scholarly journals London Ramadan Fasting Study (LORANS): Rationale, design, and methods

Author(s):  
Rami Al-Jafar ◽  
Paul Elliott ◽  
Konstantinos K. Tsilidis ◽  
Abbas Dehghan

Background Hundreds of millions of Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan. The London Ramadan Fasting Study (LORANS) aims to assess the lifestyle changes during this month and investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on health. Methods LORANS is an observational study of participants that follow religious fasting in Ramadan. We advertised, recruited, and visited participants in five mosques in London, United Kingdom. In total, 146 individuals were recruited before Ramadan in May 2019 of which 85 participated in the follow up visit after Ramadan. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee affiliated to Imperial College London. A written informed consent was signed by all the participants. Every participant completed a questionnaire, a physical examination, and gave blood samples at each visit. Moreover, they completed a 3-day food diary before Ramadan and once again during Ramadan to record dietary changes during the month of fasting. Results The mean age of participants was 45.6 (15.9) years. 47.1% of the participants were females, 25.5% were obese, 4.7% were smokers, 14% were diabetic, 24% were hypertensive, and 5.2% had cardiovascular diseases. Data collection covered demographics, lifestyle, food intake, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and metabolic biomarker profiling. Conclusion By engaging with mosques, proper introduction of the study aims and convenient recruitment in the mosque, we were able to recruit a balanced population regarding age and sex and collected valuable data on Ramadan fasting using high-quality techniques.

2003 ◽  
pp. 123-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Sanno ◽  
K Oyama ◽  
S Tahara ◽  
A Teramoto ◽  
Y Kato

OBJECTIVE: The development of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has resulted in the discovery of unsuspected endocrinologically silent pituitary masses (pituitary incidentalomas). The aim of this study was to perform a national survey on pituitary incidentalomas in order to establish an appropriate approach to them. DESIGN AND METHODS: Five hundred and six patients with pituitary incidentalomas were obtained by questionnaire from March 1999 to May 2000 under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan. Two hundred and fifty-eight patients underwent surgery (surgical group), while 248 patients were followed up conservatively for a mean period of 26.9 Months (range 6-173 Months) (non-surgical group). Clinical and biochemical assessment, CT or MRI of the pituitary, and visual field testing by Goldman perimetry were assessed at baseline and 6 Months and Yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with pituitary incidentalomas (13.3%) developed tumor enlargement during the mean follow-up period of 45.5 Months. Of 115 estimated non-functioning adenomas, 23 tumors (20.0%) increased during a mean follow-up period of 50.7 Months (range 10-173 Months), while 5 of 94 (5.3%) estimated Rathke's cysts increased in size during follow-up. Pituitary apoplexy occurred in one of 248 patients (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Pituitary incidentalomas usually follow a benign course. We recommend transsphenoidal adenectomy for a solid mass attached to the optic chiasma estimated to be a pituitary adenoma by MRI. Other patients should be followed up by MRI every 6 Months for the first 2 Years, and then Yearly.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Inês Schmidt ◽  
Paula Bracco ◽  
Scheine Canhada ◽  
Joanna MN Guimarães ◽  
Sandhi Maria Barreto ◽  
...  

<b>Objective </b> <p>Glycemic regression is common in real world settings, but the contribution of regression to the mean (RTM) has been little investigated. We aimed to estimate glycemic regression before and after adjusting for RTM in a free-living cohort of adults with newly ascertained diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia (IH). </p> <p><b>Research Design and Methods</b></p> <p>ELSA-Brasil is a cohort study of 15,105 adults screened between 2008-2010 with standardized OGTT and HbA1c, repeated after 3.84 (0.42) years. After excluding those receiving medical treatment for diabetes, we calculated partial or complete regression before and after adjusting baseline values for RTM. </p> <p><b>Results</b></p> <p>Regarding newly ascertained diabetes, partial or complete regression was seen in 49.4% (95%CI 45.2 – 53.7); after adjustment for RTM, in 20.2% (95%CI 12.1 – 28.3). Regarding IH, regression to normal levels was seen in 39.5% (95%CI 37.9 – 41.3) or in 23.7% (95%CI 22.6% – 24.3%) depending on the WHO or the ADA definition, respectively; after adjustment, corresponding frequencies were 26.1% (95%CI 22.4 – 28.1) and 19.4% (95%CI 18.4 – 20.5). Adjustment for RTM reduced the number of cases detected at screening: 526 to 94 cases of diabetes; 3118 to 1986 cases of WHO-defined IH; and 6182 to 5711 cases of AD-defined IH. Weight loss ≥2.6% was associated with greater regression from diabetes (RR=1.52 95%CI 1.26-1.84) and IH (RR=1.30 95%CI 1.17-1.45). </p> <p><b>Conclusions</b></p> <p>In this quasi-real-world setting, regression from diabetes at ~4 years was common, less so for IH. Regression was frequently explained by RTM, but, in part, also related to improved weight loss and homeostasis over the follow-up. </p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Inês Schmidt ◽  
Paula Bracco ◽  
Scheine Canhada ◽  
Joanna MN Guimarães ◽  
Sandhi Maria Barreto ◽  
...  

<b>Objective </b> <p>Glycemic regression is common in real world settings, but the contribution of regression to the mean (RTM) has been little investigated. We aimed to estimate glycemic regression before and after adjusting for RTM in a free-living cohort of adults with newly ascertained diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia (IH). </p> <p><b>Research Design and Methods</b></p> <p>ELSA-Brasil is a cohort study of 15,105 adults screened between 2008-2010 with standardized OGTT and HbA1c, repeated after 3.84 (0.42) years. After excluding those receiving medical treatment for diabetes, we calculated partial or complete regression before and after adjusting baseline values for RTM. </p> <p><b>Results</b></p> <p>Regarding newly ascertained diabetes, partial or complete regression was seen in 49.4% (95%CI 45.2 – 53.7); after adjustment for RTM, in 20.2% (95%CI 12.1 – 28.3). Regarding IH, regression to normal levels was seen in 39.5% (95%CI 37.9 – 41.3) or in 23.7% (95%CI 22.6% – 24.3%) depending on the WHO or the ADA definition, respectively; after adjustment, corresponding frequencies were 26.1% (95%CI 22.4 – 28.1) and 19.4% (95%CI 18.4 – 20.5). Adjustment for RTM reduced the number of cases detected at screening: 526 to 94 cases of diabetes; 3118 to 1986 cases of WHO-defined IH; and 6182 to 5711 cases of AD-defined IH. Weight loss ≥2.6% was associated with greater regression from diabetes (RR=1.52 95%CI 1.26-1.84) and IH (RR=1.30 95%CI 1.17-1.45). </p> <p><b>Conclusions</b></p> <p>In this quasi-real-world setting, regression from diabetes at ~4 years was common, less so for IH. Regression was frequently explained by RTM, but, in part, also related to improved weight loss and homeostasis over the follow-up. </p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Hu ◽  
Baoyi Ke ◽  
Niansu Xiao ◽  
Sen Li ◽  
Cheng Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives. We retrospectively investigated the clinical materials to seek the factors that lead to relapse after using the Ponseti method.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all children with congenital club foot treated with the Ponseti method in our hospital from June 2008 to June 2013. The data included the following factors: age, gender, initial Pinari score, number of casts, number of feet (unilateral or bilateral), age at the first casting, age of mother, tenotomy, walking age, and compliance with using bracing. All investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical standards. This study was approved by Guilin Peoples’ Hospital Ethics Committee.Results. In this study, there were 148 cases with 164 feet in total that underwent the Ponseti method. Of them, 64 children presented with left side, 58 with right side, and 26 with bilateral cases. This study included 75 males and 73 females; sex did not affect the outcomes. The mean age of the first casting was 2.50±2.15 months. The average initial Pirani score was 4.98±1.33, 2 and the average number of casts was 5.71±2.28 times. The mean age of mothers at birth was 25.81±2.38 years old. The walking age of children was at a mean of 14.83±1.18 months. Forty-nine cases could not tolerate using braces, namely the rate of noncompliance in this study was 33.1%. Tenotomy was performed on 113 feet (76.4%). The average follow–up period was 7.27±1.29 years (from 5 to 10 years). The rate of relapse was 21.6% (32 cases) at the end of the follow-up. The rate of relapse in the noncompliance with using bracing group was significantly higher compared to the compliance group.Conclusion. The initial Pirani score, compliance with the foot abduction brace and the age at the first casting are three independent factors for relapse in clubfoot.


Author(s):  
I. E. Minyukhina ◽  
E. A. Praskurnichiy

Objective. The purpose of our study was to research specifc features the daily changes of the vascular stiffness (VS) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to assess the feasibility of using the 24-hour vascular index Pulse Time Index of Norm (PTIN) (the percentage of the 24-hour period during which the pulse wave velocity (PWVao) does not exceed 10 m/second) in the management of arterial hypertension (HTN) in patients after renal transplantation (RT).Design and methods. We examined 158 people, divided into 4 comparable age groups: those receiving program hemodialysis (PGD), patients after RT, patients with essential HTN and healthy volunteers. All of them underwent 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring with a daily evaluation of VS indices and central BP. At follow-up, 27 patients from the PG group underwent all assessments also 1 week and 6 months after transplantation.Results. Patients with ESRD compared with patients with essential HTN had elevated PWVao, night central BP and decrease PTIN. PTIN changes were the most signifcant. In 27 patients a week after the RT a decrease in the PTIN was found in most cases. After 6 months the mean PTIN in the whole group increased again. Our study demonstrates HTN persistence after kidney transplantation can be predicted. Two PTIN states could be predicted by the cutoff PTIN value that was determined in the study: a state of improvement and a state of decline/unchanged state. PTIN cutoff value at 45 % was characterized by 69 % sensitivity, 76 % specifcity and AUC of 0,65. Therefore, baseline PTIN ≥ 45 % (before RT) is associated with its further growth, and a favourable course of HTN.Conclusions. Patients receiving replacement therapy, compared to patients with essential HTN, showed a marked increase in the daily VS and the night central BP. The daily PTIN is the most accurate predictor of the changes in the VS index, the PTIN values before the RT at the PG stage allow predicting the course of HTN after the RT


Author(s):  
Julie L. Wambaugh ◽  
Lydia Kallhoff ◽  
Christina Nessler

Purpose This study was designed to examine the association of dosage and effects of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) for acquired apraxia of speech. Method Treatment logs and probe data from 20 speakers with apraxia of speech and aphasia were submitted to a retrospective analysis. The number of treatment sessions and teaching episodes was examined relative to (a) change in articulation accuracy above baseline performance, (b) mastery of production, and (c) maintenance. The impact of practice schedule (SPT-Blocked vs. SPT-Random) was also examined. Results The average number of treatment sessions conducted prior to change was 5.4 for SPT-Blocked and 3.9 for SPT-Random. The mean number of teaching episodes preceding change was 334 for SPT-Blocked and 179 for SPT-Random. Mastery occurred within an average of 13.7 sessions (1,252 teaching episodes) and 12.4 sessions (1,082 teaching episodes) for SPT-Blocked and SPT-Random, respectively. Comparisons of dosage metric values across practice schedules did not reveal substantial differences. Significant negative correlations were found between follow-up probe performance and the dosage metrics. Conclusions Only a few treatment sessions were needed to achieve initial positive changes in articulation, with mastery occurring within 12–14 sessions for the majority of participants. Earlier occurrence of change or mastery was associated with better follow-up performance. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12592190


VASA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rastan ◽  
Noory ◽  
Zeller

We have investigated the role of drug-eluting stents on patency rates after treatment of focal infrapopliteal lesions in patients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia. Reports indicate that drug-eluting stents reduce the risk of restenosis after percutaneous infrapopliteal artery revascularization. A Pub Med, EMBASE, Cochrane database review search of non-randomized studies investigating patency rates, target lesion revascularisation rates, limb salvage rates and mortality rates in an up to 3-year follow-up period after drug-eluting stent placement was conducted. In addition, preliminary results of randomized studies comparing drug-eluting stents with bare-metal stents and plain balloon angioplasty in treatment of focal infrapopliteal lesions were included in this review. A total of 1039 patients from 10 non-randomized and randomized studies were included. Most commonly used drug-eluting stents were sirolimus-eluting. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 (range 8 - 24). The mean 1-year primary patency rate was 86 ± 5 %. The mean target lesion revascularization rate and limb salvage rate was 9.9 ± 5 % and 96.6 %±4 %, respectively. Results from non-randomized and preliminary results from prospective, randomized trials show a significant advantage for drug-eluting stents in comparison to plain balloon angioplasty and bare-metal stents concerning target lesion patency and in parts target lesion revascularisation. No trial reveals an advantage for drug-eluting stents with regard to limb salvage and mortality.


Swiss Surgery ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 255-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perruchoud ◽  
Vuilleumier ◽  
Givel

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate excision and open granulation versus excision and primary closure as treatments for pilonidal sinus. Subjects and methods: We evaluated a group of 141 patients operated on for a pilonidal sinus between 1991 and 1995. Ninety patients were treated by excision and open granulation, 34 patients by excision and primary closure and 17 patients by incision and drainage, as a unique treatment of an infected pilonidal sinus. Results: The first group, receiving treatment of excision and open granulation, experienced the following outcomes: average length of hospital stay, four days; average healing time; 72 days; average number of post-operative ambulatory visits, 40; average off-work delay, 38 days; and average follow-up time, 43 months. There were five recurrences (6%) in this group during the follow-up period. For the second group treated by excision and primary closure, the corresponding outcome measurements were as follows: average length of hospital stay, four days; average healing time, 23 days; primary healing failure rate, 9%; average number of post-operative ambulatory visits, 6; average off-work delay, 21 days. The average follow-up time was 34 months, and two recurrences (6%) were observed during the follow-up period. In the third group, seventeen patients benefited from an incision and drainage as unique treatment. The mean follow-up was 37 months. Five recurrences (29%) were noticed, requiring a new operation in all the cases. Discussion and conclusion: This series of 141 patients is too limited to permit final conclusions to be drawn concerning significant advantages of one form of treatment compared to the other. Nevertheless, primary closure offers the advantages of quicker healing time, fewer post-operative visits and shorter time off work. When a primary closure can be carried out, it should be routinely considered for socio-economical and comfort reasons.


2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (05) ◽  
pp. 371-378
Author(s):  
Alfred O. Ankrah ◽  
Ismaheel O. Lawal ◽  
Tebatso M.G. Boshomane ◽  
Hans C. Klein ◽  
Thomas Ebenhan ◽  
...  

Abstract 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT have both been shown to be useful in the management of tuberculosis (TB). We compared the abnormal PET findings of 18F-FDG- and 68Ga-citrate-PET/CT in patients with TB. Methods Patients with TB on anti-TB therapy were included. Patients had a set of PET scans consisting of both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate. Abnormal lesions were identified, and the two sets of scans were compared. The scan findings were correlated to the clinical data as provided by the attending physician. Results 46 PET/CT scans were performed in 18 patients, 11 (61 %) were female, and the mean age was 35.7 ± 13.5 years. Five patients also had both studies for follow-up reasons during the use of anti-TB therapy. Thirteen patients were co-infected with HIV. 18F-FDG detected more lesions than 68Ga-citrate (261 vs. 166, p < 0.0001). 68Ga-citrate showed a better definition of intracerebral lesions due to the absence of tracer uptake in the brain. The mean SUVmax was higher for 18F-FDG compared to 68Ga-citrate (5.73 vs. 3.01, p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the SUVmax of lesions that were determined by both tracers (r = 0.4968, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Preliminary data shows 18F-FDG-PET detects more abnormal lesions in TB compared to 68Ga-citrate. However, 68Ga-citrate has better lesion definition in the brain and is therefore especially useful when intracranial TB is suspected.


1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (02) ◽  
pp. 130-133
Author(s):  
T. Kishimoto ◽  
Y. Iida ◽  
K. Yoshida ◽  
M. Miyakawa ◽  
H. Sugimori ◽  
...  

AbstractTo evaluate the risk factors for hypercholesterolemia, we examined 4,371 subjects (3,207 males and 1,164 females) who received medical checkups more than twice at an AMHTS in Tokyo during the period from 1976 through 1991; and whose serum total cholesterol was under 250 mg/dl. The mean follow-up duration was 6.6 years. A self-registering questionnaire was administered at the time of the health checkup. The endpoint of this study was the onset of hypercholesterolemia when the level of serum total cholesterol was 250 mg/dl and over. We compared two prognosis groups (normal and hypercholesterol) in terms of age, examination findings and lifestyle. After assessing each variable, we employed Cox's proportional hazards model analysis to determine the factors related to the occurrence of hypercholesterolemia. According to proportional hazards model analysis, total cholesterol, triglyceride and smoking at the beginning, and hypertension during the observation period were selected in males; and total cholesterol at the beginning and age were selected in females to determine the factors related to the occurrence of hypercholesterolemia.


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