scholarly journals A New Method for a Shorter and Valid Assessment of Olfactory Threshold in Repeated Measurement Designs Based on the Sniffin’ Sticks Test

Author(s):  
Sarah Beutler ◽  
Liliana R. Ladner ◽  
Thomas Hummel ◽  
Ilona Croy

Abstract Introduction The Sniffin’ Sticks threshold test is widely used to assess olfactory threshold due to its high reliability and validity. Nevertheless, this test procedure is quite long with an average duration of 10 to 20 min. In study designs that require multiple olfactory threshold tests on short intervals, this could exhaust participants. To counteract this limitation, we developed the informed-four-reversal (INFOUR) short version of the Sniffin’ Sticks threshold test for repeated measurement designs and piloted it in a sample of normosmic participants. Methods Forty-two participants performed the original Sniffin’ Sticks version before being assigned either to the control group that repeated the original version or to the test group that conducted the INFOUR short version. Results The correlation between the original version at T1 and INFOUR at T2 was r = .75 and did not differ significantly from the retest reliability of the original version. Compared to the original version, the INFOUR took 42% less time to perform. Conclusion The INFOUR leads to a significant time saving, while maintaining good validity. Implications Therefore, this approach has the potential to be a useful tool for study protocols with repeated olfactory threshold measurements. In particular, when research protocols are time intensive or testing needs to the shortened, because the interventional effects are short or subtle.

Author(s):  
VARSHA PALLED ◽  
DR. JITENDRA RAO ◽  
DR. RAGHUWAR DAYAL SINGH ◽  
DR. SHUCHI TRIPATHI ◽  
DR. KALPANA SINGH ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) improves the healing of the implant surgical site with clinical and biochemical parameters.Thirty patients with an edentulous space spanning a single tooth were selected. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups - the control group and the test group. The test group received laser energy at a power of 2J/cm 2 with a total of 4-6J energy over each implant. Clinical parameters (Implant Stability Quotient, probing index, modified sulcus bleeding index)and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were assessed at baseline and follow-up intervals (2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months).The test group showed significantly higher implant stability quotient compared to thecontrol group at 2 weeks(57.93±3.95 and 35.67±3.08; p<0.01) and 3months(58.86±3.75 and 67.06±3.78; p<0.01). A significant rise in OPG levels of the test group(686.30±125.36pg/ml at baseline and 784.25±108.30pg/ml at 3months;p<0.01) was seen contrary to significant decline in the control group (839.50±249.08pg/ml at baseline,415.30±78.39pg/ml at 3months;p<0.01). Within the limitations of the study, the study suggests that the healing of peri-implant hard and soft tissues may be enhanced with the use of LLLT as an explicit modality during the post-operative period.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.


Author(s):  
M.T. SABITOV ◽  
A.R. FARKHUTDINOVA ◽  
M.G. MALIKOVA ◽  
N.G. FENCHENKO ◽  
N.I. KHAIRULLINA ◽  
...  

Изучена целесообразность использования в рационах телят черно-пестрой породы комплексной минерально-витаминной кормовой добавки (КМВКД). Установлено пониженное содержание в кормах таких элементов, как кальций, фосфор, магний, сера, марганец, медь, цинк и кобальт. Соотношение питательных и минеральных веществ, степень их доступности для усвоения организмом не обеспечивают их потребность. Использование КМВКД способствовало улучшению всех гематологических показателей. Все испытываемые рецепты, имеющие в своем составе разные варианты макро-, микроэлементов и витаминов положительно влияют на обменные про- цессы в организме животных. У молодняка опытной группы, получавшей подкормку по рецепту 1, количество эритроцитов в сравнении с животными контрольной группы увеличилось на 6,6, гемоглобина на 6,93 соответственно, по рецепту 2 11,05 и 11,39 по рецепту 3 16,75 и 15,27, то есть соотношение макро- и микроэлементов, имеющихся в составе КМВКД и взаимодействие между собой меди, железа и кобальта сыграли особую роль на концентрацию форменных элементов. У молодняка, получавшего подкормку по рецепту 1 количество общего белка в сравнении с животными контрольной группы увеличилось на 1,99, кальция на 16,02, каротина на 10,92 соответственно, по рецепту 2 4,91, 25,96 и 19,12 по рецепту 3 на 3,58, 27,07 и 20,21. Значительное повышение содержания белка, кальция, фосфора и каротина по сравнению с животными контрольной группы объясняется тем, что недостаток их в рационах восполнялся за счет используемой подкормки, в результате их содержание увеличилось в сыворотке, но не выходило за пределы нормативных данных и соответствовало физиологическим нормам.Practicability of using a complex mineral and vitamin feed additive (CMVFA) in the ration of black-and-white calf breed was studied. Decreased content of such elements as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, copper, zinc, and cobalt was registered. The correlation of nutritive and mineral substances, and the level of their availability for digestion did not provide for their need. CMVFA use facilitated the increase of all hematologic parameters. Tested recipes which had different content of sapropel and zeolite, as well as various types of macronutrients, microelements, and vitamins, positively influenced the digestive processes in animal bodies. Young stock from the test group that was receiving food additives according to recipe No. 1 showed 6.6 increase in the quantity of red blood cells compared to control group animals, and 6.93 increase in hemoglobin quantity the ones who were fed according to recipe No. 2 demonstrated the increase by 11.05 and 11.39 recipe No. 3 showed 16.75 and 15.27 increase, which means that the ratio of macronutrients and microelements present in CMVFA and the mutual interaction of copper, iron, and cobalt played a special role in the concentration of formed elements due to the fact that they are integral elements of blood. Total protein of young stock that was receiving food additives according to recipe No. 1 was 1.99 higher than in test group animals calcium 16.02 higher carotene 10.92 as for recipe No. 2 the values were increased by 4.91, 25.96, and 19.12 recipe No. 3 3.58, 27.07, and 20.21. Substantial increase in the content of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and carotene compared to control group animals can be explained by the fact that their insufficiency in animal feed was replenished due to the use of feed additives, and as a result their content increased in the serum but did not go beyond the norm and corresponded to physiological norms.


Author(s):  
E.R. Mukhametova ◽  
A.D. Militskova ◽  
T.V. Baltina

There are many reasons for postural disorder development, but dysfunction of the cervical spine muscles is the most disputable reason. The purpose of the study is to reveal the influence of latent myogenic trigger zones of the cervical muscles on postural resistance. Materials and Methods. The authors used the method of computer posturography. Latent myogenic trigger zones (LMTZs) were determined by an indurated nodule or bundle in the neck muscle and by hyperesthesia in this zona. Assessment of postural resistance in subjects with LMTZs was carried out using standard posturography tests and Romberg test. Both classical and vector indicators were evaluated in a standard sample. Results. In fact, only vector indicators changed significantly in subjects with multiple LMTZs (4 or more). Thus, a decrease in the equilibrium function quality was established, as well as an increase in the average linear velocity of the pressure center and an increase in the normalized vectorogram area if compared with the indices in the control group and the group with sporadic LMTZs (from 1 to 3). The obtained results indicate a postural control decrease in individuals with multiple LMTZs. Subjects with sporadic LMTZs demonstrated a significant decrease in classical and a number of vector indicators, which shows the improvement in postural resistance in this test group. In Romberg test, all subjects with LMTZs, regardless of the zone number, showed an increasd Romberg coefficient. Conclusion. Multiple LMTZs of cervical muscles can reduce postural stability through increased afferentation from the cervical proprioreceptors. It is more obvious during in case of eye control elimination. Keywords: latent myogenic trigger points, postural control, posturography, Romberg test. Выделяют множество причин развития постуральных нарушений, среди которых дисфункция мышц шейного отдела позвоночника является наиболее спорной. Цель исследования. Выявить влияние латентных миогенных триггерных зон шейной мускулатуры на постуральную устойчивость. Материалы и методы. Использовался метод компьютерной стабилографии. Латентные миогенные триггерные зоны (лМТЗ) определялись по наличию в мышце шеи уплотненного узелка или пучка и по повышенной болевой чувствительности в этой области. Оценка постуральной устойчивости у испытуемых с лМТЗ осуществлялась с помощью стандартного стабилографического тестирования и теста Ромберга. В стандартной пробе оценивались как классические, так и векторные показатели. Результаты. Показано, что у испытуемых с множественными лМТЗ (4 и более) достоверно изменяются только векторные показатели. Так, установлено снижение качества функции равновесия, а также повышение средней линейной скорости центра давления и увеличение нормированной площади векторограммы по сравнению показателями в группе контроля и группе с единичными лМТЗ (от 1 до 3), что указывает на снижение постурального контроля у лиц с множественными лМТЗ. У испытуемых с единичными лМТЗ отмечено достоверное снижение классических показателей и ряда векторных, что свидетельствует об улучшении постуральной устойчивости в данной группе испытуемых. В пробе Ромберга все субъекты с лМТЗ независимо от количества последних показали повышение коэффициента Ромберга. Выводы. Множественные лМТЗ шейной мускулатуры могут снизить постуральную устойчивость через усиление афферентации от шейных проприорецепторов, что наиболее выражено при элиминации зрительного контроля. Ключевые слова: латентные миогенные триггерные точки, постуральный контроль, стабилография, тест Ромберга.


According to the Tambovagrochemcenter data, zinc deficiency in animal rations exceeds 33%. To de-termine the efficiency of ration additives 3 groups of calves were formed, one of which was control and received regular feed, first test group received additional Zinc Sulphate, and second test group received additional Zinc Bioplex. To assess the results, we take into account the following values: chemical com-position and nutritional values of the feed, body mass value, amount of immunoglobulins in blood, bio-chemical and hematological values of blood, morphological values of fur and skin. Noticeable results were achieved in 4 months, with first and second test groups receiving accordingly 3,15% and 6,13% more body mass increase over the control group. A tendency towards higher albumin concentration in both test groups was noted, and calves of the second test group had higher amounts of hemoglobin and higher concentrations of it per erythrocyte. In samples of epidermis and hairs of the second test group the papillary layer was well developed, with the amount of hair and hair follicles exceeding 7 in the field of view, with the thickness of hairs being at least 70 μm. Inner papilla of hair contained 6 to 8 layers of hair, thickness of awn hairs reaching 80-90 μm, down hairs reaching 40 μm, with the hair cortex making up more than 80% of the hair thickness. Thus, introducing zinc salts and chelated zinc compounds to the milk-fed calves’ ration, has resulted in monetary profit increases over the control group by 255,0 and 612,0 roubles accordingly. By all researched values, the highest results were reached from adding zinc bioplex with approximately 360 mg added per animal for the entire duration of the growth process.


This study presents the results of effect of a combination of bismuth subnitrate teat canal sealant (Boviseal® -Bimeda® Animal Health, Ireland) and the antibiotic Ampicillin & Cloxacillin (Bovaclox® DC-Norbrook Laboratories Ltd-UK) when used during the dry period on occurrence of mastitis 100 days post-calving. The objectives of this study were: to determine the effect of Boviseal® teat canal sealant in combination with Bovaclox® DC in control of dairy cow mastitis 100 days after calving; to determine bacterial pathogens causing mastitis in the selected farms and to determine risk factors for occurrence of dairy mastitis in the selected farms. This controlled field trial was carried out in two Kenyan dairy farms: Chemusian Farm in Nakuru County and Gicheha Farm in Kiambu County. 156 dairy cows were used in the study. Healthy cows with no history of mastitis in their current lactation were recruited. They were randomly placed into either of the two study groups: the control and the test group. The Control group received Bovaclox® DC while the Test group received the Bovaclox® DC followed by Boviseal®. The cows were followed during the entire dry period and 100 days post-calving monitoring for mastitis occurrence. Cows in the control group were more susceptible to mastitis 100 days post-calving compared to cows in the treatment group (P<0.001, RR=4.4, OR=17.7). Of the bacterial pathogens, coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) were the most common pathogens isolated from mastitic milk at 34.6 % followed by Micrococcus spp. (9.0%). Other bacteria isolated were Streptococcus agalactiae (3.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (1.9%); Escherichia coli (0.6%) and various bacterial mixtures. Results of logistic regressions at P≤0.05 showed that farm, position of the quarter, type of barn floor and type of treatment were significantly associated with occurrence of mastitis. Cows in Gicheha farm whose barn floor was earthen, those cows in the control group and hindquarters were risk factors for mastitis (RR=1.5, 4.4 and 1.18 respectively). The results of this study showed that Bovaclox® DC + Boviseal® teat canal sealant combination applied during the dry period is more effective in controlling bovine mastitis 100 days post-calving compared to the use of Bovaclox® DC alone. The study thus recommends the use of Bovaclox® DC + Boviseal® dry cow combination for control of bovine mastitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 656-664
Author(s):  
I.R. Volchkova ◽  
A.V. Yumashev ◽  
V.V. Borisov ◽  
V.I. Doroshina ◽  
E.A. Kristal ◽  
...  

Introduction: Removable dentures are used by 20% of the population. These may be accompanied by denture stomatitis in 15-70% of patients. The choice of the optimal cleansing agent for removable dental prostheses is of high significance. Aim: The aim of our research was to study the influence of removable denture cleansing products on the adhesion of microorganisms and yeast. Materials and Methods: We manufactured 144 specimens of standardized round shape with a diameter of 10 mm from 4 types of modern polymeric materials used by prosthetic dentistry to produce removable dentures, 12 specimens of each material were placed into suspensions of bacterial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, then into “ClearaSept” (Test group 1), “Рrotefix active cleanser” (Test group 2), saline solution (Control group), followed by nutrient media. The adhesion index was calculated and analyzed. Results: There was no reliable lowering of adhesion index of Staphylococcus Aureus to all materials detected in Test group 1 (U=6, p>0.05 for Bio XS; U=8, p>0.05 for Dental D, Denotokeep Peek, Vertex Rapid Simplified). In Test group 2, the adhesion index of Staphylococcus Aureus reliably decreased to all materials compared to the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). The adhesion index of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli to all materials in Test group 1 had a minor to moderate reliable reduction compared to the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). Test group 2 showed a significant reliable decrease in Candida albicans and Escherichia coli adhesion index to all materials in comparison with the Control group (U=0, p≤0.01). Conclusion: The research showed an unreliable or minor and moderate reliable decrease in microorganisms adhesion index depending on the microorganism species after treatment of denture material specimens by antibacterial soap “ClearaSept” and a reliable significant decrease in microbial and yeast adhesion after application of Protefix active cleaner solution, which demonstrates a more significant antimicrobial effect in comparison to “ClearaSept” against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.


2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020-1029
Author(s):  
Andrea Nacci ◽  
Luca Bastiani ◽  
Maria Rosaria Barillari ◽  
Jerome R. Lechien ◽  
Massimo Martinelli ◽  
...  

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the reflux symptom index (RSI) as short screening approach for the diagnostic of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with confirmed diagnosed regarding the 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, 56 patients with LPR symptoms and 71 healthy individuals (control group) were prospectively enrolled. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed through MII-pH results. All subjects (n = 127) fulfilled RSI and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was performed through flexible fiberoptic endoscopy. The sensitivity and the specificity of RSI was assessed by ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis. Results: A total of 15 LPR patients (26.8%) of the clinical group met MII-pH diagnostic criteria. Among subjects classified as positive for MII- pH diagnoses, RSI and RFS mean scores were respectively 20 (SD ± 10.5) and 7.1 (SD ± 2.5), values not significantly different compared to the negative MII-pH group. The metric analysis of the items led to the realization of a binary recoding of the score. Both versions had similar psychometric properties, α was 0.840 for RSI original version and 0.836 for RSI binary version. High and comparable area under curve (AUC) values indicate a good ability of both scales to discriminate between individuals with and without LPR pathology diagnosis. Based on balanced sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off scores for LPR pathology were ≥ 5 for RSI binary version and ≥ 15 for RSI original version. Both version overestimated LPR prevalence. The original version had more sensitivity and the RSI Binary version had more specificity. Conclusions: It would be necessary to think about modifying the original RSI in order to improve its sensitivity and specificity (RSI binary version, adding or changing some items), or to introduce new scores in order to better frame the probably affected of LPR patient.


Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 558
Author(s):  
David Valiente ◽  
Héctor Campello-Vicente ◽  
Emilio Velasco-Sánchez ◽  
Fernando Rodríguez-Mas ◽  
Nuria Campillo-Davo

University education approaches related to the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), have generally particularized on teaching activity and learning programs which are commonly understood as reoriented lessons that fuse theoretic concepts interweaved with practical activities. In this context, team work has been widely acknowledged as a means to conduct practical and hands-on lessons, and has been revealed to be successful in the achievement of exercise resolution and design tasks. Besides this, methodologies sustained by ICT resources such as online or blended approaches, have also reported numerous benefits for students’ active learning. However, such benefits have to be fully validated within the particular teaching context, which may facilitate student achievement to a greater or lesser extent. In this work, we analyze the impact of attendance modalities on the learning performance of a STEM-related course on “Machines and Mechanisms Theory”, in which practical lessons are tackled through a team work approach. The validity of the results is reinforced by group testing and statistical tests with a sample of 128 participants. Students were arranged in a test group (online attendance) and in a control group (face-to-face attendance) to proceed with team work during the practical lessons. Thus, the efficacy of distance and in situ methodologies is compared. Moreover, additional variables have also been compared according to the historical record of the course, in regards to previous academic years. Finally, students’ insights about the collaborative side of this program, self-knowledge and satisfaction with the proposal have also been reported by a custom questionnaire. The results demonstrate greater performance and satisfaction amongst participants in the face-to-face modality. Such a modality is prooven to be statistically significant for the final achievement of students in detriment to online attendance.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Daehyun Kim ◽  
Joonho Moon ◽  
Jaejung Ha ◽  
Doyoon Kim ◽  
Junkoo Yi

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is the most common method for preventing the spread of the disease; the negative effects include miscarriage, early embryo death, lower milk production, and decreased growth of fattening cattle. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the side effects of vaccination by determining the acute immune response and ovulation rate after vaccinating cows for foot-and-mouth disease. The test axis was synchronized with ovulation using 100 Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Livestock Research Institute; only individuals with estrus confirmed by ovarian ultrasound were used for the test. All test axes were artificially inseminated 21 days after the previous estrus date. The control group was administered 0.9% normal saline, the negative control was injected intramuscularly with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 µg/kg), and the test group was administered a foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine (FMDV vaccine; bioaftogen, O and A serotypes, inactivated vaccine) 2, 9, and 16 days before artificial insemination. White blood cells and neutrophils increased significantly 1 day after vaccination, and body temperature in the rumen increased for 16 h after vaccination. Ovulation was detected 1 day after artificial fertilization by ovarian ultrasound. The ovulation rates were as follows: control 89%, LPS 60%, FMDV vaccine (−2 d) 50%, FMDV vaccine (−9 d) 75%, and FMDV vaccine (−16 d) 75%. In particular, the FMDV vaccine (−2 d) test group confirmed that ovulation was delayed for 4 days after artificial insemination. In addition, it was confirmed that it took 9 days after inoculation for the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A to recover to the normal range as the main acute immune response factors. The conception rate of the FMDV vaccine (−2 d) group was 20%, which was significantly lower than that of the other test groups.


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