Preventive Effect of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Pentoxifylline Against Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: An Animal Study.

PubMed

Yalcin-Ulker, Gül Merve; Cumbul, Alev; Duygu-Capar, Gonca; Uslu, Ünal; Sencift, Kemal

2017-11-01

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the prophylactic effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 33) received zoledronic acid (ZA) for 8 weeks to create an osteonecrosis model. The left mandibular second molars were extracted and the recovery period lasted 8 weeks before sacrifice. PTX was intraperitoneally administered to prevent MRONJ. The specimens were histopathologically and histomorphometrically evaluated. Histomorphometrically, between the control and ZA groups, there was no statistically significant difference in total bone volume (P = .999), but there was a statistically significant difference in bone ratio in the extraction sockets (P < .001). A comparison of the bone ratio of the ZA group with the ZA/PTX group (PTX administered after extraction) showed no statistically significant difference (P = .69), but there was a statistically significant difference with the ZA/PTX/PTX group (PTX administered before and after extraction; P = .008). Histopathologically, between the control and ZA groups, there were statistically significant differences for inflammation (P = .013), vascularization (P = .022), hemorrhage (P = .025), and regeneration (P = .008). Between the ZA and ZA/PTX groups, there were no statistically significant differences for inflammation (P = .536), vascularization (P = .642), hemorrhage (P = .765), and regeneration (P = .127). Between the ZA and ZA/PTX/PTX groups, there were statistically significant differences for inflammation (P = .017), vascularization (P = .04), hemorrhage (P = .044), and regeneration (P = .04). In this experimental model of MRONJ, it might be concluded that although PTX, given after tooth extraction, improves new bone formation that positively affects bone healing, it is not prophylactic. However, PTX given before tooth extraction is prophylactic. Therefore, PTX might affect healing in a positive way by optimizing the inflammatory response. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kelekis, Alexios, E-mail: akelekis@med.uoa.gr; Filippiadis, Dimitrios K., E-mail: dfilippiadis@yahoo.gr; Vergadis, Chrysovalantis, E-mail: valvergadis@yahoo.gr

PurposeThrough a prospective comparison of patients with vertebral fractures and normal population, we illustrate effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) upon projection of load distribution changes.MethodsVertebroplasty group (36 symptomatic patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures) was evaluated on an electronic baropodometer registering projection of weight bearing areas on feet. Load distribution between right and left foot (including rear-front of the same foot) during standing and walking was recorded and compared before (group V1) and the day after (group V2) PV. Control group (30 healthy asymptomatic volunteers-no surgery record) were evaluated on the same baropodometer.ResultsMean value of load distribution difference between rear-front ofmore » the same foot was 9.45 ± 6.79 % (54.72–45.28 %) upon standing and 14.76 ± 7.09 % (57.38–42.62 %) upon walking in the control group. Respective load distribution values before PV were 16.52 ± 11.23 and 30.91 ± 19.26 % and after PV were 10.08 ± 6.26 and 14.25 ± 7.68 % upon standing and walking respectively. Mean value of load distribution variation between the two feet was 6.36 and 14.6 % before and 4.62 and 10.4 % after PV upon standing and walking respectively. Comparison of load distribution variation (group V1–V2, group V1-control group) is statistically significant. Comparison of load distribution variation (group V2-control group) is not statistically significant. Comparison of load distribution variation among the two feet is statistically significant during walking but not statistically significant during standing.ConclusionsThere is a statistically significant difference when comparing load distribution variation prior vertebroplasty and that of normal population. After vertebroplasty, this difference normalizes in a statistically significant way. PV is efficient on equilibrium-load distribution improvement as well.« less

[Laser's biostimulation in healing or crural ulcerations].

PubMed

Król, P; Franek, A; Huńka-Zurawińska, W; Bil, J; Swist, D; Polak, A; Bendkowski, W

2001-11-01

The objective of this paper was to evaluate effect of laser's biostimulation on the process of healing of crural ulcerations. Three comparative groups of patients, A, B and C, were made at random from the patients with venous crural ulcerations. The group A consisted of 17, the group B 15, the group C 17 patients. The patients in all comparative groups were treated pharmacologically and got compress therapy. Ulcerations at patients in group A were additionally irradiated by light of biostimulation's laser (810 nm) in this way that every time ulcerations got dose of energy 4 J/cm2. The patient's in-group B additionally got blind trial (with placebo in the form of quasi-laserotherapy). The evaluated factors were to estimate how laser's biostimulation causes any changes of the size of the ulcers and of the volume of tissue defect. The speed of changes of size and volume of tissue defect per week was calculated. After the treatment there was statistically significant decrease of size of ulcers in all comparative groups while there was no statistically significant difference between the groups observed. After the treatment there was statistically significant decrease of volume of ulcers only in groups A and C but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups observed.

Improving esthetic results in benign parotid surgery: statistical evaluation of facelift approach, sternocleidomastoid flap, and superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap application.

PubMed

Bianchi, Bernardo; Ferri, Andrea; Ferrari, Silvano; Copelli, Chiara; Sesenna, Enrico

2011-04-01

The purpose of this article was to analyze the efficacy of facelift incision, sternocleidomastoid muscle flap, and superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap for improving the esthetic results in patients undergoing partial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumor resection. The usefulness of partial parotidectomy is discussed, and a statistical evaluation of the esthetic results was performed. From January 1, 1996, to January 1, 2007, 274 patients treated for benign parotid tumors were studied. Of these, 172 underwent partial parotidectomy. The 172 patients were divided into 4 groups: partial parotidectomy with classic or modified Blair incision without reconstruction (group 1), partial parotidectomy with facelift incision and without reconstruction (group 2), partial parotidectomy with facelift incision associated with sternocleidomastoid muscle flap (group 3), and partial parotidectomy with facelift incision associated with superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap (group 4). Patients were considered, after a follow-up of at least 18 months, for functional and esthetic evaluation. The functional outcome was assessed considering the facial nerve function, Frey syndrome, and recurrence. The esthetic evaluation was performed by inviting the patients and a blind panel of 1 surgeon and 2 secretaries of the department to give a score of 1 to 10 to assess the final cosmetic outcome. The statistical analysis was finally performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data to compare the different group results. P less than .05 was considered significant. No recurrence developed in any of the 4 groups or in any of the 274 patients during the follow-up period. The statistical analysis, comparing group 1 and the other groups, revealed a highly significant statistical difference (P < .0001) for all groups. Also, when group 2 was compared with groups 3 and 4, the difference was highly significantly different statistically (P = .0018 for group 3 and P = .0005 for group 4). Finally, when groups 3 and 4 were compared, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .3467). Partial parotidectomy is the real key point for improving esthetic results in benign parotid surgery. The evaluation of functional complications and the recurrence rate in this series of patients has confirmed that this technique can be safely used for parotid benign tumor resection. The use of a facelift incision alone led to a high statistically significant improvement in the esthetic outcome. When the facelift incision was used with reconstructive techniques, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap or the superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap, the esthetic results improved further. Finally, no statistically significant difference resulted comparing the use of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative clinical trial of topical anesthetic agents in cataract surgery: lidocaine 2% gel, bupivacaine 0.5% drops, and benoxinate 0.4% drops.

PubMed

Soliman, Mahmoud M; Macky, Tamer A; Samir, M Khaled

2004-08-01

To assess the efficacy of lidocaine gel, bupivacaine drops, and benoxinate drops as topical anesthetic agents in cataract surgery. Kasr El-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. This prospective randomized study comprised 90 patients scheduled for routine cataract extraction. Patients were randomized into 3 groups of 30 each based on which anesthetic agent they received: lidocaine 2% gel, bupivacaine 0.5% drops, or benoxinate 0.4% drops. Subjective pain at application of the agent and intraoperatively was quantified by the patients using a verbal pain score (VPS) scale from 0 to 10. The duration of discomfort at application, duration of surgery, rate of supplemental sub-Tenon's anesthesia, and complications were recorded. The mean VPS at application was 2.97, 1.53, and 1.03 in the lidocaine, bupivacaine, and benoxinate groups, respectively; the VPS in the lidocaine group was statistically significantly higher than in the other 2 groups (P<.001). The mean duration of pain at application was 25 seconds, 14 seconds, and 6 seconds in the lidocaine, bupivacaine, and benoxinate groups, respectively, and was statistically significantly higher in the lidocaine group (P<.001). The mean VPS during surgery was 1.6, 4.1, and 7.1 in the lidocaine, bupivacaine, and benoxinate groups; the lidocaine group had a statistically significantly lower mean VPS than the other 2 groups (P<.001). The incidence of supplemental sub-Tenon's injection was 3.3%, 10.0%, and 73.3%, respectively, and was statistically significantly lower in the lidocaine and bupivacaine groups than in the benoxinate group (P<.001). The patients' overall satisfaction was statistically significantly higher in the lidocaine and bupivacaine groups than in the benoxinate group (93.3%, 83.3%, and 33.3%, respectively) (P<.001). Three patients in the lidocaine group had corneal haze at the time of surgery, which was not statistically significant (P>.1). Lidocaine gel was a better topical anesthetic agent than bupivacaine and benoxinate drops. Bupivacaine drops were effective in providing deep topical anesthesia.

Comparison of efficacy between TACE combined with apatinib and TACE alone in the treatment of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-center randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Lu, Wei; Jin, Xin-Li; Yang, Chao; Du, Peng; Jiang, Fu-Qiang; Ma, Jun-Peng; Yang, Jian; Xie, Peng; Zhang, Zhe

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with apatinib and TACE alone in the treatment of intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: From March 2015 to August 2015, a total of 44 patients with moderate and advanced HCC, who were admitted in the Navy General Hospital of China, were included into this study. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group A and group B. Patients in group A underwent TACE alone, while patients in group B underwent the combined treatment of TACE with apatinib. Differences in preoperative general data between these 2 groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All patients were followed up for 12–18 months. Changes in α-fetal protein (AFP) at 3 months after treatment and the objective response rate (ORR) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment were compared between these 2 groups. Furthermore, progression-free survival (PFS) and the incidence of adverse reactions were also compared between these 2 groups. Results: AFP levels in groups A and B significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment, compared with the levels before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, at 3 months after treatment, the difference between these 2 groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). ORR at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment was 36.36%, 27.27%, 13.64% and 9.09%, respectively, in group A; and 60%, 50%, 45% and 35%, respectively, in group B. At 3 and 6 months after treatment, the differences between these 2 groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05); while at 9 and 12 months after treatment, the differences between these 2 groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The median PFS was 6.0 months in group A and 12.5 months in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidences of complications were related to oral apatinib, such as hypertension, hand-foot syndrome and proteinuria, were higher in group B than in group A, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). These symptoms all alleviated after symptomatic treatments. Conclusions: For intermediate and advanced HCC, the long-term curative effect of TACE combined with apatinib is better than that of TACE alone. The former can obviously prolong the PFS of patients and has a confirmed safety. PMID:28548587

[Appraisal of occupational stress in different gender, age, work duration, educational level and marital status groups].

PubMed

Yang, Xin-Wei; Wang, Zhi-Ming; Jin, Tai-Yi

2006-05-01

This study was conducted to assess occupational stress in different gender, age, work duration, educational level and marital status group. A test of occupational stress in different gender, age, work duration, educational level and marital status group, was carried out with revised occupational stress inventory (OSI-R) for 4278 participants. The results of gender show that there are heavier occupational role, stronger interpersonal and physical strain in male than that in female, and the differences are statistically significant (P < 0.01). The score of recreation in the male is higher than that in female, but the score of self-care in the female is higher than that in male, and the differences are statistically significant (P < 0.01). Difference in the scores of occupational role, personal resource among various age groups is significant (P < 0.01). Vocational, interpersonal strain scores among various age groups is significant (P < 0.05). The results of educational level analyses suggest that the difference in the scores of occupational stress and strain among various educational levels show statistically significant (P < 0.05), whereas there are no statistic significance of coping resources among the groups (P > 0.05). The occupational stress so as to improve the work ability of different groups. Different measure should be taken to reduce the occupational stress so as to improve the work ability of different groups.

Corneal biomechanical parameters and intraocular pressure: the effect of topical anesthesia

PubMed Central

Ogbuehi, Kelechi C

2012-01-01

Background The intraocular pressures and biomechanical parameters measured by the ocular response analyzer make the analyzer a useful tool for the diagnosis and management of anterior segment disease. This observational study was designed to investigate the effect of topical anesthesia on the parameters measured by the ocular response analyzer: corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). Methods Two sets of measurements were made for 78 eyes of 39 subjects, approximately 1 week apart. In session 1, each eye of each subject was randomized into one of three groups: polyvinyl alcohol (0.5%), tetracaine hydrochloride (0.5%), or oxybuprocaine hydrochloride (0.4%). In session 2, eyes that were in the polyvinyl alcohol group in session 1 were assigned to the tetracaine group, those in the tetracaine group in session 1 were assigned to oxybuprocaine group, and those in the oxybuprocaine group in session 1 were assigned to the polyvinyl alcohol group. For both sessions, each subject first had his or her central corneal thickness assessed with a specular microscope, followed by measurements of intraocular pressure and corneal biomechanical parameters with the Ocular Response Analyzer. All measurements were repeated for 2 minutes and 5 minutes following the instillation of either polyvinyl alcohol, tetracaine, or oxybuprocaine. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Results Polyvinyl alcohol, tetracaine hydrochloride, and oxybuprocaine hydrochloride had no statistically significant (P > 0.05) effect on any of the biomechanical parameters of the cornea. There was no statistically significant effect on either IOPg (P > 0.05) or IOPcc (P > 0.05) 2 minutes after the eye drops were instilled in either session. Five minutes after the eye drops were instilled, polyvinyl alcohol showed no statistically significant effect on either IOPg (P > 0.05) or IOPcc (P > 0.05) in either session. Oxybuprocaine and tetracaine caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in IOPg in session 1, but only tetracaine had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in session 2. Tetracaine also caused a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in IOPcc in session 1. Conclusion The statistically significant effect of topical anesthesia on IOPg varies with the anesthetic used, and while this effect was statistically significant in this study, the small effect is probably not clinically relevant. There was no effect on any of the biomechanical parameters of the cornea. PMID:22791966

Corneal biomechanical parameters and intraocular pressure: the effect of topical anesthesia.

PubMed

Ogbuehi, Kelechi C

2012-01-01

The intraocular pressures and biomechanical parameters measured by the ocular response analyzer make the analyzer a useful tool for the diagnosis and management of anterior segment disease. This observational study was designed to investigate the effect of topical anesthesia on the parameters measured by the ocular response analyzer: corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). Two sets of measurements were made for 78 eyes of 39 subjects, approximately 1 week apart. In session 1, each eye of each subject was randomized into one of three groups: polyvinyl alcohol (0.5%), tetracaine hydrochloride (0.5%), or oxybuprocaine hydrochloride (0.4%). In session 2, eyes that were in the polyvinyl alcohol group in session 1 were assigned to the tetracaine group, those in the tetracaine group in session 1 were assigned to oxybuprocaine group, and those in the oxybuprocaine group in session 1 were assigned to the polyvinyl alcohol group. For both sessions, each subject first had his or her central corneal thickness assessed with a specular microscope, followed by measurements of intraocular pressure and corneal biomechanical parameters with the Ocular Response Analyzer. All measurements were repeated for 2 minutes and 5 minutes following the instillation of either polyvinyl alcohol, tetracaine, or oxybuprocaine. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Polyvinyl alcohol, tetracaine hydrochloride, and oxybuprocaine hydrochloride had no statistically significant (P > 0.05) effect on any of the biomechanical parameters of the cornea. There was no statistically significant effect on either IOPg (P > 0.05) or IOPcc (P > 0.05) 2 minutes after the eye drops were instilled in either session. Five minutes after the eye drops were instilled, polyvinyl alcohol showed no statistically significant effect on either IOPg (P > 0.05) or IOPcc (P > 0.05) in either session. Oxybuprocaine and tetracaine caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) reductions in IOPg in session 1, but only tetracaine had a significant (P < 0.05) effect in session 2. Tetracaine also caused a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in IOPcc in session 1. The statistically significant effect of topical anesthesia on IOPg varies with the anesthetic used, and while this effect was statistically significant in this study, the small effect is probably not clinically relevant. There was no effect on any of the biomechanical parameters of the cornea.

[Mechanism study on leptin resistance in lung cancer cachexia rats treated by Xiaoyan Decoction].

PubMed

Zhang, Yun-Chao; Jia, Ying-Jie; Yang, Pei-Ying; Zhang, Xing; Li, Xiao-Jiang; Zhang, Ying; Zhu, Jin-Li; Sun, Yi-Yu; Chen, Jun; Duan, Hao-Guo; Guo, Hua; Li, Chao

2014-12-01

To study the leptin resistance mechanism of Xiaoyan Decoction (XD) in lung cancer cachexia (LCC) rats. An LCC rat model was established. Totally 40 rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, the LCC model group, the XD group, and the positive control group, 10 in each group. After LCC model was set up, rats in the LCC model group were administered with normal saline, 2 mL each time. Rats in the XD group were administered with XD at the daily dose of 2 mL. Those in the positive control group were administered with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate suspension (20 mg/kg) by gastrogavage at the daily dose of 2 mL. All medication lasted for 14 days. The general condition and tumor growth were observed. Serum levels of leptin and leptin receptor in the hypothalamus were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Contents of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and anorexia for genomic POMC were detected using real-time PCR technique. Serum leptin levels were lower in the LCC model group than in the normal control group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Compared with the LCC model groups, serum leptin levels significantly increased in the XD group (P < 0.01). Leptin receptor levels in the hypothalamus increased significantly in the LCC model group (P < 0.01). Increased receptor levels in the LCC model group indicated that either XD or Medroxyprogesterone Acetate could effectively reduce levels of leptin receptor with statistical significance (P < 0.01). There was also statistical difference between the XD group and the positive control group (P < 0.05). Contents of NPY was higher in the LCC model group than in the other groups with statistical difference (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in NPY between the normal control group and the rest 2 treatment groups (P > 0.05). There was statistical difference in POMC between the normal control group and the LCC model group (P < 0.05). POMC could be decreased in the XD group and the positive control group with statistical significance (P < 0.05), and it was more obviously decreased in the XD group (P < 0.05). Leptin resistance existed in LCC rats. XD could increase serum leptin levels and reduce leptin receptor levels in the hypothalamus. LCC could be improved by elevating NPY contents in the hypothalamus and reducing POMC contents, promoting the appetite, and increasing food intake from the periphery pathway and the central pathway.

Development of polytoxicomania in function of defence from psychoticism.

PubMed

Nenadović, Milutin M; Sapić, Rosa

2011-01-01

Polytoxicomanic proportions in subpopulations of youth have been growing steadily in recent decades, and this trend is pan-continental. Psychoticism is a psychological construct that assumes special basic dimensions of personality disintegration and cognitive functions. Psychoticism may, in general, be the basis of pathological functioning of youth and influence the patterns of thought, feelings and actions that cause dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of basic dimensions of psychoticism for commitment of youth to abuse psychoactive substances (PAS) in order to reduce disturbing intrapsychic experiences or manifestation of psychotic symptoms. For the purpose of this study, two groups of respondents were formed, balanced by age, gender and family structure of origin (at least one parent alive). The study applied a DELTA-9 instrument for assessment of cognitive disintegration in function of establishing psychoticism and its operationalization. The obtained results were statistically analyzed. From the parameters of descriptive statistics, the arithmetic mean was calculated with measures of dispersion. A cross-tabular analysis of variables tested was performed, as well as statistical significance with Pearson's chi2-test, and analysis of variance. Age structure and gender are approximately represented in the group of polytoximaniacs and the control group. Testing did not confirm the statistically significant difference (p > 0.5). Statistical methodology established that they significantly differed in most variables of psychoticism, polytoxicomaniacs compared with a control group of respondents. Testing confirmed a high statistical significance of differences of variables of psychoticism in the group of respondents for p < 0.001 to p < 0.01. A statistically significant representation of the dimension of psychoticism in the polytoxicomaniac group was established. The presence of factors concerning common executive dysfunction was emphasized.

Effects of intra-articular levobupivacaine, fentanyl-levobupivacaine and tramadol-levobupivacaine for postoperative pain in arthroscopic knee surgery.

PubMed

Sayın, Pınar; Dobrucalı, Hale; Türk, Hacer Şebnem; Totoz, Tolga; Işıl, Canan Tülay; Hancı, Ayşe

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of intra-articularly injected levobupivacaine, levobupivacaine-fentanyl, and levobupivacaine-tramadol combinations. Eighty patients scheduled for elective knee arthroscopy were divided randomly into 4 groups of 20 patients each. Group 1 (the control group) received intra-articular saline, Group 2 received levobupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml, Group 3 received levobupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml + tramadol 50 mg, and Group 4 received levobupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml + fentanyl l50 mcg. All patients were operated on under general anesthesia, and a total of 20 ml study solution was injected: 7 ml subcutaneously before surgery and 13 ml intra-articularly upon completion of surgery. For postoperative, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th hours postoperatively. Patients with a VAS score over 5 received diclofenac sodium, and the need for rescue analgesics was recorded. At the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 24th postoperative hours, Group 3 and Group 4 had statistically significant lower VAS scores of pain (p<0.01). Postoperative rescue analgesic requirements were different among the groups. The postoperative 1st hour analgesic requirement was statistically significantly lower in Group 3 and Group 4 when compared to the other groups (p<0.01). At the postoperative 2nd and 4th hours, analgesic requirements were statistically significantly lower in Group 3 than in the other groups (p<0.01). Analgesic requirements were statistically significantly lower in Group 3 and Group 4 than in the other groups (p<0.01). Analgesic requirements at the 12th and 24th postoperative hours did not show any statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The results indicated that levobupivacaine combined with either fentanyl or tramadol decreased rescue analgesic requirements when compared to levobupivacaine alone.

An Investigation of Dental Luting Cement Solubility as a Function of the Marginal Gap.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

way ANOVA for the Phase 1 Diffusion Study revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the test groups. A Duncan’s Multiple...cement. The 25, 50, and 75 micron groups demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the amount of remaining luting cement. ( p< 0.05) A...one-way ANOVA was also performed on Phase 2 Dynamic Study. This test revealed that there were statistically significant differences among the test

[Pregnancy outcome in women over the age of 35].

PubMed

Dakov, T; Dimitrova, V; Todorov, T

2014-01-01

To assess pregnancy outcome in women aged > or =35, followed prospectively, and the relation between maternal age and the incidence of abortions after 12 gw (spontaneous and medical), preterm delivery, mode of delivery and congenital anomalies. 495 women from the Fetal Medicine Clinic of the State University Hospital "Maichin Dom" in Sofia were enrolled in the study between 02/2012 and 02/2014 with gestational age > or =12 completed weeks. The patients were devided in 3 groups according to age-- < or =34, between 35 and 39 and > or = 40 years of age. Pregnancy outcome was veirified from hospital records and phone intenrviews with the patients themselves. Data were processed with SPSS 13.0 statistical package. Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed after grouping according to one or more characteristics; p values <0.05 were considered as evidence of statistical significance for tested effects. 131/495 (26.5%) of the patients were < or =34 years of age, 254/495 (51.3%) were between 35 and 39 and 110/495 (22.2%) were > or =40 years of age. Maternal age > or =35 was associated with statistically significant increase of the total late abortion rate (spontaneous and medical abortions)--from 6.9% for those < or =34 yars of age to 11.3%--for the ones between 35-39 and 11.4%--for the ones > or =40 years. There was also statistically significant increase in the incidence of late medical abortions in the group > or =40 years of age (p=0.011). It was 2/124 (1.6%) for the group aged < or =34, 7/230 (3%)--in the group aged 35-39 and 9/100 (9.0%)--in the group > or =40 years of age. The difference in late spontaneous abortions rate was not statistically significant among the groups. There was statistically significant increase in the incidence of preterm deliveries (spontaneous and induced)--14/131 (10.7%) in the group aged < or =34, 52/208 (25.0%)--in the group between 35-39 and 20/93 (21.5%)--in the group > or =40 years of age (p=0.013). There was also a significant increase in Cesarean section rate with age--from 44/131 (33.6%) in the group < or =34, to 139/254 (54.7%)--in the group between 35-39, and 69/110 (62.7%)--in the group > or =40 years (p=0.0001). There is a tendency for increased operative vaginal delivery rate with age; however the difference is not statistically significant, probably due to the small number of cases (p=O. 113). There was also statistically significant increase in the proportion of newborns with congenital anomalies in women > or =40 years of age (p=0.005)--from 1/131 (0.8%) in patients < or =34, to 2/254 (1.0%) for those between 35 and 39, and 6/110 (5.5%)--for those > or =40 years. Part of the congenital anomalies was prenatally diagnosed chromosomal defects without termination of pregnancy Maternal age > or =35 years is associated with statistically significant increase in late medical abortions, preterm delivery and Cesarean section rate and congenital fetal anomalies.

Morphometric features of the right atrioventricular orifice in adult human hearts.

PubMed

Skwarek, M; Hreczecha, J; Dudziak, M; Jerzemowski, J; Szpinda, M; Grzybiak, M

2008-02-01

The normal data of the tricuspid valve complex is of great clinical importance in the light of progress in cardiosurgery and the development of novel operating techniques. A range of measurements for the right atrioventricular orifice in 96 human adult hearts was examined by means of anatomical dissection, inspection, examination, and statistical analyses. The length of the attachment of the anterior leaflet increased significantly between group I (aged 18-40 years) and group II (aged 41-64 years) in women only. In men there were no significant differences in this parameter between any of the three age groups. In addition, the attachment length of the posterior leaflet in women increased statistically in the second age group. In men, in contrast, the attachment length of the posterior leaflet did not increase significantly between the first and second age groups and became significantly larger only in oldest age group, consisting of men aged over 65. No statistically significant differences between the three age groups were found for the attachment length of the septal leaflet (p>0.05). In female hearts significant increases in the frontal and sagittal dimensions of the tricuspid valve orifice were observed between the second age group and the group aged over 65. In male hearts both the frontal and sagittal dimensions increased significantly with advanced age. The right atrioventricular orifice expressed as the ellipse area was statistically greater than the triangular area (p<0.01) in each age group. It should be noticed that both areas increased significantly during ageing. This study has demonstrated that the shape of the right atrioventricular orifice evolves during life, from a triangular shape to a more elliptical shape.

Retention of veneered stainless steel crowns on replicated typodont primary incisors: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Guelmann, Marcio; Gehring, Daren F; Turner, Clara

2003-01-01

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of crimping and cementation on retention of veneered stainless steel crowns. One hundred twenty crowns, 90 from 3 commercially available brands of veneered stainless steel crowns (Dura Crown, Kinder Krown, and NuSmile Primary Crown) and 30 (plain) Unitek stainless steel crowns were assessed for retention. An orthodontic wire was soldered perpendicular to the incisal edge of the crowns; the crowns were fitted to acrylic replicas of ideal crown preparations and were divided equally into 3 test groups: group 1--crowns were crimped only (no cement used); group 2--crowns were cemented only; and group 3--crowns were crimped and cemented to the acrylic replicas. An Instron machine recorded the amount of force necessary to dislodge the crowns and the results were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test. Group 3 was statistically more retentive than groups 1 and 2. Group 2 was statistically more retentive than group 1 (P < .001). In group 1, Unitek crowns were statistically more retentive than the veneered crowns (P < .05). In group 2, NuSmile crowns showed statistically less retention values than all other crowns (P < .05). In group 3,Kinder Krown crowns showed statistically better retention rates than all other brands (P < .05). Significantly higher retention values were obtained for all brands tested when crimping and cement were combined. The crowns with veneer facings were significantly more retentive than the nonveneered ones when cement and crimping were combined.

Efficacy of a radiation absorbing shield in reducing dose to the interventionalist during peripheral endovascular procedures: a single centre pilot study.

PubMed

Power, S; Mirza, M; Thakorlal, A; Ganai, B; Gavagan, L D; Given, M F; Lee, M J

2015-06-01

This prospective pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using a radiation absorbing shield to reduce operator dose from scatter during lower limb endovascular procedures. A commercially available bismuth shield system (RADPAD) was used. Sixty consecutive patients undergoing lower limb angioplasty were included. Thirty procedures were performed without the RADPAD (control group) and thirty with the RADPAD (study group). Two separate methods were used to measure dose to a single operator. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges were used to measure hand, eye, and unshielded body dose. A direct dosimeter with digital readout was also used to measure eye and unshielded body dose. To allow for variation between control and study groups, dose per unit time was calculated. TLD results demonstrated a significant reduction in median body dose per unit time for the study group compared with controls (p = 0.001), corresponding to a mean dose reduction rate of 65 %. Median eye and hand dose per unit time were also reduced in the study group compared with control group, however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.081 for eye, p = 0.628 for hand). Direct dosimeter readings also showed statistically significant reduction in median unshielded body dose rate for the study group compared with controls (p = 0.037). Eye dose rate was reduced for the study group but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.142). Initial results are encouraging. Use of the shield resulted in a statistically significant reduction in unshielded dose to the operator's body. Measured dose to the eye and hand of operator were also reduced but did not reach statistical significance in this pilot study.

Efficacy of keratinocyte growth factor (palifermin) for the treatment of caustic esophageal burns

PubMed Central

NUMANOĞLU, KEMAL VARIM; TATLI, DUYGU; BEKTAŞ, SIBEL; ER, EBUBEKIR

2014-01-01

Current treatment strategies against the development of corrosive esophageal strictures remain unsatisfactory. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of keratinocyte growth factor, in the form of palifermin, for the prevention of stricture development following esophageal caustic injuries in a rat model. A total of 32 female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, which included the control (C), burn (B), steroid (S) and steroid plus palifermin (S/P) groups. An experimental corrosive esophageal burn model was established in the B, S and S/P groups. Weight gain was recorded and histopathological evaluation was performed for each group. Weight gain in the S and B groups was compared with the control group and statistically significant differences were observed. In addition, statistically significant differences in weight gain were observed between the S/P group and the B group. Histopathologically, statistically significant differences were identified with regard to submucosal collagen deposition, muscularis mucosa and tunica muscularis damage when comparing the B group with the C group. In addition, statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the S and S/P groups with the B group. Furthermore, significant submucosal collagen deposition and tunica muscularis damage were observed in the S group when compared with the S/P group. The stenosis indexes in the C and S groups were significantly lower compared with the B group. In addition, the stenosis index in the S/P group was significantly lower compared with the S group. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate the effect of palifermin on corrosive esophageal burns. The addition of palifermin to the corrosive esophageal burn standard treatment regimen was found to reduce the degree of fibrosis and ameliorate histopathological damage in an experimental model of corrosive esophagitis in rats. PMID:25187801

[Effect analysis on Deanxit combined with Shuganjieyu capsule in the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease].

PubMed

Yang, X Y; Guo, C Y; Zhang, X; Zhong, Y Q; Tian, C

2017-11-28

Objective: To investigate the curative effect of Deanxit combined with Shuganjieyu capsule on the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods: A total of 125 patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease who had failed in standard lansolazole capsule treatment in the Department of Gastroenterology, First People's Hospital of Neijiang were selected. According to the symptom scores and mood scores of gastroesophageal reflux disease, patients were randomly and double-blindly divided into five groups. Group A(Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate + Deanxit), B(Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate + Shuganjieyu capsule), C(Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate+ Deanxit + Shuganjieyu capsule) and D(Deanxit) groups are study groups, the other was control group (Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate). The scores of symptoms and mood were compared after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment. Results: The clinical symptoms score, HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly lower in the all study groups in comparison to the control group after 4 weeks and 8 weeks therapy. The clinical symptoms score, HAMA and HAMD scores in group C were significantly lower than those in group A and B ( P <0.05), while the difference between group A and B was not statistically significant( P >0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores of group D were significantly higher than those of group A, B, C and control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05). The total effective rate of study groups were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05). The total effective rate of group C was significantly higher than that of group A and B (χ(2)=6.47, P <0.05). The total effective rate of group A at the end of the 8th week was significantly higher than that of group B (χ(2)=6.52, P <0.05). The total effective rate of group D at the end of the 4th and 8th week was significantly lower than those of the group A, B, C and control group, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=5.85, P <0.05). Conclusions: Deanxit combined with Shuganjieyu capsule is significantly effective in treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can effectively improve the total treatment efficiency, reduce the symptom scores and mood scores of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients.

Decreased mean platelet volume is associated with the developing stage of fetoplacental unit in spontaneous abortion.

PubMed

Kaplanoglu, Mustafa; Yuce, Tuncay; Bulbul, Mehmet

2015-01-01

The aim was to evaluate the place of mean platelet volume (MPV) in predicting spontaneous miscarriage and to identify any differences in its values following miscarriage after biochemical and clinical pregnancy. We retrospectively evaluated the data of 305 spontaneous miscarriages and 168 control subjects. The miscarriage subjects were evaluated in two groups: miscarriage after biochemical pregnancy (n=79) (BA group) and miscarriage after clinical pregnancy (n=226) (CA group). Demographic and laboratory data of all subjects were statistically compared. No statistically significant difference was found between the miscarriage and control subjects in terms of demographic data and Hb, Htc, WBC, and Plt values. The mean platelet volume (MPV) value in the miscarriage group (8.99±1.47 fl) was statistically significantly lower than in the control group (9.66±1.64 fl) (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference was present between the BA, CA and control group, with the lowest MPV value in the BA group (8.64±1.34 fl, 9.11±1.49 fl, and 9.66±1.64 fl, respectively) (P<0.001). MPV was significantly lower in patients with miscarriage than the control group, and this was correlated with the gestational stage when the miscarriage occurred.

Radiographic comparison of different concentrations of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein with allogenic bone compared with the use of 100% mineralized cancellous bone allograft in maxillary sinus grafting.

PubMed

Froum, Stuart J; Wallace, Stephen; Cho, Sang-Choon; Khouly, Ismael; Rosenberg, Edwin; Corby, Patricia; Froum, Scott; Mascarenhas, Patrick; Tarnow, Dennis P

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to radiographically evaluate, then analyze, bone height, volume, and density with reference to percentage of vital bone after maxillary sinuses were grafted using two different doses of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/acellular collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ACS) combined with mineralized cancellous bone allograft (MCBA) and a control sinus grafted with MCBA only. A total of 18 patients (36 sinuses) were used for analysis of height and volume measurements, having two of three graft combinations (one in each sinus): (1) control, MCBA only; (2) test 1, MCBA + 5.6 mL of rhBMP-2/ACS (containing 8.4 mg of rhBMP-2); and (3) test 2, MCBA + 2.8 mL of rhBMP-2/ACS (containing 4.2 mg of rhBMP-2). The study was completed with 16 patients who also had bilateral cores removed 6 to 9 months following sinus augmentation. A computer software system was used to evaluate 36 computed tomography scans. Two time points where selected for measurements of height: The results indicated that height of the grafted sinus was significantly greater in the treatment groups compared with the control. However, by the second time point, there were no statistically significant differences. Three weeks post-surgery bone volume measurements showed similar statistically significant differences between test and controls. However, prior to core removal, test group 1 with the greater dose of rhBMP-2 showed a statistically significant greater increase compared with test group 2 and the control. There was no statistically significant difference between the latter two groups. All three groups had similar volume and shrinkage. Density measurements varied from the above results, with the control showing statistically significant greater density at both time points. By contrast, the density increase over time in both rhBMP groups was similar and statistically higher than in the control group. There were strong associations between height and volume in all groups and between volume and new vital bone only in the control group. There were no statistically significant relationships observed between height and bone density or between volume and bone density for any parameter measured. More cases and monitoring of the future survival of implants placed in these augmented sinuses are needed to verify these results.

A pilot study: the effect of healing touch on anxiety, stress, pain, pain medication usage, and physiological measures in hospitalized sickle cell disease adults experiencing a vaso-occlusive pain episode.

PubMed

Thomas, Linda S; Stephenson, Nancy; Swanson, Mel; Jesse, D Elizabeth; Brown, Sylvia

2013-12-01

This pilot study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Healing Touch on anxiety, stress, pain, pain medication usage, and selected physiological measures of hospitalized adults with sickle cell disease experiencing a vaso-occlusive pain episode. Healing Touch sessions were administered for 30 minutes on four consecutive days, and the self-reported data on anxiety, stress, pain, and the selected physiological data were collected while controlling for music and presence. A parallel-group randomized control trial comparing the effects of Healing Touch with Music (HTM) to Attention Control with Music (ACM). Due to the small sample size, there were no statistically significant changes in any between-group comparisons, except for present pain on Day 4 for the ACM group. For both groups, the within-group comparison showed a nonsignificant reduction in physiological parameters, a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and stress for the ACM group after Day 4, and a statistically significant reduction in stress in the HTM group after Days 2 and 4. The pre- to postintervention reductions in present pain were greater in the HTM group across all 4 days, but the only statistically significant within groups findings were in the HTM group (p < .01) on Day 1. Further research is needed.

Effects of aldosterone blockade on left ventricular function and clinical status during acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Uzunhasan, Isil; Yildiz, Ahmet; Coskun, Ugur; Kalyoncuoglu, Muhsin; Baskurt, Murat; Cakar, Mehmet Akif; Kaya, Aysem; Pehlivanoglu, Seckin; Enar, Rasim; Okcun, Baris

2009-01-01

Heart failure is frequently a serious complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers and aldosterone receptor blockers have been shown to improve outcomes in this setting. This study aimed to determine the effect of spironolactone on the frequency of clinical heart failure, mortality, rehospitalization and left ventricular functions determined by echocardiography. A total of 82 patients with STEMI hospitalized within 6-12 h of debut of symptoms were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned into spironolactone (group A) or placebo (group B) groups after informed consent had been obtained. All patients were followed for 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups when demographic criteria were compared. The incidence of post-MI angina pectoris, rhythm and conduction disturbance during hospitalization was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A. Although not statistically significant, the incidence of clinical heart failure was slightly lower in Group A than in Group B (5% versus 11%). Left ventricular end-diastolic volumes were slightly lower in Group A than in Group B, although statistically this was not significant. In concordance with these findings, the ejection fraction was slightly higher in Group A than in Group B, although this was not statistically significant (47% versus 44%). This trend continued during a 6-month follow-up after randomization. Our findings suggest that early administration of aldosterone blockers provides additional benefits after AMI, reducing the incidence of post-MI angina pectoris and rhythm and conduction disturbances.

Usual Dose of Caffeine Has a Positive Effect on Somatosensory Related Postural Stability in Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

PubMed Central

Kim, Woo Sub; Choi, Chang Kweon; Yoon, Sang Ho

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of caffeine on balance control of hemiparetic stroke patients, we investigated the difference in postural stability before and after drinking coffee by observing changes in stability index (SI) from posturography. Methods Thirty patients with history of stroke and 15 age-matched healthy subjects participated in this study. Effect of group factor (of the control and stroke groups) and treatment factor (pre- and post-drinking of coffee) on SI were tested in three conditions: with eyes opened, with eyes closed, and with a pillow support. The effects of these factors on visual deprivation and somatosensory change of subjects were also tested. Results Under all conditions, SI was higher in the stroke group than in the control group. Under eyes-open condition, the treatment factor was not statistically significant. Under eyes-closed condition, the interaction between group and treatment factor was statistically significant. After the subjects drank coffee, SI in the control group was increased. However, SI in the stroke group was decreased. Under pillow-supported condition, the interaction between group and treatment factor appeared marginally significant. For visual deprivation effect, the interaction between treatment and group factor was statistically significant. After caffeine consumption, the visual deprivation effect was increased in control group but decreased in the stroke group. For somatosensory change effect, the interaction between group and treatment factor was not statistically significant. Conclusion Postural stability of hemiparetic stroke patients related to somatosensory information was improved after intake of usual dose of caffeine. PMID:25566476

Cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine or midazolam in combination with ketamine or tiletamine/zolazepam for the immobilisation of captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

PubMed

Stegmann, G F; Jago, M

2006-12-01

Captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) scheduled for either general health examination or dental surgery were immobilised with combinations of medetomidine-ketamine (K/DET, n = 19), midazolam-ketamine (K/MID, n = 4) or medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam (Z/DET, n = 5). Induction time and arterial blood pressure was not statistically significantly (P > 0.05) different between treatment groups. Transient seizures were observed in the K/DET treated animals during induction. Hypertension was present in all groups during anaesthesia with mean (+/- SD) systolic pressure of 30.7 +/- 5.0 kPa for the K/DET group, 27.7 +/- 2.7 kPa for the K/MID group, and 33.1 +/- 4.6 kPa for the Z/DET group. Heart rate was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the K/DET group (69 +/- 13.2 beats/min) compared to the K/MID group (97 +/- 22.6 beats/min), and ventilation rate was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the K/MID group (15 +/- 0.0 breaths/min) compared with the K/DET group (21 +/- 4.6). A metabolic acidosis and hypoxia were observed during anaesthesia when breathing air. Oxygen (O2) administration resulted in a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (hypercapnoea), arterial partial pressure of O2, and % oxyhaemoglobin saturation.

A Comparative Study of Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Buprenorphine with Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postcesarean Delivery Analgesia.

PubMed

Marappa, Prakash; Chikkapillappa, Manjunath Abloodu; Chennappa, Nagaraj Mungasuvalli; Pujari, Vinayak Seenappa

2017-01-01

Women undergoing cesarean (CS) delivery present a unique set of challenges to the anesthetist in terms of postoperative pain management. This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal buprenorphine (ITB) with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in post-CS delivery pain. A prospective randomized comparative study of sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II pregnant patients divided into two groups of thirty each as ITB group and TAP block group after satisfying the inclusion criteria. In the present study, demographic data were comparable between both groups. The time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in ITB group (389.67 ± 90.78 min) compared to TAP group (669.17 ± 140.65 min) and was statistically significant, P < 0.001. The mean paracetamol consumption in the first 24 h was higher in the TAP group (3.5 g) compared to the ITB group (1.13 g) and was statistically significant, P < 0.0001, and the mean tramadol consumed in first 24 h was higher in the TAP (46.66 mg) group as compared to the ITB group (16.66 mg) and was statistically significant, P < 0.001. The mean visual analog scale scores assessed at 4, 6, 12, and 24 h was higher in the TAP group and was statistically significant, P < 0.001. Our study showed that patients receiving ITB for post-CS pain management reported longer duration of analgesia, lower pain scores, and lower analgesic consumption during the first 24 h. The benefits of neuraxial opiates are significant and far outweigh the side effects.

A retrospective analysis of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis

PubMed Central

Yuan, Meiqin; Wang, Zeng; Hu, Guinv; Yang, Yunshan; Lv, Wangxia; Lu, Fangxiao; Zhong, Haijun

2016-01-01

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a poor prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with advanced gastric cancer with PM by retrospective analysis. A total of 54 gastric cancer patients with positive ascitic fluid cytology were included in this study: 23 patients were treated with systemic chemotherapy combined with HIPEC (HIPEC+ group) and 31 received systemic chemotherapy alone (HIPEC- group). The patients were divided into 4 categories according to the changes of ascites, namely disappear, decrease, stable and increase. The disappear + decrease rate in the HIPEC+ group was 82.60%, which was statistically significantly superior to that of the HIPEC- group (54.80%). The disappear + decrease + stable rate was 95.70% in the HIPEC+ group and 74.20% in the HIPEC- group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In 33 patients with complete survival data, including 12 from the HIPEC+ and 21 from the HIPEC- group, the median progression-free survival was 164 and 129 days, respectively, and the median overall survival (OS) was 494 and 223 days, respectively. In patients with ascites disappear/decrease/stable, the OS appeared to be better compared with that in patients with ascites increase, but the difference was not statistically significant. Further analysis revealed that patients with controlled disease (complete response + partial response + stable disease) may have a better OS compared with patients with progressive disease, with a statistically significant difference. The toxicities were well tolerated in both groups. Therefore, HIPEC was found to improve survival in advanced gastric cancer patients with PM, but the difference was not statistically significant, which may be attributed to the small number of cases. Further studies with larger samples are required to confirm our data. PMID:27446587

Erythrocyte deformability and oxidative stress in inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Akman, Tulay; Akarsu, Mesut; Akpinar, Hale; Resmi, Halil; Taylan, Ebru; Sezer, Ebru

2012-02-01

Oxidative stress and reduced microvascular flow are important factors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The increased oxidative stress reduces the erythrocyte deformability. However, in IBD, there are no studies in the literature which evaluate erythrocyte deformability. In our study, we investigated the effect of oxidative stress and erythrocyte deformability in IBD. Forty-three patients with active IBD, 48 patients with inactive IBD and 45 healthy controls were included. The erytrocyte deformability, malonyldialdehyde levels, glutation peroxidase and sulfhydryl levels were measured in peripheral venous blood samples. Erytrocyte malonyldialdehyde levels in both active and inactive IBD were significantly increased compared with control groups. Plasma glutation peroxidase levels did not show statistically significant difference between all groups. The decreased plasma sulfhydryl levels in active IBD were statistically significant compared with both the inactive IBD and the control group, but plasma sulfhydryl levels in inactive IBD group did not show statistically significant differences when compared with the control group. Elongation index values in both active and inactive IBD increased significantly compared with the control group. Statistically significant correlations were not found between the elongation index and glutation peroxidase, malonyldialdehyde, sulfhydryl levels in all groups. Our study is the first to evaluate the erythrocyte deformability in IBD. In our study, increased erytrocyte malonyldialdehyde levels and decreased plasma sulfhydryl levels manifested the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the disease. It is thought that the increased erythrocyte malonyldialdehyde values cause the reduction in erythrocyte deformability.

Treatment Effect of Antipsychotics in Combination with Horticultural Therapy on Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study.

PubMed

Zhu, Shunhong; Wan, Hengjing; Lu, Zhide; Wu, Huiping; Zhang, Qun; Qian, Xiaoqiong; Ye, Chenyu

2016-08-25

As a newly developed treatment method for schizophrenia, horticultural therapy is gaining more attention. However, there is as of now little research investigating this topic as well as a general lack of studies adopting into standard treatment plans. Investigate treatment effect of horticultural therapy on patients with schizophrenia and its possibility of standardized application in psychiatric hospitals. 110 patients with schizophrenia who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were selected from the rehabilitation ward of the Minhang District Mental Health Center from September 2015 to December 2015. We used random-number methods to classify patients into either the intervention group or the control group. While the two groups both received normal medications, the intervention group also attended horticultural therapy. Patients in the intervention group were led by a rehabilitation therapist who had obtained the level II psychological counselor qualification (the standard qualification for counselors in China). The treatment period lasted for 12 weeks. Treatment was held 3 times every week and each session lasted for 90 minutes. The specific contents included ridging, planting, watering, fertilizing and pruning of flowers; plowing, sowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding and catching pests for gardens; appreciating, collecting vegetables, cooking and tasting for flowers and grasses. During the final 10 minutes of every session, patients mutually expressed their thoughts and experiences and the rehabilitation therapist concluded the session. The two groups were measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline, the end of the 4 th week and the end of the 12 th week. There was no statistically significant difference in gender, age, course of disease, marital status, mean dosage of antipsychotic medications and PANSS score before the intervention among two groups. The PANSS score in the intervention group was statistically significant lower than in the control group both at the end of the 4 th week ( t =-4.03, p <0.001) and at the end of the 12 th week ( t =-5.57, p <0.001). There were statistically significant differences before and after intervention in the intervention group ( F =253.03, p <0.001); there was statistically significant differences before and after intervention in the control group ( F =67.66, p <0.001). There was statistically significant difference in the positive scale score among the two groups both at the end of the 4 th week ( t =-3.69, p <0.001) and the end of the 12 th week ( t =-3.55, p <0.001); there was a statistically significant difference in the general psychopathology scale score among the two groups both at the end of the 4 th week ( t =-3.67, p <0.001) and the end of the 12 th week ( t =-3.34, p <0.001). Likewise, there were statistically significant differences in the positive scale scores at baseline, end of the 4 th week and the end of the 12 th week both among the intervention group ( F =13.76, p <0.001) and the control group ( F =5.12, p =0.02); there were statistically significant differences in the general psychopathology scale scores at the baseline, the end of the 4 th weekand the end of the 12 th week both among the intervention group ( F =156.40, p <0.001) and the control group ( F =56.72, p <0.001). There was statistically significant differences in the negative scale score at the end of the 12 th week among the two groups ( t =-2.76, p <0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the positive scale scores at the baseline, the end of the 4 th week and the end of the 12 th week both among the intervention group ( F =103.94, p <0.001) and the control group ( F =34.03, p <0.001). Although antipsychotic medications can alleviate the psychiatric symptoms of patients with schizophrenia, the treatment effect for both positive and negative symptoms would be even more effective if it is combined with horticultural therapy.

Treatment Effect of Antipsychotics in Combination with Horticultural Therapy on Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study

PubMed Central

ZHU, Shunhong; WAN, Hengjing; LU, Zhide; WU, Huiping; ZHANG, Qun; QIAN, Xiaoqiong; YE, Chenyu

2016-01-01

Background As a newly developed treatment method for schizophrenia, horticultural therapy is gaining more attention. However, there is as of now little research investigating this topic as well as a general lack of studies adopting into standard treatment plans. Aims Investigate treatment effect of horticultural therapy on patients with schizophrenia and its possibility of standardized application in psychiatric hospitals. Methods 110 patients with schizophrenia who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were selected from the rehabilitation ward of the Minhang District Mental Health Center from September 2015 to December 2015. We used random-number methods to classify patients into either the intervention group or the control group. While the two groups both received normal medications, the intervention group also attended horticultural therapy. Patients in the intervention group were led by a rehabilitation therapist who had obtained the level II psychological counselor qualification (the standard qualification for counselors in China). The treatment period lasted for 12 weeks. Treatment was held 3 times every week and each session lasted for 90 minutes. The specific contents included ridging, planting, watering, fertilizing and pruning of flowers; plowing, sowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding and catching pests for gardens; appreciating, collecting vegetables, cooking and tasting for flowers and grasses. During the final 10 minutes of every session, patients mutually expressed their thoughts and experiences and the rehabilitation therapist concluded the session. The two groups were measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline, the end of the 4th week and the end of the 12th week. Results There was no statistically significant difference in gender, age, course of disease, marital status, mean dosage of antipsychotic medications and PANSS score before the intervention among two groups. The PANSS score in the intervention group was statistically significant lower than in the control group both at the end of the 4th week (t=-4.03, p<0.001) and at the end of the 12th week (t=-5.57, p<0.001). There were statistically significant differences before and after intervention in the intervention group (F=253.03, p<0.001); there was statistically significant differences before and after intervention in the control group (F=67.66, p<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in the positive scale score among the two groups both at the end of the 4th week (t=-3.69, p<0.001) and the end of the 12th week (t=-3.55, p<0.001); there was a statistically significant difference in the general psychopathology scale score among the two groups both at the end of the 4th week (t=-3.67, p<0.001) and the end of the 12th week (t=-3.34, p<0.001). Likewise, there were statistically significant differences in the positive scale scores at baseline, end of the 4th week and the end of the 12th week both among the intervention group (F=13.76, p<0.001) and the control group (F=5.12, p=0.02); there were statistically significant differences in the general psychopathology scale scores at the baseline, the end of the 4th weekand the end of the 12th week both among the intervention group (F=156.40, p<0.001) and the control group (F=56.72, p<0.001). There was statistically significant differences in the negative scale score at the end of the 12th week among the two groups (t=-2.76, p<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the positive scale scores at the baseline, the end of the 4th week and the end of the 12th week both among the intervention group (F=103.94, p<0.001) and the control group (F=34.03, p<0.001). Conclusions Although antipsychotic medications can alleviate the psychiatric symptoms of patients with schizophrenia, the treatment effect for both positive and negative symptoms would be even more effective if it is combined with horticultural therapy. PMID:28638192

Resuscitation quality of rotating chest compression providers at one-minute vs. two-minute intervals: A mannequin study.

PubMed

Kılıç, D; Göksu, E; Kılıç, T; Buyurgan, C S

2018-05-01

The aim of this randomized cross-over study was to compare one-minute and two-minute continuous chest compressions in terms of chest compression only CPR quality metrics on a mannequin model in the ED. Thirty-six emergency medicine residents participated in this study. In the 1-minute group, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean compression rate (p=0.83), mean compression depth (p=0.61), good compressions (p=0.31), the percentage of complete release (p=0.07), adequate compression depth (p=0.11) or the percentage of good rate (p=51) over the four-minute time period. Only flow time was statistically significant among the 1-minute intervals (p<0.001). In the 2-minute group, the mean compression depth (p=0.19), good compression (p=0.92), the percentage of complete release (p=0.28), adequate compression depth (p=0.96), and the percentage of good rate (p=0.09) were not statistically significant over time. In this group, the number of compressions (248±31 vs 253±33, p=0.01) and mean compression rates (123±15 vs 126±17, p=0.01) and flow time (p=0.001) were statistically significant along the two-minute intervals. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of chest compressions per minute, mean chest compression depth, the percentage of good compressions, complete release, adequate chest compression depth and percentage of good compression between the 1-minute and 2-minute groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality metrics of chest compressions between 1- and 2-minute chest compression only groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of ABO blood groups and Rh factor with retinal and choroidal thickness.

PubMed

Teberik, Kuddusi; Eski, Mehmet Tahir

2018-06-01

To evaluate if ABO blood group and Rh factor have an effect on retinal and choroidal thickness. This study was designed prospectively. Retinal nerve fiber layer, retinal, and choroidal thicknesses were measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Retinal and choroidal thickness measurements (one subfoveal, three temporal, and three nasal) were obtained at 500-μm intervals up to 1500 μm with the caliper system. In this study, 109 male and 151 female, 260 individuals in total were included. There were 125 subjects in group A, 29 in group B, 34 in group AB, and 72 in group O. Rh factor was positive in 194 subjects and negative in 66. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age (p = 0.667). The groups did not show any statistical difference in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. There was significant difference found for mean retinal thickness at temporal 1000 μm when four groups were compared (p = 0.037). No statistically significant difference was detected for the remaining retinal and choroidal sectoral regions. The groups did not statistically significantly differ concerning Rh factor (p > 0.05). Although we found a significant difference in retinal thickness in the temporal retina between group B with group A and group O, we suggest that both blood group and Rh factor have no effect on retinal and choroidal thickness.

Randomised sham-controlled double-blind multicentre clinical trial to ascertain the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency treatment for lumbar facet joint pain.

PubMed

van Tilburg, C W J; Stronks, D L; Groeneweg, J G; Huygen, F J P M

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a percutaneous radiofrequency heat lesion at the medial branch of the primary dorsal ramus with a sham procedure, for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain. A randomised sham-controlled double blind multicentre trial was carried out at the multidisciplinary pain centres of two hospitals. A total of 60 patients aged > 18 years with a history and physical examination suggestive of facet joint pain and a decrease of ≥ 2 on a numerical rating scale (NRS 0 to 10) after a diagnostic facet joint test block were included. In the treatment group, a percutaneous radiofrequency heat lesion (80 o C during 60 seconds per level) was applied to the medial branch of the primary dorsal ramus. In the sham group, the same procedure was undertaken without for the radiofrequency lesion. Both groups also received a graded activity physiotherapy programme. The primary outcome measure was decrease in pain. A secondary outcome measure was the Global Perceived Effect scale (GPE). There was a statistically significant effect on the level of pain in the factor Period (T0-T1). However, there was no statistically significant difference with the passage of time between the groups (Group × Period) or in the factor Group. In the crossover group, 11 of 19 patients had a decrease in NRS of ≥ 2 at one month crossover (p = 0.65). There was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction with the passage of time between the groups (Group × Period). The independent factors Group and Period also showed no statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant Group × Period effect for recovery, neither an effect of Group or of Period. The null hypothesis of no difference in the decrease in pain and in GPE between the treatment and sham groups cannot be rejected. Post hoc analysis revealed that the age of the patients and the severity of the initial pain significantly predicted a positive outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1526-33. ©2016 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

[Comparative study of the repair of full thickness tear of the supraspinatus by means of "single row" or "suture bridge" techniques].

PubMed

Arroyo-Hernández, M; Mellado-Romero, M A; Páramo-Díaz, P; Martín-López, C M; Cano-Egea, J M; Vilá Y Rico, J

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze if there is any difference between the arthroscopic reparation of full-thickness supraspinatus tears with simple row technique versus suture bridge technique. We accomplished a retrospective study of 123 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears between January 2009 and January 2013 in our hospital. There were 60 simple row reparations, and 63 suture bridge ones. The mean age in the simple row group was 62.9, and in the suture bridge group was 63.3 years old. There were more women than men in both groups (67%). All patients were studied using the Constant test. The mean Constant test in the suture bridge group was 76.7, and in the simple row group was 72.4. We have also accomplished a statistical analysis of each Constant item. Strength was higher in the suture bridge group, with a significant statistical difference (p 0.04). The range of movement was also greater in the suture bridge group, but was not statistically significant. Suture bridge technique has better clinical results than single row reparations, but the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.298).

[Functional electrical stimulation based on a working pattern influences function of lower extremity in subjects with early stroke and effects on diffusion tensor imaging: a randomized controlled trial].

PubMed

Chen, Danfeng; Yan, Tiebin; Li, Guandong; Li, Fangming; Liang, Qitang

2014-10-14

To explore the possible mechanisms for improving lower extremity motor function in patients with early stroke through combining magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) technology and functional electrical stimulation (FES) based on human walking patterns. From August 2012 to September 2013, a total of 48 eligible patients were stratified according to age, gender, disease course, Brunnstrom staging and types of stroke. And the Minimize software was used to divided them randomly into four-channel FES group (n = 18), dual-channel FES group (n = 15) and comfort stimulation group (n = 15). For all three groups, general medication and standard rehabilitation were provided. Based on normal walking pattern design of FES treatment, four-channel FES groups received the stimulations of quadriceps, hamstring, anterior tibialis and medial gastrocnemius. For the dual-channel FES group, the stimulations of tibialis anterior, peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles were applied. In comfort electrical stimulation group, the electrode positions were identical to the stimulation group, but there was no current output during stimulation. Before and after 3-week treatment, three groups received weekly rehabilitation evaluations of Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), posture assessment of stroke scale (PASS), Brunel balance assessment (BBA), Berg balance scale (BBS) and modified Barthel index (MBI). Before and after treatment, DTI examination was performed for some patients. Among three groups, general patient profiles and pre-treatment evaluations showed no significant difference. For intra-group comparisons versus pre-treatment, at week 1, 2 and 3, the scores of PASS, BBA, BBS, FMA and MBI had statistically significant differences (P < 0.05); At week 3 post-treatment, when four-channel and double-channel FES groups were compared versus pre-treatment, the scores of ipsilateral FA had statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). At week 1 post-treatment, MBI had statistically significant difference among 3 groups (P = 0.037). As compared with placebo, four-channel group had statistically significant difference [(52 ± 12) vs (38 ± 18), P < 0.05]; At week 2 post-treatment, the scores of PASS and MBI were (29 ± 3, 73 ± 13) in four-channel FES group versus (24 ± 8, 60 ± 17) in dual-channel FES group. And the scores of PASS, BBA, BBS, FMA and MBI were (9 ± 3, 8.3 ± 2.4, 37 ± 7, 22 ± 5, 73 ± 13) in four-channel FES group versus (21 ± 7, 6.2 ± 3.1, 24 ± 16, 15 ± 8, 47 ± 20) in comfort electrical stimulation group. When dual-channel FES and comfort stimulation groups were compared, MBI had significant statistical difference [(60 ± 17) vs (47 ± 20), P < 0.05]. At week 3 post-treatment, four-channel and dual-channel FES groups were compared, there was also statistical significance in FMA [(25 ± 5) vs (20 ± 7), P = 0.055]. The scores of PASS, BBS, FMA and MBI were (31 ± 3, 43 ± 8, 25 ± 5, 81 ± 13) in four-channel FES group versus (25 ± 8, 29 ± 17, 17 ± 9, 54 ± 25) in comfort stimulation group respectively. When dual-channel FES and comfort stimulation groups were compared, the scores of MBI were (71 ± 15) and (54 ± 25) respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At week 3 post-treatment, the scores of FA significantly increased [four-channel FES group (0.321 ± 0.172) vs comfort stimulation group (0.217 ± 0.135) (P = 0.020)]. When dual-channel FES group (0.333 ± 0.164) and comfort stimulation group (0.217 ± 0.135) (P = 0.049) were compared, the differences were statistically significant. DTI showed that four-channel FES group increased significantly, but contralateral fiber bundle was not obvious. And the improvements of dual-channel FES and comfort stimulation groups were insignificant. Compared with traditional dual-channel FES, functional electrical stimulation based on human walking patterns is more efficacious. And it helps to restore brain structure and function and promote motor function recovery in patients with early stroke.

Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of audio and audiovisual distraction aids in the management of anxious pediatric dental patients.

PubMed

Kaur, Rajwinder; Jindal, Ritu; Dua, Rohini; Mahajan, Sandeep; Sethi, Kunal; Garg, Sunny

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare audio and audiovisual distraction aids in management of anxious pediatric dental patients of different age groups and to study children's response to sequential dental visits with the use of distraction aids. This study was conducted on two age groups, that is, 4-6 years and 6-8 years with 30 patients in each age group on their first dental visit. The children of both the age groups were divided into 3 subgroups, the control group, audio distraction group, audiovisual distraction group with 10 patients in each subgroup. Each child in all the subgroups had gone through three dental visits. Child anxiety level at each visit was assessed by using a combination of anxiety measuring parameters. The data collected was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Tukey honest significant difference post-hoc test at 0.05% level of significance revealed audiovisual group showed statistically highly significant difference from audio and control group, whereas audio group showed the statistically significant difference from the control group. Audiovisual distraction was found to be a more effective mode of distraction in the management of anxious children in both the age groups when compared to audio distraction. In both the age groups, a significant effect of the visit type was also observed.

Administration of honey to prevent peritoneal adhesions in a rat peritonitis model.

PubMed

Yuzbasioglu, Mehmet Fatih; Kurutas, Ergul Belge; Bulbuloglu, Ertan; Goksu, Mustafa; Atli, Yalcin; Bakan, Vedat; Kale, Ilhami Taner

2009-02-01

We investigated the effects of intraperitoneal honey on the development of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions and oxidative stress in a model of bacterial peritonitis. Bacterial peritonitis was induced in 18 rats by cecal ligation and puncture. The rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 (n=6) received honey intraperitoneally, group 2 (n=6) received 5% dextrose intraperitoneally, and the third group received no fluid or medicine intraperitoneally one day after cecal ligation and puncture procedure. All animals were killed 14 days later so we could assess the adhesion score. Tissue antioxidant levels were measured in 1-g tissue samples taken from the abdominal wall. Adhesion scores of honey treated group were significantly lower according to the control group (P<0.05) and statistically significant. Adhesion scores of honey were lower from 5% dextrose but not statistically significant (P>0.05). Malondialdehyde values of honey group were significantly lower from the control group (P<0.05) and levels in 5% dextrose group was higher than the honey group. Catalase levels were high in control and 5% dextrose groups. Superoxide dismutase levels were higher in the control group than the honey group (statistically significant). Intraperitoneal honey decreased the formation of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions without compromising wound healing in this bacterial peritonitis rat model. Honey also decreased the oxidative stress during peritonitis.

Initial Experience with Balloon-Occluded Trans-catheter Arterial Chemoembolization (B-TACE) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maruyama, Mitsunari, E-mail: mitunari@med-shimane.u.ac.jp; Yoshizako, Takeshi, E-mail: yosizako@med.shimane-u.ac.jp; Nakamura, Tomonori, E-mail: t-naka@med.shimane-u.ac.jp

2016-03-15

PurposeThis study was performed to evaluate the accumulation of lipiodol emulsion (LE) and adverse events during our initial experience of balloon-occluded trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization (B-TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with conventional TACE (C-TACE).MethodsB-TACE group (50 cases) was compared with C-TACE group (50 cases). The ratio of the LE concentration in the tumor to that in the surrounding embolized liver parenchyma (LE ratio) was calculated after each treatment. Adverse events were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects (CTCAE) version 4.0.ResultsThe LE ratio at the level of subsegmental showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (tmore » test: P < 0.05). Only elevation of alanine aminotransferase was more frequent in the B-TACE group, showing a statistically significant difference (Mann–Whitney test: P < 0.05). While B-TACE caused severe adverse events (liver abscess and infarction) in patients with bile duct dilatation, there was no statistically significant difference in incidence between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the significant risk factor for liver abscess/infarction was bile duct dilatation (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe LE ratio at the level of subsegmental showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (t test: P < 0.05). B-TACE caused severe adverse events (liver abscess and infarction) in patients with bile duct dilatation.« less

TVT-Exact and midurethral sling (SLING-IUFT) operative procedures: a randomized study

PubMed Central

Aniulis, Povilas; Skaudickas, Darijus

2015-01-01

Objectives The aim of the study is to compare results, effectiveness and complications of TVT exact and midurethral sling (SLING-IUFT) operations in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods A single center nonblind, randomized study of women with SUI who were randomized to TVT-Exact and SLING-IUFT was performed by one surgeon from April 2009 to April 2011. SUI was diagnosed on coughing and Valsalva test and urodynamics (cystometry and uroflowmetry) were assessed before operation and 1 year after surgery. This was a prospective randomized study. The follow up period was 12 months. 76 patients were operated using the TVT-Exact operation and 78 patients – using the SLING-IUFT operation. There was no statistically significant differences between groups for BMI, parity, menopausal status and prolapsed stage (no patients had cystocele greater than stage II). Results Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the SLING-IUFT group (19 ± 5.6 min.) compared with the TVT-Exact group (27 ± 7.1 min.). There were statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of both procedures: TVT-Exact – at 94.5% and SLING-IUFT – at 61.2% after one year. Hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter in the SLING-IUFT group (1. 2 ± 0.5 days) compared with the TVT-Exact group (3.5 ± 1.5 days). Statistically significantly fewer complications occurred in the SLING-IUFT group. Conclusion the TVT-Exact and SLING-IUFT operations are both effective for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. The SLING-IUFT involved a shorter operation time and lower complications rate., the TVT-Exact procedure had statistically significantly more complications than the SLING-IUFT operation, but a higher effectiveness. PMID:28352711

TVT-Exact and midurethral sling (SLING-IUFT) operative procedures: a randomized study.

PubMed

Aniuliene, Rosita; Aniulis, Povilas; Skaudickas, Darijus

2015-01-01

The aim of the study is to compare results, effectiveness and complications of TVT exact and midurethral sling (SLING-IUFT) operations in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A single center nonblind, randomized study of women with SUI who were randomized to TVT-Exact and SLING-IUFT was performed by one surgeon from April 2009 to April 2011. SUI was diagnosed on coughing and Valsalva test and urodynamics (cystometry and uroflowmetry) were assessed before operation and 1 year after surgery. This was a prospective randomized study. The follow up period was 12 months. 76 patients were operated using the TVT-Exact operation and 78 patients - using the SLING-IUFT operation. There was no statistically significant differences between groups for BMI, parity, menopausal status and prolapsed stage (no patients had cystocele greater than stage II). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the SLING-IUFT group (19 ± 5.6 min.) compared with the TVT-Exact group (27 ± 7.1 min.). There were statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of both procedures: TVT-Exact - at 94.5% and SLING-IUFT - at 61.2% after one year. Hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter in the SLING-IUFT group (1. 2 ± 0.5 days) compared with the TVT-Exact group (3.5 ± 1.5 days). Statistically significantly fewer complications occurred in the SLING-IUFT group. the TVT-Exact and SLING-IUFT operations are both effective for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. The SLING-IUFT involved a shorter operation time and lower complications rate., the TVT-Exact procedure had statistically significantly more complications than the SLING-IUFT operation, but a higher effectiveness.

Comparison of the Effects of Walking with and without Nordic Pole on Upper Extremity and Lower Extremity Muscle Activation.

PubMed

Shim, Je-Myung; Kwon, Hae-Yeon; Kim, Ha-Roo; Kim, Bo-In; Jung, Ju-Hyeon

2013-12-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic pole walking on the electromyographic activities of upper extremity and lower extremity muscles. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups as follows: without Nordic pole walking group (n=13) and with Nordic pole walking group (n=13). The EMG data were collected by measurement while the subjects walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes by measuring from one heel strike to the next. [Results] Both the average values and maximum values of the muscle activity of the upper extremity increased in both the group that used Nordic poles and the group that did not use Nordic poles, and the values showed statistically significant differences. There was an increase in the average value for muscle activity of the latissimus dorsi, but the difference was not statistically significant, although there was a statistically significant increase in its maximum value. The average and maximum values for muscle activity of the lower extremity did not show large differences in either group, and the values did not show any statistically significant differences. [Conclusion] The use of Nordic poles by increased muscle activity of the upper extremity compared with regular walking but did not affect the lower extremity.

Comparison of the Effects of Walking with and without Nordic Pole on Upper Extremity and Lower Extremity Muscle Activation

PubMed Central

Shim, Je-myung; Kwon, Hae-yeon; Kim, Ha-roo; Kim, Bo-in; Jung, Ju-hyeon

2014-01-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic pole walking on the electromyographic activities of upper extremity and lower extremity muscles. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups as follows: without Nordic pole walking group (n=13) and with Nordic pole walking group (n=13). The EMG data were collected by measurement while the subjects walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes by measuring from one heel strike to the next. [Results] Both the average values and maximum values of the muscle activity of the upper extremity increased in both the group that used Nordic poles and the group that did not use Nordic poles, and the values showed statistically significant differences. There was an increase in the average value for muscle activity of the latissimus dorsi, but the difference was not statistically significant, although there was a statistically significant increase in its maximum value. The average and maximum values for muscle activity of the lower extremity did not show large differences in either group, and the values did not show any statistically significant differences. [Conclusion] The use of Nordic poles by increased muscle activity of the upper extremity compared with regular walking but did not affect the lower extremity. PMID:24409018

Comparative study of scarf and extended chevron osteotomies for correction of hallux valgus.

PubMed

Vopat, Bryan G; Lareau, Craig R; Johnson, Julie; Reinert, Steven E; DiGiovanni, Christopher W

2013-12-01

Scarf and chevron osteotomies are two described treatments for the correction of hallux valgus deformity, but they have traditionally been employed for different levels of severity. We hypothesized that there would be no statistically significant difference between the results of these two treatments. This study is a retrospective review of 70 consecutive patients treated operatively for moderate and severe hallux valgus malalignment. The two groups based on their operative treatment: scarf osteotomy (Group A) and extended chevron osteotomy (Group B). Preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were measured at final follow-up. Charts were also assessed to determine the postoperative rate of satisfaction, stiffness, and pain. There were no statistically significant differences between Groups A and B with regard to the HVA preoperatively and postoperatively. The DMAA was statistically significantly higher for Group B both preoperatively (p=0.0403) and postoperatively (p<0.0001). The differences in HVA correction and IMA correction were not statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to post-operative stiffness, pain, and satisfaction. The scarf and extended chevron osteotomies are capable of adequately reducing the HVA and IMA in patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus. These two techniques yielded similar patient outcomes in terms of stiffness, pain and satisfaction. Based on these results, we recommend both the scarf and extended chevron osteotomy as acceptable forms of correction for moderate to severe hallux valgus.

[Effects of Self-directed Feedback Practice using Smartphone Videos on Basic Nursing Skills, Confidence in Performance and Learning Satisfaction].

PubMed

Lee, Seul Gi; Shin, Yun Hee

2016-04-01

This study was done to verify effects of a self-directed feedback practice using smartphone videos on nursing students' basic nursing skills, confidence in performance and learning satisfaction. In this study an experimental study with a post-test only control group design was used. Twenty-nine students were assigned to the experimental group and 29 to the control group. Experimental treatment was exchanging feedback on deficiencies through smartphone recorded videos of nursing practice process taken by peers during self-directed practice. Basic nursing skills scores were higher for all items in the experimental group compared to the control group, and differences were statistically significant ["Measuring vital signs" (t=-2.10, p=.039); "Wearing protective equipment when entering and exiting the quarantine room and the management of waste materials" (t=-4.74, p<.001) "Gavage tube feeding" (t=-2.70, p=.009)]. Confidence in performance was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, after the complete practice, there was a statistically significant difference in overall performance confidence (t=-3.07. p=.003). Learning satisfaction was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (t=-1.67, p=.100). Results of this study indicate that self-directed feedback practice using smartphone videos can improve basic nursing skills. The significance is that it can help nursing students gain confidence in their nursing skills for the future through improvement of basic nursing skills and performance of quality care, thus providing patients with safer care.

The platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolase, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, paraoxonase 1 and arylesterase levels in treated and untreated patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Carlioglu, Ayse; Kaygusuz, Ikbal; Karakurt, Feridun; Gumus, Ilknur Inegol; Uysal, Aysel; Kasapoglu, Benan; Armutcu, Ferah; Uysal, Sema; Keskin, Esra Aktepe; Koca, Cemile

2014-11-01

To evaluate the platelet activating factor acetyl hydrolyze (PAF-AH), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), arylesterase (ARE) levels and the effects of metformin and Diane-35 (ethinyl oestradiol + cyproterone acetate) therapies on these parameters and to determine the PON1 polymorphisms among PCOS patients. Ninety patients with PCOS, age 30, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: metformin treatment, Diane-35 treatment and no medication groups. The treatment with metformin or Diane-35 was continued for 6 months and all subjects were evaluated with clinical and biochemical parameters 6 months later. One-way Anova test, t test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. PAF-AH and ox-LDL levels were statistically significantly higher in untreated PCOS patients than controls, and they were statistically significantly lower in patients treated with metformin or Diane-35 than untreated PCOS patients. In contrast, there were lower PON1 (not statistically significant) and ARE (statistically significant) levels in untreated PCOS patients than the control group and they significantly increased after metformin and Diane-35 treatments. In PCOS patients serum PON1 levels for QQ, QR and RR phenotypes were statistically significantly lower than the control group. In patients with PCOS, proatherogenic markers increase. The treatment of PCOS with metformin or Diane-35 had positive effects on lipid profile, increased PON1 level, which is a protector from atherosclerosis and decreased the proatherogenic PAF-AH and ox-LDL levels.

A comparative scanning electron microscopic study of the effect of three different rotary instruments on smear layer formation.

PubMed

Shahi, Shahriar; Yavari, Hamid R; Rahimi, Saeed; Reyhani, Mohammad F; Kamarroosta, Zahra; Abdolrahimi, Majid

2009-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RaCe, FlexMaster and ProFile rotary instruments on smear layer formation by scanning electron microscopy. Eighty-four caries-free freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth were selected and divided into three groups, each containing 28 teeth. The teeth were instrumented with rotary instruments sequentially: Group A: ProFile Rotary Instruments; Group B: FlexMaster Rotary Instruments; and Group C: RaCe Rotary Instruments. Instrumentation was performed by the crown-down method and according to the manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were then examined with SEM according to Hülsmann's classification. One-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey test were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in the coronal third (P = 0.39), but at the apical and middle thirds there were statistically significant differences between the RaCe group and the other groups (P < 0.05). Smear layer in the RaCe group was less than that in the ProFile and FlexMaster groups, but the difference between the ProFile group and FlexMaster group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). It was concluded that RaCe Rotary Instruments produce less smear layer than FlexMaster and ProFile Rotary Instruments.

Vertebroplasty versus sham procedure for painful acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VERTOS IV): randomised sham controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Firanescu, Cristina E; de Vries, Jolanda; Lodder, Paul; Venmans, Alexander; Schoemaker, Marinus C; Smeet, Albert J; Donga, Esther; Juttmann, Job R; Klazen, Caroline A H; Elgersma, Otto E H; Jansen, Frits H; Tielbeek, Alexander V; Boukrab, Issam; Schonenberg, Karen; van Rooij, Willem Jan J; Hirsch, Joshua A; Lohle, Paul N M

2018-05-09

To assess whether percutaneous vertebroplasty results in more pain relief than a sham procedure in patients with acute osteoporotic compression fractures of the vertebral body. Randomised, double blind, sham controlled clinical trial. Four community hospitals in the Netherlands, 2011-15. 180 participants requiring treatment for acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were randomised to either vertebroplasty (n=91) or a sham procedure (n=89). Participants received local subcutaneous lidocaine (lignocaine) and bupivacaine at each pedicle. The vertebroplasty group also received cementation, which was simulated in the sham procedure group. Main outcome measure was mean reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at one day, one week, and one, three, six, and 12 months. Clinically significant pain relief was defined as a decrease of 1.5 points in VAS scores from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were the differences between groups for changes in the quality of life for osteoporosis and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire scores during 12 months' follow-up. The mean reduction in VAS score was statistically significant in the vertebroplasty and sham procedure groups at all follow-up points after the procedure compared with baseline. The mean difference in VAS scores between groups was 0.20 (95% confidence interval -0.53 to 0.94) at baseline, -0.43 (-1.17 to 0.31) at one day, -0.11 (-0.85 to 0.63) at one week, 0.41 (-0.33 to 1.15) at one month, 0.21 (-0.54 to 0.96) at three months, 0.39 (-0.37 to 1.15) at six months, and 0.45 (-0.37 to 1.24) at 12 months. These changes in VAS scores did not, however, differ statistically significantly between the groups during 12 months' follow-up. The results for secondary outcomes were not statistically significant. Use of analgesics (non-opioids, weak opioids, strong opioids) decreased statistically significantly in both groups at all time points, with no statistically significant differences between groups. Two adverse events occurred in the vertebroplasty group: one respiratory insufficiency and one vasovagal reaction. Percutaneous vertebroplasty did not result in statistically significantly greater pain relief than a sham procedure during 12 months' follow-up among patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01200277. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

PULPAL BLOOD FLOW CHANGES IN ABUTMENT TEETH OF REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES

PubMed Central

Kunt, Göknil Ergün; Kökçü, Deniz; Ceylan, Gözlem; Yılmaz, Nergiz; Güler, Ahmet Umut

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tooth supported (TSD) and toothtissue supported (TTSD) removable partial denture wearing on pulpal blood flow (PBF) of the abutment teeth by using Laser Doppler Flowmeter (LDF). Measurements were carried out on 60 teeth of 28 patients (28 teeth and 12 patients of TTSD group, 32 teeth and 16 patients of TSD group) who had not worn any type of removable partial dentures before, had no systemic problems and were non smokers. PBF values were recorded by LDF before insertion (day 0) and after insertion of dentures at day 1, day 7 and day 30. Statistical analysis was performed by student t test and covariance analyses of repeated measurements. In the group TTSD, the mean values of PBF decreased statistically significantly at day 1 after insertion when compared with PBF values before insertion (p<0,01). There was no statistically significant difference among PBF mean values on 1st, 7th and 30th day. However, in the group TSD, there was no statistically significant difference among PBF mean values before insertion and on 1st, 7th and 30th day. In other words, PBF mean values in group TSD continued without changing statistically significant on 1st, 7th and 30th day. TTSD wearing may show negative effect on the abutment teeth due to decreasing basal PBF. PMID:20001995

Efficacy of a Radiation Absorbing Shield in Reducing Dose to the Interventionalist During Peripheral Endovascular Procedures: A Single Centre Pilot Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Power, S.; Mirza, M.; Thakorlal, A.

PurposeThis prospective pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using a radiation absorbing shield to reduce operator dose from scatter during lower limb endovascular procedures.Materials and MethodsA commercially available bismuth shield system (RADPAD) was used. Sixty consecutive patients undergoing lower limb angioplasty were included. Thirty procedures were performed without the RADPAD (control group) and thirty with the RADPAD (study group). Two separate methods were used to measure dose to a single operator. Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges were used to measure hand, eye, and unshielded body dose. A direct dosimeter with digital readout was also used tomore » measure eye and unshielded body dose. To allow for variation between control and study groups, dose per unit time was calculated.ResultsTLD results demonstrated a significant reduction in median body dose per unit time for the study group compared with controls (p = 0.001), corresponding to a mean dose reduction rate of 65 %. Median eye and hand dose per unit time were also reduced in the study group compared with control group, however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.081 for eye, p = 0.628 for hand). Direct dosimeter readings also showed statistically significant reduction in median unshielded body dose rate for the study group compared with controls (p = 0.037). Eye dose rate was reduced for the study group but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.142).ConclusionInitial results are encouraging. Use of the shield resulted in a statistically significant reduction in unshielded dose to the operator’s body. Measured dose to the eye and hand of operator were also reduced but did not reach statistical significance in this pilot study.« less

The influence of platelet-rich plasma on the healing of extraction sockets: an explorative randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Alissa, Rami; Esposito, Marco; Horner, Keith; Oliver, Richard

2010-01-01

To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of hard and soft tissues of extraction sockets with a pilot study. Patients undergoing tooth extraction under intravenous sedation were asked to participate in the trial. Autologous platelet concentrates were prepared from the patients' blood and autologous thrombin was produced. Outcome measures were: pain level, analgesic consumption, oral function (ability to eat food, swallowing, mouth opening and speech), general activity, swelling, bruising, bleeding, bad taste or halitosis, food stagnation, patient satisfaction, healing complications, soft tissue healing, trabecular pattern of newly formed bone in extraction sockets, trabecular bone volume, trabecular separation, trabecular length, trabecular width, and trabecular number. Patients were followed up to 3 months post-extraction. Twelve patients (15 sockets) were randomly allocated to the PRP group and 11 patients (14 sockets) to the control group. Two patients from the control group did not attend any of the scheduled appointments following tooth extraction, and were considered dropouts. Additionally, one more patient from the control group and four patients from the PRP group did not attend their 3-month radiographic assessment appointments. Statistically significantly more pain was recorded in the control group for the first (P=0.02), second (P=0.02) and third (P=0.04) post-operative days for Visual Analogue Scale scores, whereas no differences were observed for the fourth (P=0.17), fifth (P=0.38), sixth (P=0.75) and seventh (P=0.75) post-operative days. There was a statistically significantly higher analgesic consumption for the first (P=0.03) and second (P=0.02) post-operative days in the control group and no differences thereafter. Differences in patients' responses in the health-related quality of life questionnaire were statistically significant in favour of PRP treatment only for the presence of bad taste or bad smell in the mouth (P=0.03), and food stagnation in the operation area (P=0.03). The difference between groups was not statistically significant for patient satisfaction with the treatment (P=0.31). Regarding complications, two dry sockets and one acutely inflamed alveolus occurred in patients of the control group, which determined a borderline statistically significant difference in favour of the PRP group (P=0.06). Soft tissue healing was significantly better in patients treated with PRP (P=0.03). Radiographic evaluation carried out by the two blinded examiners revealed a statistically significant difference (P=0.01) for sockets with dense homogeneous trabecular pattern, a borderline statistically significant difference in the trabecular pattern for bone volume (P=0.06) favouring PRP use, and no significant differences for trabecular separation (P=0.66), trabecular length (P=0.16), trabecular width (P=0.16) and trabecular number (P=0.38). PRP may have some benefits in reducing complications such as alveolar osteitis and improving healing of soft tissue of extraction sockets. There were insufficient data to support the use of PRP to promote bone healing or to enhance the quality of life of patients following tooth extraction, although the sample size was too small to detect statistically significant differences.

The Effect of Isometric Massage on Global Grip Strength after Conservative Treatment of Distal Radial Fractures. Pilot Study.

PubMed

Ratajczak, Karina; Płomiński, Janusz

2015-01-01

The most common fracture of the distal end of the radius is Colles' fracture. Treatment modalities available for use in hand rehabilitation after injury include massage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of isometric massage on the recovery of hand function in patients with Colles fractures. For this purpose, the strength of the finger flexors was assessed as an objective criterion for the evaluation of hand function. The study involved 40 patients, randomly divided into Group A of 20 patients and Group B of 20 patients. All patients received physical therapy and exercised individually with a physiotherapist. Isometric massage was additionally used in Group A. Global grip strength was assessed using a pneumatic force meter on the first and last day of therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of less than 0.05. In both groups, global grip strength increased significantly after the therapy. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The men and women in both groups equally improved grip strength. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between younger and older patients, with younger patients achieving greater gains in global grip strength in both groups. The incorporation of isometric massage in the rehabilitation plan of patients after a distal radial fracture did not significantly contribute to faster recovery of hand function or improve their quality of life.

Statistical comparison of pooled nitrogen washout data of various altitude decompression response groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, B. F.; Waligora, J. M.; Horrigan, D. J., Jr.

1985-01-01

This analysis was done to determine whether various decompression response groups could be characterized by the pooled nitrogen (N2) washout profiles of the group members, pooling individual washout profiles provided a smooth time dependent function of means representative of the decompression response group. No statistically significant differences were detected. The statistical comparisons of the profiles were performed by means of univariate weighted t-test at each 5 minute profile point, and with levels of significance of 5 and 10 percent. The estimated powers of the tests (i.e., probabilities) to detect the observed differences in the pooled profiles were of the order of 8 to 30 percent.

Virtual and stereoscopic anatomy: when virtual reality meets medical education.

PubMed

de Faria, Jose Weber Vieira; Teixeira, Manoel Jacobsen; de Moura Sousa Júnior, Leonardo; Otoch, Jose Pinhata; Figueiredo, Eberval Gadelha

2016-11-01

OBJECTIVE The authors sought to construct, implement, and evaluate an interactive and stereoscopic resource for teaching neuroanatomy, accessible from personal computers. METHODS Forty fresh brains (80 hemispheres) were dissected. Images of areas of interest were captured using a manual turntable and processed and stored in a 5337-image database. Pedagogic evaluation was performed in 84 graduate medical students, divided into 3 groups: 1 (conventional method), 2 (interactive nonstereoscopic), and 3 (interactive and stereoscopic). The method was evaluated through a written theory test and a lab practicum. RESULTS Groups 2 and 3 showed the highest mean scores in pedagogic evaluations and differed significantly from Group 1 (p < 0.05). Group 2 did not differ statistically from Group 3 (p > 0.05). Size effects, measured as differences in scores before and after lectures, indicate the effectiveness of the method. ANOVA results showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between groups, and the Tukey test showed statistical differences between Group 1 and the other 2 groups (p < 0.05). No statistical differences between Groups 2 and 3 were found in the practicum. However, there were significant differences when Groups 2 and 3 were compared with Group 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that this method promoted further improvement in knowledge for students and fostered significantly higher learning when compared with traditional teaching resources.

High-intensity laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

PubMed Central

Thabet, Ali Abd El-Monsif; Elsodany, Ahmed Mohamed; Battecha, Kadrya H; Alshehri, Mansour Abdullah; Refaat, Bassem

2017-01-01

[Purpose] To determine the efficacy of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. [Subjects and Methods] This was a randomized clinical trial that included 52 girls diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea and who were assigned randomly into two groups of equal numbers. The treatment was three sessions every cycle for three consecutive cycles where group (A) included those participants treated with HILT 15 min/session and group (B) those who were treated with PEMF 30 min/session. All patients were evaluated before starting the treatment as well as after the end of treatment by present pain intensity scale and the prostaglandin level in blood and pain relief scale at the end of treatment for both groups. [Results] The results showed a significant decrease in the severity of pain, statistically significant decrease in prostaglandin level in blood, and a statistically significant pain alleviation in both groups. With comparison between both groups there was a statistically significant decrease in the severity of pain, significant decrease in the blood levels of PGF2α, in group (A) than group (B). [Conclusion] Both HILT and PEMF are effective in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with HILT being superior to PEMF. PMID:29184281

Results of Li-Tho trial: a prospective randomized study on effectiveness of LigaSure® in lung resections.

PubMed

Bertolaccini, Luca; Viti, Andrea; Cavallo, Antonio; Terzi, Alberto

2014-04-01

The role of electro-thermal bipolar tissue sealing system (LigaSure(®), (LS); Covidien, Inc., CO, USA) in thoracic surgery is still undefined. Reports of its use are still limited. The objective of the trial was to evaluate the cost and benefits of LS in major lung resection surgery. A randomized blinded study of a consecutive series of 100 patients undergoing lobectomy was undertaken. After muscle-sparing thoracotomy and classification of lung fissures according to Craig-Walker, patients with fissure Grade 2-4 were randomized to Stapler group or LS group fissure completion. Recorded parameters were analysed for differences in selected intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed with the bootstrap method. Pearson's χ(2) test and Fisher's exact test were used to calculate probability value for dichotomous variables comparison. Cost-benefit evaluation was performed using Pareto optimal analysis. There were no significant differences between groups, regarding demographic and baseline characteristics. No patient was withdrawn from the study; no adverse effect was recorded. There was no mortality or major complications in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences as to operative time or morbidity between patients in the LS group compared with the Stapler group. In the LS group, there was a not statistically significant increase of postoperative air leaks in the first 24 postoperative hours, while a statistically significant increase of drainage amount was observed in the LS group. No statistically significant difference in hospital length of stay was observed. Overall, the LS group had a favourable multi-criteria analysis of cost/benefit ratio with a good 'Pareto optimum'. LS is a safe device for thoracic surgery and can be a valid alternative to Staplers. In this setting, LS allows functional lung tissue preservation. As to costs, LS seems equivalent to Staplers.

The effect of subacromial injections of autologous conditioned plasma versus cortisone for the treatment of symptomatic partial rotator cuff tears.

PubMed

von Wehren, Lutz; Blanke, Fabian; Todorov, Atanas; Heisterbach, Patricia; Sailer, Jannis; Majewski, Martin

2016-12-01

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder malfunction and pain, which lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life. This present study investigated the effects of subacromial platelet-rich plasma injections [i.e. autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) injections] as compared to standard subacromial cortisone injection therapy in 50 patients with partial rotator cuff tears. Before injection, and 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months thereafter, the patients were assessed by the Constant-Murley score (CMS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), the simple shoulder test (SST) and a pain visual analogue scale (VAS). An MRI was also performed before and 6 months after injection. Both patient groups had statistically significant better shoulder score outcomes over time. ASES, SST and CMS outcomes after 12 versus 6 weeks were better in the ACP group as compared to the cortisone group. VAS, ASES and CMS outcomes after 12 weeks versus baseline in the ACP group were better as compared to the cortisone group. There was a statistically significant difference between ACP group and cortisone group 12 weeks after injection regarding VAS, ASES, SST and CMS in favour of the ACP group. The MRI showed an improvement in grade of tendinopathy in both groups, however, without statistically significant differences between the two groups. Compared with cortisone injections, ACP injections show earlier benefit as compared to cortisone injections although a statistically significant difference after 6 months could not be found. Therefore, subacromial ACP injections are a good alternative to subacromial cortisone injections, especially in patients with contraindication to cortisone. Therapeutic study, Level III.

Special Operations Forces Language and Culture Needs Assessment Project: Training Emphasis: Language and Culture

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-25

gave significantly higher emphasis ratings (i.e., a statistically significant difference between SOF operators and SOF leaders). Responses were made...i.e., a statistically significant difference between SOF operators and SOF leaders). Responses were made on the following scale: 1 = No emphasis, 2...missions?” Means with an asterisk (*) indicate that the group gave significantly higher emphasis ratings (i.e., a statistically significant difference

Mechanical properties and radiopacity of experimental glass-silica-metal hybrid composites.

PubMed

Jandt, Klaus D; Al-Jasser, Abdullah M O; Al-Ateeq, Khalid; Vowles, Richard W; Allen, Geoff C

2002-09-01

Experimental glass-silica-metal hybrid composites (polycomposites) were developed and tested mechanically and radiographically in this fundamental pilot study. To determine whether mechanical properties of a glass-silica filled two-paste dental composite based on a Bis-GMA/polyglycol dimethacrylate blend could be improved through the incorporation of titanium (Ti) particles (particle size ranging from 1 to 3 microm) or silver-tin-copper (Ag-Sn-Cu) particles (particle size ranging from 1 to 50 microm) we measured the diametral tensile strength, fracture toughness and radiopacity of five composites. The five materials were: I, the original unmodified composite (control group); II, as group I but containing 5% (wt/wt) of Ti particles; III, as group II but with Ti particles treated with 4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META) to promote Ti-resin bonding; IV, as group I but containing 5% (wt/wt) of Ag-Sn-Cu particles; and V, as group IV but with the metal particles treated with 4-META. Ten specimens of each group were tested in a standard diametral tensile strength test and a fracture toughness test using a single-edge notched sample design and five specimens of each group were tested using a radiopacity test. The diametral tensile strength increased statistically significantly after incorporation of Ti treated with 4-META, as tested by ANOVA (P=0.004) and Fisher's LSD test. A statistically significant increase of fracture toughness was observed between the control group and groups II, III and V as tested by ANOVA (P=0.003) and Fisher's LSD test. All other groups showed no statistically significant increase in diametral tensile strength and fracture toughness respectively when compared to their control groups. No statistically significant increase in radiopacity was found between the control group and the Ti filled composite, whereas a statistically significant increase in radiopacity was found between the control group and the Ag-Sn-Cu filled composite as tested by ANOVA (P=0.000) and Fisher's LSD procedure. The introduction of titanium and silver-tin-copper fillers has potential as added components in composites to provide increased mechanical strength and radiopacity, for example for use in core materials.

Effectiveness of Platelet Rich Plasma and Bone Graft in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects: A Clinico-radiographic Study

PubMed Central

Jalaluddin, Mohammad; Mahesh, Jayachandran; Mahesh, Rethi; Jayanti, Ipsita; Faizuddin, Mohamed; Kripal, Krishna; Nazeer, Nazia

2018-01-01

Background & Objectives: Periodontal disease is characterized by the presence of gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, loss of connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone around the affected tooth. Different modalities have been employed in the treatment and regeneration of periodontal defects which include the use of bone grafts, PRP and other growth factors.The purpose of this prospective, randomized controlled study was to compare the regenerative efficacy of PRP and bonegraft in intrabony periodontal defects. Methodology: This randomized control trial was carried out in the Department of Periodontics & Oral Implantology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. The study sample included 20 periodontal infrabony defects in 20 patients, 12 males and 8 females. The patients were aged between 25 -45 years(with mean age of 35 years). The 20 sites selected for the study were was randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 sites each. Group A: PRP alone, Group B: Bone Graft. Statistical Anaysis & Results: Statistical Analysis Was Done Using SPSS (Version 18.0): Statistical analysis was done usingpaired ‘t’ tests and ANOVA that revealed a significant reduction ingingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level at various time intervalswithin both the groups. Radiographic evaluation revealed statistically significant defect fill (p<0.001) at the end of 6months within both the groups. However, there was astatistically significant difference seen in group B radiographically, when compared to group A. Conclusion: Both the groups showed promising results in enhancing periodontal regeneration; however the resultswith bonegraftwere comparatively better, although not statistically significant when compared to PRP alone. PMID:29682091

Anthropometry of eyelid and orbit in four southern Thailand ethnic groups.

PubMed

Preechawai, Passorn

2011-02-01

To study the basic eyelid and orbital measurement in the four main ethnic groups of southern Thailand. The basic eyelid and orbital surface anatomy of 101 normal subjects aged 20-40 years old were measured in the four ethnic groups of which the majority of people in southern Thailand belong to: Thai, Chinese, Thai-Malay, and Thai-Chinese. Of the 101 subjects, 51 were male and 50 were female. Each ethnic group had at least 12 normal subjects. Male-female data were analyzed separately and compared between groups. The palpebral fissure heights in Thai, Chinese, Thai-Malay, and Thai-Chinese males were 9.5, 9.0, 10.2 and 9.6 mm respectively, which demonstrated statistically significant differences between Thai-Malay versus Thai, and Thai-Malay versus Chinese. The palpebral fissure lengths were 30.4, 29.8, 30.5 and 30.5 mm, but without statistically significant differences. The marginal reflex distances were 3.2, 2.8, 3.7 and 3.1 mm respectively with a statistically significant difference only between Thai-Malay versus Chinese. The levator functions were 15.2, 15.2, 15.3 and 15.2 mm. The upper lid creases were 7.1, 4.0, 6.6, and 4.4 mm, statistically significantly different in Thai versus Chinese, Thai versus Thai-Chinese and Chinese versus Thai-Malay. The Hertel exophthalmometer measurements were 15.4, 16.3, 16.6 and 15.9 mm without statistically significant differences. The female measurements were overall similar to the male measurements, with some parallel differences between the groups. The eyebrow position in this age group was mostly at and above the orbital rim in both genders and all ethnic groups. An absence of upper lid crease and an epicanthal fold were found in significantly greater numbers in the Chinese group compared to the others, while parallel lid crease was significantly found in greater numbers in the Thai-Malay group than in the others. Different eyelid characteristics in diferent ethnic groups are an important feature to note when planning for eyelid surgery. As there is a wide range of ethnic groups in Asia, with many differences in eyelid characteristics, it is important for the ophthalmologist to be aware of and understanding these anatomical variations in clinical assessment and treatment in Asians.

Nigella sativa L. seeds modulate mood, anxiety and cognition in healthy adolescent males.

PubMed

Bin Sayeed, Muhammad Shahdaat; Shams, Tahiatul; Fahim Hossain, Sarder; Rahman, Md Rezowanur; Mostofa, Agm; Fahim Kadir, Mohammad; Mahmood, Sharif; Asaduzzaman, Md

2014-02-27

Previous studies conducted on animals linked consumption of Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) to decreased anxiety and improved memory. The present study, which was carried out at a boarding school in Bangladesh, was designed to examine probable effect of NS on mood, anxiety and cognition in adolescent human males. Forty-eight healthy adolescent human males aged between 14 to 17 years were randomly recruited as volunteers and were randomly split into two groups: A (n=24) and B (n=24). The treatment procedure for group A and B were one capsule of 500 mg placebo and 500 mg NS respectively once daily for four weeks. All the volunteers were assessed for cognition with modified California verbal learning test-II (CVLT-II), mood with Bond-Lader scale and anxiety with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning and after four weeks of either NS or placebo ingestion. No parameter showed statistically significant variation between A and B in measurements in the beginning, but after 4 weeks of one capsule of NS 500 mg intake, there was statistically significant variation of mood within group B but there was not statistically significant variation between group A and B. No significant variation was found in state anxiety within groups and between group A and B but in case of trait anxiety, significant variation was found within group B but not between group A and B. In case of CVLT II, there was significant variation within B in immediate short-term recall at trial 4 and 5 whereas this difference was found only in case of trial 5 between group A and B. Within group B, short term-free recall, long-term free recall and long-term cued recall had statistical difference whereas between group A and B long-term free recall and long-term cued recall had statistical difference. No parameters had significant variation within group A after placebo intake for 4 weeks. Over the 4 weeks study period, the use of NS as a nutritional supplement been observed to- stabilize mood, decrease anxiety and modulate cognition positively. However, long term study is suggested before using NS extensively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effect of hydroquinone on the histone deacetylase in human bone marrow mononuclear cells].

PubMed

Hong, L L; Yu, K; Yan, Q X; Xu, X; Shi, Y F; Ge, H P

2016-03-20

To observe the activity of histone deacetylase and the mRNA expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in human bone marrow mononuclear cells, which induced by hydroquinone and exposed to hydroquinone plus Trichostatin as a histone deacetylase inhibitor for 10 hours respectively. Collect the bone marrow mononuclear cells suspension,divided into control group,HQ group (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h) , HQ+TSA 10 h group and HQ 10 h group. Extract the nuclear proteins and RNA, test the activity of histone deacetylase with the colorimetric HDAC assay kit and detect the mRNA expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The HDAC activity of HQ3 h group, HQ6 h group and HQ12 h group were 1.31 times, 1.53 times and 1.148 times than that of control group respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Except the HQ24 h group (P>0.05) , the HDAC1 mRNA expression of HQ3 h group, HQ6 h group and HQ12 h group were 1.173 times, 1.901 times and 2.348 times than that of control group respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The HDAC2 mRNA expression of HQ6 h group and HQ12 h group were 1.426 times and 1.766 times than that of the control group respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between HQ3 h group, HQ24 h group and control group (P>0.05). The cells were treated by hydroquinone plus TSA for 10 hours. The HDAC activity of HQ+TSA 10h group was reduced by 25.6% than that of HQ 10 h group (P<0.05) and rised 13.0% compared to the control group (P<0.05). And the difference was statistically significant between groups (P<0.05) .The cells were treated by hydroquinone plus TSA for 10 hours. The HDAC1 mRNA expression of the HQ+TSA 10h group is reduced by 26.9% than that of HQ10h group. The HDAC2 mRNA expression is reduced by 19.3% compared to the HQ 10h group.And the difference was statistically significant between groups (P<0.05). The HDAC1 and HDAC2 mRNA expression is obviously higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Treatment of hydroquinone, the histone deacetylase activity and the mRNA expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 were increased in a certain time range. The histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA) can reduce the histone deacetylase activity and the mRNA expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in the bone marrow mononuclear cell induce by hydroquinone.It can be confirmed that hematopoietic damage induced by the benzene metabolites is related to the histone acetylation modification level.

Breast MRI background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) correlates with the risk of breast cancer.

PubMed

Telegrafo, Michele; Rella, Leonarda; Stabile Ianora, Amato Antonio; Angelelli, Giuseppe; Moschetta, Marco

2016-02-01

To investigate whether background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and breast cancer would correlate searching for any significant difference of BPE pattern distribution in case of benign or malignant lesions. 386 patients, including 180 pre-menopausal (group 1) and 206 post-menopausal (group 2), underwent MR examination. Two radiologists evaluated MR images classifying normal BPE as minimal, mild, moderate or marked. The two groups of patients were subdivided into 3 categories based on MRI findings (negative, benign and malignant lesions). The distribution of BPE patterns within the two groups and within the three MR categories was calculated. The χ2 test was used to evaluate BPE type distribution in the three patient categories and any statistically significant correlation of BPE with lesion type was calculated. The Student t test was applied to search for any statistically significant difference between BPE type rates in group 1 and 2. The χ2 test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the distribution of BPE types in negative patients and benign lesions as compared with malignant ones (p<0.05). A significantly higher prevalence of moderate and marked BPE was found among malignant lesions (group 1: 32% and 42%, respectively; group 2: 31% and 46%, respectively) while a predominance of minimal and mild BPE among negative patients (group 1: 60% and 36%, respectively; group 2: 68% and 32%, respectively) and benign lesions (group 1: 54% and 38%, respectively; group 2: 75% and 17%, respectively) was found. The Student t test did not show a statistically significant difference between BPE type rates in group 1 and 2 (p>0.05). Normal BPE could correlate with the risk of breast cancer being such BPE patterns as moderate and marked associated with patients with malignant lesions in both pre and post-menopausal women. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Influence of fluorine on expression of androgen-binding protein and inhibin B mRNA in rat testis sertoli cells].

PubMed

Xu, Rui; Shang, Weichao; Liu, Jianmin; Duan, Liju; Ba, Yue; Zhang, Huizhen; Cheng, Xuemin; Cui, Liuxin

2010-09-01

To study the influence of fluorine on the transcription level of androgen binding protein (ABP) and inhibin B (INHB) mRNA in testis sertoli cells of Sprague Dawley rats. A method was set up the model to culture the Sertoli cells. Use a series of concentrations of NaF solutions of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/L to poison the cells and then, measure the relative expression amount of ABP and INHB mRNA by RT-PCR method. (1) Compare the relative expression amount of ABP mRNA of each group of different concentration with the control group. 2.5 mg/L group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference has the statistical significance (P < 0.05). The 5.0 mg/L group was also higher than that of the control group, and the difference has no statistical significance (P > 0.05). (2) Compare the relative expression amount of INH B mRNA of each group of different concentration with the control group. Both the 2.5 mg/L group and the 5.0 mg/L group were higher than that in the control group, and the difference has the statistical significance (P < 0.05). The rest 2 groups were lower than that in the control group and the difference has no statistical significance (P > 0.05). In the range of concentrations between 2.5 and 20.0 mg/L, no distinct influence of fluorine on the expression of androgen binding protein (ABP) and inhibin B (INHB) mRNA in testis sertoli cells of Sprague Dawley rats.

Effect of Oral Administration of Bromelain on Postoperative Discomfort After Third Molar Surgery.

PubMed

Ghensi, Paolo; Cucchi, Alessandro; Creminelli, Luca; Tomasi, Cristiano; Zavan, Barbara; Maiorana, Carlo

2017-03-01

The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of bromelain on discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery. Eighty-four consecutive patients requiring surgical removal of a single mandibular impacted third molar under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to receiving no drug (control group, Group A), postoperative 40 mg bromelain every 6 hours for 6 days (Group B), preoperative 4 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate as a submucosal injection (Group C), and preoperative 4 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate as a submucosal injection plus postoperative 40 mg bromelain every 6 hours for 6 days (Group D). Standardized surgical and analgesic protocols were adopted. Maximum interincisal distance and facial contours were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 2 and 7. Pain was measured objectively by counting the number of analgesic tablets required. Patient perception of the severity of symptoms was assessed with a follow-up questionnaire (PoSSe scale). On postoperative day 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in facial edema in both Groups C and D compared with the control group, but no statistically significant differences were observed between Group B and the control group. At evaluation on postoperative day 7, Group D showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative swelling compared with the control group. The combined use of bromelain and dexamethasone (Group D) induced a statistically significant reduction in the total number of analgesic tablets taken after surgery compared with the control group. The treatment groups had a limited, nonsignificant effect on trismus when compared with the control group. Bromelain used singly showed moderate anti-inflammatory efficacy, reducing postoperative swelling, albeit not to any significant extent compared with no drug administration. The combined use of bromelain and dexamethasone sodium phosphate yielded the best results in terms of control of postoperative discomfort.

Role of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Complications of Tonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients.

PubMed

Salturk, Ziya; Kumral, Tolgar Lutfi; Arslanoglu, Ahmet; Aydogdu, Imran; Yildirim, Guven; Berkiten, Guler; Uyar, Yavuz

2017-09-01

Tonsillectomy and tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy are among the most common surgical procedures in otolaryngology practice. Gastroesophageal reflux was identified as a risk factor for complications in tonsillectomy. This prospective study was designed to assess the role of reflux in the development of complications following tonsillectomy in pediatric patients. Children (n = 60) who underwent tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy were divided into two groups, i.e., the laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) group and control group. Patients with LPR were identified by reflux symptom index and reflux finding score. Pain, hemorrhage, fever, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, infection, and pulmonary problems were evaluated post operatively. The mean lengths of hospital stay were 2.11 days in the reflux group and 1.05 days in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. Visual analogue scores of both groups were similar on day 1 but it was significantly higher on day 7 and 14 in LPR group. Nausea and vomiting rates were 11.1 and 9.5 % for the patients in the LPR group and the controls, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not significant. The mean fever was 37.6 °C in the reflux group and 37.3 °C in the controls, which were not significantly different. 19 % of the controls and 22 % of the LPR group patients were readmitted. This difference was not statistically significant. There were two cases of bleeding in the reflux group, while no bleeding occurred in the control group. This difference was significant statistically. LPR is a risk factor for complications following tonsillectomy.

Sialochemical Analysis: A Portal for the Oral Diagnostician

PubMed Central

Bhambal, Ajay

2014-01-01

Background: Depressive disorders, worldwide, may rank second by the year 2020. In India; about 10 million people suffer from depressive disorders, the prevalence rate being recorded as 31.2 for every 1000 individuals. A significant impairment of all personal hygiene may occur due to a depressive episode which in turn may result in altered biochemical composition of some important salivary parameters. The present study was done to assess the relationship and bring about a comparison of certain selective sialochemical alterations between normal and subjects with depressive disorders. Settings and Design: The present study was a hospital- based clinical cross-sectional study which was conducted in Bhopal, the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India. The survey period extended over a period of one year and two months, from May 2009 to July 2010. Material and Methods: Unstimulated whole saliva was analysed biochemically for α- amylase, calcium, sodium, potassium, total proteins and urea. The data obtained in this study were statistically analyzed by using Unpaired Student’s t–test. Results: Salivary calcium and total protein levels were found to be statistically significant among all three groups (p< 0.0001). Salivary amylase levels between Groups II and III and between Groups I and III (p< 0.0001) was statistically significant while the salivary urea levels between Groups I and Group II and between Groups I and III were found to be statistically significant (p< 0.0001). However, there was no statistical difference in their sodium and potassium levels. Conclusions: It was observed that drugs do affect the salivary composition. It was observed that cyclic antidepressants produced significant alteration in the sialochemical constituents of saliva as compared to TCAs and TeCAs. PMID:24995243

Comparison between two surgical techniques for root coverage with an acellular dermal matrix graft.

PubMed

Andrade, Patrícia F; Felipe, Maria Emília M C; Novaes, Arthur B; Souza, Sérgio L S; Taba, Mário; Palioto, Daniela B; Grisi, Márcio F M

2008-03-01

The aim of this randomized, controlled, clinical study was to compare two surgical techniques with the acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) to evaluate which technique could provide better root coverage. Fifteen patients with bilateral Miller Class I gingival recession areas were selected. In each patient, one recession area was randomly assigned to the control group, while the contra-lateral recession area was assigned to the test group. The ADMG was used in both groups. The control group was treated with a broader flap and vertical-releasing incisions, and the test group was treated with the proposed surgical technique, without releasing incisions. The clinical parameters evaluated before the surgeries and after 12 months were: gingival recession height, probing depth, relative clinical attachment level and the width and thickness of keratinized tissue. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for all parameters at baseline. After 12 months, there was a statistically significant reduction in recession height in both groups, and there was no statistically significant difference between the techniques with regard to root coverage. Both surgical techniques provided significant reduction in gingival recession height after 12 months, and similar results in relation to root coverage.

Effect of Different Anti-Oxidants on Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resins to Bleached Human Enamel

PubMed Central

Saladi, Hari Krishna; Bollu, Indira Priyadarshini; Burla, Devipriya; Ballullaya, Srinidhi Vishnu; Devalla, Srihari; Maroli, Sohani; Jayaprakash, Thumu

2015-01-01

Introduction The bond strength of the composite to the bleached enamel plays a very important role in the success and longevity of an aesthetic restoration. Aim The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effect of Aloe Vera with 10% Sodium Ascorbate on the Shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached human enamel. Materials and Methods Fifty freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into 5 groups. Group I and V are unbleached and bleached controls groups respectively. Group II, III, IV served as experimental groups. The labial surfaces of groups II, III, IV, V were treated with 35% Carbamide Peroxide for 30mins. Group II specimens were subjected to delayed composite bonding. Group III and IV specimens were subjected to application of 10% Sodium Ascorbate and leaf extract of Aloe Vera following the Carbamide Peroxide bleaching respectively. Specimens were subjected to shear bond strength using universal testing machine and the results were statistically analysed using ANOVA test. Tukey (HSD) Honest Significant Difference test was used to comparatively analyse statistical differences between the groups. A p-value <0.05 is taken as statistically significant. Results The mean shear bond strength values of Group V showed significantly lower bond strengths than Groups I, II, III, IV (p-value <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the shear bond strength values of groups I, II, III, IV. Conclusion Treatment of the bleached enamel surface with Aloe Vera and 10% Sodium Ascorbate provided consistently better bond strength. Aloe Vera may be used as an alternative to 10% Sodium Ascorbate. PMID:26674656

A multilayer biomaterial for osteochondral regeneration shows superiority vs microfractures for the treatment of osteochondral lesions in a multicentre randomized trial at 2 years.

PubMed

Kon, Elizaveta; Filardo, Giuseppe; Brittberg, Mats; Busacca, Maurizio; Condello, Vincenzo; Engebretsen, Lars; Marlovits, Stefan; Niemeyer, Philipp; Platzer, Patrik; Posthumus, Michael; Verdonk, Peter; Verdonk, Renè; Victor, Jan; van der Merwe, Willem; Widuchowski, Wojciech; Zorzi, Claudio; Marcacci, Maurilio

2017-09-14

The increasing awareness on the role of subchondral bone in the etiopathology of articular surface lesions led to the development of osteochondral scaffolds. While safety and promising results have been suggested, there are no trials proving the real potential of the osteochondral regenerative approach. Aim was to assess the benefit provided by a nanostructured collagen-hydroxyapatite (coll-HA) multilayer scaffold for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral knee lesions. In this multicentre randomized controlled clinical trial, 100 patients affected by symptomatic chondral and osteochondral lesions were treated and evaluated for up to 2 years (51 study group and 49 control group). A biomimetic coll-HA scaffold was studied, and bone marrow stimulation (BMS) was used as reference intervention. Primary efficacy measurement was IKDC subjective score at 2 years. Secondary efficacy measurements were: KOOS, IKDC Knee Examination Form, Tegner and VAS Pain scores evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months. Tissue regeneration was evaluated with MRI MOCART scoring system at 6, 12 and 24 months. An external independent agency was involved to ensure data correctness and objectiveness. A statistically significant improvement of all clinical scores was obtained from basal evaluation to 2-year follow-up in both groups, although no overall statistically significant differences were detected between the two treatments. Conversely, the subgroup of patients affected by deep osteochondral lesions (i.e. Outerbridge grade IV and OCD) showed a statistically significant better IKDC subjective outcome (+12.4 points, p = 0.036) in the coll-HA group. Statistically significant better results were also found for another challenging group: sport active patients (+16.0, p = 0.027). Severe adverse events related to treatment were documented only in three patients in the coll-HA group and in one in the BMS group. The MOCART score showed no statistical difference between the two groups. This study highlighted the safety and potential of a biomimetic implant. While no statistically significant differences were found compared to BMS for chondral lesions, this procedure can be considered a suitable option for the treatment of osteochondral lesions. I.

Effect of social support on informed consent in older adults with Parkinson disease and their caregivers.

PubMed

Ford, M E; Kallen, M; Richardson, P; Matthiesen, E; Cox, V; Teng, E J; Cook, K F; Petersen, N J

2008-01-01

To evaluate the effects of social support on comprehension and recall of consent form information in a study of Parkinson disease patients and their caregivers. Comparison of comprehension and recall outcomes among participants who read and signed the consent form accompanied by a family member/friend versus those of participants who read and signed the consent form unaccompanied. Comprehension and recall of consent form information were measured at one week and one month respectively, using Part A of the Quality of Informed Consent Questionnaire (QuIC). The mean age of the sample of 143 participants was 71 years (SD = 8.6 years). Analysis of covariance was used to compare QuIC scores between the intervention group (n = 70) and control group (n = 73). In the 1-week model, no statistically significant intervention effect was found (p = 0.860). However, the intervention status by patient status interaction was statistically significant (p = 0.012). In the 1-month model, no statistically significant intervention effect was found (p = 0.480). Again, however, the intervention status by patient status interaction was statistically significant (p = 0.040). At both time periods, intervention group patients scored higher (better) on the QuIC than did intervention group caregivers, and control group patients scored lower (worse) on the QuIC than did control group caregivers. Social support played a significant role in enhancing comprehension and recall of consent form information among patients.

Group cohesion and social support of the nurses in a special unit and a general unit in Korea.

PubMed

Ko, Yu Kyung

2011-07-01

To identify the degree of group cohesion and social support of nurses in special and general units in hospitals in Korea, and to compare group cohesion and social support between the two groups. The level of commitment nurses have to their organizations has been shown to correlate with work group cohesion and social support. The participants were 1751 nurses who were working in Korean hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using SAS. The statistical methods included: descriptive statistics, t-test, anova and Pearson's correlation coefficients. Group cohesion of nurses on special wards was significantly higher than for nurses on general wards. No significant difference was found between types of units in terms of social support. The degree of group cohesion was significantly different in terms of the respondents' clinical experience, position, religion, job satisfaction, number of supportive superiors and number of supportive peers. A statistically significant correlation was found between group cohesion scores and degree of social support. Hospital management can accomplish their goals more effectively through knowledge of the level of group cohesion, superior support and peer support for nursing staff in accordance with unit specialty. © 2011 The Author. Journal compilation © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Clinical evaluation of selected Yogic procedures in individuals with low back pain

PubMed Central

Pushpika Attanayake, A. M.; Somarathna, K. I. W. K.; Vyas, G. H.; Dash, S. C.

2010-01-01

The present study has been conducted to evaluate selected yogic procedures on individuals with low back pain. The understanding of back pain as one of the commonest clinical presentations during clinical practice made the path to the present study. It has also been calculated that more than three-quarters of the world's population experience back pain at some time in their lives. Twelve patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups, viz., group A yogic group and group B control group. Advice for life style and diet was given for all the patients. The effect of the therapy was assessed subjectively and objectively. Particular scores drawn for yogic group and control group were individually analyzed before and after treatment and the values were compared using standard statistical protocols. Yogic intervention revealed 79% relief in both subjective and objective parameters (i.e., 7 out of 14 parameters showed statistically highly significant P < 0.01 results, while 4 showed significant results P < 0.05). Comparative effect of yogic group and control group showed 79% relief in both subjective and objective parameters. (i.e., total 6 out of 14 parameters showed statistically highly significant (P < 0.01) results, while 5 showed significant results (P < 0.05). PMID:22131719

Randomized sham-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial on the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency at the ramus communicans for lumbar disc pain.

PubMed

van Tilburg, C W J; Stronks, D L; Groeneweg, J G; Huygen, F J P M

2017-03-01

Investigate the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency compared to a sham procedure, applied to the ramus communicans for treatment of lumbar disc pain. Randomized sham-controlled, double-blind, crossover, multicenter clinical trial. Multidisciplinary pain centres of two general hospitals. Sixty patients aged 18 or more with medical history and physical examination suggestive for lumbar disc pain and a reduction of two or more on a numerical rating scale (0-10) after a diagnostic ramus communicans test block. Treatment group: percutaneous radiofrequency treatment applied to the ramus communicans; sham: same procedure except radiofrequency treatment. pain reduction. Secondary outcome measure: Global Perceived Effect. No statistically significant difference in pain level over time between the groups, as well as in the group was found; however, the factor period yielded a statistically significant result. In the crossover group, 11 out of 16 patients experienced a reduction in NRS of 2 or more at 1 month (no significant deviation from chance). No statistically significant difference in satisfaction over time between the groups was found. The independent factors group and period also showed no statistically significant effects. The same applies to recovery: no statistically significant effects were found. The null hypothesis of no difference in pain reduction and in Global Perceived Effect between the treatment and sham group cannot be rejected. Post hoc analysis revealed that none of the investigated parameters contributed to the prediction of a significant pain reduction. Interrupting signalling through the ramus communicans may interfere with the transition of painful information from the discs to the central nervous system. Methodological differences exist in studies evaluating the efficacy of radiofrequency treatment for lumbar disc pain. A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial on the effect of radiofrequency at the ramus communicans for lumbar disc pain was conducted. The null hypothesis of no difference in pain reduction and in Global Perceived Effect between the treatment and sham group cannot be rejected. © 2016 The Authors. European Journal of Pain published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment for self-reported fatigue, stress, and depression in first-year osteopathic medical students.

PubMed

Wiegand, Sarah; Bianchi, William; Quinn, Thomas A; Best, Mark; Fotopoulos, Thomas

2015-02-01

During medical education, many students experience psychological distress, including symptoms such as fatigue, stress, and depression. To evaluate the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on self-perceived fatigue, stress, and depression in first-year osteopathic medical students. This randomized controlled pilot study with repeated measures was conducted at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton in Florida during the fall 2012 semester. First-year osteopathic medical students voluntarily enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to directed OMT (D-OMT), nondirected OMT (ND-OMT), or control groups. The D-OMT and ND-OMT groups received treatment by osteopathic physicians weekly for 4 weeks. The control group received no treatment. All groups completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Self-Perceived Stress Scale (SPSS), and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) depression scale before treatment (pretest), after 2 treatments (midtest), and after 4 treatments (posttest). All participants self-reported as white and single, with both sexes equally represented, and had an mean age of 24 years. Analysis of ESS scores revealed a statistically significant decrease in the D-OMT group from pretest and posttest scores and a statistically significant increase in the ND-OMT group from pretest to midtest but not from pretest to posttest scores. No statistically significant differences were noted in the control group scores on this measure. No statistically significant differences were seen in the SPSS or PHQ-9 scores from pretest to midtest or pretest to posttest in any of the 3 groups. The D-OMT regimen used in the current study produced a statistically significant decrease in self-perceived fatigue in first-year osteopathic medical students. Osteopathic manipulative treatment represents a potential modality to reduce self-perceived distress in medical students. Further research is warranted. © 2015 The American Osteopathic Association.

Effect of Two Herbal Mouthwashes on Gingival Health of School Children

PubMed Central

Sharma, Ratika; Hebbal, Mamata; Ankola, Anil V.; Murugaboopathy, Vikneshan; Shetty, Sindhu Jayasimha

2014-01-01

This study aimed at determining the effect of indigenously prepared neem and mango chewing stick mouthwashes on plaque and gingival indices. A sample of 105 children aged 12-15 years was randomized into three groups, namely neem, mango, and chlorhexidine mouthwash groups. All the children were examined at baseline and gingival and plaque indices were recorded. Baseline scores for plaque and gingivitis were fair and moderate, respectively, in all the three groups and there existed no statistically significant difference among them. Ten millilitres each of herbal and chlorhexidine mouthwashes (0.2%) were administered according to the group allocation twice daily for 21 days. Indices were reassessed at 21 days (immediately after intervention) and at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after discontinuing the mouthwashes. Statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001) in plaque index was found in all the three mouthwash groups at 21 days and at 1 month from discontinuing the mouthwash. Chlorhexidine additionally showed statistically significant reduction in plaque index at 2 months from discontinuing the mouthwash. Statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001) in gingival index was found in all the three mouthwash groups at 21 days (immediately after discontinuing the mouthwash) and at 1 and 2 months from discontinuing the mouthwash. To conclude, all the three mouthwashes were effective antiplaque and antigingivitis agents. Chlorhexidine and neem possess equivalent efficacy in reducing plaque, while chlorhexidine has superior antigingivitis properties. PMID:25379471

A multicenter randomized comparison of cycle control and laboratory findings with oral contraceptive agents containing 100 microg levonorgestrel with 20 microg ethinyl estradiol or triphasic norethindrone with ethinyl estradiol.

PubMed

Reisman, H; Martin, D; Gast, M J

1999-11-01

This study was undertaken to compare the effects of 2 oral contraceptive regimens on menstrual cycle control and laboratory findings. In a multicenter randomized study 100 microg levonorgestrel with 20 microg ethinyl estradiol (Alesse or Loette) was given to 155 healthy women. A triphasic preparation of 500, 750, and 1000 microg norethindrone with 35 microg ethinyl estradiol (Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 or TriNovum) was given to 167 women for 1 to 4 cycles of treatment. Overall, the percentages of normal menstrual cycles and the percentages of cycles with intermenstrual and withdrawal bleeding were similar between the 2 treatment groups. In the levonorgestrel with ethinyl estradiol group, there was a statistically significantly longer latent period and a statistically significantly shorter withdrawal bleeding episode. Adverse events were similar between treatment groups, and none were serious. Most mean changes from baseline laboratory values were comparable between groups, although the mean increase in cholesterol concentration was statistically significantly lower in the levonorgestrel with ethinyl estradiol group. Changes in triglyceride and glucose concentrations were not statistically significantly different between groups. Levonorgestrel (100 microg) with ethinyl estradiol (20 microg) provides menstrual cycle control equivalent to that obtained with triphasic norethindrone with ethinyl estradiol (75% higher estrogen dose) with similar safety and tolerability.

Association of serum KL-6 levels with interstitial lung disease in patients with connective tissue disease: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Oguz, Ekin Oktay; Kucuksahin, Orhan; Turgay, Murat; Yildizgoren, Mustafa Turgut; Ates, Askin; Demir, Nalan; Kumbasar, Ozlem Ozdemir; Kinikli, Gulay; Duzgun, Nursen

2016-03-01

It was aimed to evaluate KL-6 glycoprotein levels to determine if it may be a diagnostic marker for the connective tissue diseases (CTDs) predicting CTD-related interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) (CTD-ILD) development and to examine if there was a difference between patients and healthy controls. The study included 113 patients with CTD (45 CTD without lung involvement, 68 CTD-ILD) and 45 healthy control subjects. KL-6 glycoprotein levels were analyzed with ELISA in patients and the control group. The relationship between KL-6 glycoprotein levels and CTD-ILD was assessed. In the comparison of all the groups in the study, significantly higher levels of KL-6 were determined in the CTD-ILD group than in either the CTD without pulmonary involvement group or the healthy control group (p < 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the KL-6 levels in the healthy control group and the CTD without pulmonary involvement group (p = 0.289). The KL-6 levels did not differ significantly according to the connective tissue diseases in the diagnostic groups (systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, scleroderma, polymyositis/ dermatomyositis). In the healthy control group, there was a statistically significant difference between KL-6 levels in smokers and non-smokers. Smokers had significantly higher serum KL-6 levels compared with non-smokers (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between smoking status (pack-year) and serum KL-6 levels. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum KL-6 levels and time since diagnosis of CTD and CTD-ILD. The level of KL-6 as a predictive factor could be used to identify the clinical development of ILD before it is detected on imaging modality. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to define whether levels of KL-6 might have prognostic value or might predict progressive ILD.

Shear Bond Strength of Superficial, Intermediate and Deep Dentin In Vitro with Recent Generation Self-etching Primers and Single Nano Composite Resin.

PubMed

Singh, Kulshrest; Naik, Rajaram; Hegde, Srinidhi; Damda, Aftab

2015-01-01

This in vitro study is intended to compare the shear bond strength of recent self-etching primers to superficial, intermediate, and deep dentin levels. All teeth were sectioned at various levels and grouped randomly into two experimental groups and two control groups having three subgroups. The experimental groups consisted of two different dentin bonding system. The positive control group consisted of All Bond 2 and the negative control group was without the bonding agent. Finally, the specimens were subjected to shear bond strength study under Instron machine. The maximum shear bond strengths were noted at the time of fracture. The results were statistically analyzed. Comparing the shear bond strength values, All Bond 2 (Group III) demonstrated fairly higher bond strength values at different levels of dentin. Generally comparing All Bond 2 with the other two experimental groups revealed highly significant statistical results. In the present investigation with the fourth generation, higher mean shear bond strength values were recorded compared with the self-etching primers. When intermediate dentin shear bond strength was compared with deep dentin shear bond strength statistically significant results were found with Clearfil Liner Bond 2V, All Bond 2 and the negative control. There was a statistically significant difference in shear bond strength values both with self-etching primers and control groups (fourth generation bonding system and without bonding system) at superficial, intermediate, and deep dentin. There was a significant fall in bond strength values as one reaches deeper levels of dentin from superficial to intermediate to deep.

Disaster response team FAST skills training with a portable ultrasound simulator compared to traditional training: pilot study.

PubMed

Paddock, Michael T; Bailitz, John; Horowitz, Russ; Khishfe, Basem; Cosby, Karen; Sergel, Michelle J

2015-03-01

Pre-hospital focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) has been effectively used to improve patient care in multiple mass casualty events throughout the world. Although requisite FAST knowledge may now be learned remotely by disaster response team members, traditional live instructor and model hands-on FAST skills training remains logistically challenging. The objective of this pilot study was to compare the effectiveness of a novel portable ultrasound (US) simulator with traditional FAST skills training for a deployed mixed provider disaster response team. We randomized participants into one of three training groups stratified by provider role: Group A. Traditional Skills Training, Group B. US Simulator Skills Training, and Group C. Traditional Skills Training Plus US Simulator Skills Training. After skills training, we measured participants' FAST image acquisition and interpretation skills using a standardized direct observation tool (SDOT) with healthy models and review of FAST patient images. Pre- and post-course US and FAST knowledge were also assessed using a previously validated multiple-choice evaluation. We used the ANOVA procedure to determine the statistical significance of differences between the means of each group's skills scores. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine the statistical significance of pre- and post-course mean knowledge scores within groups. We enrolled 36 participants, 12 randomized to each training group. Randomization resulted in similar distribution of participants between training groups with respect to provider role, age, sex, and prior US training. For the FAST SDOT image acquisition and interpretation mean skills scores, there was no statistically significant difference between training groups. For US and FAST mean knowledge scores, there was a statistically significant improvement between pre- and post-course scores within each group, but again there was not a statistically significant difference between training groups. This pilot study of a deployed mixed-provider disaster response team suggests that a novel portable US simulator may provide equivalent skills training in comparison to traditional live instructor and model training. Further studies with a larger sample size and other measures of short- and long-term clinical performance are warranted.

[The influence of sodium bicarbonate combined with ulinastatin on cholinesterase activity for patients with acute phoxim pesticide poisoning].

PubMed

Zhao, Bo; Yang, Lanju; Xiao, Lei; Sun, Baoquan; Zou, Xianbao; Gao, Dongmei; Jian, Xiandong

2016-01-01

To observe the effect of sodium bicarbonate combined with ulinastatin on cholinesterase activity for patients with acute phoxim pesticide poisoning. A total of 67 eligible patients with acute phoxim pesticide poisoning, Who were admitted to the emeryency department of hospital from March 2011 to February 2014, Acording to different treatments au patients were randomly divided into the conventional treatment group (n=34) and the sodium bicarbonate+ulinastatin group (n=35) . The conventional treatment group were given thorough gastric lavage with water, the sodium bicarbonate + ulinastatin group were given gastric lavage with 2% sodium bicarbonate solution. Both groups were given such treatments as catharsis, administration of oxygen, fluid infusion, diuresis, and antidotes such as atropine and pralidoxime methylchloride. On the basis of comprehensive treatment, people in the sodium bicarbonate+ulinastatin group were given 5% sodium bicarbonate injection and ulinastatin. The clinical effect of the two groups were compared. The serum cholinesterase activity of the sodium bicarbonate+ulinastatin group was significantly higher than the conventional treatment group from the 5th day, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The total atropine dosage, total pralidoxime methylchloride dosage and hospitalization days were better than the conventional treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The difference in the time of atropinization between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05) . The results of arterial blood pH, HCO3- of the sodium bicarbonate + ulinastatin group were higher than the conventional treatment group, and the difference of HCO3- at the 10th day was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Sodium bicarbonate combined with ulinastatin can improve the therapeutic effect and reduce complications in the treatment of acute phoxim pesticide poisoning, and have beneficial effects on the recovery of cholinesterase activity.

The effects of combined therapy of rheumatoid arthritis on the acute phase reactants.

PubMed

Rexhepi, Sylejman; Rexhepi, Mjellma; Sahatçiu-Meka, Vjollca; Pllana, Ejup; Dragusha, Gani; Gashi, Masar; Rexhepi, Blerta

2009-01-01

The paper presents the results of studies of acute phase reactants in the 60 treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on the applied treatment: group I (n = 30) was treated with methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine, and group II (n = 30) with methotrexate. The results of our study shows that there is a statistically significant reduction in the value of acute phase reactants and clinical parameters after treatment in both investigated groups of patients, and also a significant statistical difference between the first and second group of treated patients.

The chi-square test of independence.

PubMed

McHugh, Mary L

2013-01-01

The Chi-square statistic is a non-parametric (distribution free) tool designed to analyze group differences when the dependent variable is measured at a nominal level. Like all non-parametric statistics, the Chi-square is robust with respect to the distribution of the data. Specifically, it does not require equality of variances among the study groups or homoscedasticity in the data. It permits evaluation of both dichotomous independent variables, and of multiple group studies. Unlike many other non-parametric and some parametric statistics, the calculations needed to compute the Chi-square provide considerable information about how each of the groups performed in the study. This richness of detail allows the researcher to understand the results and thus to derive more detailed information from this statistic than from many others. The Chi-square is a significance statistic, and should be followed with a strength statistic. The Cramer's V is the most common strength test used to test the data when a significant Chi-square result has been obtained. Advantages of the Chi-square include its robustness with respect to distribution of the data, its ease of computation, the detailed information that can be derived from the test, its use in studies for which parametric assumptions cannot be met, and its flexibility in handling data from both two group and multiple group studies. Limitations include its sample size requirements, difficulty of interpretation when there are large numbers of categories (20 or more) in the independent or dependent variables, and tendency of the Cramer's V to produce relative low correlation measures, even for highly significant results.

Morphometric variations of the 7th cervical vertebrae of Zulu, White, and Colored South Africans.

PubMed

Kibii, Job M; Pan, Rualing; Tobias, Phillip V

2010-05-01

The 7th cervical vertebrae of 240 cadavers of South African Zulu, White, and Colored population groups were examined to determine morphometric variation. White and Colored females had statistically significant narrower cervical anteroposterior diameters than their male counterparts, whereas no statistically significant difference between sexes of the Zulu population group was observed in this variable. In addition, although Zulu and Colored females had statistically significant narrower cervical transverse diameters than their male counterparts, there was no statistically significant variation between South African white males and females in this respect. The findings indicate that sexual dimorphism is more apparent in the vertebral centrum, across the three population groups, where males had significantly larger dimensions in centrum anteroposterior diameter, height, and width than their female counterparts. The study further reveals that sexual dimorphism is more apparent when one compares aspects of the 7th cervical vertebra between sexes within the same population group. Overall, the dimensions of the various variates of the vertebra are substantially smaller in women than in men. The smaller dimensions, particularly of the centrum, may be the result of lower skeletal mass in women and render them more vulnerable to fractures resulting from compression forces. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Comparison of curative effect and serum electrolytes between different oral rehydration salts in treatment of neurally mediated syncope children].

PubMed

Zhang, Wenhua; Zou, Runmei; Xu, Yi; Wang, Cheng

2018-05-28

To compare the curative effect and the changes of serum electrolytes between oral rehydration salts (ORS) I and ORS III treatment in neurally mediated syncope children.
 Methods: The children with the symptom of unexplained syncope and pre-syncope were collected in Second Xiangya Hospital from May 2014 to May 2017. After head-up tilt test (HUTT), their serum electrolytes levels were examined. Children who were positive in the HUTT received ORS (ORS I or ORS III) and health education. Subjects were randomly divided into an ORS I group (n=27) and an ORS III group (n=49).
 Results: There was no statistical significance in sex, age, height, body mass, initial diagnosis and re-diagnosis interval between the 2 groups (P>0.05); the total efficiency after ORS III and ORS I 
treatment were 79.59% and 62.96%, respectively, with no statistical significance (χ2=2.483, P>0.05); the HUTT negative conversion rate after ORS III and ORS I treatment were 51.02% and 48.16%, respectively, with no statistical significance (χ2=0.058, P>0.05); before treatment, the serum sodium [(140.20±2.26) mmol/L vs (138.39±2.72) mmol/L; t=2.856, P<0.05] in the ORS III group was higher than that in the ORS I group, the serum phosphorus [(1.46±0.19) mmol/L 
vs (1.65±0.29) mmol/L; t=3.146, P<0.05] in the ORS III group was lower than that in the ORS I 
group; after treatment, the serum sodium [(140.31±2.01) mmol/L vs (138.88±2.08) mmol/L; 
t=2.692, P<0.05] and serum calcium [(2.31±0.09) mmol/L vs (2.24±0.11) mmol/L; t=2.696, P<0.05] in the ORS III group were higher than those in the ORS I group, the serum phosphorus [(1.45±0.16) mmol/L vs (1.61±0.25) mmol/L; t=3.128, P<0.05] in the ORS III group was lower than that in the ORS I group; after ORS III treatment, there was no statistical significance in serum electrolytes between HUTT positive group and HUTT negative group (P>0.05); after ORS I treatment, the serum calcium [(2.29±0.10) mmol/L vs (2.19±0.10) mmol/L; t=2.501, P<0.05] and serum phosphorus [(1.71±0.24) mmol/L vs (1.50±0.21) mmol/L; t=2.392, P<0.05] in HUTT positive group were higher than those in HUTT negative group. There was no statistical significance in serum sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride (P>0.05); there was no statistical significance in serum electrolytes between pre-treatment and post-treatment in the ORS I group and the ORS III 
group (P>0.05); there was no statistical significance in serum electrolytes between vasovagal syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in the ORS I group and the ORS III 
group before ORS treatment (P>0.05). 
 Conclusion: The ORS III and ORS I have the similar efficacy in the treatment of children with neurally mediated syncope. ORS III is easier to be accepted by children than ORS I, with better compliance.

Clinical observation on effect of scalp electroacupuncture for mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong; Zhao, Ling; Yang, Sha; Chen, Zhigang; Li, Yingkun; Peng, Xiaohong; Yang, Yulong; Zhu, Manjia

2013-02-01

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of scalp electroacupuncture for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the early stage. Two hundred and thirty three MCI patients were randomly divided into three groups: the drug group, the scalp electroacupuncture group, and the syndrome differentiation group. For the scalp electroacupuncture group, the points of Baihui (DU 20), Sishecong (EX-HN1), Fengchi (GB 20), and Shenting (DU 24) were selected. For the syndrome differentiation group, specific acupoints were added on the basis of syndrome differentiation and according to the scale for the differentiation of syndromes in vascular dementia (SDSVD) beside the acupoints used in the scalp electroacupuncture group. For the drug group, nimodipine was orally administered. Each patient was treated for two courses, eight weeks. The score differences in mini-mental state examination (MMSE), picture recognition, and clock drawing test were observed before and after the treatment. After treatment, the score differences in MMSE and clock drawing test were of obvious statistical significance among three groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The score differences in picture recognition were of extremely statistical significance between the scalp electroacupuncture group and the syndrome differentiation group (P < 0.01), while the difference was not found in the drug group (P > 0.05). There were statistical significant differences in therapeutic effects between the scalp electroacupuncture group and the drug group, and between the syndrome differentiation group and the drug group (P < 0.05), while no statistical difference was found between scalp electroacupuncture group and the syndrome differentiation group (P > 0.05). All the three therapies may improve the cognitive function of MCI patients. The therapeutic effects in the scalp electroacupuncture and syndrome differentiation groups were basically the same, but superior to nimodipine.

Efficacy of plaque removal and learning effect of a powered and a manual toothbrush.

PubMed

Lazarescu, D; Boccaneala, S; Illiescu, A; De Boever, J A

2003-08-01

Subjects with high plaque and gingivitis scores can profit most from the introduction of new manual or powered tooth brushes. To improve their hygiene, not only the technical characteristics of new brushes but also the learning effect in efficient handling are of importance. : The present study compared the efficacy in plaque removal of an electric and a manual toothbrush in a general population and analysed the learning effect in efficient handling. Eighty healthy subjects, unfamiliar with electric brushes, were divided into two groups: group 1 used the Philips/Jordan HP 735 powered brush and group 2 used a manual brush, Oral-B40+. Plaque index (PI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were assessed at baseline and at weeks 3, 6, 12 and 18. After each evaluation, patients abstained from oral hygiene for 24 h. The next day a 3-min supervised brushing was performed. Before and after this brushing, PI was assessed for the estimation of the individual learning effect. The study was single blinded. Over the 18-week period, PI reduced gradually and statistically significantly (p<0.001) in group 1 from 2.9 (+/-0.38) to 1.5 (+/-0.24) and in group 2 from 2.9 (+/-0.34) to 2.2 (+/-0.23). From week 3 onwards, the difference between groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). The bleeding index decreased in group 1 from 28% (+/-17%) to 7% (+/-5%) (p<0.001) and in group 2 from 30% (+/-12%) to 12% (+/-6%) (p<0.001). The difference between groups was statistically significant (p<0.001) from week 6 onwards. The learning effect, expressed as the percentage of plaque reduction after 3 min of supervised brushing, was 33% for group 1 and 26% for group 2 at week 0. This percentage increased at week 18 to 64% in group 1 and 44% in group 2 (difference between groups statistically significant: p<0.001). The powered brush was significantly more efficient in removing plaque and improving gingival health than the manual brush in the group of subjects unfamiliar with electric brushes. There was also a significant learning effect that was more pronounced with the electric toothbrush.

Cine phase-contrast MRI evaluation of normal aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid flow according to sex and age.

PubMed

Unal, Ozkan; Kartum, Alp; Avcu, Serhat; Etlik, Omer; Arslan, Halil; Bora, Aydin

2009-12-01

The aim of this study was cerebrospinal flow quantification in the cerebral aqueduct using cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique in both sexes and five different age groups to provide normative data. Sixty subjects with no cerebral pathology were included in this study. Subjects were divided into five age groups: < or =14 years, 15-24 years, 25-34 years, 35-44 years, and > or =45 years. Phase, rephase, and magnitude images were acquired by 1.5 T MR unit at the level of cerebral aqueduct with spoiled gradient echo through-plane, which is a cine phase-contrast sequence. At this level, peak flow velocity (cm/s), average flow rate (cm/ s), average flow (L/min), volumes in cranial and caudal directions (mL), and net volumes (mL) were studied. There was a statistically significant difference in peak flow between the age group of < or =14 years and the older age groups. There were no statistically significant differences in average velocity, cranial and caudal volume, net volume, and average flow parameters among different age groups. Statistically significant differences were not detected in flow parameters between sexes. When using cine-phase contrast MRI in the cerebral aqueduct, only the peak velocity showed a statistically significant difference between age groups; it was higher in subjects aged < or =14 years than those in older age groups. When performing age-dependent clinical studies including adolescents, this should be taken into consideration.

[Effect of surface organic modified nano-silicon-oxide on mechanical properties of A-2186 silicone elastomers].

PubMed

Guo, Nan; Jiao, Ting

2011-08-01

To study the effect of surface organic modified nano-silicon-oxide (SiO(x)) on mechanical properties of A-2186 silicone elastomers. Surface organic modified nano-silicon-oxide (SiO(x)) was added into A-2186 silicone elastomers by weight percentage of 2%, 4% and 6%. The one without addition served as a control. Standard specimens were made according to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM). Their tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, and Shore A hardness were measured. The results were analyzed statistically by SPSS 10.0 software package. The tensile strength in the experimental groups was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.001).The elongation in the experimental groups was lower than the control group, but there was no significant difference between the 2wt% group and the control group (P=0.068). The tear strength in both the 2wt= group and 4wt= group were higher than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant; in addition, the tear strength in 2wt= group was higher than 4wt= group, which also showed statistical significance (P<0.001). With the increase of the added amount of surface modified nano-SiO(x), Shore A hardness increased and there was significant difference among them (P<0.001). Adding surface modified nano-SiO(x) has an effect on mechanical properties of A-2186 silicone elastomer, when 2wt= and 4wt= are added, tear strength of A-2186 improves significantly, with an increase of Shore A hardness and an decrease of tensile strength.

Open Versus Closed Septorhinoplasty Approaches for Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis.

PubMed

Sakallioğlu, Öner; Cingi, Cemal; Polat, Cahit; Soylu, Erkan; Akyigit, Abdulvahap; Soken, Hakan

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare periorbital edema and ecchymosis seen after closed (endonasal) and open (external) septorhinoplasty (SRP). In total, 50 patients undergoing hump extraction and osteotomies were allocated to 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients who underwent closed SRP. Group 2 consisted of 25 patients who underwent open SRP. Operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, and complications were recorded. Scoring of eyelid edema and periorbital ecchymosis was evaluated on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days using a scale of 0 to 4 by the first author. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, or operation time. No significant difference was observed clinically or statistically in the scores of periorbital edema or ecchymosis between groups 1 and 2 on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days (P > 0.05). The authors observed no clinically or statistically significant difference in comparing periorbital edema and ecchymosis seen after closed and open SRP.

Psychological effects of belonging to a Facebook weight management group in overweight and obese adults: Results of a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Jane, Monica; Foster, Jonathan; Hagger, Martin; Ho, Suleen; Kane, Robert; Pal, Sebely

2018-05-18

This study was conducted to test whether the weight outcomes in an online social networking group were mediated by changes to psychological outcome measures in overweight and obese individuals, following a weight management programme delivered via Facebook. The data analysed in this study were collected during a three-armed, randomised, controlled clinical weight management trial conducted with overweight and obese adults over 24 weeks. Two intervention groups were given the same weight management programme: one within a Facebook group, along with peer support from other group members (the Facebook Group); the other group received the same programme in a pamphlet (the Pamphlet Group). A Control Group was given standard care. The primary outcome was weight; secondary outcomes included the following domains from self-reported questionnaires: energy intake and expenditure; psychological health, social relationships, physical health, quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, health anxiety, happiness, as well as Facebook Group participants' opinion of this group. The Facebook Group experienced a reduction in their baseline weight measurement by week 24, significantly compared to the Control Group (p = .016). The Facebook Group recorded a significant increase in the psychological health domain during the trial (at week 12) relative to their baseline measurement, and significant compared to the Control Group (p = .022). Mediation analysis indicated a statistical trend, but not statistical significance, for psychological health as a mediator to weight loss in the Facebook Group. While both intervention groups showed significant changes in psychological outcome measures, the Facebook Group was the only group to experience statistically significant weight loss by the end of the 24 weeks. Therefore, an examination of other psychological and/or behavioural outcome measures undertaken in larger studies in the future may help to identify significant mediators to improved weight loss outcomes in online social networking groups. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of seronegative and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis with regard to some clinical characteristics.

PubMed

Sahatçiu-Meka, Vjollca; Izairi, Remzi; Rexhepi, Sylejman; Manxhuka-Kerliu, Suzana

2009-01-01

The aim of this study is to establish a scientific comparative analysis between seronegative and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with regard to some clinical characteristics. The studied group consisted of RA seronegative patients with titters lower then 1:64 defined by Rose-Waaler test, while the control group consisted of RA seropositive patients with titters of 1:64 or higher. Examinees all belonged to the 2nd and 3rd functional classes according to ARA criteria, were between 25-60 years of age (Xb = 49.96), with disease duration between 1-27 years (Xbox = 6.41). In the disease onset most frequently affected joints were metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the hands, almost equally represented with regard to sero-status and sex. During the examination seropositive patients showed a higher presence of inflamation of peripheral joints of hand and foot, but only the presence of PIP of the hands was statistically significant (chi2 = 15.63, p < 0.01). Knees, talocrural joints and elbows were more frequently affected in seropositive patients, whereas humeroscapular, coxofemoral and sacroiliacal joints were more frequently affected in seronegative patients, but without significant statistical difference with regard to sero-status. The presence of affected PIP of the hands (chi2 = 9.96, p < 0.01) and knees (chi2 = 4.17, p < 0.05) with regard to sex was statistically significant in seropositive female patients, as well as the presence of atacked PIP of the hands (chi2 = 6.08, p < 0.05), and cervical vertebrae (chi2 = 6.00, p < 0.05) in seropositive male patients. There were some differences between groups with regard to sex in metatarsophalangealjoints (MTP), PIP of the foot, and other joints, but without any statistical significance. In both subsets statistically significant domination was found in affected second (chi2 = 20.85, p < 0.01) and third (chi2 = 15.70, p < 0.01) fingers of the PIP level of hands and third finger (chi2 = 6.52, p < 0.05) of the MCP level. The mentioned parameters did not show a significant statistical difference with regard to sero-status and sex. Majority of patients had 1-4 deformities. Seropositive group had prevalent knee contractures, e.g. the eversion of the foot, while seronegative group had more "swan neck" deformities. The mentioned parameters did not show a significant statistical difference with regard to sero-status and sex. Longer duration of the disease resulted in an increased number of deformities, and this difference was statistically significant (t = 5.92, p < 0.01). Linear correlation between these two parameters resulted as high positive in general (r = 0.49, p < 0.01) and for groups separately, but without significant statistical difference with regard to sero-status. Duration of the disease with regard to the type of deformities was different in both subsets: in case of the longer duration of the disease "buttonhole" was prevalent with statistically significant difference in seropositive patients (t = 2.10, p < 0.05), whereas "fibular deviation" was prevalent in seronegative patients (t = 2.64, p < 0.01).

[Oral health status of women with normal and high-risk pregnancies].

PubMed

Chaloupka, P; Korečko, V; Turek, J; Merglová, V

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the oral health status of women with normal pregnancies and those with high-risk pregnancies. A total of 142 women in the third trimester of pregnancy were randomly selected for this study. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: a normal pregnancy group (group F, n = 61) and a high-risk pregnancy group (group R, n = 81). The following variables were recorded for each woman: age, general health status, DMF index, CPITN index, PBI index, amounts of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva and dental treatment needs. The data obtained were analysed statistically. The Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test and chi square test were used, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The two-sided t-test was used to compare the two cohorts. Women with high-risk pregnancies showed increased values in all measured indices and tests, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the DMF index, CPITN index and amounts of Streptococcus mutans present in the saliva. Statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups for the PBI index and dental treatment needs. In group F, the maximum PBI index value was 2.9 in group F and 3.8 in group R. Significant differences were found also in mean PBI values. Out of the entire study cohort, 94 women (66.2%) required dental treatment, including 52% (n = 32) of the women with normal pregnancies and 77% (n = 62) of the women with high-risk pregnancies. This study found that women with complications during pregnancy had severe gingivitis and needed more frequent dental treatment than women with normal pregnancies.

Blood pressure and heart rate response to posteriorly directed pressure applied to the cervical spine in young, pain-free individuals: a randomized, repeated-measures, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Yung, Emmanuel; Wong, Michael; Williams, Haddie; Mache, Kyle

2014-08-01

Randomized clinical trial. Objectives To compare the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) response of healthy volunteers to posteriorly directed (anterior-to-posterior [AP]) pressure applied to the cervical spine versus placebo. Manual therapists employ cervical spine AP mobilizations for various cervical-shoulder pain conditions. However, there is a paucity of literature describing the procedure, cardiovascular response, and safety profile. Thirty-nine (25 female) healthy participants (mean ± SD age, 24.7 ± 1.9 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Group 1 received a placebo, consisting of light touch applied to the right C6 costal process. Group 2 received AP pressure at the same location. Blood pressure and HR were measured prior to, during, and after the application of AP pressure. One-way analysis of variance and paired-difference statistics were used for data analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for mean systolic BP, mean diastolic BP, and mean HR (P >.05) for all time points. Within-group comparisons indicated statistically significant differences between baseline and post-AP pressure HR (-2.8 bpm; 95% confidence interval: -4.6, -1.1) and between baseline and post-AP pressure systolic BP (-2.4 mmHg; 95% confidence interval: -3.7, -1.0) in the AP group, and between baseline and postplacebo systolic BP (-2.6 mmHg; 95% confidence interval: -4.2, -1.0) in the placebo group. No participants reported any adverse reactions or side effects within 24 hours of testing. AP pressure caused a statistically significant physiologic response that resulted in a minor drop in HR (without causing asystole or vasodepression) after the procedure, whereas this cardiovascular change did not occur for those in the placebo group. Within both groups, there was a small but statistically significant reduction in systolic BP following the procedure.

The effect of asymptomatic histological prostatitis on sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms.

PubMed

Urkmez, Ahmet; Yuksel, Ozgur Haki; Uruc, Fatih; Akan, Serkan; Yildirim, Caglar; Sahin, Aytac; Verit, Ayhan

2016-05-01

Prostatitis affects 10-14% of men of all ages and ethnicities. More than 50% of the men experience episodes of prostatitis at one time of their lives. Patients with CP typically have longlasting genitourinary/pelvic pain and obstructive and/or irritative voiding symptoms. Sexual dysfunction and psychological symptoms are frequently added to these symptoms. We also investigated the relationship between sexual functions, and lower urinary system symptoms, and asymptomatic histological prostatitis detected on transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy performed with the indication of high PSA levels. Sixty cases compliant with the study criteria among patients who underwent prostate biopsies between September 2014 and June 2015 with the indication of higher PSA levels were included in the study. All patients were requested to complete IIEF-5 and IPSS forms one day previously. Based on histological analysis of biopsy materials, the patients were allocated into groups of BPH (simple BPH without histological prostatitis) (n:30) and histological chronic prostatitis (combination of BPH and histological prostatitis) (n:30). Mean age of the cases was 65.73±5.01 (range, 56-75 yrs) years. PSA levels ranged between 4-15 ng/ml. A statistically significant intergroup difference was not found regarding mean age, BMIs, PSA levels, incidence rates of hypertension and coronary artery disease (p>0.05). Prostate volumes of the HCP group were higher than those of the BPH group , with statistically significant differences (p:0.001; p<0.01). Questionnaire forms of the patients included in the study were statistically evaluated, and mean IPSS score of the HCP group was found to be higher when compared with that of the BPH group, with statistically significant differences. (p:0.016; p<0.05). However mean IIEF score of the BPH group was higher than that of the HCP group, with statistically significant differences (p:0.039; p<0.05). These findings suggested the presence of a correlation between chronic inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In addition, statistically significant lower IIEF values in patients with histological chronic prostatitis relative to those without suggested negative effects of even asymptomatic inflammation on sexual functions and mechanism of erection.

Effects of music on patients undergoing a C-clamp procedure after percutaneous coronary interventions.

PubMed

Chan, Moon Fai; Wong, Oi Chi; Chan, Hoi Lam; Fong, Mei Chu; Lai, Suet Yan; Lo, Ching Wah; Ho, Siu Mei; Ng, Suk Ying; Leung, Suk Kit

2006-03-01

This paper reports a study to determine the effect of music on physiological parameters and level of pain in patients undergoing application of a C-clamp after percutaneous coronary interventions. Most percutaneous coronary interventions are performed through the femoral artery. In order to stop bleeding and achieve homeostasis, a C-clamp is used after percutaneous coronary interventions. However, the experience is painful for patients and they inevitably suffer discomfort. Pain may lead to stress responses and may affect the physical and mental health of patients. One potential beneficial practice is having the patient listen to relaxing music, which might have the effect of reducing situational discomfort and pain. A randomized controlled study was conducted during the period September 2004 to March 2005. Forty-three people (20 experimental and 23 control) were recruited from the intensive care units of two acute care hospitals in Hong Kong. Physiological and psychological variables were collected at baseline and at 15, 30 and 45 minutes. In the music group, there were statistically significant reductions (P=0.001) in heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation than the control participants at 45 minutes. In the music group, statistically significant reductions (P=0.001) in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were found at the four time points, but not in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found at baseline comparison of the two groups, but statistically significant differences in pain scores were found at 45 minutes for participants in the music group compared with the control group (P=0.003). Participants in the control group showed statistically significant increases in pain at 45 minutes compared with baseline (P<0.001). The benefits of preventing physiological reactions to pain were demonstrated. Music is a simple, safe and effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological and psychological responses arising from pain.

Outcome of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery predicted by statistical parametric PET imaging.

PubMed

Wong, C Y; Geller, E B; Chen, E Q; MacIntyre, W J; Morris, H H; Raja, S; Saha, G B; Lüders, H O; Cook, S A; Go, R T

1996-07-01

PET is useful in the presurgical evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy. The purpose of this retrospective study is to assess the clinical use of statistical parametric imaging in predicting surgical outcome. Interictal 18FDG-PET scans in 17 patients with surgically-treated temporal lobe epilepsy (Group A-13 seizure-free, group B = 4 not seizure-free at 6 mo) were transformed into statistical parametric imaging, with each pixel representing a z-score value by using the mean and s.d. of count distribution in each individual patient, for both visual and quantitative analysis. Mean z-scores were significantly more negative in anterolateral (AL) and mesial (M) regions on the operated side than the nonoperated side in group A (AL: p < 0.00005, M: p = 0.0097), but not in group B (AL: p = 0.46, M: p = 0.08). Statistical parametric imaging correctly lateralized 16 out of 17 patients. Only the AL region, however, was significant in predicting surgical outcome (F = 29.03, p < 0.00005). Using a cut-off z-score value of -1.5, statistical parametric imaging correctly classified 92% of temporal lobes from group A and 88% of those from Group B. The preliminary results indicate that statistical parametric imaging provides both clinically useful information for lateralization in temporal lobe epilepsy and a reliable predictive indicator of clinical outcome following surgical treatment.

EVALUATION OF THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX OF INJURED SUPRASPINATUS IN RATS

PubMed Central

Almeida, Luiz Henrique Oliveira; Ikemoto, Roberto; Mader, Ana Maria; Pinhal, Maria Aparecida Silva; Munhoz, Bruna; Murachovsky, Joel

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the evolution of injuries of the supraspinatus muscle by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and anatomopathological analysis in animal model (Wistar rats). Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were submitted to complete injury of the supraspinatus tendon, then subsequently sacrificed in groups of five animals at the following periods: immediately after the injury, 24h after the injury, 48h after, 30 days after and three months after the injury. All groups underwent histological and IHC analysis. Results: Regarding vascular proliferation and inflammatory infiltrate, we found a statistically significant difference between groups 1(control group) and 2 (24h after injury). IHC analysis showed that expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2, and collagen type 1 (Col-1) evaluation presented a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 4. Conclusion: We observed changes in the extracellular matrix components compatible with remodeling and healing. Remodeling is more intense 24h after injury. However, VEGF and Col-1 are substantially increased at 24h and 30 days after the injury, respectively. Level of Evidence I, Experimental Study. PMID:26997907

A Comparison of Student Understanding of Seasons Using Inquiry and Didactic Teaching Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashcraft, Paul G.

2006-02-01

Student performance on open-ended questions concerning seasons in a university physical science content course was examined to note differences between classes that experienced inquiry using a 5-E lesson planning model and those that experienced the same content with a traditional, didactic lesson. The class examined is a required content course for elementary education majors and understanding the seasons is part of the university's state's elementary science standards. The two self-selected groups of students showed no statistically significant differences in pre-test scores, while there were statistically significant differences between the groups' post-test scores with those who participated in inquiry-based activities scoring higher. There were no statistically significant differences between the pre-test and the post-test for the students who experienced didactic teaching, while there were statistically significant improvements for the students who experienced the 5-E lesson.

Assessing effects of a semi-customized experimental cervical pillow on symptomatic adults with chronic neck pain with and without headache

PubMed Central

Erfanian, Parham; Tenzif, Siamak; Guerriero, Rocco C

2004-01-01

Objective To determine the effects of a semi-customized experimental cervical pillow on symptomatic adults with chronic neck pain (with and without headache) during a four week study. Design A randomized controlled trial. Sample size Thirty-six adults were recruited for the trial, and randomly assigned to experimental or non-experimental groups of 17 and 19 participants respectively. Subjects Adults with chronic biomechanical neck pain who were recruited from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) Walk-in Clinic. Outcome measures Subjective findings were assessed using a mail-in self-report daily pain diary, and the CMCC Neck Disability Index (NDI). Statistical analysis Using repeated measure analysis of variance weekly NDI scores, average weekly AM and PM pain scores between the experimental and non-experimental groups were compared throughout the study. Results The experimental group had statistically significant lower NDI scores (p < 0.05) than the non-experimental group. The average weekly AM scores were lower and statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. The PM scores in the experimental group were lower but not statistically significant than the other group. Conclusions The study results show that compared to conventional pillows, this experimental semi-customized cervical pillow was effective in reducing low-level neck pain intensity, especially in the morning following its use in a 4 week long study. PMID:17549216

Evaluation of Supercritical Extracts of Algae as Biostimulants of Plant Growth in Field Trials.

PubMed

Michalak, Izabela; Chojnacka, Katarzyna; Dmytryk, Agnieszka; Wilk, Radosław; Gramza, Mateusz; Rój, Edward

2016-01-01

The aim of the field trials was to determine the influence of supercritical algal extracts on the growth and development of winter wheat (variety Akteur ). As a raw material for the supercritical fluid extraction, the biomass of microalga Spirulina plantensis , brown seaweed - Ascophyllum nodosum and Baltic green macroalgae was used. Forthial and Asahi SL constituted the reference products. It was found that the tested biostimulants did not influence statistically significantly the plant height, length of ear, and shank length. The ear number per m 2 was the highest in the group where the Baltic macroalgae extract was applied in the dose 1.0 L/ha (statistically significant differences). Number of grains in ear (statistically significant differences) and shank length was the highest in the group treated with Spirulina at the dose 1.5 L/ha. In the group with Ascophyllum at the dose 1.0 L/ha, the highest length of ear was observed. The yield was comparable in all the experimental groups (lack of statistically significant differences). Among the tested supercritical extracts, the best results were obtained for Spirulina (1.5 L/ha). The mass of 1000 grains was the highest for extract from Baltic macroalgae and was 3.5% higher than for Asahi, 4.0% higher than for Forthial and 18.5% higher than for the control group (statistically significant differences). Future work is needed to fully characterize the chemical composition of the applied algal extracts. A special attention should be paid to the extracts obtained from Baltic algae because they are inexpensive source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, which can be used in sustainable agriculture and horticulture.

Evaluation of Supercritical Extracts of Algae as Biostimulants of Plant Growth in Field Trials

PubMed Central

Michalak, Izabela; Chojnacka, Katarzyna; Dmytryk, Agnieszka; Wilk, Radosław; Gramza, Mateusz; Rój, Edward

2016-01-01

The aim of the field trials was to determine the influence of supercritical algal extracts on the growth and development of winter wheat (variety Akteur). As a raw material for the supercritical fluid extraction, the biomass of microalga Spirulina plantensis, brown seaweed – Ascophyllum nodosum and Baltic green macroalgae was used. Forthial and Asahi SL constituted the reference products. It was found that the tested biostimulants did not influence statistically significantly the plant height, length of ear, and shank length. The ear number per m2 was the highest in the group where the Baltic macroalgae extract was applied in the dose 1.0 L/ha (statistically significant differences). Number of grains in ear (statistically significant differences) and shank length was the highest in the group treated with Spirulina at the dose 1.5 L/ha. In the group with Ascophyllum at the dose 1.0 L/ha, the highest length of ear was observed. The yield was comparable in all the experimental groups (lack of statistically significant differences). Among the tested supercritical extracts, the best results were obtained for Spirulina (1.5 L/ha). The mass of 1000 grains was the highest for extract from Baltic macroalgae and was 3.5% higher than for Asahi, 4.0% higher than for Forthial and 18.5% higher than for the control group (statistically significant differences). Future work is needed to fully characterize the chemical composition of the applied algal extracts. A special attention should be paid to the extracts obtained from Baltic algae because they are inexpensive source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, which can be used in sustainable agriculture and horticulture. PMID:27826310

Statistical Learning Is Not Affected by a Prior Bout of Physical Exercise.

PubMed

Stevens, David J; Arciuli, Joanne; Anderson, David I

2016-05-01

This study examined the effect of a prior bout of exercise on implicit cognition. Specifically, we examined whether a prior bout of moderate intensity exercise affected performance on a statistical learning task in healthy adults. A total of 42 participants were allocated to one of three conditions-a control group, a group that exercised for 15 min prior to the statistical learning task, and a group that exercised for 30 min prior to the statistical learning task. The participants in the exercise groups cycled at 60% of their respective V˙O2 max. Each group demonstrated significant statistical learning, with similar levels of learning among the three groups. Contrary to previous research that has shown that a prior bout of exercise can affect performance on explicit cognitive tasks, the results of the current study suggest that the physiological stress induced by moderate-intensity exercise does not affect implicit cognition as measured by statistical learning. Copyright © 2015 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

A comparison of risk factors associated with suicide ideation/attempts in American Indian and White youth in Montana.

PubMed

Manzo, Karen; Tiesman, Hope; Stewart, Jera; Hobbs, Gerald R; Knox, Sarah S

2015-01-01

We examined racial/ethnic and gender-specific associations between suicide ideation/attempts and risky behaviors, sadness/hopelessness, and victimization in Montana American Indian and White youth using 1999-2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals in stratified racial/ethnic-gender groups. The primary results of this study show that although the American Indian youth had more statistically significant suicidal thoughts and attempts than the White youth, they had fewer statistically significant predictors compared to the White youth. Sadness/hopelessness was the strongest, and the only statistically significant, predictor of suicide ideation/attempts common across all four groups. The unhealthy weight control cluster was a significant predictor for the White youth and the American Indian/Alaska Native girls; the alcohol/tobacco/marijuana cluster was a significant predictor for the American Indian boys only. Results show important differences across the groups and indicate directions for future research targeting prevention and intervention.

The Effects of Intravenous Hydration on Amniotic Fluid Index in Pregnant Women with Preterm premature Rupture of Membranes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Shahnazi, Mahnaz; Tagavi, Simin; Hajizadeh, Khadije; Farshbaf Khalili, Azize

2013-01-01

Introduction: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) can result in fetal complications such as oligohydramnios. This study aimed to determine the effects of intravenous (IV) fluid bolus on amniotic fluid index (AFI) in pregnant women with PPROM. Methods: 24 women with PPROM during singleton live pregnancy of 28 to 34 weeks whose baseline AFI was ≤ 5cm were randomized into two groups. The study group received one liter intravenous fluid bolus of isotonic Ringer serum during 30-minute period. Reevaluations of amniotic fluid index in both groups were made 90 minutes and 48 hours after baseline measurement. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used to compare the two groups and mean amniotic fluid index before and after treatment, respectively. Results: The results of this study demonstrate that AFI decreased statistically significant in both the control and study groups. AFI decreased in both groups at 48 hours later. This decrease was not statistically significant in any group. The mean change in AFI (90 minutes and baseline) and (48 hours and baseline) between the two groups were not significant. The time between mean baseline measurements and delivery were 196.41 and 140.58 hours in the study and control groups, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study did not find significant impact of hydration On AFI as a prophylactic method on oligohydramnios in pregnant women with PPROM. PMID:25276709

Statistics of Statisticians: Critical Mass of Statistics and Operational Research Groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenna, Ralph; Berche, Bertrand

Using a recently developed model, inspired by mean field theory in statistical physics, and data from the UK's Research Assessment Exercise, we analyse the relationship between the qualities of statistics and operational research groups and the quantities of researchers in them. Similar to other academic disciplines, we provide evidence for a linear dependency of quality on quantity up to an upper critical mass, which is interpreted as the average maximum number of colleagues with whom a researcher can communicate meaningfully within a research group. The model also predicts a lower critical mass, which research groups should strive to achieve to avoid extinction. For statistics and operational research, the lower critical mass is estimated to be 9 ± 3. The upper critical mass, beyond which research quality does not significantly depend on group size, is 17 ± 6.

Significance of blood group and social factors in carcinoma cervix in a semi-urban population in India.

PubMed

Kai, Lee Jun; Raju, Kalyani; Malligere Lingaiah, Harendra Kumar; Mariyappa, Narayanaswamy

2013-01-01

To assess the significance of social factors as risk factors for carcinoma cervix and to determine the significance of blood group to prevalence of carcinoma cervix in a semi-urban population of Kolar, Karnataka, India. One hundred cases of carcinoma cervix were included in the study, along with 200 females of the same ages considered as controls. Case details were collected from the hospital record section regarding social factors and blood groups and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods. Blood group B showed the highest number of cases (55 cases) followed by blood group O (29 cases) in carcinoma cervix which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Age of marriage between 11 to 20 years showed highest number of carcinoma cervix cases (77 cases) and this also was statistically significant (p<0.001). Patients with rural background were 75 (p=0.112, odds ratio: 1.54), parity of more than or equal to two constituted 96 cases (p=0.006, odds ratio: 4.07) and Hindu patients were 95 in number (p=0.220, odds ratio: 1.89). Blood group B and age of marriage between 11 and 20 years were significantly associated with carcinoma cervix in our population. Region of residence, parity and religion presented with a altered risk for carcinoma cervix.

Remineralization Property of an Orthodontic Primer Containing a Bioactive Glass with Silver and Zinc

PubMed Central

Lee, Seung-Min; Kim, In-Ryoung; Park, Bong-Soo; Ko, Ching-Chang; Son, Woo-Sung; Kim, Yong-Il

2017-01-01

White spot lesions (WSLs) are irreversible damages in orthodontic treatment due to excessive etching or demineralization by microorganisms. In this study, we conducted a mechanical and cell viability test to examine the antibacterial properties of 0.2% and 1% bioactive glass (BAG) and silver-doped and zinc-doped BAGs in a primer and evaluated their clinical applicability to prevent WSLs. The microhardness statistically significantly increased in the adhesive-containing BAG, while the other samples showed no statistically significant difference compared with the control group. The shear bond strength of all samples increased compared with that of the control group. The cell viability of the control and sample groups was similar within 24 h, but decreased slightly over 48 h. All samples showed antibacterial properties. Regarding remineralization property, the group containing 0.2% of the samples showed remineralization properties compared with the control group, but was not statistically significant; further, the group containing 1% of the samples showed a significant difference compared with the control group. Among them, the orthodontic bonding primer containing 1% silver-doped BAG showed the highest remineralization property. The new orthodontic bonding primer used in this study showed an antimicrobial effect, chemical remineralization effect, and WSL prevention as well as clinically applicable properties, both physically and biologically. PMID:29088092

Visual Performance on the Small Letter Contrast Test: Effects of Aging, Low Luminance and Refractive Error

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-08-01

luminance performance and aviation, many aviators develop ametropias refractive error having comparable effects on during their careers. We were... statistically (0.04 logMAR, the non-aviator group. Separate investigators at p=0.01), but not clinically significant (ə/2 line different research facilities... statistically significant (0.11 ± 0.1 logCS, t=4.0, sensitivity on the SLCT decreased for the aviator pɘ.001), yet there is significant overlap group at a

Performance outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the National Basketball Association.

PubMed

Busfield, Benjamin T; Kharrazi, F Daniel; Starkey, Chad; Lombardo, Stephen J; Seegmiller, Jeffrey

2009-08-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of return to play and to quantify the effect on the basketball player's performance after surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Surgical injuries involving the ACL were queried for a 10-year period (1993-1994 season through 2004-2005 season) from the database maintained by the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standard statistical categories and player efficiency rating (PER), a measure that accounts for positive and negative playing statistics, were calculated to determine the impact of the injury on player performance relative to a matched comparison group. Over the study period, 31 NBA players had 32 ACL reconstructions. Two patients were excluded because of multiple ACL injuries, one was excluded because he never participated in league play, and another was the result of nonathletic activity. Of the 27 players in the study group, 6 (22%) did not return to NBA competition. Of the 21 players (78%) who did return to play, 4 (15%) had an increase in the preinjury PER, 5 (19%) remained within 1 point of the preinjury PER, and the PER decreased by more than 1 point after return to play in 12 (44%). Although decreases occurred in most of the statistical categories for players returning from ACL surgery, the number of games played, field goal percentage, and number of turnovers per game were the only categories with a statistically significant decrease. Players in the comparison group had a statistically significant increase in the PER over their careers, whereas the study group had a marked, though not statistically significant, increase in the PER in the season after reconstruction. After ACL reconstruction in 27 basketball players, 22% did not return to a sanctioned NBA game. For those returning to play, performance decreased by more than 1 PER point in 44% of the patients, although the changes were not statistically significant relative to the comparison group. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Effect of in-home fortification of complementary feeding on intellectual development of Chinese children.

PubMed

Chen, Chun-Ming; Wang, Yu-Ying; Chang, Su-Ying

2010-04-01

To explore the effect of in-home fortification of complementary feeding on intellectual development of Chinese children aged below 24 months. One thousand and four hundred seventy eight children aged 4-12 months were recruited and divided into study groups (formula 1 group and formula 2 group) and control group. In two study groups, in addition to the usual complementary food, children were fed with a sachet of fortified food supplement each day. Protein and micronutrients were provided in formula 1 group. Formula 2 group had the same energy intake as the formula 1 group . In addition to measurement of physical growth and detection of hemoglobin level, Development Quotient (DQ) or Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was assessed. The DQ of children aged below 24 months was 97.2, 95.5, and 93.8 in formula 1 group, formula 2 group and control group, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The DQ of children in formula 1 group, formula 2 group, and control group was 92.7, 90.4, and 88.3 respectively in the first follow up showing statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). And, DQ of children in formula 1 group, formula 2 group and control group were 96.7, 94.5, and 93.7 respectively in the second follow up, showing statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Full-IQ of children in the formula 1 group was 3.1 and 4.5 points higher than that in formula 2 group and in control group respectively. Verbal IQ of children in the formula 1 group was 2.1 and 5 points higher than that in formula 2 group and control group respectively. Performance IQ was 2.5 and 3.1 points higher than that in formula 2 group and control group respectively. All above mentioned comparisons were statistically significant. Fortification of complementary feeding showed persistent effect on intelligence development of young children which could persist to 6 years of age. The critical time for correction of anemia could be under 18 months.

Which one is more effective for the treatment of rat sepsis model: thalidomide or etanercept?

PubMed

Ilhan, N; Susam, S; Gul, H F; Bardas, R; Ilhan, N

2017-01-01

We aimed to investigate the protective effect of selected treatment agents on liver injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat sepsis model. The sepsis includes complex inflammatory responses between a microbial pathogen and the host immune system, and leads to organ failure and also death. This study was performed with 29 male Wistar Albino rats. Rats were divided randomly into five groups: Sham group, LPS-treated sepsis group, LPS+thalidomide treated group, LPS+etanercept treated group and LPS+thalidomide+etanercept treated group, respectively. Liver tissue tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) method. The expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) was performed using western blot analysis. The levels of tissue TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were found statistically significantly higher in sepsis group than in the sham group. TNF-α levels were found statistically significantly decreased in LPS+etanercept and LPS+thalidomide+etanercept treated groups when compared with LPS group (p < 0.05). For IL-1β and IL-6 levels a statistically significant decline was observed in the LPS+thalidomide and LPS+etanercept treated groups compared to the LPS group (p < 0.05). Expression of NF-κB protein in liver tissue was significantly elevated in the LPS group compared to sham group (p < 0.001). In treatment groups, a marked decrease was observed in NF-κB protein expression. The results of this investigation suggested that etanercept and thalidomide administration may have a beneficial effect on LPS-induced sepsis. So, the present study may have significant clinical relevance, but clinical trials are needed to confirm these results (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 36).

Safety and efficacy of 0.1% clobetasone butyrate eyedrops in the treatment of dry eye in Sjögren syndrome.

PubMed

Aragona, Pasquale; Spinella, Rosaria; Rania, Laura; Postorino, Elisa; Sommario, Margherita S; Roszkowska, Anna M; Puzzolo, Domenico

2013-01-01

To study the effects of a low administration rate and low concentration (0.1%) of clobetasone butyrate eyedrops in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS).
 This prospective, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study included 40 subjects divided into 2 treatment groups: group 1 (2% polyvinylpyrrolidone eyedrops and placebo) and group 2 (2% polyvinylpyrrolidone and 0.1% clobetasone butyrate, 1 drop BID). The treatment lasted for 30 days, with visits at enrollment, baseline, day 15, day 30, and after 15 days of treatment discontinuation. At each visit, symptoms questionnaire, tear film break-up time, corneal fluorescein stain, lissamine green stain, conjunctival impression cytology for human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and fundus examination were performed. 
 No changes in IOP or fundus examination were observed in either group at each time point. Group 1 patients showed at day 30 a statistically significant amelioration of symptoms and reduction of HLA-DR expression. No changes in other parameters were detected. Group 2 patients showed at day 15 a statistically significant improvement of corneal and conjunctival stain versus baseline values and group 1 at the same time; after 30 days the symptoms score was statistically significantly better than baseline values and group 1 at the same time. The HLA-DR expression and the epithelial cells area were statistically significantly reduced versus baseline and group 1 at the same time. 
 Anti-inflammatory therapy is critical for the treatment of SS dry eye. Clobetasone butyrate, at low dosage, proved to be safe and effective in treating this condition.

Safety and Efficacy of Cortisol Phosphate in Hyaluronic Acid Vehicle in the Treatment of Dry Eye in Sjogren Syndrome.

PubMed

Rolando, Maurizio; Vagge, Aldo

2017-06-01

Evaluation of 0.3% cortisol phosphate eye drops in hyaluronic acid vehicle in the treatment of dry eye in Sjogren Syndrome. This prospective, single-center, masked (single blind), randomized controlled study included 40 female patients divided into 2 groups, group 1 treated with Idracemi, 0.3% cortisol phosphate eye drops twice a day, and group 2 treated with Cortivis, 0.3% cortisol phosphate in hyaluronic acid vehicle, with the same posology. Screening (day -7), randomization (day 0), follow-up (day 7), and termination (day 28) visits were conducted. Symptoms (VAS) questionnaire, tear film breakup time, corneo-conjunctival stain, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and fundus examination were performed at each visit. Conjunctival impression cytology for human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression at visit 1 and 4 was also performed. No changes in IOP or fundus examination were observed in either group at each time point. Group 1 showed at day 28 a statistically significant amelioration of symptoms and reduction of HLA-DR expression. Group 2 showed at day 7 statistically significant improvement of corneal and conjunctival stain versus baseline and versus group 1; the symptom score was statistically significantly better than baseline and versus group 1 after 28 days too. The HLA-DR expression and the epithelial cell area were statistically significantly reduced versus baseline and versus group 1 at the same time. Cortisol phosphate proved to be safe and effective in treating dry eye in Sjogren Syndrome patients in both formulations. However, the formula with hyaluronic acid vehicle proved to be more effective. Both formulations were very well tolerated.

[Correlation of adverse childhood experiences with psychiatric disorders and aggressiveness in adulthood].

PubMed

Samardzić, Ljiljana; Nikolić, Gordana; Grbesa, Grozdanko; Simonović, Maja; Milenković, Tatjana

2010-08-01

Consequences of individual adverse childhood experiences for adult mental health have been precisely studied during past decades. The focus of past research was mainly on childhood maltreatment and neglect. The aim of this paper was to determine association between multiple adverse childhood experiences and psychiatric disorders, as well as their correlation to the degree and type of aggressiveness in adult psychiatric patients. One hundred and thirteen psychiatric outpatients were divided into three diagnostic groups: psychotics, non-psychotics and alcoholics and compared with fourty healthy individuals. Adverse childhood experiences data were gathered retrospectively, using the Adverse childhood experiences questionnaire and explanatory interview. Aggressiveness was assessed using Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. The Student's t test, ANOVA and correlational analysis were used for evaluation of statistical significance of differences among the groups. A value p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our results showed that the mean number of adverse childhood experiences in each group of psychiatric patients, as well as in the whole group of patients, was statistically significantly higher than in the group of healthy individuals (p < 0.001); there was a statistically significant difference in score of physical aggressiveness between the patients exposed to adverse childhood experiences and those who were not exposed to them (p < 0.05); scores of physical aggressiveness were in positive correlation with the number of adverse childhood experiences (p < 0.05). The highest mean score of adverse childhood experiences was evidenced in the group of patients with psychotic disorders. Multiple adverse childhood experiences are significantly associated with psychotic disorders, nonpsychotic disorders and alcohol dependence in adulthood and their presence is important morbidity risk factor for psychiatric disorders. They are in positive correlation with physical aggressiveness of the patients from these diagnostic groups.

Effects of rinsing with arginine bicarbonate and urea solutions on initial enamel lesions in situ.

PubMed

Yu, Y; Wang, X; Ge, C; Wang, B; Cheng, C; Gan, Y-H

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rinsing with arginine or urea solution on initial enamel lesions in situ. Fourteen subjects who wore mandibular removable partial dentures embedded with bovine enamel blocks with artificial enamel lesions were included. The experiment included four 4-week rinsing periods with a 10-day washout period between each rinsing period. In each rinsing period, the subjects rinsed after meal or snack using water, or 2% arginine bicarbonate, or 1% urea, or 0.05% NaF solution, five times daily. The mineralization changes of the enamel lesions were assessed using quantitative light-induced fluorescence. All groups except the water group showed a statistically significant decrease in the fluorescence loss after treatment, compared with their respective baseline. Although both the arginine group and urea group showed more decrease in fluorescence loss than that of the water group, the decrease was not statistically significantly different from that of the water group. The decrease in fluorescence loss of the NaF group was statistically significant than that of the water group, arginine group, and urea group. Rinsing with arginine or urea solution offers limited remineralizing benefit to enamel lesions over a period of 4-week time. © 2016 The Authors. Oral Diseases Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sulphur bath and mud pack treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea area.

PubMed Central

Sukenik, S; Buskila, D; Neumann, L; Kleiner-Baumgarten, A; Zimlichman, S; Horowitz, J

1990-01-01

Forty patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis in a stage of active disease were treated for two weeks at a spa hotel. The patients were divided into four groups of 10. Group I was treated with daily mud packs, group II with daily hot sulphur baths, group III with a combination of mud packs and hot sulphur baths, and group IV served as a control group. The patients were assessed by a rheumatologist who was blinded to the treatment modalities. Statistically significant improvement for a period of up to three months was observed in the three treatment groups in most of the clinical indices. Improvement in the control group was minor in comparison and not statistically significant. No significant improvement was observed in any of the laboratory variables measured. Except for three mild cases of thermal reaction there were no side effects. PMID:2180388

Sports hernia in National Hockey League players: does surgery affect performance?

PubMed

Jakoi, Andre; O'Neill, Craig; Damsgaard, Christopher; Fehring, Keith; Tom, James

2013-01-01

Athletic pubalgia is a complex injury that results in loss of play in competitive athletes, especially hockey players. The number of reported sports hernias has been increasing, and the importance of their management is vital. There are no studies reporting whether athletes can return to play at preinjury levels. The focus of this study was to evaluate the productivity of professional hockey players before an established athletic pubalgia diagnosis contrasted with the productivity after sports hernia repair. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Professional National Hockey League (NHL) players who were reported to have a sports hernia and who underwent surgery from 2001 to 2008 were identified. Statistics were gathered on the players' previous 2 full seasons and compared with the statistics 2 full seasons after surgery. Data concerning games played, goals, average time on ice, time of productivity, and assists were gathered. Players were divided into 3 groups: group A incorporated all players, group B were players with 6 or fewer seasons of play, and group C consisted of players with 7 or more seasons of play. A control group was chosen to compare player deterioration or improvement over a career; each player selected for the study had a corresponding control player with the same tenure in his career and position during the same years. Forty-three hockey players were identified to have had sports hernia repairs from 2001 to 2008; ultimately, 80% would return to play 2 or more full seasons. Group A had statistically significant decreases in games played, goals scored, and assists. Versus the control group, the decreases in games played and assists were supported. Statistical analysis showed significant decreases in games played, goals scored, assists, and average time on ice the following 2 seasons in group C, which was also seen in comparison with the control group. Group B (16 players) showed only statistical significance in games played versus the control group. Players who undergo sports hernia surgeries return to play and often perform similar to their presurgery level. Players with over 7 full seasons return but with significant decreases in their overall performance levels. Less veteran players were able to return to play without any statistical decrease in performance and are likely the best candidates for repair once incurring injury.

[Effects of Gushen Antai pills combined with progestin on serum β-HCG, P, E2 and CA125 in patients with threatened abortion].

PubMed

Tian, Chun-Man; Chen, Bo

2016-01-01

To investigate the clinical effect of Gushen Antai pills and progesterone in the treatment of threatened abortion, in order to provide references for early clinical intervention with threatened abortion. The 112 cases of patients with threatened abortion were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group. 56 cases in each group. Patients in the control group was injected with progesterone, the observation group was treated with Gushen Antai pills in addition to the therapy of the control group. Both groups were treated by drugs for two weeks. Their venous bloods (5 mL) were collected before treatment and in 1, 2 weeks after treatment to determine serum levels of β-HCG, P, E2 and CA125. The differences between the two groups after treatment were compared. The total effective rate of the control group and the observation group were 79% and 91.9% respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P＜0.05). Two weeks after the treatment, the serum levels of P and E2 in the observation group were significantly higher than before treatment, but the serum CA125 levels decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.05). These indicators showed statistically significant difference compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum β-HCG levels of the two groups were significantly higher than before treatment (P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Gushen Antai pills and progesterone had a better clinical curative effect in treatment threatened abortion, which could significantly raise serum β-HCG, P and E2, reduce serum CA125 and increase the tocolysis efficiency, and so it was worth promoted in clinic. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Role of Text Message Reminder on Oral Hygiene Maintenance of Orthodontic Patients.

PubMed

Kumar, G Sujay; Kashyap, Arpita; Raghav, Shweta; Bhardwaj, Rishibha; Singh, Arunesh; Guram, Guneet

2018-01-01

Fixed orthodontic treatment is frequently associated with increased plaque accumulation leading to gingivitis and white spot lesions (WSLs). This study evaluated the role of text message reminder on oral hygiene of orthodontic patients. A total of 60 patients under fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into two equal groups as control group and study (text message) group. Text message group received reminders about oral hygiene, while the control group did not receive any messages. Oral hygiene of both the groups was evaluated at baseline, 2, and 3 months using plaque indices (PIs) along with WSL status. Data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software, version 19, with chi-square test and t-test. At the baseline, plaque score was higher in the study group over control group (p > 0.038), whereas it was decreased after 3 months in the test group (p > 0.001). For WSL, there was no significant difference at baseline, but it was significantly lower in study group (p > 0.003). Oral hygiene status improved with text message reminder.

Effectiveness of aquatic therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled open study.

PubMed

Evcik, Deniz; Yigit, Ilknur; Pusak, Hasan; Kavuncu, Vural

2008-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aquatic exercises in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 63 patients were included and allocated to two groups. Group I (n = 33) received an aquatic exercise program and Group II (n = 30) received a home-based exercise program for 60 min, 3x a week, over 5 weeks. Patients were evaluated for pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), number of tender points (NTP), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and functional capacity (fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, FIQ). All assessment parameters were measured at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. There were statistically significant differences in FIQ and NTP in both groups at the end and during follow-up (P < 0.05). Group I showed a statistically significant decrease in BDI scores after 4 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05) that remained after 24 weeks (P < 0.001). In Group II, a significant decrease in BDI scores was observed at the end and during follow-up (P < 0.001). Also, a significant improvement was found in VAS at weeks 4 and 12 in both groups (P < 0.001). The average of reduction in pain scores was 40% in Group1 and 21% in Group II. However, this was still significant at week 24 only in the aquatic therapy group. A comparison of the two groups showed no statistically significant difference for FIQ, NTP, and BDI scores except VAS (P < 0.001) Our results showed that both aquatic therapy and home-based exercise programs have beneficial effects on FIQ, BDI, and NTP. In pain management, only aquatic therapy seems to have long-term effects.

Analysis of psychological characteristics of obese children.

PubMed

Liu, L-F; Bian, Q-T; Zhai, J-G

2017-06-01

We conducted this study to analyze the psychological characteristics of obese children. We selected 60 cases of obese children as obesity group and according to 1:1 matching principle, we selected 60 normal weight children as the control group. We investigated and analyzed children's family behavior, mental health, temperament, self-consciousness and social adaptability. The proportion of children with adverse behavior in the obesity group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In the psychological health assessment, we compared the emotional disorder, social adjustment disorder, bad habits and behavior disorder score of both groups, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). We compared the temperament dimension score of both groups in avoidance, emotional nature, distractibility and threshold of reaction; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proportion of negative temperament types in the obesity group were significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). We compared the self-awareness levels of both groups with regards to body appearance and properties such as gregariousness, happiness, satisfaction and total scores of self-concept aspects; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The level of social adaptive ability of the obesity group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Children that demonstrate bad family behavior and that have a temperament which makes them difficult to raise are important factors related to obesity. Obese children often have mental and behavioral disorders, aversion, high emotional nature, low distractibility and threshold of reaction, damaged self-awareness, low self-evaluation, are not gregarious, demonstrate unhappiness and satisfaction and have poor social adaptation ability. Obesity is a cause for social concern. We need to strengthen the mental health education of obesity and promote the healthy development of children both physically and mentally.

Balance exercise for persons with multiple sclerosis using Wii games: a randomised, controlled multi-centre study.

PubMed

Nilsagård, Ylva E; Forsberg, Anette S; von Koch, Lena

2013-02-01

The use of interactive video games is expanding within rehabilitation. The evidence base is, however, limited. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo Wii Fit® balance exercise programme on balance function and walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A multi-centre, randomised, controlled single-blinded trial with random allocation to exercise or no exercise. The exercise group participated in a programme of 12 supervised 30-min sessions of balance exercises using Wii games, twice a week for 6-7 weeks. Primary outcome was the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). In total, 84 participants were enrolled; four were lost to follow-up. After the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between groups but effect sizes for the TUG, TUGcognitive and, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) were moderate and small for all other measures. Statistically significant improvements within the exercise group were present for all measures (large to moderate effect sizes) except in walking speed and balance confidence. The non-exercise group showed statistically significant improvements for the Four Square Step Test and the DGI. In comparison with no intervention, a programme of supervised balance exercise using Nintendo Wii Fit® did not render statistically significant differences, but presented moderate effect sizes for several measures of balance performance.

Autogenous Partial Bone Chip Grafting on the Exposed Inferior Alveolar Nerve After Cystic Enucleation.

PubMed

Seo, Mi Hyun; Eo, Mi Young; Cho, Yun Ju; Kim, Soung Min; Lee, Suk Keun

2018-03-01

This prospective study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of the new approach of partial autogenous bone chip grafts for the treatment of mandibular cystic lesions related to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). A total of 38 patients treated for mandibular cysts or benign tumors were included in this prospective study and subsequently divided into 3 groups depending on the bone grafting method used: cystic enucleation without a bone graft (group 1), partial bone chip graft covering the exposed IAN (group 2), and autogenous bone graft covering the entire defect (group 3). We evaluated the symptoms, clinical signs, and radiographic changes using dental panorama preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographic densities were compared using Adobe Photoshop CS5 (Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, CA). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for statistical evaluation with SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL), and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Radiopacities were the most increased at 1 year postoperative in group 3; groups 2 and 3 did not show statistically significant differences, whereas groups 1 and 3 were statistically significant. In terms of radiographic bone healing with clinical regeneration of the exposed IAN, healing occurred in all patients, although the best healing was achieved in group 2.This autogenous partial bone chip grafting procedure to cover the exposed IAN is suggested as a new surgical protocol for the treatment of cystic lesions associated with the IAN.

Comparative study of the radical and standard lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of adenocarcinoma of the ampula of Vater.

PubMed

Albagli, Rafael Oliveira; Carvalho, Gustavo Santos Stoduto de; Mali Junior, Jorge; Eulálio, José Marcos Raso; de Melo, Eduardo Linhares Rielo

2010-12-01

To evaluate the morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in standard and radical lymphadenectomy for adenocarcinoma of papilla, analyzing the prognostic factors related to overall and disease-free survival. Were analyzed retrospectively from 1999 to 2007, in the Department of Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery (INCa-RJ), 50 cases of PD for adenocarcinoma of the duodenal papilla divided into two groups according to lymphadenectomy (group A: standard lymphadenectomy and group B: radical lymphadenectomy). The median age was similar in both groups, as well as the distribution between the sex. In the comparison between the lymphadenectomies, only the number of lymph nodes resected (group A: 12.3 and group B: 26.5) and operative time (group A: 421 and group B: 474) were significantly different. There were no statistically significant differences in the two groups with respect to morbidity and mortality rate and length of hospitalization. The disease-free survival (group A: 35 months and group B: 51 months) and overall survival (group A: 38 months and group B: 53 months) was higher in the group of radical lymphadenectomy, but were not statistically significant. In this study there were no cases of metastatic lymph nodes to other groups without nodal involvement of the pancreatic-duodenal lymph node chains (13, 17), suggesting a pattern of lymph node spread. Despite the radical lymphadenectomy present rates of disease-free survival and overall survival largest such data were not statistically significant. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the real role of radical lymphadenectomy in adenocarcinoma of the duodenal papilla.

Cognitive Stimulation of Elderly Residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014.

PubMed

Melguizo Herrera, Estela; Bertel De La Hoz, Anyel; Paternina Osorio, Diego; Felfle Fuentes, Yurani; Porto Osorio, Leidy

To determine the effectiveness of a program of cognitive stimulation of the elderly residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014. Quasi-experimental study with pre and post tests in control and experimental groups. A sample of 37 elderly residents in Social Protection Centers participated: 23 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. A survey and a mental evaluation test (Pfeiffer) were applied. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of cognitive stimulation. The paired t-test showed statistically significant differences in the Pfeiffer test, pre and post intervention, compared to the experimental group (P=.0005). The unpaired t-test showed statistically significant differences in Pfeiffer test results to the experimental and control groups (P=.0450). The analysis of the main components showed that more interrelated variables were: age, diseases, number of errors and test results; which were grouped around the disease variable, with a negative association. The intervention demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in cognitive functionality of the elderly. Nursing can lead this type of intervention. It should be studied further to strengthen and clarify these results. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

[Nursing intervention and evaluation of postoperative pain in preschool children with cleft lip and palate].

PubMed

Gong, Caixia; Yan, Miao; Jiang, Fei; Chen, Zehua; Long, Yuan; Chen, Lixian; Zheng, Qian; Shi, Bing

2014-06-01

This study aimed to observe the postoperative pain rate and degree of pain in preschool children with cleft lip and palate, and investigate the effect of nursing intervention on pain relief. A total of 120 hospitalized cases of three- to seven-year-old preschool children with cleft lip and palate were selected from May to October 2011. The subjects were randomly divided into the control group and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. The control group used conventional nursing methods, experimental group 1 used analgesic drug treatment, experimental group 2 used psychological nursing interventions, and experimental group 3 used both psychological nursing intervention and analgesic drug treatment. After 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, pain self-assessment, pain parent-assessment, and pain nurse-assessment were calculated for the four groups using the pain assessment forms, and their ratings were compared. The postoperative pain rates of the four groups ranged from 50.0% to 73.3%. The difference among the four groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The differences among the control group and experimental groups 1 and 2 were not statistically significant (P = 0.871), whereas the differences among experimental group 3 and the other groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Postoperative pain in preschool children with cleft lip and palate is common. Psychological nursing intervention with analgesic treatment is effective in relieving postoperative pain.

Non-verbal communication of the residents living in homes for the older people in Slovenia.

PubMed

Zaletel, Marija; Kovacev, Asja Nina; Sustersic, Olga; Kragelj, Lijana Zaletel

2010-09-01

Aging of the population is a growing problem in all developed societies. The older people need more health and social services, and their life quality in there is getting more and more important. The study aimed at determining the characteristics of non-verbal communication of the older people living in old people's homes (OPH). The sample consisted of 267 residents of the OPH, aged 65-96 years, and 267 caregivers from randomly selected twenty-seven OPH. Three types of non-verbal communication were observed and analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. In face expressions and head movements about 75% older people looked at the eyes of their caregivers, and about 60% were looking around, while laughing or pressing the lips together was rarely noticed. The differences between genders were not statistically significant while statistically significant differences among different age groups was observed in dropping the eyes (p = 0.004) and smiling (0.008). In hand gestures and trunk movements, majority of older people most often moved forwards and clenched fingers, while most rarely they stroked and caressed their caregivers. The differences between genders were statistically significant in leaning on the table (p = 0.001), and changing the position on the chair (0.013). Statistically significant differences among age groups were registered in leaning forwards (p = 0.006) and pointing to the others (p = 0.036). In different modes of speaking and paralinguistic signs almost 75% older people spoke normally, about 70% kept silent, while they rarely quarrelled. The differences between genders were not statistically significant while statistically significant differences among age groups was observed in persuasive speaking (p = 0.007). The present study showed that older people in OPH in Slovenia communicated significantly less frequently with hand gestures and trunk movements than with face expressions and head movements or different modes of speaking and paralinguistic signs. The caregivers should be aware of this and pay a lot of attention to these two groups of non-verbal expressions. Their importance should be constantly emphasized during the educational process of all kinds of health-care professionals as well.

Hematological change parameters in patients with pressure ulcer at long-term care hospital

PubMed Central

Neiva, Giselle Protta; Carnevalli, Julia Romualdo; Cataldi, Rodrigo Lessa; Furtado, Denise Mendes; Fabri, Rodrigo Luiz; Silva, Pâmela Souza

2014-01-01

Objective To assess factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers, and to compare the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments. Methods The factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers were compared in lesion-carrying patients (n=14) and non-carriers (n=16). Lesion-carrying patients were treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine or 0.6IU/g collagenase and were observed for 8 weeks. The data collected was analyzed with p<0.05 being statistically relevant. Results The prevalence of pressure ulcers was about 6%. The comparison of carrier and non-carrier groups of pressure ulcers revealed no statistically significant difference in its occurrence with respect to age, sex, skin color, mobility, or the use of diapers. However, levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells were found to be statistically different between groups, being lower in lesion-carrying patients. There was no significant difference found in lesion area between patients treated with collagenase or silver sulfadiazine, although both groups showed an overall reduction in lesion area through the treatment course. Conclusion Hematologic parameters showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Regarding the treatment of ulcers, there was no difference in the area of the lesion found between the groups treated with collagenase and silver sulfadiazine. PMID:25295450

Evaluation of hyperglycaemic response to intra-operative dexamethasone administration in patients undergoing elective intracranial surgery: A randomised, prospective study.

PubMed

Sethi, Rakesh; Naqash, Imtiaz A; Bajwa, Sukhminder Jit Singh; Dutta, Vikas; Ramzan, Altaf Umar; Zahoor, Syed Amir

2016-01-01

The glucocorticoid dexamethasone in a bolus dose of 8-10 mg followed by quarterly dose of 4 mg is commonly used during intracranial surgery so as to reduce oedema and vascular permeability. However, the detrimental hyperglycaemic effects of dexamethasone may override its potentially beneficial effects. The present prospective, randomised study aimed at comparing the degree and magnitude of hyperglycaemia induced by prophylactic administration of dexamethasone in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Sixty American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade-I and II patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 patients each. Group-I received dexamethasone during surgery for the first time. Group-II received dexamethasone in addition to receiving it pre-operatively, whereas Group-III (control group) patients were administered normal saline as placebo. Baseline blood glucose (BG) was measured in all the three groups before induction of anaesthesia and thereafter after every hour for 4 h and then two-hourly. Besides intra- and intergroup comparison of BG, peak BG concentration was also recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was carried out with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test and value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Baseline BG reading were higher and statistically significant in Group-II as compared with Group-I and Group-III (P < 0.05). However, peak BG levels were significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Similarly, the magnitude of change in peak BG was significantly higher in Group-I as compared to Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Peri-operative administration of dexamethasone during neurosurgical procedures can cause significant increase in BG concentration especially in patients who receive dexamethasone intra-operatively only.

Evaluation of hyperglycaemic response to intra-operative dexamethasone administration in patients undergoing elective intracranial surgery: A randomised, prospective study

PubMed Central

Sethi, Rakesh; Naqash, Imtiaz A.; Bajwa, Sukhminder Jit Singh; Dutta, Vikas; Ramzan, Altaf Umar; Zahoor, Syed Amir

2016-01-01

Background and Aim: The glucocorticoid dexamethasone in a bolus dose of 8-10 mg followed by quarterly dose of 4 mg is commonly used during intracranial surgery so as to reduce oedema and vascular permeability. However, the detrimental hyperglycaemic effects of dexamethasone may override its potentially beneficial effects. The present prospective, randomised study aimed at comparing the degree and magnitude of hyperglycaemia induced by prophylactic administration of dexamethasone in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Materials and Methods: Sixty American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade-I and II patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 patients each. Group-I received dexamethasone during surgery for the first time. Group-II received dexamethasone in addition to receiving it pre-operatively, whereas Group-III (control group) patients were administered normal saline as placebo. Baseline blood glucose (BG) was measured in all the three groups before induction of anaesthesia and thereafter after every hour for 4 h and then two-hourly. Besides intra- and intergroup comparison of BG, peak BG concentration was also recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was carried out with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test and value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Baseline BG reading were higher and statistically significant in Group-II as compared with Group-I and Group-III (P < 0.05). However, peak BG levels were significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Similarly, the magnitude of change in peak BG was significantly higher in Group-I as compared to Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Peri-operative administration of dexamethasone during neurosurgical procedures can cause significant increase in BG concentration especially in patients who receive dexamethasone intra-operatively only. PMID:27057213

Comparative study between: Carboxytherapy, platelet-rich plasma, and tripolar radiofrequency, their efficacy and tolerability in striae distensae.

PubMed

Ahmed, Naglaa A; Mostafa, Osama M

2018-06-19

Striae distensae are very common cutaneous disorders that produce great psychological stress for women. measure and compare between efficacy and tolerability of three modalities for treatment of striae distensae. Forty-five female patients with striae distensae were randomly selected from the outpatient dermatology clinics of Al-Zahra university Hospital within 6 months period. Patients divided into three groups according to the therapeutic modalities were used. Group A: treated with carboxytherapy using carbon dioxide (CO2) injection, Group B: where patients were treated with intradermal injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and Group C: where we used tripolar radiofrequency (RF) for treatment. All treated groups showed overall clinical improvement as regards the width, texture, and overall improvement after treatment (P > .05), with no statistically significant differences between the three groups. Patient's satisfaction was statistically significantly better in both group C (93.33%) and group A (80%) while group B (53.33%) was less with minimal side effects such as pain and ecchymosis, which were more frequent in group B than the other two groups; but with no statistically significance differences both groups A and C were effective with no significant differences in both types of striae and in any site of the body but group B is significantly more effective on striae rubra on trunk, with better improvement of lesions texture. The three modalities of treatments proved to be effective clinically and histopathologically in treating both types of striae, which were well tolerated by the patients with minimal, transient side effects and our study results gave us guidelines for their clinical application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of immediate complete denture, tooth and implant-supported overdenture on vertical dimension and muscle activity

PubMed Central

Shah, Farhan Khalid; Gebreel, Ashraf; Elshokouki, Ali hamed; Habib, Ahmed Ali

2012-01-01

PURPOSE To compare the changes in the occlusal vertical dimension, activity of masseter muscles and biting force after insertion of immediate denture constructed with conventional, tooth-supported and Implant-supported immediate mandibular complete denture. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were selected and treatment was carried out with all the three different concepts i.e, immediate denture constructed with conventional (Group A), tooth-supported (Group B) and Implant-supported (Group C) immediate mandibular complete dentures. Parameters of evaluation and comparison were occlusal vertical dimension measured by radiograph (at three different time intervals), Masseter muscle electromyographic (EMG) measurement by EMG analysis (at three different positions of jaws) and bite force measured by force transducer (at two different time intervals). The obtained data were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA-F test at 5% level of significance. If the F test was significant, Least Significant Difference test was performed to test further significant differences between variables. RESULTS Comparison between mean differences in occlusal vertical dimension for tested groups showed that it was only statistically significant at 1 year after immediate dentures insertion. Comparison between mean differences in wavelet packet coefficients of the electromyographic signals of masseter muscles for tested groups was not significant at rest position, but significant at initial contact position and maximum voluntary clench position. Comparison between mean differences in maximum biting force for tested groups was not statistically significant at 5% level of significance. CONCLUSION Immediate complete overdentures whether tooth or implant supported prosthesis is recommended than totally mucosal supported prosthesis. PMID:22737309

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with clomiphene on Serum E2, FSH, LH and PRL levels in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PubMed

Yonggang, Huang; Xiaosheng, Lu; Zhaoxia, Huang; Yilu, Chen; Jiqiang, Lv; Huina, Zhang

2017-02-01

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with clomiphene on serum E 2 , FSH, LH and PRL levels in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome were analyzed. 90 patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome treated from January 2015 to March 2016 were randomly and evenly divided into control group and observation group. Patients in the control group were only treated with clomiphene. On the basis of the treatment in control group, human chorionic gonadotropin was added in the treatment of observation group. The changes of E 2 , FSH, LH, PRL levels were compared between two groups before and after the treatment. Clinical curative effects of patients in the two groups was evaluated. Adverse reactions during treatment in two groups were observed and recorded. The incidence of adverse reactions was calculated. Serum E 2 , FSH, LH and PRL levels in the two groups decreased significantly after treatment compared with that before treatment. The difference is statistical significant ( P  < 0.05). After the treatment, E 2 , FSH, LH and PRL levels in the observation group were lower than that in the control group and the difference is statistical significant ( P  < 0.05). Total effective rate was 64.44% in the control group and 93.33% in the observation group. There were statistically significant difference in clinical curative effects in the two groups ( P  < 0.05). Different degrees of adverse reactions were found in both groups during treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, liver dysfunction. There were 2 cases of nausea, 2 cases of vomiting, 3 cases of anorexia and 1 case of liver dysfunction from the 45 patients in control group. The total incidence of adverse reactions was 17.78% (8/45). There were 1 case of nausea, 1 case of vomiting, 1 case of anorexia and no liver dysfunction from the 45 patients in observation group. The total incidence of adverse reactions was 6.67% (3/45). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the difference was not statistically significant ( P  > 0.05). Combined use of human chorionic gonadotropin can significantly reduce serum E 2 , FSH, LH and PRL levels, improve clinical curative effects and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. Human chorionic gonadotropin has high application value on the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.

A prospective single-blind randomized-controlled trial comparing two surgical techniques for the treatment of snoring: laser palatoplasty versus uvulectomy with punctate palatal diathermy.

PubMed

Uppal, S; Nadig, S; Jones, C; Nicolaides, A R; Coatesworth, A P

2004-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare laser palatoplasty with uvulectomy with punctate palatal diathermy as treatment modalities for snoring. The study design was a prospective, single-blind, randomized-controlled trial. Eighty-three patients entered the trial. After a mean follow-up period of more than 18 months there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the patient perception of benefit from surgery or the subjective improvement in snoring. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the degree of pain in the immediate postoperative period (mean difference = 22.14, 95% CI = 7.98-36.31, P = 0.003), with the pain being worse in the laser palatoplasty group. Relative risk of complications for laser palatoplasty was 1.42 (95% CI = 0.93-2.17). The snoring scores and Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores decreased with time in both the groups but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Integrating the ACR Appropriateness Criteria Into the Radiology Clerkship: Comparison of Didactic Format and Group-Based Learning.

PubMed

Stein, Marjorie W; Frank, Susan J; Roberts, Jeffrey H; Finkelstein, Malka; Heo, Moonseong

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether group-based or didactic teaching is more effective to teach ACR Appropriateness Criteria to medical students. An identical pretest, posttest, and delayed multiple-choice test was used to evaluate the efficacy of the two teaching methods. Descriptive statistics comparing test scores were obtained. On the posttest, the didactic group gained 12.5 points (P < .0001), and the group-based learning students gained 16.3 points (P < .0001). On the delayed test, the didactic group gained 14.4 points (P < .0001), and the group-based learning students gained 11.8 points (P < .001). The gains in scores on both tests were statistically significant for both groups. However, the differences in scores were not statistically significant comparing the two educational methods. Compared with didactic lectures, group-based learning is more enjoyable, time efficient, and equally efficacious. The choice of educational method can be individualized for each institution on the basis of group size, time constraints, and faculty availability. Copyright © 2016 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of Bristle Stiffness of Manual Toothbrushes on Eroded and Sound Human Dentin – An In Vitro Study

PubMed Central

Arnold, Wolfgang H.; Domin, Julia

2016-01-01

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the influence of manual toothbrushes with different bristle stiffness on the abrasivity on eroded and sound human dentin. Materials and Methods Dentin specimens were made from impacted third molars and attributed to three groups: erosion-abrasion (EA), abrasion (A) and erosion (E). The specimens from EA and E were treated with 1% citric acid (pH 2.3) for 1 min rinsed, and neutralized with artificial saliva for 15 min. This cycle was repeated five times. Thereafter, specimens from EA and A were treated with three toothbrushes types with different bristle stiffness (soft, medium, and hard) in a custom-made toothbrushing machine. The brushing was performed at a load of 3 N with a toothpaste slurry for 630 s. This procedure was repeated five times, in group EA after each erosion cycle. EA and A groups passed through five cycles with a total of 6300 strokes. The abrasivity was analyzed by contact-free profilometry. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results With respect to bristle stiffness there was no statistically significant difference in dentin loss within the EA group. In group A, a statistically significantly higher dentin loss was found for the soft in comparison to the hard bristles. No statistically significant differences were measured between soft/medium and medium/hard toothbrushes. The amount of dentin loss from specimens in the EA group was significantly higher than in the A group. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, the dentin loss in the Abrasion group was higher with soft bristles than with hard ones. This result might have an influence on the toothbrush recommendations for patients with non-carious cervical lesions. PMID:27070901

“Combined Occlusion and Atropine Therapy” Versus “Augmented Part-Time Patching” in Children with Refractory/Residual Amblyopia: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Sachdeva, Virender; Mittal, Vaibhev; Gupta, Varun; Gunturu, Rekha; Kekunnaya, Ramesh; Chandrasekharan, Anjali; Chabblani, Preeti Patil; Rao, Harsha L.

2016-01-01

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of combined occlusion and atropine therapy (COAT) and augmented part-time patching for the treatment of unilateral refractory/residual amblyopia. Methodology: This retrospective study evaluated children between 4 and 11 years with refractory/residual amblyopia who were treated with either additional atropine (COAT group) or increased hours of patching (augmented group). Data were collected on improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units) at each follow-up visit. Results: There were 19 children in the COAT group and 17 children in the augmented group. The baseline BCVA of the amblyopic eye was 0.79 ± 0.36 logMAR in the COAT group and 0.72 ± 0.26 logMAR in augmented group. Children were statistically significantly younger in the COAT group (6.4 ± 2.2 years) compared to the augmented group (8.6 ± 3.3 years, P = 0.02). The mean duration of follow-up was statistically significantly longer in the augmented group (20.2 COAT group; 13.9 months augmented group) (P = 0.03). Compliance was similar in both groups. LogMAR BCVA (adjusted for difference in age and baseline BCVA) was statistically significantly better in the COAT group (0.56 ± 0.04) compared to the augmented group (0.80 ± 0.04) at 3 months (P = 0.000); 6 months (COAT group, 0.50 ± 0.04 vs. augmented group, 0.74 ± 0.04; P = 0.04) and at 1 year (COAT group, 0.42 ± 0.04 vs. augmented group, 0.67 ± 0.04, P = 0.000). There was statistically significantly greater improvement in logMAR BCVA at 6 months in COAT group (0.26 ± 0.15) compared to the augmented group (0.02 ± 0.14), (P = 0.0002). Age, gender, pretreatment BCVA, duration of follow-up, or compliance to patching did not affect improvement in BCVA. Conclusions: COAT may result in greater improvement in BCVA than augmented part-time patching in children with unilateral residual/refractory amblyopia. PMID:27162453

"Combined Occlusion and Atropine Therapy" Versus "Augmented Part-Time Patching" in Children with Refractory/Residual Amblyopia: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Sachdeva, Virender; Mittal, Vaibhev; Gupta, Varun; Gunturu, Rekha; Kekunnaya, Ramesh; Chandrasekharan, Anjali; Chabblani, Preeti Patil; Rao, Harsha L

2016-01-01

To compare the efficacy of combined occlusion and atropine therapy (COAT) and augmented part-time patching for the treatment of unilateral refractory/residual amblyopia. This retrospective study evaluated children between 4 and 11 years with refractory/residual amblyopia who were treated with either additional atropine (COAT group) or increased hours of patching (augmented group). Data were collected on improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units) at each follow-up visit. There were 19 children in the COAT group and 17 children in the augmented group. The baseline BCVA of the amblyopic eye was 0.79 ± 0.36 logMAR in the COAT group and 0.72 ± 0.26 logMAR in augmented group. Children were statistically significantly younger in the COAT group (6.4 ± 2.2 years) compared to the augmented group (8.6 ± 3.3 years, P = 0.02). The mean duration of follow-up was statistically significantly longer in the augmented group (20.2 COAT group; 13.9 months augmented group) (P = 0.03). Compliance was similar in both groups. LogMAR BCVA (adjusted for difference in age and baseline BCVA) was statistically significantly better in the COAT group (0.56 ± 0.04) compared to the augmented group (0.80 ± 0.04) at 3 months (P = 0.000); 6 months (COAT group, 0.50 ± 0.04 vs. augmented group, 0.74 ± 0.04; P = 0.04) and at 1 year (COAT group, 0.42 ± 0.04 vs. augmented group, 0.67 ± 0.04, P = 0.000). There was statistically significantly greater improvement in logMAR BCVA at 6 months in COAT group (0.26 ± 0.15) compared to the augmented group (0.02 ± 0.14), (P = 0.0002). Age, gender, pretreatment BCVA, duration of follow-up, or compliance to patching did not affect improvement in BCVA. COAT may result in greater improvement in BCVA than augmented part-time patching in children with unilateral residual/refractory amblyopia.

Demodex Species Infestation in Patients with Ear Itching and Its Relationship to Itch Severity.

PubMed

Bilal, Nagihan; Kirişci, Özlem; Özkaya, Esra

2017-06-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate Demodex species infestation in patients with ear itching. The relationship between the severity of ear itching and Demodex spp. positivity has not been previously reported in the literature, and we believe that our study will make a significant contribution to the understanding of the etiology of ear itching. Fifty patients with itching ears and 54 healthy control patients were asked to use a visual analogue scale (VAS) to rate the itch, the itching period, and the medication used for the itching. All samples were evaluated for Demodex spp. under a light microscope. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of numbers of Demodex spp. (p=0.154), and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of Demodex spp. positivity (p=0.054). Despite the lack of statistically significant differences, Demodex spp. infestations were more common in the affected group than in the control group. A positive and strongly significant relationship was observed between the number of Demodex spp. and severity of ear itch in the patient group based on VAS scores (p=0.0001; r=0.724). We found that an increased number of Demodex spp. was strongly related to increased severity of ear itching.

Autonomic Responses to Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis: Effect of Needle Puncture or Electrical Current?

PubMed

García Bermejo, Paula; De La Cruz Torres, Blanca; Naranjo Orellana, José; Albornoz Cabello, Manuel

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to establish if the changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (analyzed through heart-rate variability [HRV]) during ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is due to the effect of needle puncture only or of the PNE technique per se where the puncture and galvanic current are combined. This was an experimental, case-control study that took place at the University of Seville. Subjects were 36 male footballers who were randomly allocated to three groups: a control group (CG; 12 players), for whom HRV was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during an exhaustive US examination of the patellar tendon and adjacent structures; a first experimental group (PNE group; 12 players), for whom HRV was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during application of US-guided PNE in the patellar tendon; and a second experimental group (needle group; 12 players), for whom HRV was recorded for 10 min, both at rest and during application of US-guided PNE without electrical current in the patellar tendon. The outcome measures were the diameters of the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2), stress score, and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio. There were no differences between groups in any baseline measurements, nor were there any significant differences between CG measurements (baseline vs. intervention). The PNE group exhibited statistically significant increases in SD1 (p = 0.01) and SD2 (p = 0.004) and statistically significant decreases in SS and S/PS ratio (p = 0.03), indicating increased parasympathetic and decreased sympathetic activity, respectively. The needle group exhibited statistically significant increases in SD2 (p = 0.02) and statistically significant decreases in SS (p = 0.02), indicating decreased sympathetic activity. The application of the US-guided PNE technique caused a measurable increase in parasympathetic activity (detected by HRV), which was due to the combination of needle puncture and electric current.

Symptomatic outcome following laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy with Dor fundoplication versus laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy with angle of His accentuation: results of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Balakrishna, Pavithra; Parshad, Rajinder; Rohila, Jitender; Saraya, Anoop; Makharia, Govind; Sharma, Raju

2015-08-01

The type of anti-reflux procedure to be used as an adjunct to laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy (LHCM) in Achalasia cardia is controversial. We compared Angle of His accentuation and Dor fundoplication in a randomized controlled trial. From May 2010 to October 2013, 62 patients undergoing LHCM were randomized to receive either Dor fundoplication (Dor group) or Angle of His accentuation (AOH group) as an anti-reflux procedure. Symptomatic outcome was evaluated using modified Mellow and Pinkas scale for dysphagia and modified DeMeester's score for regurgitation and heartburn. Achalasia-specific quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The primary outcome was symptomatic relief and the secondary outcome was postoperative heartburn. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. All the procedures were completed laparoscopically with no mortality. Morbidity was similar in the two groups (6.4 %). Median operative time was higher in Dor group (170 vs 130 min). At a median follow-up of 21 months relief of dysphagia, regurgitation, and heartburn was seen in 87, 90.3, and 90.3 % patients in Dor group versus 93.5, 96.7, and 77.4 % in AOH group patients with significant improvement in symptom scores. Improvement was similar in both groups with no statistically significant difference in the symptom scores (p = 0.48 for dysphagia, p = 0.37 for regurgitation, and p = 0.19 for heartburn). The QOL improved in both groups [62.3 to 12.3 (p = 0.02) in Dor group and 63.9-13 (p = 0.02) in AOH group] with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.96). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative heartburn between the two groups (p = 0.19). Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy with either Angle of His accentuation or Dor fundoplication leads to similar improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

Performing Inferential Statistics Prior to Data Collection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trafimow, David; MacDonald, Justin A.

2017-01-01

Typically, in education and psychology research, the investigator collects data and subsequently performs descriptive and inferential statistics. For example, a researcher might compute group means and use the null hypothesis significance testing procedure to draw conclusions about the populations from which the groups were drawn. We propose an…

Effect of aging on the esophageal motor functions.

PubMed

Nishimura, N; Hongo, M; Yamada, M; Kawakami, H; Ueno, M; Okuno, Y; Toyota, T

1996-04-01

To clarify the changes of esophageal motility along with age, we performed esophageal manometry on 47 healthy volunteers, and compared the values of four groups under 49 years old (n = 11), 50 to 59 (n = 15), 60 to 69 (n = 11), and over 70 years old (n = 10). Resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in the group over 70 years old showed the tendency of decrease, but not statistically significant. Nadir LES pressure on swallow-induced relaxation was not statistically different among 4 groups. On esophageal body testing, percentage of non-conduction sequence in the group 60 to 69 and over 70 years old was statistically higher compared with that of the group under 49 years old (p < 0.05) but spared in some elderly subjects. Percentage of simultaneous contractions was not statistically different among 4 groups. Peristaltic contraction amplitude in the group over 70 years old was significantly lower than that of the group under 49 years old both at the level of 5 cm above (p < 0.01) and 10 cm above LES (p < 0.05). We speculate that the influence of aging on esophageal motility is the reduced transmission sequence of peristalsis and contractility of esophageal body. This alteration along with age may differ from the pathological condition of scleroderma or diffuse esophageal spasm.

Pseudo-Patella Baja after total knee arthroplasty

PubMed Central

Kazemi, Seyyed Morteza; Besheli, Laleh Daftari; Eajazi, Alireza; Sajadi, Mohammad Reza Miniator; Okhovatpoor, Mohammad Ali; Zanganeh, Ramin Farhang; Minaei, Reza

2011-01-01

Summary Background One of the complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) which has not yet been directly addressed is pseudo-patella baja (PPB). True patella baja (PB) is present when the length of the patellar tendon becomes shorter. PPB is present when the patella tendon is not shortened, but the level of the joint line is elevated. This study was conducted to assess PPB in TKA. Material/Methods Sixty patients who had had a primary TKA at our center between 1995 and 2005 were included. The average follow-up was 27.5 months. The Knee Society Scoring (KSS), lateral knee x-rays and the Blackburne-Peel index were used for assessments. Results Out of the 60 patients, 43 (72%) demonstrated no joint line elevation or patellar tendon shortening (group A). Fifteen patients (25%) had joint line elevation (group B), and both PB and PPB were present in 2 (3%) patients (group C). KSS was lower in groups B and C compared with group A, but this difference was not statistically significant. The average range of motion (ROM) in group A was significantly higher compared with either group B or C, and patients in groups B and C showed significantly more severe pain compared with group A (P<0.001). Conclusions PPB is not an uncommon finding after TKA and is associated with a statistically significant decrease in ROM and an increase in pain. Furthermore, KSS in the PPB group was less than in patients without PPB, although the difference was not statistically meaningful. PMID:21525812

Transtibial vs anatomical single bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Kilinc, Bekir Eray; Kara, Adnan; Oc, Yunus; Celik, Haluk; Camur, Savas; Bilgin, Emre; Erten, Yunus Turgay; Sahinkaya, Turker; Eren, Osman Tugrul

2016-05-01

Most of the ACL reconstruction is done with isometric single-bundle technique. Traditionally, surgeons were trained to use the transtibial technique (TT) for drilling the femoral tunnel. Our study compared the early postoperative period functional and clinical outcomes of patients who had ACL reconstruction with TT and patients who had ACL reconstruction with anatomical single-bundle technique (AT). Fifty-five patients who had ACL reconstruction and adequate follow-up between January 2010-December 2013 were included the study. Patients were grouped by their surgery technique. 28 patients included into anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction surgery group (group 1) and 27 patients were included into transtibial AC reconstruction group (group 2). Average age of patients in group 1 and group 2 was 28.3 ± 6, and 27.9 ± 6.4, respectively. Lachman and Pivot-shift tests were performed to patients. Laxity was measured by KT-1000 arthrometer test with 15, 20 and 30 pound power. All patients' muscle strength between both extremities were evaluated with Cybex II (Humac) at 60°/sec, 240°/sec frequencies with flexion and extension peak torque. The maximum force values of non-operated knee and the operated knee were compared to each other. Groups were evaluated by using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee ligament healing Standard form, IKDC activity scale, modified Lysholm and Cincinnati evaluation forms. Return to work and exercise time of patients were compared. Functional and clinical outcomes of two groups were compared. NCSS 2007 and PASS 2008 Statistical Software programs were used for statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between Lachman and Pivot-shift results (p > 0.01). Positive value of Pivot-shift test and incidence of anterior translation in Lachman test were higher in the patients who had TT. Lysholm activity level of patients who had TT, 33.3% (n = 9) were excellent, 51.9% (n = 14) were good and 14.8% (n = 4) were moderate; patients who had AT, 57.1% (n = 16) were excellent, 39.3% (n = 11) were good and 3.6% (n = 1) was good level. There was no statistically significant difference between Lysholm Activity level of the patients (p < 0.01). Lysholm Activity level of patients who had AT significantly higher than TT. There was no statistically significant difference between Modified Cincinnati activity level of the patients (p < 0.05). Modified Cincinnati activity level of patients who had AT were significantly higher than those had TT. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups with post treatment IKDC activity level (p < 0.01). Intense activity after treatment rate of patient who had AT was significantly higher than those had TT. There was statistically significant difference between Cybex extension-flexion 60 measurement and extension 240 measurement of the patients (p < 0.01). KT-1000 arthrometer test results with AT was better than the TT in antero-posterior translation of the knee kinematics at 20 and 30 pound of forces. Return to exercise time of patients who had TT was significantly higher than those had AT (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between return to work time of patients (p > 0.05). Single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction was better than the TT in term of clinical, functional, and laboratory results. We believe that AT ACL reconstruction will increase in use and traditional method which is TT ACL reconstruction surgery will decrease in the long term. Theoretically, anatomic relocation of the ACL can provide better knee kinematics. Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the effect of Allium sativum on serum nitric oxide level and hepatic histopathology in experimental cystic echinococcosis in mice.

PubMed

Ali, Nehad Mahmoud; Ibrahim, Ayman Nabil; Ahmed, Naglaa Samier

2016-09-01

The current study was carried out to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Allium sativum on experimental cystic echinococcosis by measuring the serum nitric oxide level and studying hepatic histopathological changes. The experimental animals were divided into five groups, ten mice in each, group (I): prophylactic; group (II): therapeutic; group (III): prophylactic and therapeutic; group (IV): infected nontreated; group (V): non infected non treated. The results showed that serum nitric oxide was significantly increased as a result of infection in all infected groups compared to group V. Statistical significant difference was noted in serum nitrate level in group I at 1st and 8th week post infection compared to the same time interval in group IV. In group II, statistical significance was noticed only at the 1st week post infection. Statistical significant difference was noted in serum nitrate level in group III at 1st, 4th, 6th and 8th week post infection compared to same time interval in group IV. Hydatid cysts developed in livers of mice of group IV as early as 4 weeks of infection while no cysts were found in groups I,II and III. Histopathologically there were moderate pathological changes in group I and group II as hepatocytes showed moderate steatosis, moderate venous congestion and inflammatory cellular infiltrate with foci of degeneration and necrosis. While livers of mice of group III showed mild steatosis, mild venous congestion, mild inflammatory cellular infiltrate, no necrosis and no biliary hyperplasia. Accordingly, that garlic (Allium sativum) may be a promising phototherapeutic agent for cystic echinococcosis.

Improvement in insulin resistance and favourable changes in plasma inflammatory adipokines after weight loss associated with two months' consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients in overweight subjects.

PubMed

Rondanelli, Mariangela; Opizzi, Annalisa; Perna, Simone; Faliva, Milena; Solerte, Sebastiano Bruno; Fioravanti, Marisa; Klersy, Catherine; Cava, Edda; Edda, Cava; Paolini, Maddalena; Maddalena, Paolini; Scavone, Luciano; Luciano, Scavone; Ceccarelli, Paola; Paola, Ceccarelli; Castellaneta, Emanuela; Emanuela, Castellaneta; Savina, Claudia; Claudia, Savina; Donini, Lorenzo Maria

2013-10-01

This randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 8 week trial assessed the efficacy on metabolic changes produced by a consumption of a combination of bioactive food ingredients (epigallocatechin gallate, capsaicins, piperine and L-carnitine) versus a placebo, as part of a therapeutic 'lifestyle change' diet, in 86 overweight subjects. Forty-one patients (2/14 F/M; age 43.7 ± 8.5; BMI 30.3 ± 3.5 kg/m(2)) were randomized to the supplemented group and 45 (29/16; age 40.7 ± 10.2; BMI 30.0 ± 2.7) to the control group. We observed that consumption of the dietary supplement was associated with a significantly greater decrease in insulin resistance, assessed by homostasis model assessment (p < 0.001), leptin/adiponectin ratio (p < 0.04), respiratory quotient (p < 0.008). LDL-cholesterol levels (p < 0.01). Moreover, statistically significant differences were recorded between the two groups in relation to urinary norepinephrine levels (p < 0.001). Leptin, ghrelin, C-reactive protein decreased and resting energy expenditure increased significantly in the supplemented group (p < 0.05, 0.03, 0.02 and 0,02 respectively), but not in the placebo group; adiponectin decreased significantly in the placebo group (0.001) but not in the supplemented group, although no statistical significance between the groups was elicited. BMI, fat mass (assessed by DXA) and vascular endothelial growth factor significantly decreased, whilst the resting energy expenditure/free fat mass significantly increased in both groups. In general, a greater change was recorded in the supplemented group compared to the placebo, although no statistically significant difference between the two groups was recorded. These results suggest that the combination of bioactive food ingredients studied might be useful for the treatment of obesity-related inflammatory metabolic dysfunctions.

Condylar positional changes in rapid maxillary expansion assessed with cone-beam computer tomography.

PubMed

McLeod, Lauren; Hernández, Ivonne A; Heo, Giseon; Lagravère, Manuel O

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of condylar spatial changes in patients having rapid maxillary expansion treatments compared to a control group. Thirty-seven patients with maxillary transverse deficiency (11-17 years old) were randomly allocated into two groups (one treatment group - tooth borne expander [hyrax] - and one control group). Cone-beam computer tomographies (CBCT) were obtained from each patient at two time points (initial T1 and at removal of appliance at 6 months T2). CBCTs were analyzed using AVIZO software and landmarks were placed on the upper first molars and premolars, cranial base, condyles and glenoid fossa. Descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation coefficients and one-way Anova analysis were used to determine if there was a change in condyle position with respect to the glenoid fossa and cranial base and if there was a statistically significant difference between groups. Descriptive statistics show that changes in the condyle position with respect to the glenoid fossa were minor in both groups (<1.9mm average for both groups). The largest difference in both groups was found when measuring the distance between the left and right condyle heads. When comparing changes between both groups, no statistically significant difference was found between changes in the condyles (P<0.05). Rapid maxillary expansion treatments present mild effects/changes on the condylar position. Nevertheless, these changes do not present a significant difference with controls, thus not constituting a limitation for applying this treatment. Copyright © 2016 CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Relationship of long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy on salivary flow rate and CD4 Count among HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Kumar, J Vijay; Baghirath, P Venkat; Naishadham, P Parameswar; Suneetha, Sujai; Suneetha, Lavanya; Sreedevi, P

2015-01-01

To determine if long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) therapy alters salivary flow rate and also to compare its relation of CD4 count with unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. A cross-sectional study was performed on 150 individuals divided into three groups. Group I (50 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive patients, but not on HAART therapy), Group II (50 HIV-infected subjects and on HAART for less than 3 years called short-term HAART), Group III (50 HIV-infected subjects and on HAART for more than or equal to 3 years called long-term HAART). Spitting method proposed by Navazesh and Kumar was used for the measurement of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate. Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis. The mean CD4 count was 424.78 ± 187.03, 497.82 ± 206.11 and 537.6 ± 264.00 in the respective groups. Majority of the patients in all the groups had a CD4 count between 401 and 600. Both unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary (UWS and SWS) flow rates in Group I was found to be significantly higher than in Group II (P < 0.05). Unstimulated salivary flow rate between Group II and III subjects were also found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). ANOVA performed between CD4 count and unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva in each group demonstrated a statistically significant relationship in Group II (P < 0.05). There were no significant results found between CD4 count and stimulated whole saliva in each groups. The reduction in CD4 cell counts were significantly associated with salivary flow rates of HIV-infected individuals who are on long-term HAART.

Learning physics: A comparative analysis between instructional design methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathew, Easow

The purpose of this research was to determine if there were differences in academic performance between students who participated in traditional versus collaborative problem-based learning (PBL) instructional design approaches to physics curricula. This study utilized a quantitative quasi-experimental design methodology to determine the significance of differences in pre- and posttest introductory physics exam performance between students who participated in traditional (i.e., control group) versus collaborative problem solving (PBL) instructional design (i.e., experimental group) approaches to physics curricula over a college semester in 2008. There were 42 student participants (N = 42) enrolled in an introductory physics course at the research site in the Spring 2008 semester who agreed to participate in this study after reading and signing informed consent documents. A total of 22 participants were assigned to the experimental group (n = 22) who participated in a PBL based teaching methodology along with traditional lecture methods. The other 20 students were assigned to the control group (n = 20) who participated in the traditional lecture teaching methodology. Both the courses were taught by experienced professors who have qualifications at the doctoral level. The results indicated statistically significant differences (p < .01) in academic performance between students who participated in traditional (i.e., lower physics posttest scores and lower differences between pre- and posttest scores) versus collaborative (i.e., higher physics posttest scores, and higher differences between pre- and posttest scores) instructional design approaches to physics curricula. Despite some slight differences in control group and experimental group demographic characteristics (gender, ethnicity, and age) there were statistically significant (p = .04) differences between female average academic improvement which was much higher than male average academic improvement (˜63%) in the control group which may indicate that traditional teaching methods are more effective in females, whereas there was no significant difference noted in the experimental group between male and female participants. There was a statistically significant and negative relationship (r = -.61, p = .01) between age and physics pretest scores in the control group. No statistical analyses yielded significantly different average academic performance values in either group as delineated by ethnicity.

Evaluation of body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage changes in early stages of fixed orthodontic therapy.

PubMed

Sandeep, K Sai; Singaraju, Gowri Sankar; Reddy, V Karunakar; Mandava, Prasad; Bhavikati, Venkata N; Reddy, Rohit

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BFP) during the initial stages of fixed orthodontic treatment. The sample for this observational prospective study included 68 individuals with fixed orthodontic appliance in the age group of 18-25 years of both the sexes (25 males and 43 females). The control group consisted of 60 individuals (24 males and 36 females). The weight, BMI, and BFP were measured using a Body Composition Monitor at three points of time "T1" initial; "T2" after 1 month; and "T2" after 3 months. The results were tabulated and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The mean changes between different parameters in both the study and control groups and between males and females in the study group was compared by using two-tailed unpaired student's t-test. The statistical significance is set atP ≤ 0.05. There was an overall decrease in the body weight, BMI, and BFP after 1 month in the study cohort, which was statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). This was followed by an increase in the parameters after the end of the 3(rd) month. Comparison of the parameters between the study and control group at the start of the treatment and at the end of the 3(rd) month had no statistical significance. There was a marked variation in the changes of these parameters between males and females of the study group, which is statistically significant (<0.0001). There is a definite reduction in the weight, BMP, and BMI at the end of the first month followed by a gain of weight, but not at the initial point by the end of the 3(rd) month.

Cinnarizine in refractory migraine prophylaxis: efficacy and tolerability. A comparison with sodium valproate.

PubMed

Togha, Mansoureh; Mansoureh, Togha; Rahmat Jirde, Masoud; Nilavari, Kiafar; Ashrafian, Hosein; Razeghi, Soodeh; Kohan, Leila

2008-04-01

This was a double-blind clinical trial designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the cinnarizine (CIN) in patients with migraine who were refractory to propranolol and tricyclic antidepressants in comparison with sodium valproate (SV) to investigate whether CIN could be at least as effective as SV. A total of 125 patients were treated in a treatment period of 12 weeks. All patients had at least one intake of trial medication and 2-week post baseline efficacy observation which all were included in the ITT analysis. Of the 125 subjects treated, 46 discontinued prematurely: 25 from the CIN and 21 from the SV group. The main reasons for premature discontinuation were: lost to follow up (25/46, 63.2%), insufficient response (16/46, 20%), and adverse events (5/46, 12.8%). No statistically significant inter-group differences in the number of discontinuation was observed (p > 0.05). In both groups, number of attacks, intensity, and duration of attacks significantly decreased (p < 0.05). No statistically significant inter-group differences were observed regarding the mean number of attacks, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks for any of the time intervals analysed, except for the mean reduction of third and fourth visits intensity from baseline which were significantly different in two groups (p < 0.05), with the CIN group showing more reduction. Analysis of the number of responders showed that in the CIN group 61.2% subjects were responders, and 63.8% in the SV group. No statistically significant differences between the treatment groups were found for any of the secondary parameters. Overall 26 subjects reported one or more adverse events during the study period: 13 subjects in each group. Five subjects discontinued prematurely due to adverse events; two in the CIN group with significant weight gain, and 3 in the SV group with significant weight gain and severe tremor. These results suggest that CIN is an effective and safe prophylactic agent even in severe migraine headache.

Homicide mortality rates in Canada, 2000-2009: Youth at increased risk.

PubMed

Basham, C Andrew; Snider, Carolyn

2016-10-20

To estimate and compare Canadian homicide mortality rates (HMRs) and trends in HMRs across age groups, with a focus on trends for youth. Data for the period of 2000 to 2009 were collected from Statistics Canada's CANSIM (Canadian Statistical Information Management) Table 102-0540 with the following ICD-10-CA coded external causes of death: X85 to Y09 (assault) and Y87.1 (sequelae of assault). Annual population counts from 2000 to 2009 were obtained from Statistics Canada's CANSIM Table 051-0001. Both death and population counts were organized into five-year age groups. A random effects negative binomial regression analysis was conducted to estimate age group-specific rates, rate ratios, and trends in homicide mortality. There were 9,878 homicide deaths in Canada during the study period. The increase in the overall homicide mortality rate (HMR) of 0.3% per year was not statistically significant (95% CI: -1.1% to +1.8%). Canadians aged 15-19 years and 20-24 years had the highest HMRs during the study period, and experienced statistically significant annual increases in their HMRs of 3% and 4% respectively (p < 0.05). A general, though not statistically significant, decrease in the HMR was observed for all age groups 50+ years. A fixed effects negative binomial regression model showed that the HMR for males was higher than for females over the study period [RRfemale/male = 0.473 (95% CI: 0.361, 0.621)], but no significant difference in sex-specific trends in the HMR was found. An increasing risk of homicide mortality was identified among Canadian youth, ages 15-24, over the 10-year study period. Research that seeks to understand the reasons for the increased homicide risk facing Canada's youth, and public policy responses to reduce this risk, are warranted.

Early elective cesarean delivery before 36 weeks vs late spontaneous delivery in infants with gastroschisis.

PubMed

Hadidi, Ahmed; Subotic, Ulrike; Goeppl, Maximilian; Waag, Karl-L

2008-07-01

The aim of this study is to assess the value of early elective cesarean delivery for patients with gastroschisis in comparison with late spontaneous delivery. Analysis of infants with gastroschisis admitted between 1986 and 2006 at a tertiary care center was performed. The findings were analyzed statistically. Eighty-six patients were involved in the study. This included 15 patients who underwent emergency cesarean delivery (EM CD group) because of fetal distress and/or bowel ischemia. The remaining 71 patients born electively were stratified into 4 groups. The early elective cesarean delivery (ECD) group included 23 patients born by ECD before 36 weeks; late vaginal delivery (LVD) group included 23 patients who had LVD after 36 weeks; 24 patients had LCD after 36 weeks because of delayed diagnosis that resulted in late referral; and 1 patient had early spontaneous vaginal delivery (EVD group) before 36 weeks. The mean time to start oral feeding, incidence of complications, and primary closure were significantly better in the ECD group than in the LVD group. The duration of ventilation and the length of stay were shorter in ECD group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Elective cesarean delivery before 36 weeks allows earlier enteral feeding and is associated with less complications and higher incidence of primary closure (statistically significant).

[Antiurolithiasic effect of a plant mixture of Herniaria glabra, Agropyron repens, Equisetum arvense and Sambucus nigra (Herbensurina®) in the prevention of experimentally induced nephrolithiasis in rats].

PubMed

Crescenti, Anna; Puiggròs, Francesc; Colomé, Arnau; Poch, Josep Antón; Caimari, Antoni; Bas, Josep Maria; Boqué, Noemí; Arola, Lluís

2015-12-01

To determine the effect of a botanical formulation of Herniaria glabra, Agropyron repens, Equisetum arvense, and Sambucus nigra as a preventive agent in an experimentally induced nefrolithiasis model in rats. Six groups of six Wistar male rats each were induced for nefrolithiasis by treatment with 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride for three days and then EG only for 15 days. One group was treated with placebo (control group) and the other groups (treated groups) were treated with 30 mg/Kg, 60 mg/Kg, 125 mg/Kg, 250 mg/Kg and 500 mg/Kg of the plant extract formulation (PEF). 24-h urine and water samples were collected one day before EG administration and at 7, 13 and 18 days to determine diuresis, crystalluria and urine biochemistry. The kidneys were removed for histological analysis. The phytochemical characterization of PEF and each of its component plant extracts was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Animals treated with 125 mg/Kg of the PEF had statistically significantly lower calcium oxalate crystals deposits content compared to the control group. All PEF doses statistically significantly decreased the number of microcalcifications compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of kidneys affected by subcapsular fibrosis was statistically significantly higher in control group than in treated groups with the PEF. The diuresis of the 125 mg/Kg and 500 mg/Kg PEF-treated groups was statistically significantly higher than that of the control group. A phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, dicarboxylic acids and saponins. Treatment with PEF prevents deposits of calcium oxalate crystals formation and of microcalcifications in the kidney, and reduces the risk of fibrosis subcapsular. 125 mg/Kg of PEF is the dose that has a greater effect on the studied parameters.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of preoperative tumor staging in testicular germ cell tumors.

PubMed

Jankovich, M; Jankovichova, T; Ondrus, D; Breza, J

2017-01-01

The aim of our study was to evaluate associations of elevated preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) characteristics other than cancer specific survival (CSS) and progression free survival (PFS). NLR was recently presented as a widely available and inexpensive marker of poor prognosis in several types of solid tumors. Previous study showed no predictive value of NLR for CSS and PFS in testicular GCT. Association of high NLR with histological type of tumor, presence of metastatic disease preoperatively and worse than T1 stadium in TNM classification preoperatively was analyzed in 103 patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular GCT. No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of seminomas and non-seminomas neither in the group with NLR≥4 (p=0.6698) nor in the group with NLR<4 (p=0.9115) was detected. Similarly, no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of metastatic and non-metastatic disease in the group with NLR≥4 (p=0.2008), however statistically significant higher prevalence of non-metastatic disease in the group with NLR<4 (p=0.0001) was found. There was a statistically significant higher number of patients with worse than T1 stadium in patients with NLR≥4 (p=0.0105), but not significant difference in the group with NLR<4 (p=0.0956). The results of our study showed that NLR lower than 4 predicts non-metastatic disease and NLR higher or equal 4 predicts worse than T1 stadium (Tab. 3, Ref. 12).

Comparison of patient outcomes in periarticular and intraarticular local anaesthetic infiltration techniques in total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Perret, Michael; Fletcher, Philip; Firth, Laura; Yates, Piers

2015-07-31

The use of local infiltration analgesia in the setting of knee arthroplasty is well established. There are no studies to date which have directly compared differences in infiltration techniques. The purpose of this study is to establish if a difference in patient outcomes exists when the infiltrate is injected into the periarticular tissues or directly into the joint. One hundred and forty-two consecutive patients waitlisted for primary total knee arthroplasty were enrolled after primary exclusion criteria were applied. These included the following: allergy to study drugs, inability to receive spinal anaesthesia, and planned bilateral surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, a periarticular infiltration group (group A) and an intraarticular infiltration group (group B). Secondary exclusion criteria of regular opioid use, psychiatric illness, and serious medical comorbidity left a total of 47 patients in group A and 54 patients in group B. Both groups received a combination of 30 mg ketorolac, 500 μg of adrenaline, and 300 mg of ropivacaine, and normal saline. This was either injected into the periarticular tissues during surgery (group A) or intraarticularly after closure of the wound (group B). Primary outcome measures included opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively and over the total admission, and visual analogue scales (VAS) on postoperative day 1 and at discharge. Secondary measures included Oxford Knee Score, knee flexion, length of stay, haemoglobin drop, and transfusion requirement. Ethics approval was granted by the hospital review board. The trial is registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, registration ACTRN12615000488505 . No statistically significant differences in postoperative analgesic use were observed between the two groups. However, there was a trend toward decreased postoperative patient-controlled analgesia use in the periarticular group (mean 53.1 vs 68.3 mg morphine equivalents; p = 0.093), as well as a statistically significant reduction in postoperative visual analogue pain scores. No statistically significant differences were observed for haemoglobin drop, range of motion, or pre- to 6-week postoperative Oxford Score difference. Our study is the first we are aware of to directly compare a periarticular to intraarticular injection technique when using local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. Our results show no clear statistically significant benefit with either technique. The periarticular group showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative VAS pain scores alongside a trend in that group toward reduced overall opioid use.

Comparative study of millennials' (age 20-34 years) grip and lateral pinch with the norms.

PubMed

Fain, Elizabeth; Weatherford, Cara

Cross-sectional research design. Clinical practice continues to use normative data for grip and pinch measurements that were established in 1985. There is no updated norms despite different hand usage patterns in today's society. Measuring and comparing grip and pinch strengths with normative data is a valid method to determine hand function. This research was implemented to compare the grip and pinch measurements obtained from healthy millennials to the established norms and to describe hand usage patterns for millennials. Grip and lateral pinch measurements were obtained from a sample of 237 healthy millennials (ages 20-34 years). Strength scores were statistically lower that older normative data in all millennial grip strengths, with the exception of the women in the age group of 30-34 years. Specifically, this statistically significant trend was observed in all male grip strengths, as well as in women in the age group of 20-24 years (bilateral grip) and 25-29 years (right grip). However, the lateral pinch data reflected was similar to the older norms with variances of 0.5-1 kg. Current data reflect statistically significant differences from the norms for all male grip measurements, as well as for women in the age group of 20-24 years (bilateral grip) and 25-29 years (right grip). No statistical significance was observed in the independent-sample t tests for the lateral pinch in men of all age groups. Statistical significance was noted for lateral pinch for female age groups for the left hand (20-24 years) and for bilateral lateral pinches (30-34 years). IV. Copyright © 2016 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laser Vision Correction with Q Factor Modification for Keratoconus Management.

PubMed

Pahuja, Natasha Kishore; Shetty, Rohit; Sinha Roy, Abhijit; Thakkar, Maithil Mukesh; Jayadev, Chaitra; Nuijts, Rudy Mma; Nagaraja, Harsha

2017-04-01

To evaluate the outcomes of corneal laser ablation with Q factor modification for vision correction in patients with progressive keratoconus. In this prospective study, 50 eyes of 50 patients were divided into two groups based on Q factor (>-1 in Group I and ≤-1 in Group II). All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), subjective acceptance and corneal topography using the Pentacam. The topolyzer was used to measure the corneal asphericity (Q). Ablation was performed based on the preoperative Q values and thinnest pachymetry to obtain a target of near normal Q. This was followed by corneal collagen crosslinking to stabilize the progression. Statistically significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in refractive, topographic, and Q values posttreatment in both groups. The improvement in higher-order aberrations and total aberrations were statistically significant in both groups; however, the spherical aberration showed statistically significant improvement only in Group II. Ablation based on the preoperative Q and pachymetry for a near normal postoperative Q value appears to be an effective method to improve the visual acuity and quality in patients with keratoconus.

Periarticular Injection of Liposomal Bupivacaine Offers No Benefit Over Standard Bupivacaine in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Alijanipour, Pouya; Tan, Timothy L; Matthews, Christopher N; Viola, Jessica R; Purtill, James J; Rothman, Richard H; Parvizi, Javad; Austin, Matthew S

2017-02-01

Periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine has been adopted as part of multimodal pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 162 patients undergoing primary TKA in a single institution between January 2014 and May 2015. Eighty-seven patients were randomized to liposomal bupivacaine (experimental group), and 75 patients were randomized to free bupivacaine (control group). All patients received spinal anesthesia and otherwise identical surgical approaches, pain management, and rehabilitation protocols. Outcomes evaluated include the patient-reported visual analog pain scores, narcotic consumption, and narcotic-related side effects (Brief Pain Inventory) within 96 hours after surgery as well as functional outcomes using the Knee Society Score and the Short-Form 12 measured preoperatively and at 4-6 weeks after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative daily pain scores, narcotic consumption (by-day and overall), or narcotic-related side effects. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of surgical (P = .76) and medical complications or length of hospital stay (P = .35). There were no statistically significant differences in satisfaction between the groups (P = .56) or between the groups in postoperative Knee Society Score (P = .53) and the Short-Form 12 at 4-6 weeks (P = .82, P = .66). As part of multimodal pain management protocol, periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine compared with bupivacaine HCl did not result in any clinically or statistically significant improvement of the measured outcomes following TKA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of laserpuncture at the LI4 Hegu point on the plasma levels of β-endorphin in healthy subjects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihardja, H.; Srilestari, A.; Budianto, S. A.

2017-08-01

Laserpuncture is an acupuncture method for pain management. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of laserpuncture at the LI4 Hegu point on the plasma levels of β-endorphin in healthy subjects. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with placebo controls was conducted on 29 healthy subjects. Subjects were allocated into the laserpuncture group (n = 15) and the laserpuncture placebo group (n = 14). The plasma levels of β-endorphin were used to measure the output of the study assessed both before treatment and posttreatment. There are statistically significant differences in the mean plasma levels of β-endorphin before and after treatment in the laserpuncture group: changes in mean value from 0.22±0.06 ng/ml to 0.29±0.07 ng/ml with a p value = 0.005 (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean plasma levels of β-endorphin before and after treatment in the laserpuncture placebo group: changes in mean value from 0.22±0.06 ng/ml to 0.26±0.09 ng/ml with p value = 0.195 (p > 0.05). Between groups, there was not a statistically significant difference in the baseline mean plasma levels of β-endorphin (p = 0.183, p > 0.05). The conclusion of this study is that laserpuncture can affect the plasma levels of β-endorphin in healthy subjects when there is no statistically significant difference in the mean plasma levels of β-endorphin between groups.

Lymph node ratio may predict relapse free survival and overall survival in patients with stage II & III colorectal carcinoma.

PubMed

Zekri, Jamal; Ahmad, Imran; Fawzy, Ehab; Elkhodary, Tawfik R; Al-Gahmi, Aboelkhair; Hassouna, Ashraf; El Sayed, Mohamed E; Ur Rehman, Jalil; Karim, Syed M; Bin Sadiq, Bakr

2015-01-01

Lymph node ratio (LNR) defined as the number of lymph nodes (LNs) involved with metastases divided by number of LNs examined, has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor in breast, stomach and various other solid tumors. Its significance as a prognostic determinant in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still under investigation. This study investigated the prognostic value of LNR in patients with resected CRC. We retrospectively ex- amined 145 patients with stage II & III CRC diagnosed and treated at a single institution during 9 years pe- riod. Patients were grouped according to LNR in three groups. Group 1; LNR < 0.05, Group 2; LNR = 0.05-0.19 & Group 3 > 0.19. Chi square, life table analysis and multivariate Cox regression were used for statistical analysis. On multivariate analysis, number of involved LNs (NILN) (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.055-1.245; P = 0.001) and pathological T stage (P = 0.002) were statistically significant predictors of relapse free survival (RFS). LNR as a continuous variable (but not as a categorical variable) was statistically significant predictor of RFS (P = 0.02). LNR was also a statistically significant predictor of overall survival (OS) (P = 0.02). LNR may predict RFS and OS in patients with resected stage II & III CRC. Studies with larger cohorts and longer follow up are needed to further examine and validate theprognostic value of LNR.

Impact of smartphone digital photography, email, and media communication on emergency room visits post-hypospadias repair.

PubMed

Chua, Michael E; Saunders, Megan A; Bowlin, Paul R; Ming, Jessica M; Lopes, Roberto Iglesias; Farhat, Walid A; Dos Santos, Joana

2017-01-01

Advances in communication technology are shaping our medical practice. To date, there is no clear evidence that this mode of communication will have any effect on unnecessary postoperative emergency room (ER) visits. We aim to evaluate the effect of email and media communication with application of smartphone digital photography on post-hypospadias repair ER visit rates. This prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent hypospadias repair performed by a single surgeon from October 2014 to November 2015. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group A consented for smartphone photography and email communication and Group B declined. Reason for ER visits within 30 days postoperatively was assessed by another physician, who was blinded of patient group assignment. The reasons were categorized as: unnecessary ER visit, indicated ER visit, or visit unrelated to hypospadias surgery. Chi-square test and T-test were used for statistical analysis. Relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were also calculated. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Over a 14-month period, 96 patients underwent hypospadias repair (81 in Group A, 15 in Group B 5). No significant difference was noted between groups for overall ER return rate (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21, 1.0). However, the number of ER visits for wound check not requiring intervention was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.035, 0.56); likewise, a higher number of ER visits requiring intervention was noted in Group A compared with Group B, although statistically this was not significant (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.23, 12.21). Email communication with the use of smartphone digital photography significantly reduced the number of unnecessary ER visits for post-hypospadias wound checks.

Infectious bursal disease: seroprevalence and associated risk factors in major poultry rearing areas of Ethiopia.

PubMed

Jenbreie, Shiferaw; Ayelet, Gelagay; Gelaye, Esayas; Kebede, Fekadu; Lynch, Stacey E; Negussie, Haileleul

2013-01-01

The study was conducted in eight districts of Ethiopia with the objectives of determining the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of infectious bursal disease (IBD). From the total of 2,597 chicken serum samples examined using ELISA, 83.1 % were found positive. The highest seroprevalence was found at Mekele (90.3 %) while the lowest was recorded at Gondar district (69.8 %). These differences among the study areas were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Highest seroprevalence was found in crossbreed of chicken (91.4 %) while the lowest was recorded in indigenous breed of chicken (81.4 %). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the three breeds of chickens, but sex was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence of the disease was found high in young (≤ 8 weeks) age group (86.6 %) while the lowest prevalence was recorded in adults (>8 weeks) (72 %). This is also statistically significant (p < 0.05) between young and adult age groups. The prevalence of IBD in different production system indicated that higher seroprevalence was recorded in intensive production system (85.9 %) while the lowest was recorded in extensive production system (81.6 %). This difference is also statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Efficacy and safety of brand-risperidone versus similar-risperidone in elderly patients with neuropsychiatric disorders: A retrospective study

PubMed Central

Folquitto, Jefferson Cunha; de Barros, Sérgio Barbosa; Pinto Junior, Jony Arrais; Bottino, Cássio M.C.

2010-01-01

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of brand-risperidone against similar-risperidone in elderly outpatients. Method The medical files of 16 elderly outpatients from the IPq-HCFMUSP treated with two formulations of risperidone (brand and similar) between July/1999 and February/2000 were reviewed. Two independent raters, using the Clinical Global Impression scale, evaluated the efficacy of the treatment with risperidone and the frequency of adverse effects. Results Comparing October/1999 to November/1999, Rater 1 observed a trend (p=0.059) and Rater 2 found a statistically significant difference, in favor of the brand-risperidone group (p=0.014). Comparing October/1999 to February/2000, Rater 1 observed no statistically significant difference (p=0.190), but the Rater 2 found a statistically significant difference in favor of the brand-risperidone group (p=0.029). Comparing November/1999 to February/2000, both raters found no statistically significant differences between both risperidone formulations. Regarding adverse effects, a statistically significant difference (p=0.046) was found in favor of the patients treated with brand-risperidone. Conclusions The risperidone-reference, compared to similar-risperidone, showed a trend toward greater efficacy and tolerability. PMID:29213664

Rose-K versus Soper contact lens in keratoconus: a randomized comparative trial.

PubMed

Gupta, Raghav; Sinha, Rajesh; Singh, Pooja; Sharma, Namrata; Tandon, Radhika; Titiyal, Jeewan S

2014-01-01

To perform a comparative evaluation of the efficacy and acceptability of Rose-K and Soper contact lenses in Keratoconus. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. A randomized comparative clinical trial was performed in keratoconic eyes fitted with Rose-K (Rose-K group) and Soper (Soper group) contact lenses. Patients data were evaluated for best spectacle corrected visual acuity, best contact lens corrected visual acuity (BCLCVA), corneal topography, glare acuity, contrast sensitivity, tear function tests and specular microscopy. Patients were also asked to complete a self-reported comfort questionnaire at each visit. Sixty eyes were randomized to the Rose-K and Soper groups. The two groups were comparable in all the baseline parameters. There was a statistically significant improvement in BCLCVA in both groups at 3 months (P < 0.01, both groups). The difference between in BCLCVA in both groups was not statistically significant. In both groups, there was a significant improvement in the comfort score at 3 months compared to baseline (P < 0.05, both group). The Rose-K group had statistically significantly better scores at 1 and 3 months compared with the Soper group (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001 respectively). Both groups were associated with a significant (P < 0.01), but comparable improvement in glare acuity at 3 months. There was a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity at 3 months in both groups (P < 0.01); the Rose-K group was significantly better than the Soper group at 1 and 3 months (P = 0.001 and 0.002 respectively). The mean number of trial lenses required for fitting Rose-K lens (2.00 ± 0.59) was significantly lower than the Soper lens (3.43 ± 0.82; P < 0.001). Both the contact lens designs provide an equal improvement in visual acuity in patients with Keratoconus. However, Rose-K contact lens provides greater comfort, better quality of vision and requires less chair time compared with the Soper lens and hence may possibly have a greater acceptability.

Effect of Herbal and Fluoride Mouth Rinses on Streptococcus mutans and Dental Caries among 12–15-Year-Old School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Shenoy Panchmal, Ganesh; Kumar, Vijaya; Jodalli, Praveen S.; Sonde, Laxminarayan

2017-01-01

To assess and compare the effect of herbal and fluoride mouth rinses on Streptococcus mutans count and glucan synthesis by Streptococcus mutans and dental caries, a parallel group placebo controlled randomized trial was conducted among 240 schoolchildren (12–15 years old). Participants were randomly divided and allocated into Group I (0.2% fluoride group), Group II (herbal group), and Group III (placebo group). All received 10 ml of respective mouth rinses every fortnight for a period of one year. Intergroup and intragroup comparison were done for Streptococcus mutans count and glucan synthesis by Streptococcus mutans and dental caries. Streptococcus mutans count showed a statistically significant difference between Group I and Group III (p = 0.035) and also between Group II and Group III (p = 0.039). Glucan concentration levels showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) between Group II and Group III at 12th month. Mean DMF scores showed no statistical difference between the three groups (p = 0.139). No difference in the level of significance was seen in the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. The present study showed that both herbal and fluoride mouth rinses, when used fortnightly, were equally effective and could be recommended for use in school-based health education program to control dental caries. Trial registration number is CTRI/2015/08/006070. PMID:28352285

Transfer of SIMNET Training in the Armor Officer Basic Course

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

group correctly performed more tasks in the posttest , but the difference was not statistically significant for these small samples. Gains from pretest ...to posttest were not compared statistically, but the field-trained group showed little average gain. Based on these results and other supporting data...that serve as a control group , and (b) SIMNET classes after the change that serve as a treatment group . The comparison is termed quasi - experimental

Value of EZSCAN parameters for diabetes screening in Chinese.

PubMed

Lin, Yanhui; Chen, Zhiheng; Guo, Xu; Deng, Yulin

2017-05-23

To study the parameters of EZSCAN as a screening tool for diabetes in Chinese. A total of 6,270 subjects participated in the study. All subjects underwent tests of EZSCAN, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test and HbA 1c . 1. All subjects were divided into 4 groups: the normal group, sugar metabolic abnormalities as low-risk group, middle-risk group and high-risk group. The difference of diabetes incidence among the 4 groups was statistically significant. With the increase of EZSCAN score, the prevalence of diabetes increased significantly. But there is no statistically difference between the low-risk group and the middle-risk group. 2. After adjustment for other variables, there is significantly positive relationship among EZSCAN risk score and the risk of diabetes. Meanwhile there is no statistically difference between the low-risk group and the middle-risk group. 3. The cut-off point of EZSCAN for diabetes was 44.5% with the sensitivity was 73.2% which was higher than of FPG and HbA 1c . As EZSCAN-diabetes risk score increases, the risk of diabetes increases. EZSCAN can be used as a tool for screening for diabetes. At the best screening diabetes cut-off point value 44.5%, the sensitivity is higher than traditional method of FPG and HbA 1c . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Subjective memory complaints, depressive symptoms and cognition in patients attending a memory outpatient clinic.

PubMed

Lehrner, J; Moser, D; Klug, S; Gleiß, A; Auff, E; Dal-Bianco, P; Pusswald, G

2014-03-01

The goals of this study were to establish prevalence of subjective memory complaints (SMC) and depressive symptoms (DS) and their relation to cognitive functioning and cognitive status in an outpatient memory clinic cohort. Two hundred forty-eight cognitively healthy controls and 581 consecutive patients with cognitive complaints who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between control group and patient group regarding mean SMC was detected. 7.7% of controls reported a considerable degree of SMC, whereas 35.8% of patients reported considerable SMC. Additionally, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between controls and patient group regarding Beck depression score was detected. 16.6% of controls showed a clinical relevant degree of DS, whereas 48.5% of patients showed DS. An analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant difference across all four groups (control group, SCI group, naMCI group, aMCI group) (p < 0.001). Whereas 8% of controls reported a considerable degree of SMC, 34% of the SCI group, 31% of the naMCI group, and 54% of the aMCI group reported considerable SMC. A two-factor analysis of variance with the factors cognitive status (controls, SCI group, naMCI group, aMCI group) and depressive status (depressed vs. not depressed) and SMC as dependent variable revealed that both factors were significant (p < 0.001), whereas the interaction was not (p = 0.820). A large proportion of patients seeking help in a memory outpatient clinic report considerable SMC, with an increasing degree from cognitively healthy elderly to aMCI. Depressive status increases SMC consistently across groups with different cognitive status.

Critical Thinking Skills of U.S. Air Force Senior and Intermediate Developmental Education Students

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-16

SAASS), and Air War College (AWC). T-tests indicated no statistically significant difference in the CT skills of the sample of ACSC and AWC students...hypothesis that there was no statistically significant difference in the CT skills of IDE and SDE students. SAASS, as a more selective advanced studies...potential to develop CT skills, concluding, “students in the experimental group performed at a statistically significantly higher level than students in

Feasibility and effects of newly developed balance control trainer for mobility and balance in chronic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Lee, So Hyun; Byun, Seung Deuk; Kim, Chul Hyun; Go, Jin Young; Nam, Hyeon Uk; Huh, Jin Seok; Jung, Tae Du

2012-08-01

To investigate the feasibility and effects of balance training with a newly developed Balance Control Trainer (BCT) that applied the concept of vertical movement for the improvements of mobility and balance in chronic stroke patients. Forty chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group (n=20) underwent training with a BCT for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks, in addition to concurrent conventional physical therapy. The control group (n=20) underwent only conventional therapy for 4 weeks. All participants were assessed by: the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), 10-meter Walking Test (10mWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Korean Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Manual Muscle Test (MMT) before training, and at 2 and 4 weeks of training. There were statistically significant improvements in all parameters except knee extensor power at 2 weeks of treatment, and in all parameters except MBI which showed further statistically significant progress in the experimental group over the next two weeks (p<0.05). Statistically significant improvements on all measurements were observed in the experimental group after 4 weeks total. Comparing the two groups at 2 and 4 weeks of training respectively, 10mWT, TUG, and BBS showed statistically more significant improvements in the experimental group (p<0.05). Balance training with a newly developed BCT is feasible and may be an effective tool to improve balance and gait in ambulatory chronic stroke patients. Furthermore, it may provide additional benefits when used in conjunction with conventional therapies.

Effect of Disease Improvement with Self-Measurement Compliance (Measurement Frequency Level) in SmartCare Hypertension Management Service.

PubMed

Lee, Chang-Hee; Chang, Byeong-Yun

2016-03-01

This study's purpose was to analyze the effect of the SmartCare pilot project, which was conducted in 2011 in South Korea. Recent studies of telehealth mostly compare the intervention group and the control group. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the disease improvement effect depending on the self-measurement compliance (measurement frequency level) of patients who are receiving the hypertension management services. In the SmartCare center, health managers (nurses, nutritionists, and exercise prescribers) monitored the measurement data transmitted by participants through the SmartCare system. The health managers provided the prevention, consultation, and education services remotely to patients. Of the 231 participants who were enrolled in the study, the final analysis involved 213 individuals who completed their blood pressure measurements and SmartCare services until the end of a 6-month service period. The evaluated measurement group was classified into three groups (Low, Middle, and High) by evenly dividing the monthly average frequency of measurement for 6 months. The evaluation indices were systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), weight, and body mass index (BMI); this information was transmitted through the SmartCare system. For changes in the evaluation indices after 6 months compared with the initial baseline, in the Low Group, SBP and DBP slightly decreased, and weight and BMI slightly increased (difference not statistically significant). In the Middle Group, SBP and DBP decreased slightly (difference not statistically significant); however, both weight and BMI decreased (difference statistically significant). In the High Group, SBP, DBP, weight, and BMI decreased (difference statistically significant). Patients who received the SmartCare services with higher measurement frequency levels at home showed greater effectiveness regarding the provided services compared with those patients with lower levels of BP, weight, and BMI control.

The investigation of the some body parameters of obese and (obese+diabetes) patients with using bioelectrical impedance analysis techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yerlikaya, Emrah; Karageçili, Hasan; Aydin, Ruken Zeynep

2016-04-01

Obesity is a key risk for the development of hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and is totally referred to as the metabolic disorders. Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder, is related with hyperglycemia, altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. The minimum defining characteristic feature to identify diabetes mellitus is chronic and substantiated elevation of circulating glucose concentration. In this study, it is aimed to determine the body composition analyze of obese and (obese+diabetes) patients.We studied the datas taken from three independent groups with the body composition analyzer instrument. The body composition analyzer calculates body parameters, such as body fat ratio, body fat mass, fat free mass, estimated muscle mass, and base metabolic rate on the basis of data obtained by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. All patients and healthy subjects applied to Siirt University Medico and their datas were taken. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used for descriptive data analysis. When we compared and analyzed three groups datas, we found statistically significant difference between obese, (obese+diabetes) and control groups values. Anova test and tukey test are used to analyze the difference between groups and to do multiple comparisons. T test is also used to analyze the difference between genders. We observed the statistically significant difference in age and mineral amount p<0.00 between (diabetes+obese) and obese groups. Besides, when these patient groups and control group were analyzed, there were significant difference between most parameters. In terms of education level among the illiterate and university graduates; fat mass kg, fat percentage, internal lubrication, body mass index, water percentage, protein mass percentage, mineral percentage p<0.05, significant statistically difference were observed. This difference especially may result of a sedentary lifestyle.

Types of pelvic floor dysfunctions in nulliparous, vaginal delivery, and cesarean section female patients with obstructed defecation syndrome identified by echodefecography.

PubMed

Murad-Regadas, Sthela M; Regadas, Francisco Sérgio P; Rodrigues, Lusmar V; Oliveira, Leticia; Barreto, Rosilma G L; de Souza, Marcellus H L P; Silva, Flavio Roberto S

2009-10-01

This study aims to show pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), comparing nulliparous to those with vaginal delivery or cesarean section using the echodefecography (ECD). Three hundred seventy female patients with ODS were reviewed retrospectively and were divided in Group I-105 nulliparous, Group II-165 had at least one vaginal delivery, and Group III-comprised of 100 patients delivered only by cesarean section. All patients had been submitted to ECD to identify pelvic floor dysfunctions. No statistical significance was found between the groups with regard to anorectocele grade. Intussusception was identified in 40% from G I, 55.0% from G II, and 30.0% from G III, with statistical significance between Groups I and II. Intussusception was associated with significant anorectocele in 24.8%, 36.3%, and 18% patients from G I, II, and III, respectively. Anismus was identified in 39.0% from G I, 28.5% from G II, and 60% from G III, with statistical significance between Groups I and III. Anismus was associated with significant anorectocele in 22.8%, 15.7%, and 24% patients from G I, II, and III, respectively. Sigmoidocele/enterocele was identified in 7.6% from G I, 10.9% G II, and was associated with significant rectocele in 3.8% and 7.3% patients from G I and II, respectively. The distribution of pelvic floor dysfunctions showed no specific pattern across the groups, suggesting the absence of a correlation between these dysfunctions and vaginal delivery.

The effect of critical thinking education on nursing students' problem-solving skills.

PubMed

Kanbay, Yalçın; Okanlı, Ayşe

2017-06-01

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of critical thinking education on nursing students' problem-solving skills. This study was conducted with 93 nursing students, 49 in the control group and 44 in the education group. The California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and the Problem-solving Inventory were administered to them before and after 12 weeks of critical thinking education. The education group's mean critical thinking score was 253.61 on the pretest and 268.72 on the posttest. This increase was statistically significant (p < .001). The posttest mean score of the control group fell to 258.18 on the posttest after a pretest mean score of 260.79, and this difference was statistically significant (p < .001). According to the posttest results, the problem-solving skills of education group increased significantly (p < .001), while the control group's score fell significantly (p < .001). This study determined that critical thinking education improves problem-solving skills.

Association between androgenetic alopecia and coronary artery disease in young male patients.

PubMed

Sharma, Kamal H; Jindal, Anchal

2014-01-01

Several studies have demonstrated an association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and cardiovascular disease. Still controversies exist regarding the association. Are they truly associated? The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of AGA and establish its association in young (<45 years) Asian Indian Gujarati male patients having coronary artery disease (CAD). Case-control prospective multicentric study was carried out on 424 men. Case group consisted of 212 male subjects having CAD (Group 1) and another 212, either sibling or first degree male relative of the case subjects (having no evidence of CAD) were considered as the control group (Group 2). Age, total cholesterol, incidence of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were similar in both groups. The degree of alopecia was assessed using the Norwood-Hamilton scale for men. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. AGA was found in 80 (37.73%) young CAD patients (Group 1), whereas 44 (20.7%) of patients had alopecia in the control group (Group 2). There was statistically significant association between male AGA and CAD (P = 0.001). Odds ratio was 2.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72 ± 4.26). Statistically significant association was found between high grade baldness (Grades IV-VII) and CAD in young men (P < 0.05). Odds ratio = 2.36 (95% CI, 1.108 ± 5.033). There is statistically significant association of AGA in young Asian Gujarati male with CAD and the prevalence of AGA in young CAD patient is 37.73%. This study implies early onset AGA in male is independently associated with CAD, though mechanisms need to be investigated.

Early-Stage Estimated Value of Blend Sign on the Prognosis of Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Zhou, Ningquan; Wang, Chao

2018-01-01

Background and Purpose This study aimed to explore the relationship between blend sign and prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods Between January 2014 and December 2016, the results of cranial computed tomography imaging within 24 h after the onset of symptoms from 275 patients with ICH were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with or without blend sign were compared to observe and analyze the difference in coagulation function abnormality, rebleeding, mortality, and bad prognosis rates in the early stages. Results Of the 275 patients with ICH, 47 patients had Blend Sign I (17.09%) and 17 patients had Blend Sign II (6.18%). The coagulation function abnormality rate had no statistical difference among Blend Sign I, Blend Sign II, and conventional groups (P > 0.05). In the Blend Sign I group, the rebleeding rate was 4.26%, bad prognosis rate was 25.53%, and mortality rate was 6.38%, which were not statistically significantly different compared with those in the conventional group (P > 0.05). The rebleeding rate in the Blend Sign II group was 47.06%, bad prognosis rate was 82.35%, and mortality rate was 47.06%, which were statistically significantly different compared with those in the conventional and Blend Sign I groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions For the patients associated with Blend Sign I, the prognosis was equivalent to that in the conventional group, with no statistically significant difference. The rebleeding, bad prognosis, and mortality rates were higher in the Blend Sign II group than in the conventional group and deserved more attention.

An easy, rapid, and reproducible way to create a split-thickness wound for experimental purposes.

PubMed

Gümüş, Nazim; Özkaya, Neşe Kurt; Bulut, Hüseyin Eray; Yilmaz, Sarper

2014-09-01

Partial-thickness wound models of rat skin have some difficulties in creating the wounds in equal size and depth. Moreover, making a split-thickness wound on the rat skin seems not to be simple and rapid. A new alternative method was presented here to overcome these obstacles, by using a waterjet device to create a split-thickness wound on rat skin. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. An area of 4 × 4 cm in diameter was marked on the center of the dorsal skin. Waterjet hydrosurgery system was used to create a wound on the dorsal rat skin, by removing the outer layers of the skin. In group 1, rat skin was wounded with setting 1 to create a superficial skin wound. In group 2, it was injured with setting 5 to make a deeper wound, and in group 3, skin wound was performed with setting 10 making the deepest wound in the experiment. After the wounds were created on the rat skin, a full-thickness skin biopsy was taken from the middle of the cranial margin of the wound, including both the wound surface and the healthy skin in a specimen. Healing time of the wounds of animals was recorded in the experiment groups. Then, the results were compared statistically between the groups. In the histologic assessment, both the thickness of the remnant of the epidermis in the wound surface and the thickness of the healthy epidermis were measured under light microscope. Thickness of the epidermis remaining after wounding was statistically compared among the groups and with the healthy epidermis. The mean thickness of the remaining epidermis was determined for each group. It was higher in the superficial wounds than in the deep wounds, because of the removal of the skin from its outer surface through the deep layers of the skin with waterjet device. The most superficial wound in the experiment was observed in group 1, which was statistically different from the wounds of group 3, whereas there was no difference between the wounds of groups 1 and 2. Compared with the wounds of groups 1 and 2, the wounds in group 3 were significantly deeper than the wounds of other groups, which was statistically significant. In all groups, mean thickness of epidermis in the wound surface showed statistically significant difference from that in the healthy skin. When compared with the healing times of the wounds in the groups, a statistically significant difference was found between them. Creation of a split-skin wound, by using the waterjet system, provides a wound in reproducible size and depth, also in a standardized and rapid manner. Moreover, it makes precise and controlled wound creation in the rat skin.

Physical properties and comparative strength of a bioactive luting cement.

PubMed

Jefferies, Steven; Lööf, Jesper; Pameijer, Cornelis H; Boston, Daniel; Galbraith, Colin; Hermansson, Leif

2013-01-01

New dental cement formulations require testing to determine physical and mechanical laboratory properties. To test an experimental calcium aluminate/glass-ionomer cement, Ceramir C and B (CC and B), regarding compressive strength (CS), film thickness (FT), net setting time (ST) and Vickers hardness. An additional test to evaluate potential dimensional change/expansion properties of this cement was also conducted. CS was measured according to a slightly modified ISO 9917:2003 for the CC and B specimens. The samples were not clamped while being exposed to relative humidity of great than 90 percent at 37 degrees C for 10 minutes before being stored in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 degrees C. For the CS, four groups were tested: Group 1-CC and B; Group 2-RelyX Luting Cement; Group 3-Fuji Plus; and Group 4-RelyX Unicem. Samples from all groups were stored for 24 hours before testing. Only CCandB was tested for ST and FT according to ISO 9917:2003. The FT was tested 2 minutes after mixing. Vickers hardness was evaluated using the CSM Microhardness Indentation Tester using zinc phosphate cement as a comparison material. Expansion testing included evaluating potential cracks in feldspathic porcelain jacket crowns (PJCs). The mean and standard deviation after 24 hours were expressed in MPa: Group 1 equals 160 plus or equal to 27; Group 2 equals 96 plus or equal to 10; Group 3 equals 138 plus or equal to 15; Group 4 equals 157 plus or equal to 10. A single-factor ANOVA demonstrated statistically significant differences between the groups (P less than 0.001). Pair-wise statistical comparison demonstrated a statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 2. No statistically significant differences were found between other groups. The FT was 16.8 plus or equal to 0.9 and the ST was 4.8 plus or equal to 0.1 min. Vickers hardness for Ceramir C and B was 68.3 plus or equal to 17.2 and was statistically significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than Fleck's Zinc Phosphate cement at Vickers hardness of 51.4 plus or equal to 10. There was no evidence of cracks due to radial expansion in PJCs by the Ceramir C and B cement. All luting cements tested demonstrated compressive strengths well in excess of the ISO requirement for water-based cements of no less than 50 MPa. Ceramir C and B showed significantly higher CS than RelyX Luting Cement after 24 hours, but was not significantly higher than either Fuji Plus or RelyX Unicem. The ST and FT values of CC and B conform to and are within the boundaries of the requirements of the standard. Surface hardness was statistically higher than and comparable to zinc phosphate cement. There was no evidence of potentially clinically significant and deleterious expansion behavior by this cement. All cements tested demonstrated acceptable strength properties. Within the limits of this study, Ceramir C and B is deemed to possess physical properties suitable for a dental luting cement.

Does Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure Improve Outcome of Acute Respiratory Failure after Open-heart Surgery?

PubMed Central

Elgebaly, Ahmed Said

2017-01-01

Background: Respiratory failure is of concern in the postoperative period after cardiac surgeries. Invasive ventilation (intermittent positive pressure ventilation [IPPV]) carries the risks and complications of intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV). Aims: Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is an alternative method and as effective as IPPV in treating insufficiency of respiration with less complications and minimal effects on respiratory and hemodynamic parameters next to open-heart surgery. Design: This is a prospective, randomized and controlled study. Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were divided into two equal groups: Group I (IPPV) and Group II (NIPPV). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), arterial blood gas, weaning time, reintubation, tracheotomy rate, MV time, postoperative hospital stay, and ventilator-associated pneumonia during the period of hospital stay were recorded. Results: There was statistically significant difference in HR between groups with higher in Group I at 30 and 60 min and at 12 and 24 h. According to MAP, it started to increase significantly at hypoxemia, 15 min, 30 min, 4 h, 12 h, and at 24 h which was higher in Group I also. RR, PaO2, and PaCO2 showed significant higher in Group II at 15, 30, and 60 min and 4 h. According to pH, there was a significant difference between groups at 15, 30, and 60 min and at 4, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. SpO2 showed higher significant values in Group I at 15 and 30 min and at 12 h postoperatively. Duration of postoperative supportive ventilation was higher in Group I than that of Group II with statistically significant difference. Complications were statistically insignificant between Group I and Group II. Conclusion: Our study showed superiority of invasive over noninvasive mode of ventilator support. However, NIPPV (bilevel positive airway pressure) was proved to be a safe method. PMID:28994676

[Analyses of segment motor function in patients with degenerative lumbar disease on the treatment of WavefleX dynamic stabilization system].

PubMed

Wu, Junsong; Du, Junhua; Jiang, Xiangyun; Wang, Quan; Li, Xigong; Du, Jingyu; Lin, Xiangjin

2014-06-17

To explore the changes of range-of-motion (ROM) in patients with degenerative lumbar disease on the treatment of WavefleX dynamic stabilization system and examine the postoperative lumbar regularity and tendency of ROM. Nine patients with degenerative lumbar disease on the treatment of WavefleX dynamic stabilization system were followed up with respect to ROMs at 5 timepoints within 12 months. Records of ROM were made for instrumented segments, adjacent segments and total lumbar. Compared with preoperation, ROMs in non-fusional segments with WavefleX dynamic stabilization system decreased statistical significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) at different timepoints; ROMs in adjacent segments increased at some levels without wide statistical significance. The exception was single L3/4 at Month 12 (P < 0.05) versus control group simultaneously at the levels of L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1, ROMs decreased at Months 6 and 12 with wide statistical significance (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). ROMs in total lumbar had statistical significant decrease (P < 0.01) in both group of non-fusional segments and hybrid group of non-fusion and fusion. The trends of continuous augments were observed during follow-ups. Statistically significant augments were also acquired at 4 timepoints as compared to control group (P < 0.01). The treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases with WavefleX dynamic stabilization system may limit excessive extension/inflexion and preserve some motor functions. Moreover, it can sustain physiological lordosis, decrease and transfer disc load in adjacent segments to prevent early degeneration of adjacent segment. Trends of motor function augment in total lumbar need to be confirmed during future long-term follow-ups.

Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 Gene Polymorphism in Anxiety and Depressive Disorder in Kashmiri Population

PubMed Central

Shoib, Sheikh; Shah, Tabindah; Mushtaq, Sahil

2014-01-01

Background: The gene of tryptophan hydroxylase is widely recognized as a major candidate gene in many psychiatric disorders. However, no study has been done which investigates tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene polymorphism in anxiety and depressive disorders in Kashmiri population (India). Objectives: To study tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) C 11993 A gene polymorphism in anxiety and depressive disorders. Method: Sixty patients of depression disorder, 60 patients of anxiety disorder and 40 unrelated healthy volunteers (control) were studied in a case control design. Polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis after digestion with HAP II enzyme. Genotypes and allele frequencies were compared using Chi-square tests, Fischer’s exact test, odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (C.I) and p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistical significant. Results: The mean age ± SD of anxiety, depression and control group was 32.73±10.99, 32.20±10 and 29.75±10.12 respectively and the difference was found to be statistically non significant (p=0.349).The mean HAM-A (Hamilton rating scale for anxiety) score and HAM-D (Hamilton rating scale for depression) score was high in both groups (anxiety and depression) and found to be statistically significant (p=0.001).Depression group had AA genotype (55.2%) than control (37.5%) and was found to be statistically non significant (p=0.890).Comparison of allelic frequency revealed no association of A allele in anxiety group (76.67%) compared with control (75.5%) and was found to be statistically non significant (p= 0.866), OR 1.09 (0.56-2.11). Conclusion: TPH2C 11993 A gene was not found to be associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder in Kashmiri population. PMID:25121048

Safety of SSRIs during pregnancy: a controlled study.

PubMed

Altamura, A C; De Gaspari, I F; Rovera, C; Colombo, E M; Mauri, M C; Fedele, L

2013-01-01

The objective of our study was to analyze the efficacy and the safety of SSRIs during pregnancy. A group of 30 pregnant women affected by Major Depressive Disorder by SCID I interview (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision criteria) and treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) were included in the study. They were matched to a comparison group of 26 pregnant women. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the pregnancy outcomes of interest between the treated women and comparison group. There was no statistically significant association in newborns of women treated with an SSRI and the control group in the first and fifth minute Apgar score, and no newborns were admitted to neonatal Intensive Care Units. No definitive association between use of SSRIs during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects or other adverse outcomes could be found. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preprocedural Anxiety and Pain Perception Following Root Surface Debridement in Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

PubMed

Naik, Vanaja Krishna; Balasundaram, Aruna; Appukuttan, Devapriya; Nainar, Deepavalli Arumuga; Milward, Michael Robert; Victor, Dhayanand John; Junaid, Mohammed

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare preprocedural dental anxiety levels and postprocedural pain perception in chronic periodontitis patients during conventional-staged root surface debridement (RSD) and single-stage RSD. Thirty-seven adult generalized chronic periodontitis patients requiring RSD were recruited in this study. Preprocedural anxiety levels were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and postprocedural pain perceptions were assessed using 0-10 cm visual analog scale. The subject population was divided into two groups: staged RSD ( n = 18) and single-stage RSD ( n = 19). Staged RSD patients visited four times as opposed to single-stage RSD patients. Data were subjected to Pearson Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearman's rank correlation. There was no statistically significant difference in dental anxiety levels or pain perceptions in both the groups. Within Group 1, there was statistical significant difference in dental anxiety levels between visit 4 and visit 3 ( P = 0.037) and pain perception between visit 3 and visit 1 ( P = 0.005), visit 4 and visit 1 ( P = 0.002), and visit 4 and visit 2 (0.04) was statistically significant. There was a positive correlation of anxiety questionnaire (Q1-Q4) to the pain score in Group 1 which was statistically significant and in single-stage RSD. Conventional quadrant-wise RSD tends to cognitively condition the anxiety experience thus influencing pain experience.

Effect of home-based Kegel exercises on quality of life in women with stress and mixed urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Cavkaytar, S; Kokanali, M K; Topcu, H O; Aksakal, O S; Doğanay, M

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of home-based Kegel exercises in women with stress and mixed urinary incontinence. A total of 90 women with urodynamically proven urinary stress (SUI) and mixed (MUI) incontinence awaiting anti-incontinence surgery were recruited in the urogynaecology clinic of Ankara Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Research and Education Hospital. Of these, 18 women were excluded due to low compliance and the remaining 72 were divided into two groups according to urodynamic diagnosis (SUI group, n = 38; MUI group, n = 34). Age, BMI, menopausal status and medical history of the women were recorded. The women took Kegel exercise, consisting of 10 sets of contractions/day; each set included 10 repetitions, for at least 8 weeks. To evaluate the pelvic floor muscle strength, the modified Oxford grading system was used before and after Kegel exercising. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7); Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questions were compared before and after 8 weeks of Kegel exercising. The age, BMI, gravidity, menopausal status, macrosomic fetus history, hypertension and asthma were similar between the groups. There were statistically significant lower scores in both IIQ-7 and UDI-6 before and after Kegel exercises within each group (p < 0.001). The mean change of the IIQ-7 and UDI-6 score was statistically significantly higher in the SUI group than in the MUI group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.003, respectively). Results of the Oxford scale were also statistically significantly higher after Kegel exercises within each group (p = < 0.001). In total, 68.4% of the women in the SUI group and 41.2% of the women in the MUI group reported improvements which were statistically significant (p = 0.02). We conclude that home-based Kegel exercises, with no supervision, have been found effective in women with SUI and MUI. The improvement was more prominent in women with SUI.

The Effects of Metformin and Weight Loss on Biomarkers Associated With Breast Cancer Outcomes.

PubMed

Patterson, Ruth E; Marinac, Catherine R; Sears, Dorothy D; Kerr, Jacqueline; Hartman, Sheri J; Cadmus-Bertram, Lisa; Villaseñor, Adriana; Flatt, Shirley W; Godbole, Suneeta; Li, Hongying; Laughlin, Gail A; Oratowski-Coleman, Jesica; Parker, Barbara A; Natarajan, Loki

2018-05-18

This study investigated the effects of metformin and weight loss on biomarkers associated with breast cancer prognosis. Overweight/obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (n = 333) were randomly assigned to metformin vs placebo and to a weight loss intervention vs control (ie, usual care). The 2 × 2 factorial design allows a single randomized trial to investigate the effect of two factors and interactions between them. Outcomes were changes in fasting insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), estradiol, testosterone, and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The trial was powered for a main effects analysis of metformin vs placebo and weight loss vs control. All tests of statistical significance were two-sided. A total of 313 women (94.0%) completed the six-month trial. High prescription adherence (ie, ≥80% of pills taken) ranged from 65.9% of participants in the metformin group to 81.3% of those in the placebo group (P < .002). Mean percent weight loss was statistically significantly higher in the weight loss group (-5.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.3% to -4.8%) compared with the control group (-2.7%, 95% CI = -3.5% to -1.9%). Statistically significant group differences (ie, percent change in metformin group minus placebo group) were -7.9% (95% CI = -15.0% to -0.8%) for insulin, -10.0% (95% CI = -18.5% to -1.5%) for estradiol, -9.5% (95% CI = -15.2% to -3.8%) for testosterone, and 7.5% (95% CI = 2.4% to 12.6%) for SHBG. Statistically significant group differences (ie, percent change in weight loss group minus placebo group) were -12.5% (95% CI = -19.6% to -5.3%) for insulin and 5.3% (95% CI = 0.2% to 10.4%) for SHBG. As adjuvant therapy, weight loss and metformin were found to be a safe combination strategy that modestly lowered estrogen levels and advantageously affected other biomarkers thought to be on the pathway for reducing breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

Comparison of histological effects of polydeoxyribonucleic acid and hyaluronic acid in experimentally induced osteoarthritis of the knee joints of rats

PubMed Central

Karahan, Nazım; Arslan, İlyas; Orak, Müfit; Midi, Ahmet; Yücel, İstemi

2017-01-01

Aim: The histological effects of intra-articular polydeoxyribonucleic acid and hyaluronic acid in experimentally induced osteoarthritis of the knee joints of rats were investigated. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups, i.e. polydeoxyribonucleic acid group, hyaluronic acid group and saline group. Osteoarthritis of the knee joints of the rats were induced by acl- transection. The polydeoxyribonucleic group was injected with 100 µg (0.05 cc) polydeoxyribonucleic acid. The hyaluronic acid group was injected with 100 µg (0.05 cc) hyaluronic acid, and the saline group was injected with 50 µl (0.05 cc) of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. All of the rats were sacrificed on day 29 and the right knee joints were prepared, and evaluated histologically by Mankin classification. Findings: The differences in total Mankin scores between the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The differences in total Mankin scores between the polydeoxyribonucleic acid group and the hyaluronic acid group were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The differences in total Mankin scores between hyaluronic acid group and saline group were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Tidemark continuity in all the specimens of the polydeoxyribonucleic acid group was noteworthy. Conclusion: The present study shows that more chondroprotective effect and less degeneration was observed with intra-articularly delivered polydeoxyribonucleic acid compared to hyaluronic acid and saline solution in the experimentally induced osteoarthritis of the knee joints of rats.

Investigating the cognitive structure of stereotypes: Generic beliefs about groups predict social judgments better than statistical beliefs.

PubMed

Hammond, Matthew D; Cimpian, Andrei

2017-05-01

Stereotypes are typically defined as beliefs about groups, but this definition is underspecified. Beliefs about groups can be generic or statistical. Generic beliefs attribute features to entire groups (e.g., men are strong), whereas statistical beliefs encode the perceived prevalence of features (e.g., how common it is for men to be strong). In the present research, we sought to determine which beliefs-generic or statistical-are more central to the cognitive structure of stereotypes. Specifically, we tested whether generic or statistical beliefs are more influential in people's social judgments, on the assumption that greater functional importance indicates greater centrality in stereotype structure. Relative to statistical beliefs, generic beliefs about social groups were significantly stronger predictors of expectations (Studies 1-3) and explanations (Study 4) for unfamiliar individuals' traits. In addition, consistent with prior evidence that generic beliefs are cognitively simpler than statistical beliefs, generic beliefs were particularly predictive of social judgments for participants with more intuitive (vs. analytic) cognitive styles and for participants higher (vs. lower) in authoritarianism, who tend to view outgroups in simplistic, all-or-none terms. The present studies suggest that generic beliefs about groups are more central than statistical beliefs to the cognitive structure of stereotypes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Characteristics of quantitative perfusion parameters on dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in mammographically occult breast cancer

PubMed Central

Ryu, Jung Kyu; Rhee, Sun Jung; Song, Jeong Yoon; Cho, Soo Hyun

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of quantitative perfusion parameters obtained from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with mammographically occult (MO) breast cancers and those with mammographically visible (MV) breast cancers. Quantitative parameters (AUC, Ktrans,kep,ve,vp, and wi) from 13 MO breast cancers and 16 MV breast cancers were mapped after the DCE‐MRI data were acquired. Various prognostic factors, including axillary nodal status, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki‐67, p53, E‐cadherin, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were obtained in each group. Fisher's exact test was used to compare any differences of the various prognostic factors between the two groups. The Mann‐Whitney U test was applied to compare the quantitative parameters between these two groups. Finally, Spearman's correlation was used to investigate the relationships between perfusion indices and four factors — age, tumor size, Ki‐67, and p53 — for each group. Although age, tumor size, and the prognostic factors were not statistically different between the two groups, the mean values of the quantitative parameters, except wi in the MV group, were higher than those in the MO group without statistical significance (p=0.219). The kep value was significantly different between the two groups (p=0.048), but the other parameters were not. In the MO group, vp with size, ve with p53, and Ktrans and vp with Ki‐67 had significant correlations (p<0.05). However, in the MV group, only kep showed significant correlation with age. The kep value was only the perfusion parameter of statistical significance between MO and MV breast cancers. PACS number(s): 87.19.U‐, 87.61.‐c PMID:27685105

The Role of the Tamsulosin in the Medical Expulsion Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones

PubMed Central

Nuraj, Petrit; Hyseni, Nexhmi

2017-01-01

Background: This research aims to evaluate the role of tamsulosin in the medical expulsion therapy for distal ureteral stones, including her effects in stone expulsion time, expulsion rates, stone size, pain episodes and analgesic dosage usage. Material and methods: The 104 patients with distal ureteral calculi were examined, with the size of the stones 4-10 mm. They were randomly divided into two groups: study group (n=52), received tamsulosin 0.4 mg in morning, for 28 days, analgesic (diclofenac 75 mg), high fluid intake and Control group (n=52) received analgesic (diclofenac 75 mg), high fluid intake. Results: There is no significant difference between groups, based on sex (P=0.835) and age (P=0.987). Average size of the stones was 6.5 mm (SD ± 1.6 mm), with no significant difference (P=0.996). Stone expulsion rate is 90.4% in the study group and 71.2% from the control group, with statistical significance (P=0.023). The average time of the expulsion of stones in the study group was 9.6 days (SD ± 7.1 days), control group 13.7 days (SD ± 7.3 days), with statistical significance, (P=0.034). Average dose of analgesics in the study group was 63.7 mg (SD ± 45.2 mg), control group is 109.2 (SD ± 53.3), with statistical significance (P=0.019). Conclusion: Our study reveals that tamsulosin is efficient for the treatment of distal ureteral stones. Tamsulosin decrease the number of ureteral colic episodes, by acting as a spasmolytic, increase and hasten stone expulsion rates, reduce days of stone expulsion, decrease analgesic dose usage. PMID:28790547

Efficacy and safety of 3% minoxidil versus combined 3% minoxidil / 0.1% finasteride in male pattern hair loss: a randomized, double-blind, comparative study.

PubMed

Tanglertsampan, Chuchai

2012-10-01

Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride have been used to treat men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). There are concerns about side effects of oral finasteride especially erectile dysfunction. To compare the efficacy and safety of the 24 weeks application of 3% minoxidil lotion (MNX) versus combined 3% minoxidil and 0.1% finasteride lotion (MFX) in men with AGA. Forty men with AGA were randomized treated with MNX or MFX. Efficacy was evaluated by hair counts and global photographic assessment. Safety assessment was performed by history and physical examination. At week 24, hair counts were increased from baseline in both groups. However paired t-test revealed statistical difference only in MFX group (p = 0.044). Unpaired t-test revealed no statistical difference between two groups with respect to change of hair counts at 24 weeks from baseline (p = 0.503). MFX showed significantly higher efficacy than MNX by global photographic assessment (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in side effects between both groups. Although change of hair counts was not statistically different between two groups, global photographic assessment showed significantly greater improvement in the MFX group than the MNX group. There was no sexual side effect. MFX may be a safe and effective treatment option.

Evaluation of wetting ability of five new saliva substitutes on heat-polymerized acrylic resin for retention of complete dentures in dry mouth patients: a comparative study

PubMed Central

Mohsin, Abdul Habeeb Bin; Reddy, Varalakshmi; Kumar, Praveen; Raj, Jeevan; Babu, Siva Santosh

2017-01-01

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate & compare the wetting ability of five saliva substitutes & distilled water on heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Contact angle of the saliva substitute on denture base can be taken as an indicator of wettability. Good wetting of heat-polymerized acrylic resin is critical for optimum retention of complete dentures. Methods Two hundred & forty samples of heat-polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated using conventional method. 240 samples divided into 6 groups with 40 samples in each group. Advancing & Receding contact angles were measured using Contact Angle Goniometer & DSA4 software analysis. Results Anova test was carried out to test the significance in difference of contact angle values in the six groups. The mean of advancing angle values & mean of receding angle values of all the six groups has shown statistically significant difference between the groups. The mean of angle of hysteresis values of all the six groups are statistically not significant between the groups. A multiple comparison using Bonferroni’s test was carried out to verify the significance of difference between the contact angles in a pair of groups. Statistically significant difference was seen when Aqwet (Group II) was compared to Distilled water (Group I), Wet Mouth (Group III), E-Saliva (Group IV), Biotene (Group V), and Moi-Stir (Group VI). Conclusion The contact angles of five saliva substitutes and distilled water were measured and compared. Group II (AQWET) has the lowest advancing and receding contact angle values and the highest angle of hysteresis on heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Based on contact angle values, Group II (AQWET) has the best wetting ability on heat-cured acrylic resins. The ability of saliva to wet the denture surface is one of the most important properties for complete denture retention in dry mouth cases. PMID:29187918

Statistical Genomic Approach Identifies Association between FSHR Polymorphisms and Polycystic Ovary Morphology in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Du, Tao; Duan, Yu; Li, Kaiwen; Zhao, Xiaomiao; Ni, Renmin; Li, Yu; Yang, Dongzi

2015-01-01

Background. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene are associated with PCOS. However, their relationship to the polycystic ovary (PCO) morphology remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether PCOS related SNPs in the FSHR gene are associated with PCO in women with PCOS. Methods. Patients were grouped into PCO (n = 384) and non-PCO (n = 63) groups. Genomic genotypes were profiled using Affymetrix human genome SNP chip 6. Two polymorphisms (rs2268361 and rs2349415) of FSHR were analyzed using a statistical approach. Results. Significant differences were found in the allele distributions of the GG genotype of rs2268361 between the PCO and non-PCO groups (27.6% GG, 53.4% GA, and 19.0% AA versus 33.3% GG, 36.5% GA, and 30.2% AA), while no significant differences were found in the allele distributions of the GG genotype of rs2349415. When rs2268361 was considered, there were statistically significant differences of serum follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin between genotypes in the PCO group. In case of the rs2349415 SNP, only serum sex hormone binding globulin was statistically different between genotypes in the PCO group. Conclusions. Functional variants in FSHR gene may contribute to PCO susceptibility in women with PCOS. PMID:26273622

Effects of neck exercise on high-school students' neck-shoulder posture.

PubMed

Lee, Myoung-Hyo; Park, Su-Jin; Kim, Jin-Sang

2013-05-01

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of deep flexor muscle-strengthening exercise on the neck-shoulder posture, and the strength and endurance of the deep flexor muscles of high-school students. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 seventeen-year-old female high-school students who complained about bad posture and chronic neck-shoulder pain. They were randomly divided into an experimental group of 15 subjects, who performed a deep flexor muscle-strengthening exercise and a control group of 15 subjects, who performed a basic stretching exercise. [Methods] The experimental group of 15 subjects performed a deep flexor muscle-strengthening exercise consisting of low-load training of the cranio-cervical flexor muscle, and the control group of 15 subjects performed a basic stretching exercise consisting of seven motions. [Results] The experimental group showed statistically significant changes in head tilt angle, neck flexion angle, forward shoulder angle, and the result of the cranio-cervical flexion test after the training. In contrast, the control group showed no statistically significant changes in these measures following the training. When the results of the groups were compared, statistically significant differences were found for all items between the experimental group and the control group. [Conclusion] Strengthening cranio-cervical flexor muscles is important for the adjustment of neck posture, and maintaining their stability is required to improve neck-shoulder posture.

Interventions for unilateral refractive amblyopia.

PubMed

Shotton, Kate; Powell, Christine; Voros, Gerasimos; Hatt, Sarah R

2008-10-08

Unilateral refractive amblyopia is a common cause of reduced visual acuity in childhood, but optimal treatment is not well defined. This review examined the treatment effect from spectacles and conventional occlusion. Evaluation of the evidence of the effectiveness of spectacles and or occlusion in the treatment of unilateral refractive amblyopia. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS. Relevant conference proceedings were manually searched. There were no date or language restrictions. The searches were last run on 7 July 2008. Randomised controlled trials of treatment for unilateral refractive amblyopia by spectacles, with or without occlusion were eligible. We included studies with participants of any age. Two authors independently assessed abstracts identified by the searches. We obtained full text copies and contacted study authors where necessary. Eight trials were eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted from seven. No meta-analysis was performed. For all studies mean acuity (standard deviation (SD)) in the amblyopic eye post treatment is reported.Comparison: Spectacles only versus no treatment (Clarke 2003). Mean (SD) visual acuity: spectacles group 0.31 (0.17); no treatment group 0.42 (0.19). Mean difference (MD) between groups -0.11 (borderline statistical significance: 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.22 to 0.00).Comparison: Spectacles plus occlusion versus no treatment (Clarke 2003). Mean (SD) visual acuity: full treatment 0.22 (0.13); no treatment 0.42 (0.19). Mean difference between the groups -0.20 (statistically significant: 95% CI -0.30 to -0.10).Comparison: Spectacles plus occlusion versus spectacles only: Clarke 2003 MD -0.09 (borderline statistical significance 95% CI, -0.18 to 0.00); PEDIG 2005b; MD -0.15 (not statistically significant 95% CI -0.32 to 0.02); PEDIG 2006a; MD 0.01 (not statistically significant 95% CI -0.08 to 0.10).Comparison: Occlusion regimes. PEDIG 2003a: 2 hours versus 6 hours for moderate amblyopia: MD 0.01 (not statistically significant: 95% CI -0.06 to 0.08); PEDIG 2003b: 6 hours versus full-time for severe amblyopia: MD 0.03 (not statistically significant: 95% CI -0.08 to 0.14). Stewart 2007a: 6 hours versus full-time occlusion: MD -0.12 (not statistically significant: 95% CI -0.27 to 0.03) In some cases of unilateral refractive amblyopia it appears that there is a treatment benefit from refractive correction alone. Where amblyopia persists there is some evidence that adding occlusion further improves vision. It remains unclear which treatment regimes are optimal for individual patients. The nature of any dose/response effect from occlusion still needs to be clarified.

Royal jelly and bee pollen decrease bone loss due to osteoporosis in an oophorectomized rat model.

PubMed

Kafadar, Ibrahim Halil; Güney, Ahmet; Türk, Cemil Yildirim; Oner, Mithat; Silici, Sibel

2012-01-01

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether royal jelly and bee pollen reduce the bone loss due to osteoporosis in oophorectomized rat model. Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley mature rats at six-month-old, weighing 180-260 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham-operation group, only oophorectomy group, oophorectomy in combination with royal jelly group, and oophorectomy and bee pollen group. The rats were sacrified within 12 weeks following surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis before sacrification. Following sacrification, uterine weights were measured and tissue samples were taken to determine bone calcium and phosphate level with imaging through scanning electron microscope. The uterine weights of the rats were found higher in Sham-operation group than the other groups. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Total body BMD results were similar in all groups and there was not statistically significant difference (p=0.19). The lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD results were statistically significantly higher in the royal jelly and bee pollen groups, compared to only oophorectomy group (p=0.001). Bone tissue calcium and phosphate levels were higher in royal jelly and bee pollen groups. Royal jelly and bee pollen decrease the bone loss due to osteoporosis in oophorectomized rat model. These results may contribute to the clinical practice.

Effect of Adding Oral Calcium Dobesilate to Laser Photocoagulation on the Macular Thickness in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Feghhi, Mostafa; Farrahi, Fereydoun; Abbaspour, Mohammadreza; Takhtaeian, Akbar

2014-01-01

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oral calcium dobesilate (Doxium) on macular thickness in clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Methods: Overall, 71 eyes of 40 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and clinically significant macular edema were included. All patients were received laser treatment for macular edema. Coherence optical tomography was used to determine the retinal thickness. Patients were randomized into two groups: group A received three Doxium capsule daily and group B received three placebo capsule daily for six months. Results: The mean macular thickness before and after treatment in the group A was 340 and 257 micrometers respectively (24.5% reduced), and in the group B was 336 micrometers and 263 micrometers respectively (21.5% reduced). Macular thickness significantly decreased after treatment in both groups and the reduction in group A is higher but the difference of reduction between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: In respect to the effect of adding oral Doxium to Laser Photocoagulation on the macular thickness in patients with diabetic macular edema, this study showed no statistically significant difference between Doxium and placebo. PMID:25436194

Introducer curving technique for the prevention of tilting of transfemoral Günther Tulip inferior vena cava filter.

PubMed

Xiao, Liang; Huang, De-sheng; Shen, Jing; Tong, Jia-jie

2012-01-01

To determine whether the introducer curving technique is useful in decreasing the degree of tilting of transfemoral Tulip filters. The study sample group consisted of 108 patients with deep vein thrombosis who were enrolled and planned to undergo thrombolysis, and who accepted transfemoral Tulip filter insertion procedure. The patients were randomly divided into Group C and Group T. The introducer curving technique was Adopted in Group T. The post-implantation filter tilting angle (ACF) was measured in an anteroposterior projection. The retrieval hook adhering to the vascular wall was measured via tangential cavogram during retrieval. The overall average ACF was 5.8 ± 4.14 degrees. In Group C, the average ACF was 7.1 ± 4.52 degrees. In Group T, the average ACF was 4.4 ± 3.20 degrees. The groups displayed a statistically significant difference (t = 3.573, p = 0.001) in ACF. Additionally, the difference of ACF between the left and right approaches turned out to be statistically significant (7.1 ± 4.59 vs. 5.1 ± 3.82, t = 2.301, p = 0.023). The proportion of severe tilt (ACF ≥ 10°) in Group T was significantly lower than that in Group C (9.3% vs. 24.1%, χ(2) = 4.267, p = 0.039). Between the groups, the difference in the rate of the retrieval hook adhering to the vascular wall was also statistically significant (2.9% vs. 24.2%, χ(2) = 5.030, p = 0.025). The introducer curving technique appears to minimize the incidence and extent of transfemoral Tulip filter tilting.

Is typing speed proportional to the severity of pain in keyboard workers with work-related upper limb disorder

PubMed Central

Povlsen, Bo

2012-01-01

Objectives To investigate if typing speed is proportional to the severity of pain in keyboard workers with work-related upper limb disorder (WRULD). Design Standardized functional typing test with participants scoring pain before and after typing; calculation of typing speed. Participants Fifty-nine patients and six controls. Setting Tertiary hospital centre for hand and upper limb pain. Main outcome measures Pain (VAS 0–10) and calculation of typing speed as words per minute. Results Three subgroups of patients were found based on their typing speed: fast, slow and intermediate. Two-tailed student T-test with P level at 0.05 was used for evaluation. The typing speeds were significantly different between all three patient groups (P < 0.05). The typing speed was significantly faster in the fastest patient group than in the control group (P = 0.04) and the slow and middle groups (P = < 0.0001). The pain before typing was highest in the ‘slow’ group, in both hands but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Typing speed is not proportional to the severity of pain in keyboard workers with WRULD. Patients with statistically significant slower or faster typing speeds do not have statistically different levels of pain. PMID:22299070

[Treatment of patients with neuromuscular disease in a warm climate].

PubMed

Dahl, Arve; Skjeldal, Ola H; Simensen, Andreas; Dalen, Håkon E; Bråthen, Tone; Ahlvin, Petra; Svendsby, Ellen Kathrine; Sveinall, Anne; Fredriksen, Per Morten

2004-07-01

Several patient groups request treatment in a warm climate, in spite of the fact that the effects of such treatment are undocumented. 47 children and 40 adults with neuromuscular diseases were recruited, stratified according to sex, use or non-use of electric wheelchair, primary myopathy or hereditary neuropathy, and randomised into two adult and two children groups. The patients were treated in a rehabilitation centre, either on Lanzarote or in Norway. All patients were monitored with physical tests and questionnaires at the start of the study, at the end of the treatment period, after three months (all groups) and after six months (adults only). No significant differences in effect between the groups were found. In the warm climate, the adult patient group showed a statistically significant improvement regarding pain, quality of life, depression, and results of physical tests at the end of treatment. After three months, the improvement in physical tests was still present. Among adult patients treated in Norway, improvement in physical tests was statistically significant after three months, but not at the end of the treatment period. This study did not show a statistically significant difference between patients with various neuromuscular diseases treated in a warm climate compared to similar patients treated in Norway.

Image-guided placement of port catheters: is there an increased risk of infection if the port is immediately accessed and used?

PubMed

Salazar, Gloria; Yeddula, Kalpana; Wicky, Stephan; Oklu, Ramhi; Ganguli, Suvranu; Waltman, Arthur C; Walker, Thomas G; Kalva, Sanjeeva P

2013-01-01

To compare complication rates in patients who have port-a-catheters inserted and left accessed for immediate use and those who have ports inserted but not accessed. In this retrospective, IRB-approved study, medical records of patients who received a port catheter between 9/2009 and 2/2010 were reviewed. The data collected included patient demographics, diagnosis, procedure and complications. The patients were categorized into two groups: accessed (patients in whom the port was accessed with a Huber needle for immediate intravenous use and the patient left the procedure area with needle indwelling) and control (patients in whom the ports were not accessed). Complications were classified according to Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. Results are given as mean ±SD. Statistical analysis was performed with student t test and statistical significance was considered at P<.05. A total of 467 ports were placed in 465 patients (Men: 206); 10.7% in the accessed group (n=50, age: 60±13.9) and 89.3% in the control group (n=417, age: 59±13.5). There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics between the groups. The overall complication rate was 0.6% (n=3). Two complications (hematoma causing skin necrosis and thrombosis of the port) occurred in the control group and one (infection) in the accessed group. Infection rates after procedures were 2% (1/50) in the accessed group and 0% (0/417) in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in overall complication (P=.1) and infection (P=.1) rates among the groups. Leaving the port accessed immediately after placement does not increase the risk of infection or other complications.

Evaluation of the flexural strength and microhardness of provisional crown and bridge materials fabricated by different methods

PubMed Central

Digholkar, Shruti; Madhav, V. N. V.; Palaskar, Jayant

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and microhardness of provisional restorative materials fabricated utilizing rapid prototyping (RP), Computer Assisted Designing and Computer Assisted Milling (CAD-CAM) and conventional method. Materials and Methods: Twenty specimens of dimensions 25 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm (ADA-ANSI specification #27) were fabricated each using: (1) Three dimensional (3D) printed light-cured micro-hybrid filled composite by RP resin group, (2) a milled polymethyl methacrylate (CH) using CAD-CAM (CC resin group), and (3) a conventionally fabricated heat activated polymerized CH resin group. Flexural strength and microhardness were measured and values obtained were evaluated. Results: The measured mean flexural strength values (MegaPascals) were 79.54 (RP resin group), 104.20 (CC resin group), and 95.58 (CH resin group). The measured mean microhardness values (Knoop hardness number) were 32.77 (RP resin group), 25.33 (CC resin group), and 27.36 (CH resin group). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test shows that there is statistically significant difference in the flexural strength values of the three groups (P < 0.05). According to the pairwise comparison of Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test, flexural strength values of CC resin group and CH resin group were higher and statistically significant than those of the RP resin group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between flexural strength values of CC resin and CH resin group (P = 0.64). The difference in microhardness values of the three groups was statistically significant according to ANOVA as well as the intergroup comparison done using the Tukey's HSD (post hoc) test (P < 0.05). Conclusions: CC-based CH had the highest flexural strength whereas RP-based 3D printed and light cured micro-hybrid filled composite had the highest microhardness. PMID:27746595

Therapeutic Efficacy of Orally Delivered Doxorubicin Nanoparticles in Rat Tongue Cancer Induced by 4-Nitroquinoline 1-Oxide.

PubMed

Moradzadeh Khiavi, Monir; Rostami, Ahamd; Hamishekar, Hamed; Mesgari Abassi, Mehran; Aghbali, Amirala; Salehi, Roya; Abdollahi, Bita; Fotoohi, Soheila; Sina, Mahmud

2015-06-01

Oral cancer is one of the most significant cancers in the world, and squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 94% of oral malignancies. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of doxorubicin plus methotrexate - loaded nanoparticles on tongue squamous cell carcinoma induced by 4NQO and compare it with the commercial doxorubicin and methotrexate delivered orally on seventy SD male rats. 70 rats were divided into five groups. During the study, the animals were weighed by a digital scale once a week. Number of mortalities was recorded in the data collection forms. At the end of the treatment, biopsy samples were taken from rat tongues in order to evaluate the severity of dysplasia and the extent of cell proliferation. The results were analyzed using ANOVA, descriptive statistics and chi-square test. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean weight of five groups (p>0.05). No significant relationship was found between groups and mortality rate (P = 0. 39). In addition, there was a significant relationship between groups and the degree of dysplasia (P <0.001). The statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between groups and the rate of cell proliferation (p <0.001). The results of the present study showed that the use of doxorubicin plus methotrexate - loaded nanoparticles orally had more therapeutic effects than commercial doxorubicin plus methotrexate.

[Body composition investigation of 2321 Shenzhen government and enterprise staffs].

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoli; Zhou, Jichang; Sun, Shiqiang; Xu, Jiazhang; Zhou, Xiaoying; Huang, Changhua; He, Shan; Liu, Can; Xu, Jian; Gong, Chunmei

2016-01-01

To understand the laws of human body composition change and the status of the overweight and obesity of government and enterprise staffs. In July 2013 - January 2014, 2321 adults more than 20-year-old healthy check-up crowd with complete human body composition and height as well as weight data in a medical center in Shenzhen were collected by convenience sampling method. The overweight rates of male and female were 46.41% and 18.94% respectively (standardized overweight rates were 44.02% and 14.51%, respectively), and the difference between them was statisically significant (Χ2 = 201.01, P = 0. 000). The obesity rates of male and female were 12.13% and 3.57%, respectively (standardized overweight rates were 11.11% (see symbol) 2.63%, respectively), and the difference between them was statisically significant (X2 = 48.45, P = 0.000). The parameters of bone mineral quality, visceral fat area, body fat, body fat percentage, abdominal obesity, body moisture and free fat weight increased with body weight, and there were statistical significance among normal weight, overweight and obesity groups (P = 0.000). Bone mineral quality was highest at the age of 30 to 40 for men and women, and there was the statistical significance. There was statistical significance in visceral fat area between different ages in the same gender. Body fat percentage (34.24 + 5.39)% of all ages 50 to 59 years old and body moisture (28.53 + 3.77)% of age 40 - 49 group were highest in women. Male body fat percentage (27.08 + 5.01)% at the age of 60-age group was the highest. Male and female visceral fat area increasesd with age, but there was no statistical difference between men and women at the same age. The human body composition had not a statistically significant difference among normal weight and overweight groups, but a significant difference between normal weight and obesity groups (P = 0.000). Overweight and obesity rates in Shenzhen government and enterprise staffs increase with age. Body composition increase with the weight.

Physical activity after retinal detachment surgery.

PubMed

Bovino, J A; Marcus, D F

1984-08-15

A prospective, randomized, masked clinical trial to assess the value of limited physical activity after scleral buckling surgery included 108 consecutive patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment randomly divided into two groups. The first group was encouraged to resume full physical activity immediately after hospital discharge. In the second group, bending, lifting, straining at stool, driving, sexual activity, lawnmowing, gardening, athletics, and returning to work were strictly forbidden for six weeks. A thorough evaluation of patient compliance was performed after six weeks. Six months after surgery the rates of reoperation and final reattachment percentages of the active and inactive groups showed no statistically significant difference (P greater than .05). Final visual acuity, measured one year after surgery, also identified no statistically significant difference between the groups (P greater than .05).

Use and effect of clinical photographic records on the motivation and oral hygiene practices of a group of mentally handicapped adults.

PubMed

Bickley, S R; Shaw, L; Shaw, M J

1990-01-01

A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that clinical photographic records can be used to motivate oral hygiene performance in mentally handicapped adults. Plaque reduction over the period of the study was shown to be higher in the test group than the control group but differences between the test and control groups were not statistically significant. The small numbers involved (29) and the difficulties in matching subjects may have mitigated against demonstrating a statistically significant difference between the two groups. All participants demonstrated high levels of toothbrushing ability during the practical aspects of the study but this was not maintained through daily oral hygiene practices in the majority of subjects.

A comparison of workload and morbidity recording by partners in a group practice

PubMed Central

Carney, T. A.

1980-01-01

A survey was carried out of one year's workload and morbidity recording by three partners in a semi-rural teaching practice. Despite an equal workload of patient contacts there were shown to be statistically significant differences between the partners in the number of return consultations, the sex and age of the patients seen, and in nine diagnostic groups. The statistically significant differences in the latter groups appear to have been caused by variations in policy for recalling patients and the different sex and age groups of the patients consulting the partners, not by diagnostic preferences. A lack of previous experience affected one group. The partners did not find the discussion of these differences to be threatening. PMID:7441620

Application of Absorbable Hemostatic Materials Observed in Thyroid Operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan-Ming; Liang, Zhen-Zhen; Song, Yan

2016-05-01

To observe the application effects of the absorbable hemostatic materials in thyroid operation. Methods: From May 2014 to January 2015, 100 patients with thyroid surgery in our university affiliated hospital were selected as the research object. Randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 50 cases in each group. Application of absorbable hemostatic hemostatic materials in the experimental group during the operation, the control group using the traditional mechanical methods of hemostasis hemostasis to observe the operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, complications and hospital stay of the two groups. Results: The operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative drainage and hospital stay in the experimental group were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P< 0.05); The satisfaction of patients in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant in the two groups (P < 0.05); There was no significant difference in the incidence of wound bleeding complications between the study group and the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Absorbable hemostatic materials can effectively shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage, reduce the length of hospital stay and improve the success rate of surgery and patient satisfaction, which is worthy to be popularized in clinical thyroid surgery.

Vit D deficiency is a possible risk factor in ARS.

PubMed

Elbistanlı, Mustafa Suphi; Koçak, Hasan Emre; Güneş, Selçuk; Acıpayam, Harun; Şimşek, Baver Maşallah; Canpolat, Sinan; Kayhan, Fatma Tülin

2017-09-01

Vitamin D deficiency is effective in the development of acute rhinosinusitis and prolongation of inflammation by increasing inflammation in the sinonasal epithelium. Vitamin D deficiency is important in the development of bone barriers that prevent the complication of acute rhinosinusitis. Although Vitamin D levels may be a variable risk factor for various respiratory tract disorders, there are limited data on the role in sinonasal infections. Our aim was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and preseptal cellulitis complications. The type of the study is prospective case-control study. Fifteen patients in the pediatric age group with ARS-induced preseptal cellulitis complication were identified as Group 1, fifteen patients with ARS and without complication were identified as Group 2, and fifteen healthy volunteers were identified as Group 3. Serum 25OHD levels (nmol/l) were measured in addition to routine blood tests at the first admission of patients participating in the study. Statistical analysis was performed between groups. The ages of the cases ranged from 1 to 14 years with a mean of 5.62 ± 3.42 years. 55.6% of the cases (n = 25) were male; 44.4% (n = 20) were female children. As a result of classification in which vitamin D levels were compared with normal values, there was a statistically significant difference according to the presence of ARS (Group-1 and Group 2) and absence of ARS (Group-3) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between Group 1 and Group-3 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 suggests that lack of vitamin D predisposes to the complication of preseptal cellulitis. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 with Group 3 (normal subjects) suggests that Vit D has a protective effect against developing sinusitis.

Pioglitazone improves the ability of learning and memory via activating ERK1/2 signaling pathway in the hippocampus of T2DM rats.

PubMed

Gao, F; Zang, L; Wu, D Y; Li, Y J; Zhang, Q; Wang, H B; Tian, G L; Mu, Y M

2017-06-09

To explore the correlation between effect of PIO (pioglitazone, PIO) on learning as well as memory and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2, ERK1/2) pathway in T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM) rats, further to elucidate the potential mechanism of PIO in improvement of learning and memory. 12-week-old male SD rats (number of 10 per group) were randomly divided into control group (CON), T2DM group (DM) and T2DM +PIO group (DM+PG). Rats in DM and DM+PG groups were given high fat diet for 20 weeks, then treated with Streptozotocin (27mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection at 21week. After 72h, the FBG (fasting blood glucose, FBG) was greater than 7.0mmol/L can considered T2DM rats. DM+PG group was treated with PIO (10 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ) by gavage daily. After Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp Study and Morris water maze test at 30-week, all of animals were sacrificed. The expressions of RKIP (Raf-1 kinase inhibitor protein, RKIP) and ERK1/2 in hippocampus were detected using Western Blot and real-time PCR. The FBG level: DM group (7.68±0.54mmol/L) was higher than CON group (5.35±0.63mmol/L) and DM+PG group (6.07±0.84mmol/L), the differences were considered statistically significant (P <0.05). Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp Studies: GIR (glucose infusion rate, GIR) of DM group (21.02±5.10 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ) was less than CON group (27.64±3.87 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ) and DM+PG group (26.04 ±5.41 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ), the differences were considered statistically significant (P <0.05). Morris water maze training: The escape latencies and searching platform performance of DM group (24.54±5.02s) decreased significantly compared with CON group (16.73±4.02s) and DM+PG group (18.05±4.12s) (P <0.05). Changes of RKIP, ERK, p-ERK protein relative content in rat hippocampus: Compared with CON groupand DM+PG group, the relative content of RKIP in DM group remarkably increased (P<0.01); ERK protein levels were not considered statistically significant among the three groups (P>0.05); The relative content of p-ERK1/2 protein in CON group and DM+PG group rats dorsal were higher than those in group DM, the difference was considered statistically significant (P<0.01). Changes in hippocampus of rat RKIP and ERK gene relative content: Compared with CON group and DM+PG group, levels of RKIP mRNA in DM group were significantly increased (P<0.01); ERK mRNA levels were not considered statistically significant among the three groups (P>0.05). Activation of ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway via reducing RKIP in the hippocampus may be one of the mechanisms of PIO to improve the learning and memory of the T2DM rats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prognostic Value of Venous to Arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference during Early Resuscitation in Critically Ill Patients with Septic Shock.

PubMed

Helmy, Tamer Abdallah; El-Reweny, Ehab Mahmoud; Ghazy, Farahat Gomaa

2017-09-01

The partial pressure of venous to arterial carbon dioxide gradient (PCO 2 gap) is considered as an alternative marker of tissue hypoperfusion and has been used to guide treatment for shock. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference during early resuscitation of patients with septic shock and compared it with that of lactate clearance and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score. Forty patients admitted to one Intensive Care Unit were enrolled. APACHE-II score was calculated on admission. An arterial blood gas, central venous, and lactate samples were obtained on admission and after 6 h, and lactate clearance was calculated. Patients were classified retrospectively into Group I (survivors) and Group II (nonsurvivors). Pv-aCO 2 difference in the two groups was evaluated. Data were fed to the computer and analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. At T0, Group II showed high PCO 2 gap (8.37 ± 1.36 mmHg) than Group I (7.55 ± 0.95 mmHg) with statistically significant difference ( P = 0.030). While at T6, Group II showed higher PCO 2 gap (9.48 ± 1.47 mmHg) with statistically significant difference ( P < 0.001) and higher mean lactate values (62.71 ± 23.66 mg/dl) with statistically significant difference ( P < 0.001) than Group I where PCO 2 gap and mean lactate values became much lower, 5.91 ± 1.12 mmHg and 33.61 ± 5.80 mg mg/dl, respectively. Group I showed higher lactate clearance (25.42 ± 6.79%) with statistically significant difference ( P < 0.001) than Group II (-69.40-15.46%). High PCO 2 gap >7.8 mmHg after 6 h from resuscitation of septic shock patients is associated with high mortality.

Efficacy of lycopene in the treatment of gingivitis: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Chandra, Rampalli Viswa; Prabhuji, M L Venkatesh; Roopa, D Adinarayana; Ravirajan, Sandhya; Kishore, Hadal C

2007-01-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of systemically administered lycopene (LycoRed) as a monotherapy and as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in gingivitis patients. Twenty systemically healthy patients showing clinical signs of gingivitis were involved in a randomised, double-blind, parallel, split-mouth study. The subjects were randomly distributed between the two treatment groups: experimental group (n = 10), 8 mg lycopene/day for 2 weeks; and controls (n = 10), placebo for 2 weeks. Quadrant allocation within each group was randomised with two quadrants treated with oral prophylaxis (OP) and two quadrants not receiving any form of treatment (non-OP). Bleeding index (SBI) and non-invasive measures of plaque (PI) and gingivitis (GI) were assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 weeks. Salivary uric acid levels were also measured. All the treatment groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the GI, SBI and PI. Treatment with OP-lycopene resulted in a statistically significant decrease in GI when compared with OP-placebo (p < 0.05) and non-OP-placebo (p < 0.01). Treatment with non-OP-lycopene resulted in a statistically significant decrease in GI when compared with non-OP-placebo (p < 0.01). The OP-lycopene group showed a statistically significant reduction in SBI values when compared with the non-OP-lycopene group (p < 0.05) and the non-OP-placebo group (p < 0.001). There was a strong negative correlation between the salivary uric acid levels and the percentage reduction in GI at 1 and 2 weeks in the OP-lycopene group (r = -0.852 and -0.802 respectively) and in the non-OP-lycopene group (r = -0.640 and -0.580 respectively). The results presented in this study suggest that lycopene shows great promise as a treatment modality in gingivitis. The possibility of obtaining an additive effect by combining routine oral prophylaxis with lycopene is also an exciting possibility, which deserves further study.

Laser acupuncture versus reflexology therapy in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Adly, Afnan Sedky; Adly, Aya Sedky; Adly, Mahmoud Sedky; Serry, Zahra M H

2017-07-01

The purposes of this study are to determine and compare efficacy of laser acupuncture versus reflexology in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged between 60 and 70 years were classified into two groups, 15 patients each. Group A received laser acupuncture therapy (904 nm, beam area of 1cm 2 , power 100 mW, power density 100 mW/cm 2 , energy dosage 4 J, energy density 4 J/cm 2 , irradiation time 40 s, and frequency 100,000 Hz). The acupuncture points that were exposed to laser radiation are LR3, ST25, ST36, SI3, SI4, LI4, LI11, SP6, SP9, GB25, GB34, and HT7. While group B received reflexology therapy, both offered 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The changes in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, MDA, ATP, and ROM at wrist and ankle joints were measured at the beginning and end of treatment. There was significant decrease in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, and MDA pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ATP pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, extension, and ulnar deviation ROM pre/posttreatment in group A (p < 0.05); and significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion and ankle plantar-flexion ROM pre/posttreatment in group B (p < 0.05). Comparison between both groups showed a statistical significant decrease in MDA and a statistical significant increase in ATP in group A than group B. Percent of changes in MDA was 41.82%↓ in group A versus 21.68%↓ in group B; changes in ATP was 226.97%↑ in group A versus 67.02%↑ in group B. Moreover, there was a statistical significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation in group A than group B. Laser therapy is associated with significant improvement in MDA and ATP greater than reflexology. In addition, it is associated with significant improvement in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation greater than reflexology in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Small Bowel Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Multidetector Computed Tomography Enhancement Pattern and Risk of Progression.

PubMed

Verde, Franco; Hruban, Ralph H; Fishman, Elliot K

Small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumors (SB-GISTs) are rare lesions with a variable appearance on computed tomography (CT). This case series analyzes the CT enhancement pattern with the histologic risk assessment of tumor progression. Local institutional pathology database was searched for SB-GISTs from 2000 to 2015. Pathology reports and clinical notes were reviewed. Imaging was qualitatively reviewed for pattern of enhancement categorized into homogeneous or heterogeneous groups. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed comparing enhancement to segment of bowel involved, presence of necrosis, tumor size, histologic grade (ie, G1 or G2), and histologic risk of progression (ie low, moderate, high). For simplicity, risk of progression was binned into low-risk or non-low-risk groups. Twenty-six pathology-proven, first presentation, nonmetastatic SB-GISTs were included into study. Seventeen were located in duodenum, 7 in jejunum, and 2 within the ileum. Dual phase (arterial and venous) CT imaging was available for 22 cases. Four cases did not have dual phase (three venous phase and one arterial phase only). Seventeen cases demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement and 9 cases homogeneous enhancement. Statistically significant difference was found between size versus enhancement groups (3.1 cm for homogeneous versus 6.8 cm for heterogeneous) (Mann-Whitney U test, n = 26, P = 0.002). Presence of necrosis versus enhancement group was statistically significant (Pearson χ, P = 0.001). Low-risk and non-low-risk groups versus enhancement groups was very significant (P = 0.001). Bowel segment involvement and histologic grading versus enhancement group did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.174 and P = 0.07, respectively). This case series reveals an important significant association between heterogeneous enhancement and non-low risk (ie, moderate/high) SB-GISTs. Beyond just describing the tumor, using enhancing pattern, the interpreting radiologist can preoperatively suggest additional prognostic information, potentially helpful for surgical planning.

An Outcomes Study on the Effects of the Singapore General Hospital Burns Protocol.

PubMed

Liang, Weihao; Kok, Yee Onn; Tan, Bien Keem; Chong, Si Jack

2018-01-01

The Singapore General Hospital Burns Protocol was implemented in May 2014 to standardize treatment for all burns patients, incorporate new techniques and materials, and streamline the processes and workflow of burns management. This study aims to analyze the effects of the Burns Protocol 2 years after its implementation. Using a REDCap electronic database, all burns patients admitted from May 2013 to April 2016 were included in the study. The historical preimplementation control group composed of patients admitted from May 2013 to April 2014 (n = 96). The postimplementation prospective study cohort consisted of patients admitted from May 2014 to April 2016 (n = 243). Details of the patients collected included age, sex, comorbidities, total body surface area (TBSA) burns, time until surgery, number of surgeries, number of positive tissue and blood cultures, and length of hospital stay. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographics of both groups. The study group had a statistically significant shorter time to surgery compared with the control group (20.8 vs 38.1, P < 0.0001). The study group also averaged fewer surgeries performed (1.96 vs 2.29, P = 0.285), which, after accounting for the extent of burns, was statistically significant (number of surgeries/TBSA, 0.324 vs 0.506; P = 0.0499). The study group also had significantly shorter length of stay (12.5 vs 16.8, P = 0.0273), a shorter length of stay/TBSA burns (0.874 vs 1.342, P = 0.0101), and fewer positive tissue cultures (0.6 vs 1.3, P = 0.0003). The study group also trended toward fewer positive blood culture results (0.09 vs 0.35, P = 0.0593), although the difference was just shy of statistical significance. The new Singapore General Hospital Burns Protocol had revolutionized Singapore burns care by introducing a streamlined, multidisciplinary burns management, resulting in improved patient outcomes, lowered health care costs, and improved system resource use.

Ridge preservation using a composite bone graft and a bioabsorbable membrane with and without primary wound closure: a comparative clinical trial.

PubMed

Engler-Hamm, Daniel; Cheung, Wai S; Yen, Alec; Stark, Paul C; Griffin, Terrence

2011-03-01

The aim of this single-masked, randomized controlled clinical trial is to compare hard and soft tissue changes after ridge preservation performed with (control, RPc) and without (test, RPe) primary soft tissue closure in a split-mouth design. Eleven patients completed this 6-month trial. Extraction and ridge preservation were performed using a composite bone graft of inorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix and cell binding peptide P-15 (ABM/P-15), demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft, and a copolymer bioabsorbable membrane. Primary wound closure was achieved on the control sites (RPc), whereas test sites (RPe) left the membrane exposed. Pocket probing depth on adjacent teeth, repositioning of the mucogingival junction, bone width, bone fill, and postoperative discomfort were assessed. Bone cores were obtained for histological examination. Intragroup analyses for both groups demonstrated statistically significant mean reductions in probing depth (RPc: 0.42 mm, P = 0.012; RPe: 0.25 mm, P = 0.012) and bone width (RPc: 3 mm, P = 0.002; RPe: 3.42 mm, P <0.001). However, intergroup analysis did not find these parameters to be statistically different at 6 months. The test group showed statistically significant mean change in bone fill (7.21 mm; P <0.001). Compared to the control group, the test group showed statistically significant lower mean postoperative discomfort (RPc 4 versus RPe 2; P = 0.002). Histomorphometric analysis showed presence of 0% to 40% of ABM/P-15 and 5% to 20% of new bone formation in both groups. Comparison of clinical variables between the two groups at 6 months revealed that the mucogingival junction was statistically significantly more coronally displaced in the control group than in the test group, with a mean of 3.83 mm versus 1.21 mm (P = 0.002). Ridge preservation without flap advancement preserves more keratinized tissue and has less postoperative discomfort and swelling. Although ridge preservation is performed with either method, ≈27% to 30% of bone width is lost.

Peri-implant parameters, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta levels in vaping individuals.

PubMed

Al-Aali, Khulud A; Alrabiah, Mohammed; ArRejaie, Aws S; Abduljabbar, Tariq; Vohra, Fahim; Akram, Zohaib

2018-03-25

To the author's knowledge, there has been no study that has assessed clinical, radiographic, and immunological peri-implant parameters among individuals vaping e-cigarette (e-cig). This pilot study aimed to compare clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters and levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β levels among individuals vaping e-cigs and never smoker (NS). Forty-seven individuals vaping e-cigs (group-1) and 45 NS (group-2) were included. Demographic and implant-related data were collected using a structured baseline questionnaire. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were recorded and peri-implant bone loss (PIBL) were assessed using standardized digital radiographs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in peri-implant sulcular fluid. Bleeding on probing showed statistically significantly higher values in group-2 patients as compared to group-1 patients (P < .01). Probing depth ≥ 4 mm and PIBL was statistically significantly higher in group-1 patients as compared to group-2 patients (P < .05). Mean concentrations of TNF-α (P < .001) and IL-1β (P < .01) were statistically significantly increased in individuals in group 1 as compared with group 2. A significant positive correlations were found between TNF-α levels and BOP (P = .024) and PIBL (P = .016); and significant positive correlation was found between IL-1β and PIBL (P = .018) in group 1, respectively. Clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters are compromised among vaping individuals. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in peri-implant sulcular fluid may suggest greater local inflammatory response in vaping individuals for peri-implant inflammation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The prevalence and effects of Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum on the respiratory function in children between 7-14 years old.

PubMed

Coskun, Zafer Kutay; Turgut, Hasan Basri; Demirsoy, Sadik; Cansu, Ali

2010-09-01

The study involved 1342 primary school students aged 7-14 years who applied to Ankara, a primary care center for general health check-up between 2006 and 2007. Forty-three students, 35 of whom had PE and 8 of whom had PC, were subjected to thorax measurement. All 43 students underwent pulmonary function tests (PFT).The prevalence rate of PC was 0.6%, and of PE, 2.6%. The thorax widths of the groups were similar (P = 0.273). The thorax circumference and depth of PE group were lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05). The probability rate of abnormality in PFT scores of PE group was statistically significantly higher than that of the controls (P = 0.022) whereas absence of normal PFT scores the difference between PC group and the controls was not statistically significant (p = 0.095). The results indicate that more than half of the individuals with pectus deformity do not have any physical complaints and do not have statistically significant differences in their PFT parameters.

To Evaluate & Compare Retention of Complete Cast Crown in Natural Teeth Using Different Auxiliary Retentive Features with Two Different Crown Heights - An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Vinaya, Kundapur; Rakshith, Hegde; Prasad D, Krishna; Manoj, Shetty; Sunil, Mankar; Naresh, Shetty

2015-06-01

To evaluate the retention of complete cast crowns in teeth with adequate and inadequate crown height and to evaluate the effects of auxiliary retentive features on retention form complete cast crowns. Sixty freshly extracted human premolars. They were divided into 2 major groups depending upon the height of the teeth after the preparation. Group1 (H1): prepared teeth with constant height of 3.5 mm and Group 2 (H2): prepared teeth with constant height of 2.5 mm. Each group is further subdivided into 3 subgroups, depending upon the retentive features incorporated. First sub group were prepared conventionally, second sub group with proximal grooves and third subgroups with proximal boxes preparation. Castings produced in Nickel chromium alloy were cemented with glass ionomer cement and the cemented castings were subjected to tensional forces required to dislodge each cemented casting from its preparation and used for comparison of retentive quality. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using Oneway ANOVA test. The results showed there was statistically significant difference between adequate (H1) and inadequate (H2) group and increase in retention when there was incorporation of retentive features compared to conventional preparations. Incorporation of retentive grooves was statistically significant compared to retention obtained by boxes. Results also showed there was no statistically significant difference between long conventional and short groove. Complete cast crowns on teeth with adequate crown height exhibited greater retention than with inadequate crown height. Proximal grooves provided greater amount of retention when compared with proximal boxes.

Orbital Roof Fractures as an Indicator for Concomitant Ocular Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-11-12

between these two groups to indicate a statistically significant difference in mechanism of injury, subjective symptoms, CT and exam findings, and...using Pearson’s x2 test or Fisher’s exact test to indicate a statistically significant difference in mechanism of injury, subjective symptoms, CT and

Statistical analysis on the concordance of the radiological evaluation of fractures of the distal radius subjected to traction☆

PubMed Central

Machado, Daniel Gonçalves; da Cruz Cerqueira, Sergio Auto; de Lima, Alexandre Fernandes; de Mathias, Marcelo Bezerra; Aramburu, José Paulo Gabbi; Rodarte, Rodrigo Ribeiro Pinho

2016-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the current classifications for fractures of the distal extremity of the radius, since the classifications made using traditional radiographs in anteroposterior and lateral views have been questioned regarding their reproducibility. In the literature, it has been suggested that other options are needed, such as use of preoperative radiographs on fractures of the distal radius subjected to traction, with stratification by the evaluators. The aim was to demonstrate which classification systems present better statistical reliability. Results In the Universal classification, the results from the third-year resident group (R3) and from the group of more experienced evaluators (Staff) presented excellent correlation, with a statistically significant p-value (p < 0.05). Neither of the groups presented a statistically significant result through the Frykman classification. In the AO classification, there were high correlations in the R3 and Staff groups (respectively 0.950 and 0.800), with p-values lower than 0.05 (respectively <0.001 and 0.003). Conclusion It can be concluded that radiographs performed under traction showed good concordance in the Staff group and in the R3 group, and that this is a good tactic for radiographic evaluations of fractures of the distal extremity of the radius. PMID:26962498

Facial anthropometric differences among gender, ethnicity, and age groups.

PubMed

Zhuang, Ziqing; Landsittel, Douglas; Benson, Stacey; Roberge, Raymond; Shaffer, Ronald

2010-06-01

The impact of race/ethnicity upon facial anthropometric data in the US workforce, on the development of personal protective equipment, has not been investigated to any significant degree. The proliferation of minority populations in the US workforce has increased the need to investigate differences in facial dimensions among these workers. The objective of this study was to determine the face shape and size differences among race and age groups from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health survey of 3997 US civilian workers. Survey participants were divided into two gender groups, four racial/ethnic groups, and three age groups. Measurements of height, weight, neck circumference, and 18 facial dimensions were collected using traditional anthropometric techniques. A multivariate analysis of the data was performed using Principal Component Analysis. An exploratory analysis to determine the effect of different demographic factors had on anthropometric features was assessed via a linear model. The 21 anthropometric measurements, body mass index, and the first and second principal component scores were dependent variables, while gender, ethnicity, age, occupation, weight, and height served as independent variables. Gender significantly contributes to size for 19 of 24 dependent variables. African-Americans have statistically shorter, wider, and shallower noses than Caucasians. Hispanic workers have 14 facial features that are significantly larger than Caucasians, while their nose protrusion, height, and head length are significantly shorter. The other ethnic group was composed primarily of Asian subjects and has statistically different dimensions from Caucasians for 16 anthropometric values. Nineteen anthropometric values for subjects at least 45 years of age are statistically different from those measured for subjects between 18 and 29 years of age. Workers employed in manufacturing, fire fighting, healthcare, law enforcement, and other occupational groups have facial features that differ significantly than those in construction. Statistically significant differences in facial anthropometric dimensions (P < 0.05) were noted between males and females, all racial/ethnic groups, and the subjects who were at least 45 years old when compared to workers between 18 and 29 years of age. These findings could be important to the design and manufacture of respirators, as well as employers responsible for supplying respiratory protective equipment to their employees.

HLA-A and -B phenotypes associated with tuberculosis in population from north-eastern Romania.

PubMed

Vasilca, Venera; Oana, Raluca; Munteanu, Dorina; Zugun, F; Constantinescu, Daniela; Carasevici, E

2004-01-01

HLA antigens are involved in inducing either susceptibility or resistance to different diseases. Many studies reported various associations between HLA antigens and tuberculosis, depending on race, ethnic group and geographic area. Our purpose was to identify HLA class I antigens inducing susceptibility to tuberculosis in population from North-Eastern Romania. The study group consisted of 50 tuberculosis patients and the control group included 90 healthy people. HLA-A and HLA-B antigens were determined using the CDC-NIH (complement-dependent-cytotoxicity-National Institute of Health) assay. A comparison was made between the frequency of HLA antigens expression in the two studied groups. HLA-B18 and HLA-A29(19) were expressed more frequently in tuberculosis patients. The difference was statistically significant only for HLA-B18 antigen. HLA-B7 and -B61(40) antigens were expressed with statistically significant higher frequency in controls compared to tuberculosis patients. The frequency of other HLA-A and HLA-B antigens was either comparable in the two groups or without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS We found a positive association between HLA-B18 antigen and tuberculosis, while HLA-B7 and HLA-B61(40) antigens seem to protect against the disease.

Three-dimensional accuracy of different correction methods for cast implant bars

PubMed Central

Kwon, Ji-Yung; Kim, Chang-Whe; Lim, Young-Jun; Kwon, Ho-Beom

2014-01-01

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of three techniques for correction of cast implant bars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty cast implant bars were fabricated on a metal master model. All cast implant bars were sectioned at 5 mm from the left gold cylinder using a disk of 0.3 mm thickness, and then each group of ten specimens was corrected by gas-air torch soldering, laser welding, and additional casting technique. Three dimensional evaluation including horizontal, vertical, and twisting measurements was based on measurement and comparison of (1) gap distances of the right abutment replica-gold cylinder interface at buccal, distal, lingual side, (2) changes of bar length, and (3) axis angle changes of the right gold cylinders at the step of the post-correction measurements on the three groups with a contact and non-contact coordinate measuring machine. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test were performed at the significance level of 5%. RESULTS Gap distances of the cast implant bars after correction procedure showed no statistically significant difference among groups. Changes in bar length between pre-casting and post-correction measurement were statistically significance among groups. Axis angle changes of the right gold cylinders were not statistically significance among groups. CONCLUSION There was no statistical significance among three techniques in horizontal, vertical and axial errors. But, gas-air torch soldering technique showed the most consistent and accurate trend in the correction of implant bar error. However, Laser welding technique, showed a large mean and standard deviation in vertical and twisting measurement and might be technique-sensitive method. PMID:24605205

Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block versus local infiltration anesthesia for arteriovenous fistula creation at the forearm for hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Nofal, W H; El Fawal, S M; Shoukry, A A; Sabek, Eas; Malak, Wfa

2017-01-01

The primary failure rate for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation under local anesthesia for hemodialysis is about 30%. Axillary brachial plexus block (BPB) may improve blood flow through blood vessels used in fistula creation; it may improve the AVF blood flow and thus may reduce the primary failure rate after 3 months. Hundred and forty patients with chronic renal failure scheduled for AVF creation for hemodialysis were divided into two equal groups; Group 1 (AxBP-G) received ultrasound (US) guided axillary BPB, and Group 2 (LI-G) received local infiltration. We recorded the measurements of the brachial and radial arteries before and after anesthesia and the AVF blood flow in both groups at three different time points. Furthermore, the primary failure rate was recorded in each group and compared. After anesthesia, the mean radial artery blood flow in the AxBP-group was 3.52 ml/min more than the LI-group, and the brachial artery diameter was also 0.68 mm more than in the LI-group, both differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). There were significant increases ( P < 0.05) in the AVF blood flow in the AxBP-group more than the LI-group with mean differences of 29.6, 69.8, and 27.2 ml/min at 4 h, 1 week, and 3 months, respectively. The overall mean of AVF blood flow was 42.21 ml/min more in the AxBP group than the LI-group a difference which is statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The primary failure rate was 17% in the AxBP group versus 30% in the LI-group; however, this difference is not significant statistically ( P = 0.110). The US-guided axillary block increases AVF blood flow significantly more than local infiltration and nonsignificantly decreases the primary failure rate of the AVF after 3 months.

[The effect of butylphthalide on expression of NGF and BDNF in ischemia stroke tissue of rat cerebrum].

PubMed

Kong, Shuang-yan; Li, Qi-fu; Yang, Jie; He, Li

2007-06-01

To study the expressions of BDNF, BDNF mRNA, NGF and NGF mRNA in the permanent focal cerebral ischemia tissues of rats. METHHODS: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were taken for this study project. According to the procedure of Zea-Longa, the rat model with permanent cerebral ischemia was established by rat middle cerebral artery obstructed (MCAO) with a nylon thread, and the model rats of neurobehavioral evaluation as 1-3 grade were randomly divided into two groups: butylphthalide group (A group) and control group (B group). A group was given with 25 mg/kg butylphthalide, B group was given with edible oil, two times every day. 3 days after occlusion, all rats were sacrificed after evaluated the neurobehavioral scores, and the samples of cerebrum were obtained after in situ perfusion and fixation with 40 g/L paraformaldehyde. 5 rats in each group were taken to tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining for macroscopic observation of cerebral infarction area, the rest samples were processed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate effects of butylphthalide on BDNF and NGF expression, hybridization in situ to evaluate effects of butylphthalide on BDNF mRNA and NGF mRNA expression. SPSS12. 0 for statistical analysis, it was P<0. 05 as having statistical significance. Comparing to control group (B group), butylphthalide group (A group) did not have significantly pathological difference, but the grade of behavior and infarction area were apparently reduced (P<0. 05). In butylphthalide group, there was a significant expression up-regulation to BDNF, NGF, BDNF mRNA and NGF mRNA in the peripheral around infarction and cornu ammonis or hippocampus area (P<0. 05). However in the infarction area, the expressions of BDNF, NGF, BDNF mRNA and NGF mRNA had no significantly statistical difference (P> 0. 05). Comparing to control group, butylphthalide can significantly up-regulate the expressions of BDNF and NGF in genetic transcription level, and protect from the ischemia injury.

Treatment effect of TUSPLV on recurrent varicocele

PubMed Central

Yan, Tian-Zhong; Wu, Xiao-Qiang; Wang, Zhi-Wei

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was to analyze the treatment effect of transumbilical single-port laparoscopic varicocelectomy (TUSPLV) on recurrent varicocele (VC). In order to compare the surgical effects of TUSPLV to traditional retroperitoneal ligation of the internal spermatic vein, 64 patients with recurrent VC were enrolled and divided into the control group (n=30) and the observation group (n=34). Patients in the control group underwent surgery using traditional retroperitoneal ligation of the internal spermatic vein, while those in the observation group underwent surgery using TUSPLV. The results showed that the time of operation and bleeding volume in the observation group were significantly lower. The occurrence and recurrence rates of periprocedural complications were considerably lower in the observation group. Differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In terms of the pregnancy rate, the difference between the 2 groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). We concluded that employing TUSPLV to treat recurrent VC was safe and effective. PMID:28123466

Comparison of total oxidant/antioxidant status in unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia of newborn before and after conventional and LED phototherapy: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Demirel, Gamze; Uras, Nurdan; Celik, Istemi H; Aksoy, Hatice T; Oguz, Serife S; Erdeve, Omer; Erel, Ozcan; Dilmen, Ugur

2010-10-01

We evaluated and compared the oxidant and antioxidant status of hyperbilirubinemic infants before and after the two forms of phototherapy: conventional and LED phototherapy, in order to identify the optimal treatment method. Thirty newborns exposed to conventional (Group I) phototherapy and 30 infants exposed to LED phototherapy (Group II) were studied. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the total oxidant status (TOS) were assessed by EREL's method. There were no statistically significant differences in TAC or TOS levels between Group I and Group II prior to phototherapy, and no statistically significant difference in TAC levels between the two groups after phototherapy; however, TOS levels were significantly lower in Group II compared to Group I after phototherapy. Oxidative stress index (OSI) increased after conventional phototherapy (p < 0.05) The increase in TOS following conventional phototherapy was not not observed following LED phototherapy. This difference should be considered when using phototherapy.

Zero-profile implant (Zero-p) versus plate cage benezech implant (PCB) in the treatment of single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

PubMed

Wang, ZhiDong; Zhu, RuoFu; Yang, HuiLin; Shen, MinJie; Wang, Genlin; Chen, Kangwu; Gan, Minfeng; Li, Mao

2015-10-12

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is the golden standard for anterior surgery treating elderly cervical degenerative disease, but the previous implant has some problems such as looseness, translocation, sinking and dysphagia, So Zero-p implant and PCB implant have been developed to decrease the complications. The clinical data of 57 patients with single level cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed. 27 patients adopting Zero-p interbody fusion cage as implant (Zero-p group) and 30 patients adopting integrated plate cage benezech (PCB) as implant (PCB group) from January 2010 to October 2012. Observe whether are differences between the two groups of patients on operation time, intraoperatve blood loss,Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores before and after operation, intervertebral height, cervical physiological curvature, fusion rate, Postoperative dysphagia rate and complications. Zero-p group's operation time is 98.2 + 15.2 min and its intraoperatve blood loss is 88.2 + 12.9 ml, both of which are lower than those of PCB group (109.8 + 16.9 min,95.2 + 11.6 ml ), so their differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). The two groups' JOA scores 3 months after operation and in the last follow-up are significantly higher than those before operation, so the differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). Coob angle 3 months after operation and in the last follow-up improves obviously compared with before operation, so the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). The two groups' operation segments intervertebral height 3 months after operation and in the last follow-up improves obviously compared with before operation, so the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05) Zero-p group has one patient with dysphagia after operation and PCB group has four patients with dysphagia after operation, so there is no statistical differences between the two groups on dysphagia rate (P > 0.05, P = 0.415). PCB group has two patients with screws backing out and two patients with hoarseness after operation, the two groups' operation segments all saw bony union in the last follow-up. Zero-p group postoperative complications are lower than PCB group (P < 0.05, P = 0.044). Zero-profile implant and PCB implant both achieved good clinical effects on the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the two groups both saw bony union in operation segments, but Zero-profile implant has the advantages of easy operation, short operation time, less intraoperatve blood loss and less complications.

Second Language Experience Facilitates Statistical Learning of Novel Linguistic Materials.

PubMed

Potter, Christine E; Wang, Tianlin; Saffran, Jenny R

2017-04-01

Recent research has begun to explore individual differences in statistical learning, and how those differences may be related to other cognitive abilities, particularly their effects on language learning. In this research, we explored a different type of relationship between language learning and statistical learning: the possibility that learning a new language may also influence statistical learning by changing the regularities to which learners are sensitive. We tested two groups of participants, Mandarin Learners and Naïve Controls, at two time points, 6 months apart. At each time point, participants performed two different statistical learning tasks: an artificial tonal language statistical learning task and a visual statistical learning task. Only the Mandarin-learning group showed significant improvement on the linguistic task, whereas both groups improved equally on the visual task. These results support the view that there are multiple influences on statistical learning. Domain-relevant experiences may affect the regularities that learners can discover when presented with novel stimuli. Copyright © 2016 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Second language experience facilitates statistical learning of novel linguistic materials

PubMed Central

Potter, Christine E.; Wang, Tianlin; Saffran, Jenny R.

2016-01-01

Recent research has begun to explore individual differences in statistical learning, and how those differences may be related to other cognitive abilities, particularly their effects on language learning. In the present research, we explored a different type of relationship between language learning and statistical learning: the possibility that learning a new language may also influence statistical learning by changing the regularities to which learners are sensitive. We tested two groups of participants, Mandarin Learners and Naïve Controls, at two time points, six months apart. At each time point, participants performed two different statistical learning tasks: an artificial tonal language statistical learning task and a visual statistical learning task. Only the Mandarin-learning group showed significant improvement on the linguistic task, while both groups improved equally on the visual task. These results support the view that there are multiple influences on statistical learning. Domain-relevant experiences may affect the regularities that learners can discover when presented with novel stimuli. PMID:27988939

An evaluation of platelet-rich plasma without thrombin activation with or without anorganic bone mineral in the treatment of human periodontal intrabony defects.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Silvia V; Acharya, Anirudh B; Thakur, Srinath L

2011-01-01

The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in periodontal regeneration is not well understood and the definite clinical viability of blood derived platelets lacks clarity. Also, the use of thrombin for platelet activation is disputed. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of blood derived platelets without thrombin activation, alone or in combination with bovine anorganic bone mineral (ABM), in the treatment of human periodontal intrabony defects. PRP was prepared using a simple tabletop centrifuge and activated using calcium chloride without the addition of thrombin. This PRP was used alone (in Group A) and in combination with bovine ABM (in Group B) in the treatment of human periodontal angular defects. Both the control and the test groups showed definite improvement in clinical parameters. On comparison, however, there was a statistically significant improvement in the probing pocket depths and relative attachment level in Group B over Group A at 3 and 6 months intervals, whereas at the end of 9 months this difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to the relative defect depth. Within the limitations of this study and the type of PRP used, i.e. without thrombin mediated activation, it can be concluded that both PRP and PRP combined with bovine ABM results in significant clinical improvement. Albeit statistically insignificant, there is a preponderance of better clinical results with the addition of ABM to PRP. Further studies need to be carried out on a larger sample size to confirm the results of the present study.

Hitting Is Contagious in Baseball: Evidence from Long Hitting Streaks

PubMed Central

Bock, Joel R.; Maewal, Akhilesh; Gough, David A.

2012-01-01

Data analysis is used to test the hypothesis that “hitting is contagious”. A statistical model is described to study the effect of a hot hitter upon his teammates’ batting during a consecutive game hitting streak. Box score data for entire seasons comprising streaks of length games, including a total observations were compiled. Treatment and control sample groups () were constructed from core lineups of players on the streaking batter’s team. The percentile method bootstrap was used to calculate confidence intervals for statistics representing differences in the mean distributions of two batting statistics between groups. Batters in the treatment group (hot streak active) showed statistically significant improvements in hitting performance, as compared against the control. Mean for the treatment group was found to be to percentage points higher during hot streaks (mean difference increased points), while the batting heat index introduced here was observed to increase by points. For each performance statistic, the null hypothesis was rejected at the significance level. We conclude that the evidence suggests the potential existence of a “statistical contagion effect”. Psychological mechanisms essential to the empirical results are suggested, as several studies from the scientific literature lend credence to contagious phenomena in sports. Causal inference from these results is difficult, but we suggest and discuss several latent variables that may contribute to the observed results, and offer possible directions for future research. PMID:23251507

Comparison of Early-period Results of Nasal Splint and Merocel Nasal Packs in Septoplasty

PubMed Central

Bingöl, Fatih; Budak, Ali; Şimşek, Eda; Kılıç, Korhan; Bingöl, Buket Özel

2017-01-01

Objective Several types of nasal packs are used postoperatively in septoplasty. In this study, we compared two commonly used nasal packing materials, the intranasal septal splint with airway and Merocel tampon, in terms of pain, bleeding, nasal obstruction, eating difficulties, discomfort in sleep, and pain and bleeding during removal of packing in the early period. Methods The study group included 60 patients undergoing septoplasty. Patients were divided into two groups (n=30 in each group). An intranasal splint with airway was used for the patients in the first group after septoplasty, while Merocel nasal packing was used for the second group. Patients were investigated in terms of seven different factors - pain, bleeding while the tampon was in place, nasal obstruction, eating difficulties, night sleep, pain during removal of the nasal packing, and bleeding after removal of packing. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pain 24 hours after operation (p=0.05), while visual analog scale (VAS) scores for nasal obstruction, night sleep, eating difficulties, and pain during packing removal were lower in the nasal splint group with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative bleeding (p=0.23). Significantly less bleeding occurred during removal of the packing in the nasal splint group (p<0.05). Conclusion Our study indicates that the nasal splint was more comfortable and effective in terms of causing lesser bleeding and pain during removal of packing. PMID:29392071

Teeth eruption in children with normal occlusion and malocclusion.

PubMed

Legović, Mario; Legović, Asja; Slaj, Martina; Mestrović, Senka; Lapter-Varga, Marina; Slaj, Mladen

2008-06-01

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in eruption of permanent teeth (C, P1, P2 and M2) in a group of children with and without malocclusion. A sample of 1758 children (921 boys and 837 girls), aged 8-13 was randomly selected. The subjects were grouped by chronological age (11 groups) and by presence of malocclusion. Statistically significant differences were found for both, upper and lower canines in the age group 11 (p<0.01). Statistically significant difference was found in the age group 8.5 for upper first (p<0.05), upper second premolars (p<0.01) in the age group 10, and the lower second premolars in the age group 11 (p<0.05). Premature loss of deciduous teeth caused early eruption of succedaneus permanent teeth, possibly leading to development of a malocclusion.

Stellate ganglion block promotes recovery of Bell's palsy in patients with diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Liu, Guo-Dong; He, Chun-Jing

2014-06-01

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is effective for treatment of Bell's palsy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Corticosteroids are widely used for treatment of Bell's palsy in patients with diabetes mellitus but may induce complications like hyperglycemia, which calls for an alternative therapy. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of SGB on Bell's palsy in patients with diabetes mellitus. This randomized and single-blinded clinical trial involved 96 diabetic patients with Bell's palsy that were randomly divided into a control group (n = 48) and a treatment group (SGB group, n = 48). The House-Brackmann scale and facial disability index (FDI, including FDIP and FDIS) were observed before treatment and at 1 and 3 months after treatment for assessment of the outcome. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups before treatment as regards the House-Brackmann scale and FDI. There was a statistically significant difference in FDIP score in the two groups after treatment in comparison with before treatment. The FDIS score showed a statistical difference between the two groups after treatment.

Comparison of repair techniques in small and medium-sized rotator cuff tears in cadaveric sheep shoulders.

PubMed

Onay, Ulaş; Akpınar, Sercan; Akgün, Rahmi Can; Balçık, Cenk; Tuncay, Ismail Cengiz

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare new knotless single-row and double-row suture anchor techniques with traditional transosseous suture techniques for different sized rotator cuff tears in an animal model. The study included 56 cadaveric sheep shoulders. Supraspinatus cuff tears of 1 cm repaired with new knotless single-row suture anchor technique and supraspinatus and infraspinatus rotator cuff tears of 3 cm repaired with double-row suture anchor technique were compared to traditional transosseous suture techniques and control groups. The repaired tendons were loaded with 5 mm/min static velocity with 2.5 kgN load cell in Instron 8874 machine until the repair failure. The 1 cm transosseous group was statistically superior to 1 cm control group (p=0.021, p<0.05) and the 3 cm SpeedBridge group was statistically superior to the 1 cm SpeedFix group (p=0.012, p<0.05). The differences between the other groups were not statistically significant. No significant difference was found between the new knotless suture anchor techniques and traditional transosseous suture techniques.

Kisspeptin levels in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism diagnosed male patients and its relation with glucose-insulin dynamic.

PubMed

Öztin, Hasan; Çağıltay, Eylem; Çağlayan, Sinan; Kaplan, Mustafa; Akpak, Yaşam Kemal; Karaca, Nilay; Tığlıoğlu, Mesut

2016-12-01

Male hypogonadism is defined as the deficiency of testosterone or sperm production synthesized by testicles or the deficiency of both. The reasons for hypogonadism may be primary, meaning testicular or secondary, meaning hypothalamohypophyseal. In hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), there is indeficiency in gonadotropic hormones due to hypothalamic or hypophyseal reasons. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is an important stimulant in releasing follicular stimulant hormone (FSH), mainly luteinizing hormone (LH). GnRH omitted is under the effect of many hormonal or stimulating factors. Kisspeptin is present in many places of the body, mostly in hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular nucleus and arcuate nucleus. Kisspeptin has a suppressor effect on the metastasis of many tumors such as breast cancer and malign melanoma metastases, and is called "metastin" for this reason. Kisspeptin is a strong stimulant of GnRH. In idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) etiology, there is gonadotropic hormone release indeficiency which cannot be clearly described. A total of 30 male hypogonatropic hypogonadism diagnosed patients over 30 years of age who have applied to Haydarpasa Education Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Service were included in the study. Compared to the control group, the effect of kisspeptin on male patients with hypogonatropic hypogonadism and on insulin resistance developing in hypogonadism patients was investigated in our study. A statistically significant difference was detected between average kisspeptin measurements of the groups (p < 0.01). Kisspeptin measurement of the cases in the patient group were detected significantly high. No statistically significant relation was detected among kisspeptin and LH/FSH levels. Although a positive low relation was detected between kisspeptin measurements of patient group cases and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) measurements, this relation was statistically insignificant. When the patient and control groups were compared for HOMA-IR, no statistically significant difference was detected. The reason for high kisspeptin levels in the patient group compared to the control group makes us consider that there may be a GPR54 resistance or GnRH neuronal transfer pathway defect. When patients and control groups were compared for HOMA-IR, the difference was not statistically significant. It is considered that kisspeptin is one of the reasons for hypogonatropic hypogonadism and has less effect on insulin resistance.

Effects of pinealectomy and melatonin supplementation on endometrial explants in a rat model.

PubMed

Koc, Onder; Gunduz, Bülent; Topcuoglu, Ata; Bugdayci, Güler; Yilmaz, Fahri; Duran, Bülent

2010-11-01

To determine the effects of pinealectomy on endometrial explants in rats and evaluate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat endometriosis model. Rats with experimentally induced endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups after second-look laparotomies. Group 1 (pinealectomy, n = 8) and Group 2 (pinealectomy+melatonin, n = 8) underwent pinealectomies after the second-look laparotomies. Group 3 was presented as control group (vehicle solution+without pinealectomy (n = 6)). Melatonin was administered intraperitoneally for 4 weeks in Group 2, whereas an equal volume of vehicle solution was given to Groups 1 and 3. Evaluation of the volume of the endometrial explants, histopathological examination and preservation of explant epitheliums according to the scoring system were undertaken. There was a statistically significant increase in spherical explant volumes of Group 1 compared to Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, the level of MDA was significantly higher and SOD and CAT activity was significantly lower compared to Groups 2 and 3. A statistically significant increase in the epithelial lining scores of explants was noted in Group 1 compared to Groups 2 and 3. The effects of pinealectomy on the progression of endometriosis explants were reversed by melatonin. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Day and Night Desflurane Anaesthesia on Melatonin Levels in Rats.

PubMed

Özer, Figen Datlı; Öçmen, Elvan; Akan, Pınar; Erdost, Hale Aksu; Korkut, Sezen; Gökmen, Ali Necati

2016-08-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of day and night administration of desflurane anaesthesia on melatonin levels in rats. Twenty-four 15-day-old rats were included in the study and were divided into four groups. The rats were anaesthetised between 19:00-01:00 (night group) and 07:00-13:00 (day group) with 5.7% desflurane concentration in 6 L min -1 100% oxygen. 6 L min -1 oxygen was administered to the control groups. At the end of 6 h of anaesthesia, blood samples were taken, and rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were centrifuged and melatonin levels from plasma samples were measured with radioimmunoassay. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.007). Between group day control and group night control there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.042). Further, there was a significant difference between group day control and night desfluran as well (p=0.024). We could not find any difference between other groups. This study showed that 6 hours of 5.7% desflurane anaesthesia during day and night hours did not significantly change melatonin levels.

Effect of Topical Anesthesia with Lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA) Cream and Local Pressure on Pain during Infiltration Injection for Maxillary Canines: A Randomized Double-blind clinical trial.

PubMed

Milani, Amin S; Zand, Vahid; Abdollahi, Amir A; Froughreyhani, Mohammad; Zakeri-Milani, Parvin; Jafarabadi, Mohammad A

2016-07-01

This study compared the effect of local pressure and topical lidocaine-prilocaine (EMLA) cream on pain during infiltration injection for maxillary canine teeth. A total of 140 volunteer students participated in this split-mouth design randomized clinical trial. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups (n = 35). Before administration of anesthesia, in each group, one side was randomly selected as the experimental and the opposite side as the control. In group 1, finger pressure was applied on the alveolar mucosa on the experimental side and on the tooth crown on the control side. In group 2, 5% EMLA cream and placebo; in group 3, finger pressure and 5% EMLA cream; and in group 4, 5% EMLA cream and 20% benzocaine gel were applied. In all the groups, a buccal infiltration procedure was carried out. Pain during injection was recorded with visual analog scale (VAS). Wilcoxon and McNemar tests were used for statistical analysis of the results. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that EMLA reduced the injection pain significantly more than benzocaine (p = 0.02). Also, injection pain was significantly lower with the use of EMLA in comparison to placebo (p = 0.00). Application of local pressure reduced the injection pain, but the difference from the control side was not significant (p = 0.05). Furthermore, the difference between application of local pressure and EMLA was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Topical anesthesia of 5% EMLA was more effective than 20% benzocaine in reducing pain severity during infiltration injection. However, it was not significantly different in comparison to the application of local pressure.

Emotional personality/proximity versus emotional authenticity in patient-physician communication in healthy study participants, and in patients with benign breast disease, and breast cancer: a prospective case-control study in Finland.

PubMed

Eskelinen, Matti; Korhonen, Riika; Selander, Tuomas; Ollonen, Paula

2015-03-01

The associations between emotional personality, proximity and authenticity in patient-physician communication during breast cancer (BC) consultations are rarely considered together in a prospective study. We, therefore, investigated emotional personality/proximity versus authenticity in patient-physician communication in healthy study subjects (HSS) and in patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer (BC). In the Kuopio Breast Cancer Study, 115 women with breast symptoms were evaluated regarding emotional personality, proximity and authenticity in their a patient-physician communication before any diagnostic procedures were carried-out. The emotional personality and the emotional proximity in patient-physician communication was highly significantly positively correlated in the BBD group. The kappa-values for emotional personality versus emotional proximity in the HSS, BBD and BC groups were statistically significant. There was also a highly significant positive correlation between emotional personality and emotional authenticity in the HSS, BBD and BC groups and the kappa values in the HSS, BBD and BC groups were statistically significant. There was a highly significant positive correlation between emotional proximity and emotional authenticity in the BBD group, and the weighted kappa-values in the BBD group were statistically significant. The results of the present study support a powerful link between emotional personality/proximity and emotional authenticity, and provides new information in patient-physician communication in the HSS, BBD and BC groups. This finding is of clinical importance, since during breast disease consultation, barriers to patient-physician communication may be associated with difficulties in early BC diagnosis in the breast cancer diagnostic unit. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

A randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of a ketamine infusion on tourniquet hypertension during general anaesthesia in patients undergoing upper and lower limb surgery.

PubMed

Ongaya, Joyce; Mung'ayi, Vitalis; Sharif, Thikra; Kabugi, Jimmie

2017-03-01

Tourniquet hypertension arising from tourniquet inflation remains a primary concern to the anaesthetist. One drug commonly used to manage tourniquet hypertension is ketamine. No studies have examined the effect of ketamine on tourniquet hypertension for a period of more than one hour or an infusion of the same. To compare the effect of an intravenous infusion of ketamine versus placebo on tourniquet induced hypertension in patients undergoing upper and lower limb surgery under general anaesthesia. Forty six adult patients scheduled for upper and lower limb surgery under general anaesthesia were randomized into two equal groups. The ketamine group received an intravenous bolus of 0.1mg/kg of ketamine followed by an infusion of 2ug/kg/min. The saline group received an intravenous bolus of physiological saline followed by an infusion of saline. All the patients were reviewed post-operatively. Data of the baseline characteristics, haemodynamic changes, post-tourniquet pain and side effects were collected. If post-tourniquet pain was present post-operatively, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess its severity. 46 patients successfully completed the trial. There were no significant differences between the groups for baseline patient demographics. The incidence of tourniquet hypertension was higher in the saline group (26.1%) compared with ketamine group (4.6%) with a 95% confidence interval. The difference was shown to be statistically significant ('P'<0.05). There was an increase in systolic blood pressure after 60 minutes of tourniquet inflation in the saline group but the difference was not statistically significant('P'>0.866). There were no significant differences between the groups as regards diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. VAS scores did not differ between the two groups. Statistically, there was no difference found between the two groups. Side effects were minimal in the ketamine group whilst in the saline group, nausea and vomiting were predominant but were also not statistically significant. Based on the results of this study, there was a difference in the proportion of tourniquet hypertension between the ketamine and saline groups for patients undergoing upper and lower limb orthopaedic surgery under general anaesthesia.

An In Vitro Comparison of the Marginal Adaptation Accuracy of CAD/CAM Restorations Using Different Impression Systems.

PubMed

Shembesh, Marwa; Ali, Ala; Finkelman, Matthew; Weber, Hans-Peter; Zandparsa, Roya

2017-10-01

To compare the marginal adaptation of 3-unit zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) obtained from intraoral digital scanners (Lava True Definition, Cadent iTero), scanning of a conventional silicone impression, and the resulting master cast with an extraoral scanner (3Shape lab scanner). One reference model was fabricated from intact, non-carious, unrestored human mandibular left first premolar and first molar teeth (teeth #19 and 21), prepared for a three-unit all-ceramic FDP. Impressions of the reference model were obtained using four impression systems (n = 10), group 1 (PVS impression scan), group 2 (stone cast scan), group 3 (Cadent iTero), and group 4 (Lava True Defintion). Then the three-unit zirconia FDPs were milled. Marginal adaptation of the zirconia FDPs was evaluated using an optical comparator at four points on each abutment. The mean (SD) was reported for each group. One-way ANOVA was used to assess the statistical significance of the results, with post hoc tests conducted via Tukey's HSD. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were done using SPSS 22.0. The mean (SD) marginal gaps for the recorded data from highest to lowest were silicone impression scans 81.4 μm (6.8), Cadent iTero scan 62.4 μm (5.0), master cast scan 50.2 μm (6.1), and Lava True definition scan 26.6 μm (4.7). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) in the mean marginal gap among the groups. The Tukey's HSD tests demonstrated that the differences between all groups (silicone impression scan, master cast scan, Lava True definition scan, iTero Cadent scan) were statistically significant (all p < 0.001). On the basis of the criterion of 120 μm as the limit of clinical acceptance, all marginal discrepancy values of all groups were clinically acceptable. Within the confines of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the marginal gap of all impression techniques was within the acceptable clinical limit (120 μm). Group 4 (Lava True Defintion) showed the lowest average gap among all groups followed by group 2 (stone cast scan), group 3 (Cadent iTero), and group 1 (PVS impression scan); these differences were statistically significant. © 2016 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Journal Club: Shoulder MRI utilization: relationship of physician MRI equipment ownership to negative study frequency.

PubMed

Amrhein, Timothy J; Lungren, Matthew P; Paxton, Ben E; Srinivasan, Ramesh; Jung, Sin-Ho; Yu, Miao; Eastwood, James D; Kilani, Ramsey K

2013-09-01

The purpose of this article is to determine whether ownership of MRI equipment by ordering physicians influences the frequency of negative shoulder MRI scans. A retrospective review was performed of 1140 consecutive shoulder MRI scans ordered by two separate referring physician groups serving the same geographic community. The first group (financially incentivized) owned the scanners used and received technical fees for their use. The second group (non-financially incentivized) did not own the scanners used and had no direct financial interest. All examinations were performed with identical protocols and were interpreted by a single radiologist group without financial interest in the imaging equipment used. The frequency of negative examinations and the number of abnormalities in each positive study was tabulated for each group. A total of 1140 shoulder MRI scans met inclusion criteria; 255 were negative (142 for the financially incentivized group and 113 for the non-financially incentivized group). There were 25.6% more negative scans in the financially incentivized group (p=0.047). There was no statistically significant difference in the average number of lesions per positive scan (1.67 for the financially incentivized group and 1.71 for the non-financially incentivized group; p=0.34). No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of 19 of 20 examined lesions. Shoulder MRI examinations referred by physicians with a financial interest in the imaging equipment used were significantly more likely to be negative. Positive examinations exhibited no statistically significant difference in the number of lesions per scan or in the frequency of 19 of 20 lesion subtypes. This finding suggests a highly similar distribution and severity of disease among the two patient groups.

Association Between Androgenetic Alopecia and Coronary Artery Disease in Young Male Patients

PubMed Central

Sharma, Kamal H; Jindal, Anchal

2014-01-01

Background: Several studies have demonstrated an association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and cardiovascular disease. Still controversies exist regarding the association. Are they truly associated? Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of AGA and establish its association in young (<45 years) Asian Indian Gujarati male patients having coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: Case-control prospective multicentric study was carried out on 424 men. Case group consisted of 212 male subjects having CAD (Group 1) and another 212, either sibling or first degree male relative of the case subjects (having no evidence of CAD) were considered as the control group (Group 2). Age, total cholesterol, incidence of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were similar in both groups. The degree of alopecia was assessed using the Norwood-Hamilton scale for men. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. Results: AGA was found in 80 (37.73%) young CAD patients (Group 1), whereas 44 (20.7%) of patients had alopecia in the control group (Group 2). There was statistically significant association between male AGA and CAD (P = 0.001). Odds ratio was 2.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72 ± 4.26). Statistically significant association was found between high grade baldness (Grades IV-VII) and CAD in young men (P < 0.05). Odds ratio = 2.36 (95% CI, 1.108 ± 5.033). There is statistically significant association of AGA in young Asian Gujarati male with CAD and the prevalence of AGA in young CAD patient is 37.73%. Conclusion: This study implies early onset AGA in male is independently associated with CAD, though mechanisms need to be investigated. PMID:25114445

Evaluation of teeth loss among workers in the laminate and composite materials department of aircraft factory.

PubMed

Bachanek, Teresa; Samborski, Dariusz; Chałas, Renata; Wolańska, Ewa

2005-01-01

Liquid epoxide resins, solvents and solvent-modified epoxide resins, as well as hardeners for epoxide resins, appear to be skin and mucosa irritants of different intensity and possibly have allergenic properties. Therefore, it is required that the employees are qualified and industrial safety rules are followed when these substances are in use in the manufacturing process. Our study evaluated the state of dentition and analysed the loss of teeth in the workers of the laminate and composite materials department of aircraft factory. The research has been carried out in a group of 114 workers, which consisted of 88 men and 26 women 20 to 61 years old. The control group consisted of 41 workers of the administration department in the aircraft factory who did not have any contact with chemical compounds. The workers in the studied group are characterised as having an unsatisfactory state of dentition, as shown by the high rate of lost teeth (74 %). Statistically significant difference between the studied group and the control was found when the relationship between the number of lost molar teeth in women in the studied group and those in the control group is taken into consideration, a statistically significant difference appears to refer to teeth 46 and 27. The same statistically important correlation between men in the control and studied groups concerns teeth 16. The research data shows that incisor teeth are the least frequently extracted teeth in the whole population studied. Statistically significant differences can be noted for teeth 21 and 23 between the women in the control group and those in the studied one. Future studies are necessary to assess the potential relationship between the loss of teeth among workers of the department of laminate and composite materials of aircraft factory and their workplace.

Alveolar bone level changes in maxillary expansion treatments assessed through CBCT.

PubMed

Pham, Vi; Lagravère, Manuel O

2017-03-01

Determine changes in alveolar bone levels during expansion treatments as assessed through cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT). Sixty-one patients from Edmonton, Canada, with maxillary transverse deficiencies were split into three groups. One group was treated with a bone-anchored expander, another group was treated with a tooth-borne maxillary expander (Hyrax) and one group was untreated. CBCTs were obtained from each patient at two time points (initialT 1 and at removal of appliance after 6 months T 2 ). CBCTs were analyzed using AVIZO software and landmarks were placed on different dental and skeletal structures. Intra-examiner reliability for landmarks was done by randomly selecting 10 images and measuring each landmark 3 times, 1 week apart. Descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and ANOVA analysis were used to determine if there were changes to the alveolar bone levels and if these changes were statistically significant within each group. Landmarks reliability showed an ICC of at least 0.99 with a 95% confidence interval and a mean measurement error of at least 0.2067mm. Descriptive statistics show that changes in alveolar bone levels were less than 1mm for all three groups and therefore clinically insignificant. Changes between groups were not statistically different (P<0.05) from one another with the exception of 8 distances. However, since the distances were small, they were not considered clinically significant. Alveolar bone level changes were similar in maxillary expansion treatments and in the control group. The effects of maxillary expansion treatments on alveolar bone levels are not clinically significant. Copyright © 2016 CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Volumetric analysis of hand, reciprocating and rotary instrumentation techniques in primary molars using spiral computed tomography: An in vitro comparative study.

PubMed

Jeevanandan, Ganesh; Thomas, Eapen

2018-01-01

This present study was conducted to analyze the volumetric change in the root canal space and instrumentation time between hand files, hand files in reciprocating motion, and three rotary files in primary molars. One hundred primary mandibular molars were randomly allotted to one of the five groups. Instrumentation was done using Group I; nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) hand file, Group II; Ni-Ti hand files in reciprocating motion, Group III; Race rotary files, Group IV; prodesign pediatric rotary files, and Group V; ProTaper rotary files. The mean volumetric changes were assessed using pre- and post-operative spiral computed tomography scans. Instrumentation time was recorded. Statistical analysis to access intergroup comparison for mean canal volume and instrumentation time was done using Bonferroni-adjusted Mann-Whitney test and Mann-Whitney test, respectively. Intergroup comparison of mean canal volume showed statistically significant difference between Groups II versus IV, Groups III versus V, and Groups IV versus V. Intergroup comparison of mean instrumentation time showed statistically significant difference among all the groups except Groups IV versus V. Among the various instrumentation techniques available, rotary instrumentation is the considered to be the better instrumentation technique for canal preparation in primary teeth.

The round window diameter in congenital aural atresia and comparison with sensorineural hearing loss and control group.

PubMed

Saylisoy, Suzan; Incesulu, Armagan; Kaya, Ercan; Pinarbasli, Ozgur; Adapinar, Baki

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to measure round window (RW) diameters in patients with congenital aural atresia (CAA) or sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and a normal control group and to analyze whether differences exist between these groups. Temporal bone computed tomographic scans of 12 patients with CAA (5 males, 7 females) aged 1 to 50 years (median age, 6 years), 12 patients with SNHL (8 males, 4 females) aged 2 to 32 years (median age, 5 years), and 11 patients (3 males, 7 females) aged 2 months to 53 years (median age, 8 years) randomly selected from a pool of patients with unilateral chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma were reviewed. We measured RW diameter on oblique reconstruction planes. To prevent possible individual differences, skull width was measured. There were no statistically significant differences between all groups for skull width. Both RW diameter and RW membrane width were found smaller in the CAA group than both SNHL group and control group with statistical significance, whereas there were no statistically significant differences between the SNHL group and the control group. We found that both the RW diameter and RW membrane width in CAA were smaller than those in the control group. If this finding is supported in future studies, the production of floating mass transducer with different sizes may be useful. We suggest that RW diameter should be measured in each patient before operation and thus a floating mass transducer with the appropriate caliber should be chosen.

Salivary Urease and ADS Enzymatic Activity as Endogenous Protection against Dental Caries in Children.

PubMed

Moncada, G; Maureira, J; Neira, M; Reyes, E; Oliveira Junior, O B; Faleiros, S; Palma, P; Corsini, G; Ugalde, C; Gordan, V V; Yevenes, I

2015-01-01

The aim of this cross sectional study was to evaluate the ureolytic and arginolytic activities of saliva in children and associate them with their caries status. 65, 8 year old children, were randomly selected. The ureolytic and arginolytic activity of non stimulated saliva was studied and associated with DMFT and dmft index. Saliva of children were sampled under fasting conditions; Children refrained from any oral hygiene procedures during the 12 hours that preceded the sample collection. Caries activity was scored and divided in 3 groups: Group A: Index zero: without lesions; Group B: Moderate Index: 1 to 3 enamel caries lesions; and Group C: High Index: more than 4 dentin caries lesions. DMFT scores were moderate: 0.4(±0.79) and dmft: 2.78(±2.45). Results expressed in μmol/min/mg/protein, for urease activity were statistically significant (p=0.048): Group A= 0.69 (±0.7); Group B= 0.45 (±0.43); and Group C= 0.39 (±0.55). The arginine deiminase activity was not statistically significant (p=0.16): Group A= 2.53 (±1.42), Group B= 2.31 (±1.57) and Group C= 1.97 (±2.0). Higher levels of ureolytic (statistically significant) and arginolytic activity (trend) in saliva were associated with lower DMFT/dmft scores in 8 year old children. There was a higher production of ammonia from the arginine deiminase system than the urease enzyme in saliva (p>0.05).

[Efficacy observation of auditory reconstruction using three different materials in ossiculoplasty and mastoidectomy to treat chronic otitis media].

PubMed

Gu, Xinghua; Zhu, Jing; Su, Yue

2013-07-01

To study the effects of different types of prosthesis used in ossiculoplasty on mastoidectomy of treating chronic otitis media. One hundred and forty three patients with chronic otitis media were treated by canal wall-down tympanoplasty with ossiculoplasty in a single stage. According to material of prosthesis, they were classified as titanium group (group A, 52 cases), hydroxypatite group (group B, 47 cases) and autogenous bone group(group C, 44 cases). The postoperative complication and hearing thresholds were analyzed in the 24 months follow-up. Average postoperative air-conduction gain and air-bone gap were measured at four frequencies: 0.5, 1.0.2, and 4.0 kHz. 12-month after operation, the average air threshold and air-bone gaps of the three groups were reduced (P < 0.05). The reconstruction successful rate (78.7%) of group A was slightly better than that of B, C (68.1%, 70.4%), there was no statistically significant difference. The difference of the average air threshold and air-bone gaps of group B, C after 24-month of operation and 12-month after operation was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The reconstruction successful rate (48.9%, 45.5%) of group B, C was lower than that of A (76.9%), the difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). Prostheses using titanium type could give good functional results and strong stability with low complication.

[Infective endocarditis in intensive cardiac care unit - clinical and biochemical differences of blood-culture negative infective endocarditis].

PubMed

Kaziród-Wolski, Karol; Sielski, Janusz; Ciuraszkiewicz, Katarzyna

2017-01-23

Diagnosis and treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) is still a challenge for physicians. Group of patients with the worst prognosis is treated in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU). Etiologic agent can not be identified in a substantial number of patients. The aim of study is to find differences between patients with blood culture negative infective endocarditis (BCNIE) and blood culture positive infective endocarditis (BCPIE) treated in ICCU by comparing their clinical course and laboratory parameters. Retrospective analysis of 30 patients with IE hospitalized in ICCU Swietokrzyskie Cardiac Centre between 2010 and 2016. This group consist of 26 men (86,67%) and 4 women (13,3%). Mean age was 58 years ±13. Most of the cases were new disease, recurrence of the disease was observed in 2 cases (6,7%). 8 patients (26,7%) required artificial ventilation, 11 (36,7%) received inotropes and 6 (20%) vasopresors. In 14 (46,7%) cases blood cultures was negative (BCNIE), the rest of patients (16, 53,3%) was blood cultures - positive infective endocarditis (BCIE). Both of the groups were clinically similar. There were no statistically significant differences in incidence of cardiac implants, localization of bacterial vegetations, administered catecholamines, antibiotic therapy, artificial ventilation, surgical treatment, complication and in-hospital mortality. Incidence of cardiac complications in all of BCNIE cases and in 81,3% cases of BCPIE draws attention, but it is not statistically significant difference (p=0,08). There was statistically significant difference in mean BNP blood concentration (3005,17 ng/ml ±2045,2 vs 1013,42 ng/ml ±1087,6; p=0,01), but there were no statistically significant differences in rest of laboratory parameters. BCNIE group has got higher mean BNP blood concentration than BCPIE group. There were no statistically significant differences between these groups in others laboratory parameters, clinical course and administered antibiotic therapy. In our endemic region major cause of BCNIE seems to be early antibiotic therapy prior to collection of blood samples, but further studies are necessary.

Antioxidative defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species in bovine retained and not-retained placenta: activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

PubMed

Kankofer, M

2001-05-01

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione transferase (GSH-Tr), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-the members of enzymatic antioxidative defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species-may play an important role in proper or improper release of bovine fetal membranes. The aim of the following study was the determination of GSH-Px, GSH-Tr, CAT and SOD activity in order to define antioxidative status of bovine placenta during retention of fetal membranes (RFM) in cows. Placental samples were collected immediately after spontaneous parturition or during caesarean section before term and at term and divided into six groups as follows: A: caesarean section before term without RFM; B: caesarean section before term with RFM; C: caesarean section at term without RFM; D: caesarean section at term with RFM; E: spontaneous delivery at term without RFM; F: spontaneous delivery at term with RFM. The enzyme activities in placental homogenates were measured spectrophotometrically. GSH-Px activity was statistically significantly higher in fetal than in maternal placenta in all examined groups, increased towards parturition and was higher in caesarean section groups than spontaneous delivery groups. Statistically significantly higher activities were noticed in retained than not-retained placentae. GSH-Tr activity was significantly lower in fetal than in maternal placenta. In preterm groups, the activity was statistically significantly higher in retained than not retained placenta. In term groups, the opposite relationship was observed, higher values in caesarean section groups than spontaneous delivery were noticed. CAT activity was statistically significantly higher in fetal than in maternal part of placenta in all groups examined. The highest values in C and D groups and the differences between retained and not-retained placenta were observed. SOD exhibited the highest values in preterm placenta and alterations between retained and not-retained fetal membranes. In conclusion, the activities of GSH-Px, GSH-Tr, CAT and SOD are altered in cases of retained fetal membranes which may suggest the activation of antioxidative mechanisms caused by the imbalance between production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Color stability and degree of cure of direct composite restoratives after accelerated aging.

PubMed

Sarafianou, Aspasia; Iosifidou, Soultana; Papadopoulos, Triantafillos; Eliades, George

2007-01-01

This study evaluated the color changes and amount of remaining C = C bonds (%RDB) in three dental composites after hydrothermal- and photoaging. The materials tested were Estelite sigma, Filtek Supreme and Tetric Ceram. Specimens were fabricated from each material and subjected to L* a* b* colorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy before and after aging. Statistical evaluation of the deltaL,* deltaa,* deltab,* deltaE and %deltaRDB data was performed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The %RDB data before and after aging were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test. In all cases an alpha = 0.05 significance level was used. No statistically significant differences were found in deltaL*, deltaa*, deltaE and %deltaRDB among the materials tested. Tetric Ceram demonstrated a significant difference in deltab*. All the materials showed visually perceptible (deltaE >1) but clinically acceptable values (deltaE < 3.3). Within each material group, statistically significant differences in %RDB were noticed before and after aging (p < 0.05). Filtek Supreme presented the lowest %RDB before aging, with Tetric Ceram presenting the lowest %RDB after aging (p < 0.05). The %deltaRDB mean values were statistically significantly different among all the groups tested. No correlation was found between deltaE and %deltaRDB.

Statistical assessment of crosstalk enrichment between gene groups in biological networks.

PubMed

McCormack, Theodore; Frings, Oliver; Alexeyenko, Andrey; Sonnhammer, Erik L L

2013-01-01

Analyzing groups of functionally coupled genes or proteins in the context of global interaction networks has become an important aspect of bioinformatic investigations. Assessing the statistical significance of crosstalk enrichment between or within groups of genes can be a valuable tool for functional annotation of experimental gene sets. Here we present CrossTalkZ, a statistical method and software to assess the significance of crosstalk enrichment between pairs of gene or protein groups in large biological networks. We demonstrate that the standard z-score is generally an appropriate and unbiased statistic. We further evaluate the ability of four different methods to reliably recover crosstalk within known biological pathways. We conclude that the methods preserving the second-order topological network properties perform best. Finally, we show how CrossTalkZ can be used to annotate experimental gene sets using known pathway annotations and that its performance at this task is superior to gene enrichment analysis (GEA). CrossTalkZ (available at http://sonnhammer.sbc.su.se/download/software/CrossTalkZ/) is implemented in C++, easy to use, fast, accepts various input file formats, and produces a number of statistics. These include z-score, p-value, false discovery rate, and a test of normality for the null distributions.

EEG-LORETA endophenotypes of the common idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndromes.

PubMed

Clemens, B; Puskás, S; Besenyei, M; Emri, M; Opposits, G; Kis, S A; Hollódy, K; Fogarasi, A; Kondákor, I; Füle, K; Bense, K; Fekete, I

2012-05-01

We tested the hypothesis that the cortical areas with abnormal local EEG synchronization are dissimilar in the three common idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) phenotypes: IGE patients with absence seizures (ABS), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures exclusively (EGTCS). Groups of unmedicated ABS, JME and EGTCS patients were investigated. Waking EEG background activity (without any epileptiform potentials) was analyzed by a source localization method, LORETA (Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography). Each patient group was compared to a separate, age-matched group of healthy control persons. Voxel-based, normalized broad-band (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) and very narrow band (VNB, 1Hz bandwidth, from 1 to 25Hz) LORETA activity (=current source density, A/m(2)) were computed for each person. Group comparison included subtraction (average patient data minus average control data) and group statistics (multiple t-tests, where Bonferroni-corrected p<0.05 values were accepted as statistically significant). Statistically not significant main findings were: overall increased delta and theta broad band activity in the ABS and JME groups; decrease of alpha and beta activity in the EGTCS group. Statistically significant main findings were as follows. JME group: bilaterally increased theta activity in posterior (temporal, parietal, and occipital) cortical areas; bilaterally increased activity in the medial and basal prefrontal area in the 8Hz VNB; bilaterally decreased activity in the precuneus, posterior cingulate and superior parietal lobule in the 11Hz and 21-22Hz VNBs. ABS group: bilaterally increased theta activity emerged in the basal prefrontal and medial temporal limbic areas. Decreased activity was found at 19-21Hz in the right postcentral gyrus and parts of the right superior and medial temporal gyri. EGTCS group: decreased activity was found in the frontal cortex and the postcentral gyrus at 10-11Hz, increased activity in the right parahippocampal gyrus at 16-18Hz. Increased theta activity in the posterior parts of the cortex is the endophenotype for JME. Increased theta activity in the fronto-temporal limbic areas is the endophenotype for ABS. Statistically not significant findings might indicate diffuse biochemical abnormality of the cortex in JME and ABS. EEG-LORETA endophenotypes may correspond to the selective propensity to generate absence and myoclonic seizures in the ABS and JME syndromes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of treatment with glucosamine sulfate in patients with knee effusion due to osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

Korkmaz, Murat; Karaaslan, Fatih; Erdogan, Yalcin; Bolat, Esef; Karacavus, Seyhan; Kizilkaya, Hafize; Gunaydin, Ilhan

2013-01-01

Objective: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of Glucosamine sulfate (GS) versus diclofenac sodium (DS) in effusion of osteoarthritic knees. Methodology: In this study, patients were included in this study from 2007-2010 based on American College of Rheumatology criteria with OA and physical examination in effusion of osteoarthritic knees. The patients were divided into two groups. First group (27 patients) DS was given in doses 75 mg twice daily for ten day. In the group II (25 patients) GS was used in doses of 1500 mg two times daily over the first 12 weeks of the study. A closed aspiration was performed. The knee circumference was measured in patients before and 12 week after treatment. Before and after 12 weeks of treatments, both groups of patients were assessed according to the WOMAC questionnaire of knee pain and function scores. Results: Comparison of knee mean circumference between the two groups was not statistically significant before treatment (p=0.938), but significant after treatment (p<0.001). At the end of the 12 week, there was 66.6% complete resolution of effusion in the DS group (18 patients) and 24.0% (6 patients) in the GS group, this was statistically significant (P<0.001). DS groups, results of the beginning and at the end of 12 week measurement showed significant differences in WOMAC pain mean score (P < 0.001) but GS groups not statistically significant (P=0.160). The WOMAC function mean scores in pre and post-treatment periods of follow-up showed significant variation between the two groups (P< 0.001, P<0.001). Conclusions: Our observations suggest that GS is not able to suppress the progression of adjuvant arthritis in OA with effusion of knee osteoarthritis. GS should not be expected as anti-inflammatory influence as DF in the treatment of OA-related effusion. PMID:24353641

The effects of blocking N/OFQ receptors on orofacial pain following experimental tooth movement in rats.

PubMed

Shan, Di; He, Yuwei; Long, Hu; Zhou, Yang; Liu, He; Xu, Rui; Huang, Renhuan; Lai, Wenli

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (N/OFQ receptor) antagonist on orofacial pain induced by experimental tooth movement in rats. A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-300 g were divided into six groups: a control group, force group, force+saline intraperitoneal group, force+saline periodontal group, force+UFP-101 ([Nphe¹,Arg¹⁴,Lys¹⁵]N/OFQ-NH ₂ antagonist for N/OFQ receptor) intraperitoneal group, and force+UFP-1 01 periodontal group. Closed coil springs were ligated between the upper incisors and first molar to exert an orthodontic force (40 g) between the teeth. Injectable administration dosages were 30 μl saline or 30 μl saline containing 0.03 mg/kg UFP-1 01. Following the injections, orofacial pain levels were assessed through directed face grooming (mouth wiping). Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 17.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and p values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Orofacial pain levels were significantly higher in the force group than in the control group. Orofacial pain levels differed significantly between the force)group, force+saline periodontal group and force+UFP-101 periodontal group, but were similar between the control group, force+UFP-101 intraperitoneal group and force+saline intraperitoneal group. Moreover, orofacial pain levels did not differ between the force group, force+saline intraperitoneal group and force+UFP-1 01 intraperitoneal group. Periodontal, but not intraperitoneal, administration of UFP-101 could alleviate orofacial pain induced by experimental tooth movement in rats, suggesting that periodontal N/OFQ receptors participate in orofacial pain induced by experimental tooth movement.

Steadiness of Spinal Regions during Single-Leg Standing in Older Adults with and without Chronic Low Back Pain

PubMed Central

Kuo, Yi-Liang; Huang, Kuo-Yuan; Chiang, Pei-Tzu; Lee, Pei-Yun; Tsai, Yi-Ju

2015-01-01

The aims of this study were to compare the steadiness index of spinal regions during single-leg standing in older adults with and without chronic low back pain (LBP) and to correlate measurements of steadiness index with the performance of clinical balance tests. Thirteen community-dwelling older adults (aged 55 years or above) with chronic LBP and 13 age- and gender-matched asymptomatic volunteers participated in this study. Data collection was conducted in a university research laboratory. Measurements were steadiness index of spinal regions (trunk, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis) during single-leg standing including relative holding time (RHT) and relative standstill time (RST), and clinical balance tests (timed up and go test and 5-repetition sit to stand test). The LBP group had a statistically significantly smaller RHT than the control group, regardless of one leg stance on the painful or non-painful sides. The RSTs on the painful side leg in the LBP group were not statistically significantly different from the average RSTs of both legs in the control group; however, the RSTs on the non-painful side leg in the LBP group were statistically significantly smaller than those in the control group for the trunk, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. No statistically significant intra-group differences were found in the RHTs and RSTs between the painful and non-painful side legs in the LBP group. Measurements of clinical balance tests also showed insignificant weak to moderate correlations with steadiness index. In conclusion, older adults with chronic LBP demonstrated decreased spinal steadiness not only in the symptomatic lumbar spine but also in the other spinal regions within the kinetic chain of the spine. When treating older adults with chronic LBP, clinicians may also need to examine their balance performance and spinal steadiness during balance challenging tests. PMID:26024534

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation of corneal epithelium healing time after 2 different surface ablation methods

PubMed Central

Eliaçik, Mustafa; Bayramlar, Hüseyin; Erdur, Sevil K.; Karabela, Yunus; Demirci, Göktuğ; Gülkilik, İbrahim G.; Özsütçü, Mustafa

2015-01-01

Objectives: To compare epithelial healing time following laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with anterior segment optic coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods: This prospective interventional case series study comprised 56 eyes of 28 patients that underwent laser refractive surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology, Medipol University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey, between March 2014 and May 2014. Each patient was randomized to have one eye operated on with PRK, and the other with LASEK. Patients were examined daily for 5 days, and epithelial healing time was assessed by using AS-OCT without removing therapeutic contact lens (TCL). Average discomfort scores were calculated from ratings obtained from questions regarding pain, photophobia, and lacrimation according to a scale of 0 (none) to 5. Results: The mean re-epithelialization time assessed with AS-OCT was 3.07±0.64 days in the PRK group, 3.55±0.54 days in the LASEK group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). Mean subjective discomfort score was 4.42±0.50 in the PRK eyes, and 2.85±0.44 in the LASEK eyes on the first exam day (p=0.001). The score obtained on the second (p=0.024), and third day (p=0.03) were also statistically significant. The fourth (p=0.069), and fifth days scores (p=0.1) showed no statistically significant difference between groups. Conclusion: The PRK showed a statistically significant shorter epithelial healing time, but had a statistically significant higher discomfort score until the postoperative fourth day compared with LASEK. PMID:25630007

Emodin regulating excision repair cross-complementation group 1 through fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 signaling

PubMed Central

Chen, Gang; Qiu, Hong; Ke, Shan-Dong; Hu, Shao-Ming; Yu, Shi-Ying; Zou, Sheng-Quan

2013-01-01

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the reversal effect of emodin on platinum resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: After the addition of 10 μmol/L emodin to HepG2/oxaliplatin (OXA) cells, the inhibition rate (IR), 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and reversal index (IC50 in experimental group/IC50 in control group) were calculated. For HepG2, HepG2/OXA, HepG2/OXA/T, each cell line was divided into a control group, OXA group, OXA + fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) group and OXA + emodin group, and the final concentrations of FGF7, emodin and OXA in each group were 5 ng/mL, 10 μg/mL and 10 μmol/L, respectively. Single-cell gel electrophoresis was conducted to detect DNA damage, and the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and excision repair cross-complementing gene 1 (ERCC1) protein expression levels in each group were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the IC50 of 120.78 μmol/L in HepG2/OXA cells, the IC50 decreased to 39.65 μmol/L after treatment with 10 μmol/L emodin; thus, the reversal index was 3.05. Compared with the control group, the tail length and Olive tail length in the OXA group, OXA + FGF7 group and OXA + emodin group were significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The tail length and Olive tail length were lower in the OXA + FGF7 group than in the OXA group, and this difference was also statistically significant. Compared with the OXA + FGF7 group, the tail extent, the Olive tail moment and the percentage of tail DNA were significantly increased in the OXA + emodin group, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). In comparison with its parental cell line HepG2, the HepG2/OXA cells demonstrated significantly increased FGFR2, p-ERK1/2 and ERCC1 expression levels, whereas the expression of all three molecules was significantly inhibited in HepG2/OXA/T cells, in which FGFR2 was silenced by FGFR2 shRNA. In the examined HepG2 cells, the FGFR2, p-ERK1/2 and ERCC1 expression levels demonstrated increasing trends in the OXA group and OXA + FGF7 group. Compared with the OXA group and OXA + FGF7 group, the FGFR2, p-ERK1/2, and ERCC1 expression levels were significantly lower in the OXA + emodin group, and these differences were statistically significant. In the HepG2/OXA/T cell line that was transfected with FGFR2 shRNA, the FGFR2, p-ERK1/2 and ERCC1 expression levels were significantly inhibited, but there were no significant differences in these expression levels among the OXA, OXA + FGF7 and OXA + emodin groups. CONCLUSION: Emodin markedly reversed OXA resistance by enhancing OXA DNA damage in HepG2/OXA cells, and the molecular mechanism was related to the inhibitory effect on ERCC1 expression being mediated by the FGFR2/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. PMID:23674849

Addressing astronomy misconceptions and achieving national science standards utilizing aspects of multiple intelligences theory in the classroom and the planetarium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarrazine, Angela Renee

The purpose of this study was to incorporate multiple intelligences techniques in both a classroom and planetarium setting to create a significant increase in student learning about the moon and lunar phases. Utilizing a free-response questionnaire and a 25 item multiple choice pre-test/post-test design, this study identified middle school students' misconceptions and measured increases in student learning about the moon and lunar phases. The study spanned two semesters and contained six treatment groups which consisted of both single and multiple interventions. One group only attended the planetarium program. Two groups attended one of two classes a week prior to the planetarium program, and two groups attended one of two classes a week after the planetarium program. The most rigorous treatment group attended a class both a week before and after the planetarium program. Utilizing Rasch analysis techniques and parametric statistical tests, all six groups exhibited statistically significant gains in knowledge at the 0.05 level. There were no significant differences between students who attended only a planetarium program versus a single classroom program. Also, subjects who attended either a pre-planetarium class or a post- planetarium class did not show a statistically significant gain over the planetarium only situation. Equivalent effects on student learning were exhibited by the pre-planetarium class groups and post-planetarium class groups. Therefore, it was determined that the placement of the second intervention does not have a significant impact on student learning. However, a decrease in learning was observed with the addition of a third intervention. Further instruction and testing appeared to hinder student learning. This is perhaps an effect of subject fatigue.

The effects of academic grouping on student performance in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scoggins, Sally Smykla

The current action research study explored how student placement in heterogeneous or homogeneous classes in seventh-grade science affected students' eighth-grade Science State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores, and how ability grouping affected students' scores based on race and socioeconomic status. The population included all eighth-grade students in the target district who took the regular eighth-grade science STAAR over four academic school years. The researcher ran three statistical tests: a t-test for independent samples, a one-way between subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a two-way between subjects ANOVA. The results showed no statistically significant difference between eighth-grade Pre-AP students from seventh-grade Pre-AP classes and eighth-grade Pre-AP students from heterogeneous seventh-grade classes and no statistically significant difference between Pre-AP students' scores based on socioeconomic status. There was no statistically significant interaction between socioeconomic status and the seventh-grade science classes. The scores between regular eighth-grade students who were in heterogeneous seventh-grade classes were statistically significantly higher than the scores of regular eighth-grade students who were in regular seventh-grade classes. The results also revealed that the scores of students who were White were statistically significantly higher than the scores of students who were Black and Hispanic. Black and Hispanic scores did not differ significantly. Further results indicated that the STAAR Level II and Level III scores were statistically significantly higher for the Pre-AP eighth-grade students who were in heterogeneous seventh-grade classes than the STAAR Level II and Level III scores of Pre-AP eighth-grade students who were in Pre-AP seventh-grade classes.

Difference of Self-identity Levels between Strabismus Patients and Normal Controls

PubMed Central

Kim, Youngjun; Kim, Cheron; Kim, Seongjae; Han, Yongseop; Chung, Inyoung; Seo, Seongwook; Park, Jongmoon

2016-01-01

Purpose To evaluate differences in self-identity in patients diagnosed with strabismus, patients who underwent strabismus surgery, and healthy control individuals. Methods Self-identity testing was done during a military service physical examination. There were three subject groups: subjects with strabismus (group 1), subjects who had undergone corrective strabismus surgery (group 2), and subjects free of strabismus (group 3). The self-identity test was comprised of six sub-sections (subjectivity, self-acceptance, future confidence, goal orientation, initiative, and familiarity). Statistical significance of the sub-sections was compared across the three groups. Correlations in age at the time of surgery and across the six sub-sections were investigated in group 2. Results A total of 351 subjects were enrolled in the study; 96 subjects were in group 1, 108 subjects were in group 2, and 147 subjects were in group 3. Significant differences were evident in subjectivity, self-acceptance, initiative and familiarity between groups 1 and 3. No significant differences were found between groups 2 and 3. In group 2, statistical significance was evident between age at surgery and initiative and familiarity (r = −0.333, p < 0.001; r = −0.433, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Self-identity is greater in non-strabismus subjects than strabismus subjects. Correction of strabismus may increase self-identity levels. PMID:27980359

Difference of Self-identity Levels between Strabismus Patients and Normal Controls.

PubMed

Kim, Youngjun; Kim, Cheron; Kim, Seongjae; Han, Yongseop; Chung, Inyoung; Seo, Seongwook; Park, Jongmoon; Yoo, Jimyong

2016-12-01

To evaluate differences in self-identity in patients diagnosed with strabismus, patients who underwent strabismus surgery, and healthy control individuals. Self-identity testing was done during a military service physical examination. There were three subject groups: subjects with strabismus (group 1), subjects who had undergone corrective strabismus surgery (group 2), and subjects free of strabismus (group 3). The self-identity test was comprised of six sub-sections (subjectivity, self-acceptance, future confidence, goal orientation, initiative, and familiarity). Statistical significance of the sub-sections was compared across the three groups. Correlations in age at the time of surgery and across the six sub-sections were investigated in group 2. A total of 351 subjects were enrolled in the study; 96 subjects were in group 1, 108 subjects were in group 2, and 147 subjects were in group 3. Significant differences were evident in subjectivity, self-acceptance, initiative and familiarity between groups 1 and 3. No significant differences were found between groups 2 and 3. In group 2, statistical significance was evident between age at surgery and initiative and familiarity (r = -0.333, p < 0.001; r = -0.433, p < 0.001, respectively). Self-identity is greater in non-strabismus subjects than strabismus subjects. Correction of strabismus may increase self-identity levels.

Podcast effectiveness as scaffolding support for students enrolled in first-semester general chemistry laboratories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, Mary Cynthia Barton

Podcasts covering essential first-semester general chemistry laboratory techniques and central concepts that aid in experimental design or data processing were prepared and made available for students to access on an as-needed basis on iPhones→ or iPod touches→. Research focused in three areas: the extent of podcast usage, the numbers and types of interactions between instructors and research teams, and student performance on graded assignments. Data analysis indicates that the podcast treatment research teams accessed a podcast 2.86 times on average during each week that podcasts were available. Comparison of interaction data for the lecture treatment research teams and podcast treatment research teams reveals that interactions with instructors were statistically significantly fewer for teams that had podcast access rather than a pre-laboratory lecture. The implication of the results is that student research teams were able to gather laboratory information more effectively when it was presented in an on-demand podcast format. Finally, statistical analysis of data on student performance on graded assignments indicates no significant differences between outcome measures for the treatment groups when compared as cohorts. The only statistically significant difference is between students judged to be highly motivated; for this sub-group the students in the podcast treatment group earned a course average that was statistically significantly higher than those in the lecture treatment group. This research study provides some of the first data collected on the effectiveness of podcasts delivered as needed in a first-semester general chemistry laboratory setting.

Influence of Glide Path Preparation on the Canal Shaping Times of WaveOne Gold in Curved Mandibular Molar Canals.

PubMed

Vorster, Martin; van der Vyver, Peet J; Paleker, Farzana

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to compare the glide path preparation times of stainless steel hand files, PathFiles (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and the WaveOne Gold Glider (Dentsply Sirona). The preparation times for final root canal shaping with the Primary WaveOne Gold instrument in extracted human molar teeth with and without prior glide path preparation were also recorded and compared. Mesiobuccal canals of 60 extracted human mandibular molars (curvature angles between 25° and 35° and radii <10 mm) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups with 15 canals each. Canals were negotiated to patency with a #8 K-file. Canal preparations were performed by a single operator using precurved #10-15-20 stainless steel manual K-files (the K-file group), a #10 stainless steel manual K-file followed by PathFiles #1-3 (the PathFile group), a #10 stainless steel manual K-file followed by WaveOne Gold Glider (the WaveOne Gold Glider group), or no further glide path preparation. Final canal preparation of all 60 canals was performed with the Primary WaveOne Gold instrument. Glide path and final preparation times were recorded. Glide path enlargement was statistically significantly fastest in the WaveOne Gold Glider group (19.7 ± 5.6 seconds) followed by the PathFile group (41.0 ± 6.8 seconds) and then the K-file group (81.2 ± 26.3 seconds) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < .0001). No statistically significant difference in the mean final preparation times was found among the WaveOne Gold Glider (23.1 ± 6.0 seconds), PathFile (24.4 ± 4.9 seconds), and K-file groups (27.2 ± 9.5 seconds). All 3 groups were statistically significantly faster than the no glide path preparation group (35.4 ± 10.2 seconds) using ANOVA (P = .0004) and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P = .0010). Preparation time with the Primary WaveOne Gold file was statistically significantly reduced when the file was used in combination with any of the glide path preparation techniques. The WaveOne Gold Glider performed statistically significantly faster in glide path preparation time than the other glide path preparation techniques. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Corrosion Analysis of an Experimental Noble Alloy on Commercially Pure Titanium Dental Implants

PubMed Central

Bortagaray, Manuel Alberto; Ibañez, Claudio Arturo Antonio; Ibañez, Maria Constanza; Ibañez, Juan Carlos

2016-01-01

Objective: To determine whether the Noble Bond® Argen® alloy was electrochemically suitable for the manufacturing of prosthetic superstructures over commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) implants. Also, the electrolytic corrosion effects over three types of materials used on prosthetic suprastructures that were coupled with titanium implants were analysed: Noble Bond® (Argen®), Argelite 76sf +® (Argen®), and commercially pure titanium. Materials and Methods: 15 samples were studied, consisting in 1 abutment and one c.p. titanium implant each. They were divided into three groups, namely: Control group: five c.p Titanium abutments (B&W®), Test group 1: five Noble Bond® (Argen®) cast abutments and, Test group 2: five Argelite 76sf +® (Argen®) abutments. In order to observe the corrosion effects, the surface topography was imaged using a confocal microscope. Thus, three metric parameters (Sa: Arithmetical mean height of the surface. Sp: Maximum height of peaks. Sv: Maximum height of valleys.), were measured at three different areas: abutment neck, implant neck and implant body. The samples were immersed in artificial saliva for 3 months, after which the procedure was repeated. The metric parameters were compared by statistical analysis. Results: The analysis of the Sa at the level of the implant neck, abutment neck and implant body, showed no statistically significant differences on combining c.p. Ti implants with the three studied alloys. The Sp showed no statistically significant differences between the three alloys. The Sv showed no statistically significant differences between the three alloys. Conclusion: The effects of electrogalvanic corrosion on each of the materials used when they were in contact with c.p. Ti showed no statistically significant differences. PMID:27733875

Gram-Negative Bacterial Wound Infections

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

not statistically differ- ent from that of the control group . The levels (CFU/g) of bacteria in lung tissue correlated with the survival curves. The...median levels in the control and 2.5 mg/kg- treated groups were almost identical, at 9.04 and 9.07 log CFU/g, respectively. Figure 6B shows a decrease...Dunn’s multiple comparison test, found a statistically significant difference in bacterial burden when the control group was com- pared to animals

Effect of Two Different Doses of Dexmedetomidine on Stress Response in Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: A Randomized Prospective Controlled Study.

PubMed

Shamim, Rafat; Srivastava, Shashi; Rastogi, Amit; Kishore, Kamal; Srivastava, Aneesh

2017-01-01

Clonidine, opioids, β-blockers, and dexmedetomidine have been tried to attenuate stress responses during laparoscopic surgery. We evaluated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in two different doses in attenuating stress responses on patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Ninety patients were assigned to one of the three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group B received dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg as loading dose, followed by 0.7 mcg/kg/h for maintenance; Group C received dexmedetomidine 0.7 mcg/kg as a loading dose, followed by 0.5 mcg/kg/h for maintenance. Group A received normal saline. Stress responses were assessed by the variations in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood glucose levels, and serum cortisol levels. One-way analysis of variance test was applied. Multiple comparisons between groups were done with post hoc Bonferroni test. The HR and MAP were found to be higher in Group A. The difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05) during intubation, carbon dioxide insufflation, and extubation when compared with Groups B and C. Blood glucose levels at postintubation and at extubation were higher in Group A and statistically significant ( P < 0.05) when compared with Groups B and C. Serum cortisol levels at postintubation, during midsurgery, and 2 h after extubation were higher in Group A and statistically significant ( P < 0.05) when compared with Groups B and C. However, HR, MAP, blood glucose levels, and serum cortisol levels were similar in dexmedetomidine groups. Dexmedetomidine decreases stress response and provides good condition for maintenance of anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine when used in lower dose in Group C decreases stress response comparable to higher dose in Group B.

The Efficacy of Xylitol, Xylitol-Probiotic and Fluoride Dentifrices in Plaque Reduction and Gingival Inflammation in Children: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Arat Maden, Eda; Altun, Ceyhan; Açikel, Cengizhan

The present prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical effects of a commercially available dentifrice containing fluoride, xylitol or xylitol-probiotic on the decrease of plaque and gingival inflammation in children between 13 and 15 years of age. Forty-eight adolescents were randomly grouped into three groups of n = 16 each: study group A received xylitol (Xyliwhite) toothpaste; study group B received xylitol-probiotic (Periobiotic) toothpaste; and the control group C received fluoride (Colgate Max Fresh) toothpaste. The subjects were instructed to use the dentifrice determined and a modified Bass brushing technique twice a day for two minutes over a 6-week perioed. Clinical evaluation was performed using a gingival index and a plaque index at baseline and at the end of the 6-week period. From day 0 to 42, reductions in the plaque index were statistically significant in all groups, Colgate Max Fresh, PerioBiotic and Xyliwhite (p-values 0.001, 0.001 and 0.035, respectively), but reductions in the gingival index were statistically significant only in the Colgate Max Fresh and PerioBiotic groups (both with p = 0.001), not in the Xyliwhite group (p = 0.116). PerioBiotic toothpaste was found to be better than Xyliwhite and Colgate Max Fresh toothpastes at reducing plaque and gingival scores. However, statistically significant differences with PerioBiotic and Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste were not observed. It was concluded that PerioBiotic was an all-round dentifrice that produced a significant reduction in both gingivitis and plaque.

The effect of endoscopic olfactory cleft polyp removal on olfaction.

PubMed

Kuperan, Arjuna B; Lieberman, Seth M; Jourdy, Deya N; Al-Bar, Mohammad H; Goldstein, Bradley J; Casiano, Roy R

2015-01-01

The presence of olfactory cleft polyps in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis is well documented, but the effect of endoscopic olfactory cleft polyp surgery on olfaction, versus observation, has not been well studied. This analysis assessed if microdebridement of olfactory cleft polyps yields significant objective smell improvements in those with anosmia or hyposmia. A randomized prospective single-blinded study was performed on patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery with profound bilateral nasal polyposis, excluding those younger than 18 years or without olfactory polyps. A preoperative University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), visual analog scale (VAS), and sinonasal outcomes 20 score (SNOT-20), and a follow-up at 6 months was performed. Two cohorts were created, including one with cleft polyp removal (group A) and one with cleft polyps left in place (group B). There were 10 patients in group A and 7 in group B. By using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, the two groups were individually analyzed for changes in the preoperative UPSIT, VAS, and SNOT-20 versus the 6-month test results. In group A, the improvement in the UPSIT, VAS, and SNOT-20 were statistically significant at p < 0.05. For group B only the improvement in the VAS was statistically significant, at p < 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in clinical smell improvement between group A and B at 6 months (p = 0.00512). Evidence exists that olfactory cleft polyp surgery improves olfactory function outcomes. Long-term data beyond 6 months is needed to further validate these early promising outcomes.

Nesfatin-1 alleviates extrahepatic cholestatic damage of liver in rats

PubMed Central

Solmaz, Ali; Gülçiçek, Osman Bilgin; Erçetin, Candaş; Yiğitbaş, Hakan; Yavuz, Erkan; Arıcı, Sinan; Erzik, Can; Zengi, Oğuzhan; Demirtürk, Pelin; Çelik, Atilla; Çelebi, Fatih

2016-01-01

Obstructive jaundice (OJ) can be defined as cessation of bile flow into the small intestine due to benign or malignant changes. Nesfatin-1, recently discovered anorexigenic peptide derived from nucleobindin-2 in hypothalamic nuclei, was shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. This study is aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of nesfatin-1 on OJ in rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham (n = 8), control (n = 8), and nesfatin (n = 8). After bile duct ligation, the study groups were treated with saline or nesfatin-1, for 10 days. Afterward, blood and liver tissue samples were obtained for biochemical analyses, measurement of cytokines, determination of the oxidative DNA damage, DNA fragmentation, and histopathologic analyses. Alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were decreased after the nesfatin treatment; however, these drops were statistically non-significant compared to control group (p = 0.345, p = 0.114). Malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly in nesfatin group compared to control group (p = 0.032). Decreases in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels from the liver tissue samples were not statistically significant in nesfatin group compared to control group. The level of oxidative DNA damage was lower in nesfatin group, however this result was not statistically significant (p = 0.75). DNA fragmentation results of all groups were similar. Histopathological examination revealed that there was less neutrophil infiltration, edema, bile duct proliferation, hepatocyte necrosis, basement membrane damage, and parenchymal necrosis in nesfatin compared to control group. The nesfatin-1 treatment could alleviate cholestatic liver damage caused by OJ due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. PMID:27524109

Effect of storage in artificial saliva and thermal cycling on Knoop hardness of resin denture teeth.

PubMed

Assunção, Wirley Gonçalves; Gomes, Erica Alves; Barão, Valentim Adelino Ricardo; Barbosa, Débora Barros; Delben, Juliana Aparecida; Tabata, Lucas Fernando

2010-07-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different storage periods in artificial saliva and thermal cycling on Knoop hardness of 8 commercial brands of resin denture teeth. Eigth different brands of resin denture teeth were evaluated (Artplus group, Biolux group, Biotone IPN group, Myerson group, SR Orthosit group, Trilux group, Trubyte Biotone group, and Vipi Dent Plus group). Twenty-four teeth of each brand had their occlusal surfaces ground flat and were embedded in autopolymerized acrylic resin. After polishing, the teeth were submitted to different conditions: (1) immersion in distilled water at 37+/-2 degrees C for 48+/-2h (control); (2) storage in artificial saliva at 37+/-2 degrees C for 15, 30 and 60 days, and (3) thermal cycling between 5 and 55 degrees C with 30-s dwell times for 5000 cycles. Knoop hardness test was performed after each condition. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha=.05). In general, SR Orthosit group presented the highest statistically significant Knoop hardness value while Myerson group exhibited the smallest statistically significant mean (P<.05) in the control period, after thermal cycling, and after all storage periods. The Knoop hardness means obtained before thermal cycling procedure (20.34+/-4.45 KHN) were statistically higher than those reached after thermal cycling (19.77+/-4.13 KHN). All brands of resin denture teeth were significantly softened after storage period in artificial saliva. Storage in saliva and thermal cycling significantly reduced the Knoop hardness of the resin denture teeth. SR Orthosit denture teeth showed the highest Knoop hardness values regardless the condition tested. Copyright 2010 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EFFECTS OF FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN REHABILITATION WITH HEMIPARESIS PATIENTS

PubMed Central

Tanović, Edina

2009-01-01

Cerebrovascular accident is a focal neurological deficiency occurring suddenly and lasting for more than 24 hours. The purpose of our work is to determine the role of the functional electrical simulation (FES) in the rehabilitation of patients with hemiparesis, which occurred as a consequence of a cerebrovascular accident. This study includes the analysis of two groups of 40 patients with hemiparesis (20 patients with deep hemiparesis and 20 patients with light hemi- paresis), a control group which was only treated with kinesiotherapy and a tested group which was treated with kinesiotherapy and functional electrical stimulation. Both groups of patients were analyzed in respect to their sex and age. Additional analysis of the walking function was completed in accordance with the BI and RAP index. The analysis of the basic demographical data demonstrated that there is no significant difference between the control and tested group. The patients of both groups are equal in respect of age and sex. After 4 weeks of rehabilitation of patients with deep and light hemiparesis there were no statistically significant differences between the groups after evaluation by the BI index. However, a statistically significant difference was noted between the groups by the RAP index among patients with deep hemiparesis. After 8 weeks of rehabilitation the group of patients who were treated with kinesiotherapy and functional electrical stimulation showed better statistically significant results of rehabilitation in respect to the control group with both the BI index and the RAP index (p<0,001). In conclusion, we can state that the patients in rehabilitation after a cerebrovascular accident require rehabilitation longer than 4 weeks. Walking rehabilitation after stroke is faster and more successful if we used functional electrical stimulation, in combination with kinesiotherapy, in patients with disabled extremities. PMID:19284395

The Development and Demonstration of Multiple Regression Models for Operant Conditioning Questions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fanning, Fred; Newman, Isadore

Based on the assumption that inferential statistics can make the operant conditioner more sensitive to possible significant relationships, regressions models were developed to test the statistical significance between slopes and Y intercepts of the experimental and control group subjects. These results were then compared to the traditional operant…

Correlation Between C-reactive Protein and Non-enzymatic Antioxidants (Albumin, Ferritin, Uric Acid and Bilirubin) in Hemodialysis Patients.

PubMed

Beciragic, Amela; Resic, Halima; Prohic, Nejra; Karamehic, Jasenko; Smajlovic, Ajdin; Masnic, Fahrudin; Ajanovic, Selma; Coric, Aida

2015-04-01

Increased levels of C-Reactive Protein are found in 30-60% on hemodialysis patients and it is closely associated with the progression of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Non enzymatic antioxidants are antioxidants which primarily retain potentially dangerous ions of iron and copper in their inactive form and thereby prevent its participation in the production of free radicals. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship of CRP and non enzymatic antioxidants (albumin, ferritin, uric acid and bilirubin) i.e. examine the importance of CRP as a serum biomarker in assessing the condition of inflammation and its relationship to antioxidant protection in patients on hemodialysis. The study was cross-sectional, clinical, comparative and descriptive. The study involved 100 patients (non diabetic) on chronic hemodialysis. The control group consisted of 50 subjects without subjective and objective indicators of chronic renal disease. In all patients, the concentration of CRP as well as concentrations of non enzymatic antioxidants were determined. In the group of hemodialysis patients 60% were men and 40% women. The average age of hemodialysis patients was 54.13 ± 11.8 years and the average age of the control group 41.72 ± 9.8 years. The average duration of hemodialysis treatment was 91.42 ± 76.2 months. In the group of hemodialysis patients statistically significant, negative linear correlation was determined between the concentration of CRP in and albumin concentration (rho = -0.251, p = 0.012) as well as negative, statistics insignificant, linear correlation between serum CRP and the concentration of uric acid (r = -0.077, p = 0.448). Furthermore, the positive, linear correlation was determined between serum CRP and ferritin (r = 0.159, p = 0.114) and positive linear correlation between CRP and total serum bilirubin (r = 0.121, p = 0.230). In the control group was determined a statistically significant, positive, linear correlation between serum CRP and uric acid concentration (rho = 0.438, p = 0.001) and statistically significant, positive, linear correlation between serum CRP and total serum bilirubin (rho = 0.510, p = 0.0001) A statistically significant, negative linear correlation was determined between CRP and albumin concentration (rho= -0.393, p = 0.005) as well as statistically significant, negative linear correlation between serum CRP and ferritin control group (rho = -0.391, p = 0.005). Elevated CRP level is a strong and independent predictor of low levels of serum albumin, which indicates that the hypoalbuminemia in hemodialysis patients could be more due to inflammation than malnutrition. There was no statistically significant correlation between CRP and other non enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, ferritin, bilirubin), which shows that indicators of antioxidant defense in hemodialysis patients must be individually measured to determine their actual stocks and activity.

Effect of Audioanalgesia in 6- to 12-year-old Children during Dental Treatment Procedure.

PubMed

Ramar, Kavitha; Hariharavel, V P; Sinnaduri, Gayathri; Sambath, Gayathri; Zohni, Fathima; Alagu, Palani J

2016-12-01

To evaluate the effect of audioanalgesia in 6- to 12-year-old children during dental treatment procedure. A total of 40 children were selected and divided into two groups, study group - with audioanalgesia and control group - without audioanalgesia. The value of their pain was evaluated using Venham's pain rating scale. Data were compared using one-sample t-test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (Inc.; Chicago, IL, USA), version 17.0. The difference in the control group and study group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The method of distraction using audioanalgesia instills better positive dental attitude in children and decreases their pain perception. Playing or hearing music during dental procedure significantly alters the perception of pain in 6- to 12-year-old children.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in obese and nonobese patients: do differences in body mass indices lead to different outcomes?

PubMed

Schwandner, O; Farke, S; Schiedeck, T H K; Bruch, H-P

2004-10-01

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in obese and nonobese patients. All patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for both benign and malignant disease within the past 5 years were entered into the prospective database registry. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)) was used as the objective measure to indicate morbid obesity. Patients with a BMI >30 were defined as obese, and patients with a BMI <30 were defined as nonobese. The parameters analyzed included age, gender, comorbid conditions, diagnosis, procedure, duration of surgery, transfusion requirements, conversion rate, overall morbidity rate including major complications (requiring reoperation), minor complications (conservative treatment) and late-onset complications (postdischarge), stay on intensive case unit, hospitalization, and mortality. For objective evaluation, only laparoscopically completed procedures were analyzed. Statistics included Student's t test and chi-square analysis. Statistical significance was assessed at the 5% level (p < 0. 05 statistically significant). A total of 589 patients were evaluated, including 95 patients in the obese group and 494 patients in the nonobese group. There was no significant difference in conversion rate (7.3% in the obese group vs 9.5% in the nonobese group, p > 0.05) so that the laparoscopic completion rate was 90.5% (n = 86) in the obese and 92.7% (n = 458) in the nonobese group. The rate of females was significantly lower among obese patients (55.8% in the obese group vs 74.2% in the nonobese group, p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed with respect to age, diagnosis, procedure, duration of surgery, and transfusion requirements (p > 0.05). In terms of morbidity, there were no significant differences related to overall complication rates with respect to BMI (23.3% in the obese group vs 24.5% in the nonobese group, p > 0.05). Major complications were more common in the obese group without showing statistical significance (12.8% in the obese group vs 6.6% in the nonobese group, p = 0.078). Conversely, minor complications were more frequently documented in the nonobese group (8.1% in the obese group vs 15.5% in the nonobese group, p = 0.080). In the postoperative course, no differences were documented in terms of return of bowel function, duration of analgesics required, oral feeding, and length of hospitalization (p > 0.05). These data indicate that laparoscopic colorectal surgery is feasible and effective in both obese and nonobese patients. Obese patients who are thought to be at increased risk of postoperative morbidity have the similar benefit of laparoscopic surgery as nonobese patients with colorectal disease.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated with Percutaneous Discectomy: Comparative Study with Microendoscopic Discectomy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu Wengui; Wu Xiaotao; Guo Jinhe

We assessed the long-term outcomes of patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) or microendoscopic discectomy (MED). A retrospective study was performed in consecutive patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PLD (n = 129) or MED (n = 101) in a single hospital from January 2000 to March 2002. All patients were followed up with MacNab criteria and self-evaluation questionnaires comprising the Oswestry Disability Index and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Several statistical methods were used for analyses of the data, and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.more » A total of 104 patients (80.62%) with PLD and 82 patients (81.19%) with MED were eligible for analyses, with a mean follow-up period of 6.64 {+-} 0.67 years and 6.42 {+-} 0.51 years, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, number of lesions, major symptoms and physical signs, and radiological findings. According to the MacNab criteria, 75.96% in the PLD group and 84.15% in the MED group achieved excellent or good results, respectively, this was statistically significant (p = 0.0402). With the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaires, the average scores and minimal disability, respectively, were 6.97 and 71.15% in the PLD group and 4.89 and 79.27% in the MED group. Total average scores of Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were 75.88 vs. 81.86 in PLD group vs. MED group (p = 0.0582). The cost and length of hospitalization were higher or longer in MED group, a statistically significant difference (both p < 0.0001). Long-term complications were observed in two patients (2.44%) in the MED group, no such complications were observed in the PLD group. Both PLD and MED show an acceptable long-term efficacy for treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Compared with MED patients, long-term satisfaction is slightly lower in the PLD patients; complications, hospitalization duration, and costs in PLD group are also lower.« less

[The role of acoustic impedance test in the diagnosis for occupational noise induced deafness].

PubMed

Chen, H; Xue, L J; Yang, A C; Liang, X Y; Chen, Z Q; Zheng, Q L

2018-01-20

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of acoustic impedance test and its diagnostic role for occupational noise induced deafness, in order to provide an objective basis for the differential diagnosis of occupational noise induced deafness. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the cases on the diagnosis of occupational noise-induced deafness in Guangdong province hospital for occupational disease prevention and treatment from January 2016 to January 2017. A total of 198 cases (396 ears) were divided into occupation disease group and non occupation disease group based on the diagnostic criteria of occupational noise deafness in 2014 edition, acoustic conductivity test results of two groups were compared including tympanograms types, external auditory canal volume, tympanic pressure, static compliance and slope. Results: In the occupational disease group, 204 ears were found to have 187 ears (91.67%) of type A, which were significantly higher than those in the non occupational disease group 143/192 (74.48%) , the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=21.038, P <0.01). Detection of Ad or As type, occupation disease group in other type were 16/204 (7.84%) , 3/204 (1.47%) , were lower than Ad or As type of occupation disease group (15.63%) , other type (9.38%) , the differences were statistically significant[ (χ(2)=5.834, P <0.05) , (χ(2)=12.306, P <0.01) ]. Occupation disease group canal volume average (1.68±0.39) ml higher than that of non occupation disease group (1.57 ± 0.47) ml, the difference was statistically significant ( t =2.756, P <0.01) ; occupation disease group mean static compliance (1.06±0.82) ml higher than that of non occupation disease group (0.89±0.64) ml. The difference was statistically singificant ( t =2.59, P <0.01) . Conclusion: We observed that acoustic impedance test had obvious auxiliary function in the differential diagnosis of occupational noise induced deafness, More than 90% of the confirmed cases showed an A-form tympanograms, it is one of the objective examination methods which can be used in the differential diagnosis of pseudo deafness.

Modified gastroduodenostomy in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy: a 'tornado' anastomosis.

PubMed

Kubota, Keisuke; Kuroda, Junko; Yoshida, Masashi; Okada, Akihiro; Nitori, Nobuhiro; Kitajima, Masaki

2013-01-01

This study was to examine the utility of a modified double-stapling end-to-end gastroduodenostomy method ('Tornado' anastomosis) compared to a method with an additional gastrotomy ('Anterior Incision' method) in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. Forty-two patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Billroth-I using an additional gastrotomy was performed in 24 patients (AI group) and Billroth-I without an additional gastrotomy was performed in 18 (TOR group). Clinicopathological features, operative outcomes (lymph node dissection, operative time, operative blood loss) and postoperative outcomes (complications, postoperative hospital stay, and body weight loss at one year after surgery) were evaluated and compared between groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the TOR group (251 min) than in the AI group (282 min) (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in operative blood loss, postoperative complications, and hospital stay between the 2 study groups. Body weight loss at one year after surgery was -5.8 kg in the TOR group and -6.5 kg in the AI group, without a statistically significant difference. Completion time for Billroth-I anastomosis was significantly shorter with Tornado anastomosis than with the Anterior Incision method, with safety equal between the two methods.

Comparison of photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia of -6 D or less using the Nidek EC-5000 laser.

PubMed

Fernández, A P; Jaramillo, J; Jaramillo, M

2000-01-01

We compared the efficacy, predictability, and safety of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the surgical correction of low and moderate myopia. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and manifest refraction 1 year after PRK or LASIK. All procedures were done using an automatic microkeratome (Chiron Ophthalmic) and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. PRK was performed in 75 eyes of 45 patients and LASIK in 133 eyes of 77 patients. Mean age for PRK patients was 32.8 years (range, 18 to 52 yr) and LASIK patients was 29.6 years (range, 18 to 49 yr). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction for PRK patients was -3.28 D (range, -1.00 to -6.00 D) and LASIK, -3.86 D (range, -1.00 to -6.00 D). One year after surgery, mean spherical equivalent refraction for Group 1 (baseline, -1.00 to -3.00 D) PRK eyes was -0.18 +/- 0.61 D (range, -1.50 to +0.75 D) and for LASIK eyes, -0.08 +/- 0.61 D (range, -1.50 to +1.62 D), with no statistically significant difference. For Group 2 eyes (baseline, -3.25 to -6.00 D), mean spherical equivalent refraction for PRK eyes was -0.44 +/- 0.87 D (range, -2.00 to +2.12 D) and for LASIK eyes, -0.09 +/- 0.83 D (range, -1.50 to +1.75 D), with no statistically significant difference. The antilogarithm of the mean UCVA (antilogUCVA) in Group 1 for PRK was 0.79 +/- 0.21 (20/25) and for LASIK was 0.87 +/- 0.19 (20/23), with no statistically significant difference. The antilogUCVA in Group 2 for PRK eyes was 0.70 +/- 0.24 (20/28) and for LASIK eyes was 0.83 +/- 0.18 (20/24), with a statistically significant difference (0.7 vs. 0.83, P < .005). The percentage of eyes with a postoperative UCVA >20/40 in Group 1 for PRK was 91.5% (38 eyes) and for LASIK was 95% (50 eyes) (no statistically significant difference), and in Group 2 for PRK eyes, it was 82% (27 eyes) and 97.5% (78 eyes) for LASIK (statistically significant difference, P < .05). PRK and LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser are effective and safe for correcting low to moderate myopia, but LASIK eyes showed better results for moderate myopia in terms of uncorrected visual acuity.

Evaluating a Health Educational First aid Program with the Implementation of Synchronous Distance Learning.

PubMed

Ponirou, Paraskevi; Diomidous, Marianna; Mantas, John; Kalokairinou, Athena; Kalouri, Ourania; Kapadochos, Theodoros; Tzavara, Chara

2014-01-01

The education in First Aid through health education programs can help in promoting the health of the population. Meanwhile, the development of alternative forms of education with emphasis on distance learning implemented with e-learning creates an innovative system of knowledge and skills in different population groups. The main purpose of this research proposal is to investigate the effectiveness of the educational program to candidates educators about knowledge and emergency preparedness at school. The study used the Solomon four group design (2 intervention groups and 2 control groups). Statistical analysis showed significant difference within the four groups. Intervention groups had improved significantly their knowledge showing that the program was effective and that they would eventually deal with a threatening situation with right handlings. There were no statistical significant findings regarding other independent variables (p>0,05).The health education program with the implementation of synchronous distance learning succeeded to enhance the knowledge of candidates educators.

Comparison of anastomotic leakage and stricture formation following layered and stapler oesophagogastric anastomosis for cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Zhang, Y S; Gao, B R; Wang, H J; Su, Y F; Yang, Y Z; Zhang, J H; Wang, C

2010-01-01

The objective of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, conducted from May 2002 to December 2007, was to compare post-operative anastomotic leakage and stricture formation following layered manual versus stapler oesophagogastric anastomosis in patients who underwent resection of oesophageal or gastric cardia carcinoma. Patients (n = 516) were randomized to receive either layered manual or circular stapled oesophagogastric anastomosis. Mean follow-up time was > 12 months. Anastomotic leakage occurred in one (0.4%) patient in the layered group and six (2.2%) in the stapler group; no statistically significant between-group difference. After operation, two (0.8%) patients in the layered group and 13 (5.0%) in the stapler group developed a benign oesophageal stricture; the difference between the groups was statistically significant. Compared with stapler anastomosis, layered manual anastomosis may significantly reduce the incidence of anastomotic strictures. This method is easy to apply and could be used as an alternative procedure for oesophagogastric anastomosis after resection for oesophageal or cardia carcinoma.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Serum and Tissue Galectin 3 Expression in Patients with Carcinoma of the Bladder

PubMed Central

Gendy, Hoda El; Madkour, Bothina; Abdelaty, Sara; Essawy, Fayza; Khattab, Dina; Hammam, Olfat; Nour, Hani H.

2014-01-01

Background Galectins are group of proteins found in the cytoplasm, nucleus, cell surface and extracellular matrix. Galectin 3 (Gal-3) displays pathological expression in a variety of processes such as tumorigenesis. Patients and Method 70 patients classified into the control group, cystitis group, transitional cell carcinoma group, and squamous cell carcinoma group were enrolled in this study which aimed to detect the serum level and the intensity of tissue expression of Gal-3. Results Both serum level and tissue expression of Gal-3 were statistically higher in bladder cancer patients compared to the other groups. Gal-3 level expression increased from low to high grade urothelial tumors, with a statistically significant increase of its level and expression between muscle invasive and non-muscle invasive Ta urothelial tumors. Conclusion The serum Gal-3 level is sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The prognostic significance of tissue expression is to be confirmed. PMID:26195948

Effects of concentrated growth factors (CGF) on the quality of the induced membrane in Masquelet's technique - An experimental study in rabbits.

PubMed

Yılmaz, Orkun; Özmeriç, Ahmet; Alemdaroğlu, Kadir Bahadır; Celepli, Pınar; Hücümenoğlu, Sema; Şahin, Özgür

2018-06-08

The aim of the study was to test if the addition of CGF to the Masquelet technique contributes to the quality of the membrane formed surrounding the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), in terms of inflammation, proliferation and vasculazition in the Masquelet technique in the early and late phases in a rabbit model. A critical bone defect of 15 mm was created in radius diaphysis, leaving 3 cm of intact bone to the joint. To mimic the Masquelet technique and to increase stability, a 6-hole 1.5 mm plate with two screws was applied, although it was initialy stable because of the inherently fixed ulna and radius both proximally and distally in the rabbits. Group 1 and Group 3, were soleley treated with the Masquelet technique as control groups, and were sacrificed at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. Group 2 and Group 4, were treated with the Masquelet technique + CGF prepared from the rabbit blood groups, and were sacrificed at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. The groups were compared histopathologically and immunohistochemically, in respect of the means of thickness of the membrane and ratio of elastic fibers, membrane vascularization (CD31), inflammation (MAC387), proliferation (Ki67), and presence of stem cells (STRO-1). Thickness of the membrane and CD31 values were significantly higher in Group 4 than Group 3 (p = 0.004 for both). MAC387 was statistically significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 and Group 4 compared to Group 3 (p = 0.04 for both). Ki67 was significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 and Group 4 compared to Group 3 (p = 0.05 and p = 0.006, respectively). Proliferation in the membrane was statistically significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (p = 0.05). Likewise, the proliferation index of Group 4 was statistically significantly higher than Group 3 (p = 0.06). STRO-1 was significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (p = 0036). The addition of CGF to the Masquelet technique contributes to the quality of the membrane formed, in respect of inducing inflammation and proliferation, maintaining vascularization on large diaphyseal bone defects, and increasing the number of stem cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical efficacy of a spray containing hyaluronic Acid and dexpanthenol after surgery in the nasal cavity (septoplasty, simple ethmoid sinus surgery, and turbinate surgery).

PubMed

Gouteva, Ina; Shah-Hosseini, Kija; Meiser, Peter

2014-01-01

Background. This prospective, controlled, parallel-group observational study investigated the efficacy of a spray containing hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to optimise regular treatment after nasal cavity surgery in 49 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods. The control group received standard therapy. Mucosal regeneration was determined using rhinoscopy sum score (RSS). Pre- and postoperative nasal patency was tested using anterior rhinomanometry. The participants were questioned about their symptoms. Results. Regarding all RSS parameters (dryness, dried nasal mucus, fibrin deposition, and obstruction), mucosal regeneration achieved good final results in both groups, tending to a better improvement through the spray application, without statistically significant differences during the whole assessment period, the mean values being 7.04, 5.00, 3.66, and 3.00 (intervention group) and 7.09, 5.14, 4.36, and 3.33 (control group). No statistically significant benefit was identified for nasal breathing, foreign body sensation, and average rhinomanometric volume flow, which improved by 12.31% (control group) and 11.24% (nasal spray group). Conclusion. The investigational product may have additional benefit on postoperative mucosal regeneration compared to standard cleaning procedures alone. However, no statistically significant advantage could be observed in this observational study. Double-blind, controlled studies with larger populations will be necessary to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality.

Clinical Efficacy of a Spray Containing Hyaluronic Acid and Dexpanthenol after Surgery in the Nasal Cavity (Septoplasty, Simple Ethmoid Sinus Surgery, and Turbinate Surgery)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background. This prospective, controlled, parallel-group observational study investigated the efficacy of a spray containing hyaluronic acid and dexpanthenol to optimise regular treatment after nasal cavity surgery in 49 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods. The control group received standard therapy. Mucosal regeneration was determined using rhinoscopy sum score (RSS). Pre- and postoperative nasal patency was tested using anterior rhinomanometry. The participants were questioned about their symptoms. Results. Regarding all RSS parameters (dryness, dried nasal mucus, fibrin deposition, and obstruction), mucosal regeneration achieved good final results in both groups, tending to a better improvement through the spray application, without statistically significant differences during the whole assessment period, the mean values being 7.04, 5.00, 3.66, and 3.00 (intervention group) and 7.09, 5.14, 4.36, and 3.33 (control group). No statistically significant benefit was identified for nasal breathing, foreign body sensation, and average rhinomanometric volume flow, which improved by 12.31% (control group) and 11.24% (nasal spray group). Conclusion. The investigational product may have additional benefit on postoperative mucosal regeneration compared to standard cleaning procedures alone. However, no statistically significant advantage could be observed in this observational study. Double-blind, controlled studies with larger populations will be necessary to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality. PMID:25104962

FACTORS RELATED TO ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN ELDERLY USERS AND NON-USERS OF REMOVABLE DENTAL PROSTHESES.

PubMed

Bianchi, Cyra Maria Pires de Carvalho; Bianchi, Hélcio Aparecido; Tadano, Tomoko; Paula, Claudete Rodrigues de; Hoffmann-Santos, Hugo Dias; Leite, Diniz Pereira; Hahn, Rosane Christine

2016-01-01

This study examined the association between oral candidiasis in elderly users and nonusers of prosthesis and its predisposing factors. To this end, we performed a cross-sectional study where saliva samples from 48 patients were collected they used prosthesis and 43 patients (control group) who did not use. Among the 91 patients, Candida spp were isolated in 40 (83.3%) who used prosthesis and in 23 (53.5%) in the control group. A statistically significant association was determined between the two groups, the isolation of yeasts and dental prosthesis (p < 0.05, OR = 4.3). The most common etiological agent was Candida albicans (37 isolates), with 23 (62.2%) in the denture group and 14 (37.8%) (control group). Among patients who presented clinical manifestations of oral candidiasis (n = 24), 83.3% (n = 20) belonged to the group that wore dentures, while only 16.7% (n = 4) belonged to the control group. Elderly patients with diabetes had 4.4 times higher estimated risk of developing oral candidiasis when compared with individuals without this condition. There was no statistically significant association between being user prostheses and have diabetes with the onset of candidiasis. No statistically significant association was determined between xerostomia, use of prosthesis and oral candidiasis. The use of prosthetics and poor oral hygiene in elderly patients predisposes to the development of oral candidiasis.

FACTORS RELATED TO ORAL CANDIDIASIS IN ELDERLY USERS AND NON-USERS OF REMOVABLE DENTAL PROSTHESES

PubMed Central

BIANCHI, Cyra Maria Pires de Carvalho; BIANCHI, Hélcio Aparecido; TADANO, Tomoko; de PAULA, Claudete Rodrigues; HOFFMANN-SANTOS, Hugo Dias; LEITE, Diniz Pereira; HAHN, Rosane Christine

2016-01-01

This study examined the association between oral candidiasis in elderly users and nonusers of prosthesis and its predisposing factors. To this end, we performed a cross-sectional study where saliva samples from 48 patients were collected they used prosthesis and 43 patients (control group) who did not use. Among the 91 patients, Candida spp were isolated in 40 (83.3%) who used prosthesis and in 23 (53.5%) in the control group. A statistically significant association was determined between the two groups, the isolation of yeasts and dental prosthesis (p < 0.05, OR = 4.3). The most common etiological agent was Candida albicans (37 isolates), with 23 (62.2%) in the denture group and 14 (37.8%) (control group). Among patients who presented clinical manifestations of oral candidiasis (n = 24), 83.3% (n = 20) belonged to the group that wore dentures, while only 16.7% (n = 4) belonged to the control group. Elderly patients with diabetes had 4.4 times higher estimated risk of developing oral candidiasis when compared with individuals without this condition. There was no statistically significant association between being user prostheses and have diabetes with the onset of candidiasis. No statistically significant association was determined between xerostomia, use of prosthesis and oral candidiasis. The use of prosthetics and poor oral hygiene in elderly patients predisposes to the development of oral candidiasis. PMID:27007560

Efficacy of a composite biological age score to predict ten-year survival among Kansas and Nebraska Mennonites.

PubMed

Uttley, M; Crawford, M H

1994-02-01

In 1980 and 1981 Mennonite descendants of a group of Russian immigrants participated in a multidisciplinary study of biological aging. The Mennonites live in Goessel, Kansas, and Henderson, Nebraska. In 1991 the survival status of the participants was documented by each church secretary. Data are available for 1009 individuals, 177 of whom are now deceased. They ranged from 20 to 95 years in age when the data were collected. Biological ages were computed using a stepwise multiple regression procedure based on 38 variables previously identified as being related to survival, with chronological age as the dependent variable. Standardized residuals place participants in either a predicted-younger or a predicted-older group. The independence of the variables biological age and survival status is tested with the chi-square statistic. The significance of biological age differences between surviving and deceased Mennonites is determined by t test values. The two statistics provide consistent results. Predicted age group classification and survival status are related. The group of deceased participants is generally predicted to be older than the group of surviving participants, although neither statistic is significant for all subgroups of Mennonites. In most cases, however, individuals in the predicted-older groups are at a relatively higher risk of dying compared with those in the predicted-younger groups, although the increased risk is not always significant.

[Clinical profile of cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome].

PubMed

De Lima, D B; Fernandes, O; Gomes, V R; Da Silva, E J; De Pinho, P R; De Paiva, D D

2000-01-01

To determine the clinical profile of CMV colitis in AIDS patients, comparing clinical, endoscopic parameters and survival time between 2 groups of AIDS patients having chronic diarrhea. Group A being CMV colitis and group B without CMV colitis. 48 patients with diarrhea that lasted more than 30 days, being 27 in Group A and 21 in Group B, were studied. Age, risk factors, interval time between the diagnosis of HIV infection and the beginning of diarrhea, hematochesia, the endoscopic findings and life table in both groups, were analysed. All of them were diagnosed by stool culture and stools for ovum and parasites, along colonoscopy with biopsies. The unpaired t test was used to assess statistical significance of differences observed in the means of continuous and the chi-square with Yates correction for non-parametric variables. The survival curves were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier and the Mantel-Haenszel's tests. A P value of less than 0,05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The mucosal lesions associated with the CMV infection are typically ulcerative on a background of hemorrhagic erythema 14 (51,8%) p < 0,01. The life table analysis disclosed shorter survival time in the CMV colitis group 0,005> P>0,001. The others studied data did not achieve statistical significance. AIDS patients with CMV colitis have a poorer long-term survival. Among the colonoscopic findings, ulcerations with hemorrhagic background were the most common lesions.

Investigation of the potential carcinogenicity of a range of chromium containing materials on rat lung.

PubMed Central

Levy, L S; Martin, P A; Bidstrup, P L

1986-01-01

Twenty one chromium containing materials were examined for carcinogenic activity in a two year study using an intrabronchial pellet implantation system whereby pellets loaded with test material were surgically implanted into the lower left bronchus of rats. The principal aim of the study was to extend our knowledge of the carcinogenic potential of chromium compounds and, in particular, chromates (Cr6+). A statistically significant incidence of treatment related lung tumours was found with some sparingly soluble chromate materials. All tumours were large keratinizing squamous carcinomas of the left lung, except for a single left lung adenocarcinoma and two left lung anaplastic carcinomas. No bronchial carcinomas (0/100) were seen in the negative control group (blank pellet loaded with cholesterol), whereas bronchial carcinomas (22/48 and 25/100) occurred in the two positive control groups which received pellets loaded with 20-methylcholanthrene and calcium chromate respectively. Among the 20 test materials, only three groups gave statistically significant numbers of bronchial carcinomas. Two of these were groups receiving different samples of strontium chromate which gave 43/99 and 62/99 tumours. The third group, zinc chromate (low solubility), gave 5/100 bronchial carcinomas. A further zinc chromate group (Norge composition) produced 3/100 bronchial carcinomas which was not statistically significant. A few lung tumours were observed in other test groups. Images PMID:3964573

An evaluation of shear bond strength of self-etch adhesive on pre-etched enamel: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Rao, Bhadra; Reddy, Satti Narayana; Mujeeb, Abdul; Mehta, Kanchan; Saritha, G

2013-11-01

To determine the shear bond strength of self-etch adhesive G-bond on pre-etched enamel. Thirty caries free human mandibular premolars extracted for orthodontic purpose were used for the study. Occlusal surfaces of all the teeth were flattened with diamond bur and a silicon carbide paper was used for surface smoothening. The thirty samples were randomly grouped into three groups. Three different etch systems were used for the composite build up: group 1 (G-bond self-etch adhesive system), group 2 (G-bond) and group 3 (Adper single bond). Light cured was applied for 10 seconds with a LED unit for composite buildup on the occlusal surface of each tooth with 8 millimeters (mm) in diameter and 3 mm in thickness. The specimens in each group were tested in shear mode using a knife-edge testing apparatus in a universal testing machine across head speed of 1 mm/ minute. Shear bond strength values in Mpa were calculated from the peak load at failure divided by the specimen surface area. The mean shear bond strength of all the groups were calculated and statistical analysis was carried out using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The mean bond strength of group 1 is 15.5 Mpa, group 2 is 19.5 Mpa and group 3 is 20.1 Mpa. Statistical analysis was carried out between the groups using one-way ANOVA. Group 1 showed statistically significant lower bond strength when compared to groups 2 and 3. No statistical significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). Self-etch adhesive G-bond showed increase in shear bond strength on pre-etched enamel.

[Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided or neurostimulator-guided bilateral axillary brachial plexus block].

PubMed

Xu, C S; Zhao, X L; Zhou, H B; Qu, Z J; Yang, Q G; Wang, H J; Wang, G

2017-10-17

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of bilateral axillary brachial plexus block under the guidance of ultrasound or neurostimulator. Methods: From February 2012 to April 2014, 120 patients undergoing bilateral hand/forearm surgery in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were enrolled and anaesthetized with bilateral axillary brachial plexus block. All patients were divided into two groups randomly using random number table: the ultrasound-guided group (group U, n =60) and the neurostimulator-guidedgroup (group N, n =60). The block was performed with 0.5% ropivacaine. Patients' age, sex and operation duration were recorded. Moreover, success rate, performance time, onset of sensor and motor block, performance pain, patient satisfaction degree and the incidence of related complications were also documented. Venous samples were collected at selected time points and the total and the plasma concentrations of ropivacaine were analyzed with HPLC. Results: The performance time, the onset of sensor block and the onset of motor block of group U were (8.2±1.5), (14.2± 2.2)and (24.0±3.5)min respectively, which were markedly shorter than those in group N( (14.6±3.9), (19.9±3.8), (28.8±4.2)min, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant( t =11.74, 10.09, 6.73, respectively, all P <0.01). The performance pain score of group N was (25.5± 13.2), which was obviously more serious than group U (31.7± 11.2) and a significant statistical difference was detected ( t =2.856, P <0.05). The patient satisfaction degree of group U was 95.0%, which was significantly higher than group N (83.3%) and a markedly statistical difference was detected (χ(2)=4.227, P <0.05). Fifty min after performance, the total plasma concentration of ropivacaine of group U was(1.76±0.48)mg/L, which was significantly lower than group N (1.88±0.53)mg/L and a significant statistical difference was detected ( t =2.43, P <0.05), while no significant differences were detected at the other time points between two groups ( P >0.05). No analgesic was superadded and no other anesthesia methods were applied. No complications were detected perioperatively. Conclusions: The bilateral axillary brachial plexus block under the guidance of ultrasound or neurostimulator are both effective and safe for bilateral hand/forearm surgery. However, the ultrasound-guided block may be more clinically beneficial because of its shorter performance time, rapid onset and higher patient satisfaction degree.

Superimpositional assessment of treatment-associated changes in the temporomandibular joint and the mandibular symphysis.

PubMed

Baumrind, S; Korn, E L; Isaacson, R J; West, E E; Molthen, R

1983-12-01

This article analyzes differences in the measured displacement of the condyle and of progonion when different vectors of force are delivered to the maxilla in the course of non-full-banded, Phase 1, mixed-dentition treatment for the correction of Class II malocclusion. The 238-case sample is identical to that for which changes in other parameters of facial form have been reported previously. Relative to superimposition on anterior cranial base and measured in a Frankfort-plane-determined coordinate system, we have attempted to identify and quantitate (1) the displacement of each structure which results from local remodeling and (2) the displacement of each structure which occurs as a secondary consequence of changes in other regions of the skull. We have also attempted to isolate treatment effects from those attributable to spontaneous growth and development. At the condyle, we note that in all three treatment groups and in the control group there is a small but real downward and backward displacement of the glenoid fossa. This change is not treatment induced but, rather, is associated with spontaneous growth and development. (See Fig. 5.) Some interesting differences in pattern of "growth at the condyle" were noted between samples. In the intraoral (modified activator) sample, there were small but statistically significant increases in growth rate as compared to the untreated group of Class II controls. To our surprise, similar statistically significant increases over the growth rate of the control group were noted in the cervical sample. (See Table III, variables 17 and 18.) Small but statistically significant differences between treatments were also noted in the patterns of change at pogonion. As compared to the untreated control group, the rate of total displacement in the modified activator group was significantly greater in the forward direction, while the rate of total displacement in the cervical group was significantly greater in the downward direction. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of total displacement of pogonion between the high-pull sample and the control sample. (See Table IV, variables 21 and 22.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of Bio-Gen with biocollagen compared with Bio-Gen with connective tissue in the treatment of class II furcation defects: a randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

JENABIAN, Niloofar; HAGHANIFAR, Sina; MABOUDI, Avideh; BIJANI, Ali

2013-01-01

Objective Treatment of furcation defects are thought to be challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic parameters of Bio-Gen with Biocollagen compared with Bio-Gen with connective tissue in the treatment of Class II furcation defects. Material and Methods In this clinical trial, 24 patients with Class II furcation defect on a buccal or lingual mandibular molar were recruited. After oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing and achievement of acceptable plaque control, the patients were randomly chosen to receive either connective tissue and Bio-Gen (case group) or Biocollagen and Bio-Gen (control group). The following parameters were recorded before the first and re-entry surgery (six months later): vertical clinical attachment level (VCAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), horizontal probing depth (HPD), vertical probing depth (VPD), gingival recession (GR), furcation vertical component (FVC), furcation to alveolar crest (FAC), fornix to base of defect (FBD), and furcation horizontal component (FHC) were calculated at the time of first surgery and during re-entry. A digital periapical radiograph was taken in parallel before first surgery and re-entry. The radiographs were then analyzed by digital subtraction. The differences with p value <0.05 were considered significant. Results Only the mean changes of FAC, FHC, mean of FHC, FBD in re-entry revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups. HPD, VPD, FBD, FAC, and FHC showed statistically significant differences after 6 months in the case group. However, in the control group, statistically significant differences were found in GR and HPD. We did not observe any significant difference in radiographic changes among the two groups. Conclusion The results of this trial indicate that better clinical outcomes can be obtained with connective tissue grafts in combination with bone material compared with a resorbable barrier with bone material. The differences in radiographic changes between the two groups, however, were not statistically significant. PMID:24212988

Correlation analysis between 2D and quasi-3D gamma evaluations for both intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy

PubMed Central

Kim, Jung-in; Choi, Chang Heon; Wu, Hong-Gyun; Kim, Jin Ho; Kim, Kyubo; Park, Jong Min

2017-01-01

The aim of this work was to investigate correlations between 2D and quasi-3D gamma passing rates. A total of 20 patients (10 prostate cases and 10 head and neck cases, H&N) were retrospectively selected. For each patient, both intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated. For each plan, 2D gamma evaluation with radiochromic films and quasi-3D gamma evaluation with fluence measurements were performed with both 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm criteria. Gamma passing rates were grouped together according to delivery techniques and treatment sites. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the correlation between 2D and quasi-3D gamma evaluations. Statistically significant difference was observed between delivery techniques only in the quasi-3D gamma passing rates with 2%/2 mm. Statistically significant differences were observed between treatment sites in the 2D gamma passing rates (differences of less than 8%). No statistically significant correlations were observed between 2D and quasi-3D gamma passing rates except the VMAT group and the group including both IMRT and VMAT with 3%/3 mm (r = 0.564 with p = 0.012 for theVMAT group and r = 0.372 with p = 0.020 for the group including both IMRT and VMAT), however, those were not strong. No strong correlations were observed between 2D and quasi-3D gamma evaluations. PMID:27690300

Saliva, Serum Levels of Interleukin-21, -33 and Prostaglandin E2 in Patients with Generalised Aggressive or Chronic Periodontitis.

PubMed

Gümüş, Pınar; Nizam, Nejat; Nalbantsoy, Ayşe; Özçaka, Özgün; Buduneli, Nurcan

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate saliva, serum levels of interleukin-21 (IL-21), IL-33, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in patients with generalised chronic periodontitis or aggressive periodontitis. Before initiation of any periodontal treatment, saliva and serum samples were collected and clinical periodontal measurements were recorded from 94 participants (25 aggressive periodontitis patients, 25 chronic periodontitis patients, 44 periodontally healthy individuals). IL-21, IL-33 and PGE2 levels in serum and saliva samples were determined by ELISA. Data were tested statistically using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U-, and Spearman-rho rank tests. Saliva IL-33 levels were statistically significantly higher in the chronic than the aggressive group (p < 0.05). Serum IL-33, saliva and serum IL-21 and PGE2 levels were similar in the two periodontitis groups. Saliva IL-33 levels correlated with age in the chronic periodontitis group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant positive correlations were found between serum, saliva PGE2 levels and plaque index (p < 0.05). IL-33 and IL-21 levels in serum samples positively correlated in the periodontitis groups (p < 0.05). IL-21 and PGE2 analysis did not exhibit discriminating data between generalised chronic and aggressive periodontitis, but the present findings support the role of these cytokines in periodontitis. Statistically significantly higher saliva IL-33 levels in the chronic periodontitis group warrant further research.

[Effect of early nutrition on growth parameters and psychomotor development of children of very low birth weight].

PubMed

Kocourková, I; Sobotková, D; Pilarová, M; Dittrichová, J; Vondrácek, J; Stranák, Z

2004-12-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate influence of early nutrition on growth parameters and psychomotor development of children with very low birth weight (VLBW). A prospective clinical study. Institute for Care of Mother and Child, Prague. Thirty nine children of birth weight 1,000-1,499 were followed up to one year of their corrected age in a prospective study. The group was divided in two groups according to type of nutrition: 17 children (group A) were fed with milk of own mother - "preterm milk", 22 children (group B) were orally fed with mature milk from the Bank of mother milk - "term milk", which was fortified with BMF preparation (Nutricia, Netherlands). Both groups were comparable in basic anthropometric parameters (weight, lenght, circumference of head and thotax) and in psychosocial characteristics of their mothers. Growths parameters were monitored in weekly intervals for approximatelly eight weeks. In the period between 11th and 15th month of corrected age, the children were evaluated by a clinical psychologist on a blind basis in mental a motor development by using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II). Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square test and t-test. No statistically significant differences between the two groups in evaluating the growth parameters were observed. The psychological examination demonstrated statistically significant differences in the motor development. The psychomotor developmental index (PVI) proved to be 84.4 +/- 14.6 in the group A and 94.3 +/- 12.5 in the group B (t-test = 2.28, p<0.05). There was not any statistically significent difference in metal development between the two groups. The mean mentel developmental index (MVI) was 98.2 +/- 10.2 in the A group and 101.0 +/- 13.3 in the group B. Result of the study indicate favorable effect of fortification of breast milk in VLBW newborns, especially in view of the observed favorable influence of fortfication on motor development of the children.

Gingival enlargement in different age groups during fixed Orthodontic treatment

PubMed Central

Eid, Hossam A; Assiri, Hassan Ahmed M; Kandyala, Reena; Togoo, Rafi A; Turakhia, Viral S

2014-01-01

Background: During fixed orthodontic therapy, adolescents tend to have higher chances of gingivitis and gingival enlargement (GE) compared to adults. A cross sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the above hypothesis, by assessing GE in patients of different age groups receiving fixed orthodontic therapy. Materials & Methods: Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were selected by simple random sampling from the King Khalid University College of Dentistry out patient’s clinic of preventive dental sciences division to form the study group. Participant’s were divided into three age groups and GE was graded as 0, 1 and 2 as per the classification of the American Academy of Periodontology. Data were analyzed by using IBM SPSS version 16.0 (Statistical Package for Social Services, Chicago, IL, USA) and descriptive statistics were obtained. Differences in proportions were compared using the Chi-square test and the significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: 62.3% (n=33) were males and 37.7% (n=20) were females. Group 1 had 21 patients (39.7%); Group 2 had 24 patients (45.3%) and Group 3 had 8 patients (15.1%).The highest frequency (48%) of GE was observed among the Group 1 age group (10-19 years). Differences in frequency of GE according to age groups were found to be statistically significant (p=0.046).Differences in GE according to the frequency of practicing oral hygiene measures were statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Highest frequency of GE was observed among the adolescents. The patients who practiced oral hygiene measures more than three times daily did not have any GE. On the other hand, those who brushed and flossed only once daily had the highest percentage of grade 2 GE. How to cite the article: Eid HA, Assiri HA, Kandyala R, Togoo RA, Turakhia VS. Gingival enlargement in different age groups during fixed Orthodontic treatment. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):1-4. PMID:24653595

Anterior midline point stop device (AMPS) in the treatment of myogenous TMDs: comparison with the stabilization splint and control group.

PubMed

Al Quran, Firas A M; Kamal, Mudar S

2006-06-01

Two occlusal splints, the full-arch stabilization splint and the anterior midline point stop (AMPS) device, were evaluated for their efficiency in relieving myogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMD). One hundred and fourteen patients with myogenous TMD were distributed into 3 groups. The first group was treated with the AMPS device, the second with the stabilization splint, and the third group was the control group. Pain intensity was scored using the visual analogue scale before treatment and 1 month and 3 months after treatment. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, Ill) and multiple comparisons tests were used to compare results before and after treatment and to compare the groups. The use of AMPS device in the first group resulted in a significant improvement after 1 month and 3 months (P < or = .001) and showed a 56.66% pain reduction. A significant improvement was also noticed in the second group (P = .001) with a 47.71% pain reduction. Although pain reduction percentage appeared more in the first group, this was not statistically significant. There was a highly significant difference between groups treated with both kinds of splints and the control group. It was concluded that both types of occlusal splints are beneficial to patients with myogenous TMD.

Serum adipokines and HIV viral replication in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy

PubMed Central

Aramă, Victoria; Tilişcan, Cătălin; Ion, Daniela Adriana; Mihăilescu, Raluca; Munteanu, Daniela; Streinu-Cercel, Anca; Tudor, Ana Maria; Hristea, Adriana; Leoveanu, Viorica; Olaru, Ioana; Aramă, Ştefan Sorin

2012-01-01

Introduction Several studies have reported that cytokines secreted by adipose tissue (adipokines) may be linked to HIV replication. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between HIV replication and serum levels of adipokines, in a Caucasian HIV-infected population of men and women undergoing complex antiretroviral therapy. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in an unselected sample of 77 HIV-1-positive patients. Serum adipokines levels were measured including circulating adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 - with undetectable viral load and Group 2 - with persistent HIV viral replication. Differences between groups ? were tested using independent-sample t-test for Gaussian variables and Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test for non-parametric variables. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for correlation analysis. Results A total of 77 patients (age range: 17-65, mean: 32.5 years) including 44 men (57.1% men, age range: 17–63 years, mean: 34.1 years) and 33 women (42.9% women age range: 19–65 years, mean: 30.3 years) were included in the study. TNF-alpha had significantly higher serum levels in patients with detectable viral load (16.89 vs. 9.35 pg/mL), (p=0.043), but correlation analysis lacked statistical significance. Adiponectin had median serum levels of 9.22 ìg/mL in Group 1 vs. 16.50 ìg/mL in Group 2 but the results lacked statistical significance (p=0.059). Higher leptin, IL-6 and resistin serum levels were noted in patients with undetectable HIV viral load, without statistical significance. Conclusions The present study reported higher TNF-alpha serum levels in patients with persistent HIV viral load. We found no statistically significant correlations between adiponectin, leptin, resistin and IL-6 and HIV viral load in our Caucasian HIV-positive study population, undergoing antiretroviral therapy. PMID:24432258

Subacromial injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid for the treatment of symptomatic partial rotator cuff tears.

PubMed

Shams, Ahmed; El-Sayed, Mohamed; Gamal, Osama; Ewes, Waled

2016-12-01

Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of chronic shoulder pain and disability. They significantly affect the quality of life. Reduced pain and improved function are the goals of conventional therapy, which includes relative rest, pain therapy, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections and surgical intervention. Tendons have a relative avascular nature; hence, their regenerative potential is limited. There is some clinical evidence that the application of autologous platelets may help to revascularize the area of injury in rotator cuff pathologies. This prospective randomized controlled study was done to evaluate the results of subacromial injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus corticosteroid injection therapy in 40 patients with symptomatic partial rotator cuff tears. All patients were assessed before injection, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after injection, using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. An MRI was performed before and 6 months after the injection for all the included patients and was graded on 0-5 scale. Both injection groups showed statistically significantly better clinical outcomes over time compared with those before injection. There was a statistically significant difference between RPP group and corticosteroid group 12 weeks after injection, regarding VAS, ASES, CMS and SST in favor of the RPP group. MRI showed an overall slight nonsignificant improvement in grades of tendinopathy/tear in both groups, however, without statistically significant differences between the two groups. PRP injections showed earlier better results as compared to corticosteroid injections, although statistically significant better results after 6 months could not be found. Therefore, subacromial RPP injection could be considered as a good alternative to corticosteroid injection, especially in patients with a contraindication to corticosteroid administration. II.

A comparative evaluation of efficacy of protaper universal rotary retreatment system for gutta-percha removal with or without a solvent.

PubMed

Kumar, M Sita Ram; Sajjan, Girija S; Satish, Kalyan; Varma, K Madhu

2012-09-01

The aim was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system with or without solvent and stainless steel hand files for endodontic filling removal from root canals and also to compare retreatment time for each system. Thirty extracted mandibular premolars with single straight canals were endodontically treated. Teeth were divided into three major groups, having 10 specimens each. Removal of obturating material in group 1 by stainless steel hand files with RC Solve, group 2 by ProTaper Universal retreatment instruments and group 3 by ProTaper Universal retreatment instruments along with RC solve was done. Retreatment was considered complete for all groups when no filling material was observed on the instruments. The retreatment time was recorded for each tooth. All specimens were grooved longitudinally in a buccolingual direction. The split halves were examined under a stereomicroscope and images were captured and analyzed. The remaining filling debris area ratios were considered for statistical analysis. With ANOVA test, statistical analysis showed that there was statistically no significant difference regarding the amount of filling remnants between the groups (P < 0.05). Differences between the means of groups are statistically significant regarding the retreatment time. Irrespective of the technique used, all the specimens had some remnants on the root canal wall. ProTaper Universal retreatment system files alone proved to be faster than the other experimental groups.

Population data of five genetic markers in the Turkish population: comparison with four American population groups.

PubMed

Kurtuluş-Ulküer, M; Ulküer, U; Kesici, T; Menevşe, S

2002-09-01

In this study, the phenotype and allele frequencies of five enzyme systems were determined in a total of 611 unrelated Turkish individuals and analyzed by using the exact and the chi 2 test. The following five red cell enzymes were identified by cellulose acetate electrophoresis: phosphoglucomutase (PGM), adenosine deaminase (ADA), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), adenylate kinase (AK), and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD). The ADA, PGM and AK enzymes were found to be polymorphic in the Turkish population. The results of the statistical analysis showed, that the phenotype frequencies of the five enzyme under study are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Statistical analysis was performed in order to examine whether there are significant differences in the phenotype frequencies between the Turkish population and four American population groups. This analysis showed, that there are some statistically significant differences between the Turkish and the other groups. Moreover, the observed phenotype and allele frequencies were compared with those obtained in other population groups of Turkey.

The effects of BleedArrest on hemorrhage control in a porcine model.

PubMed

Gegel, Brian; Burgert, James; Loughren, Michael; Johnson, Don

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the hemostatic agent BleedArrest compared to control. This was a prospective, experimental design employing an established porcine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage. The minimum number of animals (n=10 per group) was used to obtain a statistically valid result. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (P>.05) indicating that the groups were equivalent on the following parameters: activating clotting time, the subject weights, core body temperatures, amount of one minute hemorrhage, arterial blood pressures, and the amount and percentage of total blood volume. There were significant differences in the amount of hemorrhage (P=.033) between the BleedArrest (mean=72, SD±72 mL) and control (mean=317.30, SD±112.02 mL). BleedArrest is statistically and clinically superior at controlling hemorrhage compared to the standard pressure dressing control group. In conclusion, BleedArrest is an effective hemostatic agent for use in civilian and military trauma management.

Effects of a Minimal Workplace Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors and Improve Perceived Wellness in Middle-Aged Women Office Workers.

PubMed

Urda, Joyan L; Lynn, Jeffrey S; Gorman, Andrea; Larouere, Beth

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an alert to get up once per hour while at work would reduce sitting time, increase sit-to-stand transitions, and improve perceived wellness in women with sedentary jobs. Female university staff and administrators (48 ± 10 years) were randomly assigned to control-control (CC) (n = 22) or control-intervention (CI) (n = 22) groups. Both used a thigh-worn postural-based activity monitor for 2 weeks. The CC group maintained normal behaviors, whereas the CI group maintained behaviors during control week, but received hourly alerts on their computer during work hours in the intervention week. Time sitting and sit-to-stand transitions during an 8.5-hour workday were examined. A perceived wellness survey was completed at baseline and after the control and intervention weeks. Among all participants (N = 44) during the control week, 68% of the workday was spent sitting and 41 sit-to-stand transitions occurred. An analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in variables over time (P > .05). There was a significant increase in perceived wellness from baseline in both groups (P ≤ .05). Perceived wellness showed no statistically significant difference between groups. The intervention had no statistically significant effect on sitting time or sit-to-stand transitions. Participation improved perceived wellness in the absence of behavior change.

Relationship between post-extraction pain and acute pulpitis: a randomised trial using third molars.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Dai, Yong-Bo; Wan, Peng-Cheng; Xu, Dong-Dong; Guo, Yi; Li, Zhi

2016-12-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between post-extraction pain and acute pulpitis in third molars. This study was a randomised controlled trial. Sixty patients requiring removal of a single maxillary third molar with acute pulpitis were included and randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 30); and group B (n = 30). In group A, third molars were directly extracted, and group B received endodontic therapy (pulp chamber opening and drainage) and underwent extraction 24 hours later, aiming to eliminate the acute inflammation. Another 30 patients requiring removal of a single maxillary third molar and with the same inclusion criteria but without caries or acute pulpitis were recruited into group C, in which the maxillary third molars were also directly extracted. The level of postoperative pain reported each day among the three groups was statistically evaluated. On the first, second and third days after surgery, there was a statistically significant difference between group A and group B and between group A and group C, but there was no statistically significant difference between group B and group C. The results of the present study indicate that there is more pain when third molars with acute pulpitis are directly removed compared with the pain level of the removal of third molars without acute pulpitis. © 2016 FDI World Dental Federation.

Effects of dietary methylmercury on juvenile Sacramento blackfish bioenergetics.

PubMed

Houck, Ann; Cech, Joseph J

2004-08-10

Although much is known about the biogeochemical cycling of mercury in the environment, relatively little is known about methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in fishes and how chronic sub-lethal exposures affect their functioning. Several species of fish in Clear Lake, California have high MeHg tissue levels, including Sacramento blackfish, Orthodon microlepidotus, a large native cyprinid that is fished commercially. We fed juvenile blackfish one of four diets containing MeHg (0.21 mg/kg control; 0.52 mg/kg low; 22.2 mg/kg medium; and 55.5 mg/kg high treatments) for 70 days. There were no statistical differences (P > 0.05) in food consumption among the treatment groups. By 35 days the high treatment group had a significantly depressed growth rate when compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and by 70 days both the medium and the high groups had significantly lower growth rates (P < 0.05). The high-dose group had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower specific growth rate (SGR) compared all other treatment groups at 35 days, although by 70 days these differences were not significant. The wet/dry muscle mass and muscle mass/total mass ratios, condition factor, and resting routine metabolic rates at both 35 and 70 days were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05) between treatment groups. All treatment groups assimilated the dietary MeHg into muscle tissue in a dose-dependent fashion. Percent assimilation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group at 35 days, (control 53%, low-dose 61%, medium-dose 50%, and high-dose 40%) but at 70 days assimilation was lower (35, 43, 42, and 32%, respectively) and statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Dietary MeHg concentrations and bioaccumulation rates were correlated (r2 = 0.98 at 35 days, 0.99 at 70 days). These results may contribute to construction of ecosystem mercury models and more informed natural resources management at Clear Lake.

Effect of proton pump inhibitors on gastric juice volume, gastric pH and gastric intramucosal pH in critically ill patients : a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Gursoy, Olcay; Memiş, Dilek; Sut, Necdet

2008-01-01

This study aimed to determine the effect of administration of a single-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on gastric intramucosal pH (pHi), gastric juice volume and gastric pH in critically ill patients. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 75 patients who were divided into five groups that received the following treatment: group C (n = 15), saline 100 mL; group O (n = 15), omeprazole 20 mg; group P (n = 15), pantoprazole 40 mg; group E (n = 15), esomeprazole 20 mg; and group R (n = 15), rabeprazole 20 mg. All treatments were administered nasogastrically in 100 mL of physiological saline. Measurements of gastric pHi, gastric juice volume and gastric pH were obtained immediately before and 2, 4 and 6 hours after administration of treatments. In addition, gastric content was aspirated and its volume was recorded. Initial gastric pHi, gastric juice volume and gastric pH values were not statistically significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference in gastric pHi was seen among the groups before or 2, 4 or 6 hours after saline or PPI administration. At hours 2, 4 and 6, gastric pH in the pantoprazole, esomeprazole and rabeprazole groups increased significantly, whereas gastric juice volume decreased significantly, compared with the omeprazole and placebo groups (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were seen between the pantoprazole, esomeprazole and rabeprazole groups. This is the first study to show that single-dose pantoprazole, esomeprazole and rabeprazole are associated with greater gastric pH increase and greater gastric juice volume decrease than omeprazole in critically ill patients. Our study also suggests that PPIs do not affect gastric pHi measurements in critically ill patients and can be administered during pH monitoring.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Orally Delivered Doxorubicin Nanoparticles in Rat Tongue Cancer Induced by 4-Nitroquinoline 1-Oxide

PubMed Central

Moradzadeh Khiavi, Monir; Rostami, Ahamd; Hamishekar, Hamed; Mesgari Abassi, Mehran; Aghbali, Amirala; Salehi, Roya; Abdollahi, Bita; Fotoohi, Soheila; Sina, Mahmud

2015-01-01

Purpose: Oral cancer is one of the most significant cancers in the world, and squamous cell carcinoma makes up about 94% of oral malignancies. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of doxorubicin plus methotrexate - loaded nanoparticles on tongue squamous cell carcinoma induced by 4NQO and compare it with the commercial doxorubicin and methotrexate delivered orally on seventy SD male rats. Methods: 70 rats were divided into five groups. During the study, the animals were weighed by a digital scale once a week. Number of mortalities was recorded in the data collection forms. At the end of the treatment, biopsy samples were taken from rat tongues in order to evaluate the severity of dysplasia and the extent of cell proliferation. The results were analyzed using ANOVA, descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in the mean weight of five groups (p>0.05). No significant relationship was found between groups and mortality rate (P = 0. 39). In addition, there was a significant relationship between groups and the degree of dysplasia (P <0.001). The statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between groups and the rate of cell proliferation (p <0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the use of doxorubicin plus methotrexate - loaded nanoparticles orally had more therapeutic effects than commercial doxorubicin plus methotrexate. PMID:26236659

Epidemiological study of metabolic syndrome and risk of diabetes mellitus in a rural family medicine practice in Bacau County.

PubMed

Diaa, Alamir; Popa, Elena; Bacusca, Agnes; Traian, Maria Gabriela; Petrovanu, Rodica; Coman, Adorata Elena

2014-01-01

This descriptive epidemiological study included 615 subjects investigated by their family doctor in the interval October 2011- August 2012. Patients were selected according to 2012 IDF diagnostic criteria resulting 304 patients. There was a Gaussian distribution of waist circumference (WC) with a maximum in age-group 70-80 years (46.3%), followed by age- groups 50-60 years (37.8%) and 60-70 years (41.6%). Waist circumference measurement showed an average of 100.76 +/- 11.59 cm, ranges 72 cm - 134 cm, without statistical significance. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.25 +/- 4.72 kg/m2 vs. 27.79 +/- 4.48 kg/m2. The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.05). Considering categorical the patients with hypertension (AHT) according to the definition, we found that only 7 cases did not have AHT (4.4%) as compared to a prevalence of AHT of 13.7% in the MS (metabolic syndrome) group. Mean serum triglyceride level was 123.11 +/- 68.55 mg/dl versus 113.75 +/- 65.62 mg/dl in the MS group, significantly higher (p < 0.003). Mean HDL cholesterol was 57.58 +/- 17.11 mg/dl versus 58.54 +/- 15.02 mg/dl, statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The prevalence of glucoregulation disorders is higher in the MS group. Proportional relationships were found between BMI, WC, and SBP and high blood glucose. Comparison of blood glucose levels at baseline and at 1 year follow up showed significant differences.

Comparison of safety, efficacy and tolerability of dexibuprofen and ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

PubMed

Zamani, Omid; Böttcher, Elke; Rieger, Jörg D; Mitterhuber, Johann; Hawel, Reinhold; Stallinger, Sylvia; Eller, Norbert

2014-06-01

In this observer-blinded, multicenter, non-inferiority study, 489 patients suffering from painful osteoarthritis of the hip or knee were included to investigate safety and tolerability of Dexibuprofen vs. Ibuprofen powder for oral suspension. Only patients who had everyday joint pain for the past 3 months and "moderate" to "severe" global pain intensity in the involved hip/knee of within the last 48 h were enrolled. The treatment period was up to 14 days with a control visit after 3 days. The test product was Dexibuprofen 400 mg powder for oral suspension (daily dose 800 mg) compared to Ibuprofen 400 mg powder for oral suspension (daily dose 1,600 mg). Gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions were reported in 8 patients (3.3 %) in the Dexibuprofen group and in 19 patients (7.8 %) in the Ibuprofen group. Statistically significant non-inferiority was shown for Dexibuprofen. Comparing both groups by a Chi square test showed a statistical significant lower proportion of related gastrointestinal events in the Dexibuprofen group. All analyses of secondary tolerability parameters showed the same result of a significantly better safety profile in this therapy setting for Dexibuprofen compared to Ibuprofen. The sum of pain intensity, pain relief and global assessments showed no significant difference between treatment groups. In summary, analyses revealed at least non-inferiority in terms of efficacy and a statistically significant better safety profile for the Dexibuprofen treatment.

[Effect of Al₂O₃ sandblasting on the bond strength between 3mol% yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal zirconia framework and veneering porcelain].

PubMed

Qiang, Zeng; Ning, Li; Yanan, Zhou; Jiazhen, Yan; Wenbo, Liu

2015-12-01

The effect of sandblasting on the bond strength between 3mol% yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal (3Y-TZP) zirconia framework and veneering porcelain was evaluated. A total of 21 specimens [(25 ± 1) mm x (3 ± 0.1) mmx (0.5 ± 0.05) mm] were prepared according to ISO 9693. The specimens were then randomly divided into 3 groups. Sandblasting was performed on 2 meshes of Al₂O₃ particles: group A with mesh 110 and group B with mesh 80. Group C, which was not sandblasted, was the control group. The surface roughness of the zirconia framework, as well as the bond strength between 3Y-TZP zirconia framework and veneering porcelain, was measured. The interface microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and elemental distribution was detected by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Surface roughness values were (1.272 ± 0.149) μm for group A, (0.622 ± 0.113) μm for group B, and (0.221 ± 0.065) μm for group C. Statistical significance were found among groups (P < 0.05). The bond strength values were (28.21 ± 1.52) MPa for group A, (27.71 ± 1.27) MPa for group B, and (24.87 ± 3.84) MPa for group C. Statistical significance was found between group A and group C (P < 0.05), whereas the other groups had no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Interface adhesion failure was the primary performance. SEM images showed the close interface bonding, and EDS showed that the interface had no obvious element penetration. Al₂O₃ sandblasting can slightly enhance the bond strength between zirconia framework and veneering porcelain.

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy: virtual reality training and learning curve.

PubMed

Wang, Zheng; Ni, Yuhua; Zhang, Yinan; Jin, Xunbo; Xia, Qinghua; Wang, Hanbo

2014-01-01

To explore the role that virtual reality training might play in the learning curve of laparoscopic varicocelectomy. A total of 1326 laparoscopic varicocelectomy cases performed by 16 participants from July 2005 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The participants were divided into 2 groups: group A was trained by laparoscopic trainer boxes; group B was trained by a virtual reality training course preoperatively. The operation time curves were drafted, and the learning, improving, and platform stages were divided and statistically confirmed. The operation time and number of cases in the learning and improving stages of both groups were compared. Testicular artery sparing failure and postoperative hydroceles rate were statistically analyzed for the confirmation of the learning curve. The learning curve of laparoscopic varicocelectomy was 15 cases, and with 14 cases more, it came into the platform stage. The number of cases for the learning stages of both groups showed no statistical difference (P=.49), but the operation time of group B for the learning stage was less than that of group A (P<.00001). The number of cases of group B for the improving stage was significantly less than that of group A (P=.005), but the operation time of both groups in the improving stage showed no difference (P=.30). The difference of testicular artery sparing failure rates among these 3 stages was proved significant (P<.0001), the postoperative hydroceles rate showed no statistical difference (P=.60). The virtual reality training shortened the operation time in the learning stage and hastened the trainees' steps in the improving stage, but did not shorten the learning curve as expected to.

NSK reciprocating handpiece: in vitro comparative analysis of dentinal removal during root canal preparation by different operators.

PubMed

Wagner, Márcia Helena; Barletta, Fernando Branco; Reis, Magda de Souza; Mello, Luciano Loureiro; Ferreira, Ronise; Fernandes, Antônio Luiz Rocha

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess dentin removal during root canal preparation by different operators using a NSK reciprocating handpiece. Eighty-four human single-rooted mandibular premolars were hand instrumented using Triple-Flex stainless-steel files (Kerr) up to #30, weighed in analytical balance and randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=21). All specimens were mechanically prepared at the working length with #35 to #45 Triple-Flex files (Kerr) coupled to a NSK (TEP-E10R, Nakanishi Inc.) reciprocating handpiece powered by an electric motor (Endo Plus; VK Driller). Groups 1 to 4 were prepared by a professor of Endodontics, an endodontist, a third-year dental student and a general dentist, respectively. Teeth were reweighed after root canal preparation. The difference between weights was calculated and the means of dentin removal in each group were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5 % significance level. The greatest amount of dentin removal was found in group 4, followed by groups 2, 3 and 1. Group 4 differed statistically from the other groups regarding dentin removal means [p<0.001 (group 1); p=0.005 (group 2); and p=0.001 (group 3)]. No statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 (p=0.608), 1 and 3 (p=0.914) and 2 and 3 (p=0.938). In conclusion, although the group prepared by a general dentist differed statistically from the other groups in terms of amount of dentin removal, this difference was clinically irrelevant. The NSK reciprocating handpiece powered by an electric engine was proved an effective auxiliary tool in root canal preparation, regardless of the operator's skills.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in HIV Infection.

PubMed

Hecht, Frederick M; Moskowitz, Judith T; Moran, Patricia; Epel, Elissa S; Bacchetti, Peter; Acree, Michael; Kemeny, Margaret E; Mendes, Wendy B; Duncan, Larissa G; Weng, Helen; Levy, Jay A; Deeks, Steven G; Folkman, Susan

2018-05-26

Evidence links depression and stress to more rapid progression of HIV-1 disease. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test whether an intervention aimed at improving stress management and emotion regulation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), would improve immunological (i.e. CD4+ t-cell counts) and psychological outcomes in persons with HIV-1 infection. We randomly assigned participants with HIV-1 infection and CD4 T-cell counts > 350 cells/μl who were not on antiretroviral therapy in a 1:1 ratio to either an MBSR group (n=89) or an HIV disease self-management skills group (n=88). The study was conducted at the University of California at San Francisco. We assessed immunologic (CD4, c-reactive protein, IL-6, and d-dimer) and psychological measures (Beck Depression Inventory for depression, modified Differential Emotions Scale for positive and negative affect, Perceived stress-scale, and mindfulness) at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation of the intervention; we used multiple imputation to address missing values. We observed statistically significant improvements from baseline to 3-months within the MBSR group in depression, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, and mindfulness; between group differences in change were significantly greater in the MBSR group only for positive affect (per item difference on DES-positive 0.25, 95% CI 0.049, 0.44, p = .015). By 12 months the between group difference in positive affect was not statistically significant, although both groups had trends toward improvements compared to baseline in several psychological outcomes that were maintained at 12-months; these improvements were only statistically significant for depression and negative affect in the MBSR group and perceived stress for the control group. The groups did not differ significantly on rates of antiretroviral therapy initiation (MBSR = 39%, control = 29%, p = .22). After 12 months, the mean decrease in CD4+ T-cell count was 49.6 cells/μl in participants in the MBSR arm, compared to 54.2 cells/μl in the control group, a difference of 4.6 cells favoring the MBSR group (95% CI, -44.6, 53.7, p=.85). The between group differences in other immunologic-related outcomes (c-reactive protein, IL-6, HIV-1 viral load, and d-dimer) were not statistically significant at any time point. MBSR improved positive affect more than an active control arm in the 3 months following the start of the intervention. However, this difference was not maintained over the 12-month follow-up and there were no significant differences in immunologic outcomes between intervention groups. These results emphasize the need for further carefully designed research if we are to translate evidence linking psychological states to immunological outcomes into evidence-based clinical practices. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effect of Preoperative Molding Helmet in Patients With Sagittal Synostosis.

PubMed

Hashmi, Asra; Marupudi, Neena I; Sood, Sandeep; Rozzelle, Arlene

2017-06-01

In our practice, the authors found that molding helmet used for plagiocephaly preoperatively, in patients with sagittal synostosis, decreased bathrocephaly, forehead bossing, and improved posterior vertex, as well as Cephalic Index (CI). This prompted us to investigate the impact of preoperative molding helmet in patients with sagittal synostosis. A prospective study was performed on patients undergoing surgical correction of sagittal synostosis, over a 5-year period. Patients were categorized into 2 groups. "No Helmet group" only had surgical correction, and "Helmet group" had preoperative molding helmet, prior to surgical correction. Cephalic Index for the 2 groups was compared using t-test. There were 40 patients in the No Helmet group and 18 patients in the Helmet group. For No Helmet group, mean CI at presentation, immediately preoperative, and postoperatively was 0.70 (±0.045), 0.70 (±0.020), and 0.80 (±0.030), respectively, and for Helmet group, it was 0.69 (±0.023), 0.73 (±0.036), and 0.83 (±0.036), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between CI of the 2 groups at presentation (P = 0.45). Comparison of postoperative CI did show a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.01). For Helmet group, on comparison of CI at presentation and preoperative CI (after helmet therapy), a statistically significant improvement in CI was observed (P = 0.0004). Our results suggest that preoperative molding helmet can decrease bathrocephaly, forehead bossing, and improve posterior vertex as well as CI, prior to surgery and thus can be used as a valuable adjunct in patients with sagittal synostosis.

[Intraoperative chemotherapy against peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer with intraperitoneal activated carbon particles adsorbing mitomycin C].

PubMed

Hagiwara, A; Takahashi, T; Sawai, K; Yamaguchi, T; Iwamoto, A; Yoneyama, C

1989-02-01

For prevention and therapy of peritoneal dissemination, a new dosage from (MMC-CH) comprising carbon particles adsorbing mitomycin C was given to 44 patients (the MMC-CH group) undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer, of which advancing stage was classified into the category of H0, and S2 or S3, and P0, P1, P2 or P3 according to the General Rules for the Gastric Cancer Study. MMC-CH, principally at 50 mg person in terms of mitomycin C was administered intraperitoneally before the surgical wound was closed. Historical control group was composed of 53 patients not given MMC-CH, who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the same advancing stage as those of the 44 patients. There was statistically no significant difference of age, sex, depth of infiltration, macroscopically and microscopically defined progression of lymph-nodal metastases, between the MMC-CH group and the historical control group. The survival rate of the overall patients, and each group of the patients with the lesion defined as P0, P1, P2, or P3 was compared with Kaplan-Meier's method between the MMC-CH group and the historical control group. In the MMC-CH group, the survival rates of the overall patients and the patients with P0, P1, or P2 lesion were statistically significantly higher than those in the historical control group. However, the rate of the P3 patients in the MMC-CH group was statistically significantly lower than in the historical control group.

Serum apelin levels in patients with thyroid dysfunction

PubMed Central

Gürel, Ali; Doğantekin, Akif; Özkan, Yusuf; Aydın, Süleyman

2015-01-01

Adipocytes are not only for energy storage, but are also functionally active cells, producing biologically active peptides called adipocytokines. Adipocytokines control nutrition, thermogenesis, immunity, thyroid and reproductive hormones, and neuroendocrine functions. One of the most important new members of this family is apelin. In patients with thyroid dysfunctions, there are usually changes in weight, thermogenesis and adipose tissue lipolysis. Here, we investigated the serum apelin levels in different thyroid hormone states. Our study group consisted of the following patients: 32 thyrotoxicosis, 32 subclinical hyperthyroidism, 31 hypothyroidism, 34 subclinical hypothyroidism and 31 healthy control cases. In addition to routine blood tests, serum free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), TSH and apelin levels were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was recorded. In terms of the demographic characteristics, age and BMI, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). The mean serum apelin levels of the groups were as follows: thyrotoxicosis group, 4.6±1.9 ng/ml; subclinical hyperthyroidism group, 3.7±1.9 ng/ml; hypothyroid group, 4.8±2.5 ng/ml; subclinical hypothyroidism group, 4.3±2.2 ng/mL; and control group, 3.4±1.4 ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the mean apelin levels between the groups (P>0.05). The hypothyroid group had the highest and the control group had the lowest mean apelin levels. As a result, the apelin levels were higher in both the patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, in comparison with the normal population, but without statistical significance. PMID:26629164

Elemental, microstructural, and mechanical characterization of high gold orthodontic brackets after intraoral aging.

PubMed

Hersche, Sepp; Sifakakis, Iosif; Zinelis, Spiros; Eliades, Theodore

2017-02-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the elemental composition, the microstructure, and the selected mechanical properties of high gold orthodontic brackets after intraoral aging. Thirty Incognito™ (3M Unitek, Bad Essen, Germany) lingual brackets were studied, 15 brackets as received (control group) and 15 brackets retrieved from different patients after orthodontic treatment. The surface of the wing area was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Backscattered electron imaging (BEI) was performed, and the elemental composition was determined by X-ray EDS analysis (EDX). After appropriate metallographic preparation, the mechanical properties tested were Martens hardness (HM), indentation modulus (EIT), elastic index (ηIT), and Vickers hardness (HV). These properties were determined employing instrumented indentation testing (IIT) with a Vickers indenter. The results were statistically analyzed by unpaired t-test (α=0.05). There were no statistically significant differences evidenced in surface morphology and elemental content between the control and the experimental group. These two groups of brackets showed no statistically significant difference in surface morphology. Moreover, the mean values of HM, EIT, ηIT, and HV did not reach statistical significance between the groups (p>0.05). Under the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the surface elemental content and microstructure as well as the evaluated mechanical properties of the Incognito™ lingual brackets remain unaffected by intraoral aging.

Widespread Pressure Pain Hyperalgesia in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain with Neuropathic Features: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Lopez-de-Uralde-Villanueva, Ibai; Beltran-Alacreu, Hector; Fernandez-Carnero, Josue; Kindelan-Calvo, Paula; La Touche, Roy

2016-02-01

Neck pain has an elevated prevalence worldwide. Most people with neck pain are diagnosed as nonspecific neck pain patients. Poor recovery in neck disorders, as well as high levels of pain and disability, are associated with widespread sensory hypersensitivity. Nevertheless, there is controversy regarding the presence of widespread hyperalgesia in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP); this lack of agreement could be due to the presence of different pathophysiological mechanisms in CNSNP. To determinate differences in pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over extracervical and cervical regions, and differences in cervical range of motion (ROM) between patients with CNSNP with and without neuropathic features (NF and No-NF, respectively). In addition, this study expected to observe correlations in these 2 types of CNSNP of psychosocial factors with PPTs and with cervical ROM separately. Descriptive, cross-sectional study. A hospital physiotherapy outpatient department. This research involved 53 patients with CNSNP that had obtained a Self-completed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (S-LANSS) score = 12 (pain with NF, NF group); 54 that had obtained a S-LANSS score < 12 (pain with No-NF, No-NF group), and 53 healthy controls (control group, CG). Measures included: PPTs (suboccipital muscle, upper fibers trapezius muscle, lateral epicondyle, and anterior tibial muscle), cervical ROM (flexion, extension, rotation, and latero-flexion), pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), neck disability index (NDI), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 [TSK-11]), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). A statistically significant effect was observed for the group factor in all assessed measures (P < 0.01). Both CNSNP groups showed statistically significant differences compared to the CG for PPTs in the cervical region (suboccipital and upper fibers trapezius muscles), but only the NF group demonstrated statistically significant differences for PPTs in the lateral epincondyle and anterior tibial muscle when compared to the CG or No-NF group. The largest statistically significant correlation found in the NF group was between PPT in the anterior tibial muscle and TSK-11 (r = -0.372; P < 0.01), while in the No-NF group it was between PPT in the suboccipital muscle and NDI (r = -0.288; P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 CNSNP groups and CG in all cervical ROMs, but not between both CNSNP groups. The largest statistically significant correlation observed in the NF group was between cervical total rotation and TSK-11 (r = -0.473; P < 0.01), while in the No-NF group it was between cervical total latero-flexion and PCS (r = -0.532; P < 0.01). Although the S-LANSS scale has been validated as a screening tool for pain with NF, currently there is no "gold standard," so these findings should be interpreted with caution. Widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia was detected in patients with CNSNP with NF, but not in patients with CNSNP with No-NF. Patients with CNSNP presented bilateral pressure pain hyperalgesia over the cervical region and a decreased cervical ROM compared to healthy controls. However, no differences were found between the 2 CNSNP groups. These findings suggest differences in the mechanism of pain processing between patients with CNSNP with NF and No-NF.

Evaluation of setting time and flow properties of self-synthesize alginate impressions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halim, Calista; Cahyanto, Arief; Sriwidodo, Harsatiningsih, Zulia

2018-02-01

Alginate is an elastic hydrocolloid dental impression materials to obtain negative reproduction of oral mucosa such as to record soft-tissue and occlusal relationships. The aim of the present study was to synthesize alginate and to determine the setting time and flow properties. There were five groups of alginate consisted of fifty samples self-synthesize alginate and commercial alginate impression product. Fifty samples were divided according to two tests, each twenty-five samples for setting time and flow test. Setting time test was recorded in the s unit, meanwhile, flow test was recorded in the mm2 unit. The fastest setting time result was in the group three (148.8 s) and the latest was group fours). The highest flow test result was in the group three (69.70 mm2) and the lowest was group one (58.34 mm2). Results were analyzed statistically by one way ANOVA (α= 0.05), showed that there was a statistical significance of setting time while no statistical significance of flow properties between self-synthesize alginate and alginate impression product. In conclusion, the alginate impression was successfully self-synthesized and variation composition gives influence toward setting time and flow properties. The most resemble setting time of control group is group three. The most resemble flow of control group is group four.

Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction: reducing dose while preserving image quality in the pediatric head CT examination.

PubMed

McKnight, Colin D; Watcharotone, Kuanwong; Ibrahim, Mohannad; Christodoulou, Emmanuel; Baer, Aaron H; Parmar, Hemant A

2014-08-01

Over the last decade there has been escalating concern regarding the increasing radiation exposure stemming from CT exams, particularly in children. Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) is a relatively new and promising tool to reduce radiation dose while preserving image quality. While encouraging results have been found in adult head and chest and body imaging, validation of this technique in pediatric population is limited. The objective of our study was to retrospectively compare the image quality and radiation dose of pediatric head CT examinations obtained with ASIR compared to pediatric head CT examinations without ASIR in a large patient population. Retrospective analysis was performed on 82 pediatric head CT examinations. This group included 33 pediatric head CT examinations obtained with ASIR and 49 pediatric head CT examinations without ASIR. Computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) was recorded on all examinations. Quantitative analysis consisted of standardized measurement of attenuation and the standard deviation at the bilateral centrum semiovale and cerebellar white matter to evaluate objective noise. Qualitative analysis consisted of independent assessment by two radiologists in a blinded manner of gray-white differentiation, sharpness and overall diagnostic quality. The average CTDIvol value of the ASIR group was 21.8 mGy (SD = 4.0) while the average CTDIvol for the non-ASIR group was 29.7 mGy (SD = 13.8), reflecting a statistically significant reduction in CTDIvol in the ASIR group (P < 0.01). There were statistically significant reductions in CTDI for the 3- to 12-year-old ASIR group as compared to the 3- to 12-year-old non-ASIR group (21.5 mGy vs. 30.0 mGy; P = 0.004) as well as statistically significant reductions in CTDI for the >12-year-old ASIR group as compared to the >12-year-old non-ASIR group (29.7 mGy vs. 49.9 mGy; P = 0.0002). Quantitative analysis revealed no significant difference in the homogeneity of variance in the ASIR group compared to the non-ASIR group. Radiologist assessment of gray-white differentiation, sharpness and overall diagnostic quality in ASIR examinations was not substantially different compared to non-ASIR examinations. The use of ASIR in pediatric head CT examinations allows for a 28% CTDIvol reduction in the 3- to 12-year-old age group and a 48% reduction in the >12-year-old age group without substantially affecting image quality.

Clinical efficacy of gamma knife and surgery treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and their effects on EF-Tumt and EF-Tsmt expression.

PubMed

Wang, X-Q; Zhang, X-D; Han, Y-M; Shi, X-F; Lan, Z-B; Men, X-X; Pan, Y-W

2017-04-01

To study the clinical efficacy of gamma knife and surgery treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and their effects on EF-Tumt and EF-Tsmt expression. The data of 78 cases of MTLE patients treated in our hospital from April 2011 to March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment methods: the surgery group (including 41 cases) and the gamma knife group (including 37 cases). The clinical efficacy, the occurrence and recurrence of complications were evaluated, respectively; meanwhile, the expression of the EF-Tumt protein and EF-Tsmt protein in brain tissue were analyzed. The difference between the efficacy rate of the two groups showed no statistical significance (χ2=0.960, p>0.05). The complication rate of the gamma knife group was significantly lower than that of the control group (χ2=6.430, p<0.05). The recurrence rate of the patients in the gamma knife group was significantly lower than that of the patients in the surgery group (p>0.05). Within the two groups, the positive expression granum of EF-Tsmt protein and EF-Tumt protein of the two groups after treatment were significantly lower than that before treatment (p<0.05). After treatment, the positive expression granum of EF-Tsmt protein of the patients in the gamma knife group was obviously more than that of the patients in the surgery group (p<0.05). The difference between the positive expression granum of EF-Tumt protein of the two groups showed no statistical significance (p>0.05). Before and after treatment within the group, the positive cell of EF-Tsmt protein and EF-Tumt protein of the two groups of patients after treatment were significantly lower than that before treatment (p<0.05). After treatment, the difference between the EF-Tsmt protein positive cell and the EF-Tumt protein positive cell of the two groups of patients showed no statistical significance (p>0.05). Both surgery and gamma knife could treat MTLE effectively, and the efficacy may be related to the ability to reduce the expression of EF-Tsmt protein and EF-Tumt protein in brain tissue.

Effect of Vocalization of the Holy Quran With and Without Translation on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Mirghafourvand, Mojgan; Sehhati Shafaie, Fahimeh; Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, Sakineh; Jabbari, Batoul

2016-09-01

During recent decades, research in Iran in the area of the Quran and medical science has been seriously engaged in. With respect to the tendency toward spirituality and alternative medicine, we tried to find other aspects of the influence of the Quran. This study aimed to determine the effect of vocalizations of the Holy Quran with and without translation on the consequences of pregnancy (the prevalence of preterm delivery, caesarean delivery, and neonatal anthropometric indices) in women admitted to health care centers in Urmia, Iran. This was a three-armed parallel-group randomized clinical trial in which 168 pregnant women (25-28 weeks) in their first and second pregnancies were divided into three groups of 56 (Holy Quran with translation, Holy Quran without translation, and control group) by randomized blocking. The intervention was implemented once a week for three weeks in the health center, and on other days of the week, the participants listened at home to a CD they were given. The intervention and the control groups all received routine pregnancy care once a week. These mothers were tracked during their labor. Outcomes including gestational age at delivery, delivery type, and neonatal anthropometric indices were recorded based on the mother's records. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic and obstetric characteristics before the intervention. In comparison with the control group, the probability of preterm delivery was lower in the Holy Quran with translation group (odds ratio: 0.3, CI 95%: 0.1-1.2) and in the Holy Quran without translation group (0.6, 0.2-1.9) as compared to the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, the probability of caesarean delivery was lower in the Holy Quran with translation group (0.6, 0.3-1.4) and the Holy Quran without translation group (0.5, 0.2-1.2) as compared to the control group. Based on one-way ANOVA, there was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding the infants' anthropometric indices. Based on the results of this study, despite the lower prevalence of preterm labor and caesarean section in the intervention groups as compared to the control group, no statistically significant effect was seen. This was apparently due to the small sample size.

Long working hours and emotional well-being in korean manufacturing industry employees.

PubMed

Lee, Kyoung-Hye; Kim, Jong-Eun; Kim, Young-Ki; Kang, Dong-Mug; Yun, Myeong-Ja; Park, Shin-Goo; Song, Jae-Seok; Lee, Sang-Gil

2013-12-05

Korea is well known for its long work hours amongst employees. Because workers of the manufacturing industry are constantly exposed to extended work hours, this study was based on how long work hours affect their emotional well-being. The analysis was done using the secondary Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS). Long work hours were defined to be more than 48 hours, and they were subcategorized into units of 52 hours and 60 hours. Based on the WHO (five) well-being index, emotional state was subdivided into three groups - reference group, low-mood group, and possible depression group- where 28 points and 50 points were division points, and two groups were compared at a time. Association between long work hours and emotional state was analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Working for extended working hours in the manufacturing industry showed a statistically significant increase (t test p < 0.001) in trend among the possible depression group when compared to the reference group and the low-mood group. When demographical characteristics, health behaviors, socioeconomic state, and work-related characteristics were fixed as controlled variables, as work hours increased the odds ratio of the possible depression group increased compared to the reference group, and especially the odds ratio was 2.73 times increased for work hours between 48-52 and 4.09 times increased for 60 hours or more and both were statistically significant. In comparing the low-mood group and possible depression group, as work hours increased the odds ratio increased to 1.73, 2.39, and 4.16 times, and all work hours from working 48-52 hours, 53-60 hours, and 60 hours or more were statistically significant. Multinomial logistic regression analysis also showed that among the reference group and possible group, the possible depression group was statistically significant as odds ratio increased to 2.94 times in working 53-60 hours, and 4.35 times in 60 hours or more. Long work hours have an adverse effect on emotional well-being. A more diversified research towards variables that affect long work hours and emotional well-being and how they interact with each other and their relationship to overall health is imperative.

Nateglinide versus repaglinide for type 2 diabetes mellitus in China.

PubMed

Li, Chanjuan; Xia, Jielai; Zhang, Gaokui; Wang, Suzhen; Wang, Ling

2009-12-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of nateglinide tablet administration in comparison with those of repaglinide tablet as control on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in China. Pooled-analysis with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) method was applied to assess the efficacy and safety based on original data collected from four independent randomized clinical trials with similar research protocols. However meta-analysis was applied based on the outcomes of the four studies. The results by meta-analysis were comparable to those obtained by pooled-analysis. The means of HbA(1c), and fasting blood glucose in both the nateglinide and repaglinide groups were reduced significantly after 12 weeks duration but no statistical differences in reduction between the two groups. The adverse reaction rates were 9.89 and 6.51% in the nateglinide and repaglinide groups respectively, with the rate difference showing no statistical significance, and the Odds Ratio of adverse reaction rate (95% confidence interval) was 1.59 (0.99, 2.55). Both nateglinide and repaglinide administration have similarly significant effects on reducing HbA(1c) and FBG. However, the adverse reaction rate in the nateglinide group is higher than that in the latter using repaglinide but no statistical significance difference as revealed in the four clinical trials detailed below.

Temporal distribution of alcohol related facial fractures.

PubMed

Lee, Kai H; Qiu, Michael; Sun, Jiandong

2017-11-01

This study aimed to address 2 important aspects of temporal pattern in alcohol-related facial fractures: (1) comparison of temporal pattern of alcohol-related facial fracture (alcohol group) presentation with non-alcohol-related fracture (non-alcohol group) presentation; (2) temporal pattern of patient demographic characteristics, injury characteristics, and surgical management in the alcohol group presentation. This study retrospectively examined the Victorian admitted episodes data set (VAED) for the years 2010 to 2013. VAED is a standardized set of data collected during all hospital presentations in Victoria. The study found higher incidence of alcohol-related facial fracture presentations during weekends and during the summer and spring months compared with non-alcohol-related fractures (statistically significant). Alcohol-related facial fractures are more likely to involve male patients in the 20- to 29-year age group, occur as a result of interpersonal violence, and require shorter hospital stays during weekend admissions (statistically significant). No statistically significant relationship has been observed in seasonal variation across all variables. This study found distinct characteristics in temporal distribution of alcohol-related facial fractures. These characteristics are, in particular, significant in weekend trauma admissions. Such information is important in workforce planning, resource distribution, and implementation of injury prevention programs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of the use of thematic organizers in conjunction with concept mapping on learning, misconceptions, and retention in middle school science class

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keown, Sandra L.

This study was devised to determine effects of the use of interactive thematic organizers and concept maps in middle school science classes during a unit study on minerals. The design, a pretest-posttest control group, consisted of matched groups (three experimental groups and one comparison group). It also included a student survey assessing qualitative aspects of the investigation. The 67 6th-grade students and one science teacher who participated in the study were from an independent K-12 school. Students represented a normal, well-distributed range of abilities. Group I (control) proceeded with their usual method of studying a unit---reading aloud the text and answering workbook questions. Group II worked with interactive thematic organizers, designed to activate prior knowledge and help students make inferences about target concepts in three treatments. Group III created three interactive concept maps, which represented both understandings and misconceptions. Concept maps were reviewed and repaired as students completed each treatment. Group IV participated in both thematic organizer and concept map treatments. Statistical analyses were determined through a pretest and a delayed recall posttest essay for all four groups. Two scores were assigned---one quantitative raw score of correct explicit answers and one rubric score based on the quality of interpretive responses. Group II also received scores for thematic organizer responses. Group III received rubric scores for concept maps. Group IV received all possible scores. Paired t-tests reported comparisons of scores across the treatment groups. A linear regression indicated whether or not concept map misconceptions affected posttest scores. Finally, an ANCOVA reported statistical significance across the four treatment groups. Findings of data analysis indicated statistically significant improvement in posttest scores among students in the three experimental groups. Students who participated in both treatments represented the highest scores among the four groups. Results of the ANCOVA indicated there was statistically significant difference in scores among the four treatments. Recommendations were made to further investigate development of interactive thematic organizers with student-chosen hyperlinks to concepts, as well as a recommendation that researchers investigate teacher understandings of interpretive purpose and form in the creation of thematic organizers.

A SAS macro for testing differences among three or more independent groups using Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests.

PubMed

Liu, Yuewei; Chen, Weihong

2012-02-01

As a nonparametric method, the Kruskal-Wallis test is widely used to compare three or more independent groups when an ordinal or interval level of data is available, especially when the assumptions of analysis of variance (ANOVA) are not met. If the Kruskal-Wallis statistic is statistically significant, Nemenyi test is an alternative method for further pairwise multiple comparisons to locate the source of significance. Unfortunately, most popular statistical packages do not integrate the Nemenyi test, which is not easy to be calculated by hand. We described the theory and applications of the Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests, and presented a flexible SAS macro to implement the two tests. The SAS macro was demonstrated by two examples from our cohort study in occupational epidemiology. It provides a useful tool for SAS users to test the differences among three or more independent groups using a nonparametric method.

The thromboelastometric discrepancy between septic and trauma induced disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnosed by the scoring system from the Japanese association for acute medicine.

PubMed

Koami, Hiroyuki; Sakamoto, Yuichiro; Sakurai, Ryota; Ohta, Miho; Imahase, Hisashi; Yahata, Mayuko; Umeka, Mitsuru; Miike, Toru; Nagashima, Futoshi; Iwamura, Takashi; Yamada, Kosuke Chris; Inoue, Satoshi

2016-08-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the hematological differences between septic and traumatic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) using the rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).This retrospective study includes all sepsis or severe trauma patients transported to our emergency department who underwent ROTEM from 2013 to 2014. All patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of DIC diagnosed by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) DIC score. We statistically analyzed the demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory data, ROTEM findings (EXTEM and FIBTEM), and outcome.Fifty-seven patients (30 sepsis and 27 severe trauma) were included in primary analysis. Sepsis cases were significantly older and had higher systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores, whereas there were no significant differences in other parameters including Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Twenty-six patients (14 sepsis and 12 severe trauma) were diagnosed with DIC. The Septic DIC (S-DIC) group was significantly older and had higher DIC scores than the traumatic DIC (T-DIC) group. Hematologic examination revealed significantly higher CRP, fibrinogen, lower FDP, DD, and higher FDP/DD ratio were found in the S-DIC group in comparison with the T-DIC group. ROTEM findings showed that the A10, A20, and MCF in the FIBTEM test were significantly higher in the S-DIC group. However, no statistical differences were confirmed in the LI30, LI45, and ML in EXTEM test.The plasma fibrinogen level and fibrinogen based clot firmness in whole-blood test revealed statistical significance between septic and traumatic DIC patients.

Analysis of RANKL gene polymorphism (rs9533156 and rs2277438) in Iranian patients with chronic periodontitis and periimplantitis.

PubMed

Kadkhodazadeh, Mahdi; Ebadian, Ahmad Reza; Gholami, Gholam Ali; Khosravi, Alireza; Tabari, Zahra Alizadeh

2013-05-01

RANK/OPG/RANKL pathway plays a significant role in osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast activation, and regulation of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of RANKL gene polymorphisms (rs9533156 and rs2277438) with chronic periodontitis and peri-implantitis in an Iranian population. 77 patients with chronic periodontitis, 40 patients with peri-implantitis and 89 periodontally healthy patients were enrolled in this study. 5cc of blood was obtained from the cephalic vein of subjects arms and transferred into tubes containing EDTA. Genomic DNA was extracted using Miller's Salting Out technique. The DNA was transferred into 96 division plates, transported to Kbioscience Institute in United Kingdom and analyzed using the Kbioscience Competitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) technique. Differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles in the disease and control groups were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact statistical tests. Comparison of frequency of alleles in SNP rs9533156 of RANKL gene between the chronic periodontitis group with the control and peri-implantitis groups revealed statistically significant differences (P=0.024 and P=0.027, respectively). Comparison of genotype expression of SNP rs9533156 on RANKL gene between the peri-implantitis group with chronic periodontitis and control groups revealed statistically significant differences (P=0.001); the prevalence of CT genotype was significantly higher amongst the chronic periodontitis group. Regarding SNP rs2277438 of RANKL gene, comparison of prevalence of genotypes and frequency of alleles did not reveal any significant differences (P=0.641/P=0.537, respectively). The results of this study indicate that CT genotype of rs9533156 RANKL gene polymorphism was significantly associated with peri-implantitis, and may be considered as a genetic determinant for peri-implantitis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on clinical effect and immunologic mechanism of infants capillary bronchitis secondary bronchial asthma treated with bacterial lysates Broncho-Vaxom.

PubMed

Han, R-F; Li, H-Y; Wang, J-W; Cong, X-J

2016-05-01

To study the clinical effects and immunologic mechanism of infant capillary bronchitis secondary bronchial asthma treated with bacterial lysates (Broncho-Vaxom OM-85BV). Between February 2013 and February 2014, 136 infant capillary bronchitis secondary bronchial asthma cases were chosen. This research was approved by Ethics Committee in our hospital and obtained the informed consent right from patients and guardians. Patients were divided into the control group (n = 62) and the observation group (n = 74) using random number table method. Patients in the control group were treated with normal glucocorticoid atomizing inhalation, aminophylline and antibiotic treatment. In the observation group besides the abovementioned treatment, we added Broncho-Vaxom OM-85BV, qd po for 10 days continuously and quitted it for 20 days. This continued for a total of 3 months. Follow-ups were set for about one year to compare the effects. The onset frequency and duration of capillary bronchitis and asthma in observation group declined remarkably compared with control group and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The level of IL-17 and IL-4 in the observation group decreased significantly, whereas, the level of IL-10 and IFN- γ increased considerably. Differences were all statistically significant (p < 0.05). Peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes in the observation group patients expressed lower levels of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors α7 (α7nAChR) compared to the control group. Then difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Broncho-Vaxom OM-85BV reduced the onset of infant capillary bronchitis secondary bronchial asthma, relating to the reduced inflammation reaction. It also regulated the immunologic function of Th1/Th2, and lowered the α7nAChR level.

Diet and liver apoptosis in rats: a particular metabolic pathway.

PubMed

Monteiro, Maria Emilia Lopes; Xavier, Analucia Rampazzo; Azeredo, Vilma Blondet

2017-03-30

Various studies have indicated an association between modifi cation in dietary macronutrient composition and liver apoptosis. To explain how changes in metabolic pathways associated with a high-protein, high-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet causes liver apoptosis. Two groups of rats were compared. An experimental diet group (n = 8) using a high-protein (59.46%), high-fat (31.77%), and low-carbohydrate (8.77%) diet versus a control one (n = 9) with American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93-M diet. Animals were sacrificed after eight weeks, the adipose tissue weighed, the liver removed for flow cytometry analysis, and blood collected to measure glucose, insulin, glucagon, IL-6, TNF, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and β-hydroxybutyrate. Statistical analysis was carried out using the unpaired and parametric Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coeffi ents. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Animals from the experimental group presented less adipose tissue than dose of the control group. Percentage of nonviable hepatocytes in the experimental group was 2.18 times larger than the control group (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in capillary glucose, insulin, glucagon, IL-6, or TNF-α between two groups. Plasmatic β-hydroxybutyrate and malondialdehyde of the experimental group expressed higher levels and triglycerides lower levels compared with the control group. The results show a positive and significant correlation between the percentage of nonviable hepatocytes and malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.0217) and a statistically significant negative correlation with triglycerides levels (p = 0.006). Results suggest that plasmatic malondialdehyde and triglyceride levels are probably good predictors of liver damage associated with an experimental low-carbohydrate diet in rats.

PA02.22. Hypolipidemic effect of different coconut oil extracts of vyosakatvivaradi formulation in wistar rats.

PubMed Central

Mahapatra, Anita; Rajurkar, Sudhir; Eranezhath, Sujith; Manohar, Ram

2013-01-01

Purpose: To study the preventive and therapeutic Hypolipidemic effect of different coconut oil extracts of Vyosakatvivaradi formulation. Method: High fat diet was fed for 21 days to induce Hyperlipidemia. 110 weanling wistar rats randomly divided in to Eleven groups, four in treatment, four in preventive group, two control and one standarad group. Four test drugs – 1. VCO (virgin coconut oil) + HERBS, 2. TCO (Traditional coconut oil) + HERBS, 3. CCO (Commercial coconut oil) + HERBS, 4. TCO + Coconut Milk + HERBS were administered at the dose rate of 0.06ml tid orally for 28 days in treatment group and 28 days in preventive group from the day one of experiment and the results were compared with Simvastatin 10 mg. All the animals were anesthetized using anesthetic ether and pooled blood samples from each group were collected on day Zero, day 21st and on termination day i.e. day 28th after start of actual treatment. Result: Animals in all groups did not reveal any change in their behavior or visible adverse reaction throughout the experimental period. Statistically significant reduction in mean triglyceride values in test drug -4 animals revealed preventive. Statistically significant reduction in the mean cholesterol level (mg/dl) was observed in test drug -4 animals. Statistically significant increase in the mean HDL level 5% level of significance was observed in preventive dose of test drug 3. Microscopic observations of liver, kidney and aorta revealed no significant change. Conclusion: The medicated oil “CCO + HERBS” and TCO + Coconut Milk + HERBS” showed encouraging therapeutic and preventive effects on hyperlipidemia. However, the oil “TCO + Coconut Milk + HERBS” is observed to be better than the oil CCO + HERBS. Though the oils “VCO + HERBS” and “TCO + HERBS” exhibited moderate hypolipidemic action.

Structured Walking and Chronic Institutionalized Schizophrenia Inmates: A pilot RCT Study on Quality of Life.

PubMed

Loh, Siew Yim; Abdullah, Amalina; Abu Bakar, Abdul Kadir; Thambu, Maniam; Nik Jaafar, Nik Ruzyanei

2015-05-21

Lifestyle moderate-intensity physical activity can lower the risk of over twenty chronic health conditions, whilst inactivity reduces daily functioning and physical health of individuals living with schizophrenia. This study conducted in 2014 examines the effect of structured walking participation on QOL, psychosocial functioning and symptoms in Hospital Permai, one of the largest psychiatry institution in Asia Chronic patients with schizophrenia (n=104) who met inclusion criteria were randomised to either a 3-month structured walking intervention or a treatment-as-usual arm. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), global functioning (PSP) and QOL (SF-36) were measured at baseline and after the 3-month interval. At 3 month follow-up, there were significant within group differences in QOL (SF-36), psychiatric symptoms (PANSS), and personal and social performance (PSP). There were statistically significant increase in the median SF-36 scores, with increases shown in physical functioning (p<.001), physical role limitations (p<.05), social functioning (p<.01) in the intervention group compared to treatment-as-usual group. Statistically significant reduction of median PANSS score of the intervention group were noted in positive (p<0.001) and negative (p<0.01) symptom, and general psychopathology (p<0.01) scales. Statistically significant increase in the median PSP score (p<0.01) was found in the intervention group compared with the treatment-as-usual group. Between-group differences at post intervention (favouring Intervention) were significant for PANSS positive and SF36 Physical In long stayed chronic inmates, a simple but consistent, organized walking intervention has the potential to bring improvement in functioning, reduction in psychiatric symptoms and quality of Life. The emphasis of rehabilitation should target at lifestyle redesign intervention.

Periodontal response to orthodontic tooth movement in diabetes-induced rats with or without periodontal disease.

PubMed

Ferreira, Camila Lopes; da Rocha, Vinicius Clemente; da Silva Ursi, Weber José; De Marco, Andrea Carvalho; Santamaria, Milton; Santamaria, Mauro Pedrine; Jardini, Maria Aparecida Neves

2018-03-01

Systemic conditions can influence orthodontic tooth movement. This study evaluates histologic periodontal responses to orthodontic tooth movement in diabetes-induced rats with or without periodontal disease. Forty Wistar rats were divided according their systemic condition (SC) into diabetic (D) and non-diabetic (ND) groups. Each group was subdivided into control (C), orthodontic tooth movement (OM), ligature-induced periodontitis (P) and ligature-induced periodontitis with orthodontic movement (P+OM) groups. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with alloxan monohydrate, and after 30 days, the P group received a cotton ligature around their first lower molar crown. An orthodontic device was placed in OM and P+OM groups for 7 days, and the animals were then euthanized. Differences in OM between D and ND groups were not significant (6.87± 3.55 mm and 6.81 ± 3.28 mm, respectively), but intragroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the P+OM groups for both SCs. Bone loss was greater in the D group (0.16 ± 0.07 mm 2 ) than in the ND group (0.10 ± 0.03 mm 2 ). In intragroup analysis of the D condition, the P+OM group differed statistically from the other groups, while in the ND condition, the P+OM group was different from the C and OM groups. There was a statistically significant difference in bone density between D and ND conditions (18.03 ± 8.09% and 22.53 ± 7.72%) in the C, P, and P+OM groups. DM has deleterious effects on bone density and bone loss in the furcation region. These effects are maximized when associated with ligature-induced periodontitis with orthodontic movement. © 2018 American Academy of Periodontology.

A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

PubMed

Yağan, Özgür; Taş, Nilay; Küçük, Ahmet; Hancı, Volkan

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min. The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p<0.05, p<0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136min in Group I, 154min in Group II and 170min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88min in Group I, 105min in Group II, and 139min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p<0.00). The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30mg mL(-1) concentration of dextrose added to 7.5mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery. Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

[A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia].

PubMed

Yağan, Özgür; Taş, Nilay; Küçük, Ahmet; Hancı, Volkan

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery. This prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min. The time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p<0.05, p<0.00). The time to full recovery of the sensorial block was 136min in Group I, 154min in Group II and 170min in Group III. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean duration of the motor block was 88min in Group I, 105min in Group II, and 139min in Group III and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The time to urination in Group I was statistically significantly shorter than in the other groups (p<0.00). The results of the study showed that together with an increase in density, the sensory and motor block duration was lengthened. It can be concluded that 30mgmL(-1) concentration of dextrose added to 7.5mg levobupivacaine is sufficient to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in day-case arthroscopic knee surgery. Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Diode laser vaporisation of the prostate vs. diode laser under cold irrigation: A randomised control trial.

PubMed

Pillai, Ravisankar G; Al Naieb, Ziad; Angamuthu, Stephen; Mundackal, Tintu

2014-12-01

To compare the perioperative morbidity and early follow-up after diode laser vaporisation of the prostate (LVP) and its modification, diode laser under cold irrigation (LUCI) in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, as the main disadvantages of LVP are the postoperative pain, dysuria and storage urinary symptoms. This was a single-centre prospective randomised control trial in which 100 patients were randomised to receive LVP (50) or LUCI (50) from June 2011 until July 2012. LUCI is similar to LVP except that it is done under normal irrigation with saline at 4 °C instead of saline at room temperature. The primary outcome measures were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-Dysuria, a pain scale (PS), maximum flow rate (Q max), a quality-of-life (QoL) score and the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) after 1 month, then the IPSS, Q max, QoL, and PVR at 3 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative surgical variables, e.g., the decline in core temperature, bleeding, peri- and postoperative morbidity. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. For the primary outcome measures, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in all variables except Q max after 1 month, in favour of LUCI. The mean (SD) IPSS at 1 month in the LVP group was 8.97 (1.68), statistically significantly different from that after LUCI, of 6.89 (1.5) (P < 0.05). The mean IPSS-Dysuria at 1 month was also significantly, at -2.32 (0.91) for LVP and 3.54 (1.07) for LUCI (P < 0.05). The respective mean PS at 1 month was 7.84 (2.92) and 5.7 (2.1) (P < 0.05). The QoL and PVR at 1 month were also significantly different. Within the first month 17% of patients in the LVP group and 4% in the LUCI group complained of transient urgency or stress incontinence, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant bleeding in either group. The mean operative time or applied energy of LVP was not statistically significant from that of LUCI, and there was no significant difference in the decline in core temperature between the groups (P > 0.05). LUCI is a good modification for reducing the pain, dysuria and storage symptoms associated with LVP. The procedure appears to be safe, with no significant decrease in core temperature in either group.

Evolution of the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Spanish region, 1997-2010.

PubMed

Carpe-Carpe, Bienvenida; Hernando-Arizaleta, Lauro; Ibáñez-Pérez, M Carmen; Palomar-Rodríguez, Joaquín A; Esquinas-Rodríguez, Antonio M

2013-08-01

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) appeared in the 1980s as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with acute respiratory failure. We evaluated the introduction of NIV and the results in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Region of Murcia (Spain). A retrospective observational study based on the minimum basic hospital discharge data of all patients hospitalised for this pathology in all public hospitals in the region between 1997 and 2010. We performed a time trend analysis on hospital attendance, the use of each ventilatory intervention and hospital mortality through joinpoint regression. We identified 30.027 hospital discharges. Joinpoint analysis: downward trend in attendance (annual percentage change [APC]=-3.4, 95% CI: - 4.8; -2.0, P <.05) and in the group without ventilatory intervention (APC=-4.2%, -5.6; -2.8, P <.05); upward trend in the use of NIV (APC=16.4, 12.0; 20. 9, P <.05), and downward trend that was not statistically significant in IMV (APC=-4.5%, -10.3; 1.7). We observed an upward trend without statistical significance in overall mortality (APC=0.5, -1.3; 2.4) and in the group without intervention (APC=0.1, -1.6; 1.9); downward trend with statistical significance in the NIV group (APC=-7.1, -11.7; -2.2, P <.05) and not statistically significant in the IMV group (APC=-0,8, -6, 1; 4.8). The mean stay did not change substantially. The introduction of NIV has reduced the group of patients not receiving assisted ventilation. No improvement in results was found in terms of mortality or length of stay. Copyright © 2012 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Oral versus intravenous paracetamol: which is better in closure of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants?

PubMed

Sancak, Selim; Gokmen Yildirim, Tulin; Topcuoglu, Sevilay; Yavuz, Taner; Karatekin, Guner; Ovali, Fahri

2016-01-01

To compare the efficacy of oral and intravenous paracetamol for closure of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Eighteen VLBW infants with HSPDA treated with either intravenous (n = 10) or oral (n = 8) paracetamol at 60 mg/kg/d for three consecutive days were analysed retrospectively. Ductal closure rate and evaluation of liver function tests were the major outcomes. After two courses of treatment, HSPDA closure rate was higher in oral paracetamol group than that in the intravenous paracetamol group (88% versus 70%), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.588). Liver function tests were normal after the treatment. Although it was not statistically significant, the cumulative closure rates were higher in oral paracetamol group than those in the intravenous group. Larger trials are needed to confirm these data.

Clinical evaluation of subepithelial connective tissue graft and guided tissue regeneration for treatment of Miller’s class 1 gingival recession (comparative, split mouth, six months study)

PubMed Central

Bhavsar, Neeta-V.; Dulani, Kirti; Trivedi, Rahul

2014-01-01

Objectives: The present study aims to clinically compare and evaluate subepithelial connective tissue graft and the GTR based root coverage in treatment of Miller’s Class I gingival recession. Study Design: 30 patients with at least one pair of Miller’s Class I gingival recession were treated either with Subepithelial connective tissue graft (Group A) or Guided tissue regeneration (Group B). Clinical parameters monitored included recession RD, width of keratinized gingiva (KG), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), attached gingiva (AG), residual probing depth (RPD) and % of Root coverage(%RC). Measurements were taken at baseline, three months and six months. A standard surgical procedure was used for both Group A and Group B. Data were recorded and statistical analysis was done for both intergroup and intragroup. Results: At end of six months % RC obtained were 84.47% (Group A) and 81.67% (Group B). Both treatments resulted in statistically significant improvement in clinical parameters. When compared, no statistically significant difference was found between both groups except in RPD, where it was significantly greater in Group A. Conclusions: GTR technique has advantages over subepithelial connective tissue graft for shallow Miller’s Class I defects and this procedure can be used to avoid patient discomfort and reduce treatment time. Key words:Collagen membrane, comparative split mouth study, gingival recession, subepithelial connective tissue graft, guided tissue regeneration (GTR). PMID:25136420

Estimate of CRP and TNF-alpha level before and after periodontal therapy in cardiovascular disease patients

PubMed Central

Koppolu, Pradeep; Durvasula, Satyanarayana; Palaparthy, Rajababu; Rao, Mukhesh; Sagar, Vidya; Reddy, Sunil Kumar; Lingam, Swapna

2013-01-01

Introduction Epidemiological studies show that individuals with periodontitis have a radically amplified threat to develop cardiovascular disease. CRP& TNF-α, are acute phase proteins monitored as a marker of inflammatory status, which have been identified as a major risk factor for atherosclerotic complications. Elevated CRP & TNF-α level in periodontitis patients have been reported by several groups. The present study was performed to determine whether presence of periodontitis and periodontal therapy could influence the serum levels of CRP & TNF-α in cardiovascular disease patients. Methods Forty cardiovascular disease subjects participated in the study. They were classified into two groups. Group A (Control) where no periodontal treatment was given, Group B (Test) where periodontal treatment (scaling & root planing) was performed. Periodontal clinical parameters like OHI-S, probing pocket depth, were evaluated together with serum CRP, TNF-α, at baseline and reassessed after 8 weeks for all the subjects in both the groups. Results The CRP & TNF-α levels in both the groups decreased but the decrease in the Group A was minimal and was not statistically significant (P > 0.05); whereas in Group B where periodontal therapy was performed, there was statistically significant decrease. Conclusion It can be concluded from the study that there can be a possible causal relationship between pathogenesis of periodontal disease and CVD as inferred from the statistical significant outcome in the form of decreased inflammatory biomarkers after the periodontal treatment. PMID:24198887

[Clinical efficacy and adverse effects of taxol plus carboplatin or gemcitabine plus carboplatin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma].

PubMed

Wang, Xiao-Yun; Zhao, Yu-Liang

2010-12-21

To observe the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of taxol plus carboplatin (TP) or gemcitabine plus carboplatin (GP) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma. A total of 86 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma with a histologically confirmed diagnosis at our department were treated with at least two cycles of drug therapy according to the WHO standard. There were 43 cases in TP group and 43 cases in GP group. TP group: taxol 150 mg/m(2), d1, carboplatin 300 mg/m(2) in d1; GP group: gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2), 30 min, d1, 8, carboplatin 300 mg/m(2) in d1, 3 weeks a cycle. The efficacy and side effects were analyzed after two cycles of chemotherapy. When TP and GP groups were compared, the effective rate was 44.2% vs 39.5%; disease control rate (CR + PR + SD): 81.4% vs 74.4%; median time to progress (TTP): 4.6 vs 4.5 months; medium survivals: 8.6 vs 8.8 months; 1-year survival rates: 17.2% vs 18.1%; 2-year survival rates: 8% vs 10%. The statistic analysis showed that the two groups had no significant difference. The main cytotoxicities of GP and TP groups were predominantly thrombocytopenia and leucopenia respectively. The two groups had no significant statistical difference. The incidences of allergen, alopecia and peripheral neurotoxicity were higher in the TP group. The two groups had statistical difference. Tolerance was excellent in both groups. The therapeutic effect and tolerance are excellent for advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. The efficacy and survival rate of two groups show no statistical difference.

The use of Quincke and Whitacre 27-gauge needles in orthopedic patients: incidence of failed spinal anesthesia and postdural puncture headache.

PubMed

Lynch, J; Kasper, S M; Strick, K; Topalidis, K; Schaaf, H; Zech, D; Krings-Ernst, I

1994-07-01

This study examined the incidence of failed spinal anesthesia and postdural puncture headache using a 27-gauge Whitacre and a 27-gauge Quincke needle in patients undergoing elective inpatient orthopedic procedures. The overall rate of failed spinal anesthesia was 8.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.6%-12.4%] (n = 17) in the Quincke group (n = 199) and 5.5% [95% CI = 2.3%-8.7%] (n = 11) in the Whitacre group (n = 199). This difference was not statistically significant. The overall incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) was 0.8%; 1.1% [95% CI = 0%-2.4%] (n = 2) in the Quincke group and 0.5% [95% CI = 0%-1.5%] (n = 1) in the Whitacre group. These differences were not statistically significant. All headaches were classified as mild and resolved spontaneously with conservative management. The mean time for withdrawal of the stylet to appearance of cerebrospinal fluid was 10.8 +/- 6.9 s in the Quincke (n = 31) and 10.7 +/- 6.8 s in the Whitacre group (n = 33). These differences were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that both needles are associated with a very low incidence of PDPH and an incidence of failed anesthesia of 5.5%-8.5%.

Comparing three toothpastes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A 6-month clinical study.

PubMed

Triratana, Terdphong; Kraivaphan, Petcharat; Amornchat, Cholticha; Mateo, Luis R; Morrison, Boyce M; Dibart, Serge; Zhang, Yun-Po

2015-04-01

To investigate the clinical efficacy of three toothpastes in controlling established gingivitis and plaque over 6 months. 135 subjects were enrolled in a single-center, double-blind, parallel group, randomized clinical study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan, 2.0% copolymer and 1,450 ppm F as sodium fluoride in a silica base; herbal/bicarbonate dentifrice containing herbal extract and 1,400 ppm F as sodium fluoride in a sodium bicarbonate base; or fluoride dentifrice containing 450 ppm F as sodium fluoride, and 1,000 ppm F as sodium monofluorophosphate. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily for 1 minute for 6 months. After 6 months, subjects assigned to the triclosan/copolymer/fluoride group exhibited statistically significant reductions in gingival index scores and plaque index scores as compared to subjects assigned to the herbal/bicarbonate group by 35.4% and 48.9%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in gingival index and plaque index between subjects in the herbal/ bicarbonate group and those in the fluoride group. The triclosan/copolymer/fluoride dentifrice was statistically significantly more effective in reducing gingivitis and dental plaque than the herbal/bicarbonate dentifrice, and this difference in efficacy was clinically meaningful.

Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate and pH Among Areca Nut Chewers and Oral Submucous Fibrosis Subjects: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Abdul Khader, Nishat Fatima; Dyasanoor, Sujatha

2015-09-01

To assess and compare the salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary pH among areca nut chewers, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients and apparently healthy individuals. A comparative study was conducted to assess and compare the SFR and pH among 135 outpatients (45 areca nut chewers + 45 OSMF + 45 control) at The Oxford Dental College and Research Hospital, Bangalore, India. Subjects were interviewed using structural proforma and Modified Schirmer strips and pH paper were implemented for assessing SFR and pH respectively. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS ver. 21.0 software. A statistically significant increase in SFR (35.7 mm at 3rd minutes) among areca nut group and a decrease in SFR among OSMF group (23.4 mm at 3rd minutes) when compared to apparently healthy subjects (30.7 mm at 3rd minutes). The mean pH among areca nut, OSMF and control groups was 6.76, 6.82, and 6.74 respectively with no statistical significance. The observation and findings of the study clearly showed hypersalivation among areca nut group and hyposalivation among OSMF group, with no significant change in salivary pH when compared to healthy subjects.

A change in humidification system can eliminate endotracheal tube occlusion.

PubMed

Doyle, Alex; Joshi, Manasi; Frank, Peter; Craven, Thomas; Moondi, Parvez; Young, Peter

2011-12-01

Inadequate airway humidification can result in endotracheal tube occlusion. There is evidence that heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) are more prone to endotracheal tube occlusion than heated humidifiers (HHs) that contain a heated wire circuit. We aimed to compare the incidence of endotracheal tube occlusion while introducing a new dual-heated wire circuit HH in place of an established hydrophobic HME. This was a prospective observational study. All patients who required intubation were included in our analysis. Univariate statistical analysis was performed using a Fisher exact test. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. There were 158 patients in the HME group and 88 patients in the HH group. The incidence of endotracheal tube occlusion was 5.7% in the HME group and 0% in the HH group. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .02). In light of this finding, we changed our practice to provide humidification exclusively by HH. In the subsequent 18-month period, there were no further episodes of endotracheal tube occlusion. Our study demonstrates that there is a significant increase in the incidence of endotracheal tube occlusion when using a hydrophobic HME compared with an HH and that using a dual-heated wire circuit HH can eliminate endotracheal tube occlusion. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of covered and uncovered self-expandable stents in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction.

PubMed

Flores Carmona, Diana Yamel; Alonso Lárraga, Juan Octavio; Hernández Guerrero, Angélica; Ramírez Solís, Mauro Eduardo

2016-05-01

Drainage with metallic stents is the treatment of choice in malignant obstructive jaundice. Technical and clinical success with metallic stents is obtained in over 90% and 80% of cases, respectively. There are self-expandable metallic stents designed to increase permeability. The aim of this study was to describe the results obtained with totally covered self-expandable and uncovered self-expandable metallic stents in the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Sixty eight patients with malignant obstructive jaundice secondary to pancreatobiliary or metastatic disease not amenable to surgery were retrospectively included. Two groups were created: group A (covered self-expandable metallic stents) (n = 22) and group B (uncovered self-expandable metallic stents) (n = 46). Serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase levels decreased in both groups and no statistically significant difference was detected (p = 0.800, p = 0.190, p = 0.743, p = 0.521). Migration was greater with covered stents but it was not statistically significant either (p = 0.101). Obstruction was greater in the group with uncovered stents but it was not statistically significant either (p = 0.476). There are no differences when using covered self-expandable stents or uncovered self-expandable stents in terms of technical and clinical success or complications in the palliative treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice.

A supportive-educative telephone program: impact on knowledge and anxiety after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

PubMed

Beckie, T

1989-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a supportive-educative telephone program on the levels of knowledge and anxiety of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery during the first 6 weeks after hospital discharge. With a posttest-only control group design, the first 74 patients scheduled, between September 1986 and February 1987, for coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a large, western Canadian teaching hospital were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The effect of the intervention, which was implemented by a cardiac rehabilitation nurse specialist, was assessed by a knowledge test and a state anxiety inventory. Data were collected without knowledge of the participants' group assignment. As hypothesized, data analysis with independent t tests revealed a statistically significant (p less than 0.05) difference between the knowledge level of the experimental and the control group in the areas of coronary artery disease, diet, medications, physical activity restrictions, exercise, and rest. A statistically significant difference between the state anxiety level of the experimental and the control group was also evident, as was a statistically significant inverse relationship between participants' knowledge and anxiety levels. From these findings, several implications and recommendations for nursing practice and research have been generated.

Comparison of Two Base Materials Regarding Their Effect on Root Canal Treatment Success in Primary Molars with Furcation Lesions

PubMed Central

Sonmez, Hayriye; Sari, Saziye

2016-01-01

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare MTA with another base material, IRM, which is generally used on pulpal floor after root canal treatment, regarding their effect on the success of root canal treatment of primary teeth with furcation lesions. Materials and Methods. Fifty primary teeth with furcation lesions were divided into 2 groups. Following root canal treatment, the pulpal floor was coated with MTA in the experimental group and with IRM in the control group. Teeth were followed up considering clinical (pain, pathological mobility, tenderness to percussion and palpation, and any soft tissue pathology and sinus tract) and radiographical (pathological root resorption, reduced size or healing of existing lesion, and absence of new lesions at the interradicular or periapical area) criteria for 18 months. For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square tests were used and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. Although there were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of treatment success, lesions healed significantly faster in the MTA group. Conclusion. In primary teeth with furcation lesions, usage of MTA on the pulpal floor following root canal treatment can be a better alternative since it induced faster healing. PMID:27957486

Comparison of Two Base Materials Regarding Their Effect on Root Canal Treatment Success in Primary Molars with Furcation Lesions.

PubMed

Arikan, Volkan; Sonmez, Hayriye; Sari, Saziye

2016-01-01

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare MTA with another base material, IRM, which is generally used on pulpal floor after root canal treatment, regarding their effect on the success of root canal treatment of primary teeth with furcation lesions. Materials and Methods. Fifty primary teeth with furcation lesions were divided into 2 groups. Following root canal treatment, the pulpal floor was coated with MTA in the experimental group and with IRM in the control group. Teeth were followed up considering clinical (pain, pathological mobility, tenderness to percussion and palpation, and any soft tissue pathology and sinus tract) and radiographical (pathological root resorption, reduced size or healing of existing lesion, and absence of new lesions at the interradicular or periapical area) criteria for 18 months. For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square tests were used and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. Although there were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of treatment success, lesions healed significantly faster in the MTA group. Conclusion. In primary teeth with furcation lesions, usage of MTA on the pulpal floor following root canal treatment can be a better alternative since it induced faster healing.

The effect of four-phase teaching method on midwifery students’ emotional intelligence in managing the childbirth

PubMed Central

Mohamadirizi, Soheila; Fahami, Fariba; Bahadoran, Parvin; Ehsanpour, Soheila

2015-01-01

Background: An active teaching method has been used widely in medical education. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the four-phase teaching method on midwifery students’ emotional intelligence (EQ) in managing the childbirth. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study that performed in 2013 in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Thirty midwifery students were involved in this study and selected through a random sampling method. The EQ questionnaire (43Q) was completed by both the groups, before and after the education. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 14, the independent t-test, and the paired t-test. The statistically significant level was considered to be <0.05. Results: The findings of the independent t-test did not show any significant difference between EQ scores of the experimental and the control group before the intervention, whereas a statistically significant difference was observed after the intervention between the scores of two groups (P = 0.009). The paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference in EQ scores in the two groups after the intervention in the four-phase and the control group, respectively, as P = 0.005 and P = 0.018. Furthermore, the rate of self-efficiency has increased in the experimental group and control group as 66% and 13% (P = 0.024), respectively. Conclusion: The four-phase teaching method can increase the EQ levels of midwifery students. Therefore, the conduction of this educational model is recommended as an effective learning method. PMID:26097861

New Predictive Parameters of Bell’s Palsy: Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio

PubMed Central

Atan, Doğan; İkincioğulları, Aykut; Köseoğlu, Sabri; Özcan, Kürşat Murat; Çetin, Mehmet Ali; Ensari, Serdar; Dere, Hüseyin

2015-01-01

Background: Bell’s palsy is the most frequent cause of unilateral facial paralysis. Inflammation is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Bell’s palsy. Aims: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are simple and inexpensive tests which are indicative of inflammation and can be calculated by all physicians. The aim of this study was to reveal correlations of Bell’s palsy and degree of paralysis with NLR and PLR. Study Design: Case-control study. Methods: The retrospective study was performed January 2010 and December 2013. Ninety-nine patients diagnosed as Bell’s palsy were included in the Bell’s palsy group and ninety-nine healthy individuals with the same demographic characteristics as the Bell’s palsy group were included in the control group. As a result of analyses, NLR and PLR were calculated. Results: The mean NLR was 4.37 in the Bell’s palsy group and 1.89 in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The mean PLR was 137.5 in the Bell’s palsy group and 113.75 in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p=0.008). No statistically significant relation was detected between the degree of facial paralysis and NLR and PLR. Conclusion: The NLR and the PLR were significantly higher in patients with Bell’s palsy. This is the first study to reveal a relation between Bell’s palsy and PLR. NLR and PLR can be used as auxiliary parameters in the diagnosis of Bell’s palsy. PMID:26167340

Association of SIRT-1 Gene Polymorphism and Vitamin D Level in Egyptian Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

Sabry, Dina; Kaddafy, Shereen Rashad; Abdelaziz, Ahmed Ali; Nassar, Abdelfattah Kasem; Rayan, Mohamed Moneer; Sadek, Sadek Mostafa; Abou-Elalla, Amany A

2018-03-01

We investigated SIRT-1 genetic variant and its association with vitamin D level in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventy Egyptian subjects were enrolled in our study and divided into two groups: RA group (n = 50 patients) and healthy control group (n = 20 subjects). Five milliliter blood sample was withdrawn from each subject followed by laboratory investigation and DNA extraction for SIRT-1 gene polymorphism assessment (rs7895833 A>G, rs7069102 C>G and rs2273773 C>T) and vitamin D level expression. There was statistically significant difference between rheumatoid cases and controls with regard to vitamin D level with 88% of cases showing insufficient vitamin D versus all controls showing sufficient level. SIRT-1 different SNPs rs2273773, rs7895833and rs7069102 genotype frequencies were statistically significant in RA compared to control group (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between different genotypes of rs2273773, rs7895833 and rs7069102 with regard to vitamin D level. We concluded that there is a strong association between SIRT-1 polymorphism genotyping and RA. Vitamin D level was insufficient in Egyptian patients with RA.

Association of SIRT-1 Gene Polymorphism and Vitamin D Level in Egyptian Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Sabry, Dina; Kaddafy, Shereen Rashad; Abdelaziz, Ahmed Ali; Nassar, Abdelfattah Kasem; Rayan, Mohamed Moneer; Sadek, Sadek Mostafa; Abou-Elalla, Amany A

2018-01-01

Background We investigated SIRT-1 genetic variant and its association with vitamin D level in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Seventy Egyptian subjects were enrolled in our study and divided into two groups: RA group (n = 50 patients) and healthy control group (n = 20 subjects). Five milliliter blood sample was withdrawn from each subject followed by laboratory investigation and DNA extraction for SIRT-1 gene polymorphism assessment (rs7895833 A>G, rs7069102 C>G and rs2273773 C>T) and vitamin D level expression. Results There was statistically significant difference between rheumatoid cases and controls with regard to vitamin D level with 88% of cases showing insufficient vitamin D versus all controls showing sufficient level. SIRT-1 different SNPs rs2273773, rs7895833and rs7069102 genotype frequencies were statistically significant in RA compared to control group (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between different genotypes of rs2273773, rs7895833 and rs7069102 with regard to vitamin D level. Conclusion We concluded that there is a strong association between SIRT-1 polymorphism genotyping and RA. Vitamin D level was insufficient in Egyptian patients with RA. PMID:29416576

Clustering of 3D-Structure Similarity Based Network of Secondary Metabolites Reveals Their Relationships with Biological Activities.

PubMed

Ohtana, Yuki; Abdullah, Azian Azamimi; Altaf-Ul-Amin, Md; Huang, Ming; Ono, Naoaki; Sato, Tetsuo; Sugiura, Tadao; Horai, Hisayuki; Nakamura, Yukiko; Morita Hirai, Aki; Lange, Klaus W; Kibinge, Nelson K; Katsuragi, Tetsuo; Shirai, Tsuyoshi; Kanaya, Shigehiko

2014-12-01

Developing database systems connecting diverse species based on omics is the most important theme in big data biology. To attain this purpose, we have developed KNApSAcK Family Databases, which are utilized in a number of researches in metabolomics. In the present study, we have developed a network-based approach to analyze relationships between 3D structure and biological activity of metabolites consisting of four steps as follows: construction of a network of metabolites based on structural similarity (Step 1), classification of metabolites into structure groups (Step 2), assessment of statistically significant relations between structure groups and biological activities (Step 3), and 2-dimensional clustering of the constructed data matrix based on statistically significant relations between structure groups and biological activities (Step 4). Applying this method to a data set consisting of 2072 secondary metabolites and 140 biological activities reported in KNApSAcK Metabolite Activity DB, we obtained 983 statistically significant structure group-biological activity pairs. As a whole, we systematically analyzed the relationship between 3D-chemical structures of metabolites and biological activities. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Oral cancer associated with chronic mechanical irritation of the oral mucosa.

PubMed

Piemonte, E; Lazos, J; Belardinelli, P; Secchi, D; Brunotto, M; Lanfranchi-Tizeira, H

2018-03-01

Most of the studies dealing with Chronic Mechanical Irritation (CMI) and Oral Cancer (OC) only considered prosthetic and dental variables separately, and CMI functional factors are not registered. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess OC risk in individuals with dental, prosthetic and functional CMI. Also, we examined CMI presence in relation to tumor size. A case-control study was carried out from 2009 to 2013. Study group were squamous cell carcinoma cases; control group was patients seeking dental treatment in the same institution. 153 patients were studied (Study group n=53, Control group n=100). CMI reproducibility displayed a correlation coefficient of 1 (p<0.0001). Bivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations for all variables (age, gender, tobacco and alcohol consumption and CMI). Multivariate analysis exhibited statistical significance for age, alcohol, and CMI, but not for gender or tobacco. Relationship of CMI with tumor size showed no statistically significant differences. CMI could be regarded as a risk factor for oral cancer. In individuals with other OC risk factors, proper treatment of the mechanical injuring factors (dental, prosthetic and functional) could be an important measure to reduce the risk of oral cancer.

Aronia melanocarpa Treatment and Antioxidant Status in Selected Tissues in Wistar Rats

PubMed Central

Krośniak, Mirosław; Sanocka, Ilona; Bartoń, Henryk; Hebda, Tomasz; Francik, Sławomir

2014-01-01

Aronia juice is considered to be a source of compounds with high antioxidative potential. We conducted a study on the impact of compounds in the Aronia juice on oxidative stress in plasma and brain tissues. The influence of Aronia juice on oxidative stress parameters was tested with the use of a model with a high content of fructose and nonsaturated fats. Therefore, the activity of enzymatic (catalase, CAT, and paraoxonase, PON) and nonenzymatic (thiol groups, SH, and protein carbonyl groups, PCG) oxidative stress markers, which indicate changes in the carbohydrate and protein profiles, was marked in brain tissue homogenates. Adding Aronia caused statistically significant increase in the CAT activity in plasma in all tested diets, while the PON activity showed a statistically significant increase only in case of high fat diet. In animals fed with Aronia juice supplemented with carbohydrates or fat, statistically significant increase in the PON activity and the decrease in the CAT activity in brain tissue were observed. In case of the high fat diet, an increase in the number of SH groups and a decrease in the number of PCG groups in brain tissue were observed. PMID:25057488

Aronia melanocarpa treatment and antioxidant status in selected tissues in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Francik, Renata; Krośniak, Mirosław; Sanocka, Ilona; Bartoń, Henryk; Hebda, Tomasz; Francik, Sławomir

2014-01-01

Aronia juice is considered to be a source of compounds with high antioxidative potential. We conducted a study on the impact of compounds in the Aronia juice on oxidative stress in plasma and brain tissues. The influence of Aronia juice on oxidative stress parameters was tested with the use of a model with a high content of fructose and nonsaturated fats. Therefore, the activity of enzymatic (catalase, CAT, and paraoxonase, PON) and nonenzymatic (thiol groups, SH, and protein carbonyl groups, PCG) oxidative stress markers, which indicate changes in the carbohydrate and protein profiles, was marked in brain tissue homogenates. Adding Aronia caused statistically significant increase in the CAT activity in plasma in all tested diets, while the PON activity showed a statistically significant increase only in case of high fat diet. In animals fed with Aronia juice supplemented with carbohydrates or fat, statistically significant increase in the PON activity and the decrease in the CAT activity in brain tissue were observed. In case of the high fat diet, an increase in the number of SH groups and a decrease in the number of PCG groups in brain tissue were observed.

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios of our pediatric patients with Bell's palsy.

PubMed

Eryilmaz, Aylin; Basal, Yesim; Tosun, Ayse; Kurt Omurlu, Imran; Basak, Sema

2015-12-01

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is considered to be a reliable indicator in etiological investigation and identification of the disease severity in inflammatory disorders. There are numerous observations or evidences suggesting that Bell's palsy is an inflammatory disorder. Our aim was to investigate the presence of any clue which might suggest inflammatory etiology and also the presence of compliance between NLR elevation and inflammation severity in children. Patients younger than 18 years with Bell's palsy and who had not another inflammatory disorder in addition to Bell's palsy were included. A total of 25 patients and 25 healthy individuals were taken. The patient group and the control group were compared in terms of NLR, neutrophil and lymphocytes. The relationship of NLR with pre-treatment House-Brackmann classification was evaluated. The mean age was 9.86±5.07 in the patient group and 9.14±5.94 in the control group. In all members of the patient group, oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d) was administered for 7 days. The post-treatment House-Brackmann classification of all patients was determined as grade 1. The average neutrophil values were significantly higher in the patient group. In terms of average lymphocyte values, no statistically significant difference was found. The average NLR value was 1.78 (0.93-4.58) in the pediatric patient group and 1.1 (0.6-2.05) in the control group. NLR was significantly higher in the patient group. NLR and pre-treatment House-Brackmann classification showed no statistically significant correlation (r=0.173, p>0.05). When cut-off value was taken as 3 for NLR, no statistically significant difference was found between groups. High NLR values determined in pediatric patients with Bell's palsy support the inflammatory feature of this disease. NLR is recommended as a supportive parameter in the diagnosis of pediatric patients with Bell's palsy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cardiovascular disease and ABO blood-groups in Africans. Are blood-group A individuals at higher risk of ischemic disease?: A pilot study.

PubMed

Ba, Djibril Marie; Sow, Mamadou Saidou; Diack, Aminata; Dia, Khadidiatou; Mboup, Mouhamed Cherif; Fall, Pape Diadie; Fall, Moussa Daouda

2017-12-01

Since the discovery of the ABO blood group system by Karl Landsteiner in 1901, several reports have suggested an important involvement of the ABO blood group system in the susceptibility to thrombosis. Assessing that non-O blood groups in particular A blood group confer a higher risk of venous and arterial thrombosis than group O.Epidemiologic data are typically not available for all racial and ethnics groups.The purpose of this pilot study was to identify a link between ABO blood group and ischemic disease (ID) in Africans, and to analyze whether A blood group individuals were at higher risk of ischemic disease or not. A total of 299 medical records of patients over a three-year period admitted to the cardiology and internal medicine department of military hospital of Ouakam in Senegal were reviewed. We studied data on age, gender, past history of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, sedentarism, obesity, hyperlipidemia, use of estrogen-progestin contraceptives and blood group distribution.In each blood group type, we evaluated the prevalence of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiovascular disease. The medical records were then stratified into two categories to evaluate incidence of ischemic disease: Group 1: Patients carrying blood-group A and Group 2: Patients carrying blood group non-A (O, AB and B). Of the 299 patients whose medical records were reviewed, 92 (30.8%) were carrying blood group A, 175 (58.5%) had blood group O, 13 (4.3%) had blood group B, and 19 (6.4%) had blood group AB.The diagnosis of ischemic disease (ID) was higher in patients with blood group A (61.2%) than in other blood groups, and the diagnosis of non-ischemic disease (NID) was higher in patients with blood group O (73.6%) compared to other groups. In patients with blood group B or AB compared to non-B or non-AB, respectively there was no statistically significant difference in ID incidence.Main risk factor for ID was smoking (56.5%), hypertension (18.4%) and diabetes (14.3%).In our study, there was no statistical difference between blood group A and non-A in myocardial infarction (MI) incidence ( p  = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.99-2.83) but a statistically significant difference between blood group A and non-A in stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD) incidence (p < 0.0001, 95% CI = 1.80-3.37 and p  < 0.0001 95% CI = 1.82-3.41 respectively) was found.The incidence of ID in men was significantly higher in blood group A (95% CI = 2.26-4.57, p  < 0.0001) compared with non-A group, while there was no statistically significant difference in women ( p  = 0.35). However, an overall effect was detected to be statistically significant regardless of gender ( p  < 0.0001). Our study suggests an association between blood group A and ID in sub-Sahara Africans.In African countries, where most of health facilities are understaffed, more rigorous studies with a larger population are needed to give a high level of evidence to confirm this association in order to establish the need to be more aggressive in risk factor control in these individuals.

The In vitro Evaluation of the effect of xyliwhite, probiotic, and the conventional toothpastes on the enamel roughness and microhardness.

PubMed

Maden, E Arat; Altun, C; Polat, G Guven; Basak, F

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride, Xylitol, Probiotic, and Whitening toothpastes on the permanent teeth enamel roughness and microhardness. One hundred and twenty teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups, each group having 60 samples. G1: The group in which enamel roughness was examined (n = 60). G2: The group in which enamel microhardness was examined (n = 60). Then, these groups were randomly divided into 4 groups among themselves (n = 15). Each group was brushed using four different toothpastes for 1 week with a battery-powered toothbrush in the morning and evening for 2 min. Vicker's hardness tester was used to measure the changes in microhardness, and the profilometer was used to measure the changes in surface roughness. No statistically significant differences were found on surface roughness and microhardness values measured after tooth brushing process in group brushed with Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste (P > 0.01). Statistically significant decrease was observed on Vicker's hardness values measured after tooth brushing process in groups brushed with Ipana White Power Carbonate toothpaste, Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel, and Periobiotic Probiotic Toothpaste (P < 0.01). Statistically significant increase was observed on surface roughness values in groups brushed with Ipana White Power Carbonate toothpaste, Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel, Periobiotic Probiotic Toothpaste (P < 0.01). As a result, Colgate MaxFresh abrasive-free toothpaste with fluoride has no effect on permanent tooth enamel surface roughness and microhardness. Xyliwhite, Periobiotic, and Ipana White Power Carbonate-containing abrasive toothpastes led to changes negatively on permanent tooth enamel surface roughness and microhardness.

Evaluation of diode laser and stannous fluoride in the treatment of root sensitivity after access flap surgery: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Raut, Chetan Purushottam; Sethi, Kunal Sunder; Kohale, Bhagyashree; Mamajiwala, Alefiya; Warang, Ayushya

2018-01-01

Postsurgical root sensitivity has always been an enigma to the periodontists. There is a plethora of evidence suggesting the presence of root sensitivity following periodontal flap surgical procedures. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the effect of low-power diode lasers with and without topical application of stannous fluoride (SnF 2 ) gel in the treatment of root sensitivity and also evaluate whether laser creates any placebo effect in the control group or not. Thirty patients participated in this study and 99 teeth were included. Root sensitivity was assessed for all groups with a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). For each patient, the teeth were randomized into three groups. In the test Group I, sensitive teeth were treated with SnF 2 and diode laser. In the test Group II, sensitive teeth were irradiated with laser only. In the control group, no treatment was performed. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score for VRS and Visual Analog Scale at baseline was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05) between the three groups. After 15 min, statistical significant difference was seen in test Group I and test Group II, although no difference was found in the control group. At 15 th day and 30 th day, the mean ± SD scores were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that diode lasers alone and in combination with 0.4% SnF 2 was effective in the treatment of root sensitivity after access flap surgery.

The advantages of hypnosis intervention on breast cancer surgery and adjuvant therapy.

PubMed

Berlière, M; Roelants, F; Watremez, C; Docquier, M A; Piette, N; Lamerant, S; Megevand, V; Van Maanen, A; Piette, P; Gerday, A; Duhoux, F P

2018-02-01

In oncology, hypnosis has been used for pain relief in metastatic patients but rarely for induction of anesthesia. Between January 2010 and October 2015, 300 patients from our Breast Clinic (Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain) were included in an observational, non-randomized study approved by our local ethics committee (ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT03003611). The hypothesis of our study was that hypnosis intervention could decrease side effects of breast surgery. 150 consecutive patients underwent breast surgery while on general anesthesia (group I), and 150 consecutive patients underwent the same surgical procedures while on hypnosis sedation (group II). After surgery, in each group, 32 patients received chemotherapy, radiotherapy was administered to 123 patients, and 115 patients received endocrine therapy. Duration of hospitalization was statistically significantly reduced in group II versus group I: 3 versus 4.1 days (p = 0.0000057) for all surgical procedures. The number of post-mastectomy lymph punctures was reduced in group II (1-3, median value n = 1.5) versus group I (2-5, median value n = 3.1) (p = 0.01), as was the quantity of lymph removed (103 ml versus 462.7 ml) (p = 0.0297) in the group of mastectomies. Anxiety scale was also statistically reduced in the postoperative period among the group of patients undergoing surgery while on hypnosis sedation (p = 0.0000000000000002). The incidence of asthenia during chemotherapy was statistically decreased (p = 0.01) in group II. In this group, there was a statistically non-significant trend towards a decrease in the incidence of nausea/vomiting (p = 0.1), and the frequency of radiodermitis (p = 0.002) and post-radiotherapy asthenia (p = 0.000000881) was also reduced. Finally, the incidence of hot flashes (p = 0.0000000000021), joint and muscle pain (p = 0.0000000000021) and asthenia while on endocrine therapy (p = 0.000000022) were statistically significantly decreased in group II. Hypnosis sedation exerts beneficial effects on nearly all modalities of breast cancer treatment. Benefits of hypnosis sedation on breast cancer treatment are very encouraging and further promote the concept of integrative oncology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Could edaravone prevent gentamicin ototoxicity? An experimental study.

PubMed

Turan, M; Ciğer, E; Arslanoğlu, S; Börekci, H; Önal, K

2017-02-01

Clinical application of gentamicin may cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Our study is the first study to investigate the protective effects of edaravone against the gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. We investigated the protective effect of intraperitoneal (i.p.) edaravone application against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity in guinea pigs. Fourteen guinea pigs were divided into two equal groups consisting of a control group and a study group. One-hundred sixty milligrams per kilogram subcutaneous gentamicin and 0.3 mL i.p. saline were applied simultaneously once daily to seven guinea pigs in the control group (group 1). One-hundred sixty milligrams per kilogram gentamicin was applied subcutaneously and 3 mg/kg edaravone was applied intraperitoneally once daily for 7 days simultaneously to seven guinea pigs in the study group (group 2). Following the drug application, auditory brainstem response measurements were performed for the left ear on the 3rd and 7th days. Hearing threshold values of the group 1 and group 2 measured in the 3rd day of the study were detected as 57.14 ± 4.88 and 82.86 ± 7.56, respectively. This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Hearing threshold values of the group 1 and group 2 measured in the 7th day of the study were detected as 87.14 ± 4.88 and 62.86 ± 4.88, respectively. This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference between the average threshold values of edaravone-administered group 2 and that of group 1 without edaravone was found. These differences show that systemic edaravone administration could diminish ototoxic effects of gentamicin and the severity of the hearing loss.

Application of Holistic Nursing in Uremic Patients with Hematodialysis Related Malnutrition.

PubMed

Zhang, Huifang; Lin, Chongting; Yuan, Songbo; Wang, Qinghua; Yang, Jiangcheng

2017-04-01

We aimed to observe the effect of holistic nursing on patients undergoing hematodialysis for uremia who simultaneously were suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition. Eighty patients with uremia on maintenance hematodialysis with malnutrition between June 2014 and June 2015 from Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China were included and equally and randomly were divided into the control group (n=43) and observation group (n=43). Routine nursing was used in the control group while holistic nursing was used in observation group (before, during and after dialysis) and the clinical effects in the two groups were compared after 3 months. At follow-up visits, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels of the patients in the two groups were decreased, whereas hemoglobin and albumin levels were increased. In addition, these improvements were greater in the observation group and the differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05). Furthermore, during follow-up visits, MQSGA and MIS scores of the two groups were lower and the scores of the observation group were lower than those in the control group were, and the differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05). Holistic nursing is able to improve significantly malnutrition in patients with uremia on hematodialysis.

Cell therapy with bone marrow mononuclear cells in elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema.

PubMed

Longhini-Dos-Santos, Nathalia; Barbosa-de-Oliveira, Valter Abraão; Kozma, Rodrigo Heras; Faria, Carolina Arruda de; Stessuk, Talita; Frei, Fernando; Ribeiro-Paes, João Tadeu

2013-04-01

Emphysema is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls with loss of gas exchange surface and consequent progressive dyspnea. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of cell therapy with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) in an animal model of elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema. Emphysema was induced in C57Bl/J6 female mice by intranasal instillation of elastase. After 21 days, the mice received bone marrow mononuclear cells from EGFP male mice with C57Bl/J6 background. The groups were assessed by comparison and statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the groups treated with BMMC and evaluated after 7, 14 and 21 days. Analysis of the mean linear intercept (Lm) values for the different groups allowed to observe that the group treated with BMMC and evaluated after 21 days showed the most significant result. The group that received no treatment showed a statistically significant difference when compared to other groups, except the group treated and evaluated after 21 days, evidencing the efficacy of cell therapy with BMMC in pulmonary emphysema.

The Evaluation of Head and Craniocervical Posture among Patients with and without Temporomandibular Joint Disorders- A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Saddu, Shweta Channavir; Dyasanoor, Sujatha; Valappila, Nidhin J; Ravi, Beena Varma

2015-08-01

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common non-dental cause of orofacial pain with a multifactorial aetiology. To evaluate the head and craniocervical posture between individuals with and without TMD and its sub types by photographic and radiographic method. Thirty four TMD patients diagnosed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD's (RDC/TMD) and were divided into 2 groups: Group I (muscle disorder), Group II (disc displacement). Control group comprised of 34 age and sex matched subjects without TMD. Lateral view photographs were taken and the head posture angle was measured. Craniocervical posture was assessed on lateral skull radiograph with two angles (Craniocervical Angle, Cervical Curvature Angle) and two distances (Suboccipital Space, Atlas-Axis Distance). To compare the results, t-test was used with significance level of 0.05. Head posture showed no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05) between Group I, II and control group in both photographic and radiographic methods. The cervical curvature angle showed significant difference (p = 0.045) in Group I only. Atlas-Axis Distance was statistically significant in Group II (p = 0.001). The present study confirmed that there is a negative association of head posture and TMD whereas, cervical lordosis was present in Group I only.

The Evaluation of Head and Craniocervical Posture among Patients with and without Temporomandibular Joint Disorders- A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Saddu, Shweta Channavir; Dyasanoor, Sujatha; Ravi, Beena Varma

2015-01-01

Introduction Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common non-dental cause of orofacial pain with a multifactorial aetiology. Aim To evaluate the head and craniocervical posture between individuals with and without TMD and its sub types by photographic and radiographic method. Materials and Methods Thirty four TMD patients diagnosed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD’s (RDC/TMD) and were divided into 2 groups: Group I (muscle disorder), Group II (disc displacement). Control group comprised of 34 age and sex matched subjects without TMD. Lateral view photographs were taken and the head posture angle was measured. Craniocervical posture was assessed on lateral skull radiograph with two angles (Craniocervical Angle, Cervical Curvature Angle) and two distances (Suboccipital Space, Atlas-Axis Distance). To compare the results, t-test was used with significance level of 0.05. Results Head posture showed no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05) between Group I, II and control group in both photographic and radiographic methods. The cervical curvature angle showed significant difference (p = 0.045) in Group I only. Atlas-Axis Distance was statistically significant in Group II (p = 0.001). Conclusion The present study confirmed that there is a negative association of head posture and TMD whereas, cervical lordosis was present in Group I only. PMID:26436048

Sudden death and cervical spine: A new contribution to pathogenesis for sudden death in critical care unit from subarachnoid hemorrhage; first report – An experimental study

PubMed Central

Kazdal, Hizir; Kanat, Ayhan; Aydin, Mehmet Dumlu; Yazar, Ugur; Guvercin, Ali Riza; Calik, Muhammet; Gundogdu, Betul

2017-01-01

Context: Sudden death from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is not uncommon. Aims: The goal of this study is to elucidate the effect of the cervical spinal roots and the related dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) on cardiorespiratory arrest following SAH. Settings and Design: This was an experimental study conducted on rabbits. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 22 rabbits which were randomly divided into three groups: control (n = 5), physiologic serum saline (SS; n = 6), SAH groups (n = 11). Experimental SAH was performed. Seven of 11 rabbits with SAH died within the first 2 weeks. After 20 days, other animals were sacrificed. The anterior spinal arteries, arteriae nervorum of cervical nerve roots (C6–C8), DRGs, and lungs were histopathologically examined and estimated stereologically. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using the PASW Statistics 18.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Intergroup differences were assessed using a one-way ANOVA. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: In the SAH group, histopathologically, severe anterior spinal artery (ASA) and arteriae nervorum vasospasm, axonal and neuronal degeneration, and neuronal apoptosis were observed. Vasospasm of ASA did not occur in the SS and control groups. There was a statistically significant increase in the degenerated neuron density in the SAH group as compared to the control and SS groups (P < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory disturbances, arrest, and lung edema more commonly developed in animals in the SAH group. Conclusion: We noticed interestingly that C6–C8 DRG degenerations were secondary to the vasospasm of ASA, following SAH. Cardiorespiratory disturbances or arrest can be explained with these mechanisms. PMID:28250634

Silent myocardial ischaemia: the Tan Tock Seng experience.

PubMed

Mak, K H; Tan, E K; Chew, L; Gan, S H; Chan, A L

1991-10-01

The results of treadmill exercise stress test (TMX) for ischaemia is based on ST-segment depression. Patients with positive test may or may not be symptomatic. This study examines if there are any differences between these two groups of patients. A total of thirty-nine patients with coronary artery disease and positive TMX results in 1988 was studied. There were 16 patients with chest pain and 23 without. They were followed-up for a mean period of 16.9 and 15.2 months respectively. The following factors were found not to be statistically significant between these two groups of patients: age, sex, race, height, weight, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus or smoking, indication for the test, use of drugs, total and HDL-cholesterol, exercise duration and the initial double product. The difference between the maximal double product of the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.004). In the follow-up period, in the group of patients with silent myocardial ischaemia, one had a cardiac event and one underwent revascularisation. While in the symptomatic group, two had cardiac events and seven underwent revascularisation. There were no deaths in either group. The difference in overall outcome was significant statistically (p = 0.002). Therefore, patients with silent myocardial ischaemia have a higher maximal double product in TMX; hence a higher maximal workload and a less adverse outcome compared to symptomatic patients.

Immediate vs non-immediate loading post-extractive implants: a comparative study of implant stability quotient (ISQ)

PubMed Central

MILILLO, L.; FIANDACA, C.; GIANNOULIS, F.; OTTRIA, L.; LUCCHESE, A.; SILVESTRE, F.; PETRUZZI, M.

2016-01-01

SUMMARY Purpose This study aims to evaluate differences in implant stability between post-extractive implants vs immediately placed post-extractive implants by resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Materials and methods Patients were grouped into two different categories. In Group A 10 patients had an immediate post-extractive implant, then a provisional, acrylic resin crown was placed (immediate loading). In Group B (control group) 10 patients only had an immediate post-extractive implant. Both upper and lower premolars were chosen as post-extractive sites. Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) was measured thanks to RFA measurements (Osstell®). Five intervals were considered: immediately after surgery (T0) and every four weeks, until five months after implant placement (T1, T2, T3, T4,T5). A statistical analysis by means of Student’s T-test (significance set at p<0.05) for independent sample was carried out in order to compare Groups A and B. Results The ISQ value between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.02) at T1. No statistically significant difference in ISQ was assessed at T0, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Conclusions After clinical assessment it is possible to confirm that provisional and immediate prosthetic surgery in post-extraction sites with cone-shaped implants, platform-switching abutment and bioactive surface can facilitate osseointegration, reducing healing time. PMID:28042440

Functional differences between statistical learning with and without explicit training

PubMed Central

Reber, Paul J.; Paller, Ken A.

2015-01-01

Humans are capable of rapidly extracting regularities from environmental input, a process known as statistical learning. This type of learning typically occurs automatically, through passive exposure to environmental input. The presumed function of statistical learning is to optimize processing, allowing the brain to more accurately predict and prepare for incoming input. In this study, we ask whether the function of statistical learning may be enhanced through supplementary explicit training, in which underlying regularities are explicitly taught rather than simply abstracted through exposure. Learners were randomly assigned either to an explicit group or an implicit group. All learners were exposed to a continuous stream of repeating nonsense words. Prior to this implicit training, learners in the explicit group received supplementary explicit training on the nonsense words. Statistical learning was assessed through a speeded reaction-time (RT) task, which measured the extent to which learners used acquired statistical knowledge to optimize online processing. Both RTs and brain potentials revealed significant differences in online processing as a function of training condition. RTs showed a crossover interaction; responses in the explicit group were faster to predictable targets and marginally slower to less predictable targets relative to responses in the implicit group. P300 potentials to predictable targets were larger in the explicit group than in the implicit group, suggesting greater recruitment of controlled, effortful processes. Taken together, these results suggest that information abstracted through passive exposure during statistical learning may be processed more automatically and with less effort than information that is acquired explicitly. PMID:26472644

Comparative efficacy of two battery-powered toothbrushes on dental plaque removal.

PubMed

Ruhlman, C Douglas; Bartizek, Robert D; Biesbrock, Aaron R

2002-01-01

A number of clinical studies have consistently demonstrated that power toothbrushes deliver superior plaque removal compared to manual toothbrushes. Recently, a new power toothbrush (Crest SpinBrush) has been marketed with a design that fundamentally differs from other marketed power toothbrushes. Other power toothbrushes feature a small, round head designed to oscillate for enhanced cleaning between the teeth and below the gumline. The new power toothbrush incorporates a similar round oscillating head in conjunction with fixed bristles, which allows the user to brush with optimal manual brushing technique. The objective of this randomized, examiner-blind, parallel design study was to compare the plaque removal efficacy of a positive control power toothbrush (Colgate Actibrush) to an experimental toothbrush (Crest SpinBrush) following a single use among 59 subjects. Baseline plaque scores were 1.64 and 1.40 for the experimental toothbrush and control toothbrush treatment groups, respectively. With regard to all surfaces examined, the experimental toothbrush delivered an adjusted (via analysis of covariance) mean difference between baseline and post-brushing plaque scores of 0.47, while the control toothbrush delivered an adjusted mean difference of 0.33. On average, the difference between toothbrushes was statistically significant (p = 0.013). Because the covariate slope for the experimental group was statistically significantly greater (p = 0.001) than the slope for the control group, a separate slope model was used. Further analysis demonstrated that the experimental group had statistically significantly greater plaque removal than the control group for baseline plaque scores above 1.43. With respect to buccal surfaces, using a separate slope analysis of covariance, the experimental toothbrush delivered an adjusted mean difference between baseline and post-brushing plaque scores of 0.61, while the control toothbrush delivered an adjusted mean difference of 0.39. This difference between toothbrushes was also statistically significant (p = 0.002). On average, the results on lingual surfaces demonstrated similar directional scores favoring the experimental toothbrush; however these results did not achieve statistical significance. In conclusion, the experimental Crest SpinBrush, with its novel fixed and oscillating bristle design, was found to be more effective than the positive control Colgate Actibrush, which is designed with a small round oscillating cluster of bristles.

Intrabolus pressure on high-resolution manometry distinguishes fibrostenotic and inflammatory phenotypes of eosinophilic esophagitis.

PubMed

Colizzo, J M; Clayton, S B; Richter, J E

2016-08-01

The aim of this investigation was to determine the motility patterns of inflammatory and fibrostenotic phenotypes of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) utilizing high-resolution manometry (HRM). Twenty-nine patients with a confirmed diagnosis of EoE according to clinicopathological criteria currently being managed at the Joy McCann Culverhouse Swallowing Center at the University of South Florida were included in the retrospective analysis. Only patients who completed HRM studies were included in the analysis. Patients were classified into inflammatory or fibrostenotic subtypes based on baseline endoscopic evidence. Their baseline HRM studies prior to therapy were analyzed. Manometric data including distal contractile integral, integrated relaxation pressure, and intrabolus pressure (IBP) values were recorded. HRM results were interpreted according to the Chicago Classification system. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software (Version 22, IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA). Data were compared utilizing Student's t-test, χ(2) test, Pearson correlation, and Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. A total of 29 patients with EoE were included into the retrospective analysis. The overall average age among patients was 40 years. Male patients comprised 62% of the overall population. Both groups were similar in age, gender, and overall clinical presentation. Seventeen patients (58%) had fibrostenotic disease, and 12 (42%) displayed inflammatory disease. The average IBP for the fibrostenotic and inflammatory groups were 18.6 ± 6.0 mmHg and 12.6 ± 3.5 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05). Strictures were only seen in the fibrostenotic group. Of the fibrostenotic group, 6 (35%) demonstrated proximal esophageal strictures, 7 (41%) had distal strictures, 3 (18%) had mid-esophageal strictures, and 1 (6%) patient had pan-esophageal strictures. There was no statistically significant correlation between the level of esophageal stricture and degree of IBP. Integrated relaxation pressure, distal contractile integral, and other HRM metrics did not demonstrate statistical significance between the two subtypes. There also appeared no statistically significant correlation between patient demographics and esophageal metrics. Patients with the fibrostenotic phenotype of EoE demonstrated an IBP that was significantly higher than that of the inflammatory group. © 2015 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

The Prognostic Significance of Elevated Serum Ferritin Levels Prior to Transplantation in Patients With Lymphoma Who Underwent Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (autoHSCT): Role of Iron Overload.

PubMed

Sivgin, Serdar; Karamustafaoglu, Mehmet Fatih; Yildizhan, Esra; Zararsiz, Gokmen; Kaynar, Leylagul; Eser, Bulent; Cetin, Mustafa; Unal, Ali

2016-08-01

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a common and preferred treatment of lymphomas in many centers. Our goal was to determine the association between pretransplant iron overload and survival in patients who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT). A total of 165 patients with lymphoma, who underwent autoHSCT between the years of 2007 and 2014, were included in this study. Ferritin levels were used to determine iron status; the cut-off value was 500 ng/mL. The relationship between iron overload and survival was assessed by statistical analysis. The median ferritin level in the normal ferritin (ferritin < 500) group was 118 ng/mL (range, 9-494 ng/mL) and in the high-ferritin group (ferritin ≥ 500), it was 908 ng/mL (range, 503-4549 ng/mL). A total of 64 (38.8%) patients died during follow-up. Of these patients that died, 52 (81.25%) were in the high-ferritin group, and 12 (18.75%) were in the normal ferritin group (P ≤ .001). Twelve (14.1%) of 85 patients died in the normal ferritin group, and 52 (65.0%) of 80 patients died in the high-ferritin group. The overall mortality was significantly higher in the high-ferritin group (P < .001). The median overall survival was 42 months (range, 25-56 months) in the normal-ferritin group and20 months (range, 5-46) in the high-ferritin group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < .001). The median disease-free survival was 39 months (range, 16-56) in the normal ferritin group and 10 months (range, 3-29) in the high-ferritin group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < .001). Elevated serum ferritin levels might predict poorer survival in autoHSCT recipients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of artifact-corrected electroencephalographic (EEG) training: a pilot study.

PubMed

La Marca, Jeffry P; Cruz, Daniel; Fandino, Jennifer; Cacciaguerra, Fabiana R; Fresco, Joseph J; Guerra, Austin T

2018-07-01

This double-blind study examined the effect of electromyographical (EMG) artifacts, which contaminate electroencephalographical (EEG) signals, by comparing artifact-corrected (AC) and non-artifact-corrected (NAC) neurofeedback (NF) training procedures. 14 unmedicated college students were randomly assigned to two groups: AC (n = 7) or NAC (n = 7). Both groups received 12 sessions of NF and were trained using identical NF treatment protocols to reduce their theta/beta power ratios (TBPR). Outcomes on a continuous performance test revealed that the AC group had statistically significant increases across measures of auditory and visual attention. The NAC group showed smaller gains that only reached statistical significance on measures of visual attention. Only the AC group reduced their TBPR, the NAC group did not. AC NF appears to play an important role during training that leads to improvements in both auditory and visual attention. Additional research is required to confirm the results of this study.

Cryotherapy and ankle motion in chronic venous disorders

PubMed Central

Kelechi, Teresa J.; Mueller, Martina; Zapka, Jane G.; King, Dana E.

2013-01-01

This study compared ankle range of motion (AROM) including dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion, and venous refill time (VRT) in leg skin inflamed by venous disorders, before and after a new cryotherapy ulcer prevention treatment. Fifty-seven-individuals participated in the randomized clinical trial; 28 in the experimental group and 29 received usual care only. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and usual care groups although AROM measures in the experimental group showed a consistent, non-clinically relevant decrease compared to the usual care group except for dorsiflexion. Within treatment group comparisons of VRT results showed a statistically significant increase in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion for patients with severe VRT in the experimental group (6.9 ± 6.8; p = 0.002 and 5.8 ± 12.6; p = 0.02, respectively). Cryotherapy did not further restrict already compromised AROM, and in some cases, there were minor improvements. PMID:23516043

[Effect of urinary Tamm-horsfall protein concentration changes under centrifugation and its association with urolithiasis formation in rats].

PubMed

Chen, Yuanhao; Guo, Heqing; Sun, Bin; Li, Jianye; Yan, Jingmin; Hong, Quan; Zou, Zhikang; Wang, Jianchang

2014-04-15

To explore the concentration changes of Tamm-Horsefall protein (THP) under centrifugation in rat urine and discuss its association with urolithiasis formation. A total of 40 Wistar rats were divided randomly into 4 groups of flying with stone (A), flying without stone (B), stone without flying (C) and control (D). After centrifugation, the THP concentrations of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then urinary system was dissected, stained with hematoxylin & eosin and observed under electron microscopy to examine the distribution and number of each section. The SPSS 13.0 software was used for data analyses. Group A showed significant difference in THP concentrations with groups C and D ( (11 ± 4) vs (15 ± 6), (17 ± 4) ng/ml, P = 0.037 and 0.005).No statistically significant difference existed between groups A and B ((11 ± 5) ng/ml, P = 0.998) or groups C and D (P = 0.422). Group B had significant difference in THP concentrations with groups D (P = 0.036). Regarding the number of stones in ureter, Group A had statistically significant difference with B (P = 0.029).However, there was no difference in the number of bladder stones.In kidney stones, there was significant difference (P = 0.029) on "+ +" rating. Centrifugation may reduce the urinary concentration of THP so as cause urolithiasis formation in rats.

Effects of Nordic walking on physical functions and depression in frail people aged 70 years and above.

PubMed

Lee, Han Suk; Park, Jeung Hun

2015-08-01

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of Nordic walking on physical functions and depression in frail people aged 70 years and above. [Subjects] Twenty frail elderly individuals ≥70 years old were assigned to either a Nordic walking group (n=8) or general exercise group (n=10). [Methods] The duration of intervention was equal in both groups (3 sessions/week for 12 weeks, 60 min/session). Physical function (balance, upper extremity strength, lower extremity strength, weakness) and depression were examined before and after the interventions. [Results] With the exception of upper extremity muscle strength, lower extremity strength, weakness, balance, and depression after Nordic walking demonstrated statistically significant improvement. However, in the general exercise group, only balance demonstrated a statistically significant improvement after the intervention. There were significant differences in the changes in lower extremity muscle strength, weakness and depression between the groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, Nordic walking was more effective than general exercise. Therefore, we suggest that Nordic walking may be an attractive option for significant functional improvement in frail people over 70 years old.

Evaluation of anterior knee pain in a PS total knee arthroplasty: the role of patella-friendly femoral component and patellar size.

PubMed

Atzori, F; Sabatini, L; Deledda, D; Schirò, M; Lo Baido, R; Baido, R L; Massè, A

2015-04-01

Total knee arthroplasty gives excellent objective results. Nevertheless, the subjective findings do not match the normal knee perception: Often, it depends on patellar pain onset. In this study, we analyzed clinical and radiological items that can affect resurfaced patellar tracking, and role of a patella-friendly femoral component and patellar size on patellar pain onset. Thirty consecutive patients were implanted using the same-cemented posterior-stabilized TKA associated with patella resurfacing. Fifteen patients were implanted using a classical femoral component, while another 15 patients were implanted using a patella-friendly femoral component. The statistical analysis was set to detect a significant difference (p < 0.05) in clinical and radiological outcomes related to several surgical parameters. Clinical and functional outcomes were recorded using the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) and patellar pain with the Burnett questionnaire. Mean follow-up was 25 months. KSS results were excellent in both groups. Group 2 (patella-friendly femoral model) reached a higher percentage of 100 points in the clinical and functional KSS, but there was no statistical difference. Also, no statistical differences for Burnett Questionnaire results were recorded. We had one case of patellar clunk syndrome in the standard femoral component group and one poor result in the second group. Postoperative radiographic measurements evidenced no statistical differences in both groups. In group 1 (classical femoral component), better significant result (p < 0.05) war recorded at clinical evaluation according to the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) in case of wider patellar component resurfaced. The present study reveals no statistically significant difference in the incidence of anterior knee pain between classical and "patella-friendly" femoral components. With the particular type of implant design utilized in this study, when the classical femoral component is used, bigger patellar implant sizes (38 and 41 mm) showed superior clinical outcome.

Analysis of corneal endothelial cell density and morphology after laser in situ keratomileusis using two types of femtosecond lasers

PubMed Central

Tomita, Minoru; Waring, George O; Watabe, Miyuki

2012-01-01

Purpose To compare two different femtosecond lasers used for flap creation during laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery in terms of their effects on the corneal endothelium. Methods We performed LASIK surgery on 254 eyes of 131 patients using IntraLase FS60 (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc, Irvine, CA; IntraLase group) and 254 eyes of 136 patients using Femto LDV (Ziemer Group AG, Port, Switzerland; LDV group) for corneal flap creation. The mean cell density, coefficient of variation, and hexagonality of the corneal endothelial cells were determined and the results were statistically compared. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the corneal morphology between pre and post LASIK results in each group, nor were there significant differences between the results of both groups at 3 months post LASIK. Conclusions Both IntraLase FS60 and Ziemer Femto LDV are able to create flaps without significant adverse effects on the corneal endothelial morphology through 3 months after LASIK surgery. PMID:23055680

A comparison of face to face and group education on informed choice and decisional conflict of pregnant women about screening tests of fetal abnormalities.

PubMed

Kordi, Masoumeh; Riyazi, Sahar; Lotfalizade, Marziyeh; Shakeri, Mohammad Taghi; Suny, Hoseyn Jafari

2018-01-01

Screening of fetal anomalies is assumed as a necessary measurement in antenatal cares. The screening plans aim at empowerment of individuals to make the informed choice. This study was conducted in order to compare the effect of group and face-to-face education and decisional conflicts among the pregnant females regarding screening of fetal abnormalities. This study of the clinical trial was carried out on 240 pregnant women at <10-week pregnancy age in health care medical centers in Mashhad city in 2014. The form of individual-midwifery information and informed choice questionnaire and decisional conflict scale were used as tools for data collection. The face-to-face and group education course were held in two weekly sessions for intervention groups during two consecutive weeks, and the usual care was conducted for the control group. The rate of informed choice and decisional conflict was measured in pregnant women before education and also at weeks 20-22 of pregnancy in three groups. The data analysis was executed using SPSS statistical software (version 16), and statistical tests were implemented including Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U-test, one-way analysis of variance test, and Tukey's range test. The P < 0.05 was considered as a significant. The results showed that there was statically significant difference between three groups in terms of frequency of informed choice in screening of fetal abnormalities ( P = 0.001) in such a way that at next step of intervention, 62 participants (77.5%) in face-to-face education group, 64 members (80%) in group education class, and 20 persons (25%) in control group had the informed choice regarding screening tests, but there was no statistically significant difference between two individual and group education classes. Similarly, during the postintervention phase, there was a statistically significant difference in mean score of decisional conflict scale among pregnant women regarding screening tests in three groups ( P = 0.001). With respect to effectiveness of group and face-to-face education methods in increasing the informed choice and reduced decisional conflict in pregnant women regarding screening tests, each of these education methods may be employed according to the clinical environment conditions and requirement to encourage the women for conducting the screening tests.

Interventional study to improve diabetic guidelines adherence using mobile health (m-Health) technology in Lahore, Pakistan.

PubMed

Hashmi, Noreen Rahat; Khan, Shazad Ali

2018-05-31

To check if mobile health (m-Health) short message service (SMS) can improve the knowledge and practice of the American Diabetic Association preventive care guidelines (ADA guidelines) recommendations among physicians. Quasi-experimental pre-post study design with a control group. The participants of the study were 62 medical officers/medical postgraduate trainees from two hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect baseline information about physicians' knowledge and adherence according to the ADA guidelines. All the respondents attended 1-day workshop about the guidelines. The intervention group received regular reminders by SMS about the ADA guidelines for the next 5 months. Postintervention knowledge and practice scores of 13 variables were checked again using the same questionnaire. Statistical analysis included χ 2 and McNemar's tests for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Pearson's correlation analysis was done to check correlation between knowledge and practice scores in the intervention group. P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The total number of participating physicians was 62. Fifty-three (85.5%) respondents completed the study. Composite scores within the intervention group showed statistically significant improvement in knowledge (p<0.001) and practice (p<0.001) postintervention. The overall composite scores preintervention and postintervention also showed statistically significant difference of improvement in knowledge (p=0.002) and practice (p=0.001) between non-intervention and intervention groups. Adherence to individual 13 ADA preventive care guidelines level was noted to be suboptimal at baseline. Statistically significant improvement in the intervention group was seen in the following individual variables: review of symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, eye examination, neurological examination, lipid examination, referral to ophthalmologist, and counselling about non-smoking. m-Health technology can be a useful educational tool to help with improving knowledge and practice of diabetic guidelines. Future multicentre trials will help to scale this intervention for wider use in resource-limited countries. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Fate of the syndesmotic screw--Search for a prudent solution.

PubMed

Kaftandziev, Igor; Spasov, Marko; Trpeski, Simon; Zafirova-Ivanovska, Beti; Bakota, Bore

2015-11-01

Ankle fractures are common injuries. Since the recognition of the importance of syndesmotic injury in ankle fractures, much of the scientific work has been focused on concomitant syndesmotic injury. Despite the invention of novel devices for restoration and maintenance of the congruent syndesmosis following syndesmotic injury, the metallic syndesmotic screw is still considered to be the "gold standard". The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results in patients who retained the syndesmosis screw with those in whom the screw was removed following open reduction and internal fixation of the malleolar fracture associated with syndesmosis disruption. This was a retrospective study of 82 patients. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. Clinical evaluation included American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for patient general satisfaction. The condition of the screw (removed, intact or broken), presence of radiolucency around the syndesmotic screw and the tibiofibular clear space were recorded using final follow-up radiographs. Three cortices were engaged in 66 patients (80%) and quadricortical fixation was performed in the remaining 16 patients (20%). The number of engaged cortices did not correlate with the clinical outcome and screw fracture. A single syndesmotic screw was used in 71 patients (86%. The mean AOFAS score in the group with intact screw (I) was 83; the scores in the group with broken screw (B) and removed screw (R) were 92.5 and 85.5, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups: this was due to the difference between groups I and B; the difference between groups I and R and groups B and R were not statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS results. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcome between the group with the screw retained and the group in which the screw was removed; however, the group with broken screws had the best clinical outcome based on AOFAS score. Widening of the syndesmosis after screw removal was not evident. We do not recommend routine syndesmosis screw removal. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of short-term nutritional supplementation on surrogate markers of undernutrition in hemodialysis patients - prospective real-life interventional study.

PubMed

Ocepek, Andreja; Bevc, Sebastjan; Ekart, Robert

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at increased risk for undernutrition, especially protein wasting. We present the results of a prospective study in HD patients after 4 months of intervention with oral nutritional supplements (ONS). After a 3-month wash-out period, 92 HD patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were tested for undernutrition with composite parameters, laboratory tests, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and hand-grip strength test (HGS). All patients fulfilling criteria for, or at high risk of, undernutrition were given ONS in addition to their regular diet. The impact of short-term ONS on surrogate markers of undernutrition was statistically analyzed. Data for 84 patients, 45 (53.6%) male, average age 63.3 years, were available for analysis after 4 months. Patients were divided into three groups: group A (n = 28), patients with normal nutritional status (NUS) at baseline not necessitating ONS; group B (n = 43), patients entitled to receive ONS; group C (n = 13), patients entitled to receive but refused to take ONS. In group B patients, received on average 4.1 bottles of ONS (902 mL; 1,623.6 kcal; 73.06 g protein) per week. Baseline results showed statistically-significant differences between groups in serum albumin levels and phase angle (PhA) but not in HGS. After 4 months of ONS, we noticed stagnation of observed markers in group B. Interestingly, in group A, significant deterioration of serum albumin and PhA was observed, but HGS improved. There was a trend towards worsening of serum albumin levels and HGS in group C not reaching statistical significance. In undernourished HD patients after ONS we did not find statistically-significant improvement of NUS evaluating surrogate markers. Nevertheless, in undernourished patients not receiving ONS, serum albumin and HGS showed a trend towards worsening, and even in well-nourished patients, nutritional markers (serum albumin and PhA) declined. We speculate that a certain positive effect of ONS on nutritional status in undernourished HD patients could be observed already after short-term supplementation.
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[Effect of ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway Inhibitor PD98059 on the Expression of Ras, BRaf, MEK, ERK1/2 in Marrow Nucleated Red Blood Cells of CMS Patients].

PubMed

Han, Yuan-Fang; Ji, Lin-Hua; Feng, Ting-Ting; Liu, Fang; Cui, Sen; Su, Juan

2017-10-01

To investigate the effect of ERK1 / 2 signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 on Ras, Raf, MEK, ERK1, ERK2 expression in order to explore a new way for basic research and clinical treatment of the chronic mountain sickness(CMS). Sixteen CMS patients were selected, the bone marrow was collected for isolation of monomuclear cells (MNC), the cells were sorted by using CD71 and CD235a antibody magnetic beads, then positive cells were diveded into 5 groups: blank control, DMSO and PD98059 5, 10 and 20 µmol/L, and were cultured in hypoxid condition for 72 hours. The Ras-GTP levels in supernatant was detected by ELISA, the RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of BRaf, MEK, ERK1, ERK2 mRNA in nucleated red blood cells, and the Western blot method was used to detect expression of BRaf, MEK, ERK1, ERK2 protein. PD98059 had no effect on the level of Ras-GTP in each groups. Compared with the blank control group, the expression levels of BRaf, MEK mRNA in DMSO group were not statistically significant (P values were 0.826, 0.298). Compared with the PD98059 20 mol/L group, the expression level of ERK1/2 mRNA was statistically significant (P=0.001, 0.002). Compared with the blank control group, expression levels of p-BRaf, p-MEK protein in DMSO group were not statistically significant (P=0.370, 0.351). Compared with the PD98059 20 mol/L group, the difference of p-ERK1/2 protein level in other 4 groups were statistically significant (P values were <0.001, 0.007). PD98059 can up-regulate the expressions of ERK1/2 miRNA and p-ERK1/2 protein in bone marrow nucleated red blood cells, the Ras / Raf / MEK / ERK 1/2 pathway is the main signal transduction pathway in regulating bone marrow nucleated red blood cells, suggesting that Ras/Raf /MEK /ERK 1/2 pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic mountain sickness process.

[Clinical condition of the newborn versus tobacco smoke exposure during fetal life].

PubMed

Król, Marzenna; Florek, Ewa; Kornacka, Maria K; Bokiniec, Renata; Piekoszewski, Wojciech

2009-01-01

The aim of this work was the assessment of the clinical condition, birth weight, frequency of premature birth and incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of the newborns whose mothers were active and passive smokers. This was a prospective study conducted in a group of 147 newborns born during the years 2003-2004 in the Princess Anna Mazowiecka Hospital, Warsaw, and hospitalized in the Neonatal and Intensive Care Department of Warsaw Medical University. Based on a questionnaire identifying the exposure to tobacco smoke and cotinine concentration in the mother's urine, the newborns were assigned to three groups: the newborns whose mothers were active smokers, the newborns whose mothers were passive smokers and the newborns of non-smoking mothers. There were no statistically significant differences in the Apgar score assessment at the 1st and 5th minute between the three groups of the newborns. Acid-base balance parameters (pH, BE) were also similar. The birth weight of the newborns of mothers who were active smokers was 325g lower than the birth weight of the newborns of non-smoking mothers. This difference was statistically significant p = 0.033. Maternal smoking in pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of deficit in birth weight 2.6 (1.0-6.9, CI 95%). In the group of the newborns whose mothers were active smokers, the incidence of lower birth weight (< 2500g) was also statistically significantly higher p = 0.01. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Effect of repeated simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cutting efficiency and flexibility of Hyflex CM nickel-titanium rotary files.

PubMed

Seago, Scott T; Bergeron, Brian E; Kirkpatrick, Timothy C; Roberts, Mark D; Roberts, Howard W; Himel, Van T; Sabey, Kent A

2015-05-01

Recent nickel-titanium manufacturing processes have resulted in an alloy that remains in a twinned martensitic phase at operating temperature. This alloy has been shown to have increased flexibility with added tolerance to cyclic and torsional fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of repeated simulated clinical use and sterilization on cutting efficiency and flexibility of Hyflex CM rotary files. Cutting efficiency was determined by measuring the load required to maintain a constant feed rate while instrumenting simulated canals. Flexibility was determined by using a 3-point bending test. Files were autoclaved after each use according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Files were tested through 10 simulated clinical uses. For cutting efficiency, mean data were analyzed by using multiple factor analysis of variance and the Dunnett post hoc test (P < .05). For flexibility, mean data were analyzed by using Levene's Test of Equality of Error and a general linear model (P < .05). No statistically significant decrease in cutting efficiency was noted in groups 2, 5, 6, and 7. A statistically significant decrease in cutting efficiency was noted in groups 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10. No statistically significant decrease in flexibility was noted in groups 2, 3, and 7. A statistically significant decrease in flexibility was noted in groups 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Repeated simulated clinical use and sterilization showed no effect on cutting efficiency through 1 use and no effect on flexibility through 2 uses. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Qualitative Literature Review of the Prevalence of Depression in Medical Students Compared to Students in Non-medical Degrees.

PubMed

Bacchi, Stephen; Licinio, Julio

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study is to review studies published in English between 1 January 2000 and 16 June 2014, in peer-reviewed journals, that have assessed the prevalence of depression, comparing medical students and non-medical students with a single evaluation method. The databases PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for eligible articles. Searches used combinations of the Medical Subject Headings medical student and depression. Titles and abstracts were reviewed to determine eligibility before full-text articles were retrieved, which were then also reviewed. Twelve studies met eligibility criteria. Non-medical groups surveyed included dentistry, business, humanities, nursing, pharmacy, and architecture students. One study found statistically significant results suggesting that medical students had a higher prevalence of depression than groups of non-medical students; five studies found statistically significant results indicating that the prevalence of depression in medical students was less than that in groups of non-medical students; four studies found no statistically significant difference, and two studies did not report on the statistical significance of their findings. One study was longitudinal, and 11 studies were cross-sectional. While there are limitations to these comparisons, in the main, the reviewed literature suggests that medical students have similar or lower rates of depression compared to certain groups of non-medical students. A lack of longitudinal studies meant that potential common underlying causes could not be discerned, highlighting the need for further research in this area. The high rates of depression among medical students indicate the continuing need for interventions to reduce depression.

A retrospective analysis of eye conditions among children attending St. John Eye Hospital, Hebron, Palestine.

PubMed

Banayot, Riyad G

2016-04-05

Eye diseases are important causes of medical consultations, with the spectrum varying in different regions. This hospital-based descriptive study aimed to determine the profile of childhood eye conditions at St. John tertiary Eye hospital serving in Hebron, Palestine. Files of all new patients less than 16 years old who presented to St. John Eye Hospital-Hebron, Palestine between January 2013 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Age at presentation, sex, and clinical diagnosis were extracted from medical records. Data were stored and analyzed using Wizard data analysis version 1.6.0 by Evan Miller. The Chi square test was used to compare variables and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We evaluated the records of 1102 patients, with a female: male ratio of 1:1.1. Patients aged 0-5 years old were the largest group (40.2%). Refractive errors were the most common ocular disorders seen (31.6%), followed by conjunctival diseases (23.7%) and strabismus and amblyopia (13.8%). Refractive errors were recorded more frequently and statistically significant (p < 0.001) among (11-15) age group. Within the conjunctival diseases category, conjunctivitis and dry eyes was more prominent and statistically significant (p < 0.001) among the 6-10 year old age group. Within the strabismus and amblyopia category, convergent strabismus was more common and statistically significant among the youngest age group (0-5 years old). The most common causes of ocular morbidity are largely treatable or preventable. These results suggest the need for awareness campaigns and early intervention programs.

Diagnostic index of 3D osteoarthritic changes in TMJ condylar morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, Liliane R.; Gomes, Marcelo; Jung, Bryan; Paniagua, Beatriz; Ruellas, Antonio C.; Gonçalves, João. Roberto; Styner, Martin A.; Wolford, Larry; Cevidanes, Lucia

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate imaging statistical approaches for classifying 3D osteoarthritic morphological variations among 169 Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) condyles. Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired from 69 patients with long-term TMJ Osteoarthritis (OA) (39.1 ± 15.7 years), 15 patients at initial diagnosis of OA (44.9 ± 14.8 years) and 7 healthy controls (43 ± 12.4 years). 3D surface models of the condyles were constructed and Shape Correspondence was used to establish correspondent points on each model. The statistical framework included a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and Direction-Projection- Permutation (DiProPerm) for testing statistical significance of the differences between healthy control and the OA group determined by clinical and radiographic diagnoses. Unsupervised classification using hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) was then conducted. Condylar morphology in OA and healthy subjects varied widely. Compared with healthy controls, OA average condyle was statistically significantly smaller in all dimensions except its anterior surface. Significant flattening of the lateral pole was noticed at initial diagnosis (p < 0.05). It was observed areas of 3.88 mm bone resorption at the superior surface and 3.10 mm bone apposition at the anterior aspect of the long-term OA average model. 1000 permutation statistics of DiProPerm supported a significant difference between the healthy control group and OA group (t = 6.7, empirical p-value = 0.001). Clinically meaningful unsupervised classification of TMJ condylar morphology determined a preliminary diagnostic index of 3D osteoarthritic changes, which may be the first step towards a more targeted diagnosis of this condition.

Comparative evaluation of root canal preparations of maxillary first molars with self-adjusting file, reciproc single file, and revo-s rotary file: A micro-computed tomography study.

PubMed

Ahmetoglu, Fuat; Keles, Ali; Simsek, Neslihan; Ocak, M Sinan; Yologlu, Saim

2015-01-01

This study was aimed to use micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) to evaluate the canal shaping properties of three nickel-titanium instruments, Self-Adjusting File (SAF), Reciproc, and Revo-S rotary file, in maxillary first molars. Thirty maxillary molars were scanned preoperatively by using micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) scans at 13,68 μm resolution. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10). The root canals were shaped with SAF, Reciproc, and Revo-S, respectively. The shaped root canals were rescanned. Changes in canal volumes and surface areas were compared with preoperative values. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Conover's post hoc tests, with p < .05 denoting a statistically significant difference. Preoperatively canal volumes and surface area were statistically similar among the three groups (p > .05). There were statistically significant differences in all measures comparing preoperative and postoperative canal models (p = 0.0001). These differences occurred after instrumentation among the three experimental groups showed no statistically significant difference for volume (p > .05). Surface area showed the similar activity in buccal canals in each of the three techniques whereas no statistically significant difference was detected among surface area, the SAF, and the Revo-S in the palatal (P) canal. Each of three shaping system showed the similar volume activity in all canals, but SAF and Revo-S provided more effectively root planning in comparison with Reciproc in P canal. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of dance movement therapy on selected cardiovascular parameters and estimated maximum oxygen consumption in hypertensive patients.

PubMed

Aweto, H A; Owoeye, O B A; Akinbo, S R A; Onabajo, A A

2012-01-01

Objective:Arterial hypertension is a medical condition associated with increased risks of of death, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular morbidity including stroke, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and renal insufficiency. Regular physical exercise is considered to be an important part of the non-pharmacologictreatment of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dance movement therapy (DMT) on selected cardiovascular parameters and estimated maximum oxygen consumption in hypertensive patients. Fifty (50) subjects with hypertension participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups; A (DMT group) and B (Control group). Group A carried out dance movement therapy 2 times a week for 4 weeks while group B underwent some educational sessions 2 times a week for the same duration. All the subjects were on anti-hypertensive drugs. 38 subjects completed the study with the DMTgroup having a total of 23 subjects (10 males and 13 females) and the control group 15 subjects (6 males and 9 females). Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics of paired and independentt-testwere used for data analysis. Following four weeks of dance movement therapy, paired t-test analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the Resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP) (p < 0.001*), Resting diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) (p < 0.001*), Resting heart rate (RHR) (p = 0.024*), Maximum heart rate (MHR) (p=0.002*) and Estimated oxygen consumption (VO2max) (p = 0.023*) in subjects in group A (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference observed in outcome variables of subjects in group B (p > 0.05). Independent t-test analysis between the differences in the pre and post intervention scores of groups A and B also showed statistically significant differences in all the outcome variables (p <0.05). DMT was effective in improving cardiovascular parameters and estimated maximum oxygen consumption in hypertensive patients.

What is the Value of a National Football League Draft Pick? An Analysis Based on Changes Made in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

PubMed

Kraeutler, Matthew J; Carver, Trevor J; Belk, John W; McCarty, Eric C

2018-06-01

Kraeutler, MJ, Carver, TJ, Belk, JW, and McCarty, EC. What is the value of a National Football League draft pick? An analysis based on changes made in the collective bargaining agreement. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1656-1661, 2018-The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the value of players drafted in early rounds of the National Football League (NFL) Draft since the new collective bargaining agreement began in 2011. The NFL's player statistics database and database of player contract details were searched for players drafted in the first 3 rounds of the 2011 to 2013 NFL Drafts. Performance outcomes specific to each position were divided by each player's salary to calculate a value statistic. Various demographics, NFL Combine results, and total number of games missed because of injury were also recorded for each player. These statistics were compared within each position between players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (group A) vs. those drafted in the second or third round (group B). A total of 147 players were included (group A 35, group B 112). Overall, players in group A were significantly taller (p ≤ 0.01) and heavier (p = 0.037) than players in group B. Group B demonstrated significantly greater value statistics than group A for quarterbacks (p = 0.028), wide receivers (p ≤ 0.001), defensive tackles (p = 0.019), and cornerbacks (p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups with regard to number of games missed because of injury. Players drafted in the second or third rounds of the NFL Draft often carry more value than those drafted in the first round. NFL teams may wish to more frequently trade down in the Draft rather than trading up.

Does the presence of hydronephrosis have effects on micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy?

PubMed

Karatag, Tuna; Buldu, Ibrahim; Kaynar, Mehmet; Inan, Ramazan; Istanbulluoglu, Mustafa Okan

2015-03-01

To evaluate the effects of presence of hydronephrosis on micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (micro-PNL) surgery. A retrospective analysis of 112 patients who underwent microperc surgery between December 2012 and April 2014 was performed. Patients were evaluated in two groups according to whether the presence of hydronephrosis. Stone size and location, fluoroscopy and operation time, stone-free rates and patient-related parameters were prospectively recorded into a centralized computer-generated system. A total of 58 patients in Group 1 with hydronephrosis and 54 patients in Group 2 with no hydronephrosis were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of stone sizes and body mass indexes (BMI) in comparison of groups (155.2 ± 93.06 vs. 143.70 ± 70.77 mm(2), p = 0.856 and 27.6 ± 4.2 vs. 26.7 ± 3.2 kg/m(2), p = 0.625). The success rates were similar (91.3 vs. 92.5%, p = 0.341). While the mean operation time and fluoroscopy time in Group 1 were 44.2 ± 23.62 min and 105.3 ± 47 s, it was 38.8 ± 26.4 min and 112.53 ± 68.3 s in Group 2, but there was no statistical difference in comparison of both groups. The mean attempts of percutan puncture were 1.35 ± 0.47 in Group 1 and 1.76 ± 0.31 in Group 2 (p = 0.185). We also found no statistical differences regarding mean hemoglobin change and hospitalization time, respectively (p = 0.685 and p = 0753). In comparison of grades of hydronephrosis, there was no statistically significant difference in subgroups analysis. The presence of hydronephrosis does not affect success rates and operative time in micro-PNL procedures significantly. Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy is technically feasible and efficacious both in hydronephrotic and non-hydronephrotic kidneys.

Quality of vision, patient satisfaction and long-term visual function after bilateral implantation of a low addition multifocal intraocular lens.

PubMed

Pedrotti, Emilio; Mastropasqua, Rodolfo; Bonetto, Jacopo; Demasi, Christian; Aiello, Francesco; Nucci, Carlo; Mariotti, Cesare; Marchini, Giorgio

2017-07-17

The aim of the current study was to compare the quality of vision, contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction with a biaspheric, segmented, rotationally asymmetric IOL (Lentis Comfort LS-313 MF 15-Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) as opposed to those of a monofocal IOL. This prospective single-blind comparative study included two groups of patients affected by bilateral senile cataract who underwent lens extraction and IOL implantation. The first group received a bilateral implantation of a monofocal IOL, and the second group received a bilateral implantation of the Comfort IOL. Twelve months after surgery uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at different distances (30, 50, 70 cm and 4 m), defocus curve and contrast sensitivity were assessed. Patient's satisfaction and spectacle independence were evaluated by mean of the NEI RQL-42 questionnaire. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of near vision. The group of patients implanted with a Comfort IOL obtained the best results at intermediate distances (50 and 70 cm P < .001). Both groups showed an excellent uncorrected distance visual acuity (4 m). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of corrected near, intermediate and distance visual acuity. Concerning contrast sensitivity, no statistically significant differences between the groups were observed at any cycles per degree. The NEI RQL-42 questionnaire showed statistically significant differences between the group for "near vision" (P = .015), "dependence on correction" (P = .048) and "suboptimal correction" (P < .001) subscales. Our findings indicated that the Comfort IOL +1.5 D provides a good intermediate spectacle independence together with a high quality of vision, with a low amount of subjective symptoms and a contrast sensitivity similar to those obtained with a monofocal IOL.

Can Eosinophil Count, Platelet Count, and Mean Platelet Volume Be a Positive Predictive Factor in Penile Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction Etiopathogenesis?

PubMed Central

Sönmez, Mehmet Giray; Göğer, Yunus Emre; Sönmez, Leyla Öztürk; Aydın, Arif; Balasar, Mehmet; Kara, Cengiz

2016-01-01

Blood count parameters of patients referring with erectile dysfunction (ED) were examined in this study and it was investigated whether eosinophil count (EC), platelet count (PC), and mean platelet volume values among the suspected predictive parameters which may play a role in especially penile arteriogenic ED etiopathogenesis had a contribution on pathogenesis. Patients referring with ED complaint were evaluated. Depending on the medical story, ED degree was determined by measuring International Index of Erectile Function. Penile Doppler ultrasonography was taken in patients suspected to have vasculogenic ED. According to penile Doppler ultrasonography result, patients with arterial deficiency were included in the penile arteriogenic ED group and the patients with normal results were included in the nonvasculogenic ED group. A total of 36 patients participated in the study from the penile arteriogenic ED group and 32 patients from the nonvasculogenic ED group. Compared with the nonvasculogenic ED group, the penile arteriogenic ED group’s low International Index of Erectile Function score, high EC, mean platelet volume and PC values were detected to be statistically significant (p < .001, p = .021, p = .018, p = .034, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed among the two groups when age, white blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin values were considered. Pansystolic volume velocities were detected as statistically significantly low compared with the nonvasculogenic ED group in the measurements made in 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th minutes on the right and left sides in the penile arteriogenic ED group. High MPV value and PC is a significant predictive factor for penile arteriogenic ED and vasculogenic ED and high EC is specifically predictive of arteriogenic ED. PMID:27895254

Effects of a food enriched with probiotics on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. salivary counts in preschool children: a cluster randomized trial.

PubMed

Villavicencio, Judy; Villegas, Lina Maria; Arango, Maria Cristina; Arias, Susana; Triana, Francia

2018-05-14

Probiotics have provided benefits to general health, but they are still insufficient to dental health. This study aimed to evaluate milk supplemented with probiotic bacteria and standard milk, measured by levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., in 3-4-year-old children after 9 months of intervention. The study was a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. The sample was composed of 363 preschoolers attending five child development centers in Cali, Colombia. They were randomized to two groups: children in the intervention group drank 200 mL of milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus 5x106 and Bifidobacteruim longum 3x106, and children in the control group drank 200 mL of standard milk. Interventions occurred on weekdays and information was gathered through scheduled clinical examination. The primary result was the number of colony forming units (CFU) of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. in the saliva. Secondary results were dental caries, rated by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), dental plaque, pH, and salivary buffer capacity. The proportion of S. mutans was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after 9 months; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0.173); on the other hand, statistically significant differences between groups were found in the CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. (p=0.002). There was not statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries for both groups (p=0.767). Differences between groups were found in the salivary buffering capacity (p=0.000); neither salivary pH nor dental plaque were significantly different. Regular consumption of milk containing probiotics bacteria reduced CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. and increased salivary buffering capacity at 9 months of consumption.

Cost effectiveness of brace, physiotherapy, or both for treatment of tennis elbow

PubMed Central

Struijs, P A A; Bos, I B C Korthals‐de; van Tulder, M W; van Dijk, C N; Bouter, L M

2006-01-01

Background The annual incidence of tennis elbow in the general population is high (1–3%). Tennis elbow often leads to limitation of activities of daily living and work absenteeism. Physiotherapy and braces are the most common treatments. Objectives The hypothesis of the trial was that no difference exists in the cost effectiveness of physiotherapy, braces, and a combination of the two for treatment of tennis elbow. Methods The trial was designed as a randomised controlled trial with intention to treat analysis. A total of 180 patients with tennis elbow were randomised to brace only (n  =  68), physiotherapy (n  =  56), or a combination of the two (n  =  56). Outcome measures were success rate, severity of complaints, pain, functional disability, and quality of life. Follow up was at six, 26, and 52 weeks. Direct healthcare and non‐healthcare costs and indirect costs were measured. Mean cost differences over 12 months were evaluated by applying non‐parametric bootstrap techniques. Results No clinically relevant or statistically significant differences were found between the groups. Success rate at 12 months was 89% in the physiotherapy group, 86% in the brace group, and 87% in the combination group. Mean total costs per patient were €2069 in the brace only group, €978 in the physiotherapy group, and €1256 in the combination group. The mean difference in total costs between the physiotherapy and brace group was substantial (€1005), although not significant. Cost effectiveness ratios and cost utility ratios showed physiotherapy to be the most cost effective, although this also was not statistically significant. Conclusion No clinically relevant or statistically significant differences in costs were identified between the three strategies. PMID:16687482

Serum zinc levels of cord blood: relation to birth weight and gestational period.

PubMed

Gómez, Tahiry; Bequer, Leticia; Mollineda, Angel; González, Olga; Diaz, Mireisy; Fernández, Douglas

2015-04-01

Zn-deficiency has been associated with numerous alterations during pregnancy including low birth weight; however, the research relating neonatal zinc status and birth weight has not produced reliable results. To compare the serum Zn-levels of cord blood in healthy newborns and low birth weight newborns, and to assess a possible relationship between zinc concentration and neonatal birth weight and gestational age. 123 newborns divided in "study group" (n=50) with <2500g birth weight neonates and "control group" (n=73) with ≥2500g birth weight neonates were enrolled. Study group was subdivided according to gestational age in preterm (<37 weeks) and full-term (≥37 weeks). Serum cord blood samples were collected and the Zn-levels were analyzed using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method and the result was expressed in μmol/L. The Zn-levels were compared between the groups (Mann-Whitney-U test) and the Zn-levels were correlated with the birth weight and gestational age (Spearman's rank correlations). Statistically significant low positive correlation between Zn-levels and birth weight (ρ=0.283; p=0.005) was found. No statistically significant difference between Zn-levels of study and control groups [17.00±0.43 vs. 18.16±0.32 (p=0.053)] was found. Statistically significant low positive correlation between Zn-levels and gestational age (ρ=0.351; p=0.001) was found. No statistically significant difference between Zn-levels of preterm as compare to full-term newborns [16.33±0.42 vs. 18.43±0.93 (p=0.079)] was found. Zn-level of preterm subgroup was significantly lower compared to control group (p=0.001). Despite low birth weight preterm neonates had significantly lower serum zinc levels of cord blood than healthy term neonates, the correlation between cord blood zinc levels and birth weight and gestational age was lower. The results are not enough to relate the change in cord blood zinc concentration to the birth weight values or gestational period. In relation to complicated pregnancies, further studies regarding zinc levels in blood in our population are required. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

[Early versus delayed physiotherapy in the treatment of post-prostatectomy male urinary incontinence].

PubMed

Tarcía Kahihara, Carina; Ferreira, Ubirajora; Nardi Pedro, Renato; Matheus, Wagner Eduardo; Rodrigues Netto, Nelson

2006-10-01

To analyze the importance of the starting time for pelvic floor physiotherapy in patients with post radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Between May 2003 and February 2004 18 patients with the diagnosis of post radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence underwent physiotherapy of the pelvic floor. Each patient received 12 sessions using kinesotherapy and electric stimulation on a weekly basis. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included eight patients that started therapy within the first six months after surgery; Group 2 included 10 patients starting therapy after the sixth post operative month. All patients were evaluated by the pad test and number of incontinence pads per day. Evaluating pad tests before and after treatment, six patients in group 1 had a reduction of the amount of urine leak in comparison to seven patients in group 2. The statistical analysis showed significant differences before and after treatment for both groups (group 1: p = 0.028; group 2: p = 0.018). The evaluation of the number of pads showed: Group 1: all eight patients using pods had a reduction in the number of pads. Group 2: 5 of the eight patients using pads had a reduction and the other three continued using the same number. Statistical analysis comparing the number of pads per day before and after treatment showed a significant difference in group 1 (p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of pads per day before and after physiotherapy in group 2, although half of the patients showed a diminishment in the number of pads required after treatment. Results demonstrate that early indication of physiotherapy for the treatment of post radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence is better than delayed treatment. New works may be developed in the future to confirm our results.

Hematological parameters of human immunodeficiency virus positive pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, North Western Nigeria.

PubMed

Abdulqadir, Ibrahim; Ahmed, Sagir Gumel; Kuliya, Aisha Gwarzo; Tukur, Jamilu; Yusuf, Aminu Abba; Musa, Abubakar Umar

2018-01-01

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) scourge continues to affect young women within the reproductive age group and pregnancy is a recognized indication for the use antiretroviral (ARV) drugs among HIV-positive women. The aim is to determine the combined effect of pregnancy, HIV and ARV drugs on the hematological parameters of the pregnant women. This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted among 70 each of HIV-positive and negative pregnant women. Bio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from the client folder and 4 ml of blood sample was obtained from each participant. Full blood count was generated using Swelab automatic hematology analyzer while reticulocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were conducted manually. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version software 16 while P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Pregnant women with HIV had statistically significant lower hematocrit and white blood cell (WBC) and higher ESR than pregnant women without HIV ( P < 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of platelet and reticulocyte ( P > 0.05). However, among HIV positive pregnant women, those with CD4 count <350/μL had statistically significant lower WBC and lymphocyte count than those with CD4 count ≥350/μL ( P < 0.05), whereas, those on zidovudine (AZT)-containing treatment had statistically significant lower hematocrit and higher mean cell volume than those on non-AZT-containing treatment ( P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in any of the hematological parameters ( P > 0.050) between women on first- and second-line ARV regimens. There is a significant difference in terms of hematological parameters between HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women in this environment.

Can pelvic floor muscle training improve quality of life in men with mild to moderate post‑stroke and lower urinary tract symptoms?

PubMed

Tibaek, Sigrid; Gard, Gunvor; Dehlendorff, Christian; Iversen, Helle K; Biering-Soerensen, Fin; Jensen, Rigmor

2017-06-01

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL) in post‑stroke patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on QoL parameters in men with post‑stroke LUTS. Randomized, controlled and single‑blinded trial. Outpatients, University Hospital. Thirty‑one men, median age 68 (interquartile range 60-74) years, with post‑stroke LUTS were included. Thirty participants completed the study. The participants randomized to the treatment group were treated in a systematic, controlled and intensive PFMT program over 3 months (12 weekly sessions). The participants randomized to the control group did not receive specific LUTS treatment. The effect was measured on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Nocturia Quality‑of‑Life (N‑QoL) Questionnaire. The results on SF-36 indicated significant improvement within pre- and post‑test in the domains emotional role (median 77 to 100, P=0.03) and vitality (median 65 to 70, P=0.03) in the treatment group, but not the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups at pre‑test, post‑test or 6-month follow‑up. The results on N‑QoL indicated statistically significant differences between pre- and post‑test in the bother/concern domain in both groups and in sleep/energy for the control group, but not the treatment group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. PFMT may improve the emotional health and vitality domains of QoL in men with mild to moderate post‑stroke and LUTS; however the improvements in the treatment group were not significantly better than for the control group. PFMT did not improve nocturia‑related QoL. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of PFMT on QoL parameters in men with mild to moderate post‑stroke and LUTS. The results indicate some short‑term effect on SF-36 but none on N‑QoL. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and with less restrictive inclusion and exclusion criteria are requested.

Glue-Sniffing: A Comparison Study of Sniffers and Non-Sniffers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jansen, P.; And Others

1992-01-01

Compared 22 glue sniffers and 22 nonsniffers from group of street children and adolescents living in supervised shelters. Found no statistically significant differences between groups on cognitive measures or biographical features. Shelter staff rated sniffers as significantly more disturbed in their relationships with others, although…

Changes in the oral environment after placement of lingual and labial orthodontic appliances.

PubMed

Lombardo, Luca; Ortan, Yildiz Öztürk; Gorgun, Özge; Panza, Chiara; Scuzzo, Giuseppe; Siciliani, Giuseppe

2013-09-11

This study compared the oral hygiene and caries risk of patients treated with labial and lingual orthodontic appliances throughout a prospective evaluation of the status of the oral environment before and after bracket placement. A total of 20 orthodontic patients aged 19 to 23 years were included in the study and were divided into two groups: 10 patients wore Roth labial appliance (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI, USA) and 10 patients wore STb lingual appliance (Ormco Corporation, Glendora, CA, USA). Plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), salivary flow rate, saliva buffer capacity, salivary pH, and Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in saliva were determined at three time points: before orthodontic appliance placement (T0), 4 weeks after bonding (T1), and 8 weeks after bonding (T2). After appliance placement, all patients were periodically educated to the oral hygiene procedures. Wilcoxon rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine intragroup and intergroup differences as regards qualitative data. To compare quantitative data between the groups, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were undertaken, while intragroup differences were tested with McNemar test. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Statistical analysis of the data obtained revealed a statistically significant difference between the data of T0 and T1 and the data of T0 and T2 of the PI scores and between T0 and T2 of the GBI scores in the group treated with the lingual appliance. The GBI value increased significantly between T0 and T1 but decreased significantly between T1 and T2 (p<0.01) in the group treated with labial appliance. S. mutans counts increased significantly between T0 and T2 in the saliva samples of patients treated with lingual appliance. No statistically significant differences were found between S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts at the three terms of saliva collection in patients treated with labial appliance. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups at the three time points as regards the salivary flow rate and saliva buffer capacity. Lingual and labial orthodontic appliances showed a different potential in modifying the investigated clinical parameters: patients wearing STb lingual orthodontic appliance had more plaque retention 4 and 8 weeks after bonding, while there were more gingival inflammation and more S. mutans counts 8 weeks after bonding. No differences were found between the two groups as regards the Lactobacillus counts, the salivary flow rate, and saliva buffer capacity.

Randomized trial of aromatherapy versus conventional care for breast cancer patients during perioperative periods.

PubMed

Tamaki, Kentaro; Fukuyama, Akiko Komatsu; Terukina, Shigeharu; Kamada, Yoshihiko; Uehara, Kano; Arakaki, Miwa; Yamashiro, Kazuko; Miyashita, Minoru; Ishida, Takanori; McNamara, Keely May; Ohuchi, Noriaki; Tamaki, Nobumitsu; Sasano, Hironobu

2017-04-01

Several studies focused on the effect of aromatherapy on mood, quality of life (QOL), and physical symptoms in patients with cancer. We compared the effects on QOL, vital signs, and sleep quality between aromatherapy and conventional therapy during perioperative periods of the breast cancer patients in this study. Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive aromatherapy or usual care. The primary endpoint was QOL, which was assessed using the quality of life questionnaire QLQ-C30, Version 3.0 of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Study Group on quality of life. Secondary endpoints included the necessity of hypnotics, vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate and adverse events. In addition, we also summarized the patients' perception of the experience from a free description-type questionnaire. A total of 249 patients had breast cancer surgery and 162 patients gave physician consent and were recruited; 110 were randomly assigned to aromatherapy group (eight patients showed incomplete EORTC QLQ-C30) and 52 to control group (one patient showed incomplete EORTC QLQ-C30). There were no statistically significant differences between the aromatherapy group and control group in the EORTC QLQ-C30 at the surgery day. As for the results of the post-operation day 1, trends for differentiations of physical functioning and role functioning were detected between aromatherapy group and control group, but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.08 and 0.09). There were no significant differences of systolic and diastolic blood pressures between aromatherapy group and control group (p = 0.82 and 0.68). There was no statistically significant difference in heart rates between aromatherapy group (70.6 ± 11.0 bpm) and control group (71.2 ± 9.8 bpm) (p = 0.73). Likewise, the rate of hypnotic use was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). No adverse events were reported after aromatherapy and all impressions from aromatherapy group were positive with descriptors such as relaxed, comfortable, and enjoyable being common. The results showed no effects of aromatherapy on QOL, sleep quality, and vital sign. However, there was not any harm or adverse event for using aromatherapy. All impressions from self-reporting were positive such as relaxed, comfortable, and enjoyable by the aromatherapy group. Therefore, we can use aromatherapy during perioperative periods in order to meet the expectations of the patients.

Influence of artificial accelerated ageing on the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting.

PubMed

Mundim, Fabrício M; Antunes, Pedro L; Sousa, Ana Beatriz S; Garcia, Lucas F R; Pires-de-Souza, Fernanda C P

2012-06-01

To evaluate the colour stability of paints used for ocular prosthesis iris painting submitted for accelerated artificial ageing (AAA). Forty specimens of acrylic resin for sclera (16 × 2 mm) were made and separated into eight groups (n = 10) according to the type of paint (gouache, GP; oil, OP; acrylic AP; and composite resin for characterisation, CR) and the colours used (blue/brown). After drying (72 h), a new layer of colourless acrylic resin was applied and the initial colour readout was performed (Spectrophotometer PCB 6807). New colour readouts were performed after AAA, and ΔE was calculated. Statistical analysis (two-way anova-Bonferroni, p < 0.05) demonstrated that the brown colour showed lower ΔE means in comparison with the blue colour, with statistically significant difference for AP only. Blue colour showed no statistically significant difference with regard to the type of paint used. Brown AP showed lower ΔE than the other groups, with significant difference for OP and GP. GP showed greater alteration in ΔE for the brown colour, being statistically similar only to OP. Only the AP group for brown pigment shows clinically acceptable values for colour stability after AAA. © 2011 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Modification of cervical length after cervical pessary insertion: correlation weeks of gestation.

PubMed

Mendoza, Manel; Goya, Maria; Gascón, Andrea; Pratcorona, Laia; Merced, Carme; Rodó, Carlota; Valle, Leonor; Romero, Azahar; Juan, Miquel; Rodríguez, Alberto; Muñoz, Begoña; Santacruz, Bele N; Carreras, Elena; Cabero, Luis

2017-07-01

To observe the modifications in cervical length (CL) in patients with and without cervical pessary (Arabin® ASQ 65/25/32) and correlate these modifications with gestational age at delivery. Prospective study of asymptomatic singleton pregnancies (PECEP-Trial) between weeks 20 + 0 and 23 + 6 with maternal short cervix (<25 mm) randomised into two groups: expectant management and cervical pessary. This study included 380 pregnant women: 190 with pessary and 190 without pessary. Mean CL in both groups at the time of randomisation showed no statistically-significant differences (pessary group: 19.0 mm and management group: 19.0 mm; p = 0.9). Mean CL measured after randomisation was 15.4 mm in patients of the expectant management group and 21.5 mm in the pessary group. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). When means at randomisation and at the second measurement were compared, CL had decreased by 3.6 mm in the expectant management group and increased by 2.6 mm in the pessary group; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Coefficients of correlation showed that among patients of both groups with the same CL at 20 weeks of gestation, those with a pessary gave birth later. Insertion of an Arabin cervical pessary increased CL in asymptomatic patients with a short cervix, which correlated with shorter gestational age at delivery. The cervical pessary halted the progressive decrease in CL, which correlated with longer gestational age at delivery.

Comparison of traditional methods with 3D computer models in the instruction of hepatobiliary anatomy.

PubMed

Keedy, Alexander W; Durack, Jeremy C; Sandhu, Parmbir; Chen, Eric M; O'Sullivan, Patricia S; Breiman, Richard S

2011-01-01

This study was designed to determine whether an interactive three-dimensional presentation depicting liver and biliary anatomy is more effective for teaching medical students than a traditional textbook format presentation of the same material. Forty-six medical students volunteered for participation in this study. Baseline demographic information, spatial ability, and knowledge of relevant anatomy were measured. Participants were randomized into two groups and presented with a computer-based interactive learning module comprised of animations and still images to highlight various anatomical structures (3D group), or a computer-based text document containing the same images and text without animation or interactive features (2D group). Following each teaching module, students completed a satisfaction survey and nine-item anatomic knowledge post-test. The 3D group scored higher on the post-test than the 2D group, with a mean score of 74% and 64%, respectively; however, when baseline differences in pretest scores were accounted for, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.33). Spatial ability did not statistically significantly correlate with post-test scores for the 3D group or the 2D group. In the post-test satisfaction survey the 3D group expressed a statistically significantly higher overall satisfaction rating compared to students in the 2D control group (4.5 versus 3.7 out of 5, P = 0.02). While the interactive 3D multimedia module received higher satisfaction ratings from students, it neither enhanced nor inhibited learning of complex hepatobiliary anatomy compared to an informationally equivalent traditional textbook style approach. . Copyright © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.

[Treating high angle bimaxillary protrusion with three kinds of extraction method: a clinical study].

PubMed

Dai, Jia-Yin; Zhang, Miao-Miao; Sun, Miao; Ni, Hui

2009-06-01

To compare the effect of three kinds of extraction model on high angle bimaxillary protrusion patients. A total of 30 patients with Class I malocclusion and bimaxillary protrusion, aged 14-25 years old, were selected and divided into three groups. Four first premolars were extracted in the first group. The two maxillary first premolars and two mandibular first molars were extracted in the second group. The two maxillary first premolars and two mandibular first molars were extracted in the third group, and two additional micro-implants used as orthodontic anchorage in maxilla. Three groups were all treated with MBT appliance. Cephalometric analysis were carried out before and after treatment, and the results were analyzed with statistics. 1) About the hard tissues, compared with the first group, there were statistically significant differences of N-Me, SGo/NMe, ANS-Me, FH/MP, SN/MP, and ODI in the second and the third group after treatment (P<0.01). 2) About the soft tissues, the teeth and the alveolar bone, compared with the first group, there were statistically significant differences of Pg-Pos, Li-SnPos, Si-LiPos, LL-E, L1-NB, L1/NB, U1/L1, L7-MP in the second and the third group after treatment (P<0.01). 3) All patients received consummate orthodontic treatment and obtained fine occlusion. Facial profiles were improved significantly after orthodontic treatment. 1) After orthodontic treatment with mandibular first molars extraction, FH/MP, SN/MP, N-Me, ANS-Me, L1-NB and L1/NB decreased respectively, and soft tissue profiles were improved significantly. 2) Additional micro-implant used as orthodontic anchorage in maxilla significantly contributed to the maxillary incisor retraction and subsequent soft tissue change. 3) The first molars extraction and additional micro-implant used as orthodontic anchorage are efficient in improving the facial profiles for high angle bimaxillary protrusion patients.

Does ligation of internal iliac artery for postpartum hemorrhage affect clitoral artery blood flow and postpartum sexual functions?

PubMed

Kaya, B; Usluogullari, B; Yurttutan, N; Sahan, M H; Güralp, O; Malik, E

2017-12-01

To investigate whether internal iliac artery ligation (IIAL) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) affects the sexual life in the postpartum period or significantly reduces the clitoral artery blood flow. The women who underwent IIAL due to PPH during cesarean section (CS) were compared with healthy postpartum women delivered by CS between October 2014 and February 2016 in the Gaziantep Women's Health and Maternity Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. Clitoral Doppler flow measurements and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFIQ) were performed in all women in the 3rd and 6th postpartum months. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identification number NCT02409602. Mean age, gravidity and parity, body mass index (BMI), first sexual intercourse after childbirth, and education years were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the measurements of RI, PI, PSV, EDV, and S/D between the study and control groups in the 3rd month. Lack of statistical significance was also noted between the study and control groups values in the 6th month, as well as between the 3rd and 6th month's values within both the study group and the control group. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in the total FSFI scores including sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain domain scores between the study and control groups in the 3rd month; between the study and control groups 6th months; whereas all scores were higher in the 6th month compared to the 3rd month within each group. IIAL does not affect the blood flow of the dorsal clitoral artery between the 3rd and 6th months postpartum and between the women who underwent IIAL due to PPH and healthy postpartum women. The sexual function scores were significantly higher in the 6th month compared to the 3rd month in both groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Apical Extrusion of Intracanal Debris Using Two Engine Driven and Step-Back Instrumentation Techniques: An In-Vitro Study

PubMed Central

Kustarci, Alper; Akdemir, Neslihan; Siso, Seyda Herguner; Altunbas, Demet

2008-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare in-vitro the amount of debris extruded apically from extracted teeth, using K3, Protaper rotary instruments and manual step-back technique. Methods Forty five human single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups. The teeth in 3 groups were instrumented until reaching the working length with K3, Protaper rotary instruments and K-type stainless steel instruments with manual step-back technique, respectively. Debris extruded from the apical foramen was collected into centrifuge tubes and the amount was determined. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests, with P=.05 as the level for statistical significance. Results Statistically significant difference was observed between K3, Protaper and step-back groups in terms of debris extrusion (P<.05). Step-back group had the highest mean debris weight, which was significantly different from the K3 and Protaper groups (P<.05). The lowest mean debris weight was related to K3 group, which was significantly different from the Protaper group (P<.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, all instrumentation techniques produced debris extrusion. The engine-driven Ni-Ti systems extruded significantly less apical debris than step-back technique. However, Protaper rotary instruments extruded significantly more debris than K3 rotary instruments. PMID:19212528

Apical extrusion of intracanal debris using two engine driven and step-back instrumentation techniques: an in-vitro study.

PubMed

Kustarci, Alper; Akdemir, Neslihan; Siso, Seyda Herguner; Altunbas, Demet

2008-10-01

The purpose of this study was to compare in-vitro the amount of debris extruded apically from extracted teeth, using K3, Protaper rotary instruments and manual step-back technique. Forty five human single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups. The teeth in 3 groups were instrumented until reaching the working length with K3, Protaper rotary instruments and K-type stainless steel instruments with manual step-back technique, respectively. Debris extruded from the apical foramen was collected into centrifuge tubes and the amount was determined. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests, with P=.05 as the level for statistical significance. Statistically significant difference was observed between K3, Protaper and step-back groups in terms of debris extrusion (P<.05). Step-back group had the highest mean debris weight, which was significantly different from the K3 and Protaper groups (P<.05). The lowest mean debris weight was related to K3 group, which was significantly different from the Protaper group (P<.05). Based on the results, all instrumentation techniques produced debris extrusion. The engine-driven Ni-Ti systems extruded significantly less apical debris than step-back technique. However, Protaper rotary instruments extruded significantly more debris than K3 rotary instruments.

[Comparative study of cefpirome and ceftazidime in complicated urinary tract infections].

PubMed

Naide, Y; Aso, Y; Oshi, M; Kumamoto, Y; Hirose, T; Machida, T; Tsuchida, S; Suzuki, K; Orikasa, S; Kawada, Y

1991-04-01

We carried out a randomized multi-center study comparing cefpirome (CPR) 0.5 g b.i.d. (1 g group), 1.0 g b.i.d. (2 g group) and ceftazidime (CAZ) 1.0 g b.i.d. (CAZ group) in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. Patients who were over 16 years old and had underlying urinary tract disease, with bacteriuria of more than 10(4) cells ml or more and pyuria of more than 5 WBCs/hpf (x 400) or more were randomly allocated to receive either 0.5 g of CPR, 1.0 g of CPR or 1.0 g of CAZ twice a day for 5 days by intravenous drip infusion. The overall clinical efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by the criteria of the Japanese UTI Committee as excellent, moderate or poor, on the basis of the changes in pyuria and bacteriuria. A total of 530 patients were treated. Of these, 141 patients in the 1 g group, 136 in the 2 g group, and 140 in the CAZ group were evaluable for clinical efficacy. No significant differences in background characteristics were observed among the treatment groups. The overall clinical efficacy rate of the 1 g group, the 2 g group and the CAZ group was 80.1%, 76.5% and 71.4%, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant. The overall bacteriological eradication rate of the 1 g group, the 2 g group and the CAZ group was 81.0%, 88.1% and 83.8%. The differences were not statistically significant either. Against the enterococcus group, however, eradication rates were higher significantly in the 1 g and 2 g groups than in the CAZ group. The incidence of adverse reactions was 2.2% in the 1 g group, 0.6% in the 2 g group and 2.9% in the CAZ group. Abnormal laboratory data after medication were observed in 10.8% of the 1 g group, 12.1% of the 2 g group and 10.2% of the CAZ group, the difference not being statistically significant. There were no serious untoward reactions to medication. From the results obtained in this study, we consider that CPR is at least as useful as CAZ in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections.

A five year review of paediatric burns and social deprivation: Is there a link?

PubMed

Richards, Helen; Kokocinska, Maria; Lewis, Darren

2017-09-01

To establish if there is a correlation between burn incidence and social deprivation in order to formulate a more effective burns prevention strategy. A quantitative retrospective review of International Burn Injury Database (IBID) was carried out over a period from 2006 to 2011 to obtain data for children referred to our burns centre in West Midlands. Social deprivation scores for geographical areas were obtained from Office of National Statistics (ONS). Statistical analysis was carried out using Graphpad Prism. 1688 children were reviewed at our burns centre. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation coefficient showed a slight association between social deprivation and increasing burn incidence r 2 =0.1268, 95% confidence interval 0.018-0.219, p value<0.0001. There was a slight male preponderance (58%). The most common mechanism of injury was scalding (61%). The most commonly affected age group were 1-2 year olds (38%). There were statistically significant differences in the ethnicity of children with significantly more children from Asian and African backgrounds being referred compared to Caucasian children. We found that appropriate first aid was administered in 67% of cases overall. We did not find a statistically significant link between first aid provision and social deprivation score. There was only a slight positive correlation between social deprivation and burn incidence. However, there did not seem to be any change in mechanism of burn in the most deprived groups compared to overall pattern, nor was there a significant difference in appropriate first aid provision. It would seem that dissemination of burn prevention strategies and first aid advice need to be improved across all geographical areas as this was uniformly lacking and the increased burn incidence in more socially deprived groups, although present, was not statistically significant. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of bond strength of various epoxy resin based sealers in oval shaped root canals.

PubMed

Cakici, Fatih; Cakici, Elif Bahar; Ceyhanli, Kadir Tolga; Celik, Ersan; Kucukekenci, Funda Fundaoglu; Gunseren, Arif Onur

2016-09-30

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of AH plus, Acroseal, and Adseal to the root canal dentin. A total of 36 single-rooted, mandibular premolar teeth were used. Root canal shaping procedures were performed with ProTaper rotary instruments (Dentsply Maillefer) up to size F4. The prepared samples were then randomly assembled into 3 groups (n = 12). For each group, an ultrasonic tip (size 15, 0.02 taper) which was also coated with an epoxy resin based sealer and placed 2 mm shorter than the working length. The sealer was then activated for 10 s. A push-out test was used to measure the bond strength between the root canal dentine and the sealer. Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate the push-out bond strength of epoxy based sealer (P = 0.05). The failure mode data were statistically analyzed using Pearson's chi square test (P = 0.05). Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that there were no statistically significant difference among the push out bond strength values of 3 mm (p = 0.123) and 6 mm (P = 0.057) for groups, there was statistically significant difference push out bond strength value of 9 mm (P = 0.032). Pearson's chi square test showed statistically significant differences for the failure types among the groups. Various epoxy resin based sealers activated ultrasonically showed similar bond strength in oval shaped root canals. Apical sections for all groups have higher push out bond strength values than middle and coronal sections.

The influence of mandibular third molar germectomy on the treatment time of impacted mandibular second molars using brass wire: a prospective clinical pilot study.

PubMed

Cassetta, M; Altieri, F

2017-07-01

The brass wire ligature is an efficient method to correct a moderately mesially impacted mandibular second molar (MM2). The aim of this prospective clinical pilot study was to evaluate the influence of mandibular third molar (MM3) germectomy on the treatment time for this procedure and to determine its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The STROBE guidelines were followed. Impacted MM2 were assigned randomly to receive brass wire ligature treatment either with germectomy (group A) or without germectomy (group B). Descriptive statistics and the Student t-test were used in the statistical analysis; significance was set at P≤0.05. One thousand and thirty patients were assessed. Fourteen subjects with 20 mesially angulated (range 25-40°) impacted MM2 were identified. Paired comparisons of groups A and B showed no statistically significant difference in treatment time (171days for group A and 174days for group B; P=0.440), but a statistically significant difference in OHIP-14 values at the 3- (P=0.017) and 7-day (P=0.002) follow-up. The brass wire technique can be used effectively in moderately impacted MM2, but the combined use of MM3 germectomy does not influence the treatment time and shows a negative impact on OHRQoL. Copyright © 2017 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a Local Anesthesia Simulation Model with Dental Students as Novice Clinicians.

PubMed

Lee, Jessica S; Graham, Roseanna; Bassiur, Jennifer P; Lichtenthal, Richard M

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a local anesthesia (LA) simulation model in a facilitated small group setting before dental students administered an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for the first time. For this pilot study, 60 dental students transitioning from preclinical to clinical education were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (N=30) that participated in a small group session using the simulation model or a control group (N=30). After administering local anesthesia for the first time, students in both groups were given questionnaires regarding levels of preparedness and confidence when administering an IANB and level of anesthesia effectiveness and pain when receiving an IANB. Students in the experimental group exhibited a positive difference on all six questions regarding preparedness and confidence when administering LA to another student. One of these six questions ("I was prepared in administering local anesthesia for the first time") showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Students who received LA from students who practiced on the simulation model also experienced fewer post-injection complications one day after receiving the IANB, including a statistically significant reduction in trismus. No statistically significant difference was found in level of effectiveness of the IANB or perceived levels of pain between the two groups. The results of this pilot study suggest that using a local anesthesia simulation model may be beneficial in increasing a dental student's level of comfort prior to administering local anesthesia for the first time.

Magnesium-enriched hydroxyapatite compared to calcium sulfate in the healing of human extraction sockets: radiographic and histomorphometric evaluation at 3 months.

PubMed

Crespi, Roberto; Capparè, Paolo; Gherlone, Enrico

2009-02-01

Reduction of alveolar height and width after tooth extraction may present problems for implant placement, especially in the anterior maxilla where bone volume is important for biologic and esthetic reasons. Different graft materials have been proposed to minimize the reduction in ridge volume. The aim of this study was to compare radiographic and histomorphometric results of magnesium-enriched hydroxyapatite (MHA) and calcium sulfate (CS) grafts in fresh sockets after tooth extractions. Forty-five fresh extraction sockets with three bone walls were selected in 15 patients. A split-mouth design was used: 15 sockets on the right side of the jaw received MHA, 15 sockets on the left side received CS, and 15 random unfilled sockets were considered the control (C) group. Intraoral digital radiographs were taken at baseline and at 3 months after graft material placement. At 3 months, cylinder bone samples were obtained for histology and histomorphometry analysis. The difference in mean radiographic vertical bone level from baseline to 3 months was -2.48 +/- 0.65 mm in the CS group, -0.48 +/- 0.21 mm in the MHA group, and -3.75 +/- 0.63 mm in the unfilled C group. Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were found between CS and MHA groups and between MHA and C groups. Histologic examination revealed bone formation in all treated sites; trabecular bone assessment did not differ among apical, mesial, and coronal portions of the specimens. Mean vital bone measurements for CS, MHA, and C groups were 45.0% +/- 6.5%, 40.0% +/- 2.7%, and 32.8% +/- 5.8%, respectively. Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were found among all groups. Connective tissue percentages averaged 41.5% +/- 6.7% for the CS group, 41.3% +/- 1.3% for the MHA group, and 64.6% +/- 6.8% for the C group. Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were found between CS and C groups and between MHA and C groups. The CS-grafted sockets showed 13.9% +/- 3.4% residual implant material, whereas the MHA-treated sockets showed 20.2% +/- 3.2% residual material. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). Radiographs revealed a greater reduction of alveolar ridge in the CS group than in the MHA group. Histologic examination showed more bone formation and faster resorption in the CS group and more residual implant material in the MHA group.

[Effects on couples' communication, intimacy, conflict and quality of life by foot massage between immigrants].

PubMed

Uhm, Dong-choon

2010-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on immigrant couples' communication, intimacy, conflict and quality of life when using foot massage. The research design consisted of pre-and-post test consecutive experimental design through a nonequivalent control group. Data were collected July 6, 2009 to February 27, 2010. The 36 couples were divided into two groups, experimental and control with 18 couples in each group. Foot massage was applied twice a week for 6 weeks by the couples in the experimental group. There were statistically significant increases in communication (p=.011), intimacy (p<.001), quality of life (p=.017) between the couples in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was also a statistically significant decrease in conflict (p=.003) between the couples in the experimental group compared to the control group. Foot massage can be applied as a nursing intervention for improvement of marital relationship in immigrant couples.

Histological evaluation of the cleaning effectiveness of two reciprocating single-file systems in severely curved root canals: Reciproc versus WaveOne.

PubMed

Carvalho, Maira de Souza; Junior, Emílio Carlos Sponchiado; Bitencourt Garrido, Angela Delfina; Roberti Garcia, Lucas da Fonseca; Franco Marques, André Augusto

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness achieved with two reciprocating single-file systems in severely curved root canals: Reciproc and WaveOne. Twenty-five mesial roots of mandibular molars were randomly separated into two groups, according to the instrumentation system used. The negative control group consisted of five specimens that were not instrumented. The mesial canals (buccal and lingual) in Reciproc Group were instrumented with file R25 and the WaveOne group with the Primary file. The samples were submitted to histological processing and analyzed under a digital microscope. The WaveOne group presented a larger amount of debris than the Reciproc Group, however, without statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). A larger amount of debris in the control group was observed, with statistically significant difference to Reciproc and WaveOne groups (P < 0.05). The two reciprocating single-file instrumentation systems presented similar effectiveness for root canal cleaning.

Association Between Early Idiopathic Neonatal Jaundice and Urinary Tract Infections

PubMed Central

Özcan, Murat; Sarici, S Ümit; Yurdugül, Yüksel; Akpinar, Melis; Altun, Demet; Özcan, Begüm; Serdar, Muhittin A; Sarici, Dilek

2017-01-01

Background and purpose: Etiologic role, incidence, demographic, and response-to-treatment characteristics of urinary tract infection (UTI) among neonates, its relationship with significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and abnormalities of the urinary system were studied in a prospective investigation in early (≤10 days) idiopathic neonatal jaundice in which all other etiologic factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were ruled out. Patients and methods: Urine samples for microscopic and bacteriologic examination were obtained with bladder catheterization from 155 newborns with early neonatal jaundice. Newborns with a negative urine culture and with a positive urine culture were defined as group I and group II, respectively, and the 2 groups were compared with each other. Results: The incidence of UTI in whole of the study group was 16.7%. Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were statistically significantly higher in group II when compared with group I (P = .005 and P = .001, respectively). Decrease in serum total bilirubin level at the 24th hour of phototherapy was statistically significantly higher in group I compared with group II (P = .022). Conclusions: Urinary tract infection should be investigated in the etiologic evaluation of newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia. The possibility of UTI should be considered in jaundiced newborns who do not respond to phototherapy well or have a prolonged duration of phototherapy treatment. PMID:28469520

Respiratory training during rehabilitation of acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.

PubMed

Liu, L; Liu, D Z; Wang, Q P; Zhu, Z L; Li, H M; Lu, X Y

2017-01-01

This paper aimed to analyze the effects of respiratory training on pulmonary function during the rehabilitation period for acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Sixty-two acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients admitted to the Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang City, China, from May 2012 to March 2016 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 31 cases in each. Both groups received NIPPV. The patients in the control group exercised daily, while the patients in the observation group received contracting lips-abdominal breathing training. The therapeutic effects, pulmonary ventilation function, serum levels of α-antitrypsin1 (α-AT1), surfactant protein D (SP-D), neutrophil elastase (NE), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and quality of life were analyzed and compared between the two groups both before and after the administration of treatment. The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.55%, which was significantly higher when compared with the control group (74.19%) (P less than 0.05). The levels of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, vital capacity (VC), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLco), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) of the observation group were better when compared with the control group and had statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Before treatment, the serum levels of α-AT1, SP-D, NE, and TGF-β1, and quality of life had no statistical significance in either group (P>0.05); after treatment, these indexes and the quality of life for the observation group were significantly higher when compared with the control group, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). The respiratory training in acute organic fluorine-poisoned patients treated by NIPPV can improve the serum indexes, dilute toxicity, and recover pulmonary function, which play key roles in improving the therapeutic effects and quality of life of patients, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Oral hygiene indirect instruction and periodic reinforcements: effects on index plaque in schoolchildren.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Jonas Almeida; dos Santos, Patrícia Aleixo; Baseggio, Wagner; Corona, Silmara Aparecida Milori; Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka; Garcia, Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the indirect instruction and the influence of the periodic reinforcement on the plaque index in schoolchildren. Forty schoolchildren aged from 7 to 9 years old were selected from a public school. After determining the initial O'Leary Plaque Index all schoolchildren were submitted to a program for oral hygiene through indirect instruction -"The Smiling Robot". The schoolchildren were divided into 2 groups: with and without motivation reinforcement. The index plaque exam was performed in both groups after 30, 60 and 90 days of the educational program. Comparing the groups, the plaque index decreasing could be observed in the group with reinforcement with statistically significant difference. For the group with reinforcement, statistically significant difference among the evaluations was found. For the group without reinforcement, significant decrease in the plaque index was found after 30 days when compared to the first, third and fourth evaluations. The indirect instruction with "The Smiling Robot "promoted a positive initial impact on the decrease of plaque index in the schoolchildren. The periodic reinforcements showed more suitable results and significant reduction of the plaque index in the course of the evaluations.

Agreement between hopelessness/helplessness and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale in healthy individuals and in patients with benign breast disease and breast cancer: a prospective case-control study in Finland.

PubMed

Eskelinen, Matti; Korhonen, Riika; Selander, Tuomas; Ollonen, Paula

2015-04-01

The relation between scoring for hopelessness/helplessness and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in healthy study subjects (HSS) and in patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer (BC) has not been compared in a prospective study. We, therefore, investigated hopelessness and helplessness scores versus the MADRS in 115 patients. In the Kuopio Breast Cancer Study, 115 women with breast symptoms were evaluated for hopelessness and helplessness, and for the MADRS before any diagnostic procedures were carried out. In the self-rating score (SRS), hopelessness/helplessness versus the MADRS were highly significantly positively correlated in the HSS, BBD and BC groups. In the SRS, the weighted kappa values for hopelessness/helplessness versus the MADRS in the HSS, BBD and BC groups were also statistically significant. There was also a significant positive correlation in the examiner-rating score (ERS) for hopelessness versus the MADRS in the HSS, BBD and BC groups and for helplessness versus the MADRS in the HSS, BBD and BC groups. The unweighted kappa values in the ERS for hopelessness versus the MADRS were statistically highly significant for the HSS, BBD and BC groups and those for helplessness versus the MADRS in the HSS and BBD groups were statistically significant. A new finding with clinical relevance in the present work is the agreement between hopelessness/helplessness scores and MADRS in the SRS and ERS. In the breast cancer diagnostic unit, the identification of hopeless/helpless persons is essential in suicide prevention and it is important to assess and treat hopelessness/helplessness even though an individual may report few depressive symptoms. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Effect of Motivational Interviewing on a Weight Loss Program Based on the Protection Motivation Theory.

PubMed

Mirkarimi, Kamal; Mostafavi, Firoozeh; Eshghinia, Samira; Vakili, Mohammad Ali; Ozouni-Davaji, Rahman Berdi; Aryaie, Mohammad

2015-06-01

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is on the increase the world over, which imposes an ever-increasing burden on societies and health care systems. This study sought to investigate the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) on a weight-loss program based on the protection motivation theory (PMT). This randomized clinical trial study, comprising pretest-posttest with a control group, was conducted on 150 overweight and obese women attending a private nutrition clinic for the first time. Samples were randomly selected using the clinic's records and then allocated to three groups (50 women in each group) receiving: 1) a standard weight-control program; 2) motivational interviewing; and 3) MI plus intention intervention. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire through in-person interviews and were analyzed using SPSS (version 11) and statistical tests, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, one-way analysis of variance, paired t-test, and linear regression model. In the two intervention groups, the PMT construct scores, namely susceptibility (P = 0.001), severity (P = 0.001), rewards (P =0.004), self-efficacy (P = 0.001), response efficacy (P = 0.001), and costs (P = 0.014), were significantly increased compared to those in the control group. The anthropometric status was statistically significant in the MI group (P = 0.001) and the MI plus intention-intervention group (P = 0.001) at 2 months' follow-up, while in the control group, weight was meaningfully different after the intervention (P = 0.027). Weight was different between the groups after the intervention, with the Tukey test demonstrating that the differences were statistically significant between the control group and the MI group. Our results demonstrated that MI, combined with the implementation of intention intervention, increased weight loss and PMT construct scores in our study population.

Effect of Turkish classical music on blood pressure: a randomized controlled trial in hypertensive elderly patients.

PubMed

Bekiroğlu, Tansel; Ovayolu, Nimet; Ergün, Yusuf; Ekerbiçer, Hasan Çetin

2013-06-01

Existing studies suggest that music therapy can have favorable effects on hypertension and anxiety. We therefore set out to investigate the effect of Turkish classical music. To investigate whether Turkish classical music has positive effects on blood pressures and anxiety levels in elderly patients. This was a randomized controlled trial performed on 60 hypertensive patients living in a local elderly home in Adana, Turkey. Following the completion of a socio-demographic form for each patient, Hamilton anxiety scale was applied. Thereafter, the subjects were randomly divided into two equal-size groups and were allowed to either listen to Turkish classical music (music therapy group) or have a resting period (control group) for 25 min. The primary and secondary outcome measures were blood pressure and Hamilton anxiety scale scores, respectively. The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure was 13.00 mmHg in the music therapy group and 6.50 mmHg in the control group. The baseline adjusted between treatment group difference was not statistically significant (95% CI 6.80-9.36). The median reductions in diastolic blood pressures were 10 mmHg both in the music therapy and control groups. The between treatment group difference was not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.839). The mean reduction in HAMA-A was 1.63 in the music therapy group and 0.77 in the control group. The baseline adjusted between treatment group difference was not statistically significant (95% CI 0.82-1.92). The study demonstrated that both Turkish classical music and resting alone have positive effects on blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of peloid therapy in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: a randomized, controlled, single blind study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ökmen, Burcu Metin; Eröksüz, Rıza; Altan, Lale; Aksoy, Meliha Kasapoğlu

2017-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of peloid on pain, functionality, daily life activities, and quality of life of lateral epicondylitis (LE) patients. In this randomized, controlled, single-blind study, 75 patients who were diagnosed with chronic LE were enrolled to the study. Patients were randomized into two groups using the random number table. The patients in the first group (group 1) ( n = 33), were given lateral epicondylitis band (LEB) (during the day for 6 weeks) + peloid therapy (five consecutive days a week for 2 weeks), and the second group (group 2) ( n = 32), received LEB treatment alone. The patients were assessed by using Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). The data were obtained before treatment (W0), immediately after treatment (W2), and 1 month after treatment (W6). In analysis of the collected data, the Wilcoxon signed rank test for intra-group comparisons and Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between groups were used. Both in groups 1 and 2, there was a statistically significant improvement in all the evaluation parameters at W2 and W6 when compared to W0 ( p < 0.05). In comparison of difference scores between groups, although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at W2 when compared to W0 ( p > 0.05), a statistically significant difference was found in favor of group 1 for all the evaluation parameters at W6 ( p < 0.05). Our results have shown that peloid treatment could be effective in providing improvement in pain relief, function, daily life activities, and quality of life in LE patients.

The use of hydrotherapy for the management of spasticity.

PubMed

Kesiktas, N; Paker, N; Erdogan, N; Gülsen, G; Biçki, D; Yilmaz, H

2004-12-01

Spasticity is a major problem for the rehabilitation team. Physiotherapy is a vital component of therapy. Oral medication and other modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and surgery (neuro-surgical or orthopedic) can also be used. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of hydrotherapy on spasticity and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This is a control case matched study. Twenty SCI patients were divided into 2 groups and matched for age, gender, injury time, Ashworth scores, oral baclofen intake, American Spinal Injury Association, and FIM scores. The control group received passive range of motion exercise twice a day and oral baclofen for 10 weeks. The study group also received passive range of motion and oral baclofen, as well as 20 min of water exercises (at 71 degrees F, full immersion) 3 times per week. The authors evaluated spasm severity, FIM scores, oral baclofen intake, and Ashworth scales, between groups at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period. Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in FIM scores. However, the hydrotherapy group demonstrated a larger increase (P < 0.0001) than the control group. There was a statistically significant decrease in oral baclofen intake in the hydrotherapy group (P < 0.01). There was no statistical change in the control group. Spasticity was evaluated by the Ashworth scale. There was a statistical improvement in each group (P < 0.01, P < 0.02). However, when compared to the control group, the use of hydrotherapy produced a significant decrease in spasm severity (P < 0.02). Side effects are often seen when using oral drug treatment for spasticity. Adding hydrotherapy to the rehabilitation program can be helpful in decreasing the amount of medication required. Future studies must evaluate benefits of hydrotherapy for rehabilitation.

A comparative research on obesity hypertension by the comparisons and associations between waist circumference, body mass index with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the clinical laboratory data between four special Chinese adult groups.

PubMed

Wu, Ou; Leng, Jian-Hang; Yang, Fen-Fang; Yang, Hai-Ming; Zhang, Hu; Li, Zeng-Fang; Zhang, Xing-Yu; Yuan, Cheng-Da; Li, Jia-Jia; Pan, Qi; Liu, Wei; Ren, Yan-Jun; Liu, Bing; Liu, Qing-Min; Cao, Cheng-Jian

2018-01-01

The obesity-hypertension pathogenesis is complex. From the phenotype to molecular mechanism, there is a long way to clarify the mechanism. To explore the association between obesity and hypertension, we correlate the phenotypes such as the waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), and diastolic blood pressure (DB) with the clinical laboratory data between four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group), and the results may show something. To explore the mechanisms from obesity to hypertension by analyzing the correlations and differences between WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data indices in four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups. This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to July 2014, and 153 adult subjects, 34 women and 119 men, from 21 to 69 years, were taken from four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group). The study was approved by the ethics committee of Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data were collected and analyzed by SPSS. Serum levels of albumin (ALB)，alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid (Ua), and TC/HDLC (odds ratio) were statistically significantly different between the four groups. WC statistically significantly positively correlated with BMI, ALT, Ua, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), and TC/HDLC, and negatively with ALB, HDLC, and serum levels of conjugated bilirubin (CB). BMI was statistically significantly positively related to ALT, Ua, LDLC, WC, and TC/HDLC, and negatively to ALB, HDLC, and CB. DB statistically significantly positively correlated with ALP, BMI, and WC. SB was statistically significantly positively related to LDLC, GLU, serum levels of fructosamine (FA), serum levels of the total protein (TC), BMI, and WC. The negative body effects of obesity are comprehensive. Obesity may lead to hypertension through multiple ways by different percents. GGT, serum levels of gamma glutamyltransferase; ALB, serum levels of albumin; ALT, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase; LDLC, serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, serum levels of triglyceride; HDLC, serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol; FA, serum levels of fructosamine; S.C.R, serum levels of creatinine; IB, serum levels of indirect bilirubin; ALP, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase; CB, serum levels of conjugated bilirubin; UREA, Urea; Ua, serum levels of uric acid; GLU, serum levels of glucose; TC, serum levels of the total cholesterol; TB, serum levels of the total bilirubin; TP, serum levels of the total protein; TC/HDLC, TC/HDLC ratio.

Comparison of two-staged ORIF and limited internal fixation with external fixator for closed tibial plafond fractures.

PubMed

Wang, Cheng; Li, Ying; Huang, Lei; Wang, Manyi

2010-10-01

To compare the results of two-staged open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and limited internal fixation with external fixator (LIFEF) for closed tibial plafond fractures. From January 2005 to June 2007, 56 patients with closed type B3 or C Pilon fractures were randomly allocated into groups I and II. Two-staged ORIF was performed in group I and LIFEF in group II. The outcome measures included bone union, nonunion, malunion, pin-tract infection, wound infection, osteomyelitis, ankle joint function, etc. These postoperative data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 13.0. Incidence of superficial soft tissue infection (involved in wound infection or pin-tract infection) in group I was lower than that in group II (P < 0.05), with significant difference. Group I has significantly less radiation exposure (P < 0.001). Group II had higher rates of malunion, delayed union, and arthritis symptoms, with no statistical significance. Both groups resulted similar ankle joint function. Logistic regression analysis indicated that smoking and fracture pattern were the two factors significantly influencing the final outcomes. In the treatment of closed tibial plafond fractures, both two-staged ORIF and LIFEF offer similar results. Patients undergo LIFEF carry significantly greater radiation exposure and higher superficial soft tissue infection rate (usually occurs on pin tract and does not affect the final outcomes).

Ultrasound and thyroiditis in patient candidates for thyroidectomy.

PubMed

Del Rio, P; De Simone, B; Fumagalli, M; Viani, L; Totaro, A; Sianesi, M

2015-03-01

Thyroiditis is often associated with nodules based on the Bethesda classification system, and the presence of thyroiditis can make thyroid surgery difficult using both conventional techniques and minimally invasive videoassisted approaches (MIVAT). We analyzed 326 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in 2012. We collected all data in dedicated database. The patients were divided in 4 groups: group 1 no affected by thyroiditis, group 2 affected by thyroiditis, group 3 only histological diagnosis of thyroiditis, group 4all patients affected by thyroiditis. Group 1 included 201 cases, group 2 included 64 patients, group 3 included 61 patients. No statistically significant difference between group 2 and 3 about Ultrasound (US) examination. Statistically significant difference in incidence of "THYR 3-4" between group 1 and group 4. No differences in MIVAT vs. Conventional group. US examination of the thyroid is essential for the diagnostic study of the gland also in the selection of a surgical approach. Thyroiditis is a relative contraindication to MIVAT but the experience of the endocrine surgeon is the most important factor to reduce intra and postoperative complications together a correct collaboration in multidisciplinart endocrinological team.

MiDAS ENCORE: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Report of 6-Month Results.

PubMed

Staats, Peter S; Benyamin, Ramsin M

2016-02-01

Patients suffering from neurogenic claudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) often experience moderate to severe pain and significant functional disability. Neurogenic claudication results from progressive degenerative changes in the spine, and most often affects the elderly. Both the MILD® procedure and epidural steroid injections (ESIs) offer interventional pain treatment options for LSS patients experiencing neurogenic claudication refractory to more conservative therapies. MILD provides an alternative to ESIs via minimally invasive lumbar decompression. Prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty-six US interventional pain management centers. To compare patient outcomes following treatment with either MILD (treatment group) or ESIs (active control group) in LSS patients with neurogenic claudication and verified ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. This prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial includes 2 study arms with a 1-to-1 randomization ratio. A total of 302 patients were enrolled, with 149 randomized to MILD and 153 to the active control. Six-month follow-up has been completed and is presented in this report. In addition, one year follow-up will be conducted for patients in both study arms, and supplementary 2 year outcome data will be collected for patients in the MILD group only. Outcomes are assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ). Primary efficacy is the proportion of ODI responders, tested for statistical superiority of the MILD group versus the active control group. ODI responders are defined as patients achieving the validated Minimal Important Change (MIC) of =10 point improvement in ODI from baseline to follow-up. Similarly, secondary efficacy includes proportion of NPRS and ZCQ responders using validated MIC thresholds. Primary safety is the incidence of device or procedure-related adverse events in each group. At 6 months, all primary and secondary efficacy results provided statistically significant evidence that MILD is superior to the active control. For primary efficacy, the proportion of ODI responders in the MILD group (62.2%) was statistically significantly higher than for the epidural steroid group (35.7%) (P < 0.001). Further, all secondary efficacy parameters demonstrated statistical superiority of MILD versus the active control. The primary safety endpoint was achieved, demonstrating that there is no difference in safety between MILD and ESIs (P = 1.00). Limitations include lack of patient blinding due to considerable differences in treatment protocols, and a potentially higher non-responder rate for both groups versus standard-of-care due to study restrictions on adjunctive pain therapies. Six month follow-up data from this trial demonstrate that the MILD procedure is statistically superior to epidural steroids, a known active treatment for LSS patients with neurogenic claudication and verified central stenosis due to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. The results of all primary and secondary efficacy outcome measures achieved statistically superior outcomes in the MILD group versus ESIs. Further, there were no statistically significant differences in the safety profile between study groups. This prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial provides strong evidence of the effectiveness of MILD versus epidural steroids in this patient population. NCT02093520.

Effect of honey on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology in obstructive jaundice

PubMed Central

Gencay, Cem; Kilicoglu, Sibel Serin; Kismet, Kemal; Kilicoglu, Bulent; Erel, Serap; Muratoglu, Sabahattin; Sunay, Asli Elif; Erdemli, Esra; Akkus, Mehmet Ali

2008-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the effects of honey on bacterial translocation and intestinal villus histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups each including 10 animals: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and section of the common bile duct (BDL); group III, bile duct ligation followed by oral supplementation of honey (BDL + honey) 10 g/kg per day. Liver, blood, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and ileal samples were taken for microbiological, light and transmission electrone microscopic examination. RESULTS: Although the number of villi per centimeter and the height of the mucosa were higher in sham group, there was no statistically significant difference between sham and BDL + honey groups (P > 0.05). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant difference between BDL group and other groups (P < 0.05). The electron microscopic changes were also different between these groups. Sham and honey groups had similar incidence of bacterial translocation (P > 0.05). BDL group had significantly higher rates of bacterial translocation as compared with sham and honey groups. Bacterial translocation was predominantly detected in mesenteric lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of honey in presence of obstructive jaundice ameliorates bacterial translocation and improves ileal morphology. PMID:18528939

Open vs Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy: A Comparison of Initial Outcomes and Cost.

PubMed

Demir, Aslan; Günseren, Kadir Ömür; Kordan, Yakup; Yavaşçaoğlu, İsmet; Vuruşkan, Berna Aytaç; Vuruşkan, Hakan

2016-08-01

We compared the cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) vs open prostatectomy (OP). A total of 73 men treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled for OP and LSP in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The findings were recorded perioperative, including operation time (OT), blood lost, transfusion rate, conversion to the open surgery, and the complications according to the Clavien Classification. The postoperative findings, including catheterization and drainage time, the amount of analgesic used, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, the extracted prostate weight, the uroflowmeter, as well as postvoiding residual (PVR) and quality of life (QoL) score at the postoperative third month, were analyzed. The cost of both techniques was also compared statistically. No statistical differences were found in the preoperative parameters, including age, IPSS and QoL score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), PVR, IIEF score, and prostate volumes, as measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. No statistical differences were established in terms of the OT and the weight of the extracted prostate. No differences were established with regard to complications according to Clavien's classification in groups. However, the bleeding rate was significantly lower in group 2. The drainage, catheterization, and hospitalization times and the amount of analgesics were significantly lower in the second group. The postoperative third month findings were not different statistically. Only the Qmax values were significantly greater in group 2. While there was only a $52 difference between groups with regard to operation cost, this difference was significantly different. The use of LSP for the prostates over 80 g is more effective than the OP in terms of OT, bleeding amount, transfusion rates, catheterization time, drain removal time, hospitalization time, consumed analgesic amount, and Qmax values. On the other hand, the mean cost of the LSP is higher than OP. Better effectiveness comes with higher cost.

The Effects of Individualized Resistance Strength Programs on Knee Muscular Imbalances in Junior Elite Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Śliwowski, Robert; Jadczak, Łukasz; Hejna, Rafał; Wieczorek, Andrzej

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a resistance training program on the muscular strength of soccer players’ knees that initially presented unilateral and bilateral differences. For this study, a team of 24 male well-trained junior soccer players was divided into two strength program training groups: a Resistance Training Control Group (RTCG) composed of 10 players that did not have muscular imbalances and a Resistance Training Experimental Group (RTEG) composed of 14 players that had muscular imbalances. All players followed a resistance training program for six weeks, two times per week, during the transition period. The program of individualized strength training consisted of two parts. The first part, which was identical in terms of the choice of training loads, was intended for both training groups and contained two series of exercises including upper and lower body exercises. The second part of the program was intended only for RTEG and consisted of two additional series for the groups of muscles that had identified unilateral and bilateral differences. The applied program showed various directions in the isokinetic profile of changes. In the case of RTCG, the adaptations related mainly to the quadriceps muscle (the peak torque (PT) change for the dominant leg was statistically significant (p < 0.05)). There were statistically significant changes in RTEG (p < 0.05) related to PT for the hamstrings in both legs, which in turn resulted in an increase in the conventional hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/Q). It is interesting that the statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes were noted only for the dominant leg. No statistically significant changes in bilateral differences (BD) were noted in either group. These results indicate that individualized resistance training programs could provide additional benefits to traditional strength training protocols to improve muscular imbalances in post-adolescent soccer players. PMID:26630271

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on palatal mucosal defects and tooth extraction sockets

PubMed Central

Günay, Ahmet; Arpağ, Osman Fatih; Atilgan, Serhat; Yaman, Ferhan; Atalay, Yusuf; Acikan, İzzet

2014-01-01

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on palatal mucosal defects and tooth extraction sockets in an experimental model. Materials and methods Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean age of 7 weeks and weighing 280–490 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: group A (the control group, n=21) and group B (the experimental group, n=21). Under anesthesia with ketamine (8 mg/100 g, intraperitoneally), palatal mucosal defects were created and tooth extraction was performed in the rats in groups A and B. Group A received no treatment, whereas group B received CAPE. CAPE was injected daily (10 μmol/kg, intraperitoneally). The rats were killed on days 7, 14, and 30 after the procedures. Palatal mucosa healing and changes in bone tissue and fibrous tissue were evaluated histopathologically. Result Pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant difference between days 7 and 14 in either group (P>0.05). At day 30, bone healing was significantly better in group B (CAPE) than in group A (control) (P<0.05). Fibrinogen levels at day 30 were significantly higher in group A (control) than in group B (CAPE) (P<0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant difference in palatal mucosa healing levels between days 7 and 14 in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that CAPE can significantly improve tooth socket healing. PMID:25364232

Effect of sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethyl cellulose (Guardix-sol) on retear rate and postoperative stiffness in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair patients: A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Jeong, Jeung Yeol; Chung, Pill Ku; Yoo, Jae Chul

2017-01-01

Hyaluronate-based anti-adhesive agents are expected to enhance rotator cuff healing; however, their effect on the incidence and extent of postoperative complications such as stiffness and retears has not been investigated. From July 2012 to February 2013, 80 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery were prospectively enrolled. Forty patients were assigned to the control group, while the other 40 were assigned to the injection group and received a Guardix-sol injection immediately after surgery. Passive range of motion, pain visual analog scale, and functional score were assessed at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 24 months postoperatively. Gliding motion between the deltoid muscle and the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus was evaluated using ultrasonography at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively, and tendon integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months postoperatively. We found no significant difference between the groups regarding gliding motion at 2 weeks postoperatively. However, at 8 weeks, the incidence of poor gliding motion was 2.5% and 15% for the injected patients and control group, respectively, which was statistically significant. At 6 months after surgery, the retear rate between the two groups was not statistically significant. We found no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding retear rate and clinical score throughout the follow-up period. We noted no complications related to the use of Guardix-sol. Patients who received the Guardix-sol injection showed improved gliding motion between the deltoid muscle and the greater tuberosity in the early postoperative period.

CXCR4 expression is associated with time-course permanent and temporary myocardial infarction in rats.

PubMed

Kiani, Ali Asghar; Babaei, Fereshteh; Sedighi, Mehrnoosh; Soleimani, Azam; Ahmadi, Kolsum; Shahrokhi, Somayeh; Anbari, Khatereh; Nazari, Afshin

2017-06-01

Experimental myocardial infarction triggers secretion of Stromal cell-derived factor1 and lead to increase in the expression of its receptor "CXCR4" on the surface of various cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of CXCR4 in peripheral blood cells following time-course permanent and temporary ischemia in rats. Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of seven and were placed under permanent and transient ischemia. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at different time points, RNAs extracted and applied to qRT-PCR analysis of the CXCR4 gene. Based on repeated measures analysis of variance, the differences in the expression levels of the gene in each of the groups were statistically significant over time (the effect of time) ( P <0.001). Additionally, the difference in gene expression between the two groups was statistically significant (the effect of group), such that at all times, the expression levels of the gene were significantly higher in the permanent ischemia than in the transient ischemia group ( P <0.001). Moreover, the interactive effect of time-group on gene expression was statistically significant ( P <0.001). CXCR4 is modulated in an induced ischemia context implying a possible association with myocardial infarction. Checking of CXCR4 expression in the ischemic changes shows that damage to the heart tissue trigger the secretion of inflammatory chemokine SDF, Followed by it CXCR4 expression in blood cells. These observations suggest that changes in the expression of CXCR4 may be considered a valuable marker for monitoring myocardial infarction.

Apical Periodontitis and Endodontic Treatment in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Comparative Cross-sectional Survey.

PubMed

Smadi, Leena

2017-05-01

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients compared with nondiabetic patients and to examine the effect of glycemic control on the prevalence of AP. Radiographs of a group of DM patients were compared with those of a matched nondiabetic group to identify AP. The diabetic group was subdivided according to the level of glycemic control into two subgroups: A well-controlled DM and a poorly controlled DM. The periapical index score was used to assess the periapical status. All groups were compared in regard to the presence of AP lesions, the number of end-odontically treated teeth (ET), and the percentage of failure of endodontically treated teeth (AP/ET ratio). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0, Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for all the analyses; p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The prevalence of AP was higher in diabetic group than in the nondiabetic group (13.5 vs 11.9% respectively). Diabetic group had more teeth with endodontic treatment ET compared with nondiabetic group (4.18 vs 1.82% respectively); this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001) along with higher AP/ET ratio (27.7 vs 19.3 respectively). The poorly controlled DM group had a higher prevalence of AP lesions compared with the well-controlled DM group (18.29 vs 9.21 respectively). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001); they also had a higher percentage of ET (5.55 vs 3.13% respectively) and AP/ ET ratio (32.0 vs 21.8% respectively). This survey demonstrates a higher prevalence of AP in DM patients compared with nondiabetic group, with an increased prevalence of persistent chronic AP. Compared with a well-controlled diabetic group, a poor glycemic control may be associated with a higher prevalence of AP and increased rate of endodontic failures. Counseling diabetic patients, particularly those with poor glycemic control, about the risk of failure of endodontic treatment can be part of planning management, which could include refereeing diabetic patients who need endodontic treatment for consultant care.

ANTIPLAQUE AND ANTIGINGIVITIS EFFECT OF LIPPIA SIDOIDES. A DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL STUDY IN HUMANS

PubMed Central

Rodrigues, Ítalo Sarto Carvalho; Tavares, Vinícius Nascimento; Pereira, Sérgio Luís da Silva; da Costa, Flávio Nogueira

2009-01-01

Objectives: The antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Lippia Sidoides (LS) was evaluated in this in vivo investigation. Material and Methods: Twenty-three subjects participated in a cross-over, double-blind clinical study, using 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. A toothshield was constructed for each volunteer, avoiding the brushing of the 4 experimental posterior teeth in the lower left quadrant. The subjects were randomly assigned initially to use either the placebo gel (control group) or the test gel, containing 10% LS (test group). Results: The clinical results showed statistically significant differences for plaque index (PLI) (p<0.01) between days 0 and 21 in both groups, however only the control group showed statistically significant difference (p<0.01) for the bleeding (IB) and gingival (GI) index within the experimental period of 21 days. On day 21, the test group presented significantly better results than the control group with regard to the GI (p<0.05). Conclusions: The test gel containing 10% LS was effective in the control of gingivitis. PMID:19936516

Effects of chronic treatment with valproate and oxcarbazepine on testicular development in rats.

PubMed

Cansu, Ali; Ekinci, Ozgür; Serdaroglu, Ayse; Gürgen, Seren Gulsen; Ekinci, Ozalp; Erdogan, Deniz; Coskun, Zafer Kutay; Tunc, Lutfi

2011-04-01

The aim of this study was to examine the potential effects of valproate (VPA) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) on testicular development in rats. Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of 14 rats each. Each group received the following via gavage over 90 days: group 1, tap water (control group); group 2, VPA (300mg/kg/day); group 3, OXC (100mg/kg/day). After sacrifice, body, testicular and epididymidis weights were measured. Testes were sampled, fixed and processed, and quantitative morphometric analysis of Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids was performed in stages II, V and XII by histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to transform growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and p53, and the apoptotic index was assessed using the TUNEL method. Testis and relative testis weights were significantly lower in the VPA group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocyte and round spermatocyte numbers decreased in all stages in both the VPA and OXC groups compared to the control group, though this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Apoptotic cell counts and p53 immunoreaction were significantly high and TGF-β1 expression was significantly lower in the VPA group compared to that of the control group (p<0.05). In the OXC group, p53 immunoreaction and TGF-β1 expression decreased compared to the control group, but this difference did not attain statistical significance (p>0.05). Our results show that VPA treatment from prepuberty to adulthood significantly negatively affects spermatogenesis, not only by reducing testicular weight, but also by increasing apoptotic death and p53 and decreasing TGF-β1 activation. OXC has a minimal side effect on testicular development. Copyright © 2010 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An in vitro Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of endodontically treated Teeth with Different Restorative Materials.

PubMed

Sangwan, Babita; Rishi, Rahul; Seal, Mukut; Jain, Kanav; Dutt, Pranjali; Talukdar, Pratim

2016-07-01

The aim of the present study is to compare and assess the fracture resistance of root canal treated teeth with different restorative materials. The present in vitro study was carried out on seventy-five freshly extracted, noncarious, single-canal human lower-first premolars with similar anatomic characteristics. Teeth were randomly assigned to five groups with 15 teeth being present in each group. Group I is control group (no alteration done), group II is restored with silver amalgam after endodontic therapy, group III is restored with posterior composite after end-odontic therapy, group IV is restored with posterior glass ionomer cement (GIC) after endodontic therapy, and group V is restored with miracle mix after endodontic therapy. Universal testing machine was used to assess the fracture strength. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey's post hoc test were used to determine the significant difference between each group. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The mean fracture resistance of control group showed highest fracture resistance with a mean Newton of 1083.33 ± 136.78. Among the restorative material, the highest fracture resistance was shown by teeth restored by composite (845.46 ± 47.36), followed by silver amalgam (845.46 ± 47.36). There was statistically significant difference among all the restorative materials compared with the control group (p < 0.05). However, among the teeth restored with silver amalgam and miracle mix, there was no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The present study concludes that composites are found to be having more fracture resistance followed by silver amalgam on endodontically treated premolar teeth. Restoring nonvital teeth represents a major challenge for clinicians as they are extensively damaged due to caries and endodontic access preparations. With various restorative materials in the market, it becomes difficult for the clinician to choose the better restorative material for postendodontic restoration.

[Effect of wenxin granule on plasma BNP and HRV of acute coronary syndrome patients].

PubMed

Peng, Jie-cheng; Su, Jia-feng; Hong, Li-ping; Xia, Lin-feng; Yan, Wei-guo

2013-08-01

To observe the effect of Wenxin Granule (WG) on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and heart rate variability (HRV) of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Totally 65 ACS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (35 cases) and the control group (30 cases). All patients were treated with routine therapies such as angiotensin conversing enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and metoprolol. Those in the treatment group took WG, 9 g each time, three times daily. All were treated for 90 days. Plasma samples of BNP and HRV were determined before treatment and after treatment. There was no statistical difference in pre-treatment plasma BNP (P > 0.05). Plasma BNP significantly decreased after treatment in the two groups when compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). The decrease was more obvious in the treatment group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in pre-treatment HRV (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, RMSSD, PNN50%, and high frequency (HF) obviously increased, while low frequency (LF) and LF/HF ratio significantly decreased in the two groups, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The aforesaid indices were obviously better in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Additional administration of WG could improve short-term clinical prognosis by down-regulating plasma BNP level (via improving myocardial ischemia) and modulating HRV.

A comparative evaluation of cleaning efficacy (debris and smear layer removal) of hand and two NiTi rotary instrumentation systems (K3 and ProTaper): a SEM study.

PubMed

Reddy, K Balakoti; Dash, Shreemoy; Kallepalli, Sowmya; Vallikanthan, Sangeetha; Chakrapani, N; Kalepu, Vamsi

2013-11-01

The present study was conducted to compare the cleaning efficacy (debris and smear layer removal) of hand and two NiTi rotary instrumentation systems (K3 and ProTaper). Sixty single rooted human maxillary anterior teeth decoronated at the cementoenamel junction were used. All the specimens were divided into four groups of 15 teeth each, group I--ProTaper rotary instrumentation done, group II--K3 rotary instrumentation done, group III--Stainless steel K-file instrumentation done, group IV--root canal irrigation without instrumentation. Root canal preparation was done in a crown down manner and 3% sodium hypochlorite was used as irrigant after each file followed by final rinse with 5 ml of 17% EDTA solution, then specimens were scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's HSD test. Group I showed highly statistical significant difference compared to other groups. There was no statistically significant difference considering smear layer at any levels among the groups with no smear layer formation in group IV. ProTaper rotary instrumentation showed the maximum cleaning efficacy followed by K3 rotary instrumentation in the coronal, middle and apical thirds of the root canal. ProTaper rotary instruments are more efficient than hand and K3 rotary instruments during root canal treatment.

Comparison of the effects of sedation and general anesthesia in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.

PubMed

Satilmis, Tulin; Ugurlu, Faysal; Garip, Hasan; Sener, Bedrettin C; Goker, Kamil

2011-06-01

To compare the effects of sedation and general anesthesia for surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). This randomized prospective study included 30 patients who were scheduled for SARPE, and was performed between January 2008 to February 2010 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. Patients were allocated into Group S - midazolam + fentanyl sedation (n=15), and Group G - general anesthesia (n=15). Hemodynamic parameters, duration of anesthesia, surgery, recovery time, time to discharge, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 30 minutes (min), one hour (hr), 4 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, first consumption of analgesic time, total amount of consumption of analgesics, patient and surgeon satisfaction, nausea, and vomiting were recorded. Analgesic time was significantly longer in Group S (p=0.008), and total analgesic consumption was significantly lower in Group S than in Group G (p=0.031). Patient satisfaction was statistically higher in Group S (p=0.035). At 30 min, one hr, and 12 hrs, VAS satisfaction scores in Group S were statistically lower than those in Group G, and at 4 hrs and 24 hrs there was no statistical difference in VAS scores for both groups. The use of sedation for outpatient SARPE resulted in lower pain scores at discharge, lower analgesic consumption, and greater patient satisfaction.

Sign of the Zodiac as a predictor of survival for recipients of an allogeneic stem cell transplant for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML): an artificial association.

PubMed

Szydlo, R M; Gabriel, I; Olavarria, E; Apperley, J

2010-10-01

Astrological or Zodiac (star) sign has been shown to be a statistically significant factor in the outcome of a variety of diseases, conditions, and phenomena. To investigate its relevance in the context of a stem cell transplant (SCT), we examined its influence in chronic myeloid leukaemia, a disease with well-established prognostic factors. Data were collected on 626 patients who received a first myeloablative allogeneic SCT between 1981 and 2006. Star sign was determined for each patient. Univariate analyses comparing all 12 individual star signs showed considerable variation of 5-year probabilities of survival, 63% for Arians, to 45% for Aquarians, but without significance (P=.65). However, it was possible to pool together star signs likely to provide dichotomous results. Thus, grouping together Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, and Capricorn (group A; n=317) versus others (group B; n=309) resulted in a highly significant difference (58% vs 48%; P=.007). When adjusted for known prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis, group B was associated with an increased risk of mortality when compared with group A (relative risk [RR], 1.37; P=.005). In this study, we show that, providing adequate care is taken, a significant relationship between patient star sign and survival post SCT for CML can be observed. This is, however, a completely erroneous result, and is based on the pooling together of observations to artificially create a statistically significant result. Statistical analyses should thus be carried out on a priori hypotheses and not to find a meaningful or significant result. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Correlation of histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient with uterine cervical pathologic finding.

PubMed

Lin, Yuning; Li, Hui; Chen, Ziqian; Ni, Ping; Zhong, Qun; Huang, Huijuan; Sandrasegaran, Kumar

2015-05-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in characterizing pathologic features of cervical cancer and benign cervical lesions. This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained. Seventy-three patients with cervical cancer (33-69 years old; 35 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB cervical cancer) and 38 patients (38-61 years old) with normal cervix or cervical benign lesions (control group) were enrolled. All patients underwent 3-T diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with b values of 0 and 800 s/mm(2). ADC values of the entire tumor in the patient group and the whole cervix volume in the control group were assessed. Mean ADC, median ADC, 25th and 75th percentiles of ADC, skewness, and kurtosis were calculated. Histogram parameters were compared between different pathologic features, as well as between stage IB cervical cancer and control groups. Mean ADC, median ADC, and 25th percentile of ADC were significantly higher for adenocarcinoma (p = 0.021, 0.006, and 0.004, respectively), and skewness was significantly higher for squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.011). Median ADC was statistically significantly higher for well or moderately differentiated tumors (p = 0.044), and skewness was statistically significantly higher for poorly differentiated tumors (p = 0.004). No statistically significant difference of ADC histogram was observed between lymphovascular space invasion subgroups. All histogram parameters differed significantly between stage IB cervical cancer and control groups (p < 0.05). Distribution of ADCs characterized by histogram analysis may help to distinguish early-stage cervical cancer from normal cervix or cervical benign lesions and may be useful for evaluating the different pathologic features of cervical cancer.

Use of iPhone technology in improving acetabular component position in total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Tay, Xiau Wei; Zhang, Benny Xu; Gayagay, George

2017-09-01

Improper acetabular cup positioning is associated with high risk of complications after total hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study is to objectively compare 3 methods, namely (1) free hand, (2) alignment jig (Sputnik), and (3) iPhone application to identify an easy, reproducible, and accurate method in improving acetabular cup placement. We designed a simple setup and carried out a simple experiment (see Method section). Using statistical analysis, the difference in inclination angles using iPhone application compared with the freehand method was found to be statistically significant ( F [2,51] = 4.17, P = .02) in the "untrained group". There is no statistical significance detected for the other groups. This suggests a potential role for iPhone applications in junior surgeons in overcoming the steep learning curve.

Treatment of dry eye syndrome with orally administered CF101: data from a phase 2 clinical trial.

PubMed

Avni, Isaac; Garzozi, Hanna J; Barequet, Irina S; Segev, Fanni; Varssano, David; Sartani, Gil; Chetrit, Noa; Bakshi, Erez; Zadok, David; Tomkins, Oren; Litvin, Gilad; Jacobson, Kenneth A; Fishman, Sari; Harpaz, Zivit; Farbstein, Motti; Yehuda, Sara Bar; Silverman, Michael H; Kerns, William D; Bristol, David R; Cohn, Ilan; Fishman, Pnina

2010-07-01

To explore the safety and efficacy of CF101, an A(3) adenosine receptor agonist, in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome. Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Sixty-eight patients completed the study, 35 patients in the placebo group and 33 patients in the CF101 group. Patients were treated orally with either 1 mg CF101 pills or matching vehicle-filled placebo pills, given twice daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 2-week posttreatment observation. An improvement of more than 25% over baseline at week 12 in one of the following parameters: (1) tear break-up time (BUT); (2) superficial punctate keratitis assessed by fluorescein staining results; and (3) Schirmer tear test 1 results. Clinical laboratory safety tests, ophthalmic examinations, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, electrocardiographic evaluations, vital sign measurements, and monitoring of adverse events. A statistically significant increase in the proportion of patients who achieved more than 25% improvement in the corneal staining and in the clearance of corneal staining was noted between the CF101-treated group and the placebo group. Treatment with CF101 resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the mean change from baseline at week 12 of the corneal staining, BUT, and tear meniscus (TM) height in the CF101-treated group. CF101 was well tolerated and exhibited an excellent safety profile with no serious adverse events. A statistically significant decrease from baseline was observed in the IOP of the CF101-treated group in comparison with the placebo group. CF101, given orally, induced a statistically significant improvement in the corneal staining and an improvement in the BUT and TM in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome. The drug was very well tolerated. These data and the anti-inflammatory characteristic of CF101 support further study of the drug as a potential treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome with Orally Administered CF101: Data from a Phase 2 Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Avni, Isaac; Garzozi, Hanna J.; Barequet, Irina S.; Segev, Fanni; Varssano, David; Sartani, Gil; Chetrit, Noa; Bakshi, Erez; Zadok, David; Tomkins, Oren; Litvin, Gilad; Jacobson, Kenneth A.; Fishman, Sari; Harpaz, Zivit; Farbstein, Motti; Bar Yehuda, Sara; Silverman, Michael H.; Kerns, William D.; Bristol, David R.; Cohn, Ilan; Fishman, Pnina

2013-01-01

Objective To explore the safety and efficacy of CF101, an A3 adenosine receptor agonist, in patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome Design Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Participants 68 patients completed the study, 35 patients in the placebo group and 33 patients in the CF101 group. Intervention Patients were orally treated with either 1 mg CF101 pills or matching vehicle-filled placebo pills, given twice daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 2-week post-treatment observation. Main Outcome Measures Efficacy an improvement of >25% over baseline at week 12 in one of the following parameters: (a) tear break-up time (BUT); (b) superficial punctate keratitis assessed by fluorescein staining (FS); (c) Schirmer tear test 1 (ST1). Safety clinical laboratory safety tests, ophthalmic examinations, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, electrocardiographic evaluations, vital sign measurements and monitoring of adverse events. Results A statistically significant increase in the proportion of patients who achieved more than 25% improvement in the corneal staining and in the clearance of corneal staining was noted between the CF101-treated group and the placebo group. Treatment with CF101 resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the mean change from baseline at week 12 of the corneal staining, BUT, and tear meniscus (TM) height in the CF101-treated group CF101 was well tolerated and exhibited an excellent safety profile with no serious adverse events. A statistically significant decrease from baseline was observed in the IOP of the CF101-treated group in comparison with the placebo group. Conclusions CF101, given orally, induced a statistically significant improvement in the corneal staining and an improvement in the BUT and TM in patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome. The drug was very well tolerated. These data and the anti-inflammatory characteristic of CF101 support further study of the drug as a potential treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome. PMID:20304499

Tretinoin microsphere gel pump 0.04% versus tazarotene cream 0.05% in the treatment of mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris.

PubMed

Kircik, Leon H

2009-07-01

This 12-week, single-center, investigator-blinded, randomized, parallel-design study assessed the safety and efficacy of tretinoin microsphere gel 0.04% delivered by pump (TMG PUMP) to tazarotene cream 0.05% (TAZ) in mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris. Efficacy measurements included investigator global assessment (IGA), lesion counts, and subject self-assessment of acne signs and symptoms. Efficacy was generally comparable between treatment groups, although TMG PUMP provided more rapid results in several parameters. IGA showed a more rapid mean change from baseline at week 4 in the TMG PUMP group (-0.18 versus -0.05 in the TAZ subjects). TMG PUMP yielded more rapid improvement in papules. At week 4, the mean percentage change from baseline in open comedones was statistically significant at -64% in the TMG PUMP group (P=0.0039, within group) versus -19% in the TAZ group (not statistically significant within the group; P=0.1875). Skin dryness, peeling and pruritus were significantly less in the TMG PUMP group as early as week 4. Adverse events related to study treatment were rare in both groups and all resolved upon discontinuation of study medication.

Influence of skin peeling procedure in allergic contact dermatitis.

PubMed

Kim, Jung Eun; Park, Hyun Jeong; Cho, Baik Kee; Lee, Jun Young

2008-03-01

The prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients who have previously undergone skin peeling has been rarely studied. We compared the frequency of positive patch test (PT) reactions in a patient group with a history of peeling, to that of a control group with no history of peeling. The Korean standard series and cosmetic series were performed on a total of 262 patients. 62 patients had previously undergone peeling and 200 patients did not. The frequency of positive PT reactions on Korean standard series was significantly higher in the peeling group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05, chi-square test). However, the most commonly identified allergens were mostly cosmetic-unrelated allergens. The frequency of positive PT reactions on cosmetic series in the peeling group was higher than that of the control group, but lacked statistical significance. The frequency (%) of positive PT reactions on cosmetic series in the high-frequency peel group was higher than that of the low-frequency group, but lacked statistical significance. It appears peeling may not generally affect the development of contact sensitization. Further work is required focusing on the large-scale prospective studies by performing a PT before and after peeling.

The effects and interactions of student, teacher, and setting variables on reading outcomes for kindergartners receiving supplemental reading intervention.

PubMed

Hagan-Burke, Shanna; Coyne, Michael D; Kwok, Oi-Man; Simmons, Deborah C; Kim, Minjung; Simmons, Leslie E; Skidmore, Susan T; Hernandez, Caitlin L; McSparran Ruby, Maureen

2013-01-01

This exploratory study examined the influences of student, teacher, and setting characteristics on kindergarteners' early reading outcomes and investigated whether those relations were moderated by type of intervention. Participants included 206 kindergarteners identified as at risk for reading difficulties and randomly assigned to one of two supplemental interventions: (a) an experimental explicit, systematic, code-based program or (b) their schools' typical kindergarten reading intervention. Results from separate multilevel structural equation models indicated that among student variables, entry-level alphabet knowledge was positively associated with phonemic and decoding outcomes in both conditions. Entry-level rapid automatized naming also positively influenced decoding outcomes in both conditions. However, its effect on phonemic outcomes was statistically significant only among children in the typical practice comparison condition. Regarding teacher variables, the quality of instruction was associated with significantly higher decoding outcomes in the typical reading intervention condition but had no statistically significant influence on phonemic outcomes in either condition. Among setting variables, instruction in smaller group sizes was associated with better phonemic outcomes in the comparison condition but had no statistically significant influence on outcomes of children in the intervention group. Mode of delivery (i.e., pullout vs. in class) had no statistically significant influence on either outcome variable.

Knot positioning during McDonald cervical cerclage, does it make a difference? A cohort study.

PubMed

Atia, Hytham; Ellaithy, Mohamed; Altraigey, Ahmed; Ibrahim, Heba

2018-05-15

To study the effect of McDonald cerclage knot position on the different maternal and neonatal outcomes. This historical cohort study included women with singleton pregnancy who had a prophylactic McDonald cervical cerclage between 1 May 2010 and 31 September 2017. Maternal and neonatal outcome parameters were compared between the anterior and posterior knot cerclage procedures. The primary outcome measure was the rate of term birth. 550 Women had a prophylactic McDonald cervical cerclage, 306 with anterior knot (Group A) and 244 with posterior knot (Group B). There were no statistically significant differences regarding gestational age (GA) at delivery (36.3 ± 4.2 versus 35.8 ± 5.3 for groups A and B respectively), term birth rate, post-cerclage cervical length, symptomatic vaginitis, urinary tract infection, difficult cerclage removal and cervical lacerations. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences as regards the studied neonatal outcomes including take home babies, neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal sepsis. Survival analysis on GA at delivery demonstrated no statistically significant difference as regards the proportion of term deliveries in the anterior and posterior knot cerclage groups (log-rank test p-value = .478). Knot positioning during McDonald cervical cerclage, anteriorly or posteriorly, didn't significantly impact the studied maternal and neonatal outcomes.

[Early inflammatory response following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a comparison between endovascular procedure and conventional, open surgery].

PubMed

Marjanović, Ivan; Jevtić, Miodrag; Misović, Sidor; Vojvodić, Danilo; Zoranović, Uros; Rusović, Sinisa; Sarac, Momir; Stanojević, Ivan

2011-11-01

Abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) represents a pathological enlargment of infrarenal portion of aorta for over 50% of its lumen. The only treatment of AAA is a surgical reconstruction of the affected segment. Until the late XX century, surgical reconstruction implied explicit, open repair (OR) of AAA, which was accompanied by a significant morbidity and mortality of the treated patients. Development of endovascular repair of (EVAR) AAA, especially in the last decade, offered another possibility of surgical reconstruction of AAA. The preliminary results of world studies show that complications of such a procedure, as well as morbidity and mortality of patients, are significantly lower than with OR of AAA. The aim of this paper was to present results of comparative clinical prospective study of early inflammatory response after reconstruction of AAA be tween endovascular and open, conventional surgical technique. A comparative clinical prospective study included 39 patients, electively operated on for AAA within the period of December 2008 - February 2010, divided into two groups. The group I counted 21 (54%) of the patients, 58-87 years old (mean 74.3 years), who had been submited to EVAR by the use of excluder stent graft. The group II consisted of 18 (46%) of the patients, 49-82 (mean 66.8) years, operated on using OR technique. All of the treated patients in both groups had AAA larger than 50 mm. The study did not include patients who have been treated as urgent cases, due to the rupture or with simptomatic AAA. Clinical, biochemical and inflamatory parameters in early postoperative period were analyzed, in direct postoperative course (number of leucocytes, thrombocytes, serum circulating levels of cytokine--interleukine (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10). Parameters were monitored on the zero, first, second, third and seventh postoperative days. The study was approved by the Ethics Commitee of the Military Medical Academy. The study showed a statistically significantly shorter time of treatment in the EVAR group (average 90 min) compared to the OR group (average 136 min). Also, there was a statistically significantly less blood loss in the patients operated on by the use of EVAR surgery (average 60 mL) as compared to the patients treated with OR techinique (average 495 mL), as well as a shorter postoperative hospitalization of patients in the EVAR group (average 4 days) compared to the OR group (average 8 days). The OR group was detected with a statistically significant increase of leucocytes and statistically significant fall of the number of thrombocytes in comparison with the EVAR group in all the investigated terms. A significant concentration rise of IL-2 in the OR group and concentration rise of IL-6 in the EVAR group was shown 24 hours after the procedure, whereas on the second postoperative day there was detected a significant fall of IL-6 in the EVAR group. IL-4 concentration in the OR group was significantly higher as of the third postoperative day in comparison to the EVAR group. There was no significant difference in IL-10 concentration between the groups. The EVAR techinique is a safer and less invasive and less traumatic procedure for patients than the OR of AAA. Following the EVAR, there are less inflammatory reactions in the early postoperative period as compared to the OR and therefore less possibility of the development of systemic inflammatory respons syndrome in patients treated.

Effects of chocolate intake on Perceived Stress; a Controlled Clinical Study

PubMed Central

Al Sunni, Ahmed; Latif, Rabia

2014-01-01

Background Cocoa polyphenols have been shown to reduce stress in highly stressed, as well as normal healthy individuals, we wondered whether commercially available chocolate could reduce perceived stress in medical students or not, so we decided to conduct this study. Methods Sixty students were divided into 3 groups (10 males + 10 females/group): i) Dark chocolate (DC) ii) Milk chocolate (MC) iii) White chocolate (WC). Subjects answered a PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaire at baseline and after consumption of chocolate (40 g/day) for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Means were compared across the study groups by One-Way ANOVA and within the same group by paired ‘t’ test. Results Mean stress scores compared between the groups by ANOVA revealed statistically not significant differences before (F =0.505; P=0.606) and after chocolate consumption (F=0.188; P=0.829). Paired ‘t’ test compared stress scores means before and after chocolate supplementation within the same group and exhibited statistically significant decrease in DC (t = 2.341; p value = 0.03) and MC (t = 3.302; p value = 0.004) groups. Mean stress scores decreased, on average, by approximately 2 and 3 points in DC and MC groups, respectively, at 95% Confidence Interval. The difference was more evident and statistically significant in female students as compared to the males. Conclusion Consumption of 40 g of Dark and Milk chocolate daily during a period of 2 weeks appear to be an effective way to reduce perceived stress in females. PMID:25780358

Effects of chocolate intake on Perceived Stress; a Controlled Clinical Study.

PubMed

Al Sunni, Ahmed; Latif, Rabia

2014-10-01

Cocoa polyphenols have been shown to reduce stress in highly stressed, as well as normal healthy individuals, we wondered whether commercially available chocolate could reduce perceived stress in medical students or not, so we decided to conduct this study. Sixty students were divided into 3 groups (10 males + 10 females/group): i) Dark chocolate (DC) ii) Milk chocolate (MC) iii) White chocolate (WC). Subjects answered a PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaire at baseline and after consumption of chocolate (40 g/day) for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Means were compared across the study groups by One-Way ANOVA and within the same group by paired 't' test. Mean stress scores compared between the groups by ANOVA revealed statistically not significant differences before (F =0.505; P=0.606) and after chocolate consumption (F=0.188; P=0.829). Paired 't' test compared stress scores means before and after chocolate supplementation within the same group and exhibited statistically significant decrease in DC (t = 2.341; p value = 0.03) and MC (t = 3.302; p value = 0.004) groups. Mean stress scores decreased, on average, by approximately 2 and 3 points in DC and MC groups, respectively, at 95% Confidence Interval. The difference was more evident and statistically significant in female students as compared to the males. Consumption of 40 g of Dark and Milk chocolate daily during a period of 2 weeks appear to be an effective way to reduce perceived stress in females.

Can We Perform Distal Nerve Block Instead of Brachial Plexus Nerve Block Under Ultrasound Guidance for Hand Surgery?

PubMed Central

Ince, Ilker; Aksoy, Mehmet; Celik, Mine

2016-01-01

Objective: Distal nerve blocks are used in the event of unsuccessful blocks as rescue techniques. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the sufficiency for anesthesia of distal nerve block without the need for deep sedation or general anesthesia. The secondary purpose was to compare block performance times, block onset times, and patient and surgeon satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent hand surgery associated with the innervation area of the radial and median nerves were included in the study. Thirty-four patients who were 18–65 years old and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I–III and who were scheduled for elective hand surgery under conscious nerve block anesthesia were randomly included in an infraclavicular block group (Group I, n=17) or a radial plus median block group (Group RM, n=17). The block performance time, block onset time, satisfaction of the patient and surgeon, and number of fentanyl administrations were recorded. Results: The numbers of patients who needed fentanyl administration and conversion to general anesthesia were the same in Group I and Group RM and there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The demographics, surgery times, tourniquet times, block perfomance times, and patient and surgeon satisfaction of the groups were similar and there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in block onset times between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: Conscious hand surgery can be performed under distal nerve block anesthesia safely and successfully. PMID:28149139

The effects of cervical traction, cranial rhythmic impulse, and Mckenzie exercise on headache and cervical muscle stiffness in episodic tension-type headache patients.

PubMed

Choi, Sung-Yong; Choi, Jung-Hyun

2016-03-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cervical traction treatment, cranial rhythmic impulse treatment, a manual therapy, and McKenzie exercise, a dynamic strengthening exercise, on patients who have the neck muscle stiffness of the infrequent episodic tension-type (IETTH) headache and frequent episodic tension-type headache(FETTH), as well as to provide the basic materials for clinical interventions. [Subjects] Twenty-seven subjects (males: 15, females: 12) who were diagnosed with IETTH and FETTH after treatment by a neurologist were divided into three groups: (a cervical traction group (CTG, n=9), a cranial rhythmic contractiongroup (CRIG, n=9), and a McKenzie exercise group (MEG, n=9). An intervention was conducted for each group and the differences in their degrees of neck pain and changes in muscle tone were observed. [Results] In the within-group comparison of each group, headache significantly decreased in CTG. According to the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the upper trapezius, there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. According to the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. [Conclusion] In the comparison of the splenius capitis muscle between the groups, there was a statistically significant difference on the right side. Hence, compared to the other methods, cervical traction is concluded to be more effective at reducing headaches in IETTH and FETTH patients.

[Application of fibrin sealant in patients operated on for differentiated thyroid cancer. What do we improve?].

PubMed

Vidal-Pérez, Óscar; Flores-Siguenza, Luis; Valentini, Mauro; Astudillo-Pombo, Emiliano; Fernández-Cruz, Laureano; García-Valdecasas, Juan Carlos

2016-01-01

In recent years, several publications have shown that new adhesives and sealants, like Tissucol(®), applied in thyroid space reduce local complications after thyroidectomies. To demonstrate the effectiveness of fibrin glue Tissucol(®) in reducing the post-operative hospital stay of patients operated on for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in which total thyroidectomy with central and unilateral node neck dissection was performed (due to the debit drains decrease), with consequent cost savings. A prospective randomised study was conducted during the period between May 2009 and October 2013 on patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma with cervical nodal metastases, and subjected to elective surgery. Two groups were formed: one in which Tissucol(®) was used (case group) and another where it was not used (control group). Patients were operated on by surgeons specifically dedicated to endocrine surgical pathology, using the same surgical technique in all cases. A total of 60 total thyroidectomies with lymph node dissection were performed, with 30 patients in the case group, and 30 patients in control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in most of the studied variables. However, the case group had a shorter hospital stay than the control group with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Implementation of Tissucol(®) has statistically and significantly reduced the hospital stay of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with neck dissection, which represents a significant reduction in hospital costs. This decrease in hospital stay has no influence on the occurrence of major complications related to the intervention. Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Oxidative stress gene expression profile in inbred mouse after ischemia/reperfusion small bowel injury.

PubMed

Bertoletto, Paulo Roberto; Ikejiri, Adauto Tsutomu; Somaio Neto, Frederico; Chaves, José Carlos; Teruya, Roberto; Bertoletto, Eduardo Rodrigues; Taha, Murched Omar; Fagundes, Djalma José

2012-11-01

To determine the profile of gene expressions associated with oxidative stress and thereby contribute to establish parameters about the role of enzyme clusters related to the ischemia/reperfusion intestinal injury. Twelve male inbred mice (C57BL/6) were randomly assigned: Control Group (CG) submitted to anesthesia, laparotomy and observed by 120 min; Ischemia/reperfusion Group (IRG) submitted to anesthesia, laparotomy, 60 min of small bowel ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion. A pool of six samples was submitted to the qPCR-RT protocol (six clusters) for mouse oxidative stress and antioxidant defense pathways. On the 84 genes investigated, 64 (76.2%) had statistic significant expression and 20 (23.8%) showed no statistical difference to the control group. From these 64 significantly expressed genes, 60 (93.7%) were up-regulated and 04 (6.3%) were down-regulated. From the group with no statistical significantly expression, 12 genes were up-regulated and 8 genes were down-regulated. Surprisingly, 37 (44.04%) showed a higher than threefold up-regulation and then arbitrarily the values was considered as a very significant. Thus, 37 genes (44.04%) were expressed very significantly up-regulated. The remained 47 (55.9%) genes were up-regulated less than three folds (35 genes - 41.6%) or down-regulated less than three folds (12 genes - 14.3%). The intestinal ischemia and reperfusion promote a global hyper-expression profile of six different clusters genes related to antioxidant defense and oxidative stress.

[Usage of Calendula officinalis in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial].

PubMed

Schneider, Franciane; Danski, Mitzy Tannia Reichembach; Vayego, Stela Adami

2015-04-01

To evaluate the efficacy of Calendula officinalis in relation to Essential Fatty Acids for the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis. This is a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial with 51 patients with head and neck cancer in radiotherapy treatment divided into two groups: control (27) and experimental (24). There is statistically significant evidence (p-value = 0.0120) that the proportion of radiodermatitis grade 2 in Essential Fatty Acids group is higher than Calendula group. Through the Kaplan-Meier survival curve we observed that Essential Fatty Acids group has always remained below the Calendula group survival curve, due to the lower risk of developing radiodermatitis grade 1, which makes the usage of Calendula more effective, with statistical significance (p-value = 0.00402). Calendula showed better therapeutic response than the Essential Fatty Acids in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-237v4b.

Body checking and eating cognitions in Brazilian outpatients with eating disorders and non psychiatric controls.

PubMed

Kachani, Adriana Trejger; Barroso, Lucia Pereira; Brasiliano, Silvia; Cordás, Táki Athanássios; Hochgraf, Patrícia Brunfentrinker

2015-12-01

Compare inadequate eating behaviors and their relationship to body checking in three groups: patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and a control group (C). Eighty three outpatients with eating disorders (ED) and 40 controls completed eating attitudes and body checking questionnaires. The overall relationship between the eating attitude and body checking was statistically significant in all three groups. The worse the eating attitude, the greater the body checking behavior. However, when we look at each group individually, the relationship was only statistically significant in the AN group (r=.354, p=0.020). The lower the desired weight and the worse the eating attitude, the more people check themselves, although in the presence of an ED the relationship between body checking and food restrictions is greater. In patients displaying the AN subgroup, body checking is also related to continued dietary control. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of autogenic relaxation on depression among menopausal women in rural areas of Thiruvallur District (Tamil Nadu).

PubMed

Sujithra, S

2014-01-01

An experimental study was conducted among 60 menopausal women, 30 each in experimental and control group who met inclusion criteria. The menopausal women were identified in both the groups and level of depression was assessed using Cornell Dysthmia rating scale. Simple random sampling technique by lottery method was used for selecting the sample. Autogenic relaxation was practiced by the menopausal women for four weeks. The findings revealed that in experimental group, after intervention of autogenic relaxation on depression among menopausal women, 23 (76.7%) had mild depression. There was a statistically significant effectiveness in experimental group at the level of p < 0.05. There was a statistically significant association between the effectiveness of autogenic relaxation on depression among menopausal women in the post-experimental group with the type of family at the level of p < 0.05.

Effect of simulation on the ability of first year nursing students to learn vital signs.

PubMed

Eyikara, Evrim; Baykara, Zehra Göçmen

2018-01-01

The acquisition of cognitive, affective and psychomotor knowledge and skills are required in nursing, made possible via an interactive teaching method, such as simulation. This study conducted to identify the impact of simulation on first-year nursing students' ability to learn vital signs. A convenience sample of 90 first-year nursing students enrolled at a University, Ankara, in 2014-2015. Ninety students enrolled for lessons on the "Fundamentals of Nursing" were identified using a simple random sampling method. The students were taught vital signs theory via traditional methods. They were grouped into experimental 1, experimental 2 and control group, of 30 students each. Students in the experimental 1 group attended sessions on simulation and those in the experimental 2 group sessions on laboratory work, followed by simulation. The control group were taught via traditional methods and only attended the laboratory work sessions. The students' cognitive knowledge acquisition was evaluated using a knowledge test before and after the lessons. The ability to measure vital signs in adults (healthy ones and patients) was evaluated using a skill control list. A statistically significant difference was not observed between the groups in terms of the average pre-test scores on knowledge (p>0.050). Groups exposed to simulation obtained statistically significantly higher scores than the control group in post-test knowledge (p<0.050). The ability of the groups exposed to simulation to measure vital signs in healthy adults and patients was more successful than that the control group (p<0.050). This was statistically significant. Simulation had a positive effect on the ability of nursing students to measure vital signs. Thus, simulation should be included in the mainstream curriculum in order to effectively impart nursing knowledge and skills. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transdermal granisetron for the prevention of nausea and vomiting following moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy in Chinese patients: a randomized, double-blind, phase III study.

PubMed

Yang, Liu-Qing; Sun, Xin-Chen; Qin, Shu-Kui; Chen, Ying-Xia; Zhang, He-Long; Cheng, Ying; Chen, Zhen-Dong; Shi, Jian-Hua; Wu, Qiong; Bai, Yu-Xian; Han, Bao-Hui; Liu, Wei; Ouyang, Xue-Nong; Liu, Ji-Wei; Zhang, Zhi-Hui; Li, Yong-Qiang; Xu, Jian-Ming; Yu, Shi-Ying

2016-12-01

The granisetron transdermal delivery system (GTDS) has been demonstrated effectiveness in the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in previous studies. This is the first phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of GTDS in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) in China. A total of 313 patients were randomized into the GTDS group (one transdermal granisetron patch, 7 days) or the oral granisetron group (granisetron oral 2 mg/day, ≥2 days). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients achieving complete control (CC) from chemotherapy initiation until 24 h after final administration (PEEP). Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Two hundred eighty-one patients were included in the per protocol analysis. During PEEP, CC was achieved by 67 (47.52%) patients in the GTDS group and 83 (59.29%) patients in the oral granisetron group. There was no statistical significance between the groups (P=0.0559). However, the difference of the CC percentage mainly occurred on the first day of chemotherapy between the groups. The CC was 70.13% on day 1 in the GTDS group, which was significantly lower than that of 91.03% in the oral granisetron group in the full analysis set. In the following days of chemotherapy, the CC was similar between the groups. In terms of cisplatin-contained regimen and female, there was statistical significance between the groups. Both treatments were well tolerated and safe. The most common adverse event was constipation. GTDS provided effective and well-tolerated control of CINV in Chinese patients, especially to non-cisplatin-contained regimen.

Effect of montelukast monotherapy on oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage in children with asthma.

PubMed

Dilek, Fatih; Ozkaya, Emin; Kocyigit, Abdurrahim; Yazici, Mebrure; Kesgin, Siddika; Gedik, Ahmet Hakan; Cakir, Erkan

2015-01-01

There is ample knowledge reported in the literature about the role of oxidative stress in asthma pathogenesis. It is also known that the interaction of reactive oxygen species with DNA may result in DNA strand breaks. The aim of this study was to investigate if montelukast monotherapy affects oxidative stress and DNA damage parameters in a population of pediatric asthma patients. Group I consisted of 31 newly diagnosed asthmatic patients not taking any medication, and group II consisted of 32 patients who had been treated with montelukast for at least 6 months. Forty healthy control subjects were also enrolled in the study. Plasma total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured to assess oxidative stress. DNA damage was assessed by means of alkaline comet assay. The patients in both group I and group II had statistically significant higher plasma TOS (13.1 ± 4 and 11.1 ± 4.1 μmol H2O2 equivalent/liter, respectively) and low TAS levels (1.4 ± 0.5 and 1.5 ± 0.5 mmol Trolox equivalent/liter, respectively) compared with the control group (TOS: 6.3 ± 3.5 μmol H2O2 equivalent/liter and TAS: 2.7 ± 0.6 mmol Trolox equivalent/liter; p < 0.05). DNA damage was 18.2 ± 1.0 arbitrary units (a.u.) in group I, 16.7 ± 8.2 a.u. in group II and 13.7 ± 3.4 a.u. in the control group. There were statistically significant differences only between group I and the control group (p < 0.05). According to the findings, montelukast therapy makes only minimal but not statistically significant improvement in all TOS, TAS and DNA damage parameters. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Experimental assessment of oral hygiene achieved by children wearing rapid palatal expanders, comparing manual and electric toothbrushes.

PubMed

Mazzoleni, S; Bonaldo, G; Pontarolo, E; Zuccon, A; De Francesco, M; Stellini, E

2014-08-01

The aim was to compare the efficacy of the electric versus the manual toothbrush in terms of the oral hygiene achieved by patients wearing rapid palatal expanders (RPEs). Forty patients were randomly divided into two groups; one equipped with a manual toothbrush (Group A), the other with an electric toothbrush (Group B). Each child's plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were calculated at banded molar level at times T0 (before banding), T1 (a month later), T2 (3 months later) and T3 (when the expander was removed). At each appointment, the PI and GI were recorded and the patient was remotivated. The level of oral hygiene achieved by the group using an electric toothbrush produced a greater improvement in the two indexes than in the group using the manual toothbrush that showed no statistically significant improvement (PI T0-T3: P = 0.309; GI T0-T3: P = 0.141). Both indexes dropped considerably in both groups from T0 to T2, but more so in the group B. From T2 to T3, although the electric toothbrush continued to be substantially more effective, Group B showed a statistically significant deterioration in the oral hygiene (PI +20%; GI +33%). Other assessments conducted on particular areas of the tooth showed improvements in the PI (-33%) for the vestibular region, and for the GI (-57%) in the palatal region among the patients in Group B, while there were no significant changes in these indexes in Group A. Our findings show that the electric toothbrush is statistically more efficient in performing an adequate level of oral hygiene in children wearing RPE. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Induced beliefs about a fictive energy drink influences 200-m sprint performance.

PubMed

de la Vega, Ricardo; Alberti, Sara; Ruíz-Barquín, Roberto; Soós, István; Szabo, Attila

2017-09-01

Placebo and nocebo effects occur in response to subjective expectations and their subsequent neural actions. Research shows that information shapes expectations that, consequently, influence people's behaviour. In this study, we examined the effects of a fictive and inert green colour energy drink provided for three groups (n = 20/group) with different information. The first group was led to expect that the drink augments running performance (positive information), the second group was led to expect that the drink may or may not improve performance (partial-positive information), while the third group was told that earlier research could not demonstrate that the drink improves performance (neutral/control). At baseline, the three groups did not differ in their 200-m sprint performance (p > .05). One week later, 20-min immediately after ingesting the drink, all participants again ran 200 m. The positive information group increased its performance by 2.41 s, which was statistically significant (p < .001) and also perceived its sprint-time shorter (p < .05) than the other two groups. A better performance (0.97 s) that approached but did not reach statistical significance was also noted in the partial-positive information group, and a lesser change (0.72 s) that was statistically not significant was noted in the neutral information control group. These results reveal that drinking an inert liquid, primed with positive information, changes both the actual and the self-perceived time on a 200-m sprint. The current findings also suggest that the level of certainty of the information might be linked to the magnitude of change in performance.

Evaluation of the learning curve of non-penetrating glaucoma surgery.

PubMed

Aslan, Fatih; Yuce, Berna; Oztas, Zafer; Ates, Halil

2017-08-11

To evaluate the learning curve of non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS). The study included 32 eyes of 27 patients' (20 male and 7 female) with medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Non-penetrating glaucoma surgeries performed by trainees under control of an experienced surgeon between 2005 and 2007 at our tertiary referral hospital were evaluated. Residents were separated into two groups. Humanistic training model applied to the one in the first group, he studied with experimental models before performing NPGS. Two residents in the second group performed NPGS after a conventional training model. Surgeries of the residents were recorded on video and intraoperative parameters were scored by the experienced surgeon at the end of the study. Postoperative intraocular pressure, absolute and total success rates were analyzed. In the first group 19 eyes of 16 patients and in the second group 13 eyes of 11 patients had been operated by residents. Intraoperative parameters and complication rates were not statistically significant between groups (p > 0.05, Chi-square). The duration of surgery was 32.7 ± 5.6 min in the first group and 45 ± 3.8 min in the second group. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001, Student's t test). Absolute and total success was 68.8 and 93.8% in the first group and 62.5 and 87.5% in the second group, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. Humanistic and conventional training models under control of an experienced surgeon are safe and effective for senior residents who manage phacoemulsification surgery in routine cataract cases. Senior residents can practice these surgical techniques with reasonable complication rates.