Why cancer patients choose in-patient complementary therapy in palliative care: a qualitative study at Arokhayasala Hospice in Thailand

Cancer patients often choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in palliative care, often in addition to conventional treatment and without medical advice or approval. Herbal medicines (HM) are the most commonly used type of CAM, but rarely available on an in-patient basis for palliative care. The motivations which lead very ill patients to travel far to receive such therapies are not clear. A qualitative study was therefore carried out to investigate influences on choosing to attend a CAM herbal hospice, to identify cancer patients’ main concerns about end-of-life care. Semi-structured interviews with 32 patients were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Patients were recruited from Arokhayasala, a Buddhist cancer hospice in Thailand which provides CAM, in the form of HM, a restricted diet, Thai yoga, deep-breathing exercises, meditation, chanting, Dhamma, laughter and music therapy, free-of-charge. The main factors influencing decision-making were a positive attitude towards HMs and previous use of them, dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, the home environment and their relationships with hospital doctors. Patients’ own perceptions and experiences were more important in making the decision to use CAM, and especially HM, in palliative cancer care than referral by healthcare professionals or scientific evidence of efficacy. Patients were prepared to travel far and live away from home to receive such care, especially as it was cost-free. In view of patients’ previously stated satisfaction with the regime at the Arokhayasala, these findings may be relevant to the provision of in-patient cancer palliative care to other patients.

Discovering biomarkers for antidepressant response: protocol from the Canadian biomarker integration network in depression (CAN-BIND) and clinical characteristics of the first patient cohort

Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is among the most prevalent and disabling medical conditions worldwide. Identification of clinical and biological markers (“biomarkers”) of treatment response could personalize clinical decisions and lead to better outcomes. This paper describes the aims, design, and methods of a discovery study of biomarkers in antidepressant treatment response, conducted by the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND). The CAN-BIND research program investigates and identifies biomarkers that help to predict outcomes in patients with MDD treated with antidepressant medication. The primary objective of this initial study (known as CAN-BIND-1) is to identify individual and integrated neuroimaging, electrophysiological, molecular, and clinical predictors of response to sequential antidepressant monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in MDD. Methods CAN-BIND-1 is a multisite initiative involving 6 academic health centres working collaboratively with other universities and research centres. In the 16-week protocol, patients with MDD are treated with a first-line antidepressant (escitalopram 10–20 mg/d) that, if clinically warranted after eight weeks, is augmented with an evidence-based, add-on medication (aripiprazole 2–10 mg/d). Comprehensive datasets are obtained using clinical rating scales; behavioural, dimensional, and functioning/quality of life measures; neurocognitive testing; genomic, genetic, and proteomic profiling from blood samples; combined structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging; and electroencephalography. De-identified data from all sites are aggregated within a secure neuroinformatics platform for data integration, management, storage, and analyses. Statistical analyses will include multivariate and machine-learning techniques to identify predictors, moderators, and mediators of treatment response. Discussion From June 2013 to February 2015, a cohort of 134 participants (85 outpatients with MDD and 49 healthy participants) has been evaluated at baseline. The clinical characteristics of this cohort are similar to other studies of MDD. Recruitment at all sites is ongoing to a target sample of 290 participants. CAN-BIND will identify biomarkers of treatment response in MDD through extensive clinical, molecular, and imaging assessments, in order to improve treatment practice and clinical outcomes. It will also create an innovative, robust platform and database for future research.

Balancing the role of the dental school in teaching, research and patient care; including care for underserved areas

Inequalities within dentistry are common and are reflected in wide differences in the levels of oral health and the standard of care available both within and between countries and communities. Furthermore there are patients, particularly those with special treatment needs, who do not have the same access to dental services as the general public. The dental school should aim to recruit students from varied backgrounds into all areas covered by the oral healthcare team and to train students to treat the full spectrum of patients including those with special needs. It is essential, however, that the dental student achieves a high standard of clinical competence and this cannot be gained by treating only those patients with low expectations for care. Balancing these aspects of clinical education is difficult. Research is an important stimulus to better teaching and better clinical care. It is recognized that dental school staff should be active in research, teaching, clinical work and frequently administration. Maintaining a balance between the commitments to clinical care, teaching and research while also taking account of underserved areas in each of these categories is a difficult challenge but one that has to be met to a high degree in a successful, modern dental school.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis in a patient with facial myiasis

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a severe encephalic complication of the cervicofacial infections that can lead to death if not treated in adequate time. Among the several etiologies related to the development of this infection, myiasis has not been reported, enforcing the importance of the report of a case of thrombosis of the cavernous sinus developed from a facial myiasis. (Quintessence Int 2010;41:e72-e74)

Schilbach-Rott/blepharofacioskeletal syndrome in a Brazilian patient

We report on a 4-year-old girl with blepharophimosis, a typical facial gestalt and skeletal abnormalities seen in the blepharofacioskeletal syndrome (BFSS). A comparative review with previous cases provides further evidence that BFSS and Schilbach-Rott syndrome (SRS) are the same condition. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Iodide Transport Defect: Functional Characterization of a Novel Mutation in the Na(+)/I(-) Symporter 5 `-Untranslated Region in a Patient with Congenital Hypothyroidism

Context: Iodide transport defect (ITD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by impaired Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS)-mediated active iodide accumulation into thyroid follicular cells. Clinical manifestations comprise a variable degree of congenital hypothyroidism and goiter, and low to absent radioiodide uptake, as determined by thyroid scintigraphy. Hereditary molecular defects in NIS have been shown to cause ITD. Objective: Our objective was to perform molecular studies on NIS in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism presenting a clinical ITD phenotype. Design: The genomic DNA encoding NIS was sequenced, and an in vitro functional study of a newly identified NIS mutation was performed. Results: The analysis revealed the presence of an undescribed homozygous C to T transition at nucleotide -54 (-54C>T) located in the 5`-untranslated region in the NIS sequence. Functional studies in vitro demonstrated that the mutation was associated with a substantial decrease in iodide uptake when transfected into Cos-7 cells. The mutation severely impaired NIS protein expression, although NIS mRNA levels remained similar to those in cells transfected with wild-type NIS, suggesting a translational deficiency elicited by the mutation. Polysome profile analysis demonstrated reduced levels of polyribosomes-associated mutant NIS mRNA, consistent with reduced translation efficiency. Conclusions: We described a novel mutation in the 5`-untranslated region of the NIS gene in a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism bearing a clinical ITD phenotype. Functional evaluation of the molecular mechanism responsible for impaired NIS-mediated iodide concentration in thyroid cells indicated that the identified mutation reduces NIS translation efficiency with a subsequent decrease in protein expression and function. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96: E1100-E1107, 2011)

Effect of Short-term High-Dose Creatine Supplementation on Measured GFR in a Young Man With a Single Kidney

It currently is unknown whether creatine supplementation is safe for people with or at risk of kidney disease. We report on the short-term effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function in a young man with a single kidney and mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A 20-year-old man who had undergone unilateral nephrectomy and presented with mildly decreased GFR without kidney damage underwent a trial with 35 days of creatine supplementation (20 g/d for 5 days followed by 5 g/d for the next 30 days) and had his kidney function monitored. After the intervention, (51)Cr-EDTA clearance (pre, 81.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2); post, 82.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), proteinuria (protein excretion: pre, 130 mg/d; post, 120 mg/d), and electrolyte levels were unchanged. Albuminuria, serum urea level, and estimated creatinine clearance were decreased (pre, 4.6 mg/d; post, 2.9 mg/d; pre, 37 mg/d; post, 28 mg/dL; and pre, 88 mL/min/1.73 m(2); post, 71 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively), whereas serum creatinine level was slightly increased (pre, 1.03 mg/dL; post, 1.27 mg/dL), falsely suggesting kidney function impairment. This prospective report suggests that short-term creatine supplementation may not affect kidney function in an individual with a single kidney, mild decreased GFR, and ingesting a high-protein diet (ie, 2.8 g/kg/d). This finding has great relevance considering that creatine-induced kidney disease has been a growing concern, even for healthy people. Am J Kidney Dis 55: e7-e9. (C) 2010 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Omvårdnad vid Amyotrofisk lateral skleros : erfarenheter ur ett patient och anhörigperspektiv : En systematisk litteraturstudie

Amyotrofisk lateral skleros (ALS) är en fortskridande neurologiska sjukdom som ger den drabbade och de anhöriga mycket sorg och smärta. Syftet med föreliggande systematiska litteraturstudie var att utifrån aktuell vetenskaplig litteratur beskriva upplevelsen och behovet av omvårdnad som den sjuke i ALS och deras anhöriga behövde. Syftet var också att beskriva vilken typ av information och stöd som behövdes. De vetenskapliga artiklarna som ligger till grund för denna litteraturstudie har sökt på databaserna Elin@Dalarna och Blackwell Synergy. Artiklarna skulle vara publicerade mellan åren 2000-2007 och vara skrivna på engelska. Även manuella sökningar har gjorts. Resultatet visade att sjukvården hade ett stort ansvar att stötta, hjälpa och informera vid denna fortskridande neurologiska sjukdom. Det fanns behov av multiinriktad omvårdnad där många olika professioner ingick för att kunna ge patienterna den helhetsvård de behövde. Det framkom att anhöriga var de som hade den givna omvårdnadsrollen och att de hade ett behov av avlastning och information om sjukdomen, behandlingen och symtomen. Anhöriga upplevde sjukdomen som en stor börda och påverkade deras egna hälsa.

Palliativ omvårdnad : Ur ett patient-, närstående- och sjuksköterskeperspektiv

Syftet med denna systematiska litteraturstudie var att belysa patientens, närståendes samt sjuksköterskans upplevelser av palliativ vård, för att förbättra kvaliteten på omvårdnaden. Litteraturen söktes genom Högskolan Dalarnas databaser samt från tillgängliga e-tidskrifter. Till resultatdelen valdes 19 vetenskapliga artiklar i huvudsak från Europa, men även USA, skrivna på engelska. För att bedöma artiklarnas trovärdighet granskades dessa med hjälp av två granskningsmallar. I resultatet framgick att patienter upplevde det viktigt att behålla kontrollen över sitt liv trots sjukdomen. Genom sitt förhållningssätt kunde sjuksköterskan hjälpa patienten att bibehålla kontrollen och därmed bevara patientens livskvalitet. Närståendes känslomässiga reaktioner är många då en person i deras närhet drabbats av en livshotande sjukdom. De upplevde en sorg som börjar dagen efter diagnosen och fortsätter till långt efter patientens död. Även strukturen i närståendes dagliga liv förändrades, vilket ofta ledde till ensamhet. Sjuksköterskan hade en viktig uppgift att bygga upp en fungerande relation till patienten samt till närstående. Resultatet uppmärksammade även att ett bra samarbete i det palliativa teamet var betydelsefullt för patientens omvårdnad.

När Viljan inte finns att Leva : Suicidbenägenhet ur ett sjuksköterske- och patient perspektivEn systematisk litteraturstudie

Syftet med denna systematiska litteraturstudie var att undersöka vilka attityder sjuksköterskor hade gentemot suicidala patienter, vilka upplevelser patienter hade efter ett suicidförsök och hur de upplevde omvårdnaden de fick. I syftet ingick även att undersöka vilka kunskaper som en sjuksköterska behöver ha i mötet med suicidala personer. Sökning av artiklar har gjorts på databaserna Elin@Dalarna och Blackwell Synergy där sökorden attitudes, care, caring, nursing, nurse, suicide användes i olika kombinationer. Artiklarna skulle vara vetenskapliga, inte publicerade före 1997 och svara på syfte och frågeställning. För att säkerställa att kvalitén på artiklarna var god granskades de med hjälp av en granskningsmall. Sammanlagt ligger tretton artiklar till grund för resultatet i denna litteraturstudie. Resultatet visade att sjuksköterskor ofta hade en negativ attityd i arbetet med suicidpatienter, och sjuksköterskor på akuta avdelningar tenderade att vara mera negativa än de på psykiatriska avdelningar. Suicidpatientens personlighet hade betydelse för vilken attityd sjuksköterskan hade. Utbildning visade sig medföra en mera positiv inställning. Resultatet visade också att suicidpatienter ofta kände skam och känslor av misslyckande efter suicidförsök. Attityden sjuksköterskan visade påverkade patientens väg tillbaka. Det var viktigt för dem att bli sedd, lyssnad på och inte bli fördömd. Litteraturstudien visade att sjuksköterskor behöver kunskap och utbildning för att kunna möta denna patientgrupp för att ge bästa tänkbara omvårdnad i behandlingsarbetet.

Copingstrategier vid bröstcancer : Ur ett patient- och familjeperspektivEn systematisk litteraturstudie

Syftet med denna systematiska litteraturstudie var att undersöka vilka copingstrategier som kvinnor med bröstcancer, deras partners och barn använde. De vetenskapliga artiklar som ligger till grund för litteraturstudiens resultat söktes på databaserna Elin@Dalarna, Wiley InterScience och PubMed. De valda artiklarnas vetenskaplighet granskades med modifierade versioner av Willman, Stoltz & Bahtsevani och Forsberg & Wengströms granskningsmallar. Resultatet av denna litteraturstudie visade att det fanns olika copingstrategier som användes för hantering av kvinnors bröstcancer. Flera studiers forskningsresultat visade att de copingstrategier som kvinnor med bröstcancer använde var religion, acceptans, att ha ett positivt synsätt, förnekelse, emotionellt stöd och undvikande. Ytterligare copingstrategier som kvinnor använde var socialt stöd, aktiva copingstrategier, planering, att ventilera sig, humor och att sysselsätta sig med olika aktiviteter samt att ha ett oskäligt beteende. De copingstrategier som förekom hos kvinnornas partners var gruppstöd och kommunikation. Barn till kvinnor med bröstcancer använde sig av religion, kommunikation och stöd samt undvikande som copingstrategier.