scholarly journals Effectiveness of Florbetapir PET Imaging in Changing Patient Management

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 129-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Pontecorvo ◽  
Andrew Siderowf ◽  
Bruno Dubois ◽  
P. Murali Doraiswamy ◽  
Giovanni B. Frisoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pet Imaging ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Delayed Feedback ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Amyloid Pet ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
The Impact

Aims: To evaluate the impact of amyloid PET imaging on diagnosis and patient management in a multicenter, randomized, controlled study. Methods: Physicians identified patients seeking a diagnosis for mild cognitive impairment or dementia, possibly due to Alzheimer disease (AD), and recorded a working diagnosis and a management plan. The patients underwent florbetapir PET scanning and were randomized to either immediate or delayed (1-year) feedback regarding amyloid status. At the 3-month visit, the physician updated the diagnosis and recorded a summary of the actual patient management since the post-scan visit. The study examined the impact of immediate versus delayed feedback on patient diagnosis/management at 3 and 12 months. Results: A total of 618 subjects were randomized (1:1) to immediate or delayed feedback arms, and 602 subjects completed the 3-month primary endpoint visit. A higher proportion of patients in the immediate feedback arm showed a change in diagnosis compared to the controls (32.6 vs. 6.4%; p = 0.0001). Similarly, a higher proportion of patients receiving immediate feedback had a change in management plan (68 vs. 55.5%; p < 0.002), mainly driven by changes in AD medication. Specifically, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were prescribed to 67% of the amyloid-positive and 27% of the amyloid-negative subjects in the information group compared with 56 and 43%, respectively, in the control group (p < 0.0001). These between-group differences persisted until the 12-month visit. Conclusion: Knowledge of the amyloid status affects the diagnosis and alters patient management.

scholarly journals Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Morphological, Rheological and Biochemical Indices of Blood in People with Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2833
Author(s):  
Bartłomiej Ptaszek ◽  
Aneta Teległów ◽  
Justyna Adamiak ◽  
Jacek Głodzik ◽  
Szymon Podsiadło ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Indices ◽  
Rheological Indices ◽  
Whole Body Cryotherapy ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to examine and assess the impact of a series of 20 whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) treatments on the biochemical and rheological indices of blood in people with multiple sclerosis. In this prospective controlled study, the experimental group consisted of 15 women aged 34–55 (mean age, 41.53 ± 6.98 years) with diagnosed multiple sclerosis who underwent a series of whole-body cryotherapy treatments. The first control group consisted of 20 women with diagnosed multiple sclerosis. This group had no intervention in the form of whole-body cryotherapy. The second control group consisted of 15 women aged 30–49 years (mean age, 38.47 ± 6.0 years) without neurological diseases and other chronic diseases who also underwent the whole-body cryotherapy treatment. For the analysis of the blood indices, venous blood was taken twice (first, on the day of initiation of whole-body cryotherapy treatments and, second, after a series of 20 cryotherapy treatments). The blood counts were determined using an ABX MICROS 60 hematological analyzer (USA). The LORCA analyzer (Laser–Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer, RR Mechatronics, the Netherlands) was used to study the aggregation and deformability of erythrocytes. The total protein serum measurement was performed using a Cobas 6000 analyzer, Roche and a Proteinogram-Minicap Sebia analyzer. Fibrinogen determinations were made using a Bio-Ksel, Chrom-7 camera. Statistically significant differences and changes after WBC in the levels of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), elongation index, total extend of aggregation (AMP), and proteins (including fibrinogen) were observed. However, there was no significant effect of a series of 20 WBC treatments on changes in blood counts, rheology, and biochemistry in women with multiple sclerosis. Our results show that the use of WBC has a positive effect on the rheological properties of the blood of healthy women.

scholarly journals Biofeedback Intervention for Stress and Anxiety among Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ISRN Nursing ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ratanasiripong ◽  
Nop Ratanasiripong ◽  
Duangrat Kathalae
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Moderate Increase ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Purpose. It has been well documented that nursing students across the world experience stress and anxiety throughout their education and training. The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the impact of biofeedback intervention program on nursing students' levels of stress and anxiety during their first clinical training. Methods. Participants consisted of 60 second-year baccalaureate nursing students. The 30 participants in the biofeedback group received training on how to use the biofeedback device to assist in stress and anxiety management for 5 weeks while the 30 in the control group did not receive any training. Findings. Results indicated that the biofeedback group was able to maintain the stress level while the control group had a significant increase in the stress level over the 5-week period of clinical training. Additionally, the biofeedback group had a significant reduction in anxiety, while the control group had a moderate increase in anxiety. Conclusions. The better the nursing students can manage their stress and anxiety, the more successful they can be in their clinical training. Ultimately, the more psychologically healthy the nursing students are, the more likely they will flourish and graduate to become productive and contributing members of the nursing profession.

scholarly journals The Use of Telehealth Technology in Assessing the Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and the Impact of a Daily Immediate-Feedback Intervention among Obese Employees

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽  
A. Lauren Crain ◽  
Jeffrey J. VanWormer ◽  
Brian C. Martinson ◽  
Jackie L. Boucher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
The Impact

Objective.To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees.Methods.As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time.Results.At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se=0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group.Conclusions.The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.

scholarly journals Controlled Study of the Impact of a Virtual Program to Reduce Stigma Among University Students Toward People With Mental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matías E. Rodríguez-Rivas ◽  
Adolfo J. Cangas ◽  
Daniela Fuentes-Olavarría
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Global Score ◽  
Stigma Reduction ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Stigma toward mental disorders is one of today's most pressing global issues. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the barriers to social inclusion faced by individuals with mental disorders. Concurrently, stigma reduction interventions, especially those aimed at university students, have been more difficult to implement given social distancing and campus closures. As a result, alternative delivery for programs contributing to stigma reduction is required, such as online implementation. This paper reports the results of a controlled study focused on an online multi-component program on reducing stigma toward mental illness that included project-based learning, clinical simulations with standardized patients and E-Contact with real patients. A total of 40 undergraduate students from the Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile, participated in the study. They were randomly divided between an intervention and control group. The intervention group participated in the online multi-component program, while the control group participated in an online educational program on cardiovascular health. We assessed the impact of the program by using the validated Spanish-language versions of the Attribution Questionnaire AQ-27 and the Questionnaire on Student Attitudes toward Schizophrenia with both groups, before and after the intervention. In addition, an ad hoc Likert scale ranging from 0 to 5 was used with the intervention group in order to assess the learning strategies implemented. Following the intervention, the participants belonging to the intervention group displayed significantly lower levels of stereotypes, perception of dangerousness, and global score toward people with schizophrenia (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, participants presented lower levels of dangerousness-fear, avoidance, coercion, lack of solidarity, and global score (p &lt; 0.001). The control group displayed no statistically significant differences in the level of stigma before and after the evaluation, for all of the items assessed. Finally, the overall assessment of each of the components of the program was highly positive. In conclusion, the study shows that online programs can contribute to reducing stigma toward mental disorders. The program assessed in this study had a positive impact on all the dimensions of stigma and all of the components of the program itself were positively evaluated by the participants.

scholarly journals A Review of Diagnostic Impact of Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Clinical Practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 154-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yejin Kim ◽  
Paul Rosenberg ◽  
Esther Oh
Keyword(s):  
Positron Emission Tomography ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Pet Imaging ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Emission Tomography ◽  
Amyloid Pet ◽  
Diagnostic Confidence ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Amyloid Pet Imaging

Background: Molecular imaging of brain amyloid for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using positron emission tomography (PET) has been approved for use in clinical practice by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2012. However, the clinical utility and diagnostic impact of amyloid PET imaging remain controversial. We conducted a review of the recent studies investigating clinical utility of amyloid PET imaging with focus on changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and patient management. Summary: A total of 16 studies were included in the final analysis. Overall rate of changes in diagnosis after amyloid PET ranged from 9 to 68% (pooled estimate of 31%, 95% CI 23–39%). All studies reported overall increase in diagnostic confidence or diagnostic certainty after amyloid PET. Changes in patient management ranged from 37 to 87%; the most common type of change in management reported was either the initiation or discontinuation of planned AD medications. Key Messages: Amyloid PET imaging led to moderate to significant changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and subsequent patient management. It may be most useful in patients with high level of diagnostic uncertainty even after the completing the standard workup.

scholarly journals Combination Preemptive Peripheral Nerve Block in Limb Surgery. A Prospective Study

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 388
Author(s):  
I-Cheng Lu ◽  
Shu-Hung Huang ◽  
David Vi Lu ◽  
Chun Dan Hsu ◽  
Sheng Hua Wu
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Peripheral Nerve ◽  
Nerve Block ◽  
Peripheral Nerve Block ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Single Shot ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
The Impact

Background and objectives: Patients often suffer from moderate to severe pain during the early recovery period in orthopedic surgery. We investigated the impact of a single-shot preoperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) on post-anesthesia recovery parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 level during limb surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, and patients scheduled for limb surgery were recruited. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either the PNB group or control group, who received morphine as a primary analgesic. The peak verbal numeric rating scale (NRS) score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) was evaluated as a primary outcome. We also recorded rescue analgesics requirement and wake-up time from anesthesia in the PACU. In addition, the change of plasma IL-6 level after incision was measured. Results: Fifty-two patients completed the study, 27 and 25 cases in the PNB and control group, respectively. Preemptive PNB significantly reduced peak NRS score in the PACU compared to control group. Lower rescue analgesics requirement and rapid wake-up from anesthesia were also noted in PNB group. The IL-6 concentration increased less in the PNB group at 2 h after incision. Conclusions: Preemptive PNB attenuates IL-6 expression 2 h after incision and improves pain management in the PACU. PNB was considered as an essential part of pain management in limb surgery.

scholarly journals A Prospective Controlled Study of the Impact of Hyperthyroidism on Reproductive Function in Males

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (8) ◽  
pp. 3667-3671 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Krassas ◽  
N. Pontikides ◽  
V. Deligianni ◽  
K. Miras
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sperm Density ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Prospective Controlled Study

The aim of this prospective controlled study was to ascertain the effect of hyperthyroidism on sperm quality and composition. We studied 23 thyrotoxic male patients, aged 43.8 ± 2.4 yr (mean ± sem), and 15 healthy male controls of approximately the same age (42.2 ± 2.2 yr). Two semen analyses at intervals of 2–3 wk were obtained before and about 5 months after euthyroidism was achieved either by methimazole alone (14 patients) or 131I plus methimazole (9 patients). Total fructose, zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) were also measured in seminal plasma in 16 patients, because 7 had semen volume less than 2 ml. In the control group semen analysis was performed only once. Mean (±sem) semen volume was within normal range both in patients (3.3 ± 0.2 ml) and controls (3.5 ± 0.4 ml; P = NS). Mean sperm density was lower in patients, although the difference compared with controls did not reach statistical significance (35.7 ± 5.3 vs. 51.5 ± 6.1 × 106/ml; P = 0.062). The same was found with sperm morphology (68 ± 7% vs. 78 ± 8%; P = NS). Finally, mean motility was lower in thyrotoxic males than in controls (28 ± 8% vs. 57 ± 7%; P &lt; 0.01). After treatment, sperm density and motility improved [35.7 ± 5.3 vs. 43.3 ± 6.5 × 106/ml (P = NS) and 28 ± 8% vs. 45 ± 7% (P &lt; 0.05), respectively], but sperm morphology did not change (68 ± 7% vs. 70 ± 6%; P = NS). Mean values for fructose, Zn, and Mg did not differ between controls and patients either before or after achievement of euthyroidism [9.2 ± 0.7, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 4.2 ± 0.7 nmol/liter vs. 8.6 ± 0.9, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 4.7 ± 0.8 nmol/liter (patients before) and 9.1 ± 0.7, 3.1 ± 0.6, and 4.5 ± 0.9 nmol/liter (patients after treatment) for fructose, Zn, and Mg, respectively]. Moreover, according to the treatment given, no statistically significant differences were found before or after treatment. Finally, seminal plasma fructose, Zn, and Mg levels did not correlate with sperm parameters or with pretreatment thyroid hormone levels. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that male patients with hyperthyroidism have abnormalities in seminal parameters, mainly sperm motility. These abnormalities improve or normalize when the patients become euthyroid. Restoration of sperm parameters was independent of the treatment provided for the hyperthyroid syndrome. Moreover, seminal plasma elements, such as fructose, Zn, and Mg, did not correlate with sperm density, motility, or morphology.

Impact Of Prophylaxis With Defibrotide On The Occurrence Of Acute GvHD In Allogeneic HSCT

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4591-4591
Author(s):  
Selim Corbacioglu ◽  
Simone Cesaro ◽  
Maura Faraci ◽  
Bernd Gruhn ◽  
Jaap J Boelens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Gvhd ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Allogeneic Hsct ◽  
Adjusted Risk ◽  
Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽  
Grade Ii ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Background Acute GvHD (aGvHD) remains one of the most significant complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with a persistently high incidence despite a plethora of prophylactic approaches. The medical need for effective drugs to prevent aGvHD remains substantial. Methods A prospective, randomized, open-label controlled study has been conducted in 356 children at high-risk for hepatic VOD post-HSCT to demonstrate efficacy of prophylaxis with defibrotide (DF) to reduce the incidence of VOD (180 in the DF arm and 176 in the control arm [Corbacioglu, Lancet 2012]). A secondary objective of the study was to analyze the impact of DF prophylaxis on the incidence and severity of aGvHD. Among children undergoing allogeneic HSCT (allo-subset) 122 patients received DF prophylaxis and 117 were in the control arm. Results Demographic and baseline characteristics were similar in the DF and control arm of the allo-subset. Mean age (± SD) was 6.47±5.28 and 6.54±5.49 in DF arm and in the controls respectively, with 29% and 30% being <2 years; 64% and 58%, respectively, were males. Busulfan was used in conditioning in 62% and 64% of patients in the two arms, and melphalan in 60% and 53%, respectively. Grafts were from related donors in 40% and 30%, respectively, in DF and control arm. Prophylaxis with DF was shown to significantly reduce the occurrence and severity of aGvHD. At day+100 post-HSCT the incidence of aGvHD was 47% in the DF arm vs. 65% in the control group (p=0.0046). DF did not seem to affect the incidence of aGvHD grade I (25% vs 28%, respectively). However, Defibrotide showed a consistent reduction of the more severe grade II–IV aGvHD from 37% to 22% (p=0.0130). Of note the use of corticosteroids was significantly lower in patients receiving DF prophylaxis (37% vs 48% in control arm, p=0.0363), likely reflecting the lower incidence of aGvHD in the DF arm. This has also previously been observed in the treatment studies [Richardson, ASH 2012]. Standard GvHD prophylaxis was allowed according to best practice and was generally comparable (cyclosporine A: 81% vs. 89%; methotrexate: 46% vs. 56%; in DF and control arm, respectively). However, there was a difference in patients who received antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in the DF arm compared to controls (55% vs 70%). Exploratory analysis performed adjusting for ATG as covariate confirmed the significant effects of defibrotide [Adjusted Risk Difference (DF vs control) for aGvHD grade II–IV: -0.1470 (95%CI: -0.2618; -0.0322), p =0.0121]. Defibrotide did not seem to interfere with a graft-versus-leukemia effect. Relapse rates of combined leukemias were 8% (ALL 1.5%, AML 5%, others 1.5%) in DF group compared with 10% (ALL 3%, AML 7%) in controls by day +100; while 10% (ALL 1.5%, AML 7%, others 1.5%) patients in DF group relapsed by day +180 compared with 13% (ALL 8%, AML 5%) in the control arm. Conclusions The study shows that DF prophylaxis can reduce the incidence and severity of aGvHD in children undergoing allogeneic HSCT. This reduction observed with defibrotide is additional to standard GvHD prophylaxis that was fully implemented in these patients. Defibrotide has been reported to protect endothelial cells from damage as well as to downregulate heparanase activity. These clinical data would therefore suggest a benefit of defibrotide to reduce the incidence and severity of aGvHD. Further studies may be conducted to strengthen preclinical and clinical evidence for the role of defibrotide in aGvHD prevention. Ref: Corbacioglu S et al, Lancet 2012; 379:1301-9. Richardson PG et al, Blood 2012; 120:738. Disclosures: Corbacioglu: Gentium : Consultancy. Cesaro:Pfizer SpA: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria. Tudone:Gentium : Employment. Ballabio:Gentium : Employment. Heringa:Gentium S.p.A.: Employment.

scholarly journals The impact of virtual reality training on laparoscopic surgical skills; A prospective blinded controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Prashanth A T ◽  
Nishanth Lakshmikantha ◽  
Krish Lakshman
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Simulator Training ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vr Simulator

Background. Laparoscopic surgery has gained popularity in the last few decades replacing open standard techniques in several procedures. While its use and scope expand, a standardized method of training and assessment in laparoscopic skills is lacking. Aim. To assess the effect of virtual reality (VR) training on laparoscopic surgical skills. Materials and Methods. It is a prospective, controlled study conducted at Sagar Hospital’s skill lab and Shanthi Hospital and Research Centre (SHRC). We included 27 post graduates in general surgery. They were divided into two groups. One group underwent training in VR Simulator for one week, 30 minutes each day. The second group received no training. Their proficiency while mobilizing the Gallbladder from its liver bed was assessed using a validated scale by a single blinded observer. Results. The statistical analysis was done using a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test). Residents who underwent training in VR simulator got better scores in Overall rating and also in individual parameters when compared with the control group (P = <0.05). Conclusions. Laparoscopic surgical skills can be increased by using proficiency-based VR simulator training and it can be transferred to actual operations. VR simulators are a valid tool for laparoscopic surgical skills training.

scholarly journals Music intervention affects the quality of life on Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingyan Zuo ◽  
Fengting Zhu ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Hongyan Shuai ◽  
Xin Yu
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Review Question ◽  
Intervention Modality ◽  
The Impact

Review question / Objective: Inclusion criteria: population: 1) A randomized controlled study on the impact of music intervention on the QOL of patients with AD; 2) The participants in this study is patients with AD; 3) There is no significant difference among age, gender and education background in sorted groups before analysis which make these groups comparable; intervention: 1)Intervention Modality Music-based intervention; comparison: 1) All data were sorted into two groups: the music intervention group and the control group without any music intervention; outcome: 1) The indicators evaluated in the literature included the score of QOL-AD or WHOQOL-BERF scale, at least one of the two scales summarized in selected publications; language: 1) Only articles published in English and Chinese were considered. Exclusion criteria: 1) The participants were not diagnosed with AD; 2) Non-musical intervention;3) Non-RCTs; 4) No specific values for outcome variables; 5) Articles lacking original data; 6) Repeat published reports; 7) Full text could not be obtained.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document