The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions versus cognitive behavioral therapy on social anxiety of adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Objective@#Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), a novel treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the standard treatment, are both effective in treating anxiety in adolescents. This study determined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions versus cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety among adolescents experiencing social anxiety through a systematic review and meta-analysis.@*Methods@#A systematic approach was used to identify eligible studies. Electronic databases, reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and subgroups. Heterogeneity was measured using visual assessment, the I2 statistic, and chi-square test. @*Results@#Randomized controlled trials comparing MBI to CBT for adolescents diagnosed with social anxiety or social phobia disorder were analyzed, with non-randomized studies being excluded. Structured searches in electronic databases, reference lists, and gray literature were conducted by four independent reviewers who initially identified potential articles through title and abstract screening. After a comprehensive review of full-text articles and a consensus-building process, the selection of included articles was finalized. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and to examine subgroups, with heterogeneity being assessed through visual evaluation, the I² statistic, and chi-square tests. Total number of participants was 255; 101 were male and 158 were women. Mean age was 27.5 years old, and diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, or DSM-IV-Defined-Anxiety-Disorder. They were divided into two groups: 125 participated in 8- to 12-week MBI sessions lasting 2 hours each, while 130 underwent 2-hour CBT sessions spanning 8, 12, or 14 weeks. There is moderate quality of evidence reporting non-significant difference on MBI vs CBT's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of social anxiety [mean (95% CI) = -0.04 (-0.58, 0.51)]. @*Conclusion@#Study found that there were no significant differences between Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in reducing social anxiety in adolescents. Mindfulness interventions have advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness for reducing symptoms of anxiety. Future research should include larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to further assess long-term effects of these interventions.

Assessing the efficacy of 3D-printed ear protectors on mask adherence at an academic ophthalmology center

Purpose: In the ophthalmology setting, given the close proximity required for the clinical exam, appropriate mask usage and fit is essential. This study aims to assess how a simple, cost?effective 3D?printed face mask ear protectors (EP) attachment may decrease discomfort, increase compliance, and improve fit in an academic institution’s Ophthalmology department. Methods: Face mask EPs were distributed to patients and providers in the Ophthalmology department. A validated questionnaire was administered before and 2 weeks after EP usage. The survey included questions on demographics and frequency of mask usage during a spectrum of activities. Descriptive statistics were performed with Fischer’s t test. Results: Post-EP responses demonstrated an increased likelihood of mask usage across all activities, although not statistically significant. The greatest change was during outdoor activities, with a 14.3% increase in highest utilization. Post?EP, all subjects were very likely to wear masks while shopping and 91.7% while in the workplace. EP usage decreased the number of noncompliant individuals while spending time with friends and family by 93.3%. Almost no subjects reported mask removal of >15 times per hour post?EP. The increase in mask compliance was greatest for low mask utilizers. 91.9% reported improved comfort, 91.9% reported improved fit, and 81.6% reported increased mask usage. Conclusion: Our results suggest that simple cost?effective 3D?printed ear protectors may improve fit, comfort, and overall mask compliance. The results of this study should drive broader public health efforts to further investigate whether mask attachments can improve overall mask compliance through better comfort and fit

Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor: A case report

@#This reports a case of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) in a 5-year old male presenting with visual hallucination and seizures. Diagnostic workup revealed a homogenous cystic tumor located in the right temporo-parietal area which was considered as a low grade glioma. The patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy with complete tumor excision and biopsy, revealing NET. Findings were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with glial fibrillary action protein (GFAP), Alcian blue and synaptophysin. DNET is a recently described intracranial tumor under the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. It is a unique entity of neuroglial tumors with excellent prognosis. Its worldwide incidence among all neuroepithelial tumors is 1.2% in patients under 20 years and 0.2% among patients over 20 years. This is the first case of DNET in the country as well as in our institution. Key points on the clinical manifestation, approach to diagnosis, distinctive radiologic and histopathologic characteristics, and management are discussed.

Detection of caliciviruses associated with acute infantile gastroenteritis in Salvador, an urban center in Northeast Brazil

Acute gastroenteritis caused by viruses is one of the leading causes of infantile morbidity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of human caliciviruses of the genera norovirus and sapovirus in children up to 3 years of age with acute gastroenteritis from low-income communities in the city of Salvador, Brazil. This study is an extension of previous work carried out to establish the profile of the most prevalent enteric pathogens present in these communities. In this report, 139 fecal samples, collected from July 2001 to January 2002 were analyzed by RT-PCR and 13 (9 percent) were positive for human caliciviruses. By sequencing, seven isolates were characterized as norovirus genogroup GII and one as sapovirus genotype GII/1. Sequencing of the previously detected group-A rotaviruses and human astroviruses was also performed and revealed the circulation of rotavirus group A genotypes G1P[8] and G9P[8], and human astrovirus genotypes 6, 7, and 8. No mixed infection was observed. Community-based studies provide geographically representative information on disease burden. However, there are only a few reports in developing countries concerning the genotypes of the most important gastroenteric viruses detected in such communities. The present findings demonstrate the wide diversity of genotypes of the most important viruses responsible for acute gastroenteritis circulating in low-income communities.

Secondhand smoke in the home and Pap testing among Vietnamese American women.

The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of Vietnamese households with smokers and examine Papanicolau (Pap) testing among Vietnamese American women living in households with and without smokers. In 2002, we surveyed Vietnamese between 18 and 64 years of age from a population-based sample of randomly selected households in Seattle, Washington zip codes known to have a high density of Vietnamese residents. The response rate among eligible households was 82%, and our sample included 418 households. We used two measures of Pap testing: ever had a Pap test and had one in the last two years. Household smoking status was categorized as current smoker in the house vs. no current smoker in the house. Overall, 47% of Vietnamese American women lived with a current smoker in the household, 73% had ever received a Pap test, and 63% received one in the last two years. Pap testing behavior varied only slightly by household smoking status, and the findings were not statistically significant. With nearly half of Vietnamese women in our study currently living with smokers, future studies should examine the relationship between secondhand smoke at home and other health behaviors in Vietnamese American households.

Participation in colorectal cancer screening among Chinese Americans.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the third most common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Chinese Americans are one of the ethnic minority groups who have the lowest rates of CRC screening. The purpose of this study was to describe CRC screening among less acculturated Chinese Americans and to identify factors associated with CRC screening. METHODS: We performed a review of 383 patients' medical records at a large community health clinic in Seattle's metropolitan area between July 2003 and September 2004. Outcome measurements included receiving fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in the last 12 months, sigmoidoscopy in the previous 5 years and/or colonoscopy in the past 10 years. Compliance with CRC screening was assessed by documentation in patients' medical records. RESULTS: The overall use of CRC screening per guidelines was 40%. Only 72(19%) patients had their FOBT test in the last 12 months. Eighty one patients (21%) had colonoscopy in the last 10 years and eleven (3%) of the patients had sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years. Chi-square analyses revealed no significant differences between users and non-users of FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy in terms of age, gender, insurance status or language. DISCUSSION: Participation in CRC screening among less acculturated Chinese Americans was lower than rates derived from previous self-reported surveys. Research of effective preventive programs promoting annual FOBT is vital to increasing the use of CRC screening among this population.

Streptomycin in whooping cough

1) Thirty-one cases of whooping cough treated with intramuscular injections of streptomycin are reported2) Twenty-eight patients (90.3%) improved while 3 who received 1 gram each of the drug remained unimproved. It is suggested that at least 5 grams of the drug be administered before judging the treatment ineffective3) No serious toxic reaction to the drug was observed. (Conclusions)