scholarly journals Healing With Bach® Flower Essences: Testing a Complementary Therapy

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Halberstein ◽  
Lydia DeSantis ◽  
Alicia Sirkin ◽  
Vivian Padron-Fajardo ◽  
Maria Ojeda-Vaz
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Standard Dosage ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Situational Stress ◽  
Situational Anxiety ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Anxiety Treatment ◽  
And Control

Bach®Original Flower Essence (BFE) Rescue®Remedy, a modality used since 1930 but not yet thoroughly investigated scientifically, was evaluated for the reduction of acute situational stress. A double-blind clinical trial comparing a standard dosage of BFE Rescue Remedy against a placebo of identical appearance was conducted in a sample of 111 individuals aged 18 to 49, randomized into treatment ( n = 53) and control ( n = 58) groups. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered before and after the use of Rescue Remedy or placebo. Downward trends in anxiety level measurements were discovered in both the treatment (Rescue Remedy) and control (placebo) groups. Statistical analyses indicated that only the high-state anxiety treatment subgroup demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores. The results suggest that BFE Rescue Remedy may be effective in reducing high levels of situational anxiety.

scholarly journals Comparing the Efficacy of Topical Metformin and Placebo in the Treatment of Melasma: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Mapar ◽  
Ali Asghar Hemmati ◽  
Ghazal Namdari
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Metformin Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
P 16 ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Generally affecting women, melasma is the acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation, and researches are still ongoing to find an effective, fast, and low-side-effect drug treating this disease. The present study is aimed at comparing the efficacy of topical metformin and placebo in the treatment of melasma. Methods: Sixty patients with melasma were treated in placebo and topical metformin recipient groups in a double-blind clinical trial. In addition to the demographic and laboratory findings of patients before and after the intervention, the MASI Score of patients in weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the study and then one month after the study were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The mean age of the studied patients was 35.25 ± 7.11 years. No significant difference was observed between the phenotypes (P= .49) and the type of melasma (P= .63) in the two groups. The mean MASI score of patients at the time of being included in the study in the placebo group was 10.47 ± 3.08; and in the metformin group, it was 11.93 ± 4.64 (P = .16). Compared to the beginning of the study, the MASI scores were significantly decreased in both groups of placebo (P = .00) and metformin (P = .00) one month after the end of the study; nevertheless, no statistically significant difference was observed between the MASI Scores of two groups in any of the study periods (P > .05). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that metformin cream significantly declines the patients’ MASI score and does not have any effect on patients’ laboratory markers. Of course, no significant difference was observed between the MASI scores of the patients receiving metformin and the placebo group; however, the MASI score decrease trend continued until the 12th week; while in the placebo group, no significant decrease was seen after eight weeks.

scholarly journals Effect of SPIKES-based Education by Role Playing and Multimedia Approaches on Breaking Bad News Skills in Midwifery Students (a Comparison)

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-146
Author(s):  
Nasrin Baghdari ◽  
Mostafa Rad ◽  
Marzie Torkmannejad Sabzevari
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Bad News ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Delivering Bad News

Summary Due to the diversity of midwives’ responsibilities, the skill to deliver bad news is a vital need, and therefore the teaching approach in this matter is of utmost importance. Thus, this study has been conducted with the purpose of comparing the effect of SPIKES-based education of skills needed for delivering bad news, using two different approaches of role playing and multimedia in midwifery students. This double-blind clinical trial was done on 90 midwifery students who were randomly assigned to three separate groups. Students’ skill in delivering bad news was recorded through a specific checklist before and after the educational intervention. The reliability and validity of this skill evaluation checklist was assessed and confirmed. The final data were analyzed using SPSS software. After educational intervention, role playing and multimedia groups have gained more skills compared to their previous conditions as well as the control group. The skill of delivering bad news did not show a significant difference in role playing and multimedia groups after intervention. The results showed that teaching the skills of delivering bad news using multimedia approach which was held as distance learning course would rival active educational methods such as role playing. Thus, it could be a suitable replacement for role playing methods in increasing the skill needed for delivering bad news.

scholarly journals The effects of pulsatile flushing on phlebitis and peripheral intravenous catheters patency

2020 ◽  
pp. 16-25
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Intravenous Catheters

Background and Aim: Thrombophlebitis is considered as a major cause of peripheral intravenous catheters (PICs) failure. The flushing technique in the laboratory has been effective in clearing the catheter duct, but its effectiveness in the clinical setting is unknown, therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of pulsatile flushing on phlebitis, type, and duration of PICs patency in patients. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 71 patients admitted to the inpatient and surgical wards of Imam Khomeini Esfarayen Hospital were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups after sampling by available methods. In the intervention group, the flushing technique was performed by injecting 1 ml of the normal saline solution for one second, then interrupting less than one second and repeating the injection and interrupting until the end of 5 ml of the solution. The Consequences of this study were phlebitis, duration, and type of PICs patency, which were evaluated every 12 hours by using Jackson's phlebitis instrument and direct observation of the catheter. Results: The incidence of phlebitis in the intervention group was lower than the control group (P<0.001). In addition, two groups had a statistically significant difference in the type of PICs (P<0.001). The median duration of PICs patency in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Pulsatile flushing is an effective technique to increase longevity of PICs and recommended as a practical method in clinical setting.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Additive Effect of Domperidone on Patients with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarang Taghvaei ◽  
Arash Kazemi ◽  
Vahid Hosseini ◽  
Mehdi Hamidian ◽  
Hafez Tirgar Fakheri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ◽  
Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽  
Erosive Esophagitis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem with annoying symptoms. It is associated with negative impact on quality of life. Prokinetic agents may be used in combination with acid suppression agents as an adjunctive in patients with GERD refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy, rather than as sole treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combination of PPI with domperidone (a prokinetic agent) compared with PPI alone in the treatment of patients with refractory GERD. METHODS This study was a double blind clinical trial on 29 patients with GERD refractory to PPI during the period of one month. By randomization, the patients were divided into two groups. Group A was treated by pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily and domperidone three times a day for a month, while group B was treated by pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily and placebo three times a day. In this study endoscopy was performed to evaluate the prevalence of erosive esophagitis, non-erosive reflux, and hiatal hernia. Manometry was conducted to study the prevalence of dysmotility. GERD symptom questionnaires including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Carlson Dennett, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 health survey (SF36) were used before and after treatment for screening GERD and assessing treatment response. RESULTS There were 17 (58.62%) women and 12 (41.37%) men. The prevalence of erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux, was 10.34% and 89.66%, respectively. There was a significant difference comparing reflux symptoms before and after treatment between the two groups according to reflux and Carlson Dennett questionnaires. At the end of the study, symptoms of reflux significantly improved by treatment. Although, the quality of life questionnaire scores improved by treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in response to treatment between the two groups. CONCLUSION In this research, we showed that adding domperidone to PPI could not make any improvement in patients with refractory reflux regarding the quality of life and improving the symptoms.

scholarly journals Effect of Neem containing Toothpaste on Plaque and Gingivitis—A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 880-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Supreetha ◽  
KN Abhishek ◽  
S Nubesh Khan ◽  
KH Chaithanya ◽  
Nishad Abdul
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Aim The present study was designed to assess the effect of toothpaste containing neem on plaque and gingivitis. Materials and methods Randomized, double blind clinical trial was designed. Thirty first year dental students volunteered to participate in the study. Neem containing tooth paste was used as an intervention. Clinical examination was carried out using Silness and Loe plaque index (PI) and Loe and Silness gingival index (GI). Independent t-test and paired t-test was used for the intergroup and the intragroup comparison. Results Out of 30 participants, 22 (73.3%) were females and eight (26.7%) were males. A statistically significant difference was found between the test and control group after intervention with respect to the PI and GI. Conclusion Neem containing toothpaste can be used as an adjunct for maintenance of oral hygiene. Clinical significance Regular brushing with neem toothpaste might act as an adjunct to maintenance of good oral hygiene, and thus improve oral health. How to cite this article Abhishek KN, Supreetha S, Sam G, Khan SN, Chaithanya KH, Abdul N. Effect of Neem containing Toothpaste on Plaque and Gingivitis—A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(11):880-883.

Rehydration with a Caffeinated Beverage during the Nonexercise Periods of 3 Consecutive Days of 2-a-Day Practices

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Fiala ◽  
Douglas J. Casa ◽  
Melissa W. Roti
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Psychological Measures ◽  
Mild Heat ◽  
Urine Color ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Time Point

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of rehydration with a caffeinated beverage during non exercise periods on hydration status throughout consecutive practices in the heat. Ten (7 women, 3 men) partially heat-acclimated athletes (age 24 ± ly, body fat 19.2 ± 2%, weight 68.4 ± 4.0 kg, height 170 ± 3 cm) completed 3 successive days of 2-a-day practices (2 h/ practice, 4 h/d) in mild heat (WBGT = 23 °C). The 2 trials (double-blind, random, cross-over design) included; 1) caffeine (CAF) rehydrated with Coca-Cola® and 2) caffeine-free (CF) rehydrated with Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola®. Urine and psychological measures were determined before and after each 2-h practice. A significant difference was found for urine color for the post-AM time point, F = 5.526, P = 0.031. No differences were found among other variables (P > 0.05). In summary, there is little evidence to suggest that the use of beverages containing caffeine during non exercise might hinder hydration status.

SECRETION OF DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE BY HUMAN PROSTATE IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY

1974 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Mahoudeau ◽  
A. Delassalle ◽  
H. Bricaire
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy ◽  
Prostatic Hypertrophy ◽  
Human Prostate ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Plasma levels of testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were determined by radioimmunoassay in 29 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and in 56 control men of various ages. No significant difference was found in T, DHT nor DHT/T ratio between BPH and control subjects of similar age. Plasma DHT was higher in the prostatic than in the peripheral veins in 8/9 patients with BPH during laparotomy, indicating a prostatic secretion of DHT. No difference in the mean T nor the mean DHT was found in peripheral plasma before and after adenomectomy.

The effect of levothyroxine in comparison with placebo on serum osteocalcin levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reihaneh Rezaee ◽  
Masoud Mohebbi ◽  
Mozhgan Afkhamizadeh ◽  
Mohammad Ali Yaghoubi ◽  
Mona Najaf Najafi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Overt Hypothyroidism ◽  
Serum Osteocalcin ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Metabolic Conditions ◽  
And Control

Background and Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism can potentially develop to overt hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones have substantial roles in metabolism and glucose homeostasis and thus are closely related to determinant factors of metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and insulin resistance. Osteocalcin is considered a predictor of metabolic conditions in thyroid diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of levothyroxine vs. placebo on serum osteocalcin levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 30 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism who were referred to the endocrine clinics of Ghaem and Imam Reza hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. After giving informed consent, patients were randomly divided into intervention (50 µg/day levothyroxine for 2 months) and control (placebo) groups. Serum levels of osteocalcin, thyroid hormones, lipid profile, insulin, and fasting glucose, as well as other clinical and anthropometric data, were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. SPSS was used to analyze the data and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age in the intervention and control groups was 35.07 ± 9.94 and 31.30 ± 4.30, respectively (P=0.20). There was no significant difference between osteocalcin levels before and after the intervention in either of the groups (P=0.54). TSH level was significantly decreased in the levothyroxine group after the intervention (P<0.01). T4 level was significantly increased in the intervention group (P=0.02). Conclusion: Levothyroxine had no significant effect on increasing the levels of serum osteocalcin in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. We have registered the trial in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT) with the registration code IRCT20171129037677N1.

scholarly journals How is Satiety Affected When Consuming Food While Working on A Computer?

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily Ding ◽  
Nazimah Hamid ◽  
Daniel Shepherd ◽  
Kevin Kantono
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Restrained Eating ◽  
Computer Work ◽  
Meal Intake ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

More people working at offices are choosing to eat meals at their desks, making “desktop dining” an increasingly common phenomenon. Previous studies have reported that environmental distractors, such as television viewing, can influence meal intake and subsequent snack intake. However, the impact of stressful mental tasks on eating behavior has received relatively less attention, focusing only on subsequent meal intake or concurrent snack intake. This study sets out to determine whether eating while working influenced current meal energy intake. This research also examined the relationship between dietary restraint status and energy intake. A crossover experimental design was employed requiring participants (14 males and 29 females) to eat pizza quietly and at rest (control), and while working on a computer (work). Measurements included BMI, energy intake, state anxiety, restrained eating behavior, stress levels (pre- and post-eating), and appetite (before and after both work and control sessions). The findings showed that consuming food while working on a computer significantly increased stress but had no influence on energy intake compared to the control condition. However, post-eating hunger levels were significantly higher in the work condition compared to the control condition. As expected, satiety levels decreased significantly from pre- to post-eating for both work and control conditions. In addition, no significant relationship was observed between restrained eating behavior and energy intake in both work and control conditions. These results suggest that eating while working affected satiety of normal weight participants, as indicated by the significant difference in post-meal satiety levels between work and control conditions.

The Effect of Passive Smoking on Mucociliary Clearance and Inferior Concha Reactivity

2020 ◽  
pp. 194589242096761
Author(s):  
Osman Kılıç ◽  
Aslı Şahin Yılmaz ◽  
Çağatay Oysu
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoke ◽  
Passive Smoking ◽  
Mucociliary Clearance ◽  
Inferior Turbinate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nasal Decongestants ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mucosal Response ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control

Introduction The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke on turbinate reactivity and mucociliary clearance (MCC) in passive smokers. Methods 60 adult patients (30 passive smokers and 30 healthy subjects as the control group) were recruited for this study. Following a questionnaire on passive smoke exposure, MCC measurement using the saccharin test was carried out to all participants. The baseline and after decongestant acoustic rhinometry values (MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2) were measured and the percentage changes between the two test values (ie; response to nasal decongestants = concha reactivity) were recorded. Results All 60 patients, including 37 women (61.7%) and 23 men (38.3%) were between 18–57 years of age . MCC’s average measurements were 11.13 minutes in the passive smokers group, 7.87 minutes in the control group, which was statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the passive smokers and control group for acoustic rhinometric measurement of the ratio of MCA2 and VOL2 values before and after decongestant application (p < 0.05). Discussion Passive smoking can damage the nasal mucosa at least as active smoking. The number of studies on this subject is limited. There are no studies in the literature showing the effect of cigarette smoke on the inferior turbinate mucosal response. In our study, the inferior turbinate decongestant capacity was found to be significantly decreased in the passive smokers compared to the control group. Conclusion As a result of cigarette exposure, the erectile function of the lower turbines may be impaired. The task of the ENT physicians is to warn the passive smokers in this regard.

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