physical exhaustion and pressure to return to work as barriers to breastfeeding. Mothers named a number of complementary foods, such as pumpkin, carrots, potato, banana, and chocho (Chayote), that were culturally accepted for feeding infants in Jamaica and discussed herbs that were considered to aid in infants' nutrition and overall health. Other cultural factors that were noted to influence exclusive breastfeeding were mothers feeling that breastfeeding would help their bodies, especially their bellies, go back to their pre-maternity figure, sources of breastfeeding information in the society including the internet, belief that breast milk alone does not satisfy babies, and family and other support. CONCLUSION: Mothers in this study identified unique challenges to exclusive breastfeeding that if addressed, would help to increase exclusive breastfeeding so that the World Health Organization's exclusive breastfeeding recommendations can be achieved.


Assuntos
Aleitamento Materno , Grupos Focais , Mães , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Humanos , Aleitamento Materno/psicologia , Jamaica , Feminino , Adulto , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Mães/psicologia , Adulto Jovem , Masculino , Comportamento de Escolha , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde
3.
ACS Appl Bio Mater ; 7(8): 5147-5157, 2024 Aug 19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38976598

RESUMO

Organic material-based bioelectronic nonvolatile memory devices have recently received a lot of attention due to their environmental compatibility, simple fabrication recipe, preferred scalability, low cost, low power consumption, and numerous additional advantages. Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices work on the principle of resistive switching, which has the potential for applications in memory storage and neuromorphic computing. Here, natural organically grown orange peel was used to extract biocompatible pectin to design a resistive switching-based memory device of the structure Ag/Pectin/Indium tin oxide (ITO), and the behavior was studied between a temperature range of 10K and 300K. The microscopic characterization revealed the texture of the surface and thickness of the layers. The memristive current-voltage characteristics performed over 1000 consecutive cycles of repeated switching revealed sustainable bipolar resistive switching behavior with a high ON/OFF ratio. The underlying principle of Resistive Switching behavior is based on the formation of conductive filaments between the electrodes, which is explained in this work. Further, we have also designed a 2 × 2 crossbar array of RRAM devices to demonstrate various logic circuit operations useful for neuromorphic computing. The robust switching characteristics suggest possible uses of such devices for the design of ecofriendly bioelectronic memory applications and in-memory computing.


Assuntos
Materiais Biocompatíveis , Teste de Materiais , Materiais Biocompatíveis/química , Compostos de Estanho/química , Tamanho da Partícula , Pectinas/química , Prata/química , Química Verde
4.
Pediatr Pulmonol ; 2024 Jul 23.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39041893

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: One-third of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) are food insecure, with profound negative implications for their health. This qualitative study explored lived experiences with food insecurity among pwCF or their caregivers and summarized their perspectives on food insecurity screening in the cystic fibrosis (CF) programs where they receive care. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with two groups: (1) adults with CF and (2) parents or caregivers of children with CF. PwCF or their caregivers with previously documented food insecurity were referred for participation by pediatric and adult CF programs across the United States. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were coded and analyzed by two independent coders using a content-analysis approach with a constant comparative method to generate themes. RESULTS: A total of 26 participants from 22 CF programs were interviewed. The sample included 17 adults with CF and nine parents of children with CF. Participants were predominantly White (88%) and female (92%). Five overarching themes emerged: (1) food insecurity among CF patients and their families is onerous, (2) financial constraints imposed by the CF disease contribute to food insecurity, (3) federal and state programs provide limited food assistance, and other support is minimal, (4) shame and stigma engulf conversations around food insecurity with CF care teams, and (5) food insecurity screening in clinical settings is critical. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity among pwCF is invisible, but its consequences are dire. Assistance is limited, screening is inconsistent, and stigma is widespread. There is an urgent need to normalize food insecurity screening, standardize the screening process, and expand food assistance programs for pwCF.

5.
3 Biotech ; 14(3): 63, 2024 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38344286

RESUMO

Bioactive compounds in plants are essential for the formation of novel chemotherapeutic drugs, which have been used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of illnesses. Indian medicinal herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses, such as fever, cancer, snake bites, rheumatism, skin problems, and neurodegenerative diseases. GC-MS was used to locate and categorize bioactive components in Olea dioica leaves. The results showed that presence of octanoic acid, methyl ester, decanoic acid, methyl ester, desulphosinigrin, l-gala-l-ido-octose, methyl tetradecanoate, Tetradecanoic acid, 6-benzoxazolesulfonamide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-, 10-chloro-5-methoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d][7]annulene, pentadecanoic acid, oleic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, hexanedioic acid, dioctyl ester, and squalene. The methanol extract of Olea dioica was effective against a wide spectrum of pathogenic bacteria at four different concentrations, with the highest activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Xanthomonas campestris, and Salmonella typhimurium. It also showed moderate activity against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptomyces pneumonia, and Pseudomonas syringae. The pharmacological properties of O. dioica, as well as their variety and comprehensive phytochemistry, could be exploited as a potent antimicrobial agent for future therapeutics.

6.
Bioengineering (Basel) ; 10(2)2023 Feb 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36829699

RESUMO

Sympatico-vagal balance is essential for regulating cardiac electrophysiology and plays an important role in arrhythmogenic conditions. Various noninvasive methods, including electrocardiography (ECG), have been used for clinical assessment of the sympatico-vagal balance. This study aimed to use a custom-designed wearable device to record ECG and ECG-based cardiac function biomarkers to assess sympatico-vagal balance during tonic pain in healthy controls. Nineteen healthy volunteers were included for the ECG measurements using the custom-designed amplifier based on the Texas Instruments ADS1299. The ECG-based biomarkers of the sympatico-vagal balance, (including heart rate variability, deceleration capacity of the heart rate, and periodic repolarization dynamic), were calculated and compared between resting and pain conditions (tonic pain). The custom-designed device provided technically satisfactory ECG recordings. During exposure to tonic pain, the periodic repolarization dynamics increased significantly (p = 0.02), indicating enhancement of sympathetic nervous activity. This study showed that custom-designed wearable devices can potentially be useful in healthcare as a new telemetry technology. The ECG-based novel biomarkers, including periodic repolarization dynamic and deceleration capacity of heart rate, can be used to identify the cold pressor-induced activation of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, making it useful for future studies on pain-evoked biomarkers.

7.
Disabil Health J ; 16(3): 101437, 2023 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36658077

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence supports therapeutic exercise for improving health and function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few studies have considered the patients' perspective. OBJECTIVE: This study explored perspectives of adults with MS following participation in a 3-month clinic- and home-based exercise rehabilitation program. METHODS: Twenty participants with MS were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide on the design and implementation processes of the exercise programs as well as any perceived facilitators or barriers to exercise. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach to generate themes from the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Key facilitators of exercise for people with MS included perceived improvements in physical health and function, activity participation, and psychosocial health. Mismatched level of exercise with their stage of post-diagnosis and/or functional ability and limited human interaction emerged as barriers to exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the exercise program was a positive experience for people with MS. Despite the provision of a high level of adaptation and tailored exercise plan and delivery, self-directed exercise continued to present challenges for people with MS. Additionally, the importance of seeking cost-effective ways to maintain motivational support was implicit in participant responses. The findings provided an improved understanding of personal experiences and exercise perspectives that can inform future intervention strategies aimed at promoting sustained exercise participation.


Assuntos
Pessoas com Deficiência , Esclerose Múltipla , Humanos , Adulto , Esclerose Múltipla/psicologia , Terapia por Exercício/psicologia , Exercício Físico/psicologia , Modalidades de Fisioterapia , Pesquisa Qualitativa
8.
J Cancer Educ ; 38(4): 1286-1295, 2023 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36650394

RESUMO

Disease stage at the time of diagnosis is the most important determinant of prognosis for lung cancer. Despite demonstrated effectiveness of lung cancer screening (LCS) in reducing lung cancer mortality, early detection continues to elude populations with the highest risk for lung cancer death. Consistent with the national rate, current screening rate in Alabama is dismal at 4.2%. While public awareness of LCS may be a likely cause, there are no studies that have thoroughly evaluated current knowledge of LCS within the Deep South. Therefore, we measured LCS knowledge before and after receiving education delivered by community health advisors (CHAs) among high-risk individuals living in medically underserved communities of Alabama and to determine impact of psychological, demographic, health status, and cognitive factors on rate of lung cancer screening participation. Participants were recruited from one urban county and six rural Black Belt counties (characterized by poverty, rurality, unemployment, low educational attainment, and disproportionate lack of access to health services). One hundred individuals (i) aged between 55 and 80 years; (ii) currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years; and (iii) have at least a total of 30-pack-year smoking history were recruited. Knowledge scores to assess lung cancer knowledge were calculated. Paired t-test was used to assess pre- and post-knowledge score improvement. Screening for lung cancer was modeled as a function of predisposed factors (age, gender, insurance, education, fatalism, smoking status, and history of family lung cancer). Average age was 62.94 (SD = 6.28), mostly female (54%); mostly current smokers (53%). Most participants (80.85%) reported no family history of cancer. Fatalism was low, with a majority of the participants disagreeing that a cancer diagnosis is pre-destined (67.7%) and that there are no treatments for lung cancer (88.66%). Overall, lung cancer knowledge increased significantly from baseline of 4.64 (SD = 2.37) to 7.61 (SD = 2.26). Of the 100 participants, 23 underwent screening due to lack of access to primary care providers and reluctance of PCPs to provide referral to LCS. Sixty-five percent of those who were screened reported no family history of lung cancer. Regression analysis revealed no significant association between risk factors and the decision to get screened by participants. Our study demonstrates that while CHA delivered education initiatives increases lung cancer screening knowledge, there are significant structural barriers that prohibit effective utilization of LCS which needs to be addressed.


Assuntos
Neoplasias Pulmonares , Humanos , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Masculino , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/prevenção & controle , Neoplasias Pulmonares/psicologia , Projetos Piloto , Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Saúde Pública , Fumar
9.
J Cancer Educ ; 38(2): 538-544, 2023 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35254629

RESUMO

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the USA. In the rural Black Belt region of Alabama, high rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality coupled with disproportionate lack of access to health services stresses the need for navigating high risk and disproportionately affected groups towards successfully obtaining lung cancer screenings. We utilized our well-accepted Community Health Advisor (CHA) model for education and awareness. This study seeks to evaluate the results of the Alabama Lung Cancer Awareness, Screening, and Education (ALCASE) training on CHAs, program evaluation, and lessons learned. A total of 202 participants were eligible and enrolled for CHA training. One hundred thirty CHAs were included for the final analyses. Descriptive statistics were computed; differences in pre-test and post-test scores were compared across demographic characteristics of the participants using paired t-test/one-way ANOVA. Of the 130 CHAs, 46% were 65 years or older; 98% were African Americans, and 87% were female; 17% of participants were cancer survivors. The mean post-test scores were 2.2 points greater than mean pre-test scores, and the difference was significant (mean (SD): pre-test = 20.8 (2.8) versus post-test = 23 (2.2); p = 0.001). No notable difference in pre-test and post-test scores were observed by CHA's demographic characteristics except by their county of residence or work (p = 0.0019). We demonstrate the capability and value of successfully recruiting and training motivated community members to be able to serve educators to better reach medically underserved and historically excluded communities.


Assuntos
Neoplasias Pulmonares , Saúde Pública , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Saúde Pública/educação , Currículo , Alabama/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/prevenção & controle , Agentes Comunitários de Saúde/educação
10.
J Adv Pract Oncol ; 13(3): 213-216, 2022 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35663178

RESUMO

The COVID-19 pandemic has only further brought to light how racism, bias, and lack of equity can result in social injustice, morbidity, and mortality. A panel of four advanced practitioners convened at JADPRO Live Virtual 2021 to examine oncology advanced practitioners' capacity for enhancing equitable cancer care in the domains of care coordination and communication, clinical trials, and acknowledging and mitigating bias.

11.
J Acoust Soc Am ; 151(4): 2773, 2022 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35461490

RESUMO

Recognizing background information in human speech signals is a task that is extremely useful in a wide range of practical applications, and many articles on background sound classification have been published. It has not, however, been addressed with background embedded in real-world human speech signals. Thus, this work proposes a lightweight deep convolutional neural network (CNN) in conjunction with spectrograms for an efficient background sound classification with practical human speech signals. The proposed model classifies 11 different background sounds such as airplane, airport, babble, car, drone, exhibition, helicopter, restaurant, station, street, and train sounds embedded in human speech signals. The proposed deep CNN model consists of four convolution layers, four max-pooling layers, and one fully connected layer. The model is tested on human speech signals with varying signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Based on the results, the proposed deep CNN model utilizing spectrograms achieves an overall background sound classification accuracy of 95.2% using the human speech signals with a wide range of SNRs. It is also observed that the proposed model outperforms the benchmark models in terms of both accuracy and inference time when evaluated on edge computing devices.


Assuntos
Redes Neurais de Computação , Fala , Humanos , Som
12.
J Clin Exp Hepatol ; 12(3): 876-886, 2022.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34728983

RESUMO

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to increase globally. Poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and cirrhosis have been reported; predictors of outcome are unclear. The existing data is from the early part of the pandemic when variants of concern (VOC) were not reported. Aims: We aimed to assess the outcomes and predictors in patients with cirrhosis and COVID-19. We also compared the differences in outcomes between the first wave of pandemic and the second wave. Methods: In this retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, data on consecutive cirrhosis patients (n = 221) admitted to the COVID-19 care facility of a tertiary care center in India were evaluated for presentation, the severity of liver disease, the severity of COVID-19, and outcomes. Results: The clinical presentation included: 18 (8.1%) patients had compensated cirrhosis, 139 (62.9%) acute decompensation (AD), and 64 (29.0%) had an acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Patients with ACLF had more severe COVID-19 infection than those with compensated cirrhosis and AD (54.7% vs. 16.5% and 33.3%, P < 0.001). The overall mortality was 90 (40.7%), the highest among ACLF (72.0%). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were high leukocyte count, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, child class, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and COVID-19 severity. The second wave had more cases of severe COVID-19 as compared to the first wave, with a similar MELD score and Child score. The overall mortality was similar between the two waves. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 and cirrhosis have high mortality (40%), particularly those with ACLF (72%). A higher leukocyte count, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, Child class, and MELD score are predictors of mortality.

13.
J Mol Biol ; 434(8): 167304, 2022 04 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34655653

RESUMO

We report the development of a robust user-friendly Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression system, derived from the BL21(DE3) strain, for site-specifically incorporating unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into proteins using engineered E. coli tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (EcTrpRS)-tRNATrp pairs. This was made possible by functionally replacing the endogenous EcTrpRS-tRNATrp pair in BL21(DE3) E. coli with an orthogonal counterpart from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and reintroducing it into the resulting altered translational machinery tryptophanyl (ATMW-BL21) E. coli strain as an orthogonal nonsense suppressor. The resulting expression system benefits from the favorable characteristics of BL21(DE3) as an expression host, and is compatible with the broadly used T7-driven recombinant expression system. Furthermore, the vector expressing the nonsense-suppressing engineered EcTrpRS-tRNATrp pair was systematically optimized to significantly enhance the incorporation efficiency of various tryptophan analogs. Together, the improved strain and the optimized suppressor plasmids enable efficient UAA incorporation (up to 65% of wild-type levels) into several different proteins. This robust and user-friendly platform will significantly expand the scope of the genetically encoded tryptophan-derived UAAs.


Assuntos
Escherichia coli , RNA de Transferência de Triptofano , RNA de Transferência , Triptofano-tRNA Ligase , Triptofano , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Mutagênese , RNA de Transferência/genética , RNA de Transferência/metabolismo , Triptofano/genética , Triptofano-tRNA Ligase/genética , Triptofano-tRNA Ligase/metabolismo
14.
JCO Oncol Pract ; 17(5): e666-e675, 2021 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33974821

RESUMO

PURPOSE: In general, participation rates in cancer clinical trials are very low. However, participation rates are especially low among the socially disadvantaged and racial and ethnic minority groups. These groups have been historically under-represented in cancer clinical trials. Although many patient-related barriers have been studied, institutional factors that are essential for building clinical research infrastructure around the clinical trial enterprise in academic medical centers have been underexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed perspectives of cancer center professional stakeholders on the institutional factors that can potentially influence racial and ethnic minority recruitment for cancer clinical trials. Ninety-one qualitative interviews were conducted at five US cancer centers among four stakeholder groups: cancer center leaders, principal investigators, referring clinicians, and research staff. Qualitative analyses examined response data focused on institutional factors related to minority recruitment for cancer clinical trials. RESULTS: Four prominent themes emerged regarding institutional barriers among clinical and research professionals. (1) There are no existing programs currently being used to recruit or retain minorities to clinical trials. (2) Institutional efforts are needed to increase trial participation and are not specific to potential minority participants. (3) Access to cancer clinical trials and navigation within an Academic Medical Center need to be simplified to better facilitate recruitment of minority patients. (4) Community outreach by cancer centers will increase clinical research awareness in the community. CONCLUSION: Our research highlights the need to address institutional barriers to improve the success of minority recruitment. To increase participation among minority populations, medical centers must address mutable institutional barriers such as setting specific minority recruitment goals for cancer clinical trials, ensuring that cancer clinical trials are accessible, especially to minority patients, and supporting sustained community outreach programs to increase clinical research awareness.


Assuntos
Grupos Minoritários , Neoplasias , Etnicidade , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapia , Seleção de Pacientes , Projetos Piloto
16.
PLoS One ; 16(2): e0245163, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33556053

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The simultaneous or intermittent use of alternative treatments and prescription medications for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus can have adverse health effects. OBJECTIVES: To identify beliefs and practices associated with the use of alternative treatments for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients. METHODS: A mixed-methods study including an investigator-administered survey and focus group discussion sessions using convenience sampling was conducted among patients aged ≥18 years during May to August 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and compare demographic characteristics among groups of survey participants using JMP Pro 14.0. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the qualitative data using NVivo. RESULTS: Most study participants (87-90%) were on prescription medication for their condition. Of survey participants, 69% reported taking their medication as prescribed and 70% felt that prescription medicine was controlling their condition. Almost all participants (98%) reported using alternative treatments, mainly herbal medications, and 73-80% felt that herbal medicines controlled their conditions. One-third believed that herbal medicines are the most effective form of treatment and should always be used instead of prescription medication. However, most participants (85%) did not believe that prescription and herbal treatments should be used simultaneously. Most (76-90%) did not discuss herbal treatments with their healthcare providers. Four themes emerged from the focus group sessions: 1) Simultaneous use of herbal and prescription medicine was perceived to be harmful, 2) Patients did not divulge their use of herbal medicine to healthcare providers, 3) Alternative medicines were perceived to be highly effective, and 4) Religiosity and family elders played key roles in herbal use. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful insights into perceptions and use of alternative treatments by patients that can be used by healthcare providers in developing appropriate interventions to encourage proper use of prescription medicines and alternative medicines resulting in improved management of these chronic diseases.


Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde/etnologia , Hipertensão/terapia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Terapias Complementares/métodos , Terapias Complementares/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Medicina Herbária/estatística & dados numéricos , Medicina Herbária/tendências , Humanos , Jamaica/epidemiologia , Masculino , Adesão à Medicação , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fitoterapia/estatística & dados numéricos , Plantas Medicinais , Medicamentos sob Prescrição/uso terapêutico , Inquéritos e Questionários
17.
J Clin Exp Hepatol ; 11(3): 327-333, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33519132

RESUMO

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of data on the management of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with Coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID-19) amid concerns about the risk of transmission during endoscopic procedures. We aimed to study the outcomes of conservative treatment for GI bleeding in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 24 of 1342 (1.8%) patients with COVID-19, presenting with GI bleeding from 22nd April to 22nd July 2020, were included. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.8 ± 12.7 years; 17 (70.8%) were males; upper GI (UGI) bleeding: lower GI (LGI) 23:1. Twenty-two (91.6%) patients had evidence of cirrhosis- 21 presented with UGI bleeding while one had bleeding from hemorrhoids. Two patients without cirrhosis were presumed to have non-variceal bleeding. The medical therapy for UGI bleeding included vasoconstrictors-somatostatin in 17 (73.9%) and terlipressin in 4 (17.4%) patients. All patients with UGI bleeding received proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFPs) and platelets were transfused in 14 (60.9%), 3 (13.0%) and 3 (13.0%), respectively. The median PRBCs transfused was 1 (0-3) unit(s). The initial control of UGI bleeding was achieved in all 23 patients and none required an emergency endoscopy. At 5-day follow-up, none rebled or died. Two patients later rebled, one had intermittent bleed due to gastric antral vascular ectasia, while another had rebleed 19 days after discharge. Three (12.5%) cirrhosis patients succumbed to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure during hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Conservative management strategies including pharmacotherapy, restrictive transfusion strategy, and close hemodynamic monitoring can successfully manage GI bleeding in COVID-19 patients and reduce need for urgent endoscopy. The decision for proceeding with endoscopy should be taken by a multidisciplinary team after consideration of the patient's condition, response to treatment, resources and the risks involved, on a case to case basis.

18.
Psychooncology ; 30(2): 167-175, 2021 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32964517

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Shared decision-making (SDM) occurs when physicians and patients jointly select treatment that aligns with patient care goals. Incorporating patient preferences into the decision-making process is integral to successful decision-making. This study explores factors influencing treatment selection in older patients with early-stage breast cancer (EBC). METHODS: This qualitative study included women age ≥65 years with EBC. To understand role preferences, patients completed the Control Preferences Scale. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore patients' treatment selection rationale. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative method identifying major themes related to treatment selection. RESULTS: Of 33 patients, the majority (48%) desired shared responsibility in treatment decision-making. Interviews revealed that EBC treatment incorporated three domains: Intrinsic and extrinsic influences, clinical characteristics, and patient values. Patients considered 19 treatment selection themes, the most prioritized including physician trust and physical side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Because preferences and approach to treatment selection varied widely in this sample of older, EBC patients, more research is needed to determine best practices for preference incorporation to optimize SDM at the time of treatment decisions.


Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/terapia , Tomada de Decisão Compartilhada , Preferência do Paciente/psicologia , Relações Médico-Paciente , Idoso , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Planejamento de Assistência ao Paciente , Pesquisa Qualitativa
20.
Breast Cancer Res Treat ; 184(1): 115-121, 2020 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32737711

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Little data exist on perceptions of guideline-based care in oncology. This qualitative analysis describes patients' and oncologists' views on the value of guideline-based care as well as discussing guidelines when making metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment decisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In-person interviews completed with MBC patients and community oncologists and focus groups with academic oncologists were audio-recorded and transcribed. Two coders utilized a content analysis approach to analyze transcripts independently using NVivo. Major themes and exemplary quotes were extracted. RESULTS: Participants included 20 MBC patients, 6 community oncologists, and 5 academic oncologists. Most patients were unfamiliar with the term "guidelines." All patients desired to know if they were receiving guideline-discordant treatment but were often willing to accept this treatment. Five themes emerged explaining this including trusting the oncologist, relying on the oncologist's experiences, being informed of rationale for deviation, personalized treatment, and openness to novel therapies. Physician discussions regarding the importance of guidelines revealed three themes: consistency with scientific evidence, insurance coverage, and limiting unusual practices. Oncologists identified three major limitations in using guidelines: lack of consensus, inability to "think outside the box" to personalize treatment, and lack of guideline timeliness. Although some oncologists discussed guidelines, it was often not considered a priority. CONCLUSIONS: Patients expressed a desire to know whether they were receiving guideline-based care but were amenable to guideline-discordant treatment if the rationale was made clear. Providers' preference to limit discussions of guidelines is discordant with patients' desire for this information and may limit shared decision-making.


Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama , Neoplasias , Oncologistas , Neoplasias da Mama/terapia , Tomada de Decisões , Tomada de Decisão Compartilhada , Feminino , Humanos , Oncologia , Relações Médico-Paciente
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