An Attempt to Estimate the Noises in Homeopathic Pathogenetic Trials by Employing the Jaccard Similarity Index and Noise Index

Homeopathy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurian Poruthukaren
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Piper Methysticum ◽  
Common Elements ◽  
Jaccard Similarity ◽  
Noise Index ◽  
Trial Drug

Abstract Background The critical task of researchers conducting double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled homeopathic pathogenetic trials is to segregate the signals from the noises. The noises are signs and symptoms due to factors other than the trial drug; signals are signs and symptoms due to the trial drug. Unfortunately, the existing tools (criteria for a causal association of symptoms only with the tested medicine, qualitative pathogenetic index, quantitative pathogenetic index, pathogenic index) have limitations in analyzing the symptoms of the placebo group as a comparator, resulting in inadequate segregation of the noises. Hence, the Jaccard similarity index and the Noise index are proposed for analyzing the symptoms of the placebo group as a comparator. Methods The Jaccard similarity index is the ratio of the number of common elements among the placebo and intervention groups to the aggregated number of elements in these groups. The Noise index is the ratio of common elements among the placebo and intervention group to the total elements of the intervention group. Homeopathic pathogenetic trials of Plumbum metallicum, Piper methysticum and Hepatitis C nosode were selected for experimenting with the computation of the Jaccard similarity index and the Noise index. Results Jaccard similarity index calculations show that 8% of Plumbum metallicum's elements, 10.7% of Piper methysticum's elements, and 19.3% of Hepatitis C nosode's elements were similar to the placebo group when elements of both the groups (intervention and placebo) were aggregated. Noise index calculations show that 10.7% of Plumbum metallicum's elements, 13.9% of Piper methysticum's elements and 25.7% of Hepatitis C nosode's elements were similar to those of the placebo group. Conclusion The Jaccard similarity index and the Noise index might be considered an additional approach for analyzing the symptoms of the placebo group as a comparator, resulting in better noise segregation in homeopathic pathogenetic trials.

Therapeutic Effects of Hab Shabyar on Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 1218
Author(s):  
Ebrahim Khalil BaniHabib ◽  
Ali Mostafai ◽  
Seyyed Mohammad Bagher Fazljou ◽  
Ghadir Mohammdi
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Open Angle ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Double Blinded

Background: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of hab shabyar in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Materials and Methods: In this clinical randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with OAG were randomized into two groups. The intervention group was received a drop of timolol plus 500 mg of hab shabyar every 12 hours. The placebo group was received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo. The intraocular pressure in patients with OAG was measured in each group and compared at before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention. Results: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye at three times in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye at t1 when compared to t3. The patients in the intervention group expressed more satisfaction than the patients in the placebo group (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus hab shabyar instead of consuming of timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG.[GMJ.2019;In press:e1218]

scholarly journals Heart Rate Variability Monitoring during Interferential Current Application in the Lower Back Area: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3394
Author(s):  
Blanca De-la-Cruz-Torres ◽  
Eva Martínez-Jiménez ◽  
Emmanuel Navarro-Flores ◽  
Patricia Palomo-López ◽  
Vanesa Abuín-Porras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Lumbar Pain ◽  
Poincaré Plot ◽  
Current Application ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vasovagal Reactions ◽  
Interferential Current

Vasovagal reactions may occur occasionally during electrical stimulation using interferential current (IFC). The purpose of this study was to examine variations in autonomic activity during the application of IFC in asymptomatic participants by analysis of their heart rate variability (HRV). Seventy-three male volunteers were randomly assigned to a placebo group (n = 36; HRV was documented for 10 min, both at rest and during a placebo intervention) and an intervention group (n = 37; HRV was documented for 10 min in two conditions labelled as (1) rest and (2) application of IFC technique on the lumbar segment). The diameters of the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2), stress score (SS), and the ratio between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (S/PS) were measured. After interventions, differences amongst the placebo group and the IFC group were found in SD2 (p < 0.001), SS (p = 0.01) and S/PS ratio (p = 0.003). The IFC technique was associated with increased parasympathetic modulation, which could induce a vasovagal reaction. Monitorization of adverse reactions should be implemented during the application of IFC technique. HRV indicators might have a part in prevention of vasovagal reactions. Further studies in patients with lumbar pain are needed to explore possible differences in HRV responses due to the presence of chronic pain.

Abstract T MP103: Effect of Follow-up Phone Calls on 30-day Readmission Rates for Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background and Purpose: Patients who are hospitalized for a stroke or TIA go home with a great deal of information about risk factors, medications, diet and exercise, signs and symptoms of stroke and follow-up care. This information may be difficult for the patient or caregiver to understand and can be overwhelming in the face of a new life-changing event. In addition, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will start publicly reporting 30-day readmission rates beginning in 2016. The purpose of this study is to determine if follow-up phone calls with a nurse help to reduce 30 day readmission rates for patients with stroke and TIA. Methods: This study utilized a convenience sample of adult patients who were admitted for ischemic stroke, ICH, SAH or TIA from March 2013 to February 2014. Patients in the intervention group participated in a phone call seven days after discharge to assess their compliance with medications, physician appointments and lifestyle changes. The proportion of readmissions between the groups was compared with Fisher’s exact test. Results: The total number of patients enrolled in the study was 586 and there were no significant differences in demographics between the control and intervention groups. Of the 533 patients in the control group, 54 (10%) of them were readmitted, including 11 patients readmitted for elective surgical procedures. Of the 52 patients in the intervention group, 3 (5.7%) of them were readmitted before the 7-day phone call. Of the 49 patients who participated in the 7-day phone call, none of them were readmitted ( p =0.0098). Conclusions: Patients who participate in a 7-day phone call appear to benefit and are less likely to be readmitted to the hospital. Other strategies may need to be considered for patients who are at higher risk, and thus more likely to be readmitted within seven days of discharge. In addition, some providers may wish to reconsider how they schedule elective procedures for secondary stroke prevention.

scholarly journals Genetic structure and gene flow of Eugenia dysenterica natural populations

2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 975-980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Imaculada Zucchi ◽  
José Baldin Pinheiro ◽  
Lázaro José Chaves ◽  
Alexandre Siqueira Guedes Coelho ◽  
Mansuêmia Alves Couto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Genetic Distances ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Randomly Amplified Polymorphic Dna ◽  
Jaccard Similarity ◽  
Eugenia Dysenterica

This study was carried out to assess the genetic variability of ten "cagaita" tree (Eugenia dysenterica) populations in Southeastern Goiás. Fifty-four randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) loci were used to characterize the population genetic variability, using the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). A phiST value of 0.2703 was obtained, showing that 27.03% and 72.97% of the genetic variability is present among and within populations, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) among the genetic distances matrix (1 - Jaccard similarity index) and the geographic distances were estimated, and a strong positive correlation was detected. Results suggest that these populations are differentiating through a stochastic process, with restricted and geographic distribution dependent gene flow.

scholarly journals High Anti-HCV Seroprevalence and Low Performance of ICT Strip in Diagnosing Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Children in Enugu Metropolis

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-156
Author(s):  
Maryann C. Ezeilo ◽  
Godwill A. Engwa ◽  
Romanus I. Iroha ◽  
Damian N. Odimegwu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background:The lack of a vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) places children at a high risk of contracting the infection. It becomes necessary to accurately diagnose this infection for proper treatment as well as identifying potential risk factors for effective management.Aim:This study was conceived to assess the test performance of the commonly used Immunochromatographic test (ICT) strip and identify the associated clinical manifestations and risk factors of HCV in children in Enugu Metropolis.Method:A cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 270 children below six years of age was conducted in Enugu Nigeria. The subjects were screened for anti-HCV by ICT and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the demographic, signs and symptoms and risk factors were collected.Results:A total of 50 out of 270 children were positive for anti-HCV with a seropositivity of 18.5%. ICT strip had a very low sensitivity of 38.00% with an accuracy of 88.52% in detecting anti-HCV. The presence of dark urine was associated (p= 0.01) with HCV infection.Conclusion:A seroprevalence of 18.5% of Anti-HCV was found in children below six years old in Enugu metropolis and the performance of ICT in diagnosing HCV infection was poor compared to ELISA.

scholarly journals Budd-Chiari Syndrome in a Patient with Hepatitis C

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Joseph Frankl ◽  
Charles Hennemeyer ◽  
Michael S. Flores ◽  
Archita P. Desai
Keyword(s):  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Venous Occlusion ◽  
Decompensated Cirrhosis ◽  
Hepatic Veins ◽  
Budd Chiari Syndrome ◽  
Portosystemic Shunting ◽  
Chiari Syndrome

Chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome can present with cirrhosis and signs and symptoms similar to those of other chronic liver diseases. We present a case of Budd-Chiari syndrome discovered during attempted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting in a patient with decompensated cirrhosis believed to be secondary to hepatitis C. Although the patient had hepatocellular carcinoma, the Budd-Chiari syndrome was a primary disease due to hepatic venous webs. Angioplasty was performed in this case, which resolved the patient’s symptoms related to portal hypertension. Follow-up venography 5 months after angioplasty demonstrated continued patency of the hepatic veins. A biopsy was obtained in the same setting, which showed centrilobular fibrosis indicating that venous occlusion was indeed the cause of cirrhosis. It is important to consider a second disease when treating a patient with difficult to manage portal hypertension.

An abundance- and morphology-based similarity index

Paleobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Daniel G. Dick ◽  
Marc Laflamme
Keyword(s):  
River Flow ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Ecological Gradients ◽  
Jaccard Similarity ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Large Component ◽  
Morphological Gradient ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Similarity Indices ◽  
General Method

Abstract Classic similarity indices measure community resemblance in terms of incidence (the number of shared species) and abundance (the extent to which the shared species are an equivalently large component of the ecosystem). Here we describe a general method for increasing the amount of information contained in the output of these indices and describe a new “soft” ecological similarity measure (here called “soft Chao-Jaccard similarity”). The new measure quantifies community resemblance in terms of shared species, while accounting for intraspecific variation in abundance and morphology between samples. We demonstrate how our proposed measure can reconstruct short ecological gradients using random samples of taxa, recognizing patterns that are completely missed by classic measures of similarity. To demonstrate the utility of our new index, we reconstruct a morphological gradient driven by river flow velocity using random samples drawn from simulated and real-world data. Results suggest that the new index can be used to recognize complex short ecological gradients in settings where only information about specimens is available. We include open-source R code for calculating the proposed index.

scholarly journals Population-Level Hepatitis C Testing Using A Personal Electronic Health Portal System Significantly Improves Screening Rates in Baby Boomers

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S329-S329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Hojat ◽  
David Kaelber ◽  
Ann Avery
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Portal System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Health Initiative ◽  
Electronic Health

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health burden. The USPSTF and CDC have both released guidelines which recommend screening the baby boomer population (individuals born between 1945 and 1965) given the overrepresentation of HCV infection in this cohort. However, screening rates remain low despite prior attempts at improvement. Objective To improve HCV testing rate in the birth cohort in compliance with national guidelines without increasing primary care provider workload or alert fatigue. Methods We developed a population health initiative that employed EHR-based tools involving direct patient messaging and bulk lab test ordering via a personal electronic health portal system. This was completed independent of a face-to-face interaction between the patient and provider. Results We collected data on 1,024 patients total (514 in the intervention group and 510 in the control group) over a 12-week period. We found a statistically significant higher test completion rate within the intervention group vs. the control group after this initiative was launched: 33.7% in the intervention group (173/514) vs. 19.0% in the control group (97/510) (p-value &lt;0.0002, OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.62–2.88). Bulk lab ordering appeared to have a large impact while bulk messaging appeared to have a less significant role. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first EHR-based population health initiative to involve obtaining blood work without a direct face-to-face encounter between the provider and patient. This methodology has a broad range of applications including any recommended screening or disease-specific testing, and it will be essential for health systems to adopt similar protocols as we progress toward a pay-for-performance reimbursement model. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Effect of Vaccinium Myrtillus Extract Supplement on Advanced Glycation End-products: A Pilot Study (P06-098-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangkai Chen ◽  
Xuguang Zhang ◽  
Qiang Wang ◽  
Wanyi Li ◽  
Liegang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Advanced Glycation End Products ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vaccinium Myrtillus ◽  
Advanced Glycation ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
End Products ◽  
Anthropometric Characteristics

Abstract Objectives Excessive consumption of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with western-style diet in vogue is increasingly seen as a potential cause of aging and metabolic diseases. Several berries contain appreciable quantities of bioactive phytonutrients, including phenolic compounds, which are potentially good candidates as AGE inhibitors. This parallel double-blind intervention study investigated whether the Vaccinium Myrtillus extract supplement is able to reduce the AGEs levels in humans. (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03316612) Methods Seventy-four healthy subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group (4 tablets per day, containing 600 mg Vaccinium Myrtillus extract, n = 39) versus placebo group (tablets with the same appearance but without the berry extract, n = 35). We evaluated dietary intake, sleep, exercise, mental state, and anthropometric characteristics over the 3 months of intervention. Plasma soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE) levels were determined by ELISA (R&D). Plasma protein-bound AGEs, including Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Dietary intake, sleep, exercise, mental state, anthropometric characteristics, and plasma sRAGE levels were not changed during the intervention in two groups. CML levels [1137.5 (918.5–1493.0) vs. 840.9 (757.4–953.8) μg/L, P < 0.001] decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the placebo group. However, we did not observe a significant change of CEL levels [201.9 (168.5–236.3) vs.176.8 (147.1–212.6) μg/L, P = 0.067] in the intervention group. Conclusions Our results suggest that plasma protein-bound AGEs can be reduced partly by Vaccinium Myrtillus extract supplement. As widely available, safe and nutritious foods, berries with rich phenolic metabolites (particularly anthocyanins) represent a promising dietary intervention worthy of further investigation. Funding Sources Nutrition Scientific Research Foundation of BY-HEALTH. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

scholarly journals Effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohre Rahmani ◽  
Nahid Rejeh ◽  
Majideh Heravi-Karimooi ◽  
Seyed Davood Tadrisi ◽  
Mojtaba Vaismoradi
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Cardiac Care ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Cardiac Care Unit

Background and objective: Admission to the cardiac care unit may cause physiological and psychological problems in patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology on anxiety and physiological variables among female patients with acute coronary syndrome hospitalized in the cardiac care unit.Methods: This randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 female patients hospitalized in the cardiac care unit in an urban area of Iran. The patients were chosen using a convenient sampling method and then were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 45) and placebo (n = 45) groups. While the intervention group received hand reflexology for 20 minutes, the placebo group received a simple touch of hand without the stimulation of reflexology points.  Demographic data was collected at the beginning of the study using face-to-face interviews with the patients. The anxiety level was assessed using the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) immediately after the intervention and 30 min after the intervention. Also, physiological variables including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were measured before, immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and placebo groups before the intervention (p > .05). The anxiety level in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group immediately after the intervention and 30 minutes after the intervention (p < .05, η = 0.090). However, no statistically significant differences in physiological variables between the groups were observed (p > .05).Conclusions: Hand reflexology influenced the level of anxiety. Therefore, nurses can use hand reflexology as a method for reducing patients’ anxiety along with other nursing interventions.

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