scholarly journals Auricular acupressure for myopia prevention and control in children and its effect on choroid and retina: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Han ◽  
Xie-he Kong ◽  
Feng Zhao ◽  
Yan-ting Yang ◽  
Xiao-qing Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Retinal Thickness ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Spherical Equivalent ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Objective Evidence ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Nowadays, because of the increasing incidence, the prevention and control of myopia has become an urgent issue. In China, auricular acupressure has been commonly used in the clinical treatment of myopia in children, but the exact effectiveness remains unproven. The purpose of this trial is to observe the efficacy of auricular acupressure in myopia prevention and control, as well as its effect on the choroidal and retinal thickness. Method/design A total of 480 subjects at 8–9 years old will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group versus a control group. The intervention group will receive auricular acupressure for 12 months, while the control group will be taken as a blank control. The primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, and again at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after recruitment. The myopia incidence (spherical equivalent ≤ − 0.50 D) and the mean change of spherical equivalent will be taken as the primary variables; the secondary outcome measures include axial length, uncorrected visual acuity, and choroidal and retinal thickness. Discussion This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of auricular acupressure for myopia prevention and control with objective evidence and to preliminarily explore the plausible mechanism and provide reference for adopting this approach to retard the onset and control the progression of myopia. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000038456. Registered on September 23, 2020.

scholarly journals Brief communication (Original). Effectiveness of influenza control using nonpharmaceutical interventions at primary schools in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeast Thailand

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nutcharat Mangklakeree ◽  
Somdej Pinitsoontorn ◽  
Sompong Srisaenpang
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Teaching Aids ◽  
Influenza Prevention ◽  
And Control

AbstractBackground: The world is entering the post-outbreak period of the 2009 A H1N1 strain of the influenza virus. The strain is expected to continue spreading, as seasonal influenza viruses do each year. The majority of children have relatively low immunity and engage in activities at school where opportunities abound for exposure to and spreading of diseases.Objectives: We compared the effectiveness of influenza prevention by using non-pharmaceutical measures in primary schools.Methods: This study was conducted at two medium-sized primary schools in Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. Multistage sampling was used to select students from Grades 4 to 6. The study group consisted of 230 students from the 2 schools and the control group 224 students from the 2 schools. The research included (a) 8 h of instruction on influenza-like illnesses and their prevention integrated into health promotion and physical education classes and (b) building understanding among parents and in the community. Data were analyzed for frequencies, percentages, and multiple logistic regression.Results: Non-pharmaceutical influenza interventions reduced the rate of influenza-like illnesses by 77% (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.15"0.36). Students who did not receive the influenza-like prevention and control training had a morbidity of 54.9%; whereas those who received the training had a morbidity of 23.5%. Overall, the group receiving the educational model saw a 57% reduction in its morbidity compared with the control group. The students in the intervention group who washed their hands for 20 seconds three or more times per day had a morbidity of 38.9%, which resulted in an overall reduction in morbidity of 36.4%. The morbidity rate of students who missed school because they were ill was 39.5%. When comparing training methods, the hand-washing group saw morbidity reduced by 34.7%, while simply receiving news and information from public health officials resulted in only a 29.2% reduction in morbidity. Overall, the group receiving the disease prevention and control training was able to reduce morbidity by 58.7%.Conclusion: Influenza prevention education among students was integrated into the health education curriculum. Children were taught hand-washing and respiratory etiquette (i.e., covering the nose and face when sneezing, coughing, and nose-blowing). Cartoon media were used as visual teaching aids. The results from this program helped to decrease the number of cases of influenza-like illness and morbidity among students and families.

scholarly journals Impact of ascorbic acid in reducing the incidence of vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients: A preliminary randomized controlled trial

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 929
Author(s):  
Nouran Hesham El-Sherazy ◽  
Naglaa Samir Bazan ◽  
Sara Mahmoud Shaheen ◽  
Nagwa A. Sabri
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
And Control

Background Antioxidants show nephroprotective effect against vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity (VAN) in animals. This study aimed to assess the ascorbic acid nephro-protective role against VAN clinically. Methods Forty-one critically ill patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group (vancomycin IV plus ascorbic acid, n=21) or control group (vancomycin IV only, n=20). Primary outcomes were the incidence of VAN and the absolute change in creatinine parameters, while mortality rate was the secondary outcome. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (S.cr) by at least 0.5 mg/dL or 50% of baseline for at least two successive measurements. This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03921099), April 2019. Results Mean absolute S.cr increase was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.036, where S.cr increased by 0.05(0.12) and 0.34(0.55) mg/dL in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Mean absolute Cr.cl decline was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.04, where Cr.cl was decreased by 5.9(17.8) and 22.3(30.4) ml/min in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Incidence of VAN was 1/21(4.7%) versus 5/20(25%) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (RR: 0.19; CI: 0.024–1.49; P-value = 0.093). Mortality was higher in the control group; however, it was not statistically significant, P-value = 0.141. Conclusion Co-administration of ascorbic acid with vancomycin preserved renal function and reduced the absolute risk of VAN by 20.3%, however, the reduction in VAN incidence didn’t reach statistical significance level. Further large multicenter prospective trials are recommended.

scholarly journals Effect of Auricular Acupressure on Uremic Pruritus in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cui-na Yan ◽  
Wei-guo Yao ◽  
Yi-jie Bao ◽  
Xiao-jing Shi ◽  
Hui Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Uremic Pruritus ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
And Control

Background. Uremic pruritus (UP) is a common symptom in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).Objective. To determine the clinical efficacy of auricular acupressure therapy on pruritus in hemodialysis patients and to explore possible underlying mechanisms.Methods. Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at a referral medical center were recruited and assigned to intervention (n=32) and control (n=30) groups. The intervention group underwent auricular acupressure treatment three times a week for six weeks. Auricular acupressure was not applied to patients in the control group. However, tape withoutVaccariaseeds was applied to the same six auricular acupoints as the intervention group. Pruritus scores were assessed using VAS scores, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure levels of other possible contributory biochemical factors.Results. There was a significant difference in mean VAS scores between the postintervention and control groups during follow-up (3.844 ± 1.687 versus 5.567 ± 2.285,F=22.32,P<0.0001). Compared to the control group, serum histamine levels in the postintervention group at the six-week follow-up had decreased significantly (F=5.01,P=0.0290).Conclusion. Our findings suggest that auricular acupressure may be a useful treatment in the multidisciplinary management of UP in ESRD patients.

scholarly journals MON-606 Changes in Eating Frequency but Not in Food Quality During Time Restricted Eating: Analysis from the See Food Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samar Malaeb ◽  
Tasma Harindhanavudhi ◽  
Dietsche Katrina ◽  
Nicholas Esch ◽  
Manoogian Emily ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Quality ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intermittent Fasting ◽  
Eating Pattern ◽  
Eating Frequency ◽  
Meal Quality ◽  
And Control

Abstract Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a form of intermittent fasting that has gained interest in nutrition research and interventions as one of the dietary patterns to promote weight loss and other metabolic benefits. TRE is an eating pattern in which all nutrient intakes occur within a few hours (&lt; 12 hours) every day, with no overt attempt to alter nutrient quality or quantity. The “See Food” study was a randomized, unblinded, controlled, behavioral interventional pilot clinical trial conducted from 2017-2018, that aimed to study the effect of a TRE intervention on metabolic health of overweight and obese participants, using the help of novel digital mobile technology. The objective of the current study is to analyze changes in diet quality among participants of the “See Food” study. Specifically, food intake patterns (frequency and type of meals, snacks and beverages) were compared between subjects in the 8-hour TRE intervention group, versus the unrestricted intake control group. Inclusion criteria included age 18-65, BMI &gt;25 kg/m2, had stable sleep and work schedule and owned a smartphone. Participants with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled pulmonary disease, pregnancy and nursing were excluded. A total of 20 participants with overweight or obesity (9 in control group and 11 in TRE group) were enrolled. Participants were instructed to use the “myCircadianClock” smartphone application to document their time of eating, type of meal and food images at baseline and during the intervention period of 14 weeks. The TRE group was instructed to consume calories within 8 hours each day. We compared the data between 14 days at baseline and 14 days at the end of the intervention. An eating occasion (EO) as defined as an occasion when a food or beverage (other than water) was consumed, and was separate from another EO by at least 15 minutes. Compared to baseline, both the TRE (3.8±0.4 vs 5.3±0.4, p&lt;0.0001) and control group (4.9±0.4 vs 5.6±0.5, p=0.007) had less eating frequency. The TRE group had less eating frequency compared to control group (-1.5±0.2 vs -0.6±0.2, p=0.01) at the end of the study. Meal quality was classified by meal or snack type using a food-based classification system, and included 6 Eos ranging from a complete meal, to a low-quality snack. Beverages were classified separately by type. There were no differences in meal quality between the TRE and control group. The TRE group had less frequency of high-quality snack (-0.5±0.1 vs 0.05±0.1, p=0.008), mixed quality snack (-0.03±0.06 vs -0.3±0.07, p=0.01) and caffeinated beverage (-0.6±0.09 vs -0.008±0.1) compared to the control group. Conclusions: There was a reduction in eating frequency but no change in food quality when following an 8-hour TRE. Estimation of calories intake was limited in this study. A strength of the study is the use of a novel mobile app to track timing of meals. This would be feasible to implement in a real life setting.

scholarly journals The Effect Of Biofeedback On The Motor– Muscular Situation In Rehabilitation Of Stroke Patients

2017 ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohre Najafi ◽  
Zahra sadat Manzari ◽  
Fariborz Rezaeitalab ◽  
Amin Azhari
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Check List ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Background:Stroke is the most common debilitating neurological disease in adults. Therefore, rehabilitation is a major consideration to reduce costs and relief disabilities. Biofeedback, a newly recommended method is claimed to be able to improve the consequences following stroke by enhancement the understanding of the psychological functions of the body.  Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of biofeedback on the motor– muscular situation in rehabilitation of stroke patientsMethods:The present study was a randomized clinical trial that was started in May 2016 and completed in September 2016. The sample of this study included all the patients with stroke attending the physiotherapy center of Imam Raza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups (case and control group) after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the intervention group, biofeedback (2 times a week for 15 sessions, each session lasting 20 minutes) was performed.Before the intervention demographic information questionnaire was complete by all participants. Then a check list of main variables such as hands muscle strength, muscle stiffness (spasticity), balance and ability to walk was complete by a physician. In the 7th session of the exercise and in the end of intervention (14th session), again, the main variables of the check list were reassessed by the researcher. The statistical analysis was done by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16.Results:the mean score of balance evaluation in pre-intervention had not any significant differences (p=0.503), but in post intervention evaluation, this score in intervention group versus control group showed significant differences (p=0.014).the mean score of muscle strength,Results showed that by eliminating the effects of muscular strength before the intervention, this variable in both intervention and control groups after the intervention, had improvement and significant difference (p=0.005).Comparison the average spasticity, showed that spasticity evaluation score before and after intervention had no significant difference between the two groups (p=1.00)Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, the biofeedback therapy is a promising treatment modality in improvement the motor– muscular condition following stroke.  

scholarly journals A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING PRENATAL CLINIC IN GEM SUB COUNTY, KENYA

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Okumu ◽  
Deborah Kereri
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Skilled Birth Attendant ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Birth Preparedness ◽  
Complication Readiness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Purpose:To compare the levels of birth preparedness and complication readiness among women receiving group versus those receiving individual prenatal care. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study that utilized the pre-test/post-test design with random assignment to either group or individual care. The recruitment of respondents was done over a period of six weeks. The sample size was determined using Pocock’s formulae. During recruitment, 175 respondents were enrolled in the study. 59 respondents were recruited at Malanga, 48 at Nyawara, 35 at Ndere and 33 at Marenyo. This distribution was based on population targets assigned by the Sub-County Health Team and facility performance data retrieved from DHIS. (n = 175).Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Bivariate analysis was used to determine and control for any confounders. Differences between control and intervention arms were determined using chi-square and independent samples t-tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. Findings:The mean age for both arms was 24.1 years. In the intervention arm, 16% were not married while 84% were married while in the control group 15% and 85% were not married and married respectively. Level of education was matched with those having primary level education being more than half (53%) while those with secondary level education and tertiary level education were 40% and 7% respectively. A total of 32 respondents in the intervention group attended the second prenatal care visit at Malanga, 22 at Nyawara, 12 at Ndere and 15 at Marenyo. During the third visit, 28, 23, 13 and 13 respondents attended group sessions at Malanga, Nyawara, Ndere and Marenyo. Birth preparedness and complication readiness was 17% during pre-test. There was no significant difference in birth preparedness and complication readiness in the intervention and control group (p>0.05). Regarding any form of preparation made, the majority of the clients (91% and 89%) in the intervention and control groups respectively had made some form of preparation. With regards to the identification of a skilled birth attendant, 88% in the intervention and 94% in control had identified a skilled birth attendant. Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that standards and guidelines for group prenatal care be developed to enable its implementation in prenatal care

scholarly journals No positive effect of rhdnase on the pulmonary colonization in children with cystic fibrosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.J.C. Bonestroo ◽  
M.G. Slieker ◽  
H.G.M. Arets
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Pulmonary Exacerbations ◽  
And Control ◽  
Airway Colonization

Background. Long-term clinical trials have shown that daily treatment with recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNAse) in patients with mild to moderate cystic fibrosis (CF) improves lung function and decreases the number of respiratory exacerbations. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of rhDNAse on the bacterial colonization of the airways in children with CF. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study. From the database of the CF Center Utrecht, we selected two groups, an rhDNAse group (daily 2.5 mg rhDNAse) and a control group (no rhDNAse). Primary outcome parameter was the difference in change in bacterial colonization between the treatment and control group during 1.5-year. Secondary outcome parameters were changes in lung function (FEV1) and pulmonary exacerbations. Results. Children treated with rhDNAse showed no significant changes in bacterial colonization during the treatment period, apart from an increase of P. aeruginosa positive cultures, both compared to baseline (53.1% versus 25%, p&lt;0.05) and control group (no change during study period, 37% versus 37%). The change in FEV1 after one year of treatment was +4.0% in the treatment group versus -0.3% in the control group (p=0.22). There were no significant changes in number of pulmonary exacerbations. Conclusions. This study showed no significant beneficial decrease in bacterial airway colonization during 1.5-year of treatment with rhDNAse. The positive effects of rhDNAse on the lung function can therefore not be explained by a change in airway colonization.

scholarly journals Clearing the fog: Is Hydroxychloroquine effective in reducing Corona virus disease-2019 progression: A randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan Mehmood Kamran ◽  
Zill-e-Humayun Mirza ◽  
Arshad Naseem ◽  
Rizwan Azam ◽  
Naqeeb Ullah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
And Control

AbstractBackgroundHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been considered to treat Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but data on efficacy is conflicting. we analyzed the efficacy of HCQ) in addition to standard of care (SOC) compared with SOC alone in reducing disease progression in Mild COVID-19MethodsA single centre open label randomized controlled trial during 10th April to 31st May 2020 was conducted at Pak emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) Five hundred patients of both genders having age between 18-80 years with Mild COVID-19 were enrolled. Patients assigned to standard dose of HCQ plus SOC were 349 while 151 patients received SOC (control group). Primary outcome was progression of disease while secondary outcome was PCR negativity on day 7 and 14. The results were analyzed on SPSS version 23. P value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsMedian age of intervention group (34 ± 11.778 years) and control group (34 ± 9.813 years). Disease progressed in 16 patients, 11 (3.15%) were in intervention group as compared to 5 (3.35%) in control group, (P value = 0.865). PCR negativity in intervention and control groups were (day 7, 182 (52.1%) vs. 54 (35.7%) (P value = 0.001), (day 14, 244 (69.9%) vs. 110 (72.8%) (P value = 0.508). Consecutive PCR negativity at day 7 and 14 was observed in 240 (68.8%) in intervention group compared to 108 (71.5%) in control group. (P value = 0.231).ConclusionAddition of HCQ to SOC in Mild COVID-19 neither stops disease progression nor help in early and sustained viral clearance.Clinical Trial numberNCT04491994 available at ClinicalTrials.gov

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Positive Deviance, an Asset-Based Behavior Change Approach, to Improve Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Dengue in Low-Income Communities (Slums) of Islamabad, Pakistan: A Mixed-Method Study

Insects ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shafique ◽  
Muhammad Mukhtar ◽  
Chitlada Areesantichai ◽  
Usaneya Perngparn
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Positive Deviance ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Dengue Prevention ◽  
And Control ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Dengue is a mosquito-borne, viral disease that has emerged as a global health concern in recent years. In the absence of specific antiviral treatment and vaccines, prevention remains the key strategy for dengue control. Therefore, innovative and community-driven approaches are required to improve the vector control practices. This study applied and evaluated the positive deviance (PD) approach on dengue prevention and control in selected slums of Islamabad during June–October 2020. The two most dengue-affected slums, the Faisal colony and France colony, were purposively selected as intervention and control groups, respectively. A total of 112 participants (56 for the intervention and 56 for the control group) participated in the study. The intervention group was exposed for two months to locally identified role model behaviors through weekly interactive sessions, dengue sketch competitions, and role plays. Another two months enabled the community to practice these behaviors without any external support in order to explore the intervention’s sustainability. Three surveys were conducted: before the intervention, after two months, and after four months, to assess any changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participating communities. Results found that the PD intervention had a significant positive impact on dengue knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the intervention group. PD could offer an empowering and efficient community engagement tool for future dengue prevention and control, both in Pakistan and more globally.

scholarly journals Effect of Autologous Platelet–Rich Plasma on Cesarean Section Scar; A Randomized, Double-Blinded Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahla Chaichian ◽  
Shahla Mirgaloybayat ◽  
Kobra Tahermanesh ◽  
Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi ◽  
Reza Saadat Mostafavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Incision Site ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
Double Blinded ◽  
And Control

Background: One of the complications of cesarean section (C/S) is related to the incision site. Considering the effectiveness of platelet–rich plasma (PRP) on healing of wounds and management of scars, the present study aimed to inquire the effect of PRP on the thickness and completeness of the uterine scar. Methods: In a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the women who underwent C/S from November 2019 to 2020 were included and randomized into two studied groups, including the control (n = 15) and intervention (n = 15) groups. In the intervention group, PRP, extracted from patients’ blood samples, was injected to the incision site (between decidua and myometrium), while the control group did not receive this treatment. The scar thickness of C/S as the primary outcome and postpartum hemorrhage as the secondary outcome were compared between the groups. Both groups were followed for 12 weeks. Results: The two groups (intervention and control) were not significantly different in terms of weight, height, BMI, age, parity, gravidity, duration of surgery, and blood hemoglobin (HB) level (P > 0.05). Comparison of scar characteristics showed the creation of a niche in the PRP group, which was almost one-fourth of that of the control group; a difference that was statistically significant (P = 0.002). The thickness of adjoining myometrium was comparable between the two groups. Mean uterine niche height in the intervention group was lower than in the control group, which was statistically significant (P = 0.048). The mean of residual myometrium thickness (RMT) in the intervention and control groups were 7.62 ± 0.95 and 5.6 ± 3.5 mm, respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Local injection of PRP is an effective and viable measure for reducing the uterine niche; therefore, it is suggested to be included in the routine wound care of CS. Future studies are needed to confirm PRP efficacy in different settings.

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