Search Results (148)

Goat (Capra hircus) welfare is an important issue in any farming system. The aim of the study was a comprehensive analysis of the impact of environmental factors and farming practices on the welfare of goats, with particular attention to physical, behavioural, and emotional aspects. It includes a review of the up-to-date literature on the effects of environmental conditions including air temperature, air humidity, space, feeding systems, social relationships (mother–offspring, human–animal, animal–animal), zootechnical procedures (dehorning, castration, hoof trimming) and welfare assessment methods. It compares the AWIN, Anzuino, Muri and Leite protocols for assessing goat welfare and their application in the Five Domain Model. Goat welfare is strongly influenced by their environment, nutrition and socialisation: heat stress and confined space cause physiological disorders, decreased immunity and increased aggressive behaviour and a monotonous diet leads to frustration and reduced cognitive activity, whereas positive early contact with humans reduces anxiety and maintaining the mother–kid bond supports the social development of young goats. Furthermore, significant improvements in welfare and stress reduction can be achieved by providing anaesthesia and painkillers where necessary to minimise pain and enriching the environment with items that support natural behaviour, such as platforms, brushes and items for cognitive tasks. In general, the keeper should take a holistic approach, combining environmental optimisation, humane husbandry practices and regular monitoring using validated assessment protocols to improve welfare. These measures are both an ethical obligation and a prerequisite for animal health and production efficiency. Nevertheless, there is a need for further research focussing on the development of non-invasive assessment methods and innovative forms of environmental enrichment. Full article

Peptides from scorpion venom, mainly in species such as Olivierus martensii (formerly Olivierus martensii Karsch, often designated BMK) (BmK) and Tityus serrulatus from the Buthidae family, show real promise as painkillers that skip opioids altogether. They work by hitting specific ion channels and dialing down inflammation. This review gathers information on their molecular setups: disulfide-bridged types and those without, weighing in at 3 to 10 kilodaltons (kDa). Structural features include motifs stabilized by cysteines. In pain signaling, they block voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) such as NaV1.7 and NaV1.8; take the BmK analgesic–antitumor peptide (BmK-AGAP) for example. Additionally, scorpion venom heat-resistant peptide (SVHRP) reduces microglia activity. Tests on rodents using formalin injections, acetic acid writhing, and chronic constriction injury (CCI) setups reveal pain relief that depends on dose and stacks up to morphine. Pairings like AGAP with lidocaine decrease the effective dose by half. In terms of safety, therapeutic levels have low-toxicity with a median lethal dose (LD50) over 20 mg/kg. Issues crop up with immune responses, unintended targets, and differences in venom batches. Clinical information remains thin, so gaps persist. Engineered versions could change the game for neuropathic pain, inflammatory conditions, and cancer-related discomfort. Standardization plus Phase I studies would help move this forward. Full article

Prescription drug misuse among youth is a significant public health problem that can lead to negative consequences, including addiction and overdose deaths. This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based hybrid approach in preventing prescription drug misuse outcomes in high school students. The prevention program used a combination of e-learning modules and classroom activities to enhance social and personal competence skills and refusal skills to deter prescription drug misuse and other types of substance misuse. Findings indicated that prescription sedative misuse was lower among students who received the hybrid prevention program compared to students in the control group. Perceived risk of using prescription sedatives, painkillers, and stimulants prescribed for someone else was higher in the intervention group relative to the control group students. These findings indicate that a comprehensive, universal school-based hybrid prevention program can produce positive impacts on sedative use and perceived risks of prescription drug misuse. Full article

The treatment of diabetes in the modern era, with its growing patient population, represents a significant challenge due to the wide range of adverse effects associated with medications that target complex biochemical processes. Consequently, researchers are investigating the hypoglycemic potential of existing drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat pain, fever, and various inflammatory conditions. Recent studies have shown that NSAIDs, particularly salicylates, can influence glycemia through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of gastrointestinal enzymes, blockade of K_ATP channels, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibition of NF-κB signaling, among others. Accordingly, this review explores the hypoglycemic potential of NSAIDs as well as their derivatives, and the diverse mechanisms through which these molecules may influence glucose homeostasis. Full article

We report a rare case of isolated bilateral pedicle fractures in the lumbar spine that occurred without any identifiable risk factors. Such fractures are uncommon, as they are typically accompanied by multiple other fractures. This type of fracture is commonly associated with widely acknowledged predisposing factors, including high-energy trauma, degenerative spine disease, previous spinal surgery, stress-related activities, or osteoporosis. Additionally, some reports suggest these fractures can result from low-energy trauma when underlying conditions such as osteoporosis are present. This report describes a 43-year-old female who presented with gradually aggravating low back pain in the absence of any significant trauma history. Initially, she denied any preceding injury, considering the event too trivial to mention. However, upon detailed history taking, she later recalled minor contact with the edge of her bed two days prior to symptom onset. Conservative management, consisting of administration of painkillers, adequate rest, the use of a brace, and rehabilitation exercises, led to significant improvement, with marked relief of clinical symptoms and fracture healing observed in follow-up imaging. Early identification and appropriate management of isolated pedicle fractures are essential, as delayed diagnosis may lead to chronic pain or long-term sequelae. Furthermore, unilateral fracture can increase mechanical loading on the contralateral pedicle, making it vulnerable to secondary stress injury. Therefore, clinicians must remain alert to the possibility of isolated pedicle fractures even in patients without risk factors. Thorough history taking is also essential, as unrecognized minor trauma may hinder timely diagnosis and optimal outcomes. Full article

Background: The growing interest in the field of platelet-rich fibrins has led to the development of novel generations of these concentrates, with one of the newest additions being advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+). The updated centrifuge protocol utilized for the preparation of A-PRF+ has been shown to provide blood clots with more white blood cells and growth factors trapped in the fibrin matrix, presenting a more homogenous distribution. The objective of this study was to assess the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs), in order to evaluate the effects that the addition of A-PRF+ can have on postoperative quality of life and soft tissue healing after dental surgery. Materials and Methods: To perform a systematic review based on high-quality results, only RCTs were taken into consideration. The search included articles published between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2024, indexed in the PubMed, Cochrane, Library, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Nine full texts were finally acquired after the screening of articles, from which relevant data were extracted. Results: A-PRF+ positively influenced the postoperative quality of life in patients. The subjective analysis of pain and its management via painkiller intake indicated that, in general, the addition of A-PRF+ into protocols results in less pain, pain that lasts for a shorter time, and pain that is more easily managed through medication, as a lower number of pills was needed to restore comfort. Furthermore, the occurrence of facial swelling and trismus was also reported to be lower in the A-PRF+ groups. As for soft tissue healing, A-PRF+ significantly enhanced the epithelialization process, total wound area reduction, and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This positive effect was most noticeable at 7- and 14-day follow-ups. The addition of A-PRF+ also had a positive effect on postoperative bleeding by significantly reducing the bleeding time, providing benefits for patients undergoing antiplatelet drug therapy in particular. Conclusions: The addition of A-PRF+ into the surgical protocol can positively enhance the patient’s quality of life, reduce the need for postoperative medication, and improve the patient’s confidence by reducing potential swelling and trismus. A-PRF+ also positively influences soft tissue wound healing, further enhancing the postoperative well-being of patients, and provides an excellent hemostatic effect even in patients that are on antiplatelet drug therapy. Full article

A 56-year-old man, accompanied by city hall staff, visited our neurorehabilitation clinic. Despite hyperuricemia being diagnosed several years ago, he refused treatment. He had no history of hypertension and antihypertensive drug use. He developed painful joint tophi around the age of 51, which were managed with over-the-counter painkillers. At age 54, a knee tophus was removed, histologically confirming gouty tophi. Subsequently, he lost his chef’s job, and his lifestyle deteriorated. Gouty tophi were observed in the right ear, knuckles, elbows, and ankles, with some ulceration. Blood tests showed anemia and hyperuricemia (10.1 mg/dL: reference 3.6–7.0 mg/dL). Chest–abdominal CT demonstrated calcification of the aorta. Brain MRI revealed an old putaminal hemorrhage and numerous microbleeds. Dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating: 1) was diagnosed based on neuropsychological testing. Public services and social assistance were arranged for him. This case is hypothesis-generating. In settings with adequate healthcare access, the presentation of severe, uncontrolled gouty tophi with poor engagement should prompt a selective, stepwise evaluation—beginning with cognitive screening and proceeding to neurologic assessment if indicated; routine preventive brain imaging is not recommended. The presence of lobar and deep microbleeds should be interpreted within the context of standardized diagnostic criteria and lesion distribution patterns to inform differential diagnosis. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant health problem associated with performing professional activities. The occurrence of pain often determines the type of work undertaken. Healthcare workers and public administration employees are occupational groups at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and location of MSDs between two professional groups—healthcare and administrative workers—and to assess their impact on professional functioning. Methods: The study included 339 employees, comprising 188 healthcare workers and 151 administrative workers. An extended version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) was used. Results: Healthcare workers experienced MSDs significantly more often than administrative workers, both in the past and in the last 12 months. MSDs in healthcare workers more often led to absenteeism, changes in duties, use of healthcare services, and medication use. The observed differences were statistically significant, particularly in the upper and lower limbs. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant health problem among healthcare and administrative workers, but they affect healthcare staff much more frequently, especially in the upper and lower limbs. This results in higher sick leave rates, the need to modify duties, and more frequent use of treatment and painkillers. These differences may result from varying working conditions, age, and education, highlighting the need to implement preventive measures tailored to the specific characteristics of each professional group. Full article

Pain is a fundamental yet complex biological and psychosocial phenomenon. While acute pain serves as a defense mechanism, alerting the body to potential tissue damage, chronic pain loses this protective function and becomes a persistent, independent condition. Chronic pain in the elderly is particularly significant due to age-related changes in pain perception, a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and an increased susceptibility to pharmacological side effects. Diagnosing pain in older adults presents unique challenges owing to cognitive decline, multimorbidity, and impaired communication. This narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge on chronic pain in the elderly, with a particular emphasis on diagnostic difficulties, therapeutic strategies, and the essential role of nurses in multidisciplinary management. Both objective scales and subjective assessment tools are essential for an accurate evaluation. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates individualized pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Analgesic use must be tailored to account for altered pharmacokinetics and risks such as sedation or falls. Non-drug interventions, including physiotherapy and psychological techniques, are especially valuable in geriatric care. Nurses play a pivotal role in the recognition, assessment, and ongoing management of pain in this population. Developing age-appropriate, personalized strategies is essential for improving the quality of life in older adults living with chronic pain. Full article

Background: Taekwondo (TKD) athletes’ nutritional and health statuses and body composition are critical to their physical performance and overall fitness. In Lebanon, TKD is widely practiced; however, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the nutritional and health profiles of its athletes. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, anemia prevalence, body composition, and other health-related characteristics, among Lebanese TKD athletes. Additionally, it explored the determinants of normal hemoglobin (Hb) levels, blood pressure, normal muscle mass, and normal fat mass. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2023, involving 110 TKD athletes. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured to assess anemia, while body composition was evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Blood pressure was also recorded. Household dietary diversity was assessed using the Food Consumption Score, and additional data on sociodemographic factors, training frequency, and supplement or medication use were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of normal Hb levels, hypertension, and optimal muscle and fat mass. Results: Results showed that male athletes had significantly higher rates of normal Hb (p-value = 0.013) and muscle mass percentages (p-value < 0.001), while females had higher rates of normal blood pressure (p-value = 0.002) and were more likely to use iron supplements (p-value = 0.002) and painkillers (p-value = 0.041). Normal fat mass was positively associated with normal Hb levels (aOR: 11.98, p-value = 0.033). Female gender was linked to a lower likelihood of normal muscle mass (aOR: 0.13, p-value < 0.001) and hypertension (aOR: 0.19, p-value = 0.009). Higher training duration (10 h or more per week) (aOR: 3.46, p-value = 0.04) and normal BMI (aOR: 4.93, p-value = 0.003) were positively associated with normal muscle mass. Normal BMI (aOR: 14.68, p-value < 0.001) was positively associated with normal fat mass. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of individualized dietary interventions to enhance athletes’ overall health and performance, through the optimization of athletes’ body composition, and the prevention of deficiencies, especially iron deficiency. Full article

Background: Third lower molar (TLM) extraction is one of the most common oral surgical procedures, often accompanied by postoperative pain and inflammation. In order to treat postoperative pain, different methods are used, mainly based on painkillers. PBMT may represent an adjunct to pain management. Objective: This narrative review aims to evaluate the efficacy of PBMT in reducing postoperative pain following TLM extraction. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies examining the use of PBMT for postoperative pain relief after TLM extraction. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively. Results: Two studies showed statistically significant reductions in pain with PBMT. Kahraman et al. reported lower pain scores in the intraoral PBMT (p = 0.001), with up to a 3.2-point reduction on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). De Paula et al. found improved pain control using a dual-wavelength (808 + 660 nm) versus a single wavelength protocol (p = 0.031). The remaining studies showed non-significant results toward pain reduction. Conclusions: PBMT shows encouraging results in managing postoperative pain after TLM extraction, specifically with intraoral and multi-wavelength protocols. However, further studies are necessary to confirm its clinical utility. Full article

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is defined by articular cartilage loss, increased discomfort, and functional restrictions. Changes in lifestyle, painkillers, intra-articular injections, and, as a last resort, surgery are all part of clinical therapy. In this setting, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) represent a relevant and diffused therapeutic option. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was performed from October 2024 to May 2025 in 70 patients with knee OA. HA was administered in three intra-articular injections and was followed up at 3 and 6 months from the last injection. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was evaluated as primary outcome measure; Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), time up and go test, six-minute walking test, general health assessment with 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (Zung SAS), and Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (Zung SDS) as secondary outcome measures. Results: We observed a statistically significant improvement in clinical scores at 3 months in both HA formulations compared to the control group. No relevant side effects were described during the study. Conclusion: Hyalubrix 30 mg/2 mL and DIART 1.8%/2 mL are two safe and effective therapeutic options to manage knee OA, offering benefits in pain control, functionality and emotional wellness. Full article

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in promoting wound healing after the surgical removal of inferior third molars. Methods: Patients in need of unilateral mandibular third molar extraction were randomly assigned to either a test or control group before surgery. During the test, a photoactive substance activated with laser light (20 mW, 660 nm) was applied to the post-extraction site for 60 s before suturing to promote healing and disinfection. The control group did not receive any laser applications after tooth removal. The probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), gingival recession (REC), and levels of clinical attachment loss (CAL) before surgery (T0), 14 days after surgery (T1), and after 3 months after surgery (T2) were evaluated for the adjacent second molar. Post-operative swelling, pain (VAS index), the number of painkillers taken, alveolar probing, and Landry’s healing index were recorded at T1. Results: Sixty-five patients, aged between 14 and 39 years, were assigned randomly to test (n = 32) or control (n = 33) groups. Five dropouts occurred. Post-operative swelling and the VAS index were significantly lower in the test group compared to the control (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04, respectively). All periodontal indexes except recession significantly worsened at T1 in both groups. After three months, a significant improvement for PPD, CAL, and PI was recorded in the test group compared to the control (p = 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, the use of aPDT seems to have a beneficial effect on post-operative swelling and pain, as well as the plaque index, in the short-term follow-up. Full article

This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, biological characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and coping mechanisms were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of self-reported menstrual changes post university admission. Of the 884 participants, 49.8% reported menstrual changes after entering university. Among the lifestyle-related factors, increased daily electronic use (mean = 5.83 h) and later bedtimes (mean = 23:58) were associated with menstrual change (p < 0.01). Older age and higher academic year emerged as significant predictors of menstrual changes (p < 0.001). Additionally, students with blood groups A and B exhibited a higher risk compared to those with group O (p < 0.05), and Rh-positive status was also significantly associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.05). In terms of knowledge and coping practices, students who had premenstrual syndrome awareness since school were significantly less likely to report menstrual changes (p = 0.003). Although use of pain relief, particularly painkillers, correlated with higher reported pain severity, it was not directly linked to menstrual change. On the other hand, clinic consultations were positively associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.003), while students who relied on their mothers as counselors exhibited a protective association (p = 0.001). Menstrual health in university-aged women is influenced by a complex interplay of lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and menstrual knowledge. Early education and structured coping support may serve as protective factors. The findings call for targeted menstrual health programs in university settings. Full article

Acetaminophen, or paracetamol (PCM), is a common painkiller used to treat aches, pain, and fever. Nevertheless, PCM has been reported to be hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in humans. Thus, there is a need to identify how this side effect can be treated. Previous studies have shown that Leea species possess antioxidative, anthelmintic, anti-cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. However, the role of Leea guineensis (LG) in modulating PCM-induced hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity remains unknown. Herein, we investigate the possibility of Leea guineensis leaf extract (LGE) to ameliorate PCM toxic effects, evaluate hepatic and renal function, oxidative stress markers, and safety, and perform molecular docking to predict affinities of Leea guineensis extract compounds for their targets compared to PCM. An in vivo rat model was used for Leea guineensis extract or silymarin (SLM, standard drug) at various concentrations, and it was co-administered with PCM. We observed that Leea guineensis extract is rich in phytochemical constituents, and its treatment in rats did not significantly affect body weight. Our data showed that PCM increased bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cholesterol levels but decreased Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in plasma. Moreover, it increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in the liver and kidneys, while the total protein was elevated in the latter. Interestingly, Leea guineensis extract and SLM abrogated the elevated parameters due to PCM toxicity. Importantly, histopathological examination showed that Leea guineensis extract demonstrated the potential to ameliorate hepatic and renal lesions caused by PCM intoxication, thus demonstrating its safety. Furthermore, comparative molecular binding affinities of the study ligands binding the target corroborate the experimental findings. Our study shows that L. guineensis leaf extract, through its rich phytochemicals, can protect the liver and kidneys against the toxic effects of paracetamol in a dose-dependent manner. Full article