Evaluation of Compression Therapy: Comparison of Three Sub-bandage Pressure Measuring Devices

Objective: To compare the consistency of the pressure measurements and the practical aspects of three manometers (Salzman MST; Oxford Talley and Diastron) measuring sub-bandage pressures. Methods: Five bandages (tubular elastic straight, tubular elastic graduated, short stretch non-elastic, long stretch elastic, cohesive elastic) were applied to standard models comprising foam-covered 9.5 cm, 12.5 cm diameter plastic tubes and a cone by a single expert bandager using a standard spiral technique with 50% overlap for the non-tubular bandages (NTB). The probes of all three machines were positioned at equidistant points around the circumference of each model at three levels corresponding to the ankle, gaiter and mid-calf measuring points of the MST probe. Two readings were taken for each of three separate applications of each bandage. Statistical analysis utilised ANOVA with Bartlett's test. Results. A total of 135 readings were made for each machine and 81 for each type of bandage. Mean pressures among the five bandages types ranged from 12.2 to 35.5 mmHg. A pressure gradient was apparent when NTB bandaging the straight tubes (means 24.7, 23.5, 22.4 mmHg) but not with the cone. There was a statistically significant difference between the three machines (Bartlett's test 23.6, p<0.0001), with the lowest variances for the MST and similar variances for the Oxford and Diastron. Conclusion. In terms of measurement variance this experiment indicates that the MST is the preferred machine for future experiments.

Download Full-text

A comparison of CAT Doppler and oscillometric Memoprint machines for non-invasive blood pressure measurement in conscious cats

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.jfms.2004.08.003 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 147-152 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Rosanne E. Jepson ◽

Vivien Hartley ◽

Michael Mendl ◽

Sarah ME Caney ◽

David J Gould

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽

Blood Pressure Measurement ◽

Systemic Hypertension ◽

Pressure Measurements ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Measuring Devices ◽

Oscillometric Device ◽

Significant Difference

Indirect blood pressure measurements were compared in 28 conscious cats using Doppler and oscillometric blood pressure-measuring devices. Ten cats were used to compare Doppler measurements between two examiners and 18 cats were used to compare Doppler and oscillometric measurements. The Doppler machine obtained systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings in 100% and 51% of attempts, respectively. With the oscillometric machine, systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were obtained in 52% of the attempts. With the Doppler, measures of mean systolic blood pressure between two examiners were positively correlated, but there was no correlation for diastolic blood pressure measures. When comparing the results obtained by Doppler and oscillometric machines there was no significant difference between mean systolic blood pressure readings, but the oscillometric machine produced significantly higher estimates of diastolic blood pressure. In both cases, the standard deviations for the oscillometric machine were considerably larger than those for the Doppler machine. The first reading of systolic blood pressure obtained with the Doppler machine was an excellent predictor of the mean of five readings, but this was not so for the oscillometric machine. It took less than 5 min to obtain five readings in 37.5% of cases with the Doppler machine but this was true for only 5% of cases with the oscillometric machine. Two cats with ophthalmological lesions consistent with systemic hypertension were identified. In these two patients, systolic blood pressure measurements were between 200 and 225 mmHg when measured by Doppler, and between 140 and 150 mmHg when measured by the oscillometric machine. This suggests that a lower reference range for normal systolic blood pressure values should be used for the oscillometric device.

Download Full-text

Auswirkungen von Körperhaltung und Bewegungen von Kompressionsstrümpfen an verschiedenen Stellen an den Beinen

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526.28.3.190 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 190-194 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Hirai

Keyword(s):

Pressure Drop ◽

Pressure Gradient ◽

Supine Position ◽

Compression Therapy ◽

Standing Position ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Normal Volunteers ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Elastic Stockings ◽

Elastic Stocking

Background: In compression therapy, the importance of the degree of pressure has been emphasized. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of posture and exercise on the compression at different sites of the leg. Patients and methods: In 16 normal volunteers, the pressure was determined simultaneously at 5 sites on the leg during lying, sitting, standing, walking, running, knee-bending exercise and squatting using an air pack type analyzer. Pressure was measured under 3 experimental conditions: with a thigh-length gradient stocking, with foam rubber pads included under the elastic stocking, and after removal of both elastic stocking and compression pads. Results: When the stocking was worn, a pressure gradient was observed in the proximal direction during the sequence from the supine position to running. When the pads were included, the pressure in the supine position was significantly elevated at all sites examined, and the graduated pressure drop was also maintained from supine position to running. However, the pressure at the tibia was significantly higher than that at the gastrocnemius in both supine and sitting positions when the pads were used, while no significant difference was observed between both sites in the standing position. A marked increase in pressure at the ankle, gastrocnemius, and hollow of the knee was observed during squatting when the stocking was worn either with or without pads, while a significant decrease in pressure was observed at the tibia. Conclusion: The pressure exerted by elastic stockings varies with the posture and exercise. Furthermore, the changes in pressure vary from site to site.

Download Full-text

Assessment of the Health Behaviours and Value-Based Health Analysis of People Aged 50+ Who Were Hospitalized Due to Cardiovascular Disease

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084221 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4221

Author(s):

Izabela Gąska ◽

Katarzyna Sygit ◽

Elżbieta Cipora ◽

Marian Sygit ◽

Anna Pacian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Health Practices ◽

Body Parts ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Health Care Unit ◽

Student’S T

Introduction: The basic determinant of healthy behaviour—among other human behaviours—is the fact that it consistently affects health. Nowadays, health behaviour studies are considered to be an important method of measuring the health of a population. Objective: To assess the health behaviours and value-based health analysis of people aged 50+ who were hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease, depending on the selected descriptive variables. Materials and methods: The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2018 among 411 subjects aged 50+ who were hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease at the Independent Public Health Care Unit in Sanok (Podkarpackie voivodship in Poland). The method used in the study was a diagnostic survey. The study used the authors’ survey questionnaire and two standardized tests: Inventory of Health-Related Behaviour (IHB) and List of Health Criteria (LHC). A statistical analysis was carried out in the R program, version 3.5.1. The obtained results were subjected to thorough statistical analysis using the following tests: Student’s t, Mann–Whitney U, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD), Pearson, and Spearman. Results: The strongest correlation between health status and health behaviours (according to the IHB questionnaire) was in the area of ‘health practices’, while the lowest correlation was found in the areas of ‘correct eating habits’ and ‘preventive behaviours’. Based on the LHC questionnaire, the most important health criteria according to the subjects were ‘not feeling any physical ailments’; ‘having all body parts functional’; ‘feeling well’; ‘eating properly’; and ‘infrequent need of going to the doctor’. A positive correlation was found in the group of respondents where the ‘preventive health behaviours’ were more intense; herein, the more important criterion for the respondents was ‘eating properly’. Conclusions: Respondents aged 50+ and hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases indicated (based on the IHB questionnaire) that health behaviours in the area of ‘health practices’ had the strongest correlation with their health, while the lowest correlation was found in the areas of ‘correct eating habits’ and ‘preventive behaviours’. According to the respondents, the most important criteria determining health (according to the LHC questionnaire) included ’not feeling any physical ailments’; ‘having all body parts functional’; ‘feeling well’; ‘eating properly’; and ‘infrequent need of going to the doctor’. Based on the information collected from the respondents, it was found that the most important criteria determining health depended on selected descriptive variables, such as age, gender, place of residence, education, and marital status.

Download Full-text

Comparative Analysis of Patients with Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repairs with and without Collis Gastroplasty

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/0003134821989051 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482198905

Author(s):

John A. Perrone ◽

Stephanie Yee ◽

Manrique Guerrero ◽

Antai Wang ◽

Brian Hanley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Hiatal Hernia ◽

Collis Gastroplasty ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Related Quality

Introduction After extensive mediastinal dissection fails to achieve adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length, a Collis gastroplasty(CG) is recommended to decrease axial tension and reduce hiatal hernia recurrence. However, concerns exist about staple line leak, and long-term symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia due to the acid-producing neoesophagus which lacks peristaltic activity. This study aimed to assess long-term satisfaction and GERD-related quality of life after robotic fundoplication with CG (wedge fundectomy technique) and to compare outcomes to patients who underwent fundoplication without CG. Outcomes studied included patient satisfaction, resumption of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), length of surgery (LOS), hospital stay, and reintervention. Methods This was a single-center retrospective analysis of patients from January 2017 through December 2018 undergoing elective robotic hiatal hernia repair and fundoplication. 61 patients were contacted for follow-up, of which 20 responded. Of those 20 patients, 7 had a CG performed during surgery while 13 did not. There was no significant difference in size and type of hiatal hernias in the 2 groups. These patients agreed to give their feedback via a GERD health-related quality of life (GERD HRQL) questionnaire. Their medical records were reviewed for LOS, length of hospital stay (LOH), and reintervention needed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 25. Satisfaction and need for PPIs were compared between the treatment and control groups using the chi-square test of independence. Results Statistical analysis showed that satisfaction with outcome and PPI resumption was not significantly different between both groups ( P > .05). There was a significant difference in the average ranks between the 2 groups for the question on postoperative dysphagia on the follow-up GERD HRQL questionnaire, with the group with CG reporting no dysphagia. There were no significant differences in the average ranks between the 2 groups for the remaining 15 questions ( P > .05). The median LOS was longer in patients who had a CG compared to patients who did not (250 vs. 148 min) ( P = .01). The LOH stay was not significantly different ( P > .05) with a median length of stay of 2 days observed in both groups. There were no leaks in the Collis group and no reoperations, conversions, or blood transfusions needed in either group. Conclusion Collis gastroplasty is a safe option to utilize for short esophagus noted despite extensive mediastinal mobilization and does not adversely affect the LOH stay, need for reoperation, or patient long-term satisfaction.

Download Full-text

Measurement of empathy among health professionals during Syrian crisis using the Syrian empathy scale

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02835-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mayssoon Dashash ◽

Mounzer Boubou

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Syrian Crisis ◽

Empathy Score ◽

Bartlett’S Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Pain And Suffering ◽

Empathy Scale

Abstract Background Health professionals should have certain degree of empathy to eliminate the pain and suffering of their patients. There is a need to design a scale, which can assess empathy among health professionals and is relevant to community and culture. Therefore, this study was undertaken to measure the empathy among Syrian health professionals and students of health professions using a newly designed Syrian Empathy Scale that is relevant to community during Syrian crisis. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken. A total of 214 participants (118 males and 96 females) responded to the Syrian Empathy Scale SES from Medical (n = 62), Dental (n = 152). They were 59 undergraduates, 116 postgraduates and 39 general practitioners. The SES was designed as a tool that includes 20 items in a 7-point Likert-type scale with overall score ranges from 20 to 140. Group comparisons of the empathy scores were conducted using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). A factor analysis was performed. Bartlett’s test of the sphericity and the KMO measure of sampling adequacy were also determined. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. Results A significant difference was found between males and females in the SES mean score. The ANOVA analysis showed that the SES empathy scores of dentists were higher than the SES empathy scores in medical doctors with no significant difference. The SES empathy score of undergraduates was significantly higher than postgraduates and practitioners. Findings of KMO indicated sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.824 > 0.7) and the value of Bartlett’s test of the sphericity (1255.65, df = 190, P-value< 0.001) proved that the factor analysis is meaningful and acceptable. The results of varimax rotation proved that five main factors were retained. Conclusion Findings of this study support the reliability of the newly designed Syrian Empathy Scale for measuring empathy in the field of health care. The SES can be suggested for assessing empathy in different health educational programs. However, future works are still essential to support the validity of the scale as well as to ascertain the role of empathy in improving health care.

Download Full-text

Age and Overweight Are Not Contraindications for a Breast Reconstruction with a TMG-Flap—A Risk and Complication Analysis of a Retrospective Double Center Study Including 300 Patients

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10050926 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 926

Author(s):

Karl Schwaiger ◽

Laurenz Weitgasser ◽

Maximilian Mahrhofer ◽

Kathrin Bachleitner ◽

Selim Abed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Breast Reconstruction ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Free Flaps ◽

Risk Groups ◽

The Elderly ◽

Demographic Development ◽

Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽

Significant Difference

Introduction: The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has become a popular and reliable alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. Initially described as a valuable tissue source for women with low body-mass index, indications nowadays have widely expanded. The Western civilization demographic development with its aging population and the steady growing average BMI has led to increasing breast reconstructions with TMG flaps in overweight and aged individuals. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 TMG free flaps for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were evaluated in the form of a retrospective double center cohort study. Data extraction, study group formation and statistical analysis (One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s chi-squared statistical analysis and relative risk calculation) were done specifically to evaluate age and BMI as risk factors for postoperative complications and outcome. Results: No significant differences in patients’ age and BMI in the complication groups compared to the no-complication group could be found. No significant difference regarding the occurrence of complications could be found in any of the formed risk-groups. No significant increase of minor-, major- or overall complications, flap loss or revision surgeries were found in the elderly patient groups or for patients with overweight. Conclusion: Age and overweight do not significantly increase the risk for postoperative complications after breast reconstructions with free TMG flaps. The findings of this study support the fact that microsurgical breast reconstruction with a free TMG flap should not solely be reserved for younger patients and females with a lower BMI.

Download Full-text

A randomised controlled clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of bandaging compared to the JuxtaCures™ device in the management of people with venous ulceration: Feasibility study

Phlebology The Journal of Venous Disease ◽

10.1177/0268355520988226 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026835552098822

Author(s):

Philip Stather ◽

Carroll Petty ◽

Helen Langthorne ◽

Emma Rayner ◽

Jufen Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Multicentre Trial ◽

Compression Therapy ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Venous Ulceration ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Randomised Controlled

Introduction The mainstay of treatment for venous ulceration remains compression therapy. Velcro Wrap devices are being increasingly used in these patients despite limited evidence. This feasibility study aimed to compare standard bandaging to the JuxtaCures™ Velcro wrap device. Methods A single centre, unblinded RCT compared participants with venous ulceration randomised to either the JuxtaCures™ device or short stretch bandaging. Participants were followed up for 26 weeks. Results 160 participants were screened with 40 randomised. 3 participants in bandaging and 1 in JuxtaCures™ didn’t complete the study. 60% in JuxtaCures™ healed v 55% in bandaging despite larger ulcers in the JuxtaCures™ arm (9.33 cm2 v 6.97 cm2). There was no significant difference in time to healing (12.17 v 13.64 weeks). JuxtaCures™ showed improved ulcer reduction for those that didn’t heal (14.91–5.00 cm2 v 14.20–8.62 cm2; P = 0.06). JuxtaCures™ had more consistent sub-bandage pressure dropping from 39–36 mmHg versus 41–25 mmHg in bandaging between application and removal (P < 0.001). Quality of life (EQ5D) was improved in JuxtaCures at 3 months (mean difference 0.14, p = 0.04), but not at 1 and 6 months, or in disease specific quality of life. Cost was lower in JuxtaCures™ £842.47 v £1064.68. Duration of appointment was significantly shorter in JuxtaCures™ (41 minutes v 53 minutes; P = 0.003). Conclusion This study has shown the feasibility and necessity of running a multicentre trial to evaluate the use of Velcro wrap devices for venous ulceration. It highlights the potential benefits of more consistent pressure, increased self-care, and potential with regards to ulcer healing, cost, nursing resource and quality of life.

Download Full-text

In vivo exploration of brain phosphorus 31 metabolism in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1017/s092493380000184x ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 105-109

Author(s):

G Mecheri ◽

Y Bissuel ◽

J Dalery ◽

JL Terra ◽

G Balvay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Senile Dementia ◽

Phospholipid Metabolism ◽

Alzheimer Type ◽

Dementia Of Alzheimer Type ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Brain

SummaryIn vivo NMR 31p spectroscopy is a non invasive, non ionizing method of exploration of energy and phospholipid metabolism in the brain. This study consisted of comparing 31p spectra in five patients with Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type (SDAT) with those of four controls of similar ages. Abnormal phosphonionocsters (PME) concentrations, either high or low, were found in the patients, but statistical analysis did not elicit any significant difference relative to controls.

Download Full-text

Analysis of the breeding records of a herd of pigs

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600045731 ◽

1954 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

pp. 19-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

R. Braude ◽

P. M. Clarke ◽

K. G. Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Large White ◽

Seasonal Differences ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Length Of Gestation

1. A survey and. statistical analysis of the records of litters born in the N.I.R.D. herd of Large White pigs over a period of 16 years are presented.2. The mean length of gestation was 114 days for both gilts and sows.3. The mean numbers of pigs born alive and born dead per litter from gilts, 10·0 and 0·2 respectively, were both significantly smaller than the corresponding figures for sows, 11·8 and O·8. No seasonal differences were found.4. The mean total losses of pigs from birth to weaning at 8 weeks were 29·5% of pigs born alive. The losses in litters from gilts, 23·0%, were significantly smaller than in litters from sows, 31·0%. The losses during the winter months both for gilts, 32·5%, and for sows, 35·9%, were significantly higher than during the summer months, 19·4% and 26·7% for gilts and sows respectively.5. Over 50% of the total losses were due to crushing by the dam, 74·1% of the losses from this cause occurring during the first 48 hr. after birth.6. The mean number of pigs weaned per litter was 8·0. The difference between the number weaned per litter from gilts, 7·7, and per litter from number of pigs was weaned per litter from sows during the summer months, 8·7, than during the winter months, 7·4.7. There was no significant difference between the number of male and of female pigs weaned.8. The mean weight at weaning was 29·9 lb., male pigs, 30·3 lb., being significantly heavier than females, 29·51b. Pigs in litters from gilts, 27·81b., were significantly lighter at weaning than those from sows, 30·0 lb., and for both gilts and sows, pigs reared during the summer months, 29·7 and 31·8 lb. respectively, were significantly heavier than those reared during the winter months, 25·9 and 28·2 lb. respectively.

Download Full-text

Effect of the ketoprofen on the preemptive analgesia in female cats undergoing to ovariohysterectomy

Revista CERES ◽

10.1590/0034-737x201764010003 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 18-24

Author(s):

Dayvid Vianêis Farias de Lucena ◽

Fernanda Vieira Henrique ◽

Amara Gyane Alves de Lima ◽

Almir Pereira de Souza ◽

Pedro Isidro da Nóbrega Neto

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Preemptive Analgesia ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Reduction Of Pain ◽

Baseline Values ◽

Student’S T ◽

Level Of Significance ◽

Postoperative Administration ◽

Student’S T Test

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the ketoprofen on the preemptive analgesia in female cats submitted to ovariohysterectomy. Sixteen healthy cats were distributed into two groups, with eight animals each, by means of a draw, in a preemptive group (PREG), in which the animal received ketoprofen (1 mg/kg) subcutaneously two hours before the surgery; and postsurgery group (POSG), in which ketoprofen (1 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously immediately after surgery. In both groups, ketoprofen was given 24, 48 and 72 hours after the first adminstration. Heart and respiratory frequencies and glycemia were measured in all animals during the days first ten postsurgery. Analgesia was measured by assigning scores at zero, two, four, six, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 192, 216 and 240 hours after the surgical procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test to compare the moments and Student's t-test for comparison between groups. Pain scores were evaluated using test of U-Mann-Withney or Kruskall-Wallis, all at the 5% level of significance. Pain scores were significantly lower in PREG in M0, M6, M72, M96 and M120. No significant difference was found in the levels of glycemia in comparison to baseline values. Ketoprofen promotes postsurgery analgesia in female cats submitted to ovariohysterectomy and preemptive and postsurgery administration provides an earlier reduction of pain scores when compared to postoperative administration, only.

Download Full-text