scholarly journals Factors affecting lactoferrin concentration in human milk: how much do we know?

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aasith Villavicencio ◽  
Maria S. Rueda ◽  
Christie G. Turin ◽  
Theresa J. Ochoa
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Lactation Stage ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Significant Factors

Lactoferrin (LF) is a breast milk glycoprotein with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Its beneficial properties in infants, especially in those born preterm, are currently being studied in clinical trials. However, the maternal and nursing infant factors that may affect LF concentration in breast milk are still not clear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the factors that may affect the concentration of LF in breast milk. We used a 2-step approach to identify the eligible studies according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, and to determine which studies would be considered. We included 70 qualified articles from 29 countries with publication dates ranging from 1976 to 2015. We described the correlation between LF concentration in breast milk and lactation stage; 10 maternal factors, such as race, parity, among others; and 2 infant factors: infections and prematurity. Colostrum has the highest LF levels, but they decrease with days postpartum. No other factor has been consistently associated with LF concentration. A major limitation of the majority of the published studies is the small sample size and the different methods used to measure LF concentration. Therefore, there is a need for large, multicenter studies with standardized study design, sample collection, and LF measurement methods to identify clinically significant factors associated with LF expression in breast milk, which will help promote exclusive breastfeeding in preterm infants.

scholarly journals Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Proof-of-concept Trial of Resveratrol for Outpatient Treatment of Mild Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marvin R. McCreary ◽  
Patrick M. Schnell ◽  
Dale A. Rhoda
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Phase 2 Study ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has been well studied and has demonstrated anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that might mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Outpatients (N=105) were recruited from central Ohio in late 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or resveratrol. Both groups received a single dose of Vitamin D3 which was used as an adjunct. The primary outcome measure was hospitalization within 21 days of symptom onset; secondary measures were ER visits, incidence of pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. Five patients chose not to participate after randomization. Twenty-one day outcome was determined of all one hundred participants (mean [SD] age 55.6 [8.8] years; 61% female) (or their surrogates). There were no clinically significant adverse events attributed to resveratrol. Outpatients in this phase 2 study treated with resveratrol had a lower incidence compared to placebo of: hospitalization (2% vs. 6%, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04-3.10), COVID-related ER visits (8% vs. 14%, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.18-1.83), and pneumonia (8% vs. 16%, RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.16-1.55). One patient (2%) in each group developed pulmonary embolism (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.06-15.55). This underpowered study was limited by small sample size and low incidence of primary adverse events. A larger trial could determine efficacy.TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04400890 26/05/2020; FDA IND #150033 05/05/2020

Salvage combination ipilimumab and nivolumab after failure of prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with advanced melanoma.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21009-e21009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Mary Gaughan ◽  
Gina R. Petroni ◽  
William W. Grosh ◽  
Craig L. Slingluff
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
Subsequent Treatment ◽  
Advanced Melanoma ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
Clinicopathologic Factors ◽  
Clinically Significant

e21009 Background: The combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab is standard initial therapy in patients with advanced melanoma based on trials involving treatment-naïve patients. The benefit in those previously managed with checkpoint monotherapy is not well defined. Methods: We identified metastatic melanoma patients from our Immunotherapy database managed with combination Ipilimumab/Nivolumab after progression on prior checkpoint monotherapy. Baseline clinical factors, treatment history, combination therapy outcome by RECIST v1.1 and toxicity data were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Given the small sample size and limited numbers of deaths, it is too early to look for preliminary associations between outcomes and clinicopathologic factors. Results: We identified 19 patients treated with combination Ipilimumab/Nivolumab after progression on prior checkpoint monotherapy. The cohort included 15 men and 4 women with an average age of 63 years. Thirteen patients had M1c disease, and 7 had a BRAF mutation. Patients had received up to four lines of prior immunotherapy including 9 treated with both prior anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 monotherapy. Seven patients completed all four doses of combination therapy with 6 proceeding onto maintenance nivolumab. Eight patients stopped treatment due to toxicity and 4 due to progressive disease. Thirteen patients had clinically significant toxicity, with rash, colitis, hepatitis, and hypophysitis reported most frequently. There were no treatment-related deaths. Overall, 2/19 patients (10.5%, 95% CI [1.3% to 33.1%]) had an objective response (CR+PR) and 9/19 patients (47.4%, 95% CI [24.5% to 71.1%]) had disease control (CR+PR+SD). Four of the patients had stable disease for over 6 months. Six of the 19 patients went on to receive subsequent treatment. Median follow-up for patients still alive was 7 months (range 1 to 20 months) and median survival was not reached. Six-month survival was 68.5% (95% CI [39.3% to 85.8%]) Conclusions: The combination of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab can result in melanoma control in patients with progression on prior checkpoint monotherapy with an expected toxicity profile.

scholarly journals Sectoral Evaluation for Economic and Financial Development in Dubai and rest of UAE

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Sumaiyya Wahid Shaikh ◽  
Genanew B Worku ◽  
Ananth Rao
Keyword(s):  
Financial Development ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Start Ups

The paper examines sector specific characteristics to analyse the factors affecting the sustainability of the economies of Dubai and rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study applies system design to analyse the research questions. Consequently, Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regressions (SURE) technique is used to examine the relative contribution of sectors to the economies Dubai, as an individual Emirate, and the rest of UAE as a group of Emirates using time series sectoral level data for 2001–2015. The study shows that there exists positive interdependencies between Dubai and rest of UAE economies. This signifies that the core competencies across various sectors in Dubai and rest of UAE economies need to be promoted further to have overall diversified impact on UAE economy. The positive sizable impact of the finance sector in Dubai and negative sizable impact in the rest of the UAE provide many opportunities for designing diversification programs for sustained economic development of the entire UAE economy. The small sample size, non-availability of detailed sectoral data in four of the seven emirates constrained the scope of the study for generalization to other economies in the middle east.   The study findings are very crucial for identifying structural reforms, to strengthen competitiveness and accelerate private sector-led job creation for nationals, potential on further opening up foreign direct investment (FDI), improving selected areas of the business environment, and easing access to finance for start-ups and SMEs in both the economies. There are very few studies, which have researched the sector specific characteristics to explain the factors affecting the sustainability of the economies of Dubai and the rest of UAE. The study provides insights to the UAE policy makers, for enhancement of policies through development of the key sectors that influence the performance of the two economies. Despite being independent entities though, the seven emirates of the UAE are economically interdependent. Studies on such interactions add unique value to the literature. Keywords: SURE, GDP, Dubai, UAE, Sectoral Evaluation, Financial development.

scholarly journals System and Neural Network Analysis of Economic and Financial Development – A case study of Dubai and rest of UAE

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67
Author(s):  
Genanew B Worku ◽  
Ananth Rao
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Jel C32 ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Start Ups

The study examines the factors affecting the economic and financial development by applying Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regressions (SURE) and Neural Network techniques. It applies multivariate and neural network frameworks for analysing the GDP of Dubai and rest of UAE using data for 2001–2015. The study shows that there exists positive interdependencies between Dubai and rest of UAE economies. This signifies that the core competencies across various sectors in Dubai and rest of UAE economies need to be promoted further to have overall diversified impact on UAE economy. The positive sizable impact of the finance sector in Dubai and negative sizable impact in the rest of the UAE provide many opportunities for designing diversification programs for sustained economic development of the entire UAE economy. The small sample size, non-availability of detailed sectoral data in four of the seven emirates constrained the scope of the study for generalization to other economies in the Middle East. The study findings are crucial for identifying structural reforms, to strengthen competitiveness and accelerate private sector-led job creation for nationals, potential on further opening up foreign direct investment (FDI), improving selected areas of the business environment, and easing access to finance for start-ups and SMEs in both the economies. JEL: C32, C52, D85, N15, N25

scholarly journals 1013 Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment with XIAPEX Injection: Reviewing A Single Surgeon's Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Malik ◽  
B Fourie
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Important Change ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Dupuytren’S Disease ◽  
Dupuytren's Disease ◽  
Post Procedure ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Clinically Important Change

Abstract Aim To review a single surgeon's experience for the treatment of Dupuytren's disease with XIAPEX injection and the clinical outcomes as measured by a URAM score. Method Retrospective review of patient notes, clinical photography and URAM scores for patients who underwent the procedure between August 2013 and October 2016. Results 33 patients underwent the procedure. 25 patients completed pre and post URAM scores. Average pre procedure score was 19.4 and avergae post procedure score was 3.28 a difference of 16.12 (clinically important change for URAM score is 2.9). Average pre procedure MCPJ contracture was 46.67 degrees and average post procedure contracture was 3.3 degrees. Average pre procedure PIPJ contracture was 66.8 degrees and average post procedure contracture was 8.2 degrees. Where both MCPJ and PIPJ affected of the same digit average pre procedure MCPJ and PIPJ contracture was 60 degrees. The post procedure contracture was 0 degrees in the MCPJ and 29.7 degrees in the PIPJ. 1 patient underwent surgery for progressive disease. Conclusions XIAPEX injection has shown a clinically significant result in the treatment of Dupuytren's disease. There were minimal complications and only 1 patient needed further surgery. However, a small sample size thus conclusions have to be cautious.

scholarly journals Factors affecting Happiness of Expatriate Academicians and Expatriate Non-Academicians in Dubai

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Kamarul Zaman Bin Ahmad ◽  
Majid Wahid Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Academic Group

Purpose: To determine the antecedents of happiness and compare academicians and non-academicians in selected Dubai Universities. Design/methodological/approach: Qualitative research using in-depth interviews followed by cross-sectional surveys of teaching staff and non-teaching staff from different universities in Dubai.?Findings: There is no significant relationship between knowledge sharing and happiness of academics and well as non-academics. Happiness is significantly related to the other factors.Research implications and limitations: The small sample size of the academic group and the study was targeted at the university staff in Dubai only. Practical implications: The findings of this research gives useful recommendations to Universities to improve happiness among their academic as well as non-academic staff. It will also provide recommendations for developmental purposes for the University of Dubai and the UAE’s “Happiness and Positivity program.”Originality/value: No known research studies the determinants of happiness for academics and non-academics in Dubai Universities.Paper type: Research paper

scholarly journals SURG-09. CHANGING PARADIGMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CEREBRAL METASTASES

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi241-vi241
Author(s):  
Edvin Telemi ◽  
James Snyder ◽  
Ian Lee ◽  
Adam Robin
Keyword(s):  
Disease Progression ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cerebral Metastases ◽  
Extracranial Disease ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract INTRODUCTION Paradigms in the management of cerebral metastases (CM) are evolving, in part due to the expanded use of laser interstitial thermal therapy or LITT in lesion ablation, with treatment of CM comprising up to 34% of all LITT cases. Currently, CM are treated with LITT largely in the setting of disease progression after initial therapy with focused radiation with no standard for performing biopsy prior to LITT. In this study we aim to assess the significance of the pathology of the lesion at the time of LITT on survival. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of our institution’s LITT/brain tumor database and identified patients who underwent LITT with concurrent biopsy. For deceased patients, we identified cause of death if secondary to neurologic causes defined as death either due to direct intracranial disease progression leading to rapid neurologic decline or due to progressive neurologic decline without significant extracranial disease burden. RESULTS We identified 16 progressive CM lesions in 15 adults treated with LITT with concurrent biopsy, predominantly with non-small cell lung cancer. The mean age at LITT was 62, median follow-up was 8.5 months and thirteen of fifteen patients had previous focused radiation therapy. Eleven of sixteen lesions demonstrated radiation necrosis(RN) without tumor and 5 with tumor progression(TP). The mean survival in patients with RN was 548 days compared with 285 days in patients with TP (p=0.15). Of the 9 deceased, 2 of 5 patients with RN and 3 of 4 patients with TP died of neurologic causes. CONCLUSIONS Although statistically not significant due to the small sample size, this preliminary analysis suggests that clinically significant differences in survival and cause of death may exist between patients with RN and TP. Further evaluation with implications for treatment, prognosis and the expectant management of the patient with CM is warranted.

scholarly journals A meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of dengue virus-specific IgA antibody-based tests for detection of dengue infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 144 (4) ◽  
pp. 876-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. ALAGARASU ◽  
A. M. WALIMBE ◽  
S. M. JADHAV ◽  
A. R. DEOSHATWAR
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dengue Infection ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Diagnostic Odds Ratio ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Likelihood Ratios

SUMMARYImmunoglobulin A (IgA)-based tests have been evaluated in different studies for their utility in diagnosing dengue infections. In most of the studies, the results were inconclusive because of a small sample size. Hence, a meta-analysis involving nine studies with 2096 samples was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of IgA-based tests in diagnosing dengue infections. The analysis was conducted using Meta-Disc software. The results revealed that IgA-based tests had an overall sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 73·9%, 95·2%, 66·7, 22·0 and 0·25, respectively. Significant heterogeneity was observed between the studies. The type of test, infection status and day of sample collection influenced the diagnostic accuracy. The IgA-based diagnostic tests showed a greater accuracy when the samples were collected 4 days after onset of symptoms and for secondary infections. The results suggested that IgA-based tests had a moderate level of accuracy and are diagnostic of the disease. However, negative results cannot be used alone for dengue diagnosis. More prospective studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of combinations of antigen-based tests with either IgA or IgM are needed and might be useful for suggesting the best strategy for dengue diagnosis.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Major Probiotics in Healthy Women’s Breast Milk by Realtime PCR. Factors Affecting the Presence of Those Bacteria

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 9400
Author(s):  
Georgia Nikolopoulou ◽  
Theofania Tsironi ◽  
Panagiotis Halvatsiotis ◽  
Ekaterini Petropoulou ◽  
Nikolaos Genaris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Human Milk ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Mature Milk ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Realtime Pcr ◽  
Healthy Women ◽  
Lactation Stage

Breast milk has been reported as a bacteria source that affects infant gut microbiota development. The present study utilizes a realtime PCR method to identify Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in the breast milk of healthy women and attempts to identify factors affecting those human milk bacteria. Breast milk samples—both colostrum and mature milk—of 100 healthy women, were collected in Greece along with data about the demographic factors and nutritional habits of the volunteers. The colostrum samples were found to have higher percentages of either Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus (76.9% and 48.6%, respectively) compared to the mature milk samples. For younger women, aged from 18 to 29 years, and women from rural areas, bacteria were detected in higher incidence than for older groups and women in urban areas, respectively. Moreover, for high-BMI women, bacteria were detected in lower incidence than for those with normal BMI. Probiotic supplements did not affect the composition of the breast milk-identified bacteria. Various factors such as lactation stage, maternal age, maternal weight, and residential location may contribute to the presence of those species in human milk. RT PCR has significant potential for the microbiological analysis of human milk.

scholarly journals Critical Success Factors for Implementation of Green Building in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 1203 (3) ◽  
pp. 032061
Author(s):  
Boddapati Ganesh Kumar ◽  
Abhay Tawalare
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Green Buildings ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Building Technology

Abstract For the sustainable built environment, Green Building technology is the most widely adopted trend worldwide, however, it is in a nascent stage in India. Even though the use of green building technology is advantageous over the lifecycle of the project, people are hesitant to adopt. Therefore, this study aims at identifying the critical factors affecting the implementation of green buildings in India. For this purpose, an extensive literature review was done to identify factors affecting the implementation of green buildings. In total 27 factors were identified which may be critical for the adoption of green building technology widely in an Indian context. The questionnaire was prepared using the five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was sent through emails to 150 consultants in India and 52 valid responses received in return. The primary data is analyzed using factor analysis. The critical factors found are time and knowledge constraints; technical constraints; authenticity of research and awareness about Green Building. Though the findings of this study are based on the small sample size, it will be beneficial to the policymakers

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