Usefulness of an Intrapartum Ultrasound Simulator (IUSim™) for Midwife Training: Results from an RCT

Introduction: We conducted a randomized study to determine whether a training session on a dedicated simulator (IUSim™) would facilitate the midwives in learning the technique of transperineal intrapartum ultrasound. Methods: Following a 30-min multimedia presentation including images and videos on how to obtain and measure the angle of progression (AoP) and the head-perineum distance (HPD), 6 midwives with no prior experience in intrapartum ultrasound were randomly split into 2 groups: 3 of them were assigned to the “training group” and 3 to the “control group.” The midwives belonging to the former group were taught to measure the 2 sonographic parameters during a 3-h practical session conducted on IUSim™ under the supervision of an expert obstetrician. In the following 3 months, all the 6 midwives were asked to independently perform transperineal ultrasound during their clinical practice and to measure on the acquired images either the AoP or the HPD. The sonographic images were examined in blind by the teaching obstetrician who assigned a 0–3 score to the image quality (IQS) and to the measurement quality (MQS). Results: A total of 48 ultrasound images (24 patients) from 5 midwives were acquired and included in the study analysis. A midwife of the “training group” declined participation after the practical session. Independently from the randomization group, the image quality score (IQS + MQS) was significantly higher for the HPD compared with the AoP (2.5 ± 0.66 vs. 1.79 ± 1.14; p = 0.01). In the training group, the MQS of either AoP (2.66 ± 0.5 vs.1.46 ± 1.45. p = 0.038) and the HPD (2.9 ± 0.33 vs. 1.87 ± 0.83 p = 0.002) was significantly higher in comparison with the control group, while the IQS of both measurements was comparable between the 2 groups (1.91 ± 1.24 vs. 2.25 ± 0.865; p = 0.28). Conclusion: The use of a dedicated simulator may facilitate the midwives in learning how to measure the AoP and the HPD on transperineal ultrasound images.

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Benefits of aerobic training in girls with precocious puberty: involvement of CRP and cortisol

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2018-0484 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (9) ◽

pp. 1005-1011 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ali Heidarianpour ◽

Elnaz Shokri ◽

Tayebe Baghian ◽

Behnaz Shokri

Keyword(s):

Precocious Puberty ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Aerobic Training ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Group ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cortisol Levels ◽

Serum Crp

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic training, 4 weeks of detraining and use gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and cortisol levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Methods Forty-five girls (aged 6–8 years) with precocious puberty were randomly divided into three groups (medication, training and medicine + training groups). Fifteen healthy girls (without precocious puberty) were also included as the control group. Serum CRP and cortisol levels were measured at baseline by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Then, the experimental groups performed an aerobic training program for 3 days/week 20–75 min per day at 45–75% maximum heart rate for 12 weeks. The medication groups also received GnRHa during the study, once a month (1 mL every 4 weeks) by intramuscular injection. Serum CRP and cortisol levels were measured again 48 h after the last training session and also after 4 weeks of detraining. Results Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures showed a significant decrease in CRP (p = 0.02) and cortisol levels (p = 0.01) in the training group and the medicine + training group. Detraining led to return of CRP and cortisol levels to the pre-training levels (p = 0.001). No significant difference in serum CRP (p = 0.43) and cortisol levels (p = 0.06) was observed in the medication group. Further, no significant difference was observed between groups in CRP and cortisol. Conclusions Long-term regular moderate training decreases inflammation indices, and detraining eliminates the benefits of training in girls with precocious puberty.

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Effects of Aerobic Exercise on the Physical Performance and Incidence of Treatment-Related Complications After High-Dose Chemotherapy

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v90.9.3390 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 90 (9) ◽

pp. 3390-3394 ◽

Cited By ~ 268

Author(s):

Fernando Dimeo ◽

Sebastian Fetscher ◽

Winand Lange ◽

Roland Mertelsmann ◽

Joseph Keul

Keyword(s):

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Interval Training ◽

Training Group ◽

High Dose Chemotherapy ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose

Abstract Loss of physical performance is a universal problem of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We postulated that this impairment can be partially prevented by aerobic exercise. In a randomized study, 33 cancer patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (training group, T) performed an exercise program consisting of biking on an ergometer in the supine position after an interval-training pattern for 30 minutes daily during hospitalization. Patients in the control group (C, n = 37) did not train. Maximal physical performance was assessed with a treadmill test by admission and discharge. Physical performance of the two groups was not different on admission. The decrement in performance during hospitalization was 27% greater in the control group than in the training group (P = .05); this resulted in a significantly higher maximal physical performance at discharge in the trained patients (P = .04). Duration of neutropenia (P = .01) and thrombopenia (P = .06), severity of diarrhea (P = .04), severity of pain (P = .01), and duration of hospitalization (P = .03) were reduced in the training group. We conclude that aerobic exercise can be safely carried out immediately after high-dose chemotherapy and can partially prevent loss of physical performance. Based on the potential significance of the observed outcomes, further studies are warranted to confirm our results.

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Image quality of 16-slice computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with complete left bundle branch block

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina45010003 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 14

Author(s):

Antanas Jankauskas ◽

Jurgita Zaveckienė ◽

Gabija Pundziūtė ◽

Rimvydas Šlapikas ◽

Algidas Basevičius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Image Quality ◽

Coronary Angiography ◽

Left Bundle Branch Block ◽

Multislice Computed Tomography ◽

Quality Score ◽

Control Group ◽

Bundle Branch Block

Objective. Noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with left bundle branch block is challenging. Multislice computed tomography can be useful in this population; however, quality of images depends on the patterns of myocardial contractions. We investigated the influence of left bundle branch block on image quality of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography. Materials and methods. Multislice computed tomography coronary angiography was performed in 30 patients with left bundle branch block and 30 patients without conduction disturbances. Image quality of each coronary segment was visually assessed and rated on a five-point scale (1=highest quality). Results. Average image quality score in the best cardiac cycle phase did not differ significantly between groups (1.71±0.59 in the left bundle branch block group vs. 1.60±0.57 in the control group, P=0.46). In the left bundle branch block group, a significantly lower image quality score was observed in end-systolic cardiac phase (2.67±0.6 vs. 2.22±0.65 in the control group, P=0.007), whereas no difference was demonstrated in mid-diastolic phase (1.73±0.6 vs. 1.69±0.66 in the control group, P=0.81). After image assessment in multiple cardiac phases, an increase in image quality score was higher in the left bundle branch block than in the control group (0.2±0.17 vs. 0.11±0.14, P=0.003). A negative correlation was observed between image quality score and both the heart rate and heart rate variability in both groups (P<0.001). Conclusion. A nonsignificantly lower overall image quality of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography was demonstrated in the left bundle branch block group. In the presence of left bundle branch block, image quality in the end-systolic phase was significantly lower. Image assessment in multiple phases increased overall image quality and is therefore advisable in patients with left bundle branch block. Increased heart rate and heart rate variability worsened image quality in both groups.

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Investigating Cognitive Performance Deficits in Male and Female Soccer Players after a 4-week Heading- Training Programme: A Controlled Study

Brain Impairment ◽

10.1017/brimp.2017.4 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 133-140

Author(s):

Petra Jansen ◽

Jennifer Lehmann

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Performance ◽

Training Session ◽

Test Group ◽

Training Group ◽

Training Programme ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Performance Deficits ◽

Visual Spatial

This experimental study with a controlled pre-test and post-test group design investigated the possible effects of four sessions of heading training on cognitive performance. A total of 118 participants (mean age of 22.25 years) were assigned to one of the three following groups: a heading-training group, a passing-training group and a waiting control group. The participants completed a cognitive test battery of attention (D2-test), working memory (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task, PASAT-2) and visual spatial intelligence (Mental Rotation Test) tests before, immediately after the second training session and one week after the fourth training session. There were no between-group differences in cognitive performance after the second or the fourth heading training sessions. However, within the heading-training group, women complained more of headaches than men after the fourth training session. These results build on the results from the study of Rieder and Jansen (2011) that showed no neuropsychological consequences after one heading session, showing no cumulative effects of repeat heading.

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The effect of 10 weeks endurance training on protein levels of NF-kB and gene expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in cardiac myocytes of female

Medical Journal of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services ◽

10.34172/mj.2021.038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 134-141

Author(s):

Naiemeh Yazdan Shenas ◽

Maghsoud Peeri ◽

Maryam Delfan

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Gene Expression ◽

Endurance Training ◽

Cardiac Myocyte ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Group ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Control Group ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Cardiac Atrophy

Background: Cardiac atrophy is the most important complications resulted by cancer Given the role of exercise in protecting against cancer complications, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 10 weeks of endurance training on protein levels of NF-kB and gene expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in cardiac myocyte of female Balb/C mic with breast cancer. Methods: The present study was an experimental study. Twelve female BALB/c mice after inducing breast cancer were randomly divided into two groups (n=6) including endurance training group (E) and the control group (C). E group performed 65 min at a constant running speed corresponding to 60% vVo2max at 15% inclination, ten weeks (five days a week). The Left ventricular of animals was extracted 24h following the last training session. Protein levels of NF-kB and gene expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 were determined by, respectively, western blot and qReal-time PCR. Statistic data values also were measured by independent samples t-test at the 0.05 levels of significance. Results: The results of the present study showed a significant decreased in cardiac protein levels of NF-kB (p<0.001) and cardiac gene expression of Atrogin-1 (p<0.001) and MuRF-1 (p=0.003) in comparison with control group. Endurance training group had significantly greater heart weights compared to control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: it seems that 10 weeks of endurance training possibly affect mechanisms involved in cancer-induced cardiac atrophy such as NF-kB/Atrogin-1/MuRF-1 axis results in decreasing cardiac atrophy in mice with breast cancer.

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Selective neuromodulation induced by alpha-based neurofeedback learning: A double-blind randomized study

10.1101/2020.12.02.406173 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fanny Grosselin ◽

Audrey Breton ◽

Lydia Yahia-Cherif ◽

Xi Wang ◽

Giuseppe Spinelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Activity ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Training Group ◽

Alpha Activity ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Double Blind Study ◽

List Type ◽

Double Blind ◽

Wearable Eeg

AbstractBackgroundThe neuromodulation induced by neurofeedback training (NFT) remains a matter of debate. Investigating the modulation of brain activity specifically associated with NF requires controlling for multiple factors, such as reward, performance, congruency between task and targeted brain activity. This can be achieved using sham feedback (FB) control condition, equating all aspects of the experiment but the closed-loop between brain activity and FB.ObjectiveWe aimed at investigating the modulation of individual alpha EEG activity induced by NFT in a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study.MethodsForty-eight healthy participants were assigned to either NF (n=25) or control (n=23) group and performed 12 NFT sessions of alpha upregulation with a wearable EEG device. Participants of the NF group received FB based on their individual alpha activity. The control group received the auditory FB of participants of the NF group.ResultsAn increase of alpha activity across training sessions was observed in the NF group only (p<0.001). This neuromodulation was selective in that it was not observed for theta (4-8Hz) and low beta (13-18Hz) activities. It was associated with an increased feeling of control (p<0.001), more marked for NF than control group. Anxiety level decreased and relaxation feeling increased with training in both groups.ConclusionsNFT across multiple sessions can induce specific brain modulation, suggesting a neuroplasticity selective of the targeted brain activity. Our results pave the way to self-learnt, NF-based neuromodulation with light-weighted, wearable EEG systems for various applications (e.g. epilepsy, sleep, attention).HighlightsRandomized double-blind study of neuromodulation induced by EEG-neurofeedback (NF)Sham feedback (FB) was used for the control groupTargeted alpha activity increased selectively over the 12 NF training sessionsThis neuromodulation was observed only in the real NF training groupThe feeling of control across sessions increased more for real than sham FB group

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The effects of circuit resistance training on plasma progranulin level, insulin resistance and body composition in obese men

Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation ◽

10.1515/hmbci-2019-0050 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Alireza Safarzade ◽

Hamid Alizadeh ◽

Zainab Bastani

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Body Composition ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Body Mass ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Model Assessment ◽

Circuit Resistance Training ◽

Circuit Resistance

AbstractBackgroundProgranulin (PGRN) is implicated in obesity and insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of circuit resistance training (CRT) on plasma PGRN, IR and body composition in obese men.Materials and methodsTwenty-eight healthy obese men [age: 36 ± 7.7 years, body weight (BW): 96.4 ± 15.6 kg, body mass index (BMI): 32.4 ± 4.5 kg/m2] completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of control and training. Subjects in the training group underwent training for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Blood samples and anthropometric characteristics were taken before the commencement of the exercise protocol and 72 h after the last training session. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to measure IR.ResultsBW, BF%, BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), HOMA-IR and plasma PGRN levels except lean body mass (LBM) were significantly reduced in the training group (p < 0.05). Additionally, except for LBM, subjects in the training group had significantly decreased BW, BF%, BMI, WHR, HOMA-IR and plasma PGRN levels compared to changes in those in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the changes in plasma PGRN and the changes in insulin, HOMA-IR and BMI (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings showed that 8 weeks of CRT improved body composition and IR which were accompanied by reduced plasma PGRN levels. This study suggests that CRT has the potential for obese individuals to counteract obesity-associated health impairments.

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The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Endostatin Levels in Patients With Atherosclerosis After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences ◽

10.32598/jams.23.4.6101.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 498-511

Author(s):

Seyed Hadi Seyedi ◽

◽

Rambod Khajei ◽

Amir Rashid Lamir ◽

Mohammad Reza Ramazan Poor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Coronary Artery Bypass ◽

Artery Bypass ◽

Bypass Graft ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Group ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Angiogenic Factor ◽

Control Group

Background and Aim: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death and mortality in todaychr('39')s societies. Physical activity increases some of the influential factors for this disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance training on endostatin in patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). Methods & Materials: The study participants were 24 male patients who were randomly divided into the experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups with Mean±SD age of 55.37±6.90 years, weight 75.45±5.87 kg, height 173.27±3.36 cm and body mass index of 25.11±1.55 kg/m2. The experimental group performed 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance training (3 sessions per week and 1.5 hours per session) based on the measurements, while the control group did not exercise during this period. To measure endostatin concentrations, blood samples were taken 48 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session while all subjects were fasting. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test to normalize the data and Student t-test in independent and correlated groups at the significant level of 0.05. Ethical Considerations: This article was ethically approved by Azad University of Neyshabur (Ethics Code IR.IAU.NEYSHABUR.REC.1398.018) and with the Clinical Trial Code IRCT20191228045916N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Results: The present study showed that the aerobic and resistance training group significantly decreased endostatin concentrations (P=0.001) (t=1.672) compared with the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings, aerobic and resistance training decreases endostatin concentrations, known as an anti-angiogenic factor.

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Risk Factors of Tumor Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Related Thrombosis and Nursing Intervention Analysis Mediated by Algorithm-Based Ultrasound Images

Scientific Programming ◽

10.1155/2021/7295093 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Lifei Chen ◽

Yingying Hu

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Image Quality ◽

Nursing Intervention ◽

Control Group ◽

Ultrasound Images ◽

Axillary Vein ◽

Observation Group ◽

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter ◽

Central Catheter ◽

Tumor Patients

This paper aimed to explore the risk factors of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) related thrombosis (PICC-RT) in tumor patients mediated by ultrasound images under minimum variance (MV) algorithm and put forward the corresponding nursing intervention methods based on the risk factors. The smoothing algorithm, diagonal loading algorithm, and coherence factor algorithm were optimized via MV algorithm. The optimized algorithm was compared with other algorithms to analyze its image quality and image processing speed. Literature retrieval was conducted to analyze the risk factors of PICC-RT in tumor patients. Tumor patients who received PICC for chemotherapy in the hospital from June 2018 to December 2019 were selected. Patients who were accepted before the experiment were taken as the controls, and there were control group (89 cases) and observation group (91 cases). Exercise, average flow rate of axillary vein per unit time, and PICC-RT were compared between the two groups. The results showed that the optimized algorithm (MV-N) had better image resolution, image contrast, and calculation speed than other algorithms. Gender, body mass index (BMI), pathological type, clinical stage, disease history, fibrinogen (FIB), and use of anticoagulant drugs were risk factors for PICC-RT in tumor patients. The number of PICC-RT and complications in the observation group was notably lower in contrast to the control group ( P < 0.05 ). It indicated that a novel algorithm was successfully established, which could increase the ultrasonic image quality and computing speed, and upper limb exercise could reduce the incidence of PICC-RT and its complications in tumor patients.

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Auditory training app validation

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa040.027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

F Maia ◽

V Jesus ◽

C Mateus ◽

S Paulo ◽

L Marcelino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Processing ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Group ◽

Auditory Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Digital Platforms ◽

Speech Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Filtered Speech ◽

Adverse Environments

Abstract Introduction One of the main hearing complaints is the difficulty to perceive speech in noisy environments. This complaint gets worse with ageing at which cognitive processing speed slows and/or when hearing loss is present. An auditory training can improve speech perception in adverse environments. The use of auditory training software on various digital platforms is becoming a reality. Objectives To validate the auditory training app in European Portuguese with individuals aged between 55 and 64 years old with an approximate average of 20dB of hearing thresholds. Methodology The sample consists in two groups of seven individuals without cognitive problems. One of the groups performed eight auditory training sessions with the application for a period of four weeks and the other group (the control group) did not perform any auditory training session. The evaluation was made in all the individuals with the filtered speech test. The training group was evaluated before, immediately after and after four weeks of the auditory training sessions and the control group was evaluated after four weeks. Results Statistically there is a significant difference between before and immediately after the auditory training in the filtered speech test (p = 0.018). Four weeks after the end of the training the performance of each individual was the same. In the control group there were no significant differences between the two evaluation moments. Conclusion The EVOLLU auditory training app promotes an improvement in the perception of the word in adverse environments that continues even after some time. This is a sign that individuals are applying that learning into their day to day living. The Evollu application can and should be used in the auditory training of individuals aged between 55 to 64 years old.

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