Pilot evaluation of a partner-supported online reading intervention for Grade 3–6 children

2021 ◽  
pp. 026565902198940
Author(s):  
Jessica Dean ◽  
Michelle Pascoe ◽  
Jane le Roux
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Reading Intervention ◽  
Reading Difficulties ◽  
Reading Rate ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Reading Accuracy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Reading Partners ◽  
And Control

Information and communication technology (ICT)-based reading interventions have potential to help children with reading difficulties, especially those in resource-constrained environments who otherwise might not have access to support. This pilot study aimed to describe the impact of an online, partner-supported reading intervention designed for South African children with reading difficulties. Objectives were to qualitatively describe participants’ experience of the intervention, and quantitatively evaluate changes in reading accuracy, rate, comprehension and receptive vocabulary after intervention. Two studies were conducted: (1) A retrospective analysis using data from intervention in mainstream Cape Town schools with peers as reading partners; (2) A prospective study in a Cape Town school with special needs educational provision where speech-language therapists served as reading partners. Both studies used matched participant, pre/post intervention designs. A total of 40 children in grades 3 to 6 participated. In each study the intervention group ( n = 20) received intervention 3 times per week (30 minutes per session) for 10 weeks, while the control group ( n = 20) continued with regular school activities. Participants enjoyed the ICT-based intervention, valued the role of the reading partners, believed they had made literacy gains, and reported positive attitudinal and behavioural changes related to reading. Retrospective analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups. The prospective study found a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups’ gains on one measure of reading rate, but no significant difference in reading accuracy, vocabulary or reading comprehension gains. The study provides a preliminary description of one ICT-based reading intervention. Although an intervention effect could not be demonstrated, the changes noted in reading rate together with qualitative findings suggest a need for further research.

Experience and outcomes of the Acute Leukemia Shared-Care Program.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 184-184
Author(s):  
Amanda Wong ◽  
Audrey Wong ◽  
Cassandra McKay ◽  
Bryan Maguire ◽  
Mindaugas Mozuraitis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Leukemia ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Shared Care ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

184 Background: Acute leukemia (AL) is a rapidly progressive disease requiring timely and intensive treatment. Historically, care for approximately 50% of AL patients in Ontario, Canada has been centralized resulting in significant resource pressures at the specialized center and travel pressures on patients and caregivers. The AL Shared-Care Program was launched in 2014 to enable delivery of appropriate portions of care at an AL Service Site and Partner Cancer Center closer to the patient’s home. Methods: The impact of the Program was evaluated through provider interviews (n = 22) and the Patient Experience Survey which included 20 non-shared-care (control) and 26 shared-care (intervention) patients. A retrospective analysis of 332 control and 70 intervention patients was used to evaluate the Program’s impact on travel, survival outcomes, and resource utilization. Results: Retrospective analysis revealed that an average intervention group patient saved a median round trip travel distance of 115 km [IQR: 88-179] and time of 91 min [IQR: 62-141]. 91% of health care providers reported that the Program provided person-centered care. Patients reported positive experiences with no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in coordination of care (81% vs 90%, p = 0.39), overall care (88% vs 100%, p = 0.12), and experience (85% vs 90%, p = 0.60). There was no statistically significant correlation between patient satisfaction scores and patient-reported health status (r = 0.10, p = 0.51) and state of health (r = 0.03, p = 0.87). There was no significant difference in survival between groups (HR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.49, 1.13], p = 0.16). Finally, system cost estimated based on emergency department visits, admissions for febrile neutropenia, and follow-up clinic visits showed that there was no statistically significant difference in average monthly cost per patient between the intervention and control groups ($943 vs $1,197 respectively, p = 0.48). Conclusions: The AL Shared-Care Program reduced the travel burden for patients and caregivers without negatively impacting provider and patient experience, survival and system costs. Findings of this work will support the expansion of the Program to additional sites.

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.

Stick Figure and Think, Talk And Write: Integrating Media With Teaching Strategy For A Better Writing Competence

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Eva Sudarwati ◽  
Shynta Amalia
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
T Test ◽  
Narrative Writing ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Stick Figure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
And Control ◽  
Writing Competence

Abstract This study attempts to see the effect of Think, Talk, and Write strategy on the students’ narrative writing competence. Considering the importance of the use of teaching media, this study tries to integrate Stick Figure as a teaching media in Think, Talk, and Write Strategy. A quasi experimental study was conducted to see the improvement of the students’ narrative writing competence. It involved 42 students who were selected on the basis of convenience sampling and assigned into two groups; experimental and control groups. The statistical analyses of paired sample t-test in experimental group showed that there was significant improvement on the students’ writing competence before (M=5.77, SD= 2.342) and after (M= 11.79, SD= 2.342), t(21)=12.059, p<0.05.Moreover, the result of independent t-test between experimental and control groups showed a significant difference. It can be seen that the mean differences was 3.79545 and the significance value is lower than 0.05, 0.000<0.05.

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.

Investigation of the Association Between Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and Cardiac Risk Factors in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Zahra Rezaieyazdi ◽  
Sima Sedighi ◽  
Masoumeh Salari ◽  
Mohammadreza H. Fard ◽  
Mahmoud R. Azarpazhooh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Background: The relationship between SLE and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events was evaluated. Methods: The data regarding sixty patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls (age and sex matched) were gathered using SLEDAI forms. Venous blood (10mL) from all the participants was examined for hs-CRP, homocysteine, VCAM1, CBC, anti-DNA antibody, C3, C4, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, FBS and triglyceride. : The IMT of carotid arteries was determined bilaterally by ultrasound. Other measurements included insulin levels via Elisa (Linco/Millipore Corp) and the HOMA-IR index for insulin resistance. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. : The average IMT in the test group was directly related to serum levels of VCAM1 (p<0.001), homocysteine (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.009), LDL (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001), and FPG (p=0.004). The association between other risk factors, insulin resistance, carotid IMT and SLEDAI, was nonexistent. Mean insulin and insulin resistance levels in all the participants were 0.43±2.06 µU/mL and 0.09±0.44, respectively. There was no significant difference between the test and control groups regarding serum insulin and insulin resistance levels (p=0.42 and p=0.9, respectively). None of the risk factors, such as hsCRP, VCAM1, or homocysteine, were shown to be related to insulin resistance (p=0.6, p=0.6, p=0.09, respectively). Conclusion:: Our findings did not show an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. There was no association between IMT and insulin resistance. However, the former was associated with FPG, total cholesterol, LDL, TG, homocystein and VCAM1.

The possible regulatory mechanisms of aqueous, ethyl acetate and nhexane fractions of the Ribes khorassanicum extract on acute hypertension in rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Mohebbati ◽  
Yasamin Kamkar-De ◽  
Mohammad Naser Shafei
Keyword(s):  
Ethyl Acetate ◽  
Antihypertensive Effect ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Hypertensive Rats ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Acute Hypertension ◽  
The North ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Objective: Our previous studies showed the antihypertensive effect of Ribes khorassanicum (R. khorassanicum), a medicinal herb growing in the North Khorasan Province of Iran. For further evaluation, the present study investigated the effect of n-hexane (HX), ethyl acetate (EA), and aqueous (AQ) fractions of hydroalcoholic R. khorassanicum extract on cardiovascular responses in angiotensin II (AngII) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive rats. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 11 groups (n=5): 1) control, 2) AngII (50 ng/kg, i.v), 3) AngII + losartan (10 mg/kg, i.p), 4) L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v), 5) L-NAME+ sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (50 mg/kg, i.p), 6,7,8) one dose of each fraction of R. khorassanicum (AQ/EA/HX (50 mg/kg, i.p)) +AngII, and 9,10,11) one dose of each fraction of R. khorassanicum (AQ/EA/HX (50 mg/kg, i.p)) + L-NAME. Treated rats received three fractions 30 min before the injection of L-NAME and AngII in separate groups. The cardiovascular parameters were recorded by the Power Lab instrument via an angiocath inserted into the femoral artery. The peak changes (∆) of mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) in treated groups were compared with those of the hypertensive and control groups. Result: AngII and L-NAME significantly increased ∆MAP and ∆SBP and attenuated by pretreatment of LOS and SNP, respectively. Pretreatment with polar (AQ) and semipolar (EA) fractions of R. khorassanicum reduced the peak changes of MAP and SBP in both AngII and L-NAME-treated groups. Only the fraction of the herb attenuated the HR increased in the L-NAME group. The HR in other groups did not demonstrate any significant difference. Conclusion: All fractions of R. khorassanicum have an antihypertensive effect. However, the effect of polar fractions is more salient. It is also conceivable that the antihypertensive effect of fractions is mostly mediated by the inhibition of AngII.

scholarly journals Ayurveda Body–Mind Constitutional Types and Role of Yoga Intervention Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Population of Chandigarh and Panchkula Regions

2021 ◽  
pp. 097275312110000
Author(s):  
Madhava Sai Sivapuram ◽  
Vinod Srivastava ◽  
Navneet Kaur ◽  
Akshay Anand ◽  
Raghuram Nagarathna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Lipid Profiles ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Yoga Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Background: Type 2 diabetes needs a better understanding of etiological factors and management strategies based on lifestyle and constitutional factors, given its high association rate with many cardiovascular, neurological disorders, and COVID-19 infection. Purpose: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Diabetes-specific integrated Yoga lifestyle Protocol (DYP) on glycemic control and lipid profiles of diabetic adults. Along with the DYP intervention, the individuals residing in Chandigarh and Panchkula union territories in the northern part of India were assessed for Ayurveda-based body–mind constitutional type. Ayurveda describes body–mind constitution as “ prakriti,” which has been discussed from two angles, namely physiological and psychological as body and mind are correlated. Methods: Cluster sampling of waitlist control study subjects was used as the sampling method for the study. A total of 1,215 registered subjects (81 diabetic) responded in randomly selected clusters in Chandigarh and Panchkula. Ayurveda physicians did Ayurveda body–mind constitutional assessment called prakriti assessment (physiological body–mind constitution assessment) in 35 participants (23 diabetic, 12 prediabetic) as a part of the study. Results: A group of 50 subjects was randomly selected for yoga intervention out of 81 diabetes mellitus adults, and 31 subjects were enrolled as waitlist controls. A significant decrease in the glycosylated hemoglobin levels from 8.49 ± 1.94% to 7.97 ± 2.20% in the intervention group was noticed. The lipid profiles of the DYP intervention and control groups were monitored. Three-month follow-up results of lipid profile diagnostic tests in intervention and control groups showed a significant difference between the two groups ( P < 0.05). Most diabetic and prediabetic individuals were found to have pitta dosha ( pitta controls all heat, metabolism, and transformation in the mind and body) as dominant constitution type. Conclusion: The study results demonstrated significant positive effects of yoga in diabetic individuals. This study has indicated the evidence for the safety and efficacy of the validated DYP for community-level interventions to prevent maladies like brain damage and stroke.

457 The Impact of PAP Therapy on Hematocrit in OSA and Polycythemia: A Pilot Study

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A180-A181
Author(s):  
Mustafa Jafri ◽  
Gabrielle Rosa-Acosta ◽  
Jose Flores Martinez ◽  
Elizabeth Schofield ◽  
Cy Wilkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Event Analysis ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Testosterone Therapy ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Testosterone Administration ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Untreated polycythemia leads to complications including thrombosis. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly associated with secondary erythrocytosis, which testosterone therapy can perpetuate. Effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) on elevated hematocrit (HCT) is unknown. We hypothesize PAP adherence can reduce HCT in men with OSA and polycythemia. Methods Retrospective chart review of male outpatients with newly diagnosed OSA and HCT≥45% at or 3 months before polysomnography (PSG) was conducted. Intervention group consisted of patients initiating PAP for OSA. HCT within 6 months of PAP initiation and PSG were recorded for intervention and control groups, respectively. Primary endpoint was time-to-HCT reduction of HCT&lt;50% plus 3% decrease. Cox proportional-hazards analysis was used to assess time-to-HCT response. Demographics, smoking history, testosterone administration, STOP-Bang score, AHI, and PAP compliance data were obtained. Patients excluded if PAP not indicated, or if PSG, PAP compliance, or repeat HCT were unavailable. Results 41 men with OSA had HCT≥45%, of which 16 had HCT≥50%. Median age was 60 years and median BMI was 32 kg/m2. 28 started PAP. 21 met definition for PAP compliance within 6 months. Median AHI of intervention and control groups were 23 and 19 events/hr, respectively. Mean baseline HCT of both groups were 49 and 50, respectively. No significant difference in age, BMI, smoking history, testosterone therapy, and baseline HCT between both groups noted. 39% of intervention group exhibited HCT response at 1 or more longitudinal assessments, versus 38% of control. Intervention group had higher mean STOP-Bang than control (mean 5.9 vs. 4.6, p=0.01) and trended towards higher mean baseline AHI (27.4 vs. 19.0, p= 0.06). Time-to-event analysis controlling for STOP-Bang and AHI demonstrated PAP was not associated with time-to-HCT response (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.4–4.4). In moderate-severe OSA patients, 40% of intervention group had HCT response compared to 14% of control, though difference was not significant (HR = 2.5, 95% CI = 0.3–20.0). Conclusion Moderate-severe OSA patients trended towards reduction in HCT with PAP, although not statistically significant. Testosterone administration did not affect HCT response to PAP in this cohort. Larger studies are required to determine HCT response to PAP in these patients. Support (if any):

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.

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