Autofluorescence and Diagnostic Accuracy of Lesions of Oral Mucosa: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of autofluorescence techniques for diagnosing oral mucosa lesions, using as reference pattern for comparison the visual diagnosis made by a clinical specialist. A pilot study was conducted with 60 patients divided in a control group without mucosal pathology and a study group with known clinical history for mucosal pathology. Both groups were examined by an oral medicine specialist and by a general dentist who used VELscope(r) system, which applies tissue fluorescence visualization to identify oral mucosal abnormalities. Using the VELscope(r) system, the general dentist made overdiagnosis in two cases and underdiagnosis in one case. The sensitivity and specificity for the oral medicine specialist were 1 (95% CI: 0.884 to 1). For the general dentist, the sensitivity did not improve significantly with the use of VELscope(r) system [0.53 (95% CI: 0.343 to 0.717) versus 0.49 (95% CI: 0.406 to 0.773)] and the specificity was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.614 to 0.923). A limitation of the study is the small sample size, which does not fully represent a population and extrapolation of the data should be done carefully. Based on the obtained results, no clinical benefits were obtained using this VELscope(r) system.

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Effectiveness of the Weighted Blanket With Psychiatric Patients in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Study

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association ◽

10.1177/10783903211026740 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107839032110267

Author(s):

Debra A. Dickson ◽

Laura Gantt ◽

Melvin Swanson

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Finding ◽

Control Group Design ◽

Research With Children ◽

Quasi Experimental

BACKGROUND Restraint and seclusion continue to be used with patients demonstrating aggressive and violent behaviors while in the emergency department and as inpatients in behavioral health (BH) units. The use of sensory interventions such as the weighted blanket (WB) is garnering interest as alternatives to aid in managing anxiety, anger, and aggressive behaviors. Reports of the effectiveness of the WB have primarily been anecdotal, and results of research with children have been mixed. Only one study has been conducted with the WB with adults on an inpatient psychiatric unit. OBJECTIVES The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the WB by determining whether it decreases anxiety and/or anger in adult emergency department patients with preexisting psychiatric diagnoses. METHODS The study used a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group design with pre- and posttests for anxiety and anger. The intervention was a 15-pound WB. Participants ( N = 15) were in one of three groups, which included no weighted blanket (NWB), WB for 15 minutes, or WB for 30 minutes. RESULTS All three groups showed a decrease in anxiety and anger scores. However, participants in the WB groups had a greater decrease in anxiety and anger posttest scores. CONCLUSIONS The small sample size in this study did not allow for the determination of any differences between groups on anxiety or anger scores that could be viewed as a significant finding.

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Cortisolontregeling bij werknemers met burnout; een pilotstudy

Gedrag & Organisatie ◽

10.5117/2004.017.001.003 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paula Mommersteeg ◽

Cobi Heijnen ◽

Ger Keijsers ◽

Marc Verbraak ◽

Lorenz van Doornen

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Job Stress ◽

Matched Control ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Stress Hormone ◽

Stress Response System ◽

Cortisol Levels ◽

Initial Measurement

Cortisol disturbance in employees suffering burnout; a pilot study Cortisol disturbance in employees suffering burnout; a pilot study P. Mommersteeg, C. Heijnen, G. Keijsers, M. Verbraak & L. van Doornen, Gedrag & Organisatie, volume 17, February 2004, nr. 1, pp. 18-31. Burnout symptoms are the result of chronic job stress and insufficient recovery. Deviations in the secretion level of the stress hormone cortisol are associated with chronic stress and stress-related health problems. This study examined whether burnout subjects show a disturbed cortisol profile immediately after awakening, and whether a recovery of the deviating cortisol profile coincides with the relief of burnout symptoms after therapy. In this study the cortisol levels of both a clinical burnout group of employees (n=22) who were treated for their symptoms, and a matched control group (n=21) were determined, half an hour after awakening. The burnout group was sampled once more after 14 treatment sessions over approximately 6 months. At the initial measurement the burnout group showed lower cortisol levels after awakening in comparison to the control group. After treatment the burnout group reported fewer complaints whereas elevated levels of cortisol were found. Paradoxically, the rise in cortisol after therapy seems mainly attributable to subjects showing the least improvement in symptoms of exhaustion. Small sample size and the complexity and dynamics of this stress-response system complicate a clear interpretation of these findings.

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The Symbiotic Mutualism between Co-Creation and Entrepreneurship

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13116285 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 6285

Author(s):

Sandra Misiak-Kwit ◽

Małgorzata Wiścicka-Fernando ◽

Kelaniyage Shihan Dilruk Fernando

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Strong Association ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Small Sample ◽

Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽

Added Value ◽

Primary Data ◽

Exploratory Research ◽

Symbiotic Mutualism

In this manuscript, the authors aim to explore firstly the association between entrepreneurial mindset and co-creation experience, secondly the association between co-creation experience and entrepreneurial intentions, and thirdly the association between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions within the sustainability context. In this paper, the authors present the results of the pilot study. Primary data were collected from 500 university students from China, Georgia, Poland, Romania, and Sri Lanka by using a convenient sampling technique, and a literature review was the primary method of the concept development. The authors selected the above-mentioned countries to collect primary data by using a convenient sampling technique based on accessibility; they also visited all analysed countries in order to conduct the pilot survey personally. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were applied as primary statistical methods. The findings reveal that there is a very strong association between co-creation experience and entrepreneurial intentions, a very weak negative association between entrepreneurial mindset and co-creation experience, and, surprisingly, a weak association between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial intentions. The added value of the conducted pilot research involves filling in a gap regarding the relationship between experience and the subjective norm. In the presented pilot research, co-creation experience was compared with not only entrepreneurial mindset but with entrepreneurial intentions as well. An additional value of this exploratory research is compiling an international comparison. The main contribution of this pilot study is examining the symbiotic mutualism between co-creation and entrepreneurship. Among many platforms of associations, the following can be differentiated: creativity, innovativeness, openness, engagement, awareness, motivation, trust (level of social capital), and recognizing the significance of social and sustainable development objectives. Due to the small sample size, the results cannot be generalised. Results refer only to the respondents. However, the findings of the pilot study are the basis for further research studies on symbiotic mutualism between entrepreneurship and co-creation.

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Blinding in electric current stimulation in subacute neglect patients with current densities of 0.8 A/m2: a cross-over pilot study

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-020-05421-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Gorsler ◽

Ulrike Grittner ◽

Nadine Külzow ◽

Torsten Rackoll

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Electric Fields ◽

Standard Care ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Small Sample ◽

Related Factors ◽

Attentional Deficits ◽

Age Related ◽

Current Densities ◽

Improve Standard

Abstract Objective Neglect after stroke is a disabling disorder and its rehabilitation is a major challenge. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to be a promising adjuvant technique to improve standard care neglect therapy. Since electric fields are influenced by age-related factors, higher current densities are probably needed for effective treatment in aged stroke patients. Validation of treatment efficacy requires sham-controlled experiments, but increased current densities might comprise blinding. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted to test sham adequacy when using current density of 0.8 A/m2. Whether especially neglect patients who mainly suffer from perceptual and attentional deficits are able to differentiate beyond chance active from sham tDCS was investigated in a randomized cross-over design (active/sham stimulation) in 12 early subacute patients with left-sided hemineglect. Stimulation (0.8 A/m2) was performed simultaneous to standard care neglect therapy. Results Odds ratio of correct guessing an atDCS condition compared to wrongly judge an atDCS condition as sham was 10.00 (95%CI 0.65–154.40, p = 0.099). However, given the small sample size and high OR, although likely somewhat overestimated, results require careful interpretation and blinding success in neglect studies with current densities of 0.8 A/m2 should be further confirmed.

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Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91577-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽

Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽

Pawel Kapelski ◽

Natalia Lepczynska ◽

Joanna Pawlak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mood Disorders ◽

Calcium Binding ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Small Sample ◽

Drop Out ◽

Control Group ◽

Longitudinal Assessment ◽

Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

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Perceptions and Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus Technology in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 DM: A Pilot Survey from Pakistan

Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology ◽

10.1177/19322968211011199 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 193229682110111

Author(s):

Sarah Nadeem ◽

Uswah Siddiqi ◽

Russell Seth Martins ◽

Kaleemullah Badini

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Diabetes Care ◽

Online Survey ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Small Sample ◽

Cost Of Care ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Specific Patient

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus technology (DMT) is increasingly used for routine management in developed countries, yet its uptake in developing countries is not as consistent. Multiple factors may influence this, including country specific patient perception regarding DMT. We conducted a pilot study in Pakistan to understand this important question which has not been studied yet. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Pakistan. An anonymous survey exploring perceptions of diabetes technology was circulated on social media platforms, collecting responses over 2 weeks. Target population included adults (≥18 years) living in Pakistan, with DM1 or 2. Results: A total of 40 responses were received. The majority (36/40) reported using conventional glucometers. Nine used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Thirty-two of 40 patients believed DMT improved diabetes care, 22 felt it helped decreased risk of Diabetes-related complications. 15/40 stated that DMT results in increased cost of care. Sixteen reported their diabetes care teams had never discussed wearable DMT options whereas 11 disliked them because they did not want a device on their self. Conclusion: In our pilot study we have identified broad themes of opportunity and challenges to DMT use in Pakistan. Patients’ perceptions regarding DMT were generally positive but significant barriers to its acceptance included high cost, lack of discussion between doctor and patient about available technology and personal hesitation. Limitations of our study include sampling bias (online survey) and small sample size, but this data can help inform larger studies, to look at this important topic in greater detail.

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ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.04.005 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 521-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

H. Hustig ◽

R. Onilov

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Antipsychotic Agents ◽

Pharmacological Therapy ◽

Small Sample ◽

Clinical Population ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Notes ◽

Symptom Profiles ◽

Pharmacological Response ◽

Maintenance Ect

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.

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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acetaminophen-Related Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies in Vivo

Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.2174/1574888x16666211007092055 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Author(s):

Li Wang ◽

Yiwen Zhang ◽

Jiajun Zhong ◽

Yuan Zhang ◽

Shuisheng Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Liver Injury ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cell ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group

Objective: The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in animal experiments, but individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies to explore the potential of using MSCs in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Methods: Eight databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of MSCs on acetaminophen hepatoxicity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA/SE 16.0 software. Results: Eleven studies involving 159 animals were included according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (standardized mean difference (SMD) − 2.58, p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD − 1.75, p = 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD 3.7, p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 1.86, p = 0.022), interleukin 10 (IL-10) (SMD 5.14, p = 0.0002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD − 4.48, p = 0.011) compared with those in the control group. The subgroup analysis showed that the tissue source of MSCs significantly affected the therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that MSCs could be a potential treatment for acetaminophen-related liver injury.

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An experimental study on the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980010002983 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1337-1344 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Sandra C Jones ◽

Lisa Kervin

Keyword(s):

Small Sample Size ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Food Choices ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Snack Food ◽

South Wales ◽

Children's Magazines ◽

Food Advertisements ◽

Effects On Children

AbstractObjectiveThe present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.DesignChildren were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention ‘store’ to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants’ parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n24).SettingThree vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsChildren aged 5–12 years (n47).ResultsChildren in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen).ConclusionsThis was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.

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Prevalence, Symptoms and Duration of Post Acute Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children – a Nationwide Cohort Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-839948/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Luise Borch ◽

Mette Holm ◽

Maria Knudsen ◽

Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽

Soeren Hagstroem

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Muscle Weakness ◽

School Children ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Risk Difference ◽

Small Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Respiratory Problems ◽

Danish Health ◽

Registration Number

Abstract Background: Most children have a mild course of acute COVID-19, but only a few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size, have evaluated the long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (‘long COVID’).Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children age 0-17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 78,037 randomly selected children. An electronic questionnaire was sent to both groups of children from March 24th until May 9th 2021.Results: Long COVID symptoms were reported by 12-51% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Among pre-school children, fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04-0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00-0.01) were statistically significant symptoms of ‘long COVID’.Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12-0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09-0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05-0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03-0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02-0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01-0.02), and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than the SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1-5 months.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence of ‘long COVID’ symptoms in children.Trial registration number: The study was approved by The Danish Health Data Authority and registered at Central Denmark region (# 1-16-02-621-20).

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