scholarly journals Recent Advances in Salivary Scintigraphic Evaluation of Salivary Gland Function

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1173
Author(s):  
Yen-Chun Chen ◽  
Hsin-Yung Chen ◽  
Chung-Huei Hsu

Saliva plays an important role in supporting upper gastrointestinal tract function and oral well-being. Salivary dysfunction mainly manifests with a decrease in salivary flow. Among varieties of quantitative methods, salivary scintigraphy is a relatively noninvasive, well-tolerated, reproducible, and objective approach for functional evaluation of salivary disorders, yet the lack of precise quantitative reference values and no standardized protocol limit its generalized utilization. In this article, we review the scintigraphic performance between the visual analysis and quantitative methods in predicting Sjögren’s syndrome and verify the potential aspects of the application in interpreting different disease entities and phases of functional salivary disorders.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 404
Author(s):  
Nguyen Khanh Toan ◽  
Nguyen Chi Tai ◽  
Soo-A Kim ◽  
Sang-Gun Ahn

Salivary gland dysfunction induces salivary flow reduction and a dry mouth, and commonly involves oral dysfunction, tooth structure deterioration, and infection through reduced salivation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of aging on the salivary gland by a metabolomics approach in an extensive aging mouse model, SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice. We found that the salivary secretion of SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice was dramatically decreased compared with that of SAMP1/Klotho WT (+/+) mice. Metabolomics profiling analysis showed that the level of acetylcholine was significantly decreased in SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice, although the corresponding levels of acetylcholine precursors, acetyl-CoA and choline, increased. Interestingly, the mRNA and protein expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which is responsible for catalyzing acetylcholine synthesis, was significantly decreased in SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice. The overexpression of ChAT induced the expression of salivary gland functional markers (α–amylase, ZO-1, and Aqua5) in primary cultured salivary gland cells from SAMP1/Klotho +/+ and -/- mice. In an in vivo study, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-ChAT transduction significantly increased saliva secretion compared with the control in SAMP1/Klotho -/- mice. These results suggest that the dysfunction in acetylcholine biosynthesis induced by ChAT reduction may cause impaired salivary gland function


2021 ◽  
pp. 155868982098627
Author(s):  
Diego Romaioli

In order to enhance core mixed methods research designs, social scientists need an approach that incorporates developments in the social constructionist perspective. This work describes a study that aimed to promote occupational well-being in hospital departments where employees are at risk of burnout, based on a constructionist inquiry developed starting from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Taking this study as an example, we define a “generative sequential mixed methods approach” as a process that involves consulting quantitative studies to identify criticalities on which to conduct focused, transformative investigations. The article contributes by envisaging ways to mix qualitative and quantitative methods that consider a “generative” and “future-forming” orientation to research, in line with recent shifts in social psychology.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e029723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Kjellström ◽  
Kristina Areskoug-Josefsson ◽  
Boel Andersson Gäre ◽  
Ann-Christine Andersson ◽  
Marlene Ockander ◽  
...  

IntroductionCocreation, coproduction and codesign are advocated as effective ways of involving citizens in the design, management, provision and evaluation of health and social care services. Although numerous case studies describe the nature and level of coproduction in individual projects, there remain three significant gaps in the evidence base: (1) measures of coproduction processes and their outcomes, (2) mechanisms that enable inclusivity and reciprocity and (3) management systems and styles. By focusing on these issues, we aim to explore, enhance and measure the value of coproduction for improving the health and well-being of citizens.Methods and analysisNine ongoing coproduction projects form the core of an interactive research programme (‘Samskapa’) during a 6-year period (2019–2024). Six of these will take place in Sweden and three will be undertaken in England to enable knowledge exchange and cross-cultural comparison. The programme has a longitudinal case study design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Cross-case analysis and a sensemaking process will generate relevant lessons both for those participating in the projects and researchers. Based on the findings, we will develop explanatory models and other outputs to increase the sustained value (and values) of future coproduction initiatives in these sectors.Ethics and disseminationAll necessary ethical approvals will be obtained from the regional Ethical Board in Sweden and from relevant authorities in England. All data and personal data will be handled in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations. Given the interactive nature of the research programme, knowledge dissemination to participants and stakeholders in the nine projects will be ongoing throughout the 6 years. External workshops—facilitated in collaboration with participating case studies and citizens—both during and at the end of the programme will provide an additional dissemination mechanism and involve health and social care practitioners, policymakers and third-sector organisations.


Author(s):  
Jeffrey Khong Loong Yee ◽  
Jonathan Smith ◽  
Simon Robinson

Extant research shows that spiritual well-being and work performance are directly connected. The connection is theorised to be due to the alignment between what employees are spiritually inclined towards and what they do at work. However, research overemphasises the performative benefits of spiritual pursuits and privilege the leaders’ views. These developments, coupled with the prevalent use of quantitative methods, have resulted in one-sided and uncontextualised theorisations that constrict how workplace spirituality is investigated, understood, and converted into action. In response to these gaps, this paper investigates the experiences of ground-level employees to uncover stories of how spiritual well-being may be connected to their work performance. The study uses the qualitative paradigm and narrative inquiry as its methodology to uncover the diverse ways in which spiritual well-being and work outcomes are connected, including ones that diminish or are inconsequential to work performance. There is a need to re-examine accepted knowledge regarding the direct connection between spiritual well-being and work performance and the assumed compatibility of enacting spiritual inclinations in organisational settings. This paper calls for a more nuanced understanding of how spiritual well-being is experienced and the implications these experiences might have on the ground-level employees’ work performance. Even as research unravels this relationship further, prescriptions for practice ought to be qualified, contextualised, tentative, and customised for and by the ground-level employee.


SAGE Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824401774039
Author(s):  
Jessica Holmgren

This study seeks to describe how the composition of the physical care environment conditions relatives’ involvement in nursing home institutions. It is well known that the physical care environment in institutions has a significant impact on the well-being of residents and the work satisfaction of nursing staff. Less explored is how physical care environmental factors are related to the involvement of relatives in nursing homes. A visual analysis of 52 photographs from three nursing homes in Sweden shows how the physical environment acts to condition the involvement of relatives through the use of design, information displays, and cultural symbols. Although various aspects of the physical environment promoted participation of relatives, that engagement was based on certain limited concepts of involvement. This suggests that other conceptual frameworks of involvement in nursing homes are possible, and that these might encourage other aspects of involvement from the relatives of nursing home residents.


Polar Record ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Clare Hawkes ◽  
Kimberley Norris ◽  
Jeff Ayton ◽  
Douglas Paton

AbstractIt has long been argued that mood fluctuation patterns in Antarctic expeditioners are largely homogeneous. This research investigated mood fluctuation patterns throughout all the stages of Antarctic deployment using latent class growth analysis. Utilising advanced statistical methods, such as latent class growth analysis, can greatly help in identifying if mood fluctuation patterns experienced by Antarctic expeditioners are homogenous, and provide insight into mood fluctuation patterns, which was not possible with traditional group-based quantitative methods. Gaining a greater insight into mood fluctuation patterns in Antarctic expeditioners can assist with the development, and implementation of, strategies to assist with expeditioner well-being. The analysis was conducted on 423 expeditioner from the Australian Antarctic program between the 2005-2009 Antarctic deployment seasons. The results supported the notion that mood fluctuation patterns in expeditioners within the Australian-Antarctic programme were largely homogeneous, as a 1-class cubic latent class growth model was identified as being the optimal fit for the dataset. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in relation to research and prevention and intervention strategies.


PSYCHE 165 ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 148-152
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shodikul Haq ◽  
Ahmad Muhammad Diponegoro ◽  
P Purwadi

This research aims to determine the relationship between Gratefulness and Subjective Well-Being. The research subjects used in this research were 34 female nurses and midwives at Sis Al-Djufrie Hospital, Palu City. This research uses quantitative methods. Data obtained instrument from a scale to measure Gratitude questionnaire to see the life-size of the subject and the Positive affect negative affect schedule-Expanded form scale to measure positive and negative effects on individuals and use the Satisfaction with Life Scale to measure the level of individual life satisfaction. Analysis of the data used is using Pearson Product Moment correlation. The result of data analysis showed a correlation coefficient of 0.655 with a significance of 0.000 (p <0.05) and showed a very significant positive relationship between thanksgiving and Subjective Well-Being. The results of this study indicate that the contribution given by gratitude to the Subjective Well-Being is 42.9 percent, this indicates a very significant relationship between the variables of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being towards female nurses and midwives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-173
Author(s):  
Justice Ofori-Amoah

Young Females Usually Migrate From The Northern Part Of Ghana To The South To Engage In Head Porting Business. However, The High Cost Of Rent In Urban Areas And The Poor Environmental Conditions Of Poor Urbanites Have Exposed Head Porters To Bad Conditions With Varying Implications On Health And Well-Being. This Study Examines The Health-Related Conditions Of Female Head Porters In Kumasi Through Stakeholders’ Opinions. The Study Used Quantitative Methods In Eliciting Information From Female Head-Porters In Asokore Mampong, Kumasi. In All, 100 Respondents; Comprising Relatives Of Female Head Porters And Other Opinion Leaders Such As The Assembly Member, Imam, Pastor, Teachers From Northern Ghana, Were Interviewed Through Self-Administered Questionnaires. Data Were Analyzed Using A Statistical Package For The Social Sciences (SPSS) And Excel. Economic Reasons Remain Topical For The Migration Of Females From The North To The South To Engage In Head Porting. While Many Of These Migrants Do Not Return Home, Leading To The Emergence Of Migrant Settlements In Kumasi, Others Return To Support Their Families With Their Earnings. Stakeholders Argued That Skills Development And Creating Of Entrepreneurial Ventures Are Necessary To Reduce The North-South Migratory Patterns. The Migration Of Females From The North To The South In Search Of Greener Pastures Is Likely To Continue As A Result Of Opportunity Gaps. However, Worsening Conditions Of Living May Deteriorate The Health Conditions Of Some Of The Migrants. Stakeholders Recommend A New Wave Of Solutions With Focus On Skills Development, Job Creation, And Entrepreneurial Training As Solutions.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Ottka ◽  
Katariina Vapalahti ◽  
Jenni Puurunen ◽  
Laura Vahtera ◽  
Hannes Lohi

AbstractMetabolomics has proven itself an invaluable research tool, providing comprehensive insight to systemic metabolism. However, the lack of scalable and quantitative methods with known reference intervals and documented reproducibility has prevented the use of metabolomics in the clinical setting. This study describes the development and validation of a quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) -based metabolomics platform for canine serum and plasma samples. Altogether 8247 canine samples were analyzed using a Bruker’s 500 MHz NMR spectrometer. Using statistical approaches derived from international guidelines, we defined reference intervals for 123 biomarkers, studied method precision, analyte storage stability, the effect of prolonged contact to red blood cells, differences of blood collection tubes, interference of lipemia, hemolysis and bilirubinemia, method comparison, and demonstrated the method’s practical relevance in a hyperglycemic cohort. Owing to the advantages of quantitative results, high reproducibility, and scalability, this canine metabolomics platform holds great potential for numerous clinical and research applications to improve canine health and well-being.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Novia Ayuningputri ◽  
Herdiyan Maulana

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effect of perceptions of caregiver strain and psychological well-being of wives or husbands as providers of care for his partner who had a stroke. Field studies in this research lasted from April to June 2013. This study using quantitative methods with ex post facto research design and using accidental sampling techniques. Participants in this study amounted to 37 wives or husbands of stroke patients who have taken role as spouse caregiver for at least 3 months. The participants were found at the clubs stroke and stroke rehabilitation center in Jakarta. The data was collected using a measuring instrument that has been adapted into Indonesian. The Modified Caregiver Strain Index is consisting of 13 items and Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale consisting of 54 items. Based on the results of the data, obtained value of F = 0.085, p = 0.772> 0:05 (not significant) and the value effect (Adjusted R Square) 2.6%. So that it can be concluded that there is no significant effect of Perception Towards Caregiver strain on psychological well-being by by wives or husbands who became spouse caregiver for their partner who had suffered from stroke. Keywords: Caregiver strain, Spouse caregiver, Stroke patients, Psychological well-being.


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