Patients\u27 knowledge and beliefs concerning gout and its treatment: a population based study

BACKGROUND: For patients to effectively manage gout, they need to be aware of the impact of diet, alcohol use, and medications on their condition. We sought to examine patients\u27 knowledge and beliefs concerning gout and its treatment in order to identify barriers to optimal patient self-management. METHODS: We identified patients (\u3e/=18 years of age) cared for in the setting of a multispecialty group practice with documentation of at least one health care encounter associated with a gout diagnosis during the period 2008-2009 (n = 1346). Patients were sent a questionnaire assessing knowledge with regard to gout, beliefs about prescription medications used to treat gout, and trust in the physician. Administrative electronic health records were used to identify prescription drug use and health care utilization. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty patients returned surveys out of the 500 contacted for participation. Most were male (80%), white (94%), and aged 65 and older (66%). Only 14 (6%) patients were treated by a rheumatologist. Only a minority of patients were aware of common foods known to trigger gout (e.g., seafood [23%], beef [22%], pork [7%], and beer [43%]). Of those receiving a urate-lowering medication, only 12% were aware of the short-term risks of worsening gout with initiation. These deficits were more common in those with active as compared to inactive gout. CONCLUSION: Knowledge deficits about dietary triggers and chronic medications were common, but worse in those with active gout. More attention is needed on patient education on gout and self-management training

Patients’ knowledge and beliefs concerning gout and its treatment: a population based study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>For patients to effectively manage gout, they need to be aware of the impact of diet, alcohol use, and medications on their condition. We sought to examine patients’ knowledge and beliefs concerning gout and its treatment in order to identify barriers to optimal patient self-management.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We identified patients (≥18 years of age) cared for in the setting of a multispecialty group practice with documentation of at least one health care encounter associated with a gout diagnosis during the period 2008–2009 (n = 1346). Patients were sent a questionnaire assessing knowledge with regard to gout, beliefs about prescription medications used to treat gout, and trust in the physician. Administrative electronic health records were used to identify prescription drug use and health care utilization.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two hundred and forty patients returned surveys out of the 500 contacted for participation. Most were male (80%), white (94%), and aged 65 and older (66%). Only 14 (6%) patients were treated by a rheumatologist. Only a minority of patients were aware of common foods known to trigger gout (e.g., seafood [23%], beef [22%], pork [7%], and beer [43%]). Of those receiving a urate-lowering medication, only 12% were aware of the short-term risks of worsening gout with initiation. These deficits were more common in those with active as compared to inactive gout.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Knowledge deficits about dietary triggers and chronic medications were common, but worse in those with active gout. More attention is needed on patient education on gout and self-management training.</p

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Grewia optiva Leaf Aqueous Extract and Isolated Compounds as Reducing Agent and Their Biological Activities

In this study, an attempt was made to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Grewia optiva leaf extract and isolated compounds. The bioreductant capacity of Grewia optiva leaf extract for the synthesis of Ag-NPs was assessed using various confirmatory techniques like thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis (PSA), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The presence of various bioactive compounds in leaf aqueous extract was confirmed through HPLC analysis, and 8 compounds were identified among the different peaks present in the chromatogram. Biopotencies like antioxidant, antibacterial, and effect on hair growth were determined for extract and NPs. Antioxidant capacities were assessed through standard ABTS and DPPH methods. The antibacterial potential was evaluated in terms of zone of inhibition, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration of the Ag-NPs and the leaf extract against selected strains of bacteria, whereas the effect on growth of rabbit hair was studied through topical treatment for a specific period of time. Better antibacterial and DPPH and ABTS free radical inhibition was observed for the formulated Ag-NPs as compared to leaf extract. The previously isolated eight compounds from this plant’s chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were also tested for their bioreductant capacities. Out of them, the highest amount of precipitates was obtained with compound VII ((2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3′,6′,8′-trihydroxyl-4H-chromen-4′-one). The study implies that the biogenically engineered nanoscale particles could have promising biological activities in comparison to parental extract and they need to be investigated further as potential therapeutic agents to be used as antibacterial and antioxidant agents and for hair growth enhancement

A Review on Silver Nanoparticles: Classification, Various Methods of Synthesis, and Their Potential Roles in Biomedical Applications and Water Treatment

Recent developments in nanoscience have appreciably modified how diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Metal nanoparticles, specifically silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are widely used in bioscience. From time to time, various synthetic methods for the synthesis of AgNPs are reported, i.e., physical, chemical, and photochemical ones. However, among these, most are expensive and not eco-friendly. The physicochemical parameters such as temperature, use of a dispersing agent, surfactant, and others greatly influence the quality and quantity of the synthesized NPs and ultimately affect the material’s properties. Scientists worldwide are trying to synthesize NPs and are devising methods that are easy to apply, eco-friendly, and economical. Among such strategies is the biogenic method, where plants are used as the source of reducing and capping agents. In this review, we intend to debate different strategies of AgNP synthesis. Although, different preparation strategies are in use to synthesize AgNPs such as electron irradiation, optical device ablation, chemical reduction, organic procedures, and photochemical methods. However, biogenic processes are preferably used, as they are environment-friendly and economical. The review covers a comprehensive discussion on the biological activities of AgNPs, such as antimicrobial, anticancer anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic potentials of AgNPs. The use of AgNPs in water treatment and disinfection has also been discussed in detail