Journal of Health Sciences

Association between stress and self-reported bruxism among students from University of Sarajevo during the COVID-19 pandemic

2023-04-11T11:40:07+02:00

Introduction: Stress among students is a growing problem. As emotional stress increases, the limbic structures and hypothalamus are stimulated, activating the gamma efferent system, which ultimately leads to an increase in muscle tone or additional muscle activity that can become repetitive behaviors such as bruxism. The aim of the study was to investigate the stress level that students are exposed to, to determine the difference between students in terms of gender, faculty, and year of study, and to evaluate the possible relationship between stress level and self-reported bruxism in college students during the pandemic COVID-19.

Methods: In April 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of students from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo (BiH). The students answered a questionnaire consisting of two parts: The first part contained questions on basic personal data and data on self-reported bruxism and the second part contained questions on the perceived stress scale (PSS).

Results: The study included 756 students from both faculties. Analysis of stress levels among students revealed higher stress levels. Female students were more likely to be under stress than male respondents. Students in the Faculty of Pharmacy were more likely to be stressed than students in the Faculty of Dentistry. At the Faculty of Pharmacy, there was no difference in stress levels between the different years of study, while at the Faculty of Dentistry, the individual score for PSS was highest among 1st-year students. A high prevalence (46.8%) of self-reported bruxism was found among students in both faculties.

Conclusion: A slight positive correlation between self-reported bruxism and stress suggests that it is important to implement stress management strategies during academic education and to prevent bruxism and its consequences.

Comparative analysis of different physical therapy programs in the treatment of people with knee osteoarthritis

2023-04-11T11:17:46+02:00

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) develops gradually and causes pain, a decrease in range of motion, muscle mass, and strength and leads to a decrease in physical activity and a poor quality of life for the patient. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different physiotherapy programs on pain intensity, range of motion, and quality of life in people with knee OA.

Methods: The study was designed as a prospective, experimental, and randomized trial. Sixty subjects of both sexes and all ages with OA of the knee were enrolled in the study. In the studied Group I (n = 30), in addition to the standard protocol, high induction electromagnetic stimulation was applied using a Salus Talent device with a strength of 3 T and a frequency of up to 50 Hz for 10 min. In the test Group II (n = 30), in addition to the standard protocol, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) with a power of 5 J was applied with the help of the Ilux Yag 1064 device for 7 min. The therapy protocol for both test groups lasted 8 weeks, with subjects treated once a week.

Results: Analysis of the mean scores on the VAS scale shows that in both groups, the lowest mean scores were recorded in the III measurement (4.35) and the highest in the I measurement (7.96). In all three measurements, there was a difference in the extent of mobility of internal rotation in the form of a higher average range of motion in the test group II, in which HILT was applied. Analysis of the mean scores on the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score quality of life scale showed that in both groups, the lowest mean scores were recorded at the first measurement (14.84), with the mean score increasing at the second (32.95) and third measurements (41.08).

Conclusion: Both methods showed significant results in reducing pain intensity, improving knee mobility, activities of daily living, and quality of life in people with knee OA. The obtained data do not give preference to any method but indicate them as adequate physiotherapy protocols to improve the function and quality of life of people with knee OA.

The effect of the application of Kinesio Tape on pain relief in musculoskeletal disorders

2023-05-09T11:58:42+02:00

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in men and women of all ages in all sociodemographic strata of society. Pain and functional limitations caused by MSDs severely limit independence and quality of life and interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in family and social life and work. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the Kinesio Tape (KT) technique on pain intensity in patients with MSDs of the upper and/or lower extremities before, during, and after therapeutic treatment.

Methods: The study involved 123 patients of both sexes and all ages diagnosed with MSDs of the upper and/or lower extremities. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, a control group and an experimental group. The control group received the standard therapy protocol for MSDs, while the experimental group received the standard therapy protocol for MSDs plus the KT technique on the treated segment. The brief pain inventory was used to assess pain intensity. Both groups of participants were tested with the research instruments at baseline, during and after therapeutic treatment.

Results: The ability to walk due to pain was significantly less impaired in the control group than in participants in the experimental group, in whom pain significantly impeded walking (p < 0.001). Normal walking was significantly more impaired in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Pain significantly impaired relationships with others in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Subjects in the experimental group showed a significant decrease in pain in all areas after therapeutic treatment with KT compared to subjects in the control group.

Inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in females with metabolic syndrome aged 50–75 years

2023-04-26T12:59:03+02:00

Introduction: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Indonesia is 39% and it is higher in females than in males (46% vs. 28%). Features of this syndrome comprise low-grade chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction from cardiometabolic abnormalities. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (HsCRP) is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease, whereas ferritin and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) are markers of chronic inflammation. One of the markers of endothelial dysfunction is an intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Studies on MetS in women aged 50–70 years and using several markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are rare. The study aimed to determine differences in HsCRP, ferritin, PTX-3, and ICAM-1 level between females with and without MetS aged 50–75 years.

Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 160 females aged 50–75 years from South Jakarta were recruited, divided into MetS and non-MetS (control) groups, 80 participants each. Participants that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for vital signs and metabolic parameters (e.g., lipid profile, fasting blood glucose level, and waist circumference [WC]). The groups were compared using an independent t-test for inflammatory (i.e., HsCRP, PTX-3, and ferritin) and endothelial dysfunction (ICAM-1) (p < 0.05) biomarkers.

Results: The mean age of the MetS and control groups was 59.6 ± 5.6 and 59.2 ± 5.5 years. MetS criteria included WC of ≥80 cm (95.2%), increased blood pressure level (90.6%); and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of <50 mg/dL (76.2%). Significant differences were found between the MetS and control groups for ferritin (p = 0.027), PTX-3 (p = 0.045), and ICAM-1 (p = 0.004) but not for HsCRP (p = 0.136).

Conclusion: Elevated ferritin, PTX-3 level, and ICAM-1 level are significantly associated with an increased Mets risk in females aged 50–75 years; however, the same is not true for HsCRP.

Quality of life of families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Family health domain

2023-05-11T14:57:44+02:00

Introduction: The most general definition of quality of life states that “quality of life is the degree of what makes life good.” Contemporary disability research increasingly relies on examining the quality of life of the whole family. Health and developmental outcomes are affected by the health of children and their environment. The objective of this study is to determine the difference in quality of life between families with children with disabilities and families with children without disabilities in the area of family health.

Methods: The Family Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The test group consisted of 41 families of children with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities who use day care centers. The control group consisted of 69 families of children without disabilities whose members are employed in day care centers.

Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the quality of life of families of children with disabilities and families of children without disabilities in the area of family health within the concept of satisfaction with family health (p = 0.0001), with respondents in the test group reporting a lower mean score of 3.1 ± 0.86 compared to subjects in the control group 3.94 ± 0.62. None of the respondents in the test group reported being very satisfied with family health, while for most respondents in both groups, 38 (92.8%) in the test group and 66 (95.7%) in the control group, family health was very important for quality of life.

Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was found in the quality of life of families of children with disabilities and families of children without disabilities within the concept of achievement, the concept of satisfaction with family health and the determination is a statistically significant difference in relation to the existence of health services in the place of residence.

RS17817449 FTO gene variation associated with familial disease burden rather than individual risk for breast cancer

2023-06-05T12:01:26+02:00

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in the female population globally. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal BC, BC recurrence, and mortality. Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene polymorphisms have attracted the most attention due to several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may have an impact on obesity and different types of cancer. The primary goal of our work was to assess the association of the SNP rs17817449 FTO, physical status/metabolic changes, and dietary habits with the occurrence of BC.

Methods: We conducted research as a population-genetic study including 93 women with a diagnosis of BC during their lifetime. Genomic DNA was extracted from the swabs of the buccal mucosa. Genotyping was achieved by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The IBM SPSS Statistics program v. 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. All values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The risk genotype of the FTO gene (rs17817449) GG was detected in 16 subjects (17.2%), the heterozygous TG in 46 subjects (49.5%), while the normal genotype TT was recorded in 29 subjects (31.2%). We found no statistically significant difference in the body mass index values of the three genotype groups, p = 0.72, χ2 = 2.1 and no significant relationship between the allelic or genotypic frequencies of the rs17817449 FTO gene polymorphism and other variables examined in our study. Analysis of the distribution of hereditary diseases in the family according to the molecular subtype of BC showed statistically significant p-values, p = 0.02.

Conclusion: While previous research has suggested a potential link between FTO gene polymorphism, obesity, and BC, our study did not find a statistically significant association between the aforementioned variables. Future studies with a larger number of subjects in different populations should confirm the role of the FTO genotype in the risk of BC.

Knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices of leptospirosis affected populations in South Andaman, India: A cross-sectional study

2023-05-15T12:11:01+02:00

Introduction: Leptospirosis is the most common reoccurring zoonosis worldwide. Climatic conditions in tropical and subtropical regions are optimal for Leptospira survival. The pathogen thrives in flood-prone slum settlements of underprivileged areas where waste, open sewers, and standing water are present.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using universal sampling methodology was conducted to determine associations
between sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of leptospirosis-infected individuals compared with a control group from the South Andaman population.

Results: Eight hundred and one (388 cases and 413 controls) subjects were included in the study. Overall, 61.5% of the participants were male, while the main occupation of 43.94% of the subjects was farming or agricultural work. Multilogistic regression assessing the likelihood of good knowledge about leptospirosis showed that leptospirosis-positive subjects were more likely to have good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.5 [95% CI: 2.59–4.97], p < 0.001), better attitude (AOR: 97.30 [95% CI: 41.72–226.9], p < 0.001] than leptospirosis-negative subjects, male population groups were also more likely to have a good attitude (AOR: 3.03 [95% CI: 1.94–4.73], p < 0.001), and those whose main occupation is farming were more likely to have a good attitude (AOR: 3.59 [95% CI: 2.31–5.56], p < 0.001). The leptospirosis seropositive group was more likely to have good practices (AOR: 5.80 [95% CI: 3.58–8.73], p < 0.001), rural residents were 88% less likely to have good practice levels than urban residents (AR: 0.12 [95% CI: 0.07–0.20], p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The infected group had better knowledge than the control group. The integration of knowledge and attitudes to maintain good practices, along with the provision of an adequate sanitation system, waste disposal system, and availability of essential personal protective equipment is necessary for disease control in these islands.

Systemic inflammatory indexes (NLR, DNLR, PLR and SII) role in predicting COVID-19 progression

2023-06-07T09:20:10+02:00

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a worldwide emergency. The disease is characterized primarily by symptoms of the respiratory system, but also by systemic inflammation. Since the onset of the disease, there has been a need for biomarkers to predict the severity of the clinical picture and the outcome of the disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate systemic inflammatory markers for predicting severity of COVID-19.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Sarajevo Canton Health Center on a total of 170 adults suffering from COVID-19. 70 subjects had mild clinical picture, while the control group consisted of 100 subjects with moderate clinical picture. The results of complete and differential blood counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and systemic inflammatory indexes (SII) (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [NLR], derived NLR [dNLR], platelet/lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and SII) were used to compare the groups. IBM SPSS Ver. 23 was used for statistical analysis and data processing.

Results: The proportion of male patients in the group with a milder clinical picture was higher than the proportion of male patients with a moderate clinical picture, p = 0.016. The values of leukocytes and neutrophils were higher in patients with a moderate clinical picture (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). The values of all inflammatory indexes (NLR, dNLR, PLR and SII) were higher in patients with a moderate clinical picture of COVID-19 than in patients with a mild clinical picture (p < 0.001 for NLR, dNLR, and SII; p = 0.023 for PLR). In the research, patient age showed no correlation and CRP showed no correlation with SII.

Conclusion: SII show higher values in patients with a moderate compared with a mild clinical picture of COVID-19. These parameters can be cost-effective and useful indicators in patient classification, diagnosis, and probably in monitoring patients with COVID-19.

A comparison of post-operative parameters between the Shouldice methods modified according to Berliner darn and the Lichtenstein method in the repair of inguinal hernias

2023-05-22T09:36:38+02:00

Introduction: Surgical treatment of inguinal hernia is one of the most common procedures in surgery. Various techniques can be used to repair inguinal hernias, but the two most commonly used are the Shouldice surgical technique, modified by the Berliner Darn and Lichtenstein techniques, as a non-extension technique. However, despite the long tradition of surgical hernia treatment, there is still no consensus on the best or most appropriate surgical technique for elective inguinal hernia repair. Therefore, it remains a challenge for surgeons to choose the appropriate hernia repair method on a case-by-case basis that results in low complications and faster recovery. The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of the Shouldice surgical technique modified by the Berliner Darn and Lichtenstein techniques in the treatment of hernias with respect to certain post-operative parameters.

Methods: A prospective and cohort study was conducted at the Clinical Hospital in Tetovo. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia and treated in hospital. The monitored patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used: 50 patients treated with Shouldice technique modified by Berliner Darn and 50 patients treated with Lichtenstein technique. In addition, we based the selection of the groups mainly on the reproductive age of the patients. Only male patients were treated in both groups, as there were very few female cases during the study period.

Results: Patients operated on with the Lichtenstein technique were more mobile postoperatively, post-operative pain was less severe and return to daily and occupational activities and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter than with the Shouldice technique.

Conclusion: The Lichtenstein tension-free surgical technique is more efficient and adequate than the modified Shouldice technique according to Berliner Darn in terms of post-operative pain intensity, length of hospital stay, return to daily activities, and return to work.

Epidemiological data and clinico-pathological features of squamous and basal cell carcinoma: A 20-year single-institution experience

2023-08-10T10:44:39+02:00

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common skin malignancies in the heterogeneous group of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Due to increasing incidence these tumours remain significant health problem worldwide.

Methods: We conducted retrospective analysis to evaluate the incidence of primary BCCs and SCCs in our institution from 2003 to 2022, and to correlate it with available clinical data.

Results: We noticed that the incidence of NMSC increased between 2018 and 2022 (p<0.01). Among 1570 patients diagnosed with NMSC, BCC represented 77.9% of cases. BCC was constantly more common type of NMSC with statistically significant difference in the period from 2003-2005 and in the period from 2017- 2022 (p<0.01). Nodular subtype of the BCC was the most common, affecting primarily face. Superficial BCC occurred most commonly on trunk (p<0.01), affecting younger patients than the other histological subtypes (mean age 61.29±13.47 years (p<0.01). High-risk BCCs in men were more common on face and scalp (p<0.05). BCCs were predominantly smaller tumours (<2 cm) in contrast to SCCs with highest incidence in pT2-pT4 group (p<0.01). SCC patients were older (mean age 72.89±9.7) than BCC patients (mean age 65.15±12.80) (p<0.01).

Conclusion: In order to improve prevention strategies and prevent further increase in incidence, there is need to develop current and exact registries of these malignancies, especially separately BCC and SCC.

The efficacy and safety of autologous activated platelet-rich plasma therapy as adjuvant treatment of atopic dermatitis in pregnant woman

2023-07-09T11:39:31+02:00

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder which involves skin barrier and immune dysregulation. The management of AD involves the use of moisturizers and immunosuppressant which are only used for temporary symptom relief and may potentially harm the fetal growth. Autologous activated platelet-rich plasma (aaPRP) is a potential adjuvant treatment for symptom control in pregnant AD patient. This report examines a case of a pregnant patient with AD treated with aaPRP and the monitoring of fetal growth until birth.

Case Report: A 37-year-old pregnant patient with a history of AD when in contact with latex or consumption of dairy products came to Hayandra Clinic. As she had been working as anesthesiologist continuously in contact with latex gloves, she underwent routine aaPRP therapy for 3 years and had 15 aaPRP treatments over the course of her pregnancy. The patient had lesser lesions when AD was induced, no exacerbation of symptoms during pregnancy, and the baby was healthy during pregnancy to birth.

Conclusion: The use of aaPRP therapy for the management of AD may be indicated as it controls the symptoms yet is safe for the patient during pregnancy. There was also no harm effect showing on the fetal development. A larger study such as randomized controlled trial is required to evaluate our findings.