scholarly journals Evaluation of the Meibomian Glands Using the Tear Interferometer Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses

Author(s):  
Jiyoung Lee ◽  
Gyudeok Hwang ◽  
Minji Ha ◽  
Hyun-Seung Kim ◽  
Kyungdo Han ◽  
...  

Abstract Background : To investigate the impact of orthokeratology wear on meibomian glands in Korean pediatric population using the tear interferometer. Methods : Fifty-three orthokeratology wearers and 79 non-lens wearers were evaluated using the LipiView® II ocular surface interferometer which shows incomplete blink rate, average lipid layer thickness, and meiboscores.Results : No significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores for upper eyelids, but the lipid layer thickness and meiboscores for lower eyelids were significantly higher in the Ortho-K group than in the control group (p = 0.024 and 0.007, respectively). Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of orthokeratology wear and the parameters measured by LipiView® (p > 0.05 for all). Among subgroups based on average duration of lens wear, the longer duration (≥24 months) subgroup showed higher meiboscores of lower eyelids (p = 0.011), but no other significant differences. Conclusions : Ortho-K wearers showed no significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores of upper eyelids, but they were associated with increased LLT and higher meiboscores of lower eyelids. Thorough examination and close monitoring of orthokeratology wearers is necessary. Prospective and observational studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between Orthokeratology and meibomian glands.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Suzuki ◽  
Y Nakano ◽  
H Ohashi ◽  
H Ando ◽  
K Waseda ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Normal mitral annulus morphology is known to be saddle shape. There are a few reports regarding the relationship between flattening of the mitral annular saddle shape and mitral regurgitation. However, the relationship between aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral annulus morphology is unknown. Purpose To assess the impact of AS on mitral annular saddle shape using 3-dimentional transesophageal echocardiography. Methods A total of consecutive 83 subjects including 44 patients with severe AS (AS group) and 39 patients without AS (control group), who underwent real-time 3-dimentional transesophageal echocardiography of the mitral valve, were enrolled. The 3-dimentional geometry of the mitral annulus apparatus was evaluated by the parameters analyzed using dedicated quantification software such as anteroposterior diameter (APD), commissural width (CW), annular height (AH), mitral annulus (MA) area and annular height to commissural width ratio (AHCWR) as shown in Figure. We assessed the impact of severe AS on AHCWR, which is the key parameter showing flattening of the mitral annular saddle shape. These parameters were adjusted by body surface area (BSA). Exclusion criteria included left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, the presence of aortic regurgitation, mitral valve disease, pericardial or congenital diseases, endocarditis, cardiomyopathy, prior myocardial infarction, and paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Results Comparisons of mitral valve geometry between AS group and control group are summarized in Table. AH/BSA and AHCWR were significantly lower in AS group compared with control group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed severe AS to be a significant and independent predictor of lowering AHCWR (β=−0.39, t=−4.04, p<0.001) (adjusted with MA area, selected by stepwise analysis). Conclusions Severe AS might contribute to flattening of the mitral annular saddle shape, lead to the mitral annular structural remodeling. Assessment of the mitral annulus morphology might help evaluating severe AS. Mitral annulus 3-dimensional geometry Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2291
Author(s):  
Jialin Sun ◽  
Weinan Li ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Yun Guo ◽  
Zejia Duan ◽  
...  

Bupleurum (Apiaceae) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Although roots are the only used parts in China, other countries use the whole plant. The yield and quality of Bupleurum depend mainly on fertilizers, especially nitrogen. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between the nitrogen fertilization level and the quality and metabolomic response of different parts (flowers, main shoots, lateral shoots and roots) of Bupleurum to three nitrogen fertilization levels (control group: 0 kg·ha−1; low-nitrogen group: 55 kg·ha−1; high-nitrogen group: 110 kg·ha−1). The results showed that a high nitrogen level increases Bupleurum yield and quality parameters only in aerial parts, especially flowers, but has no significant effect on roots. The HPLC method was exploited for simultaneous quantification of three saikosaponins (A, C and D), which are the main bioactive components in the plant. It was found that the total content of saikosaponins decreased with high nitrogen fertilization in roots but significantly increased in flowers. Moreover, nitrogen fertilizer promoted the content of saikosaponin A but inhibited saikosaponins C and saikosaponins D in most parts of the plant. To study the response of primary metabolites, we adopted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC−MS) analysis; 84 metabolites were identified that were mostly up-regulated with a high nitrogen level in flowers but down-regulated in roots. Four differential metabolites—D-fructose, lactose, ether and glycerol—were recognized as key metabolites in Bupleurum under nitrogen fertilization. Meanwhile, The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment results explained that the impact of nitrogen fertilization on Bupleurum was attributed to the C-metabolism, N-metabolism, and lipids metabolism. This research put forward new insights into potential mechanisms and the relationship between the quality and yield of Bupleurum and nitrogen fertilization.


Author(s):  
Intan Azura Mokhtar ◽  
Shaheen Majid ◽  
Schubert Foo

Although it is widely believed that information literacy (IL) competencies are useful in helping students perform better in their schoolwork and beyond, limited empirical evidence is available showing the relationship between IL competencies and IL education. While a lot of research has been done worldwide and most of the findings have proven that IL is a much-needed skill by students, little research has been conducted on IL teaching approaches or what is termed IL pedagogy. To date, studies on IL have mainly focused only on students’ information skills per se, on library skills or on ICT education. None of these studies has assessed the different approaches to IL education. This paper provides an overview of a research study that investigates the impact of an IL teaching approach in the form of personalised coaching, which is grounded in the pedagogy known as mediated learning, on students’ level and applicability of IL competencies. Through the application of a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design, as well as student responses in the post-experiment semi-structured group interviews, it was found that personalised coaching (or mediated learning) helps students perform better in the learning and application of IL competencies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Yang ◽  
Yan Zhu ◽  
Linshan Zhang ◽  
Likun Wang ◽  
Yuanhong Mao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The initial computed tomography (CT) blend sign has been used as an imaging marker to predict haematoma expansion and poor outcomes in patients with a small volume intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). However, the relationship between the blend sign and outcomes remains elusive. The present study aimed to retrospectively measure the impact of initial CT blend signs on short-term outcomes in patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent stereotactic minimally invasive surgery (sMIS). Methods: We enrolled 242 patients with spontaneous ICH. Based on the initial CT features, the patients were assigned to a blend sign group (91 patients) or a nonblend sign (control) group (151 patients). The NIHSS, GCS and mRS were used to measure the effects of sMIS. The rates of severe pulmonary infection and cardiac complications were also compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences in NIHSS and GCS scores were observed between the two groups. The proportion of patients with good outcomes during follow-up was not different between the two groups. The rate of rehaemorrhaging increased in the blend sign group. No significant differences in severe pulmonary infections and cardiac complications were noted between the two groups. Conclusions: The initial CT blend sign was not associated with poor outcomes in patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent sMIS. ICH patients with CT blend signs should undergo sMIS if they are suitable candidates for surgery.


Author(s):  
Alimohammad Ranjbar ◽  
Elahe Kamali Ardakani ◽  
Rahele Zareshahi

Aims: In Iranian culture, due to some narratives from the prophet Mohammad about the use of frankincense during pregnancy for increasing IQ in children, some women consume frankincense during expectancy. This study's goal is to evaluate the relationship between frankincense used during pregnancy and the incidence of ADHD. Methods: In this study, the case group comprised children 4-17 years old referring to Shahid Chamran Pharmacy in Yazd from summer to winter 2018 for receiving Methylphenidate, those with whom a psychologist had identified ADHD based on DSM-V factors.  The control group included children of the same age group but without ADHD. For data gathering, a checklist was used with some questions on smoking, family history of ADHD, presence/absence of a specific disease during pregnancy, frankincense used during pregnancy, and a chemical medication consumed during pregnancy. Results: The main result demonstrated that the children whose mothers used frankincense during pregnancy were 0.67 times less likely to be affected by ADHD than those whose mothers did not use this substance. However, the difference failed to be statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Some studies report that frankincense can bear a positive effect on the development of the brain and possibly adequate formation of dendrites trees, axons and induce proper communication between them, so the impact of frankincense on the brain may be justified by its protective effect against the hyperactive child.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (A) ◽  
pp. 229-232
Author(s):  
Rodiah Rahmawaty Lubis ◽  
Cut Adeya Adella ◽  
Lokot Donna Lubis

ABSTRACT   Background: Orbital tumor in Indonesia is one of the eye health problems that can cause blindness. The impact caused by orbital tumors on patients is quite large because it can result in blindness and even death due to its metastatic nature. The role that SOD plays in cancer biology is not well understood, most studies showing a more oxidative state, characterized by increased intracellular ROS, particularly superoxide. Objective: To determine the relationship between Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (SOD2) gene polymorphisms and the incidence of orbital tumors in Medan. Methods: This study is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional data collection method using controls. Comparisons were made between the control group and the observed group to see the relationship between SOD2 polymorphisms and the risk of orbital tumor incidence in Medan. The ophthalmic examination, anterior and posterior segments, and assessment of CT orbit if deemed necessary for the orbital tumor patients. Histopathological examination was done by the Pathologist. Blood samples was taken for polymorphism examination on extracted DNA using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) methods. Results: About 30 patients that met the inclusion criterias. Laterality, the left eye is more likely to suffer from tumors when compared to the right eye. This study found as many as 16 patients, while malignant tumors was 14 patients. There was a relationship between the MnSOD gene polymorphism and the incidence of orbital tumors (p <0.001), there was a relationship between the MnSOD gene polymorphism and the incidence of orbital tumors in the female sex (p <0.001) Conclusion: There was a relationship between MnSOD gene polymorphisms and the incidence of orbital tumors (p <0.001)


ASJ. ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (41) ◽  
pp. 8-10
Author(s):  
L. Hazarapetyan ◽  
S. Grigoryan ◽  
A. Sarksyan

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with prothrombotic or hypercoagulable states, various inflammation markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hsC-reactive protein (hsCRP) have also been associated with AF. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between inflammation markers and the prothrombotic state in the setting of AF and the impact on outcome in patients with AF. Methods: We observed 141 patients with non-valvular AF. As a control group patients similar in gender and age without AF were examined. Clinical, instrumental and laboratory tests were performed on the observed patients. The markers of the coagulation cascade (TF and F) and of inflammatory markers (hsCRP and IL-6) were studied additionally by ELISA on the analyzer "Stat Fax 303 Plus". Studies were conducted using SPSS 13.0 and EXCEL-2013. Results: The obtained results showed that compared to the control group, AF patients had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (p = 0.043), hsCRP (p = 0.002), TF (p = 0.026), and F (p = 0.025). Moreover, levels of hsCRP were higher among AF patients at "high" risk of stroke by CHA2DS2-VASc Score (p = 0.003). Besides, the levels of hsCRP and IL-6 were markedly elevated in patients with dilated left atrium (p = 0.001), poorly functioning left atrial appendage (p = 0.023) and longer duration of AF (p = 0.002). Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the increased plasma levels of IL-6 and hsCRP are related to indices of the coagulation cascade and contribute to structural atrial remodeling in patients with AF.


Author(s):  
Catarina Policiano ◽  
Jorge Mendes ◽  
Andreia Fonseca ◽  
Joana Barros ◽  
Sara Vargas ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of 35-37 weeks‘ ultrasound for fetal growth restriction (FGR) detection and the impact of 30th-33rd weeks vs 35th-37th weeks ultrasound on perinatal outcomes. Design A prospective randomized trial Setting Tertiary referral hospital in Portugal. Population Low risk pregnant women Methods We enrolled 1061 women: 513 in the control group (ultrasound at 30th-33rd weeks) and 548 in the study group (with an additional ultrasound at 35th-37th weeks). FGR was defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below 10th percentile. We calculated the overall accuracy of the 35-37 weeks’ ultrasound and compared perinatal outcomes between both groups. Main outcome measure Detection of late FGR Results The ultrasound at 35-37 weeks had an overall accuracy of FGR screening of 94%. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between EFW and birthweight centile was higher for at 35-37 weeks’ ultrasound (ρ = 0.75) compared with 30-33 weeks’ ultrasound (ρ = 0.44). The study group had a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (24.4% vs 39.3%, p = 0.005) and cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status (16.8% vs 38.8%, p < 0.001). For FGR prediction, the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve of EFW centile at 35-37 weeks’ ultrasound was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.86-0.95). Conclusions A later ultrasound (35-37 weeks) had a higher correlation between EFW and birthweight centiles and was associated with a lower rate of cesarean and operative deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status compared to an earlier ultrasound, which reinforces that antenatal identification of FGR allows close monitoring and appropriate management.


2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 286
Author(s):  
Isabel Leiva-Gea ◽  
Maria F. Martos-Lirio ◽  
Ana Gómez-Perea ◽  
Ana-Belen Ariza-Jiménez ◽  
Leopoldo Tapia-Ceballos ◽  
...  

Aims: To evaluate the relationship between daily sensor scan rates and changes in HbA1c and hypoglycemia in children. Methods: We enrolled 145 paediatric T1D patients into a prospective, interventional study of the impact of the FreeStyle Libre 1 system on measures of glycemic control. Results: HbA1c was higher at lower scan rates, and decreased as the scan rate increased to 15–20 scans, after which it rose at higher scan rates. An analysis of the change in hypoglycemia, based on the number of daily sensor scans, showed there was a significant correlation between daily scan rates and hypoglycemia. Subjects with higher daily scan rates reduced all levels of hypoglycaemia. Conclusions: HbA1c is higher at lower scan rates, and decreases as scan rate increases. Reductions in hypoglycemia were evident in subjects with higher daily scan rates.


Author(s):  
Mehrak Rahimi ◽  
Seyed Shahab Miri

In this chapter the impact of using a leaning management system (LMS) to manage homework assignments on students' achievement in a letter writing course was investigated. Additionally, the relationship between students' attitudes toward the online system and their motivated strategies for learning was investigated. Two groups of students participated in the course. The experimental group used the LMS as the homework assistance to submit their homework for one semester. The control group did and delivered their homework using paper-and-pencil approach. The result of the data analysis revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the writing post-test. Further, the students were found to have positive attitudes toward using technology to manage their homework and this attitude was found to be related to their motivated strategies for learning. The motivated strategies were found to be related to achievement in writing, while attitudes towards the system were not.


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