Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer death among females, both worldwide and in the UK. Although, UK incidence of breast cancer is rising, breast cancer mortality rates are falling, due largely to early detection and improved treatment. As a result there are more women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer than ever before. Due mainly to side-effects of adjuvant therapy, breast cancer patients may require diagnostic, therapeutic, supportive or palliative services many years post-diagnosis, which poses a major challenge to already stretched healthcare services. Accordingly, effective and inexpensive interventions that can alleviate treatment side-effects, improve health, quality of life and potentially reduce risk of early mortality are required for breast cancer patients. Awareness of the positive influence that physical activity can have on breast cancer development and outcome is an important determinant of physical activity levels. A higher level of physical activity before and after breast cancer diagnosis is related to a lower risk of all-cause and breast cancer-related mortality. Randomised controlled trials have reported beneficial effects of physical activity interventions on outcomes relating to health, quality of life and mortality risk among breast cancer survivors. Aims: The present project aimed to: 1) assess awareness of the role of physical activity on breast cancer risk and the sufficiency of physical activity undertaken in women attending the NHS breast screening programme (NHSBSP), 2) compare physical activity levels of women at different stages of breast cancer pathway, 3) investigate the effects of a low-cost six-month home-based physical activity intervention on physical activity, body mass, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), insulin resistance and blood lipid profiles of breast cancer survivors and 4) assess the effects of our home-based intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness in a subset of breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 309 volunteers (188 NHSBSP attendees, 41 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and 80 post-treatment breast cancer survivors) participated in the current project. Physical activity was assessed via the International Physical activity Questionnaires (IPAQ). In studies one and two, Body mass and body mass index (BMI) were assessed directly in chemotherapy patients and breast cancer survivors, and indirectly from self-reported values in NHSBSP attendees. While in study three, body fat percentage was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis, HRQoL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire and fasting blood samples were taken to measure lipid, glucose and insulin concentrations at baseline and post-six month home-based physical activity intervention. In study four, a random subsample of 32 breast cancer survivors undertook an exercise tolerance test to establish peak oxygen uptake values. Results: A high proportion (70%) of NHSBSP attendees engaged in low-moderate levels of physical activity and performed low amounts of recreational physical activity. Attendees demonstrated high awareness (75%) of the role of physical activity in reducing breast cancer risk but those categorised as “low activity” were significantly unaware of insufficiency of activity (p<0.05). Chemotherapy patients and breast cancer survivors had significantly lower levels of total physical activity than NHSBSP attendees (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). The randomised controlled trial revealed significant improvements in total physical activity, body mass (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05) HRQoL (breast cancer subscale, p<0.01; trial outcome index, p<0.05) and total (p<0.01) and low-density lipoprotein (p<0.05) cholesterol concentrations in the intervention group compared to usual care, and significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.05) in a subsample of breast cancer survivors allocated to intervention. Conclusions: Physical activity interventions that incorporate strategies aimed at increasing awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines may be required in populations at risk of breast cancer. A relatively large proportion of women at risk of breast cancer may not be sufficiently exposed to the potential benefits of physical activity on breast cancer outcomes. Post-treatment breast cancer patients may be more receptive to physical activity interventions as the negative effects of chemotherapy begin to resolve, and therefore, may benefit from physical activity interventions. Results suggest that a low-cost home-based physical activity intervention with counselling and telephone support can improve the health and HRQoL of breast cancer survivors, which may in turn potentially reduce risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease-related mortality. Given the encouraging results and its highly portable and feasible nature, our intervention represents a promising tool for use in health and community settings to benefit large numbers of breast cancer survivors. The current project supports the inclusion of physical activity promotion as an integral component for the management and care of breast cancer survivors.

Introdução: A reanimação fluídica da criança queimada é um desafio devido à intolerância à insuficiente ou excessiva oferta de líquidos. Há dúvidas em relação à utilização de solução coloide na ressuscitação volêmica e também quanto ao melhor momento a ser administrada. O momento ideal para a administração de albumina permanece em foco de debate, se deveria ser utilizada como estratégia de resgate, quando o volume de cristaloide infundido se torna excessivo, ou rotineiramente, como intervenção primária em pacientes com queimaduras extensas. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar quanto a evolução clínica de crianças com lesões térmicas que receberam abordagem de infusão precoce (entre 8 e 12 horas do acidente) de solução coloide natural versus crianças que receberam abordagem de infusão tardia (após 24 horas do acidente) da mesma solução para reanimação na fase aguda. Metodologia: Ensaio Clínico Randomizado Controlado, realizado no Centro de Tratamento de Queimados do Hospital Universitário de Londrina. Foram estudadas 46 crianças (1 a 12 anos), apresentando entre 15% e 45% de Superfície Corporal Queimada, admitidas até a 12a hora após o acidente. Intervenção: Para a ressuscitação hídrica dos pacientes, foi utilizada solução cristaloide baseada na Fórmula de Parkland modificada, ajustada de acordo com o débito urinário. O Grupo Intervenção (23 pacientes) foi randomizado para receber solução de albumina entre 8 e 12 horas do acidente, e o Grupo Controle (23 pacientes) recebeu a mesma solução após 24 horas do acidente. Resultados: Houve possibilidade de redução de infusão de solução cristaloide durante o período de ressuscitação dos pacientes. O grupo Intervenção recebeu um volume de solução cristaloide com uma mediana de -31,99% (P=0,025) no 1º dia, -19,37% (P=0,002) no 2º dia e -45,3% (P=0,002) no 3º dia de ressuscitação. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os grupos em relação à diurese. A incidência acumulada de fluid creep na população estudada foi de 30,43% (n=14). O RR para o desenvolvimento do fluid creep no Grupo Intervenção foi de 0,0769 (IC 95% 0,0109 a 0,5407). A mediana do tempo de internação dos pacientes do Grupo Controle foi de 18 (15-21) dias e a do Grupo Intervenção foi de 14 (10-17) dias, P=0,004. Conclusões: A infusão precoce de solução de albumina em crianças com queimaduras entre 15% e 45% de superfície corporal reduziu a necessidade de infusão de solução cristaloide no período de ressuscitação. Foram identificados significativamente menos casos de fluid creep e observado menor tempo de internação entre pacientes que receberam albumina precocemente / Introduction: The fluidic resuscitation of burned children is a challenge due to intolerance to insufficient or excessive supply of liquids. There are questions regarding the use of colloids in fluid resuscitation solution as well as the timing of the administration. The ideal time for the administration of albumin, in other words whether it should be used as a rescue strategy when the volume of crystalloid infused becomes excessive, or routinely, as primary intervention for patients with extensive burns, remains in the focus of discussion. Objectives: Evaluate the clinical outcomes of children with burn injuries who have received early infusion treatment (between 8 and 12 hours after the accident) with natural colloids solution compared to the children who have received late infusion treatment (24 hours after the accident) with the same solution, in order to resuscitate them in the acute phase. Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial carried out at the Burn Treatment Center, State University of Londrina. Forty-six children (1 to 12 year olds) who had between 15% and 45% total body surface area and were admitted up to 12 hours after the accident were studied. Intervention: For the fluid resuscitation of patients, a crystalloid solution based on modified Parkland Formula was adjusted according to urine output. The Intervention Group (n= 23) were randomized to receive albumin solution between 8 and 12 hours after the accident and the Control Group (n= 23) received the same solution later than 24 hours after the burn injury. Results: During the resuscitation of patients, it was possible to reduce the infusion of crystalloid solution. The Intervention Group required a volume of crystalloid solution with a median of -31.99% (P = 0.025) on day 1, - 19.37% (P = 0.002) on day 2 and -45.3% (P = 0.002) on day 3 of resuscitation. No significant differences were observed in the groups in relation to diuresis. The cumulative incidence of fluid creep in the population studied was 30.43% (n=14). The RR for the development of fluid creep in the Intervention Group was 0.0769 (IC 95% 0.0109 to 0.5407). The patients in the Control Group spent an average time of 18 (15-21) days in hospital, while the patients in the Intervention Group spent 14 (10-17) days, P=0,004. Conclusions: The early infusion of albumin solution in children with 15% to 45% total body surface area reduced the need of crystalloid infused during the resuscitation period. Significantly lower cases of fluid creep were identified and lower length of stay was observed among patients who were treated earlier with albumin

Orientador: Marcone Lima Sobreira / Resumo: Introdução: O tratamento mais comum para a insuficiência venosa na gravidez são as meias de compressão, entretanto ainda não há evidência científica sobre sua eficácia. Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia do uso de meias de compressão no refluxo venoso e na prevenção de varizes nos membros inferiores de gestantes, bem como analisar a percepção sobre as vantagens e desvantagens quanto ao seu uso. Método: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado, cego. Foram incluídas 60 gestantes saudáveis, com 10 a 13 semanas de gravidez, de idade entre 18 e 40 anos, com pulsos distais normais, distribuídas em 2 grupos: grupo 1 (n=30) usou de meia de compressão por 8 horas diárias e grupo 2 controle (n=30), que não utilizou a meia. Foram analisados o refluxo venoso, diâmetro da Veia Safena Magna-VSM e Veia Safena Parva- VSP, por meio do eco Doppler, bem como sintomatologia e classificação CEAP, no início e no final da gestação, por um pesquisador, no laboratório vascular da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Unesp. Os testes estatísticos paramétricos e não paramétricos foram realizados ao nível de significância de 5%. Resultado: Os valores do refluxo na VSM proximal, no início e no final da pesquisa, foram respectivamente 0,13s e 0,04s (p<0,0001) na perna direita e 0,17s e 0,03s (p<0,0001) na perna esquerda do grupo 1. No grupo 2, essa mesma variável apresentou 0,02s e 0,34s (p<0,0001) na perna direita e 0,03s e 0,29s (p<0,0001) na perna esquerda. Os diâmetros da VSM proximal na perna... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: The most common treatments for venous insufficiency in pregnancy are compression stockings, though there is still no scientific evidence for its efficacy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of compression stockings use on venous reflux and prevention of varicose veins in the lower limbs of pregnant women, as well as to analyze the perception of the advantages and disadvantages with its use. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial, blinded, was conducted. Sixty healthy pregnant women, 10 to 13 weeks pregnant, aged 18 to 40 years, with normal distal pulses, were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 30) used compression stockings for 8 hours daily and group 2 control (n = 30), who did not use the stockings. The venous reflux, the diameter of the Great Saphenous Vein – GSV and of he Small Saphenous Vein - SSV were analyzed by DOPPLER US, as well as symptomatology and CEAP classification, at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy, by a researcher in the vascular laboratory of the Botucatu Medical School, Unesp. Parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were performed at a significance level of 5%. Results: The values of reflux in the proximal GSV, at the beginning and at the end of the study, were respectively 0.13s and 0.04s (p<0.0001) in the right leg and 0.17s and 0.03s (p<0,0001) in the left leg of group 1. In the group 2, this same variable presented 0.02s and 0.34s (p<0.0001) in the right leg and 0.03s and 0.29s (p <0.0001) in the left leg. Th... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Introdução: A reanimação fluídica da criança queimada é um desafio devido à intolerância à insuficiente ou excessiva oferta de líquidos. Há dúvidas em relação à utilização de solução coloide na ressuscitação volêmica e também quanto ao melhor momento a ser administrada. O momento ideal para a administração de albumina permanece em foco de debate, se deveria ser utilizada como estratégia de resgate, quando o volume de cristaloide infundido se torna excessivo, ou rotineiramente, como intervenção primária em pacientes com queimaduras extensas. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar quanto a evolução clínica de crianças com lesões térmicas que receberam abordagem de infusão precoce (entre 8 e 12 horas do acidente) de solução coloide natural versus crianças que receberam abordagem de infusão tardia (após 24 horas do acidente) da mesma solução para reanimação na fase aguda. Metodologia: Ensaio Clínico Randomizado Controlado, realizado no Centro de Tratamento de Queimados do Hospital Universitário de Londrina. Foram estudadas 46 crianças (1 a 12 anos), apresentando entre 15% e 45% de Superfície Corporal Queimada, admitidas até a 12a hora após o acidente. Intervenção: Para a ressuscitação hídrica dos pacientes, foi utilizada solução cristaloide baseada na Fórmula de Parkland modificada, ajustada de acordo com o débito urinário. O Grupo Intervenção (23 pacientes) foi randomizado para receber solução de albumina entre 8 e 12 horas do acidente, e o Grupo Controle (23 pacientes) recebeu a mesma solução após 24 horas do acidente. Resultados: Houve possibilidade de redução de infusão de solução cristaloide durante o período de ressuscitação dos pacientes. O grupo Intervenção recebeu um volume de solução cristaloide com uma mediana de -31,99% (P=0,025) no 1º dia, -19,37% (P=0,002) no 2º dia e -45,3% (P=0,002) no 3º dia de ressuscitação. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os grupos em relação à diurese. A incidência acumulada de fluid creep na população estudada foi de 30,43% (n=14). O RR para o desenvolvimento do fluid creep no Grupo Intervenção foi de 0,0769 (IC 95% 0,0109 a 0,5407). A mediana do tempo de internação dos pacientes do Grupo Controle foi de 18 (15-21) dias e a do Grupo Intervenção foi de 14 (10-17) dias, P=0,004. Conclusões: A infusão precoce de solução de albumina em crianças com queimaduras entre 15% e 45% de superfície corporal reduziu a necessidade de infusão de solução cristaloide no período de ressuscitação. Foram identificados significativamente menos casos de fluid creep e observado menor tempo de internação entre pacientes que receberam albumina precocemente / Introduction: The fluidic resuscitation of burned children is a challenge due to intolerance to insufficient or excessive supply of liquids. There are questions regarding the use of colloids in fluid resuscitation solution as well as the timing of the administration. The ideal time for the administration of albumin, in other words whether it should be used as a rescue strategy when the volume of crystalloid infused becomes excessive, or routinely, as primary intervention for patients with extensive burns, remains in the focus of discussion. Objectives: Evaluate the clinical outcomes of children with burn injuries who have received early infusion treatment (between 8 and 12 hours after the accident) with natural colloids solution compared to the children who have received late infusion treatment (24 hours after the accident) with the same solution, in order to resuscitate them in the acute phase. Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial carried out at the Burn Treatment Center, State University of Londrina. Forty-six children (1 to 12 year olds) who had between 15% and 45% total body surface area and were admitted up to 12 hours after the accident were studied. Intervention: For the fluid resuscitation of patients, a crystalloid solution based on modified Parkland Formula was adjusted according to urine output. The Intervention Group (n= 23) were randomized to receive albumin solution between 8 and 12 hours after the accident and the Control Group (n= 23) received the same solution later than 24 hours after the burn injury. Results: During the resuscitation of patients, it was possible to reduce the infusion of crystalloid solution. The Intervention Group required a volume of crystalloid solution with a median of -31.99% (P = 0.025) on day 1, - 19.37% (P = 0.002) on day 2 and -45.3% (P = 0.002) on day 3 of resuscitation. No significant differences were observed in the groups in relation to diuresis. The cumulative incidence of fluid creep in the population studied was 30.43% (n=14). The RR for the development of fluid creep in the Intervention Group was 0.0769 (IC 95% 0.0109 to 0.5407). The patients in the Control Group spent an average time of 18 (15-21) days in hospital, while the patients in the Intervention Group spent 14 (10-17) days, P=0,004. Conclusions: The early infusion of albumin solution in children with 15% to 45% total body surface area reduced the need of crystalloid infused during the resuscitation period. Significantly lower cases of fluid creep were identified and lower length of stay was observed among patients who were treated earlier with albumin

A confecção de próteses totais envolve uma série de procedimentos técnicos complexos. No entanto, a simplificação dessa sequência de procedimentos pode ser tão eficazes quanto os convencionais, mas com menor gasto de tempo e recursos. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar os custos envolvidos com a confecção de próteses totais com um método simplificado em comparação a um convencional. A amostra foi formada por pacientes desdentados totais solicitando tratamento com próteses totais duplas, que foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: o Grupo S recebeu próteses totais confeccionadas por um método simplificado, enquanto que o Grupo C recebeu próteses confeccionadas convencionalmente. Os custos diretos e indiretos de cada procedimento foram calculados por participante, incluindo sessões imprevistas. O estudo foi realizado com 19 e 21 participantes nos grupos S e C, respectivamente, e comparações entre os dois grupos foram feitas por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e t de Student (&alpha;=0,05). A confecção das próteses demandou do operador um tempo mediano de 173,2 e 284,5 min. para os grupos S e C, respectivamente, enquanto os tempos para o auxiliar foram 46,6 e 61,7 min. (diferenças significantes, P<0,05). Os grupos não diferiram significantemente na fase de ajustes pós-instalação. O grupo S também apresentou valores menores que C durante a fase de confecção, mas não durante os ajustes, para custos com materiais empregados e tempo despendido pelo paciente. No total, o método simplificado reduziu o custo direto do tratamento em 34,9%. Conclui-se que o método simplificado é menos oneroso ao paciente e sistema de saúde, quando comparado a um protocolo convencional para a reabilitação do paciente edentado. / Complete denture fabrication involves a series of complex technical procedures. Nevertheless, simplified methods may be as effective as conventional ones albeit the lower use of time and resources. The aim of this study is to quantify the costs of complete denture fabrication by means of a simplified method compared with a conventional protocol. A sample of edentulous patients needing conventional maxillary and mandibular complete dentures was randomly divided into: group S, which received dentures fabricated by means of a simplified method, and group C, which received conventionally fabricated dentures. We calculated direct and indirect costs for each participant including unscheduled procedures. This study assessed 19 and 20 participants allocated in groups S and C, respectively, and comparisons between groups were conducted by means of the Mann-Whitney and Students t test (&alpha;=0,05). Complete denture fabrication demanded median time periods of 173,2 and 284,5 min from the operator for groups S and C respectively, and 46.6 and 61.7 min from the dental assistant (significant differences, P<0.05). There was no difference between groups regarding postinsertion adjustments. Group S also showed lower values than C during the fabrication stage, but not during adjustments, for costs with materials and time spent by patients. In summary, the simplified method reduced direct treatment costs in 34.9%. It can be concluded that the simplified method is less costly for patients and health system when compared with a conventional protocol for the rehabilitation of edentulous patients.

Os mecanismos fisiológicos de detecção e controle da sede no paciente cirúrgico idoso ocorrem de forma diferenciada do que em adultos e crianças o que justifica o investimento na condução de estudos sobre estratégias que podem proporcionar alívio deste sintoma com o uso de temperatura fria e volume pequeno. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a intensidade e o desconforto da sede de pacientes idosos que degustaram o picolé mentolado com a sede de pacientes idosos que receberam o cuidado usual, no pós-operatório imediato. Trata-se de ensaio clínico randomizado em paralelo com dois grupos, realizado em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica de hospital público de ensino no sul do Brasil. A amostra foi composta de 50 pacientes idosos em pós-operatório imediato, os quais foram alocados em dois grupos, sendo 25 no grupo controle e 25 no grupo experimental, sem perda de seguimento. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pacientes com idade >= 60 anos; estar em jejum; verbalizar sede e ter sido aprovado na avaliação do Protocolo de Segurança no Manejo da Sede. Os pacientes com restrições à ingesta ou deglutição, bem como os que autorreferiram alergia à menta, foram excluídos. Os pacientes alocados no grupo controle receberam o cuidado usual de rotina da instituição, onde o estudo foi conduzido, que consiste na manutenção do jejum. Já os pacientes alocados no grupo experimental receberam um picolé mentolado de 20 ml. Os desfechos primários de interesse foram a intensidade e o desconforto da sede, sendo que ambos foram avaliados inicialmente (T0) e novamente (T1) após 20 minutos da intervenção ou cuidado usual. A intensidade da sede foi mensurada por meio da Escala Numérica (zero significa nenhuma sede e 10 a maior sede já vivenciada pelo paciente), e o desconforto da sede pela Escala de Desconforto da Sede Perioperatória (pontuação de zero a 14 pontos, sendo zero a ausência de desconforto e 14 corresponde ao desconforto mais intenso relacionado à sede). A mediana da intensidade e do desconforto da sede inicial (T0) foi de 6,0 para os participantes alocados no grupo experimental, e 5,0 para a intensidade e 6,0 para o desconforto da sede para os participantes alocados no grupo controle. Para a comparação das mudanças nos escores da Escala Numérica e da Escala de Desconforto da Sede Perioperatória entre o grupo experimental e o grupo controle (valor final menos valor inicial), o teste de Mann-Whitney foi empregado para diferenças de medianas. Os resultados do ensaio clínico randomizado demonstraram que houve diminuição estatisticamente significante na intensidade (p<0,001) e no desconforto da sede (p<0,001) dos pacientes cirúrgicos idosos, após vinte minutos da degustação do picolé mentolado quando comparados à intensidade e desconforto da sede dos pacientes que receberam o cuidado usual, no pósoperatório imediato. Considerando a escassez de evidências sobre estratégias para manejo da sede do paciente cirúrgico idoso, o picolé mentolado é uma estratégia inovadora e segura, podendo se tornar método de escolha para uso na prática clínica / Physiological mechanisms of detection and control of thirst in the elderly surgical patient occur differently than in adults and children, which justifies the investment in conducting studies on strategies that can provide relief of this symptom with use of cold temperature and small volume. The aim of the study was to compare thirst intensity and discomfort of elderly patients who savoured mentholated popsicle with thirst of elderly patients who received the usual care in the immediate postoperative period. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial in parallel with two groups, conducted in a post anesthesia care unit of a public teaching hospital in southern Brazil. The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients in the immediate postoperative period, who were allocated in two groups, 25 in the control and 25 in the experimental group, without follow-up losses. Inclusion criteria were: patients aged >= 60 years; being fasting; verbalize thirst and having been approved in the assessment of Safety Protocol of Thirst Management. Patients with restrictions to ingestion or swallowing, as well as those who self-referred peppermint allergy, were excluded. Patients assigned to the control group received usual routine care of the institution where the study was conducted, which consists in maintenance of fasting. Patients assigned to the experimental group received a 20 ml mentholated popsicle. Primary outcomes of interest were thirst intensity and discomfort, both of which were assessed initially (T0) and again (T1) after 20 minutes of the intervention or usual care. Thirst intensity was measured using a Numerical Scale (zero means no thirst and 10 the greatest thirst ever experienced by patient), and thirst discomfort by Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (score of zero to 14 points, being zero the absence of discomfort and 14 corresponds to the most intense discomfort related to thirst). Median of initial thirst intensity and discomfort (T0) was 6.0 for the participants assigned to the experimental group, 5.0 for thirst intensity and 6.0 for thirst discomfort for the participants assigned to the control group. Mann-Whitney test was used evaluating differences in medians, comparing changes in Numerical Scale and in Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale between the experimental group and the control group (final value minus initial value). Results of the randomized clinical trial demonstrated that there was a statistically significant decrease in thirst intensity (p <0.001) and discomfort (p <0.001) of elderly surgical patients, after twenty minutes of tasting the mentholated popsicle when compared to thirst intensity and discomfort of the patients who received the usual care, in the immediate postoperative period. Considering the shortage of evidence on strategies for thirst management of elderly surgical patient, mentholated popsicle is an innovative and safe strategy, and may become a method of choice for use in clinical practice

The increasing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies as health care options warrants thorough examination of the efficacy and safety evidence around these therapies. This thesis explores the intersection of TCM and fatigue using two rigorous methodologies: systematic reviews (SRs) and a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT). In order to inform the development of an RCT of acupuncture for infectious mononucleosis (mono), a common condition with no known cure, characterized by profound fatigue, we examined the literature on TCM treatment of mono as well as another fatigue condition, idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF). Additionally, we investigated the literature on the safety of pediatric acupuncture. SRs of TCM efficacy in mono and ICF determined that although clinical trials exist, methodological flaws compromised their validity. In particular, studies published as RCTs were found to lack proper randomization. Inclusion of these studies in the SRs would have been inappropriate and demonstrates the importance of verifying RCT methods. We also present the results of the first known SR of pediatric acupuncture safety. This review was comprehensive, including a large number of databases and publications in any language. Synthesis of the results from those studies that included a denominator produced mild adverse event estimates of 16.3/100 (95% CI 11.221.5) per patient, for RCTs, and 6.3/100 (95% CI 4.97.7) per patient, for cohort studies, with a combined estimate of 7.8/100 (95% CI 6.49.2) per patient. We developed and conducted an RCT of acupuncture for mono, although limitations to recruitment resulted in the enrolment of only three participants. The primary result of the small sample size was to restrict the determination of treatment effect, however, successful implementation of other elements is informative to further research in this area. In addition, we determined the local 5-year Monospot positive incidence rate to be 1.11/1000 (95% CI 0.953.2) for all ages and 5.46/1000 (95% CI 0.8910.0) for the 15-25 year old group. This dissertation examined the evidence around TCM and fatigue and provides recommendations that are aimed at increasing the value of research and the safety and efficacy of practice in this area.

The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate effects of a multi-component pain and stress self-management group intervention (PASS) and to explore plausible predictors associated with short-term and long-term treatment effects among patients with persistent tension-type neck pain in primary health care (PHC). Study I was a pilot study in order to explore feasibility of the study design and methods. It included 37 participants randomly assigned to the intervention (n=18) or treatment-as-usual (n=19). Study II-III was a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that compared effects of the PASS and individually administered physiotherapy (IAPT) on patients with persistent tension-type neck pain in PHC. Study II evaluated short-term effects over a 20-week follow-up. Study III evaluated long-term effects on maintenance over a follow-up period of 2 years. Studies included 156 participants randomly assigned to PASS (n=77) or IAPT (n=79). Study IV explored predictive factors for favorable outcome in disability regarding participants assigned to PASS. The results showed that PASS had better effects than IAPT regarding coping with pain, in terms of patients’ ability to control pain, self-efficacy regarding activities interfered with by pain, disability and catastrophizing, over the 20-week follow-up, and treatment effects were largely maintained over a 2-year follow-up. Post-treatment scores in disability, self-efficacy and pain intensity were associated with long-term outcome in pain-related disability 2 years post-treatment following PASS. Pre-treatment characteristics explained only a minor proportion of variance in disability, and were assumed weakly associated with treatment success and long-term outcome. Key components for enhancement of long-term efficacy in pain self-management coping efforts were adequately targeted by PASS. It is suggested important to strengthen self-efficacy beliefs in regard to pain coping, to reduce disability and enhance pain self-management in the treatment of persistent neck pain, and to induce long-term maintenance of treatment gains on disability following a pain self-management intervention.

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Objective The main objective of this thesis was to explore the effects of diet on gastrointestinal symptoms in prostate cancer patients treated with local curative radiotherapy, by evaluating dietary intake prior to treatment (Study I), the psychometric properties of a new questionnaire on patient-reported gastrointestinal side effects (Study II), and the effect of a dietary intervention on acute and long-term gastrointestinal symptoms up to 2 years after radiotherapy completion (Study III-IV). Methods A total of 130 men with localized prostate cancer referred to dose-escalated radiotherapy (ED2 87-102 Gy, α/β=3 Gy) were recruited to a dietary intervention trial. Patients were randomized to receive either standard care plus the dietary intervention of a fibre- and lactose-restricted diet (intervention group, IG; n=64) or standard care alone (standard care group, SCG; n=66). Data on gastrointestinal symptoms and dietary intake were collected pre-treatment and at seven time points during a follow-up period of 26 months. Results Prior to treatment, grain products and milk products were major sources of energy. Unbalanced fatty acid intake and low intake of selenium were observed (Study I). Validation of the Gastrointestinal Side Effects Questionnaire (GISEQ) revealed satisfactory internal consistency, moderate concurrent validity and adequate responsiveness (Study II). There were no significant effects of the intervention on acute or long-term gastrointestinal symptoms, but a tendency towards lower prevalence and severity of bloating and diarrhoea in the IG compared to the SCG during radiotherapy. Gastrointestinal symptoms were predominantly mild, and the frequency of clinically relevant symptoms was merely a few percent. Dietary adherence in the IG was initially good, but tended to decline beyond 12 months post-radiotherapy (Study III-IV). Conclusions A fibre- and lactose-restricted diet was not superior to the habitual diet in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing high-dose, small-volume radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. The GISEQ enables assessment of patient-perceived change in symptoms, but further work is needed to strengthen its psychometric qualities. It is suggested that continued research in this area target patient categories referred to irradiation of larger pelvic volumes with a higher risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, and that dietary interventions incorporate established strategies to enhance adherence and effectiveness.