scholarly journals What is the impact of methotrexate on liver in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Results of liver SWE performed in a single centre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vildan Güngörer ◽  
Mehmet Öztürk ◽  
Mustafa Yasir Özlü ◽  
Şükrü Arslan
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Shear Wave Elastography ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Long Term Therapy ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objectives Long-term therapy with low-dose methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in treatment of rheumatic diseases, in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate liver elasticity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who received MTX and compare the results with control group. Methods Liver elasticity was evaluated with shear wave elastography (SWE) technique in 25 patients aged 3–17 years who were followed up with JIA and received MTX and compared with 25 healthy controls of the same age and weight. Factors that had an effect on liver elasticity were examined. Results The mean SWE value of patients was 2.64 ± 2.13 m/s and 24.10 ± 18.50 kPa, whereas 1.83 ± 0.16 m/s and 10.09 ± 1.83 kPa in control group. There was a significant difference in liver elasticity in the patient and control groups. When the patients were evaluated as Group 1 (< 1000 mg) and Group 2 (≥ 1000 mg) according to the cumulative MTX dose, no significant difference was obtained. There was positive correlation between liver elasticity and weekly MTX dose and age. Conclusions Our study revealed that liver elasticity significantly decreased in patients who received MTX when compared with the control group. The elastography technique will be understood better over time and used safely in many areas.

scholarly journals Effect of Oral Losartan on Orthobiologics: Implications for Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Concentrate—A Rabbit Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7374
Author(s):  
Gilberto Y. Nakama ◽  
Sabrina Gonzalez ◽  
Polina Matre ◽  
Xiaodong Mu ◽  
Kaitlyn E. Whitney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Osteochondral Defect ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bone Marrow Concentrate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Losartan Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Tgf Β1

Recent efforts have focused on customizing orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC), to improve tissue repair. We hypothesized that oral losartan (a TGF-β1 blocker with anti-fibrotic properties) could decrease TGF-β1 levels in leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) and fibrocytes in BMC. Ten rabbits were randomized into two groups (N = 5/group): osteochondral defect + microfracture (control, group 1) and osteochondral defect + microfracture + losartan (losartan, group 2). For group 2, a dose of 10mg/kg/day of losartan was administrated orally for 12 weeks post-operatively. After 12 weeks, whole blood (WB) and bone marrow aspirate (BMA) samples were collected to process LP-PRP and BMC. TGF-β1 concentrations were measured in WB and LP-PRP with multiplex immunoassay. BMC cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry with CD31, CD44, CD45, CD34, CD146 and CD90 antibodies. There was no significant difference in TGF-β1 levels between the losartan and control group in WB or LP-PRP. In BMC, the percentage of CD31+ cells (endothelial cells) in the losartan group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.008), while the percentage of CD45+ cells (hematopoietic cells-fibrocytes) in the losartan group was significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.03).

A novel approach to radiographic detection of bucco-palatal/lingual dilacerations: A preliminary study with ImageJ

2021 ◽  
pp. 095441192110307
Author(s):  
Samed Satir ◽  
Muhammed Hilmi Buyukcavus ◽  
Kaan Orhan
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Single Root ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spectrum Feature ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Imagej Software ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Group Group

The purpose of our study is to determine whether bucco-palatal/lingual (BPL) root dilacerations (RD), especially in single root teeth, can be determined using the ImageJ program through only one periapical radiography. Extracted teeth without any RD ( n = 8) were determined as the control group (Group 1) and with RD in apical 1/3 part at least 20° with the longitudinal axis in the BPL direction ( n = 8) as the study group (Group 2). With the help of a simple holder system prepared, digital periapical radiographs of all teeth were taken in an anteroposterior position. Histogram analysis of all periapical radiographs was performed using the spectrum feature of ImageJ software. It was aimed to make a dilaceration analysis by comparing the groups using mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and bin width values. As a result of the Mann-Whitney U test, all mean and maximum values showed a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups ( p < 0.05). This pilot study revealed that the ImageJ software can be used to diagnose BPL dilaceration in the apical 1/3 part of the root. It is important for dentists and patients that it can contribute to limiting the radiation dose to which patients will be exposed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Smartboard on Preparatory Year EFL Learners’ Motivation at a Saudi University

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Waqar Ahmad ◽  
Zuraina Ali ◽  
Muhammad Aslam Sipra ◽  
Imtiaz Hassan Taj
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Smartboards, which are now widely used in the teaching and learning process in Saudi Arabia, have turned the traditional environments of the classrooms, especially the EFL classrooms to be more interesting and encouraging. Literature reviews suggest that Saudi students usually lack motivation for studying English as a foreign language. This study tends to investigate the impact of Smartboards on preparatory year EFL learners motivation at a Saudi university. Two intact groups were selected, in which one was termed as experimental and the second as control group. The experimental group was taught using the Smartboard while the control group was taught with the traditional whiteboard, pen and book method. The treatment was given for seven weeks. A questionnaire was administered to both the groups at the beginning and the end of the study. The data was analysed using the SPSS and the results showed that there was significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of motivation.  

scholarly journals The impact of using the strategy of self-questioning in the achievement of students in the fifth grade in mathematics: أثر استخدام استراتيجية التساؤل الذاتي في تحصيل طلاب الصف الخامس الابتدائي في مادة الرياضيات

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Latif Al-Zakri
Keyword(s):  
Achievement Test ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Fifth Grade ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Fifth Grade Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This study aimed to examine the impact of the use of self-questioning in the understanding of fifth grade students in mathematics material. The researcher used the experimental methodology for independent groups to investigate the impact of the independent variable, which is a self-questioning strategy on the dependent variable, which is understanding. The study sample consisted of 42 students from the fifth grade students from Khubayb bin Udai School in Riyadh; equally divided into two groups of 21 students in each group (experimental and control), and after making sure from groups' equivalence by applying the tools of the study, having been taught the experimental group by using self-questioning strategy, while the control group has been studied the unit by using the traditional method. After the completion of the study of prescribed content study, study tools (achievement test) were applied then. The results indicated to the presence of a statistically significant difference (at the significance level <0. 05) between the mean scores of the two groups' students (experimental and control) in achievement test posttest for the experimental group. Since the results of the study were positive in increasing the achievement, the researcher recommended the need to use self-questioning to raise the level of achievement of learners in mathematics material

scholarly journals Assessment of anxiety and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients

2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Pagano ◽  
Luciana Akemi Matsutani ◽  
Elisabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Amélia Pasqual Marques ◽  
Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Outpatient Service ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points. The syndrome is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness and anxiety. Because of its chronic nature, it often has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and anxiety level of patients with fibromyalgia. TYPE Of STUDY: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient service of Hospital das Clínicas (Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo). METHODS: This study evaluated 80 individuals, divided between test and control groups. The test group included 40 women with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The control group was composed of 40 healthy women. Three questionnaires were used: two to assess quality of life (FIQ and SF-36) and one to assess anxiety (STAI). They were applied to the individuals in both groups in a single face-to-face interview. The statistical analysis used Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test (r), with a significance level of 95%. Also, the Pearson chi-squared statistics test for homogeneity, with Yates correction, was used for comparing schooling between test and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.000), thus indicating that fibromyalgia patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety. The correlations between the three questionnaires were high (r = 0.9). DISCUSSION: This study has confirmed the efficacy of FIQ for evaluating the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life. SF-36 is less specific than FIQ, although statistically significant values were obtained when analyzed separately, STAI showed lower efficacy for discriminating the test group from the control group. The test group showed worse quality of life than did the control group, which was demonstrated by both FIQ and SF-36. Even though STAI was a less efficient instrument, it presented significant results, showing that fibromyalgia patients presented higher levels of anxiety, both on the state and trait scales. Thus, patients with fibromyalgia had higher levels of tension, nervousness, preoccupation and apprehension, and higher propensity towards anxiety. CONCLUSION: The three instruments utilized showed efficiency in evaluating fibromyalgia patients. FIQ was found to be the most efficient instrument for discriminating and assessing the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. It can be concluded that such patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety.

scholarly journals A Review of Article: The Effect of a Tablet Use on Students EFL in Grammar Classroom

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
aprilia chasanah ◽  
Jessica Paulima Simanullang ◽  
Indah Karina Sianturi ◽  
Avivah Adinda Putri ◽  
sri wahyuni
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Course Materials ◽  
Network Connection ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Basic Course ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This journal aims to find the impact of tablet use on students’ mastery of grammar skills. In order to answer the research questions, the authors held the pre-test and post-test for two groups labelled as the experimental group and control group. The experimental group is the groups that using tablet, while the control group is the group that using textbooks in learning grammar. The results of this study show that there is no significant difference between the grammar achievement scores of the students in both groups. The findings also show that the instructor emphasized the influence of tablet use on learner autonomy, digital distraction, and network connection. Students indicated that tablets can be supplementary yet it shouldn’t replace the basic course materials such as textbooks and workbooks.

scholarly journals Comparison of the results of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in different age groups

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 3888
Author(s):  
Ali Borekoglu ◽  
Ibrahim Atilla Aridogan ◽  
Mutlu Deger ◽  
Onur Karsli ◽  
Volkan Izol
Keyword(s):  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Perioperative Bleeding ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Group 1

Background: Evaluation of feasibility, safety and effectiveness of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in different age groups.Methods: Between July 1997-October 2012, 233 patients who were 65 years old and older were included in this study. These patients were divided into two age subgroups used in gerontology research. Group 1 was defined as patients 65-74 years old, Group 2 was older than 74 years old. Data from patient records, including demographic characteristics, preoperative evaluation, operative details, and complications were retrospectively analyzed and compared with control group data.Results: The mean age of 233 patients was 69.7±4.6 years. The mean operative times for Group 1, group 2 and the control group were 76.2±47.3mins, 92.9±47.6mins, 77±44mins, respectively and there was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 and the control group (p>0.05). Twenty-eight of the 233 patients (12%) needed blood transfusion due to perioperative bleeding. The transfusion rates of groups 1 and 2 were 11.3% and 16.7%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups and control group for blood transfusion rates (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in complications between the study and control groups (p>0.05).Conclusions: In geriatric patients, stone-free rates, transfusion rates and other operation parameters are similar to younger populations when experienced surgeons perform PCNL. Despite comorbidities and decreased body reserve, PCNL can be performed without a significant increase in complications in different ages.

scholarly journals Influence of long term stress exposure on somatisation symptoms outcome

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Sabaheta Hasić ◽  
Emina Kiseljaković ◽  
Radivoj Jadrić ◽  
Belma Zečević ◽  
Nešina Avdagić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Exposure ◽  
War Stress ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Student’S T ◽  
And Control

Long term stress exposure results in somatisation symptoms appearance. Cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and muscle-bone symptoms arise because of intensified activity of autonomic nervous system caused by chronic stress. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between long term war stress exposure and appearance of somatisation. 40 students of health-care faculties in Sarajevo, of both sexes, were included in investigation and divided in two groups-somatisation and control. Somatisation group subjects (N=20) lived in B&H under war conditions, from 1992-1995. Control subjects (N=20) spent the same period outside B&H. For evaluation of somatisation symptoms we used SCL-90-R test. The obtained data were statistically evaluated using Student’s t-test and χ2 test. Confidence level was set at ρ < 0,05. Our results showed statistically significant difference in somatisation level between somatisation and control subjects group. Different intensity of appearance of certain symptoms in male and female was established. The score of somatisation dimension between somatisation and control group showed statistically significant level (p < 0,0001). Study results confirmed correlation of chronic stress exposure (living in war environment) and somatisation symptom appearance. Individual organic systems had various level of symptom expression. The influence of sex on intensity of individual symptoms of somatisation is possible.

scholarly journals Lipoprotein Apheresis in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia – the Czech Republic Experience

2017 ◽  
pp. S91-S100 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. BLÁHA ◽  
M. BLÁHA ◽  
M. LÁNSKÁ ◽  
D. SOLICHOVÁ ◽  
L. KUJOVSKÁ KRČMOVÁ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Cd40 Ligand ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lipoprotein Apheresis ◽  
Long Term Therapy

In 1984, we started using therapeutic plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) as a method of extracorporeal lipoprotein elimination for the treatment of hypercholesterolemic patients. We evaluated the results of long-term therapy in 14 patients, 8 men and 6 women. The average age was 55.6±13.2 (range 28-70), median 59.5 years. 14 patients were diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH): 5 homozygous, 9 heterozygous. Ten patients in the group were treated using immunoadsorption lipoprotein apheresis and 4 using hemorheopheresis. Immunoapheretic interventions decreased LDL-cholesterol (82±1 %), ApoB (73±13 %) and even Lp(a) by 82±19 %, respectively. Selected non-invasive methods are important for long-term and repeated follow-up. Carotid intima-media thickness showed improvement or stagnation in 75 % of the patients. Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction such as endoglin (in the control group: 3.85±1.25 μg/l, in lipoprotein apheresis-treated hypercholesterolemic individuals 5.74±1.47 μg/l), CD40 ligand (before lipoprotein apheresis: 6498±2529 ng/l, after lipoprotein apheresis: 4057±2560 ng/l) and neopterin (before lipoprotein apheresis: 5.7±1.1 nmol/l, after lipoprotein apheresis: 5.5±1.3 nmol/l) related to the course of atherosclerosis, but did not reflect the actual activity of the disease nor facilitate the prediction or planning of therapy. Hemorheopheresis may improve blood flow in microcirculation in familial hypercholesterolemia and also in some other microcirculation disorders via significantly decreased activity of thrombomodulin (p<0.0001), tissue factor (p<0.0001), aggregation of thrombocytes (p<0.0001) and plasma and whole blood viscosity (p<0.0001). In conclusion, lipoprotein apheresis and hemorheopheresis substantially lowered LDL-cholesterol in severe hypercholesterolemia. Our experience with long-term therapy also shows good tolerance and a small number of complications (6.26 % non-serious clinical complications).

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF SPORT GAMES EXERCISE PROGRAMS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC MOTOR ABILITIES IN ADOLESCENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT

2020 ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Pejčić ◽  
Miodrag Kocić
Keyword(s):  
Motor Skills ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mental Impairment ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sports games experimental program on improving specific motor abilities in adolescents with mental impairment. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 adolescents diagnosed with mild mental impairment, divided into two groups (experimental group EG, and control group CG) with an equal number of participants. The special program of sports games lasted for 12 weeks, with a weekly frequency of four times and a duration of 30 minutes per training. The participants of both groups were tested with the same variables within the specific motor skills for the sport of football and basketball. After a twelve-week experimental program of sports games, there were statistically significant improvements in the EG in the variables: SMFS, SMDR, SMCP with a statistical significance of r=0.000. The results of the ANOVA and MANOVA analyses indicated that after the application of the specific sports games program there was a statistically significant difference in the benefits for the EG compared to the CG, in the parameters of specific motor abilities with a statistical significance r=0.000 and the size of the impact. Based on these research results, it can be concluded that a specific exercise program conducted within twelve-week training of specifically dosed sports activities has significantly contributed the development of specific motor skills for football and basketball.

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