scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Ginkgo-Damole and Nitroglycerin or Sodium Nitroprusside on Hypertensive Cerebropathies: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Li Peng ◽  
Wei-kun Zhao ◽  
Tong-tong Xu ◽  
Qi Wu ◽  
Pan Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Sodium Nitroprusside ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Observation Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Objective. To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of ginko-damole combined with nitroglycerin or unitary sodium nitroprusside on hypertensive cerebropathy. Methods. Four Chinese databases (VIP, CBM, Wanfang database, and CNKI database) and three English databases (Cochrane, PubMed, and EMBASE) were used to screen randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on treatments of hypertensive cerebropathy using both ginko-damole and nitroglycerin or unitary sodium nitroprusside. Outcomes included clinical effect, blood pressure after treatment, and adverse effects. These indicators were then analysed statistically using the RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. Results. Altogether, 16 RCTs including 1507 patients with hypertensive cerebropathy were included in the present meta-analysis, of which, 755 patients treated with combined ginko-damole and nitroglycerin were included in the observation group and 752 patients treated with sodium nitroprusside were included in the control group. The curative effect of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group (RR: 1.115 [1.077, 1.155], p<0.05). DBPs of the observation and control groups were both lower after treatment, and no significant difference was observed between the observation and control groups (MD: −1.072 [−2.578, 0.434], p>0.05). SBPs in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (MD: −2.842 [−5.222, −0.462], p<0.05). The probability of adverse response in both groups did not differ significantly (RR: 0.752 [0.412, 1.374], p>0.05). Conclusion. Compared with sodium nitroprusside, the combined ginkgo-damole and nitroglycerin could better control blood pressure in patients with hypertensive cerebropathy and showed enhanced clinical effects and improved safety. However, due to poor quality of the included studies, results of the present meta-analysis should be confirmed by more stringent RCTs.

scholarly journals Investigation of the effect of the virtual reality application on experimental pain severity in healthy

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-451
Author(s):  
Dilek Karaman ◽  
Funda Erol ◽  
Dilek Yılmaz ◽  
Yurdanur Dikmen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Adult Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Virtual Reality Application

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality application on experimental ischemic pain created with a blood pressure instrument in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The research sample consisted of 172 volunteer adult students who conformed to the inclusion criteria. These individuals were assigned into an experimental (n=86) and a control group (n=86) by a simple randomization method. All individuals in the experimental and control groups wereexperimentally subjected to pain for two minutes by applying 260 mmHg of pressure 3-4 cm above the antecubital region of the left arm with an aneroid adult-type blood pressure instrument. During the procedure, the volunteers in the experimental group watched virtual reality images, while those in the control group received no intervention. Immediately after the procedure, the pain levels of the individuals in both groups were assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: We found that the mean pain score of the individuals in the experimental group was 2.62±1.82, and that of individuals in the control group was 5.75±1.65. Results of the statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the mean pain scores of the individuals in the experimental and control groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study found that the use of virtual reality was effective in reducing the level of pain in healthy individuals. This method used a smartphone with widespread availability and ease of transportation, which can be used by health professionals as a non-pharmacological method in the management of pain.

scholarly journals PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

2022 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-71
Author(s):  
Xiaowei He
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Observation Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Introduction: The mental health of college students is getting more and more attention from society. Physical exercise as a means of psychotherapy and mental health has become common at home and abroad. Objective: We explore the effect of prescribing physical exercise in the treatment of depression in college students. Methods: College students who had been diagnosed with depression were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each with 18 patients. The control group received drug treatment. The observation group received sports therapy in addition to drug therapy. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in HAMD scores between the observation and control groups in the first week (P<0.01). Conclusions: Exercise can play a role in treating depression patients rapidly, safely, and efficiently. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Effect of a mobile-based educational app on blood pressure of patients with hypertension

2020 ◽  
pp. e001577
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Falah ◽  
S A Sajadi ◽  
A H Pishgooie
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Paired T Test

BackgroundHypertension is known as one of the most important non-communicable pervasive diseases.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a mobile-based educational app on the blood pressure (BP) of patients with hypertension.MethodsThis clinical trial was conducted on 66 military personnel who were definitively diagnosed with hypertension by a physician, and then assigned randomly into two groups as intervention (receiving mobile-based educational app) and control (receiving standard medical management but no app). Before the intervention, BP levels of both groups were measured with a calibrated sphygmomanometer. After 6 weeks, the BPs of both groups were remeasured using the same sphygmomanometer. Thereafter, descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests, were used. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS-21 software at a significance level of p<0.05.ResultsComparison of the intervention and control groups showed no statistically significant difference between the groups in systolic BP (p=0.479) and diastolic BP (p=0.851) in the pre-intervention phase, but after the intervention, systolic and diastolic BP levels were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p=0.0001).ConclusionThe results suggested that the mobile-based educational app had a significant effect on reducing BP in patients with hypertension. Therefore, using this app is recommended for those military personnel with hypertension.

scholarly journals Relationship of Lead Exposure with Workers' Blood Pressure and Blood Components: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Torabi Goodarzi ◽  
Farideh Golbabaei ◽  
Bahram Harati ◽  
Robabeh Chang ◽  
Vahid Ahmadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Lead Exposure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Components ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
And Control

Background: Lead is one of the most widely used metals in the industries and is the amplest metal element on the Earth’s crust. This metal disrupts the physiological processes of the body due to its accumulation in various tissues. The present study aimed to determining the association of lead exposure with blood pressure and blood components of the lead mine employees in Isfahan City, Iran.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 187 workers were investigated; they worked in the lead mines of Isfahan from January to April 2016. The staff was divided into two groups: one was exposed to lead and the other was the control group. The participants' general information was collected in worksheets, including age, work experience, work shift, body mass index, blood pressure, and smoking status. Sampling was carried out by active sampling using the NIOSH 7300 method. Blood samples were taken from all participants and their hematological parameters were evaluated, including red blood cell, platelet count, percent of lymphocytes, and volume of red blood cells. Results: The participants' age means were 34.06 (8.8) and 37.04 (11.48) years in the case and control groups, respectively. The time-weighted average concentration of lead in the breathing zone air of workers was 0.0533 mg/m3. The average systolic blood pressure was 12.01 (1.3) mmHg in exposed workers, while it was 11.78 (1.1) mmHg in the control group. The average diastolic blood pressure was 7.84 (0.71) mmHg in exposed workers and 7.73 (0.54) mmHg in control group. Statistical test results showed a significant difference between the case and control groups with regard to their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the lead-exposed and non-exposed groups with regard to the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Conclusion:  According to the results, lead exposure can cause metabolic changes in blood pressure and some of its features. Considering the importance of this issue, some preventive measures should be taken to maintain and improve the worker's health and well-being, such as increasing the workers' rest time, performing periodic examinations for them, as well as conducting safety workshops and training sessions.  

scholarly journals Efficacy of preoperative testosterone therapy in hypospadias: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gozali Sembiring ◽  
Yacobda Sigumonrong
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Reoperation Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Testosterone Treatment ◽  
Meatal Stenosis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Bleeding, hematoma, edema, wound infection, and scar formation are the common problems linked with hypospadias reconstruction. Hormone treatment is recommended before surgical treatment to improve intraoperative circumstances. However, no meta-analysis has explored the effectiveness and side effects of testosterone treatment before surgery in hypospadias. Main body of the abstract The purpose of this paperwork is to evaluate the impact of preoperative testosterone treatment in hypospadias based on clinical data from published trials. This study searched MEDLINE, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library without regard to year. However, only English journals were included, with a manual search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Guidelines supplementing the search. In this meta-analysis, five papers were considered. Two of these investigations were multicenter randomized clinical trials. Two of the studies were prospective, with a median follow-up of varying lengths. A retrospective investigation was conducted. There were 585 patients in all that took part in this trial. After surgery, the complication rate was measured in both the intervention and control groups, including meatal stenosis, fistula, glans dehiscence, scarring, reoperation rate, urethral diverticulum, fine pubic hair, and sexual precocity. The only significant difference between the intervention and control groups was that the intervention group had a decreased frequency of glans dehiscence following surgery (OR 0.40 with the 95% CI of 0.17 until 0.97). Conclusions This study discovered that a patient who got testosterone before surgery had a considerably decreased complication risk for glandular dehiscence. Reoperation rate, urethral-cutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, and penile scarring in children with hypospadias, on the other hand, revealed no significant difference in the testosterone-treated group against the control group.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen in reduce the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? A meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Cheol Chang ◽  
Sang Gyu Kwak ◽  
Jin-Sung Park ◽  
Donghwi Park
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Abstract To test the hypothesis that aspirin, non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-infammatory drugs (NA-NSAIDs), or acetaminophen can reduce the risk of ALS, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of related previous studies. A comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS databases. It included studies published up to 29 February 2020 that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Aspirin, acetaminophen and NA-NSAIDs use information, between the ALS and control groups, was collected for the meta-analysis. Rates of aspirin, NA-NSAID, and acetaminophen use in ALS group, compared with control group were investigated. In the results, only three studies that relate the risk of ALS to aspirin, NA-NSAIDs and acetaminophen use satisfied the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Regarding aspirin, the studies did not show any statistically significant difference in aspirin use between the ALS and control groups (Odds ratio, 1.04 [95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.21]). NA-NSAIDs and acetaminophen use, however, did show up statistically significant differences in between the ALS and control groups. (Odds ratio, 0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.73–0.91]) and (Odds ratio, 0.80 [95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.93]). However, our study has some limitations. Firstly, we only included a small number of studies. Secondly, the included studies did not control for past medical history, which may have confounded their results, and in turn, could have caused bias in our study. Thirdly, in this meta-analysis, the ALS patients were not subdivided into sporadic or familial type. Lastly, the studies also did not consider the types of NSAIDs and dosages used of each drug. For more convincing evidence regarding the effectiveness of aspirin, NA-NSAIDs and acetaminophen to reduce the risk of ALS occurrence, more qualified prospective studies are required. In conclusion, the use of NA-NSAIDs and acetaminophen is associated with a decreased risk for the development of ALS. In contrast, aspirin did not have any effect on the reduction of the risk of ALS occurrence.

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nasal Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virgin Coconut Oil ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

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.

Impact of intrawound vancomycin powder on prevention of surgical site infection after posterior spinal surgery

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hiroki Ushirozako ◽  
Tomohiko Hasegawa ◽  
Yu Yamato ◽  
Go Yoshida ◽  
Tatsuya Yasuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Propensity Score Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Surgical Data ◽  
Vancomycin Powder ◽  
Vancomycin Group ◽  
And Control

OBJECTIVESurgical site infection (SSI) after posterior spinal surgery is one of the severe complications that may occur despite administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the use of intraoperative aseptic precautions. The use of intrawound vancomycin powder for SSI prevention is still controversial, with a lack of high-quality and large-scale studies. The purpose of this retrospective study using a propensity score–matched analysis was to clarify whether intrawound vancomycin powder prevents SSI occurrence after spinal surgery.METHODSThe authors analyzed 1261 adult patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery between 2010 and 2018 (mean age 62.3 years; 506 men, 755 women; follow-up period at least 1 year). Baseline and surgical data were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score model was established with adjustments for age, sex, type of disease, and previously reported risk factors for SSI. The SSI rates were compared between patients with intrawound vancomycin powder treatment (vancomycin group) and those without (control group).RESULTSIn a preliminary analysis of 1261 unmatched patients (623 patients in the vancomycin group and 638 patients in the control group), there were significant differences between the groups in age (p = 0.041), body mass index (p = 0.013), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (p < 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.001), revision status (p < 0.001), use of steroids (p = 0.019), use of anticoagulation (p = 0.033), length of surgery (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and use of instrumentation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SSI rates between the vancomycin and control groups (21 SSIs [3.4%] vs 33 SSIs [5.2%]; OR 0.640, 95% CI 0.368–1.111; p = 0.114). Using a one-to-one propensity score–matched analysis, 444 pairs of patients from the vancomycin and control groups were selected. There was no significant difference in the baseline and surgical data, except for height (p = 0.046), between both groups. The C-statistic for the propensity score model was 0.702. In the score-matched analysis, 12 (2.7%) and 24 (5.4%) patients in the vancomycin and control groups, respectively, developed SSIs (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.243–0.972; p = 0.041). There were no systemic complications related to the use of vancomycin.CONCLUSIONSThe current study showed that intrawound vancomycin powder was useful in reducing the risk of SSI after posterior spinal surgery by half, without adverse events. Intrawound vancomycin powder use is a safe and effective procedure for SSI prevention.

Thyroid Functions in Children on Levetiracetam or Valproic Acid Therapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elif Karatoprak ◽  
Samet Paksoy
Keyword(s):  
Valproic Acid ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Thyroid Function Tests ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Acid Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Tsh Levels

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the thyroid functions in children receiving levetiracetam or valproate monotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of children with controlled epilepsy receiving valproic acid (VPA group) or levetiracetam monotherapy (LEV group) for at least 6 months. Free thyroxine 4 levels (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were compared between VPA group, LEV group, and age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group). A total of 190 children were included in the study: 63 were in the VPA, 60 in the LEV, and 67 in the control group. Although there was no significant difference regarding average fT4 levels, higher TSH levels were found in the VPA group when compared with the LEV and control groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of fT4 and TSH values in the LEV group when compared with the control group (p = 0.56 and p = 0.61, respectively). Subclinical hypothyroidism (defined as a TSH level above 5 uIU/mL with a normal fT4 level was detected in 16% of patients in the VPA group, none in the LEV and control groups. Our study found that VPA therapy is associated with an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism while LEV had no effect on thyroid function tests.

scholarly journals Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Mangosteen and Propolis Extracted Complex in Patients with Gingivitis: A Multi-Centered Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2604
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Park ◽  
Kyung-A Ko ◽  
Ji-Yeong Lee ◽  
Jae-Woon Oh ◽  
Hyun-Chang Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
And Control

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document