scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Er:YAG Laser and Rotary Bur in the Excavation of Caries - Patients' Experiences and the Quality of Composite Restoration

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 443-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana Sarmadi ◽  
Elin Viktoria Andersson ◽  
Peter Lingström ◽  
Pia Gabre
Keyword(s):  
Er:Yag Laser ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Laser Technique ◽  
Laser Method ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Single Blind

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients´ experiences of two excavation methods, Er:YAG laser and rotary bur and time required by the methods as well as objective assessments of quality and durability of restorations over a two-year period. Methods: A prospective, single-blind, randomized and controlled investigation was performed. Patients aged 15 to 40 years with at least two primary caries lesions, which had been radiographically assessed as of the same size, were recruited. In each patient, one cavity was excavated using rotary bur and one using Er:YAG laser technique. The time required for excavations and, where applicable, local anaesthesia, was measured during the treatments. Patient experiences were measured using questionnaires. The quality and durability of restorations were assessed over a two-year period in accordance with modified Ryges criteria and radiographs. Twenty-five patients (mean age 22.6 years) participated in the study. In total, 56 cavities were included of which 28 were treated with Er:YAG laser and 28 were treated with a rotary bur. Results: The patients associated the laser method with less discomfort. The mean time for excavation by laser was three times longer than by rotary bur (13.2 min vs. 4.3 min, P<0.0001). Over a two-year period, no statistically significant differences with regard to quality or durability could be seen between the restorations associated with the methods. Conclusion: The Er:YAG laser technique was more time-consuming than the rotary bur. Despite this, the laser technique caused less discomfort and was preferred as an excavation method by patients.

scholarly journals The impact of angling experience on the efficiency of float fishing using different hook types

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Tomasz K. Czarkowski ◽  
Andrzej Kapusta
Keyword(s):  
The Mean ◽  
Catch Rates ◽  
Time Required ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mean Time

Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the catch efficiency of novice and experienced anglers float fishing with different hook types. The mortality of fish that were caught and released was determined based on the experience of the angler and the type of hook used. The mean catch rates of the experienced angler was 46.7 fish per hour, while that of the novice angler was 33.7 fish per hour. The landing efficiency of fish using hooks with micro-barbs was higher than that with barbless hooks. Angling experience had a significant impact on the mean time required to unhook caught fish and also on the mortality of the fish released. The lowest mortality was noted in fish caught by experienced anglers fishing with barbless hooks. The results of the study suggest that angling experience does not have a great impact on parameters characterizing the quality of angling catches. The efficiency of float fishing performed by novice and experienced anglers was similar. Differences were noted in the time required to unhook the fish and in the mortality of the fish released.

scholarly journals EMLA Cream is an Effective Topical Anesthetic for Bronchoscopy

2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 587-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Sohmer ◽  
Gregory L Bryson ◽  
Steven Bencze ◽  
Maria Mouroukas Scharf
Keyword(s):  
Oral Mucosa ◽  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Eutectic Mixture ◽  
Topical Anesthesia ◽  
Topical Anesthetic ◽  
Emla Cream ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Mean Time

BACKGROUND:EMLA cream (AstraZeneca Inc, Canada) (1:1 eutectic mixture of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) has traditionally been used for topical anesthesia of the skin. Recent reports of EMLA's use for anesthesia of the oral mucosa suggest an application in topical anesthesia for bronchoscopy.OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the amount of local anesthetic administered during bronchoscopy; to assess the time required to obtain topical anesthesia; to assess the quality of the topical anesthesia as described by bronchoscopists; and to document any complications.METHODS:Fifty-seven unpremedicated patients had 4 mL of EMLA cream applied to the posterior third of their tongues on arrival in the bronchoscopy suite. Liquid lidocaine was applied through the bronchoscope for laryngeal anesthesia.RESULTS:The mean time from the application of EMLA cream to insertion of the bronchoscope was 5.10±0.48 min. Fifty-six patients (98.2%) required no supplemental anesthesia. Bronchoscopy conditions were described as 'excellent' in 55 cases (96.5%) and 'good' in the remaining two cases (3.5%).CONCLUSIONS:EMLA is an effective alternative for oropharyngeal topical anesthesia that is well-tolerated by patients.

Emergency Cricothyrotomy in Confined Space Airway Emergencies: A Comparison

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory C. Givens ◽  
Stephen L. Shelton ◽  
Eric A. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Period Effect ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Emergency Airway ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Carry Over Effect

AbstractIntroduction: In confined-space airway emergencies, prehospital personnel may need to perform cricothyrotomy when conventional airway techniques cannot be utilized or have failed. This study is a prospective, cross-over, randomized controlled trial that compares two widely-known techniques using two commercially available kits.Methods: Twenty residents at Palmetto Health Richland Department of Emergency Medicine participated in the study. Their performance was assessed using the time required to placement and correctness of placement for each device. The residents performed the procedures on an Air-Man™ manikin that had been situated in a confined space. The residents also indicated which kit they would prefer in a confined-space, emergency airway situation.Results: All of the devices were placed in the airway. The mean time to placement for the Melker™ and Quicktrach™ kits was 108.5 seconds and 23.9 seconds, respectively. This yielded a mean difference of 84.5 seconds, which provided a t-statistic of 8.88 (p < 0.0001). There was no evidence of a carry-over effect (p = 0.292) or a period effect (p = 0.973). All residents preferred using the Quicktrach™ kit.Conclusions: Use of the Quicktrach™ kit resulted in the fastest time to placement, was placed correctly in the airway, and was preferred by each of the residents. Its small, simple, and sturdy design, with few parts and easy manipulation, allow the Quicktrach™ to be a valuable option in prehospital situations involving confined spaces. The Melker™ kit, with its many parts, and need for greater manipulation, is not as easily utilized or preferred in a confined space scenario.

scholarly journals Improving the translation of search strategies using the Polyglot Search Translator: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Michael Clark ◽  
Sharon Sanders ◽  
Matthew Carter ◽  
David Honeyman ◽  
Gina Cleo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Database Search ◽  
Reference Standard ◽  
Manual Method ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Mean Time

Background: Searching for studies to include in a systematic review (SR) is a time- and labor-intensive process with searches of multiple databases recommended. To reduce the time spent translating search strings across databases, a tool called the Polyglot Search Translator (PST) was developed. The authors evaluated whether using the PST as a search translation aid reduces the time required to translate search strings without increasing errors.Methods: In a randomized trial, twenty participants were randomly allocated ten database search strings and then randomly assigned to translate five with the assistance of the PST (PST-A method) and five without the assistance of the PST (manual method). We compared the time taken to translate search strings, the number of errors made, and how close the number of references retrieved by a translated search was to the number retrieved by a reference standard translation.Results: Sixteen participants performed 174 translations using the PST-A method and 192 translations using the manual method. The mean time taken to translate a search string with the PST-A method was 31 minutes versus 45 minutes by the manual method (mean difference: 14 minutes). The mean number of errors made per translation by the PST-A method was 8.6 versus 14.6 by the manual method. Large variation in the number of references retrieved makes results for this outcome unreliable, although the number of references retrieved by the PST-A method was closer to the reference standard translation than the manual method.Conclusion: When used to assist with translating search strings across databases, the PST can increase the speed of translation without increasing errors. Errors in search translations can still be a problem, and search specialists should be aware of this.

The Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture on Patients with Chronic Neck Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (05) ◽  
pp. 849-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Yuan Sun ◽  
Ching-Liang Hsieh ◽  
Yung-Yen Cheng ◽  
Hung-Chang Hung ◽  
Tsai-Chung Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Myofascial Pain ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Myofascial Pain Syndrome ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Single Blind

Chronic neck myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common disorder seen in clinics. There is no gold standard method to treat myofascial pain. We investigated the effects of acupuncture on patients with chronic neck MPS by a single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 35 patients were randomly allocated to an acupuncture group (AG) or a sham acupuncture group (SG). Each subject received acupuncture treatment twice per week for three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was quality of life as assessed with Short Form-36, and secondary outcome measures were neck range of motion (ROM), motion-related pain, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), as determined by a blinded investigator. The clinical assessments were made before treatment (BT) and after six acupuncture treatments (AT), as well as four weeks (F1) and 12 weeks (F2) after the end of the treatment. A total of 34 patients completed the trial. The results indicated that there is no significant difference in the ROM, motion-related pain, and SF-MPQ scores between AG and SG at AT, F1 and F2 (all p > 0.05). However, AG has greater improvement in physical functioning and role emotional of Short Form-36 quality of life at F2. The results indicate that acupuncture may be used to improve the quality of life in patients with chronic neck MPS.

scholarly journals Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Rahimi ◽  
Shirin Hasanpour ◽  
Mojgan. Mirghafourvand ◽  
Khalil Esmaeilpour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women’s mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = − 1.7, 95% confidence interval: − 3.2 to − 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = − 1.3, 95% confidence interval: − 4.7 to − 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = − 1.1, 95% confidence interval: − 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. Trial registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019.

scholarly journals Time required to move cash through slot machines

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 376-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Kelly ◽  
Carl James Schwarz ◽  
Ricardo Gomez ◽  
Kim Marsh
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Slot Machines ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Average Value ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Rest Breaks ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study on the time needed to load and disburse cash using bill validators on slot machines and stand-alone cash dispensers in casinos in British Columbia under a Ticket In Ticket Out (TITO) system. Design/methodology/approach Testing took place over two days, using 18 machines. The results were extrapolated to estimate the approximate time required to process $1,000,000 with different average bill amounts in the cash mix and three different bill validator machines in common use. The average value per bill using the cash mix used by the public in the casino was $33.11 [standard error (SE) $2.11]. Findings The mean time/accepted note ranged from 4.12 to 9.65 s, depending on bill validator type. This implies that the time needed to load $1,000,000 onto credit slips using bill validators on slot machines ranges from 35 to 81 h, excluding rest breaks and other breaks. The time needed to redeem $1,000,000 is estimated to be 3 h. Practical/implications The implications of these finding for illicit actors to successfully launder large amounts of cash are discussed. Given the time needed to physically handle the cash, and other control systems currently in use in casinos in British Columbia, processing large amounts of cash using bill validators on slot machines would require a highly organized team that would find it difficult to elude detection. Originality/value The trial results provide a baseline estimate to be used going forward when investigating or proposing money laundering methodologies that include slot machines.

scholarly journals Effect of a home-based exercise program on functional mobility and quality of life in elderly people: protocol of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Glauber Sá Brandão ◽  
Luís Vicente Franco Oliveira ◽  
Glaudson Sá Brandão ◽  
Anderson Soares Silva ◽  
Antônia Adonis Callou Sampaio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Single Blind

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with a small single daily dose of methimazole

1988 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Mashio ◽  
Mutsuo Beniko ◽  
Akemi Ikota ◽  
Hiroaki Mizumoto ◽  
Haruhiko Kunita
Keyword(s):  
Divided Dose ◽  
Dose Regimen ◽  
Single Daily Dose ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Daily Dose Regimen ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Immunoglobulin Levels

Abstract. A prospective randomized trial with the conventional divided doses (10 mg 3 times daily, N = 29) and a small single daily dose (15 mg once daily, N = 25) of methimazole for the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism was performed. Within 8 weeks, almost 80% of the patients in both groups became euthyroid. The mean time required to achieve the euthyroid state was 6.0 ± 2.8 and 6.0 ± 3.8 weeks, respectively. TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulin was found in about 90% of the patients in both groups before methimazole treatment. However, a gradual fall of its levels was observed in nearly all patients after treatment. There was no difference in the mean levels of TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulin between the two groups during therapy. We conclude that the single daily dose regimen of 15 mg of methimazole will control Graves' hyperthyroidism in most patients, and TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulin levels decrease in this regimen in the same way as with the conventional divided dose regimen (10 mg 3 times daily).

scholarly journals Evaluation of the reporting quality of observational studies in Master of Public Health’s dissertations in China: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
ShuangYang Dai ◽  
Xiaobin Zhou ◽  
Hong Xu ◽  
Beibei Li ◽  
JinGao Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Master Of Public Health ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Strobe Statement

Abstract Backgrounds Master of public health (MPH) plays an important role in Chinese medical education, and the dissertations is an important part of MPH education. In MPH dissertations, most are observational studies. Compared with randomized controlled trial (RCT), observational studies are more prone to information bias. So, the reporting of the observational studies should be transparent and standard. But, no research on evaluating the reporting quality of the MPH dissertation has been found. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in the Wanfang database from January 1, 2014 to May 31, 2019. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observation Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was adopted to evaluate the reporting quality of the selected studies. Results The median of compliance with STROBE statement of 165 articles was 67.82%. The mean (standard deviation) of STROBE score was 14.3 (1.91). Five items/sub-items were 100% reported: background, objectives, study design, report numbers of individuals at each stage, and key result. Fifteen items/sub-items were reported by 75% or more. Reporting of methods and results was often omitted: missing data (12.73%), sensitivity analyses (3.03%), flow diagram (15.15%), and absolute risk (0%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that funding support (OR=13.98, 95% CI=4.37-44.70) and more published papers during postgraduate period (OR=2.77, 95% CI=1.02-7.54) were related to high reporting quality. Conclusion In short, the reporting quality of observational studies in MPH’s dissertations in China is suboptimal. However, it’s necessary to improve the reporting of method and results sections. We recommend that authors should be stricter to adhere STROBE statement when conducting observational studies.

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