Longitudinal changes in the brain in mild cognitive impairment: a magnetic resonance imaging study using the visual rating method and tensor-based morphometry

Background Brain atrophy is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and by using volumetric and visual analyzing methods, it is possible to differentiate between individuals with progressive MCI (MCIp) and stable MCI (MCIs). Automated analysis methods detect degenerative changes in the brain earlier and more reliably than visual methods. Purpose To detect and evaluate structural brain changes between and within the MCIs, MCIp, and control groups during a two-year follow-up period. Material and Methods Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 11 participants with MCIs, 18 participants with MCIp, and 84 controls were analyzed by the visual rating method (VRM) and tensor-based morphometry (TBM). Results At baseline, both VRM and TBM differentiated the whole MCI group (combined MCIs and MCIp) and the MCIp group from the control group, but they did not differentiate the MCIs group from the control group. At follow-up, both methods differentiated the MCIp group from the control group, but minor differences between the MCIs and control groups were only seen by TBM. Neuropsychological tests did not find differences between the MCIs and control groups at follow-up. Neither method revealed relevant signs of brain atrophy progression within or between MCI subgroups during the follow-up time. Conclusion Both methods are equally good in the evaluation of structural brain changes in MCI if the groups are sufficiently large and the disease progresses to AD. Only TBM disclosed minor atrophic changes in the MCIs group compared to controls at follow-up. The results need to be confirmed with a large patient group and longer follow-up time.

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Effect of an extract of Aloe vera on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in rats

Acta Cirurgica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0102-86502009000500008 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 383-386 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Cecília Maria de Carvalho Xavier Holanda ◽

Monique Batista da Costa ◽

Natália Chilinque Zambão da Silva ◽

Maurício Ferreira da Silva Júnior ◽

Vanessa Santos de Arruda Barbosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aqueous Extract ◽

Aloe Vera ◽

Treated Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Control Groups ◽

High Increase ◽

Tropical Plant ◽

And Control ◽

The Brain

PURPOSE: Aloe vera is a tropical plant popularly known in Brazil as babosa. We have investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera on the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 and laboratorial parameters in Wistar rats. METHODS: Twelve animals were divided into treated and control groups. In the treated group, Aloe vera was given by gavage (5mg/mL/day) during 10 days. The control group received sorbitol by the same way and period. One hour after the last dose, we injected 0.1mL of Na99mTcO4 by orbital plexus. After 60 min, all the animals were killed. Samples were harvested from the brain, liver, heart, muscle, pancreas, stomach, femur, kidneys, blood, testis and thyroid and the percentage of radioactivity (%ATI/g) was determined. Biochemical dosages were performed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase of %ATI/g in blood, femur, kidneys, liver, stomach, testis and thyroid and also in blood levels of AST and ALT. A significant decrease in levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine and urea occurred. The statistical analyses were performed by Mann-Whitney test and T-Student test (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of Aloe vera facilitated the uptake of Na99mTcO4 in organs of rats and it was responsible to a high increase of levels of AST and ALT.

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Olfactory Dysfunction in β Thalassemia Major Patients Treated With Iron-Chelating Agents

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/0145561319840079 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 98 (8) ◽

pp. NP125-NP130

Author(s):

Serhan Derin ◽

Selvet Erdogan ◽

Murat Sahan ◽

Mehmet Fatih Azik ◽

Hatice Derin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chelating Agents ◽

Thalassemia Major ◽

Olfactory Dysfunction ◽

Facial Trauma ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

History Of ◽

And Control ◽

Iron Chelating Agents

Ocular and ophthalmological adverse effects may be seen in β-thalassemia major (BTM) patients treated with regular blood transfusions and iron-chelating agents. We hypothesized that olfactory dysfunction may be present in this population. In this study, we aimed to investigate olfactory dysfunction in patients with BTM and determine the etiological factors. A total of 43 patients with BTM were included in the study. Forty-three patients without any nasal complaints, history of facial trauma, or nasal surgery were included as the controls. All participants had nasal endoscopy. The iron-chelating agents used, their duration of use, as well as hemoglobin and ferritin levels of the BTM patients were recorded. Sniffin’ Sticks test (SST) was used to assess olfactory functions, and BTM and control groups were compared for the results. The correlations of SST scores with the other study parameters were analyzed. Eight (18.6%) of 43 patients in the BTM group had hyposmia while none of the patients in the control group had hyposmia ( P < .001). Older age, low-hemoglobin level, and longer use of deferoxamine were found to be correlated with olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction may be seen in BTM patients treated with iron-chelating agents. The results of this study suggest that screening for olfactory function may be needed in routine follow-up of BTM patients.

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Time taken to resume driving following hip arthroscopy

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-020-03662-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Suenghwan Jo ◽

Sang Hong Lee ◽

Se Woong Jang ◽

Hyun Bai Choi ◽

Ba Rom Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hip Arthroscopy ◽

Driving Simulator ◽

Driving Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Test Protocol ◽

Surgery Group ◽

Time Required ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Resuming driving is a common concern among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. The present study aimed to assess whether patients who had undergone right hip arthroscopy presented with poorer driving performance than patients with normal hips and to analyze the time required to regain preoperative driving performance. Methods Forty-seven patients who had undergone right hip arthroscopy and consented to our test protocol were included in this study. Using an immersive driving simulator, the patients were tested for their brake reaction time (BRT), total brake time (TBT), and brake pedal depression (BPD) preoperatively and postoperatively. The first postoperative assessments were conducted when the patients could comfortably sit on the driving seat, and the follow-up assessments were conducted for 6 consecutive weeks at weekly intervals. The patients were divided into the following two groups based on the type of surgery that they underwent: the femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery group and the simple hip arthroscopy (SA) group. Twenty healthy volunteers underwent driving assessments thrice at weekly intervals and constituted the control group. The braking parameters were compared between preoperative and postoperative measurements and among the FAI surgery, SA, and control groups. Results The preoperative braking parameters of the patients who underwent arthroscopy did not differ significantly from those of the controls (p = 0.373, 0.763, and 0.447 for the BRT, TBT, and BPD, respectively). All braking parameters returned to normal in 2 weeks in the FAI surgery group and in 1 week in the SA group. Conclusions Our study suggests that the driving performance of patients who underwent right hip arthroscopy is comparable to that of individuals with normal hips and that the braking parameters may normalize to the preoperative state at 1 week after SA and 2 weeks after FAI surgery.

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Piano-accompanied solfège reading experiences of preservice music teachers

Research Studies in Music Education ◽

10.1177/1321103x19871078 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1321103X1987107

Author(s):

Elif Guven

Keyword(s):

Music Teachers ◽

Control Group ◽

Reading Practices ◽

Control Groups ◽

Plot Analysis ◽

Experimental Implementation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

This study examines how piano-accompanied solfège reading practices of preservice music teachers ( N = 28) affect their performance on their musical hearing, reading, and writing (MHRW) classes. A pretest–posttest design with control groups was employed. The data were analyzed by 2 × 2 split-plot analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one-way ANOVA. Consequently, a significant difference was not found between the MHRW performance scores of the experimental and control groups. An analysis of mean performance scores revealed that the scores received by the control group were higher than those of the experimental group after the practice. Follow-up interviews that were held with 14 students after the experimental implementation revealed that students believed piano-accompanied courses were more useful, and they felt more comfortable with piano accompaniment. Although MHRW performance scores indicated that piano-accompanied solfège reading practices did not have a significant effect on preservice music teachers’ MHRW performances, it helped them participate in courses more enthusiastically.

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Challenges and results of a school-based intervention to manage excess weight among school children in Tunisia 2012–2014

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2015-0035 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jihen Maatoug ◽

Sihem Ben Fredj ◽

Zeineb Msakni ◽

Emna Dendana ◽

Jihene Sahli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

The Body ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Post Intervention ◽

School Based ◽

Increased Risk ◽

And Control

Abstract Background: Obesity is a serious health issue and predisposes individuals to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence in children has increased worldwide. Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based management program based on healthy lifestyle promotion for obese and overweight adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study among overweight and obese school children enrolled in 7th and 8th grades in Sousse, Tunisia with two groups, intervention and control. The 1-year intervention was based on promoting healthy eating and physical activity through a collective intervention for all recruited children and an individual intervention only for obese children who require intensive managing. Data collection was done before, at the end and at a 4-month follow up of the intervention, both in intervention and control groups. Results: The body mass index Z score decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention (1.89±0.57 to 1.76±0.63, p<0.001) and from post-intervention to the follow-up (1.76±0.63 to 1.55±0.68, p<0.001) in the intervention group. In the control group, it decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention but not significantly from post-intervention to follow-up assessment. Calorie intake decreased significantly both in intervention and control groups. Conclusion: This project began with introducing a new culture of health management in schools on one side and with increasing awareness of the importance of obesity prevention and treatment. The support of authorities for this type of action is very important to guarantee its sustainability.

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PERIOPERATIVE ANESTHESIA: TO DO OR NOT TO DO?

N.N. Priorov Journal of Traumatology and Orthopedics ◽

10.32414/0869-8678-2018-2-36-40 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 36-40

Author(s):

S. A. Firsov ◽

A. S. Lepilov ◽

R. P. Matveev ◽

V. S. Savinkin

Keyword(s):

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Motor System ◽

Main Group ◽

Narcotic Analgesic ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Treatment Results ◽

Analog Scale ◽

And Control

Introduction. In patients with chronic loco-motor system diseases the pain often persists after arthroplasty and does not respond to symptomatic therapy.Purpose of study: to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative use of Meloxicam in patients after hip arthroplasty. Patients and methods. The follow-up covered 120 patients (mean age 64.4±5.23 years) after hip arthroplasty. In the main group (n=60) Meloxicam was given 7 days prior to and 3 weeks after surgery; after intervention narcotic analgesic was used on the request. In control group (n=60) the patients were only on narcotic analgesic on request after operation. Treatment results were assessed by 100-millimeter visual analog scale (VAS) and D’Aubigné-Postel Score.Results. Seven days before the surgery the pain severity in the main and control groups was comparable: 85±2.3 and 84±2.1, respectively. In 2 days after operation the pain relief was more pronounced in the main group — 69±2.1 mm versus 82±3.4 mm in the control group (p0.05). In 3 months those indices made up 10±2.1 and 35±12.6 mm (p0.001), respectively. In the main group the result was assessed as the excellent and good in 22 patients, in the rest of patients as satisfactory by d’Aubigné-Postel Score. In the control group the good result was recorded in 9, satisfactory — in 47 and poor — in 4 cases.Conclusion. Meloxicam may be considered as an effective perioperative analgesic in large joints arthroplasty.

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Expressive writing changes grief into meaning – a sequential explanatory design approach

COUNS-EDU| The International Journal of Counseling and Education ◽

10.23916/0020190423740 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 102

Author(s):

Setiawati Intan Savitri ◽

Bagus Takwin ◽

Amarina Ashar Ariyanto ◽

Rachel T.A Aribowo

Keyword(s):

Expressive Writing ◽

Sequential Design ◽

Control Group ◽

Baseline Score ◽

Control Groups ◽

Matching Technique ◽

Post Test ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

The purpose of the present study was to describe the effect of expressive writing on the level of one’s grief through a sequential design (expressive writing experiments for 3 consecutive days for 15 minutes each days then an analysis of the participant’s writing contents was conducted). This study used a pre-post test matching technique experimental design follow up by content analysis. The total number of participants (both in the experimental and control groups) was 30 (M-age = 21.2; SD = 1.2), lost their parents more than six month. Randomized matching technique was use to divide participant into experimental (expressive writing) and control (non-expressive writing).The baseline score measured by the complicated grieving inventory of >25 (Prigereson, 1995). Results showed that the experimental group had a decreased level of grief relative to the control group, the texts showed an interested result to be further discussed.

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Impact of preoperative breast MRI on 10-year survival of patients included in the Swedish randomized multicentre POMB trial

BJS Open ◽

10.1093/bjsopen/zrab088 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Author(s):

V Gonzalez ◽

B Arver ◽

L Löfgren ◽

L Bergkvist ◽

K Sandelin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Mri ◽

Control Group ◽

Conventional Imaging ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Control Groups ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Preoperative Breast Mri ◽

And Control

Abstract Background The value of preoperative breast MRI as an adjunct technique regarding its effect on re-excision rates has been a subject of discussion. No survival data regarding preoperative breast MRI are available from randomized studies. Methods Ten-year follow-up of the POMB randomized multicentre study was analysed, evaluating MRI and its effect on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were randomized to either preoperative MRI or conventional imaging. Kaplan–Meier plots were used to analyse DFS and OS, and Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Results A total of 440 patients, aged 56 years or less, with newly diagnosed breast cancer were randomized to either preoperative MRI (220) or conventional imaging (220; control). Median follow-up for each group was 10 years. DFS rates were 85.5 and 80.0 per cent for the MRI and control groups respectively (P = 0.099). The risk of relapse or death was 46 per cent higher in the control group (HR 1.46, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 2.29). OS rates after 10 years were 90.9 and 88.6 per cent in the MRI and control groups respectively (P = 0.427). The risk of death was 27 per cent higher in the control group (HR 1.27, 0.71 to 2.29). Locoregional, distant, and contralateral recurrence outcomes combined were increased in the control group (P = 0.048). A subgroup analysis of patients with breast cancer stages I–III showed that preoperative MRI improved DFS compared with conventional imaging, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.057). Conclusion After 10 years of follow-up, preoperative breast MRI as an adjunct to conventional imaging resulted in slightly, but non-significantly, improved DFS and OS. Registration number: NCT01859936 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

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Prophylactic Effect of Memantine in Docetaxel Induced Neuropathy in Patients With Breast Cancer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-692391/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pegah Mohammadzadeh ◽

Elnaz Shaseb ◽

Zohreh Sanaat ◽

Parvin Sarbakhsh ◽

Nasrin Gholami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Peripheral Neuropathy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Metastatic Breast ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Abstract Purpose Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of taxane that in severe cases can limit the optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of memantine in prevention of docetaxel induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 40 women between the ages of 18 and 64 years with non-metastatic breast cancer (stages I to III) were included (registry number: IRCT20160310026998N9 and registry date: 26 March 2019). All patients were treated with the AC-T regimen (with docetaxel). Patients in intervention group received memantine at a dose of 20 mg for 8 weeks at the beginning of the first cycle of docetaxel. Patients in control group did not take any medication for neuropathy prevention. To assess the neuropathy, DN4 and CTCAE questionnaires were used at baseline, one months, three months and six months after the intervention. Results The DN4 questionnaire score was remarkably less in memantine group in follow up one (p-value: 0.033) and three (p < 00.1). The CTCAE follow up score did not change during study. The Neuropathy duration and Neuropathy onset, were shown significant difference between the intervention and control groups, p = 0.050 and p = 0.001, respectively. From 40 patients, 8 (40%) in memantine group and 2 (10%) in control group, did not experience any kind of neuropathy. Conclusion Data showed that prophylactic administration of memantine 20 mg/day has been effective in prevention of severity and incidence of docetaxel induced neuropathy in patients with breast cancer.

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Sydenham's Chorea; Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings, a Retrospective Observational Study in Children

Journal of Pediatric Neurology ◽

10.1055/s-0039-1697041 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (05) ◽

pp. 217-222

Author(s):

Fatma Hanci ◽

Mustafa Hizal ◽

Sevim Türay ◽

Oya Kalaycioğlu ◽

Nimet Kabakuş

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Prefrontal Cortex ◽

Basal Ganglia ◽

Globus Pallidus ◽

Healing Time ◽

Control Group ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Control Groups ◽

Healthy Control ◽

And Control

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and demographic and clinical characteristics, response to treatment times, and recurrence rates of Sydenham's chorea (SC), the most common of the acquired pediatric choreas. The clinical and radiological findings of 12 patients presenting to the pediatric neurology clinic in the previous 4 years and diagnosed with SC on the basis of the modified Jones criteria were investigated retrospectively from the hospital files. In addition, we measured the maximum prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia (globus pallidus, putamen, and caudate nucleus) thicknesses in the axial plane from patients' cerebral MRIs and compared these values with prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia thicknesses of a healthy control group measured using the same technique. Patient and control groups' cranial and basal ganglia MRIs were found to be normal. However, patients' globus pallidus thicknesses were significantly lower than those of the healthy control group. Additionally, the globus pallidus values of patients with recurrent SC and a prolonged healing time were lower than average. However, we determined no significant difference in terms of prefrontal motor cortex, caudate nucleus, or putamen thicknesses between the patient and control groups. Low globus pallidus thicknesses in patients with SC may indicate atrophy associated with globus pallidus involvement. Further experimental and prospective and long-term studies are needed for a better understanding of the factors affecting the pathophysiology, recurrence, and healing time of SC.

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