Publications by authors named "Esther Jovell-Fernandez"
Purpose: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) bounce is a transient elevation in PSA levels commonly observed after radiotherapy. This study aims to investigate the characteristics, timing, and clinical implications of PSA bounce (PSA-B) in prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), exploring potential causes and its relevance in patient management.
Materials And Methods: Between 2013 and 2019, 629 patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with EBRT.
The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become widespread in recent years, leading to an increase in addiction cases. A total of 118 patients who attended the Behavioral Addictions Unit of Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (Barcelona, Spain) between October 2005 and December 2021 were included in the study. The sample was divided into three groups according to the time period in which they started treatment: between 2005 and 2010 (before the rise in new technologies, named the pre-ICT period), between 2011 and 2019 (a time of major ICT development, named the ICT period) and between 2020 and 2021 (with massive use of the internet due to effects of the pandemic, named the COVID-19 period).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: With the increasing number of older adults and their declining motor and cognitive function, it is crucial to find alternative methods for assessing physical functionality. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, the 4 Meter Walk Test and the Barthel Index (BI) have been used to evaluate mobility and fragility and predict falls. But some of these functional test tasks could be difficult to perform for frail older adults or bedridden patients that cannot ambulate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAging is associated with a decrease in functional capacity, manifested by a loss of strength, physical performance and muscle quality. Multicomponent training (MCT), characterized by the combination of at least three types of training, could be a good strategy to counteract these changes. To date there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of MCT in improving both physical performance and muscle quality simultaneously.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGambling landscape has changed in recent years with the emergence of online gambling (OG). Greater accessibility and availability of this betting modality can increase the risk of developing a gambling disorder (GD). Online sports betting (OSB) is currently the most common type of OG, but little is known about the clinical characteristics of OSB compared to slot-machine (SM) gamblers, the most common offline gambling disorder.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To assess the prevalence of bowel dysfunctions after treatment for gynaecological cancer and the impact on the quality of life.
Methods: We identified a cohort of 217 eligible women treated with radiotherapy (RT) with curative intention, alone or as combined treatment, for gynaecological malignancies at three institutions in Catalonia (Spain). Demographic, diagnosis and treatment modality were reviewed.
Introduction: Even though evidence is lacking, a low-fat diet has been traditionally recommended after cholecystectomy. The main aim of this study was to assess the potential correlation between postoperative symptoms and type of diet after cholecystectomy.
Methods: Symptoms were prospectively assessed by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score at baseline, one month and 6 months after cholecystectomy in 83 patients operated on at our institution.
Purpose: The impact of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) on quality of life has underscored the importance of measuring functional outcomes after treatment for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the LARS score as a single questionnaire was useful enough in the clinical setting.
Methods: Patients treated by curative anterior resection for rectal cancer were sent the LARS score and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 questionnaires by post.
Article Synopsis
- The study evaluates the effectiveness of basic eye exams for diabetic patients in primary healthcare settings.
- A sample of 712 type 2 diabetics underwent visual acuity tests, intraocular pressure checks, and non-mydriatic fundus photography, with referrals made to ophthalmologists based on findings.
- Results show a notable agreement between general practitioners and ophthalmologists in diagnosing eye conditions, although there was some over-diagnosis and unnecessary referrals by GPs, ultimately reducing the number of patients needing specialist referrals.
Objectives: To evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), their relationship with insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic beta-cell (PBC) function in a known non-diabetic population, and to follow its progress over a period of 5 years.
Design: Nested case-control study developed in two phases: the identification and characterisation of the cohort to study and the follow up.
Setting: Urban Primary Care Centre.