OCT-Angiography as a reliable prognostic tool in laser-treated proliferative diabetic retinopathy: The RENOCTA Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212096345
Author(s):  
Marco Lupidi ◽  
Ramkailash Gujar ◽  
Alessio Cerquaglia ◽  
Jay Chhablani ◽  
Daniela Fruttini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Vascular Perfusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Induced Changes

Purpose: To quantitatively assess retinal neovascularizations (RNVs) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) before and after photocoagulative laser treatment (PLT) using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). Methods: Consecutive patients with PDR were examined with fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT-A before and after PLT. Baseline and after-treatment FA images were quantitatively analyzed to assess both the RNVs area and leakage area. On OCT-A RNVs area, vascular perfusion density (VPD), vessel length density (VLD) and fractal dimension were computed. VPD of the full-retina OCT-A underneath the RNV was determined to evaluate potential laser-induced changes in vascular perfusion. Results: Fifteen eyes of 13 patients with PDR were enrolled. The mean area of the RNVs was 0.47 ± 0.50 mm2 in the baseline OCT-A and 0.32 ± 0.40 mm2 in the post-treatment assessment ( p = 0.0002). The mean RNV VPD of RNV was 2% ± 4% in pre-treatment and 1% ± 1% for the post-treatment ( p = 0.0001). The mean VLD of RNV was 7.26 ± 1.53 at baseline and 6.64 ± 1.65 in the post treatment ( p = 0.0002). A significant difference in terms of mean RNVs area and VPD reduction between eyes that needed additional treatment and those that did not (~40% vs ~20%; p < 0.05), was observed. Mean VPD of full-retinal thickness OCT-angiogram was 55% ± 10% for the pre-treatment and 53% ± 8% for the post treatment scan ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: The quantitative OCT-A assessment of laser-induced changes of RNVs can be a useful non-invasive approach for determining treatment efficacy. A reduction of RNVs area or VPD ⩾ 40% might reveal those eyes that won’t require additional treatment. Retinal perfusion impairment seemed to progress independently from the treatment.

Urinary Steroids in Depressive Illness

1971 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Balfour Sclare ◽  
J. K. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Illness ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Depressive Patients ◽  
Source Of Information

A longitudinal study of urinary 17-OHCS in 16 depressive patients showed mean values within the accepted normal range. There were no significant differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment values; only the female patients showed a tendency to have somewhat lower post-treatment levels. 17-KS output was measured in 18 depressive patients. The mean values were within the normal range. There was no significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment values although the female patients displayed a tendency towards somewhat lower levels following treatment. DHA and EA excretion were measured in 9 depressive patients. There was a very wide variance in the findings. There was no significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment levels. The significance of the above findings is discussed. It is considered that measurements of urinary excretion of corticosteroids in affective disorders constitute a limited source of information.

scholarly journals FIELD COMPARISON OF AUTOCIDAL GRAVID OVITRAPS AND IN2CARE TRAPS AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI IN DOWNTOWN SAINT AUGUSTINE, NORTHEASTERN FLORIDA

2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Dena Autry
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Adult Mosquito ◽  
Treated Area ◽  
Mosquito Trap ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pre Treatment

Mosquito Control programs are utilizing cost-effective long term autocidal gravid traps because they minimize labor needs while targeting the gravid population of container-breeding mosquitoes. This field study compared the efficacy of the In2Care Mosquito Trap and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention autocidal gravid ovitrap (CDC-AGO). The study consisted of two control and two treatment sites, and each treatment site had either 100 In2Care Mosquito Traps or 100 CDC-AGOs. Aedes aegypti populations in each site were monitored using Biogent (BG) Sentinel 2 mosquito traps and ovitraps. Analysis of pre- and post-treatment data indicated no significant difference in adult mosquito populations detected by BG traps from either the In2Care or CDC-AGO sites. However, the mean number of eggs collected by ovitraps showed significant reduction in both trap type treated areas posttreatment, compared to pre-treatment. Furthermore, the mean number of egg collections from the In2Care mosquito trap treated area was much less than the collection from the CDC-AGO trap treated area post-treatment.

124 Virtual Reality for Reducing Pain and Perioperative Anxiety in Pediatric Burn Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S83-S84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather J Schwartz ◽  
Shawn Fagan ◽  
Beretta Craft-Coffman ◽  
Christopher A Truelove ◽  
Robert F Mullins
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Burn Care ◽  
Anxiety Control ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Introduction One of the most traumatizing and frightening experiences a child can experience is to sustain a burn injury. As a result, the child may experience excruciating pain and anxiety. The objective of this quality improvement project is use virtual reality as a nonpharmacologic intervention for pain and anxiety control and compare to traditional distractions methods. Methods There were 46 subjects ages 4 to 20 enrolled in a sample of convenience. Participants were given either virtual reality or distraction for dressing changes or minor surgical procedures. Before and after the surgical procedure or dressing change, the participants, their parent and nursing staff completed a Modified Yale Perioperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS, Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale or Numeric Rating System (NRS). Results There was no significant difference in FLACC, NRS, and mYPAS scale scores pre-treatment. The post treatment NRS scores were significantly different between distraction and virtual reality (p= 0.031). FLACC scores for the distraction group increased 3.5-fold, while the virtual reality group scores decreased (p.0.0008). Mean mYPAS scores decreased again showing a significant difference between distraction and virtual reality with p= 0.004. The score increased with distraction and decreased with virtual reality with a difference of 12. In all cases virtual reality was better than distraction, when measuring pain and anxiety. Conclusions This QI project demonstrates that VR was more effective in reducing both pain and anxiety in burned pediatric patients as opposed to traditional distraction post treatment. Traditional distraction unfortunately was shown to increase both pain and anxiety post treatment. These conclusions suggest that VR may be utilized as a non-pharmacologic treatment option in conjunction with standard treatment to help decrease pain and anxiety in acutely burned children. Applicability of Research to Practice This study increases the knowledge base and advances the evidence-based practice of advanced practice registered nurses in the specialty of burn care. It suggests that a non-pharmacologic intervention such as virtual reality can be used to effectively reduce pain and anxiety in children who are undergoing treatment for their burn injury.

scholarly journals The clinical efficacy of orlistat in the treatment of obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 3881
Author(s):  
Hande Peynirci
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Homeostatic Model Assessment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity

Background: The prevalence of obesity is gradually increasing worldwide and reaches an epidemic extent. Currently, treatment of obesity with pharmacological options has gained importance due to the frequent failure of lifestyle changes. Anti-obesity medications have an unfortunate history that make many clinicians uncomfortable with their prescription. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of orlistat on weight loss and glycaemic parameters.Methods: Forty patients under orlistat treatment between November 2017 to October 2018 were recruited and their weight, body mass index (BMI), glucose, insulin, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were recorded before and after treatment. Patients aged >18 years with BMI≥40 kg/m2 were enrolled to the study while having the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, those with gastrointestinal diseases, who were pregnant or in lactation period, using drugs that have an effect on weight, and who did not come their follow-up after 12 weeks were excluded.Results: Thirty-four patients were female, 6 were male, and the mean age was 42.75±10.60 years. The mean height found as 161.10±8.98 cm. Before treatment, the mean weight was 120.62±16.56 kg, BMI was 46.43±4.61 kg/m2, and HOMA-IR was 5.84±3.58. After 12 weeks, it was observed that the mean weight decreased to 112.67±16.21 kg, BMI to 43.35±4.55 kg/m2, and HOMA-IR to 3.73±2.38. There was a statistically significant difference in these parameters compared to the pre-treatment values.Conclusions: Given the lack of non-surgical treatments, orlistat can provide significant benefits in the current clinical practice when combined with the appropriate diet.

scholarly journals Pilot study quantifying muscle glycosaminoglycan using bi-exponential T1ρ mapping in patients with muscle stiffness after stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajiv G. Menon ◽  
Preeti Raghavan ◽  
Ravinder R. Regatte
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Free Water ◽  
Treatment Monitoring ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
T1ρ Mapping ◽  
Pre Treatment

AbstractPost stroke muscle stiffness is a common problem, which left untreated can lead to disabling muscle contractures. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of bi-exponential T1ρ mapping in patients with arm muscle stiffness after stroke and its ability to measure treatment related changes in muscle glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Five patients with muscle stiffness after stroke and 5 healthy controls were recruited for imaging of the upper arm with 3D-T1ρ mapping. Patients were scanned before and after treatment with hyaluronidase injections, whereas the controls were scanned once. Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney tests compared patients vs. controls and patients pre-treatment vs. post-treatment. With bi-exponential modeling, the long component, T1ρl was significantly longer in the patients (biceps P = 0.01; triceps P = 0.004) compared to controls. There was also a significant difference in the signal fractions of the long and short components (biceps P = 0.03, triceps P = 0.04). The results suggest that muscle stiffness is characterized by increased muscle free water and GAG content. Post-treatment, the T1ρ parameters shifted toward control values. This pilot study demonstrates the application of bi-exponential T1ρ mapping as a marker for GAG content in muscle and as a potential treatment monitoring tool for patients with muscle stiffness after stroke.

Cytoprotective Effect of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction and α-Tocopherol Vitamin E Isoforms Against Glutamate-Induced Cell Death in Neuronal Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 0140-0151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thilaga Rati Selvaraju ◽  
Huzwah Khaza’ai ◽  
Sharmili Vidyadaran ◽  
Mohd Sokhini Abd Mutalib ◽  
Vasudevan Ramachandran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Neuronal Cells ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Tocotrienol Rich Fraction ◽  
Major Mediator

Glutamate is the major mediator of excitatory signals in the mammalian central nervous system. Extreme amounts of glutamate in the extracellular spaces can lead to numerous neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to clarify the potential of the following vitamin E isomers, tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and α-tocopherol (α-TCP), as potent neuroprotective agents against glutamate-induced injury in neuronal SK-N-SH cells. Cells were treated before and after glutamate injury (pre- and post-treatment, respectively) with 100 - 300 ng/ml TRF/α-TCP. Exposure to 120 mM glutamate significantly reduced cell viability to 76 % and 79 % in the pre- and post-treatment studies, respectively; however, pre- and post-treatment with TRF/α-TCP attenuated the cytotoxic effect of glutamate. Compared to the positive control (glutamate-injured cells not treated with TRF/α-TCP), pre-treatment with 100, 200, and 300 ng/ml TRF significantly improved cell viability following glutamate injury to 95.2 %, 95.0 %, and 95.6 %, respectively (p < 0.05).The isomers not only conferred neuroprotection by enhancing mitochondrial activity and depleting free radical production, but also increased cell viability and recovery upon glutamate insult. Our results suggest that vitamin E has potent antioxidant potential for protecting against glutamate injury and recovering glutamate-injured neuronal cells. Our findings also indicate that both TRF and α-TCP could play key roles as anti-apoptotic agents with neuroprotective properties.

scholarly journals Surgery to relieve nasal obstruction: outcome for 366 patients operated on by one senior surgeon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Aksel Pedersen ◽  
S. Dölvik ◽  
K. Holmberg ◽  
C. Ahlström Emanuelsson ◽  
H. Johansson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Nasal Obstruction ◽  
General Health ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Nasal Endoscopy ◽  
Experienced Surgeon ◽  
Senior Surgeon ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Studies of patient-rated outcome in septoplasty and turbinoplasty most frequently involve several surgeons with varying surgical skills, techniques and experience. The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcome based on one experienced surgeon. Methods Three hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients referred for nasal obstruction were included. All the patients were examined with nasal endoscopy before and after decongestion, they filled out a nose VAS and rated their overall general health before and three to six months after surgery. The patients underwent septoplasty, septoplasty plus turbinoplasty or turbinoplasty. Results The mean nose VAS for nasal obstruction (0–100) preoperatively was 64.7 for all patients. Patients undergoing septoplasty (n = 159) were younger than patients undergoing septoplasty + turbinoplasty (n = 79) or patients undergoing turbinoplasty alone (n = 128). The nose VAS for nasal obstruction improved significantly in all three groups and 25% had a normal nose VAS after surgery in the septoplasty and septoplasty + turbinoplasty groups compared to only 8% in the turbinoplasty alone group. There was no significant difference in the improvement in nasal obstruction between septoplasty and septoplasty + turbinoplasty, but the septoplasty + turbinoplasty group experienced a significantly greater improvement in general health. Conclusions In 366 patients operated on by one experienced surgeon, septoplasty and septoplasty + turbinoplasty were more effective at relieving nasal obstruction than turbinoplasty alone. Septoplasty + turbinoplasty resulted in a greater improvement in general health than septoplasty alone, despite the same improvement in nasal obstruction, indicating a beneficial effect of additional turbinoplasty in septoplasty.

scholarly journals Quality of life of obstetrics fistula patients before and after surgical repair in the Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilahun Fufa Debela ◽  
Zerihun Asefa Hordofa ◽  
Aster Berhe Aregawi ◽  
Demisew Amenu Sori
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Obstetric Fistula ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Jimma University

Abstract Background The consequences of obstetric fistula on affected women are more than the medical condition. It has extensive physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences on them. Obstetric fistula affects the entire health and entire life of women. Women suffering from obstetric fistula are often abandoned by her partner, relatives, and the community. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of obstetrics fistula patients before and after surgical repair. Methods Institutional-based prospective, before and after study design was conducted in the Jimma University Medical Center from November 1, 2019–October 30, 2020. A face-to-face interview was conducted with fistula patients who visited Jimma University Medical center, fistula clinic during the study period. All fistula patients were included in the study. Accordingly, 78 women who underwent surgical repair were interviewed. The means and the standard deviation were computed using conventional statistics formulas. The unpaired t-test was used to compare two independent means, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the quality of life before repair and after a successful repair. Linear regression analysis was done for identifying determinants of quality of life. A P value of 0.05 will be considered statistical significance. Result The overall quality of life of women was 58.17 ± 7.2 before the surgical repair and 71.20 ± 10.79 after surgical repair. The result indicates there is a significant difference in the mean value of pre and post-operative (P < 0.001). The overall satisfaction of women with their health status before the surgical repair was 22.5 ± 1.30and it has increased to 53.0 ± .90after surgical repair. The physical health dimension score was 16.51 ± 5.27 before the surgical repair while it has increased to 21.77 ± 5.38 after the surgical repair. The score of the social domain before the surgical repair was 5.19 ± 1.34 and it has increased to 7.13 ± 3.67 after the surgical repair. The score of the environmental health domain was 17.41 ± 2.89 before the surgery while it also increased to 21.65 ± 4.04 after the surgical repair. The results have shown there was a significant difference in the mean values of pre and post-operatives in both social and environmental scores (P < 0.001). The score of the psychological health domain before the surgery was 19.06 ± 1.46 and it was increased to 19.84 ± 3.21 after the surgical repair. The result showed there is a significant difference in mean value pre and post-operative (P = 0.048), though it is a slight improvement compared to other domains. Conclusion The overall quality of life of the patient with fistula was improved after successful surgical repair. Although all domains of quality of life had shown significant improvement after successful surgical repair, the psychological domain showed slight improvement.

Efficacy of Intravitreal Triamcinolone after or Concomitant with Laser Photocoagulation in Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy with Macular Edema

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 630-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erdinc Aydin ◽  
Helin Deniz Demir ◽  
Huseyin Yardim ◽  
Unal Erkorkmaz
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Macular Edema ◽  
Laser Photocoagulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Intravitreal Triamcinolone ◽  
Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
The Mean

Purpose To investigate the clinical effects and outcomes of intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) after or concomitant with macular laser photocoagulation (MP) for clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Methods Forty-nine eyes of 49 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and CSME were randomized into three groups. The eyes in the laser group (n=17), group 1, were subjected to MP 3 weeks after IVTA; the eyes in the IVTA group (n=13), group 2, were subjected to MP, concomitant with IVTA; the eyes in the control group (n=19), group 3, underwent only IVTA application. Visual acuity (VA), fundus fluorescein angiography, and photography were performed in each group. Results In the first group, the mean VA improved from 0.17±0.09 at baseline to 0.28±0.15 (p=0.114) and in the second group, deteriorated from 0.19±0.08 at baseline to 0.14±0.08 at the sixth month (p=0.141), respectively. In Group 3, the mean VA improved from 0.16±0.08 at baseline to 0.28±0.18 (p=0.118) at the end of the follow-up. When VA was compared between the control and study groups, significant difference was detected at the sixth month (p=0.038). Conclusions MP after IVTA improved VA, rather than MP concomitant with IVTA, and only IVTA application for CSME. MP after IVTA may reduce the recurrence of CSME and needs further investigations in a longer period.

scholarly journals Intravitreal aflibercept partially reverses severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in treatment-naïve patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 030006052098536
Author(s):  
Yuan Tao ◽  
Pengfei Jiang ◽  
Min Liu ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Lihua Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Intravitreal Injection ◽  
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Posterior Pole ◽  
Foveal Thickness ◽  
Hard Exudates ◽  
Central Foveal Thickness ◽  
Treatment Naïve ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Retinal Microaneurysms

Objective To evaluate whether diabetic retinopathy can be reversed after aflibercept, based on improvements in diabetic macular edema, hard exudates (HEs) of the posterior pole, and retinal microaneurysms (MAs). Methods This was a single-center retrospective study of 30 patients (34 eyes) with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) who were treated between August and October 2018. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), area of HEs, and number of MAs were compared before and after treatment. Results The mean patient age was 61.4 ± 7.1 years; 14 patients (46.7%) were men. The mean number of injections per patient was 3.5 ± 0.5. The time between the last injection and the last follow-up was 82 days (range, 78–110 days). Six months after the first intravitreal injection, significant improvement was observed in BCVA (from 0.70 ± 0.18 to 0.42 ± 0.19 logMAR), CFT (from 377.17 ± 60.41 to 261.21 ± 31.50 µm), and number of MAs (from 182.2 ± 77.4 to 101.5 ± 59.6). Observations over 6 months after the first intravitreal injection showed a statistically significant reduction in the area of HEs (P = 0.007). No adverse events occurred during the treatment period. Conclusion Diabetic retinopathy might be partially reversed by aflibercept treatment, as indicated by BCVA, CFT, number of MAs, and area of HEs.

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