A Mobile Phone–Based Self-Monitoring Tool for Perioperative Gastric Cancer Patients With Incentive Spirometer: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Yeong Soh ◽  
Se Uk Lee ◽  
Inpyo Lee ◽  
Ki Sang Yoon ◽  
Changho Song ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND An incentive spirometer (IS) is a medical device used to help patients improve the functioning of their lungs. It is provided to patients who have had any surgery that might jeopardize respiratory function. An incentive spirometer plays a key role in the prevention of postoperative complications, and the appropriate use of an IS is especially well known for the prevention of respiratory complications. However, IS utilization depends on the patient’s engagement, and information and communication technology (ICT) can help in this area. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effect of mobile ICT on the usage of an IS (Go-breath) app by postoperative patients after general anesthesia. METHODS For this study, we recruited patients from April to May 2018, who used the Go-breath app at a single tertiary hospital in South Korea. The patients were randomly classified into either a test or control group. The main function of the Go-breath app was to allow for self-reporting and frequency monitoring of IS use, deep breathing, and active coughing in real time. The Go-breath app was identical for both the test and control groups, except for the presence of the alarm function. The test group heard an alarm every 60 min from 9 am to 9 pm for 2 days. For the test group alone, a dashboard was established in the nurse’s station through which a nurse could rapidly assess the performance of multiple patients. To evaluate the number of performances per group, we constructed an incentive spirometer index (ISI). RESULTS A total of 44 patients were recruited, and 42 of them completed the study protocol. ISI in the test group was 20.2 points higher than that in the control group (113.5 points in the test group and 93.2 points in the control group, P=.22). The system usability scale generally showed almost the same score in the 2 groups (79.3 points in the test group and 79.4 points in the control group, P=.94). We observed that the performance rates of IS count, active coughing, and deep breathing were also higher in the test group but with no statistically significant difference between the groups. For the usefulness “yes or no” question, over 90% (38/42) of patients answered “yes” and wanted more functional options and information. CONCLUSIONS The use of the Go-breath app resulted in considerable differences between the test group and control group but with no statistically significant differences. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03569332; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03569332 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74ihKmQIX).

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Ozaki ◽  
Claudio Mendes Pannuti ◽  
Ana Vitória Imbronito ◽  
Wellington Pessotti ◽  
Luciana Saraiva ◽  
...  

The aim of this randomised, double blind controlled trial was to verify the efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty eight volunteers with established gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a test group (herbal dentifrice) or positive control group (dentifrice with triclosan and fluoride). The dentifrices were distributed in plain white tubes by an independent pharmacy, which revealed the contents of each tube only after the experimental period. Plaque and gingivitis assessments were carried out on baseline and after 28 days of product use. All examinations were conducted by the same calibrated investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth three times daily using their assigned dentifrice for 28 days. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both the test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in both groups, although there was no significant difference between them. No adverse reactions were reported. The authors concluded that both dentifrices were effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis in subjects with established gingivitis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2604
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Park ◽  
Kyung-A Ko ◽  
Ji-Yeong Lee ◽  
Jae-Woon Oh ◽  
Hyun-Chang Lim ◽  
...  

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 312-316
Author(s):  
Mishra Neha Sanjeev ◽  
Harsimran Kaur ◽  
Sandeep Singh Mayall ◽  
Rishika ◽  
Ramakrishna Yeluri

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of placing a resorbable collagen barrier in impeding the extrusion of obturation material in primary molars undergoing resorption. Study design: All the 94 canals in 47 mandibular molars were allocated to 2 groups- Group ‘A’- 47 canals with collagen barrier (Test group) and Group ‘B’- 47 canals without collagen barrier (Control group) based on randomization protocol. Pulpectomy was performed and obturation of both test and control canals were radiographically assessed. Pearson’s chi – square test was applied to analyze the results. The significance level was predetermined at p < 0.05. Results: Among the test group, 93.6% of the canals showed no extrusion while, 6.4% showed visible extrusion of the material outside the apex. In the control group, 83% showed no extrusion whereas 17% of the canals showed visible extrusion outside the apex. But no significant difference was noted (p>0.05). Conclusion: The placement of resorbable collagen barrier in the apical third of the canal prevented the extrusion of obturating material beyond the apex in resorbing primary molars.


2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-346
Author(s):  
Ricardo Silva Tavares ◽  
Fábio Oliveira de Souza ◽  
Isabel Cristina Carvalho Medeiros Francescantonio ◽  
Weslley Carvalho Soares ◽  
Mauro Meira Mesquita

Summary Objective: To evaluate the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients heterozygous for hemoglobin variants and compare the results of this test with those of a control group. Method: This was an experimental study based on the comparison of HbA1c tests in two different populations, with a test group represented by individuals heterozygous for hemoglobin variants (AS and AC) and a control group consisting of people with electrophoretic profile AA. The two populations were required to meet the following inclusion criteria: Normal levels of fasting glucose, hemoglobin, urea and triglycerides, bilirubin > 20 mg/dL and non-use of acetylsalicylic acid. 50 heterozygous subjects and 50 controls were evaluated between August 2013 and May 2014. The comparison of HbA1c levels between heterozygous individuals and control subjects was performed based on standard deviation, mean and G-Test. Results: The study assessed a test group and a control group, both with 39 adults and 11 children. The mean among heterozygous adults for HbA1c was 5.0%, while the control group showed a rate of 5.74%. Heterozygous children presented mean HbA1c at 5.11%, while the controls were at 5.78%. G-Test yielded p=0.93 for children and p=0.89 for adults. Conclusion: Our study evaluated HbA1c using ion exchange chromatography resins, and the patients heterozygous for hemoglobin variants showed no significant difference from the control group.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jing-Hao Zhang ◽  
Chao Zheng ◽  
Xiao-Jun Zhu ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Zhi-Jun Hou ◽  
...  

Objective. To ascertain the efficacy and safety of Ganji Formulation (GF) for patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had undergone surgery. Materials and Methods. A total of 262 HCC patients who had undergone liver resection, local ablation, or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) were divided randomly into the treatment group and control group. The former was treated with GF and the later with placebo, both for 6 months. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Second endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) or time to disease progression (TTP). Results. OS of the treatment group was significantly longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that, for patients who received TACE, the TTP was significantly longer in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). However, for patients who underwent liver resection or local ablation, there was no significant difference in DFS between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. GF could improve postoperative cumulative survival and prolong the TTP. This clinical trial number is registered with ChiCTR-IOR-15007349.


2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Pagano ◽  
Luciana Akemi Matsutani ◽  
Elisabeth Alves Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Amélia Pasqual Marques ◽  
Carlos Alberto de Bragança Pereira

CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points. The syndrome is associated with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness and anxiety. Because of its chronic nature, it often has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life and anxiety level of patients with fibromyalgia. TYPE Of STUDY: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rheumatology outpatient service of Hospital das Clínicas (Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo). METHODS: This study evaluated 80 individuals, divided between test and control groups. The test group included 40 women with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The control group was composed of 40 healthy women. Three questionnaires were used: two to assess quality of life (FIQ and SF-36) and one to assess anxiety (STAI). They were applied to the individuals in both groups in a single face-to-face interview. The statistical analysis used Student's t test and Pearson's correlation test (r), with a significance level of 95%. Also, the Pearson chi-squared statistics test for homogeneity, with Yates correction, was used for comparing schooling between test and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.000), thus indicating that fibromyalgia patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety. The correlations between the three questionnaires were high (r = 0.9). DISCUSSION: This study has confirmed the efficacy of FIQ for evaluating the impact of fibromyalgia on the quality of life. SF-36 is less specific than FIQ, although statistically significant values were obtained when analyzed separately, STAI showed lower efficacy for discriminating the test group from the control group. The test group showed worse quality of life than did the control group, which was demonstrated by both FIQ and SF-36. Even though STAI was a less efficient instrument, it presented significant results, showing that fibromyalgia patients presented higher levels of anxiety, both on the state and trait scales. Thus, patients with fibromyalgia had higher levels of tension, nervousness, preoccupation and apprehension, and higher propensity towards anxiety. CONCLUSION: The three instruments utilized showed efficiency in evaluating fibromyalgia patients. FIQ was found to be the most efficient instrument for discriminating and assessing the impact of fibromyalgia on their quality of life. It can be concluded that such patients have a worse quality of life and higher levels of anxiety.


Author(s):  
Simin Jahani ◽  
Fatemeh Salari ◽  
Nasrin Elahi ◽  
Bahman Cheraghian

Objective: Findings suggest dissatisfaction of half of the cancer patients regarding pain and anxiety management. This study aimed to determine the effect of reflexology on the intensity of pain and anxiety among patients with metastatic cancer hospitalized inadulthematology ward.  Methods: In this study, the samples were selected from adult hematology ward in Baghaei 2 hospital in Ahwaz, Iran, according to the inclusion criteria. They were then assigned into treatment and control groups. In the treatment group, reflexology protocol was performed following manual reflexology method by Fr Josef Eugster based on Ingham method on the patient’s bed. In the control group, sole touching was used as the placebo. Reflexology was performed for three days, 30 min per day. Spielberger questionnaire were provided to the samples and completed in the first and third days, and Spielberger questionnaire was provided to the samples and completed. The data obtained from this study were then analyzed by SPSS 20.Results: The two groups did not show a significant difference in terms of demographic characteristics (p>0.05). Based on the obtained results, it was found that in the test group, there was a significant difference between the mean intensity of pain before and after the treatment across all 3 days as well as the mean anxiety of the 1st and 3rd days (p<0.05). However, in the control group, there was no significant difference in terms of mean pain intensity before and after the treatment across 3 days (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed between the mean anxiety of the 1st and 3rd days either (p>0.05).Conclusion: Considering the findings of this research, it can be concluded that reflexology has a positive effect on mitigating the intensity of pain and anxiety in metastatic cancer patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses employed in cancer centers benefit from the findings of this research to further help patients with cancer. It is also suggested that further research be conducted on the effect of reflexology on the pain and anxiety of other patients.


1962 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Spink

A serious outbreak of staphylococcal infections in the maternity units in Blackburn was investigated. There were considerably more than one hundred cases of breast abscesses altogether, well over half of which occurred in primiparae. Staphylococcus aureus, phage type 80, was the predominating organism throughout the outbreak and at the peak period during the early part of the outbreak this type was responsible for nearly 80% of the infections.After the introduction of a number of procedures for the general reduction of cross-infection the incidence of breast abscess fell markedly and a controlled trial of an antibacterial cream, containing neomycin and hibitane, which was applied to the nasal mucosa of all infants and mothers in the test group of patients, was undertaken. The conditions obtaining in the test and control groups were identical in every way except that the control patients did not receive the neomycin-hibitane cream. There were about 1250 mothers and infants each in the test and control groups; the incidence of breast abscesses in the test group was 0·8% and in the control group it was 2·7%. The method adopted for the detection and treatment of carriers among the nursing staff broke down on two occasions; this fact and the emergence of an unforeseen source resulted in a larger number of infections than should have occurred. Had it not been for these incidents there is little doubt that the trial would have shown more conclusively the effectiveness of the neomycinhibitane cream, by the method laid down, in reducing cross-infection.Investigation of the bacterial flora on the nasal mucosa of over 1000 infants in the control group yielded results of considerable interest. Of 300 cases where there was early colonization by Staph. albus, this organism established its dominating position in 70% of the cases and it was not subsequently displaced by Staph. aureus. The significance of this observation and the evidence favouring nasal dissemination of Staph.aureus as the most important cause of hospital cross-infection are discussed.


Biomedicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 516-521
Author(s):  
Sara Ami Ahmadi ◽  
Azin Kazemi ◽  
Mohammadmahdi Sabahi ◽  
Shahab Razipour ◽  
Arash Salehipour ◽  
...  

Introduction and Aim: Multiple Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition  might emerge as a result ofcomplex combination of genetic risk factors with environmental triggers, including oxidative stress. in this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of oral Crocin on oxidative stress in patients with MS.  Materials and Methods: Adjunct to standard treatment, the Crocin group (20 patients) received 30-mg/day (15 mg twice daily) dose of Crocin and placebo group (20 patients) received for 4 weeks. Saliva and urine samples were collected to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), total thiol groups (TTG), lipid peroxidation (LPO), were measured at baseline and the end of the study.   Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences of LPO, TAC, CAT, and TTG of urine between the control and case groups. However, a significant difference was found after 4 weeks of Crocin-therapy in TTG,TAC and LPO (p<0.05) except in CAT activity (P>0.05). We found no deffrence in urinary TTG level and CAT activity in control group at the end of intervention (P>0.05), while TAC and LPO level were significantly different at the end of the study as compared with the beginning (P<0.05). Althugh, we found no significant difference in saliva LPO, TTG and TAC levels and the activity of CAT in case and control groups at first (p>0.05), Crocin administration have resulted in a significant increase in saliva TTG and TAC levels as well as CAT activity and markedly decrease in LPO level (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Crocin can significantly reduce the several oxidative stress factors in MS patients and may contributes to attenuates the oxidative damages.


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