Visual Schedule System in Dental Care for Patients with Autism: A Pilot Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 393-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet WT Mah ◽  
Phoebe Tsang
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Schedule System ◽  
Visual Schedule ◽  
Dental Appointment ◽  
Picture Communication ◽  
Dental Appointments

Objectives: A pilot study to test whether a visual schedule system using picture communication symbols can help children with autism have successful routine dental cleaning visits. Study Design: 14 boys with autism between three- to eight-years-old presented to the dental clinic for four weekly consecutive dental appointments. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group who received the tell-show-do method (i.e., standard of care), or the test group who received the tell-show-do method plus the visual schedule system. Results: Patients in the test group completed an average of 1.38 more steps, at 35.52 seconds per step faster, and with 18.7% lower levels of behavioral distress than those in the control group. Conclusion: The use of a visual schedule system, along with repeated weekly visits, showed some promise in helping children with autism successfully complete more steps, progress at a quicker rate, and exhibit lower levels of behavioral distress within a dental appointment, compared to a traditional tell-show-do approach.

scholarly journals Treatment Success and User-Friendliness of An Electric Toothbrush App: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Viviane Humm ◽  
Daniel Wiedemeier ◽  
Thomas Attin ◽  
Patrick Schmidlin ◽  
Stefanie Gartenmann
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Plaque Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Electric Toothbrush ◽  
And Control

Electronic and mobile health (eHealth/mHealth) are rapidly growing areas in medicine and digital technologies are gaining importance. In dentistry, digitalization is also an emerging topic, whereby more and more applications are being offered. As an example, using real-time feedback, digital application software (an app) was designed to help users brush their teeth more accurately. However, there is no data on the effectiveness and haptic of such apps. Therefore, a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was designed: twenty volunteers received an electric toothbrush with an associated app to assess whether the app-assisted toothbrushing is better than without. After a short period of familiarization with the electric toothbrush, plaque index (O‘Leary et al. 1972) was recorded and subjects were assigned to the test (with app; n = 10) or the control group (no app; n = 10). At the end of the 2-week pilot study period, plaque was again assessed and participants in the test group completed a questionnaire about the app’s user-friendliness. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the test and control groups. The plaque index improved on average by 8.5% points in the test and 4.7% points in the control group. Fifty percent of the test group participants were of the opinion that they had achieved better cleaning results and would recommend the app to others, although the app contributed only marginally to increased plaque removal. However, such apps may nevertheless be helpful as motivational tools, especially when tracking and monitoring cleaning data. Therefore, more development and research on this topic is indicated.

scholarly journals C – reactive protein in saliva of non-smoking patients with periodontitis (a pilot study)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zerina Hadžić ◽  
Ivan Puhar
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Periodontal Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarker ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Oral Hygiene Instructions ◽  
And Control

Introduction: C-reactive Protein (CRP) as an inflammatory biomarker can be easily determined in saliva, but the values of salivary CRP in periodontitis are not well-studied. The aim of this study was to analyze and determine the values of salivary CRP in non-smokers with periodontitis stage 3 or 4 before and after supragingival and subgingival full-mouth periodontal therapy.Methods: Standard periodontal parameters and saliva samples were collected in 12 non-smoking patients. Patients in the test group (n = 6) underwent supragingival and subgingival full-mouth periodontal therapy, and the control group (n = 6) received only supragingival full-mouth therapy. Both groups received the same oral hygiene instructions in addition to therapy. After 3 months, re-registration of periodontal parameters and re-sampling of saliva for analysis of salivary CRP were done for both groups.Results: Statistical analysis revealed large differences in the values of clinical periodontal parameters and CRP levels in the test group after therapy. Values of salivary CRP in the test and control groups were lower 3 months the therapy; however, the results were not statistically significant. The correlation of clinical periodontal parameters and salivary CRP varied in both groups.Conclusion: Our pilot study reveals decreased concentrations of salivary C-reactive protein in non-smoking patients following non-surgical periodontal therapy. Further studies are needed to prove the reliability of salivary CRP as a biomarker for periodontitis.

scholarly journals Cognitive Task Analysis to Improve Student Competencies: a Pilot Study based on the Use of the Square of PErceived ACtion Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
Philippe Fauquet-Alekhine ◽  
Patrick Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Task Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Cognitive Task Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Occupational Training ◽  
Action Model ◽  
And Training

The aim of this pilot study was to test a method developed in the Cognitive Task Analysis paradigm for adult occupational training in the field of education. The method used was based on the Square of Percieved ACtion (SPEAC) protocol using the SPEAC model (explaining how to successfully put competencies in action). The study was conducted in two secondary education classes, with a sample of 36 students (control group and test group) for an activity in Economics & Social science. The application of this innovative SPEAC-based method resulted in a significant and homogeneous increase in student performance. Beyond showing that the protocol can be applied both for adults and the young and in both occupational and academic contexts, the study demonstrates the benefits in learning and training with this method. Cognitive processes underpinning the improvement in teaching and limitations of the method are discussed.

scholarly journals Activity Aprons for Inpatients Requiring Individual Nursing Assignment Care: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 183-187
Author(s):  
Michael W. Ruff ◽  
Anthony Fine ◽  
Jay Mandrekar ◽  
Cindy Sweeney ◽  
Lyell K. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Restraint Use

Background: Activity aprons are commercially available products used to occupy patients with dementia at home or in long-term care facilities. We hypothesized that inpatient use of activity aprons could potentially reduce or eliminate behaviors that result in self-harm, increased nursing supervision, and restraint use in an inpatient hospital setting. Methods: A single-center prospective randomized controlled pilot study was performed from July 2015 to November 2016 comparing activity apron plus standard care versus standard care alone. Consecutively enrolled patients were randomized by stratified randomization using age (cutoff: 80 years) and preexisting diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment. Primary outcomes were safety and feasibility of apron use. Secondary outcomes included duration of hospitalization postrandomization and individual nursing assignment (IA), time in restraints, nonphysical restraints use, falls, apron-related complications, dismissal destination, and 30-day hospital readmission. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled, with 13 randomized to apron and 17 randomized to the control group. There was no statistically significant reduction in mean length of hospital stay (15.8 vs 21.5 day; P = .40), duration of IA compared to non-apron control group (6.4 vs 9.1, respectively; P = .39), or antipsychotic medication use (61.5% vs 70.6% in control group; P = .60). No complications secondary to apron use were seen. Conclusions: Activity aprons are a safe addition to the standard of care when managing encephalopathic patients in the inpatient setting. These aprons may have a role as part of a comprehensive complement of interventions to address delirium and encephalopathy in hospitalized patients.

scholarly journals Pilot study of micromotion nailing for mechanical stimulation of tibial fracture healing

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 825-833
Author(s):  
Hannah L. Dailey ◽  
Peter Schwarzenberg ◽  
Edmund B. Webb, III ◽  
Sinead A. M. Boran ◽  
Shane Guerin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Bone Healing ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Trauma Centre ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Objective

Aims The study objective was to prospectively assess clinical outcomes for a pilot cohort of tibial shaft fractures treated with a new tibial nailing system that produces controlled axial interfragmentary micromotion. The hypothesis was that axial micromotion enhances fracture healing compared to static interlocking. Methods Patients were treated in a single level I trauma centre over a 2.5-year period. Group allocation was not randomized; both the micromotion nail and standard-of-care static locking nails (control group) were commercially available and selected at the discretion of the treating surgeons. Injury risk levels were quantified using the Nonunion Risk Determination (NURD) score. Radiological healing was assessed until 24 weeks or clinical union. Low-dose CT scans were acquired at 12 weeks and virtual mechanical testing was performed to objectively assess structural bone healing. Results A total of 37 micromotion patients and 46 control patients were evaluated. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, the proportion of open fractures, or NURD score. There were no nonunions (0%) in the micromotion group versus five (11%) in the control group. The proportion of fractures united was significantly higher in the micromotion group compared to control at 12 weeks (54% vs 30% united; p = 0.043), 18 weeks (81% vs 59%; p = 0.034), and 24 weeks (97% vs 74%; p = 0.005). Structural bone healing scores as assessed by CT scans tended to be higher with micromotion compared to control and this difference reached significance in patients who had biological comorbidities such as smoking. Conclusion In this pilot study, micromotion fixation was associated with improved healing compared to standard tibial nailing. Further prospective clinical studies will be needed to assess the strength and generalizability of any potential benefits of micromotion fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):825–833.

Effect of tablets containing probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri) on early caries lesions in adolescents: a pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.K. Keller ◽  
I. Nøhr Larsen ◽  
I. Karlsson ◽  
S. Twetman
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Lactobacillus Reuteri ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lesion Area ◽  
Early Caries ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Over Time

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of tablets containing probiotic lactobacilli on early caries lesions in adolescents with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). 36 healthy adolescents of both sexes (12-17 years of age) were enrolled and randomly allocated to a placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups. The test group received two tablets daily containing two strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) for a period of three months, while the control group got identical placebo tablets without live bacteria. The primary outcome was QLF-readings (change in fluorescence, ΔF and lesion area, mm2) at baseline and after 3 months, conducted at two buccal sites of each individual, pre-selected with clearly visible clinical signs of enamel demineralisation (white spots). Significantly more premolars were allocated to the placebo group, while the test group had more incisors (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in fluorescence values between the groups, neither at baseline, nor at the follow-up. There was however a significant decrease in fluorescence over time in the test group, but not in the placebo group (P<0.05). No alterations of the lesion area (ΔA) were found in any group. The inter-examiner intra-class correlation coefficient-value for QLF-readings was excellent. No side- or adverse effects were reported during the intervention period. This pilot study found a significant decrease over time in the test group. However, no statistically significant differences in fluorescence values between the groups were found. Hence, the null hypothesis could not be rejected.

scholarly journals Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Experimentally Induced Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers Using the Simulated Public Speaking Model: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwin Kamath ◽  
Rathnakar P. Urval ◽  
Ashok K. Shenoy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Public Speaking ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breathing Exercise ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Simulated Public Speaking ◽  
Experimentally Induced

A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out to determine the effect of a 15-minute practice of ANB exercise on experimentally induced anxiety using the simulated public speaking model in yoga-naïve healthy young adults. Thirty consenting medical students were equally divided into test and control groups. The test group performed alternate nostril breathing exercise for 15 minutes, while the control group sat in a quiet room before participating in the simulated public speaking test (SPST). Visual Analog Mood Scale and Self-Statements during Public Speaking scale were used to measure the mood state at different phases of the SPST. The psychometric scores of both groups were comparable at baseline. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of phase (p<0.05), but group and gender did not have statistically significant influence on the mean anxiety scores. However, the test group showed a trend towards lower mean scores for the anxiety factor when compared with the control group. Considering the limitations of this pilot study and the trend seen towards lower anxiety in the test group, alternate nostril breathing may have potential anxiolytic effect in acute stressful situations. A study with larger sample size is therefore warranted. This trial is registered with CTRI/2014/03/004460.

Alternative Schedule of Filgrastim after Autologous Transplantation: Less Dosing, Same Efficacy

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 4334-4334
Author(s):  
Aida B. Sousa ◽  
Fatima Costa ◽  
Gilda Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Autologous Transplantation ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Transfusion Requirements ◽  
Clinical Instability ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Administration of colony-stimulating factors (CSF) after autologous peripheral-blood progenitor cell transplantation is the current standard of care, and G-CSF is usually given from day +5 or +7 until engraftment. Recent preliminary data in a non-transplant setting suggest that 2 doses of G-CSF may be equivalent to the standard schedule. In this pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of giving only 2 doses of filgrastim post-transplant (days +7 and +9) in non-myeloma pts; exclusion criteria were re-transplants and clinical instability at day +7. From July 07 to June 08, 19 consecutive pts were included (16 lymphomas, 3 acute leukaemias) and their outcome was compared to a historical control group of 42 similar pts transplanted from Jan 06 to Jun 07, who received filgrastim from d+7 until 1000 neutrophils/ul (4–18 days, median 9). There were no significant differences in primary endpoints: median time to neutrophil engraftment (500/ul reached on day +12 vs +11) rate of documented infections (with bacteremia in 23% of transplants in the study group vs 36% in the control group) and median length of hospitalisation (both 22 days). Median duration of intravenous antibiotics (11 vs 12 days) median time to platelet engraftment (20,000/ul reached on day +13 vs +14) incidence of grade 3/4 mucositis and transfusion requirements were also similar. There were no deaths at day +30 in the study group. In 2 of the 19 pts a secondary prescription of filgrastim was made (for 2 and 4 days). In this pilot study, reducing filgrastim administration to 2 doses seems possible without undue risks. If confirmed in a randomized trial, these findings could have a significant impact on the cost of transplantation.

scholarly journals Pilot study of Stem Cell Therapy in Heart Failure Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-58
Author(s):  
M Mustafa Zaman ◽  
Md Fakhrul Islam Khaled ◽  
Bishnu Pada Dey ◽  
Masuda Begum ◽  
Sayed Mainuddin Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Borg Scale ◽  
Absolute Change ◽  
The Absolute

Introduction: Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is a major complication of diseases involving myocardium. Despite numerous pharmacological interventions and invasive therapeutic techniques, therapeutic options for end stage heart failure remain limited to left ventricular assist device & organ transplantation. Regenerative medicine may bring hope here. Method: This pilot study was carried out at the Department of cardiology in collaboration with department of haematology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from October 2017 to March 2018. Considering inclusion & exclusion crieteria ten (10) patients were taken in stem cell group and ten (10) patients in control group. Patients in the control arm received standard of care in accordance with practice guidelines for heart failure management (GDMT). Patients in the cell therapy arm received, in addition to standard of care, bone marrow–derived cardiopoietic stem cells (G-CSF) meeting quality release criteria. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained and recorded in pre-formed data sheet. Close liaison was maintained with all patients and followed up after 30 days & after 3 months and for any complication. The absolute change in 6 MWD from baseline to 30 days, 3 months & 6 months improved significantly in the both groups. But significant improvement was found at 6 months follow up of 6MWD between the two groups (300±28 vs 375±25, p= 0.04). Baseline BORG scale was similar in the control group and the SCT group (8.1±0.56 and 8.3±0.67 respectively, P= 0.45). The absolute change in BORG scale from baseline to 30 days, 3 months & 6 months improved significantly in the both groups. But improvement was not statistically significant in between the two groups (p= 0.32, 0.45, 0.23 respectively). Echocardiographic observation also revealed a similar baseline LVIDd, LVEF level in the control group and the SCT group which was not statistically significant (p = 0.45, 0.52 respectively). Gradual improvement in LVIDd were found at 30 days, 3 months, 6 months follow up observation but statistically significant absolute change was found only at 6 months follow up in between groups (62.4±1.8 vs 56±2.4, p=0.03). Baseline LVEF were less than 30% in both control & SCT group (29.5±0.8% & 28.7±1.3% respectively). The echocardiographic evaluation also revealed a significant increase in LVEF at 6 months (34% ±1.6 and 40% ± 2.5%, p = 0.04) of follow-up in between group but not at 30 days & 3 months follow up. University Heart Journal Vol. 16, No. 2, Jul 2020; 52-58

scholarly journals Pilot Study on the Effects of a Plant-Strong Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Veterans (Part 1)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1352-1352
Author(s):  
Shawn Toso ◽  
Julie Kurtz ◽  
William Reichert ◽  
Raymond Migrino ◽  
Diane Parrington
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Control Group

Abstract Objectives A short-term intervention designed to test the feasibility of Veterans to adopt a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet has not been tested. The specific aims of this study were to (1) determine the feasibility of Veterans adopting a WFPB diet within four weeks, following a plant-strong protocol, (2) determine the effectiveness on participant's cardiovascular risk factors and dietary patterns and (3) compare the results to Veterans following the American Heart Association or Diabetic Diets. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, pilot study of overweight or obese hyperlipidemic Veterans naive to lipid lowering drugs. The first 4 participants were assigned the control group, the next 6 were assigned the intervention. Participants in the control group who met inclusion/exclusion criteria after completion of control intervention could cross-over into the intervention group. The intervention was a four-week program which included individual education on a WFBP diet, (including menu planning and making grocery lists), a grocery store tour, cooking skills, substitutions and food preparation, and challenges dining out. Participants in the control arm received the standard of care. Anthropometrics, biochemical measures, and dietary intake patterns were obtained at baseline and five weeks. Results Eight male Veterans (mean 57 years old) completed the study, (n = 4 control, n = 6 intervention, 2 crossed over). Ability to adopt a WFBP diet was 83%. Data from diet adopters were compared to the control. Both groups had a significant decrease in LDL from baseline (12% control and 19% in intervention, P = 0.04 each). Veterans in the intervention group had a significant decrease in weight (3%, P = 0.04) and reported: gassiness, better digestion, more energy and better sleep. Conclusions Veterans were able to adopt a WFBP diet and experienced a favorable change in LDL cholesterol. Resources needed to conduct the intervention preclude widespread implementation. Further research is needed to determine if less resource intensive programs are feasible and effective for long-term sustainability and determine which Veterans may benefit most. Funding Sources Carl T Hayden Medical Research Foundation.

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