scholarly journals 20-Week Study of Clinical Outcomes of Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Prophylaxis and Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 2515690X2110261
Author(s):  
Leon Margolin ◽  
Jeremy Luchins ◽  
Daniel Margolin ◽  
Michelle Margolin ◽  
Sanford Lefkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Population Analysis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Compliant Control

Objectives and Setting. As the lethal COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, the need for effective modalities of alleviation remains urgent. This includes modalities that can readily be used by the public to reduce disease spread and severity. Such preventive measures and early-stage treatments may temper the immediacy of demand for advanced anti-COVID measures (drugs, antibodies, vaccines) and help relieve strain also on other health system resources. Design and Participants. We present results of a clinical study with a multi-component OTC “core formulation” regimen used in a multiply exposed adult population. Analysis of clinical outcome data from our sample of over 100 subjects − comprised of roughly equal sized regimen-compliant (test) and non-compliant (control) groups meeting equivalent inclusion criteria − demonstrates a strong statistical significance in favor of use of the core formulations. Results. While both groups were moderate in size, the difference between them in outcomes over the 20-week study period was large and stark: Just under 4% of the compliant test group presented flu-like symptoms, but none of the test group was COVID-positive; whereas 20% of the non-compliant control group presented flu-like symptoms, three-quarters of whom (15% overall of the control group) were COVID-positive. Conclusions. Offering a low cost, readily implemented anti-viral approach, the study regimen may serve, at the least, as a stopgap modality and, perhaps, as a useful tool in combatting the pandemic.

scholarly journals Objective Assessment of Impulse Control Disorder in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Using a Low-Cost LEGO-Like EEG Headset

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan-Pin Lin ◽  
Hsing-Yi Liang ◽  
Yueh-Sheng Chen ◽  
Cheng-Hsien Lu ◽  
Yih-Ru Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Eeg Abnormalities

Abstract BackgroundPatients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can develop the cognitive adverse effect of impulse control disorders (ICDs) while undergoing a pharmacological treatment for motor control dysfunctions with a dopamine agonist (DA). Conventional clinical interviews or questionnaires can be biased and may not provide an accurate diagnosis in the early stage. A wearable electroencephalogram (EEG)-sensing headset paired with an examination procedure can be a potential user-friendly method to explore ICD-related biomarkers that can reflect brain activity abnormalities and detect its early signs and progression.MethodsA stereotypical Go/NoGo test that targets impulse inhibition was performed with 59 individuals, including heathy controls, patients with PD, and patients with PD diagnosed with ICD. A low-cost LEGO-like EEG headset was used to record concurrent EEG signals. The event-related potential (ERP) analytical framework was then used to explore ICD-related EEG abnormalities after DA treatment.ResultsOnly PD patients with ICD exhibited a tendency for N2 and P3 amplitude deterioration at the fronto-central regions (i.e., Fz, FCz, and Cz); in particular, the P3 counterpart reached statistical significance (p<0.05). Neither PD patients nor healthy controls (without DA) replicated such findings. Furthermore, N2 amplitude deterioration was found to be related to ICD severity at Fz (r=-0.28, p=0.04).ConclusionsA low-cost LEGO-like EEG headset successfully captured ERP neuromarkers for the objective assessment of ICD in PD patients undergoing DA treatment. The present objective neuro-evidence could provide complementary information to conventional clinical scales used to diagnose the ICD adverse effect.

scholarly journals Effect of advanced periodontal self-care in patients with early-stage periodontal diseases on endothelial function: An open-label, randomized controlled trial

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257247
Author(s):  
Ayako Okada ◽  
Takatoshi Murata ◽  
Khairul Matin ◽  
Meu Ariyoshi ◽  
Ryoko Otsuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Adma Level ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Although a significant association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has been reported, their cause-to-effect relationship remains controversial. This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to investigate the effect of advanced self-care on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related vascular function markers flow-mediated brachial artery dilatation (FMD) and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level in patients with early-stage periodontal disease. The study was designed as a parallel group, 3-month follow-up, open-label, randomized controlled trial. The control group received standard care for periodontal diseases, whereas the test group additionally applied disinfectant using a custom-fabricated prescription tray for advanced self-care twice a day. Overall, 110 patients provided data for FMD and serum ADMA level. No significant improvements in FMD were observed in the control (mean increase, −0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.0–0.8; P = 0.805) or test (mean increase, −0.3%; 95% CI, −1.1–0.4; P = 0.398) group. No significant changes in serum ADMA levels were observed (mean reduction, 0.01 μmol/L; 95% CI, −0.00–0.02; P = 0.366 and mean reduction, 0.00 μmol/L; 95% CI, −0.01–0.01; P = 0.349, respectively). No significant between-group differences were found in FMD (mean difference, −0.2%; 95% CI, −1.4–0.9; p = 0.708) or serum ADMA levels (mean difference, 0.01 nmol/L; 95% CI, −0.00–0.03; p = 0.122). Significant improvements in the average probing pocket depth were observed in the control and test groups. The bleeding on probing score in the test group was significantly reduced, while that in the control group was reduced, although not significantly. Periodontal care for a 3-month duration did not provide better endothelial function although improvements of periodontal status in patients with early-stage periodontal diseases. This trial is registered in UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/; ID: UMIN000023395).

scholarly journals The Influence of Kinesio Taping on the Increase of Effort Tolerance in Patients after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Krajczy ◽  
Jan Szczegielniak ◽  
Katarzyna Bogacz ◽  
Jacek Luniewski
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Test Time ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Kinesio Taping ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Surgery Department ◽  
And Control

Physiotherapy in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CHL) is impeded by post-operative pain which causes a decline in patients’ activity, reduces respiratory muscle function and affects patients’ ability to look after themselves. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of Kinesio Taping (KT) on the increase in effort tolerance in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The task of the research was to compare results of 100-meter walk test in test group and control group before surgery, during and after physiotherapy. The research included 63 patients after CHL treated in General Surgery Department of Hospital in Nysa. Both test group (BA) and control group (KO) included randomly selected volunteers who met test qualification criteria. BA group consisted of 32 patients (26 females and 6 males), KO group consisted of 31 patients (22 females and 9 males). Both groups were subjected to complex physiotherapy and group BA had additional KT applications. The results were subjected to statistical analysis with the use of U MannWhitney test. The level of statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The results showed that in the test conducted before surgery the level of median time recorded in the 100-meter test did not differ significantly between the two research groups. In further tests, the 100-meter walk test time was significantly shorter in the test group in comparison with the patients from the control group. Conclusion: The improvement in effort tolerance observed in the research indicates the efficiency of Kinesio Taping as a method complementing physiotherapy in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Keywords: Kinesio Taping, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, physiotherapy.

scholarly journals Analysis of differential expression of protease-activated receptors in patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 215265671876419
Author(s):  
Shikhar Sawhney ◽  
Sandeep Bansal ◽  
Madhur Kalyan ◽  
Indu Verma ◽  
Ramandeep Singh Virk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Expression ◽  
Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protease Activated Receptors ◽  
Fungal Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Ever since its characterization in the 1970s, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) has been the subject of much controversy, especially regarding its pathogenesis. In this study, we analyzed the differential expression of genes that encode protease-activated receptors (PAR) in patients with AFRS and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, and tried to understand the pathogenic basis of this disease. Objective To analyze the differential expression of PAR genes in patients with AFRS and in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods Mucosa from ethmoid sinuses of 51 patients (tests and controls) was biopsied and evaluated for messenger RNA expression of PAR genes by using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Each of the four PAR genes, i.e., par1, par2, par3 and par4 was amplified, the final gene products were run on 1.8% agarose gel and analyzed by densitometry to calculate differential expression. The significance level was determined as p ≤ 0.05. Results It was observed that the expressions of all four par genes were higher in the test samples compared with the controls, but statistical significance was achieved only for par1 (p=0.004) and par2 (p=0.05). Comparative expression of the four PAR genes was also performed within the test and control groups, and a statistically significant difference was seen between par1 and par2 (p=0.007), par1 and par3 (p=0.029), par1 and par4 (p=0.0001), par2 and par4 (p=0.002), and par3 and par4 (p=0.009) in the test group. In the control group as well, par1, par2, and par3 exhibited a higher expression compared with par4 but the difference was significant between par3 and par4 genes only. Conclusion Patients with AFRS expressed increased levels of PAR genes in their nasal mucosa, and, of the four PAR genes, a higher expression of par1, par2, and par3 was observed in both the groups compared with par4. This information contributes toward our understanding of pathogenesis and possibly treatment of AFRS.

scholarly journals Impact of metronidazole and amoxicillin combination on matrix metalloproteinases-1 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases balance in generalized aggressive periodontitis

2015 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 053-059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emine Cifcibasi ◽  
Alpdogan Kantarci ◽  
Selim Badur ◽  
Halim Issever ◽  
Serdar Cintan
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Aggressive Periodontitis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tissue Inhibitors ◽  
Clinical Healing ◽  
Concentration Levels

ABSTRACT Objective: Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) is a complex periodontal disease affecting the entire dentition with a rapid destruction of the periodontium and resulting in loss of teeth. We hypothesized that better clinical healing of adjunctive use of amoxicillin plus metronidazole combination may be related to the effect of this combination therapy to restore imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) which is associated with connective tissue and alveolar bone destruction in patients with GAgP. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight subjects diagnosed with GAgP were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to test or control groups. MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio was compared between groups receiving scaling and root planning (SRP) alone (control) or in combination with amoxicillin plus metronidazole (test). Clinical periodontal variables were measured. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained and analyzed for MMP-1 and TIMP-1. Measurements were taken at baseline and repeated at 3 and 6 months after therapy. Results: Total MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05) at 3 and 6 months. MMP-1 concentration levels showed a similar pattern to MMP-1 total levels decreasing significantly at 3 months (P < 0.05). TIMP-1 concentration levels increased in the test group throughout the study period, while the difference did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). TIMP-1/MMP-1 balance was restored in test group at 6 months significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that metronidazole and amoxicillin combination as an adjunct to SRP results in better clinical healing through restoring TIMP-1/MMP-1 balance.

The Effect of Postprandial Hypotension on Rehabilitation of the Frail Elderly with Cerebrovascular Disease

1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
T A Farnsworth ◽  
D Heseltine
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Crossover Trial ◽  
No Reduction ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Postprandial Hypotension ◽  
Erect Position ◽  
Blood Pressures

A total of 15 elderly patients recovering from stroke were included in a random, observer-blind, crossover trial to investigate the effects of postprandial cardiovascular changes. Exercise capability, sitting and erect blood pressure and heart rate were recorded pre- and postprandially; a control group received water only. Exercise capability decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) in the control group, but not in the test group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the erect position post-exercise were significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced in the test group 15 min after eating; in the control group there was no significant change. A significant ( P < 0.05) increase in heart rate in the erect position was seen postprandially in the test group after exercise, but not in the control group. All other changes recorded did not reach statistical significance. No reduction in exercise capability occurred in patients exhibiting postprandial hypotension after food, as simultaneous increases in heart rate probably resulted in output being maintained.

scholarly journals One-Abutment One-Time Effect on Peri-Implant Marginal Bone: A Prospective, Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4179
Author(s):  
Filipe Moreira ◽  
Salomão Rocha ◽  
Francisco Caramelo ◽  
João P. Tondela
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Primary Stability ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Implant Placement ◽  
Bone Level ◽  
The Mean

Objective: To evaluate the peri-implant hard tissue change at 6 and 12 months after implant placement between definitive abutment placed at the same time of implant surgery, never removing it, and healing abutment disconnected and reconnected three times until the placement of the final rehabilitation. Material and methods: Each partial edentulous patient could receive between 1 and 4 platform-switched implants in the posterior regions. If the implants had primary stability—implant stability quotient (ISQ) equal to or greater than 50, they were randomized to the test group with the abutment inserted at the same time of implant placement (DA) or to the control group, receiving a healing abutment (PA). At 6 and 12 months after surgery, data related with vertical bone level changes (primary outcome) and other clinical parameters (implant mobility, bleeding on probing, probing depth, plaque index) were assessed. Results: 53 implants were included in the trial and completed 12 months follow-up (overall survival rate: 100%). All implants achieved primary stability, with an average ISQ value of 80.9 on the day of surgery. From surgery to 6 months, the mean bone loss was 0.14 ± 0.18 mm for the DA group and 0.23 ± 0.29 mm for the PA group, without statistical significance difference. Between 6 and 12 months, the mean bone loss was 0.14 ± 0.21 mm for the DA group and 0.21 ± 0.27 mm for the PA group, also without statistical significance between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences (p = 0.330) in total bone loss after 12 months between the control and the study groups. Conclusions: The one abutment one time protocol has at least an equivalent effect on the peri-implant bone level changes when compared with the use of healing abutments that are disconnected and reconnected at least three times.

scholarly journals Supplementation of Diets With Spirulina Influences Immune and Gut Function in Dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Satyaraj ◽  
Arleigh Reynolds ◽  
Robyn Engler ◽  
Jeff Labuda ◽  
Peichuan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Arthrospira Platensis ◽  
Rabies Vaccine ◽  
Test Phase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Health

Spirulina refers to two species of blue green algae (Arthrospira platensis, and A. maxima) consumed by humans as food for centuries. While, Spirulina has been shown to have immune enhancing properties in several animal and human studies, there are no systematic studies in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of dietary supplementation with Spirulina in dogs. The study was conducted in two phases: Pre-test (8 wks.) and Test (42 wks.). Thirty adult dogs (mean 2.9 yrs.) were randomized into two groups and fed a nutritionally complete diet in the “Pre-test” phase. At the end of “Pre-test” phase all dogs received a rabies vaccine, and dogs in “test group” were switched to diet supplemented with dried Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina). Response to rabies vaccine was evaluated by Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). Gut immune response was assessed by measuring fecal IgA. Gut microbiota was evaluated by Temporal Temperature Gel Electrophoresis (TTGE) methodology. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for differences between groups and statistical significance considered to be p &lt; 0.05. Dogs fed diets supplemented with Spirulina demonstrated enhanced immune status by showing significantly higher vaccine response and higher levels of fecal IgA as compared to the control group. Supplementing diets with Spirulina also resulted in significantly increased gut microbiota stability in the test group. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Spirulina significantly enhanced immune response and gut health in dogs.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF A THERMOGENIC SUPPLEMENTATION ON POST AEROBIC EXERCISE HEMODYNAMIC RESPONSES IN HEALTHY YOUNG MEN

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (38) ◽  
pp. 155-162
Author(s):  
Vilton Emanoel Lopes de Moura E Silva ◽  
Valmir Oliveira Silvino ◽  
Jefferson Fernando Coelho Rodrigues Júnior ◽  
Alyson Felipe da Costa Sena ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Neves Amorim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exercise Recovery ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Post Exercise Recovery

Introduction: The use of food supplements with esthetic or performance-enhancing goals has been largely investigated. Thermogenics are supplements that increase energy expenditure through thermogenesis and are widely consumed by individuals seeking to improve body composition and exercise performance. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a commercially available thermogenic supplement on post-exercise blood pressure responses. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven healthy thermogenic supplements users participated in the study. Nine were assigned in the control group (21.67 ± 1.87 years), nine in the thermogenic group (24.00 ± 4.18), and nine in the placebo group (23.67 ± 3.04). The volunteers performed a treadmill aerobic exercise session for 60 minutes at 65 to 85% max heart rate. The hemodynamic variables were measured at rest and during 60 minutes in the post-exercise recovery. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Baseline momentum and post-exercise recovery were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test (group versus time factors), with Bonferroni post-hoc test. The level of statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results: The thermogenic supplement did not significantly compromise post-exercise hypotension when compared to the other groups. However, thermogenic supplementation increased the blood pressure in >5 mmHg, which reportedly plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: The use of the thermogenic Lipo 6 Black Ultra Concentre Nutrex ® did not alter PEH in healthy youngsters. However, since an increase in the blood pressure was observed, this supplementation must be administered with caution.

scholarly journals Non routine use of alveolar incision in Von Langenbeck technique palatoplasty in children; a safe and viable technique in our centre

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2239
Author(s):  
Philemon E. Okoro ◽  
Benjamin M. Kejeh
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
Prospective Comparative Study ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Isolated Cleft Palate

Background: Repair of the palate is among the challenging reconstructive surgeries in children. No single technique has achieved completely satisfactory results. The von Langenbeck technique (VLT) is one of the techniques in common use. We have sort to find out if the lateral alveolar incision in VLT can be safely avoided in selected cases.Methods: This is a prospective comparative study of cases of isolated unilateral cleft palate in children 18 years and below which were repaired using the VLT with and without lateral alveolar incision in our centre between January 2013 and December 2018. Outcome parameters obtained included duration of surgery, blood loss, complication and fistula rates. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: Eighty four patients were included in the study; 36 were in the test group and 48 were in the control group. There was no significant difference in the age, weight and gender of the two groups. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the test group and fistula and complication rate was less.Conclusions:This study has demonstrated that comparable, if not better results can be achieved in well selected patients with unilateral isolated cleft palate using only dissection along the margin of the cleft. This new technique reduces the duration of surgery and anaesthesia and may reduce blood loss and complications. 

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