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- Nijs, Jo, et al.
(author)
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Nutritional intervention in chronic pain: an innovative way of targeting central nervous system sensitization?
- 2020
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In: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1472-8222 .- 1744-7631. ; 24:8, s. 793-803
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Few treatment programs for chronic pain nowadays take a dietary pattern or adipose status into account. Areas covered An important role of neuroinflammation in chronic pain is now well established, at least in part due to increased central nervous system glial activation. Based on preclinical studies, it is postulated that the interaction between nutrition and central sensitization is mediated via bidirectional gut-brain interactions. This model of diet-induced neuroinflammation and consequent central sensitization generates a rationale for developing innovative treatments for patients with chronic pain. Methods: An umbrella approach to cover the authors' expert opinion within an evidence-based viewpoint. Expert opinion A low-saturated fat and low-added sugar dietary pattern potentially decreases oxidative stress, preventing Toll-like receptor activation and subsequent glial activation. A low-saturated fat and low-added sugar diet might also prevent afferent vagal nerve fibers sensing the pro-inflammatory mediators that come along with a high-(saturated) fat or energy-dense dietary pattern, thereby preventing them to signal peripheral inflammatory status to the brain. In addition, the gut microbiota produces polyamines, which hold the capacity to excite N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, an essential component of the central nervous system sensitization. Hence, a diet reducing polyamine production by the gut microbiota requires exploration as a therapeutic target for cancer-related and non-cancer chronic pain.
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- Cohen, J., et al.
(author)
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Population-based study of dying in hospital in six European countries
- 2008
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In: Palliative Medicine. - : SAGE Publications. - 0269-2163 .- 1477-030X. ; 22:6, s. 702-710
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined the proportion of deaths taking place in hospitals in six European countries in relation to demographic, epidemiologic and healthcare factors. Retrospective analyses were performed on a database integrating death certificate data of all deaths in 2002 in Sweden and 2003 in Belgium, England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Wales (N = 891,780). Data were linked with regional healthcare statistics. Of all deaths, from 33.9% (the Netherlands) to 62.8% (Wales) occurred in hospital. Large country differences in hospital deaths were partly explained by the availability of care home and hospital beds. Differences between countries were strikingly large in older patients and cancer patients. Older patients had a higher probability of dying in hospital in Sweden, Scotland, England and Wales than in Flanders and, in particular, in the Netherlands. Cancer patients often died in hospitals in Sweden but less frequently so in the Netherlands and England. Country differences in the proportion of patients dying in hospital are only partly the result of differences in health care provision, and are in particular larger for certain patient categories, suggesting country-specific end-of-life practices in these categories. These findings can contribute to rational public health policies aimed at reducing hospital deaths.
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- Fischer, S, et al.
(author)
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Responders and non-responders in a study on medical end-of-life decisions in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland
- 2006
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In: Sozial- und Präventivmedizin. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0303-8408 .- 1420-911X. ; 51:1, s. 24-33
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To determine the direction and magnitude of participation bias in end-of-life research. Methods: Within the framework of a European survey on medical end-of-life decisions, a non-response study was conducted among physicians in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. People were asked about their attitudes and experiences in the area of medial end-of-life decision. The response rates ranged from 12.8% (Netherlands) to 39.4% (Switzerland). The responders (n = 5403) and the non-responders (n = 866) were compared regarding socio-demographic characteristics, experiences with terminal patients and agreement with attitudes towards "end-of-life decisions". The reasons for non-participation to the study were analyzed. Results: Non-response did not cause socio-demographic distortion, but non-responders had statistically significantly fewer terminal patients than responders. Agreement rates were statistically significantly higher among responders than among non-responders for euthanasia, non-treatment decision and life-preserving statements. Neutral answers were statistically significantly more frequent among non-responders than among responders for life-preserving and euthanasia statements. The most commonly mentioned reason for non-participation was "lack of time". Conclusion: Non-participation does cause an overestimation of proponents of life-shortening, as well as of life-preserving end-of-life decisions. Non-responders more often have ambiguous attitudes towards end-of-life decisions than responders.
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- Onwuteaka-Philipsen, BD, et al.
(author)
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End-of-life decision making in Europe and Australia - A physician survey
- 2006
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In: Archives of Internal Medicine. - 0003-9926. ; 166:8, s. 921-929
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The frequencies with which physicians make different medical end-of-life decisions (ELDs) may differ between countries, but comparison between countries has been difficult owing to the use of dissimilar research methods. Methods: A written questionnaire was sent to a random sample of physicians from 9 specialties in 6 European countries and Australia to investigate possible differences in the frequencies of physicians' willingness to perform ELDs and to identify predicting factors. Response rates ranged from 39% to 68% (N= 10 139). Using hypothetical cases, physicians were asked whether they would ( probably) make each of 4 ELDs. Results: In all the countries, 75% to 99% of physicians would withhold chemotherapy or intensify symptom treatment at the request of a patient with terminal cancer. In most cases, more than half of all physicians would also be willing to deeply sedate such a patient until death. However, there was generally less willingness to administer drugs with the explicit intention of hastening death at the request of the patient. The most important predictor of ELDs was a request from a patient with decisional capacity (odds ratio, 2.1-140.0). Shorter patient life expectancy and uncontrollable pain were weaker predictors but were more stable across countries and across the various ELDs (odds ratios, 1.1-2.4 and 0.9-2.4, respectively). Conclusion: Cultural and legal factors seem to influence the frequencies of different ELDs and the strength of their determinants across countries, but they do not change the essence of decision making.
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- van der Heide, A, et al.
(author)
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End-of-life decision-making in six European countries: descriptive study
- 2003
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In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X. ; 362:9381, s. 345-350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Empirical data about end-of-life decision-making practices are scarce. We aimed to investigate frequency and characteristics of end-of-life decision-making practices in six European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. Methods In all participating countries, deaths reported to death registries were stratified for cause (apart from in Switzerland), and samples were drawn from every stratum. Reporting doctors received a mailed questionnaire about the medical decision-making that had preceded the death of the patient. The data-collection procedure precluded identification of any of the doctors or patients. All deaths arose between June, 2001, and February, 2002. We weighted data to correct for stratification and to make results representative for all deaths: results were presented as weighted percentages. Findings The questionnaire response rate was 75% for the Netherlands, 67% for Switzerland, 62% for Denmark, 61% for Sweden, 59% for Belgium, and 44% for Italy. Total number of deaths studied was 20 480. Death happened suddenly and unexpectedly in about a third of cases in all countries. The proportion of deaths that were preceded by any end-of-life decision ranged between 23% (Italy) and 51% (Switzerland). Administration of drugs with the explicit intention of hastening death varied between countries: about 1% or less in Denmark, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland, 1.82% in Belgium, and 3.40% in the Netherlands. Large variations were recorded in the extent to which decisions were discussed with patients, relatives, and other caregivers. Interpretation Medical end-of-life decisions frequently precede dying in all participating countries. Patients and relatives are generally involved in decision-making in countries in which the frequency of making these decisions is high.
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