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3 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessAbstract

Demographic Associations of Stress-Induced Hair Loss Assessed in Medical Students

by Manar Edriss, Hassan Alfanharawi, Arif Musa, Samia Jaffar, Geoffrey Potts and Anil Aranha

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10872 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

Background/Purpose: Over half of medical students meet the criteria for medical student in distress, and nearly one-quarter report considering or taking a leave of absence during their training. Little is known about the relationship between psychological stress and hair loss. This study sets [...] Read more.

Background/Purpose: Over half of medical students meet the criteria for medical student in distress, and nearly one-quarter report considering or taking a leave of absence during their training. Little is known about the relationship between psychological stress and hair loss. This study sets out to identify demographic factors associated with stress-induced hair loss in a cohort of medical students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

1 pages, 197 KiB

Open AccessAbstract

Phenolic Compounds from Amaranthaceae Family as Potential Antitumor and Antibacterial Drugs

by Bernabe Nuñez-Estevez, Tiane C. Finimundy, Maria Carpena, Paz Otero, Marta Barral-Martinez, Tania C. S. Pires, Ricardo Calhelha, Pascual Garcia-Perez, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Miguel A. Prieto and Lilian Barros

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10870 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

Despite the numerous advances in modern medicine, cancer and bacterial diseases cause the death of 10 and 11 million people globally every year, respectively. Due to the significant heterogeneity associated with carcinogenesis and the constant emergence of resistant bacterial strains caused by the [...] Read more.

Despite the numerous advances in modern medicine, cancer and bacterial diseases cause the death of 10 and 11 million people globally every year, respectively. Due to the significant heterogeneity associated with carcinogenesis and the constant emergence of resistant bacterial strains caused by the misuse of antibiotics, the search for new compounds of natural origin, with bioactive properties related to tumor and bacterial diseases, is growing each year. One of the most relevant compounds found in plants are secondary metabolites, specifically phenolic compounds (PC). There is a vast literature on these molecules and their associated bioactivities, but the establishment of new trials revealing the therapeutic uses of these compounds is continually evolving. In this study, the identification and quantification of PC from three species of the Amaranthaceae family (Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R., Dicliptera chinensis (L.) Juss. and Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants) were carried out. In brief, the maceration of each sample was performed in ethanol/water (80:20 v/v). Then, PC were identified in the aqueous phase by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS), working in negative mode. The results showed a high flavonoid content in the three species, with a 11.4–15.1 mg/g range of extract. Apigenin, luteolin and isorhamnetin derivates were the most abundant compounds. Then, the cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of the extracts were determined. Different tumoral cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, NCI-H460) were cultivated in the presence of the extracts, and the results revealed high growth-inhibitory concentration 50% (GI₅₀) values, ranging from 263 ± 12 to 188 ± 14 µg/mL. In parallel, the antibacterial activity of the extracts was assessed against different Gram-positive (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-negative (Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) strains. A. sessilis showed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 5 mg/mL against M. morganii, as well as D. abrosioides, and MRSA strain. These results showed a significant phenolic compounds activity to be present in these three species, exhibiting a high potential for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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7 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Burnout Syndrome and Associated Sociodemographic Factors in Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Irena Ilic and Milena Ilic

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10869 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1454

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the demographic factors associated with burnout among medical students at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac, Serbia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Burnout syndrome was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey. Statistical [...] Read more.

The study was conducted to determine the demographic factors associated with burnout among medical students at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac, Serbia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Burnout syndrome was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey. Statistical evaluation was performed through chi-square and t-test. The study included 760 of the 836 medical students from the first to the sixth year who met the criteria for participation (response rate was 90.9%). Female sex was significantly associated with less cynicism compared to men (p = 0.007). Age was significantly associated with all dimensions of burnout; while cynicism and academic inefficiency increased with age (p < 0.001), emotional exhaustion decreased significantly with age (p = 0.030). The self-financing way of studying was significantly associated with greater cynicism (p = 0.018) and academic inefficiency (p < 0.001). Our research confirmed the association of sociodemographic characteristics and the level of burnout syndrome in medical students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

4 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Influence of Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with COVID-19

by Thiago Figueiredo Amaral, José Rodrigues dos Santos Neto and Sávio Benvindo Ferreira

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10855 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

COVID-19 is characterized by pulmonary involvement, which has generated a large number of hospitalizations and studies worldwide, motivating researchers in their search of a possible treatment and in the development of vaccines for the disease. However, other symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 have been [...] Read more.

COVID-19 is characterized by pulmonary involvement, which has generated a large number of hospitalizations and studies worldwide, motivating researchers in their search of a possible treatment and in the development of vaccines for the disease. However, other symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 have been less relevant pertaining to studies published to date. Thus, there is a need to establish a relationship between patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract caused by COVID-19, since the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract affects up to 53% of patients who contract SARS-CoV-2. In this perspective, the present study was an integrative review carried out at the Virtual Health Library and PubMed based on the health descriptors: gastrointestinal diseases and COVID-19, applying the Boolean operator “AND” between them. The selection criteria used were the eligibility criteria: articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, published between December 2019 and July 2020. Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, even with greater expression of ACE2, are not at increased risk of symptoms or worsening. Thus, based on the relationship between pre-existing symptoms and the symptoms of the new COVID-19, health professionals, based on their clinical experiences, will be able to compose prophylactic measures and manage patients with COVID-19 and gastrointestinal symptoms more effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

5 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effects of Adper™ Scotchbond™ 1 XT, Clearfil™ SE Bond 2 and Scotchbond™ Universal in Odontoblastic Activity

by Miguel Cardoso, Ana Coelho, Carlos Miguel Marto, Ana Cristina Gonçalves, Anabela Paula, Maria Filomena Botelho, Mafalda Laranjo and Eunice Carrilho

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10866 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

This study aimed to assess in vitro cytotoxicity for Adper™ Scotchbond™ 1 XT (SB1), Clearfil™ SE Bond 2 (CSE) and Scotchbond™ Universal (SBU), using MDPC-23 cell cultures. The metabolic activity, protein content, cell death types and cellular morphology were evaluated. All extracts determined [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess in vitro cytotoxicity for Adper™ Scotchbond™ 1 XT (SB1), Clearfil™ SE Bond 2 (CSE) and Scotchbond™ Universal (SBU), using MDPC-23 cell cultures. The metabolic activity, protein content, cell death types and cellular morphology were evaluated. All extracts determined a significant reduction in cell metabolism and viability. CSE extracts significantly reduced cell’s metabolic activity at its higher concentrations (50% and 100%). All adhesives determined a reduction in the number of viable cells. Changes were dependent on the adhesive, concentration and incubation time. CSE was the most cytotoxic and showed a higher degree of reactivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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6 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Risks Associated with the Use of Psychotropics in Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19

by Francisco Rogério Cavalcante Mota Júnior, Victor Rannier Barreto de Oliveira, Victor Hugo Farias da Silva and Sávio Benvindo Ferreira

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10854 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

In the context of the pandemic, negative implications for mental health have increased considerably, as well as the existing associations of psychotropics in this period to combat the new coronavirus. In view of this, the present integrative review aimed to verify the health [...] Read more.

In the context of the pandemic, negative implications for mental health have increased considerably, as well as the existing associations of psychotropics in this period to combat the new coronavirus. In view of this, the present integrative review aimed to verify the health impact of COVID-19 infection in patients with mental disorders who use psychotropics. As a result, the co-administration of these drugs represented a great risk at the systemic level, and can be lethal in certain cases. Thus, it is possible to conclude that patients with mental disorders taking psychotropic drugs are exposed to a greater risk of pharmacological interactions during COVID-19 treatment. That said, careful evaluations must be taken in order to implement an effective intervention that meets the needs of patients, always considering the risks of these drug associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

7 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Development of a Stacking-Based Ensemble Machine Learning for Detection of Depression in Parkinson’s Disease: Preliminary Research

by Haewon Byeon

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10857 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188

Abstract

This preliminary study used the stacking ensemble to explore the major elements (factors) which could predict depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease and presented baseline data for developing a nomogram prognostic index for predicting high-risk groups for depression among patients with Parkinson’s disease [...] Read more.

This preliminary study used the stacking ensemble to explore the major elements (factors) which could predict depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease and presented baseline data for developing a nomogram prognostic index for predicting high-risk groups for depression among patients with Parkinson’s disease in the future. Depression, an outcome variable, was divided into “with depression” and “without depression” using the Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30). This study developed nine machine learning models (ANN, random forest, naive bayes, CART, ANN+LR, random forest+LR, naive bayes+LR, CART+LR, and random forest+naive bayes+CART+ANN+LR). The predictive performance (e.g., REMS, IA, Ev) of each machine learning model was validated through 10-fold cross-validation. The analysis results showed that the random forest+LR had the best predictive performance: RMSE = 0.16, IA = 0.73, and Ev = 0.48. This study analyzed the normalized importance of the random forest+LR model’s variables (the final model) and confirmed that K-MMSE, K-MoCA, Global CDR, sum of boxes in CDR, total score of UPDRS, motor score of UPDRS, K-IADL, H and Y staging, Schwab and England ADL, and REM and RBD were ten major variables with high weight among predictors of Parkinson’s disease with depression in South Korea. It is necessary as well to develop interpretable machine learning to build a model for predicting depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease that can be used in the medical field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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5 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Antimicrobial Potential of Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coa Reductases Inhibitors

by Hélida Maravilha Dantas e Sousa Almeida, Igor de Sousa Oliveira and Sávio Benvindo Ferreira

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10853 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

This study proposes the contemplation of an ecumenical scenario on the antimicrobial potential of statins, based on a scientific narrative review, providing subsidies for research and possibilities in the face of this public health problem. To start the investigation, a guiding question was [...] Read more.

This study proposes the contemplation of an ecumenical scenario on the antimicrobial potential of statins, based on a scientific narrative review, providing subsidies for research and possibilities in the face of this public health problem. To start the investigation, a guiding question was elaborated to conduct the entire research process, using the PICo strategy (population/interest/context). The results reveal the antimicrobial potential of statins against different strains. The activity appears to be statin-specific/ bacteria-specific, with an emphasis on simvastatin and atorvastatin, and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as an adjuvant activity to rifampicin in the fight against mycobacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

6 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Looking at the Impact of Physical Activity on Gliobastomas Multiforme and Redox Metabolism

by Luis Felipe Marqueze, Eder Almeida Freire, Hélida Maravilha Dantas e Sousa Almeida, Maria Laryssa Monte da Silveira and Rafaelle Cavalcante Lira

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10873 - 15 Sep 2021

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Abstract

When considering a disorder without tumor redox metabolism, it is important to focus on glioblastoma multiforme. These are malignant tumors originating in astrocytes and oligodendroglia. They are highly aggressive and develop rapidly, and for this reason death can occur a few months after [...] Read more.

When considering a disorder without tumor redox metabolism, it is important to focus on glioblastoma multiforme. These are malignant tumors originating in astrocytes and oligodendroglia. They are highly aggressive and develop rapidly, and for this reason death can occur a few months after diagnosis. This study aims to provide an overview of the potential of physical activity against the redox system in glioblastoma multiforme. A narrative review was used as a method to gain a pertinent understanding of the topic. To help this study carry out its investigation, a guided question was imputed into electronic databases such as Pubmed Central, Scielo and Scopus. Answers to the question “what is the influence of physical exercise on the redox metabolism of glioblastoma multiforme?” were chosen to compose the final sample of studies. The results reveal that knowledge of oxidative stress processes against glioblastomas can provide insights into the different managements that slow the progress of the disease and decrease its morbidity and mortality. A positive regulation of mRNA from antioxidant enzymes was corrected, suggesting autophagy, damaging an anti-invasive effect of the tumor. However, other authors did not observe a reduction in the tumor. Although divergent, the information is promising for the clinical management and quality of life of patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

7 pages, 993 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

by Tarek Elshourbagy, James Robert Brašić and Alveena Batool Syed

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10859 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3375

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder afflicting 10 million people worldwide and the fourteenth leading cause of death in the United States, is caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons that regulate movement in the substantia nigra pars compacta. To [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder afflicting 10 million people worldwide and the fourteenth leading cause of death in the United States, is caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons that regulate movement in the substantia nigra pars compacta. To facilitate an assessment framework for providers to apply precision medicine to develop treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each person with possible PD and related conditions, we propose guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of people with possible PD and related conditions based on review of available knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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7 pages, 765 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Malignant Melanoma of Skin Mortality in Serbia, 1991–2019: A Joinpoint Analysis

by Irena Ilic and Milena Ilic

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10871 - 15 Sep 2021

Viewed by 927

Abstract

This is a nation-wide, descriptive epidemiological study. Joinpoint analysis was applied. The average annual ASR of malignant melanoma of skin mortality in men was higher than in women (11.2 per 100,000 and 3.3 per 100,000, respectively). Overall, a significantly decreasing trend for malignant [...] Read more.

This is a nation-wide, descriptive epidemiological study. Joinpoint analysis was applied. The average annual ASR of malignant melanoma of skin mortality in men was higher than in women (11.2 per 100,000 and 3.3 per 100,000, respectively). Overall, a significantly decreasing trend for malignant melanoma of skin mortality was observed, but one joinpoint was observed: a significant decrease of malignant melanoma mortality from 1991 to 2012 (by −1.6% per year, 95% CI = −2.0 to −1.2) was followed by a significant decrease to onwards (by −4.0% per year, 95% CI = −5.9 to −2.2). Further research will allow a clarification of trends and help in future cancer control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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7 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Led Appropriate Antimicrobial Therapy through the Implementation of Daily Prospective Audit and Feedback and Educational Intervention

by Atsushi Uda, Takeshi Kimura, Mari Kusuki, Rie Izuta, Mariko Yahata, Ikuko Yano and Takayuki Miyara

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10862 - 15 Sep 2021

Viewed by 808

Abstract

In our hospital, a full-time pharmacist specializing in antimicrobial therapy joined the newly launched antimicrobial stewardship team in May 2018, and started daily monitoring to optimize the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. For the medical staff to better understand antimicrobial therapy, the educational lectures [...] Read more.

In our hospital, a full-time pharmacist specializing in antimicrobial therapy joined the newly launched antimicrobial stewardship team in May 2018, and started daily monitoring to optimize the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. For the medical staff to better understand antimicrobial therapy, the educational lectures were conducted four times after intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a full-time pharmacist’s intervention on antimicrobial stewardship. The effects before (May–December 2017) and after the intervention period (May–December 2018) on antibiotic therapy and clinical outcomes were compared. The rate of blood culture collections before starting broad-spectrum antibiotics significantly increased after intervention (71% vs. 82%, p < 0.001), and initially prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics were significantly de-escalated (55% vs. 78%, p = 0.004). A significant reduction in the monthly use of antipseudomonal antibiotics was observed (50.5 vs. 41.8 defined daily doses per 1000 patient-days, p = 0.01). The incidence of hospital-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI) significantly decreased after intervention (1.12 vs. 0.54 cases per 10,000 patient-days, p = 0.033). The 30-day mortality rate did not change between the two periods (19.4% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.61). Our intervention ensured appropriate antimicrobial therapy and reduced the incidence of HA-CDI without worsening the clinical outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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7 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Risk Factors for Myocardial Infarction in Women and Men: A Case-Control Study

by Irena Ilic and Milena Ilic

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2021, 9(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ECCM-10876 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2492

Abstract

A hospital-based case-control study, analyzing risk factors for myocardial infarction, was conducted at the University Clinical Centre in Kragujevac (Serbia). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Our study comprised 374 participants: 187 newly [...] Read more.

A hospital-based case-control study, analyzing risk factors for myocardial infarction, was conducted at the University Clinical Centre in Kragujevac (Serbia). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Our study comprised 374 participants: 187 newly diagnosed patients with myocardial infarction and 187 controls. The increase in risk for acute myocardial infarction was associated with obesity (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1–4.1), stressful life events in personal history (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.5–5.4) and cholesterol level (OR = 7.6; 95% CI = 2.0–28.4) in men, while diabetes mellitus (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.6–16.8), smoking (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.4–6.5) and menopause (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 1.1–28.7) were associated with increased risk in women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Clinical Medicine)

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