scholarly journals Self-Administered Auricular Acupressure Integrated With a Smartphone App for Weight Reduction: Randomized Feasibility Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Suen ◽  
Wenru Wang ◽  
Kenneth King Yip Cheng ◽  
Matthew Chin Heng Chua ◽  
Jerry Wing Fai Yeung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Reduction ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Auricular Acupressure ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

BACKGROUND Obesity is a common global health problem and increases the risk of many chronic illnesses. Given the adverse effects of antiobesity agents and bariatric surgeries, the exploration of noninvasive and nonpharmacological complementary methods for weight reduction is warranted. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to determine whether self-administered auricular acupressure (AA) integrated with a smartphone app was more effective than using AA alone or the controls for weight reduction. METHODS This study is a 3-arm randomized waitlist-controlled feasibility trial. A total of 59 eligible participants were randomly divided into either group 1 (AA group, n=19), group 2 (AA plus smartphone app, n=19), or group 3 (waitlist control, n=21). A total of 6 reflective zones or acupoints for weight reduction were chosen. The smartphone app could send out daily messages to the subjects to remind them to perform self-pressing on the 6 ear acupoints. A “date picker” of the 8-week treatment course was used to enable the users to input the compliance of pressing and the number of bowel movement daily instead of using the booklet for recordings. The app also served as a reminder for the subjects regarding the dates for returning to the center for acupoint changing and assessments. Treatment was delivered 2 times a week, for 8 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the interactions among the groups before and after intervention. RESULTS Subjects in group 2 expressed that the smartphone app was useful (7.41 out of 10). The most popular features were the daily reminders for performing self-pressing (88%), the ear diagram indicating the locations and functions of the 6 ear points (71%), and ear pressing method demonstrated in the video scripts (47%). Nearly 90% of the participants completed the 8-week intervention, with a high satisfaction toward the overall arrangement (8.37 out of 10). The subjects in group 1 and 2 achieved better therapeutic effects in terms of body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and hip circumference and perceived more fullness before meals than the waitlist controls. Although no significant differences in the pairwise comparisons between the 2 groups were detected (P>.05), the decrease in body weight, BMI, body fat, visceral fat rating and leptin level, and increase in adiponectin level were notable in group 2 before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The high compliance rate and high satisfaction toward the trial arrangement indicate that AA can be used to achieve weight reduction and applied in future large-scale studies. AA integrated with the smartphone app has a more notable effect than using AA alone for weight reduction. Larger sample size should be considered in future trials to determine the causal relationship between treatment and effect. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03442712; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03442712 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78L2tO8Ql)

scholarly journals Self-Administered Auricular Acupressure Integrated With a Smartphone App for Weight Reduction: Randomized Feasibility Trial

10.2196/14386 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. e14386
Author(s):  
Lorna Suen ◽  
Wenru Wang ◽  
Kenneth King Yip Cheng ◽  
Matthew Chin Heng Chua ◽  
Jerry Wing Fai Yeung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Reduction ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Auricular Acupressure

Comparison of 24-Hour Electrocardiogram Parameters in Patients with Graves Disease Before and After Anti-Thyroid Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamze Akkuş ◽  
Yeliz Sökmen ◽  
Mehmet Yılmaz ◽  
Özkan Bekler ◽  
Oğuz Akkuş
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Surgical Therapy ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Euthyroid Status ◽  
Ectopic Beats ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Electrocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Group 1

Background: We aimed prospectively investigate the laboratory and electrocardiographic parameters (hearth rate, QRS, QT, QTc, Tpe, Tpe/QTc, arrhythmia prevalance) in patients with graves disease before and after antithyroid therapy. Methods: 71 patients (48 female, 23 male), age between 18-50 (mean±SD: 36.48±12.20 ) with GD were included into the study. Patients treated with antithyroid therapy (thionamids and/or surgical therapy) to maintain euthyroid status. Patients were examined in terms of electrocardiographic parameters before and after the treatment. Results: Mean TSH, free thyroxin (fT4) and tri-iodothyrionine (fT3) levels of all patients were 0.005±0.21, 3.27± 1.81, 11.42±7.44, respectively. While 9 patients (group 2) underwent surgical therapy, had suspicious of malignant nodule or large goiter and unresponsiveness to medical treatment; the other patients (n=62, group 1) were treated with medical therapy. Patients with surgical therapy had more increased serum fT4 (p=0.045), anti-thyroglobulin value (p=0.018) and more severe graves orbitopathy (n=0.051) before treatment when compared to medical therapy group. Baseline Tpe duration and baseline Tpe/QTc ratio and frequency of supraventricular ectopic beats were found to be significantly higher in group 2 when compared to group 1 (p=0.00, p=0.005). Otherwise baseline mean heart rate, QRS duration, QTc values of both groups were similar. Although the patients became their euthyroid status, group 2 patients had still suffered from more sustained supraventricular ectopics beats than group 1. Conclusion: Distinct from medical treatment group, surgical treatment group with euthyroidism at least 3 months had still suffered from an arrhythmia (Tpe, Tpe/QTc, supraventricular and ventricular ectopic beats).

Comparative study between oral acetaminophen and lidocaine spray on endotracheal tube-related sore throat in adult intensive care

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Endotracheal Tube ◽  
Sore Throat ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Throat Pain ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Lidocaine Spray

ackground/Purpose: Endotracheal tube (ETT)-related sore throat is a common source of stress in intensive care. Quantitative studies on therapy for ETT-related sore throat remain limited. The current study evaluated the therapeutic effects of oral acetaminophen (ACT) and lidocaine (LIDO) spray on pain relief for ETT-related sore throat in intensive care. Methods: Patients who could communicate with caregivers non-verbally and who had acquired ETT-related sore throat at a medical intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled. The medications were dispensed at the request of the patients. The intensity of ETT-related throat pain was recorded for quantitative comparison before and after patients received 500 mg of ACT orally or one dose of 10% LIDO spray locally. Before leaving the ICU, the patients were interviewed by a research nurse to assess the effect of these interventions on satisfaction with pain management for ETT-related sore throat. Results: We enrolled 89 patients during the study period, and the intensity of ETT-related throat pain significantly decreased after treatment (6.97 in 5 min before vs. 3.60 in 120 min after oral ACT, P < 0.001; 8.56 in 5 min before vs. 4.12 in 120 min after LIDO application, P < 0.001). The degree of pain reduction over time differed between the ACT and LIDO groups. Patients in the LIDO group made more requests for additional therapy compared with patients in the ACT group (1 LIDO spray per request for an average of 4.7 requests vs. 1 ACT dose per request for an average of 1.3 requests, P < 0.001). Patients in both the ACT and LIDO groups reported high satisfaction with pain management for ETT-related sore throat (87.3 of 100 vs. 86.5 of 100, respectively, P = 0.805). Conclusion: ACT and LIDO treatment can effectively attenuate ETT-related sore throat. Patients were highly satisfied with pain management for ETT-related sore throat after both oral ACT and local LIDO application.

scholarly journals INJECTABLE COPPER AND ZINC FOR GRAZING YEARLING STEERS

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1033-1041
Author(s):  
F. A-R. SANKOH ◽  
R. J. BOILA
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Sole Source ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
Copper Zinc ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Cu And Zn ◽  
Group 1

Injectable Cu and Zn were evaluated as mineral supplements using 37 purebred Herefords (Group 1) and 23 Angus-Charolais-North Devon crosses (Group 2). The 60 steers were carried through a 113-d grazing phase. This was followed by a 79-d finishing phase for all steers of Group 1 and seven steers of Group 2. Treatments were combinations of the non-dosing (0Cu, 0Zn) and dosing (+Cu, +Zn) of steers with injectable Cu or Zn at the start of the grazing phase: (1) 0Cu, 0Zn; (2) +Cu, 0Zn; (3) 0Cu, +Zn; and (4) +Cu, +Zn. Injectables were the sole source of supplementary Cu and Zn during grazing and finishing phases. Means (SE) for Cu and Zn, respectively, in forages as milligrams per kilogram dry matter (DM) during the grazing phase were: grasses, 4.4 (0.17), 15.7 (0.46); alfalfa, 6.9 (0.18), 16.5 (1.49); and birdsfoot trefoil 5.0 (0.76), 15.0 (3.41). Injectable Cu did not influence (P > 0.05) body weight during the grazing phase. Body weight responses were lower (P < 0.05) for +Cu steers in the finishing phase, when dietary Cu was low, but steers could not be classified as Cu-deficient based on liver Cu. Liver Cu increased to means greater than 140 mg kg−1 DM in all steers, but was higher (P < 0.05) in +Cu steers during the grazing phase. Serum Cu varied widely during the grazing phase, but was higher (P < 0.05) for +Cu steers only on day 84 of the grazing phase. Neither liver Cu nor serum Cu was influenced (P > 0.05) by injectable Zn. Injectable Zn decreased growth rates in the latter part of the grazing phase but did not affect (P > 0.05) the body weight response during the finishing phase. The concentrations of Zn in liver and serum were not influenced (P > 0.05) by injectable Cu or Zn. Key words: Cattle, grazing, copper, zinc, injectable copper, injectable zinc

scholarly journals Effect of grazing period management on growth performances of camel in climate change condition

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Champak Bhakat
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Change Condition ◽  
Average Maximum ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

In order to decide the optimum time of grazing for camels during hot summer months, 10 growing camel calveswere divided into 2 equal groups. First group was sent for grazing during 10:00 h to 16:00 h daily and second groupallowed for grazing during thermo neutral period. The climatic variables were recorded daily (April 2012 to March2013). The average daily gain and total body weight gain in calves sent for grazing during relatively cool parts ofday (group 2) was significantly higher as compared to group 1 calves sent as per routine farm schedule. Theaverage intake of fodder and water from manger was higher in group 1 calves. The average DMI from manger forgroup 1 calves was higher as compared to group 2 calves. The comparative biometrics of camel calves in differentgrazing management practices revealed that body length, heart girth, height at wither, neck length were significantly(P&lt;0.01) higher in group 2 calves as compared to group 1 calves. After 180 days of experimentation, humpcircumference vertical and hind leg length were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in group 2 as compared to group1. Analysis of recorded data of climatic parameters revealed that average maximum temperature was higher duringJune 2012. The values of THI also were higher in monsoon and post monsoon months hence the practice of sendingcamel calves during relatively comfortable part of hot and hot humid months was successful in getting good growth.The relative humidity was significantly higher during morning as compared to evening period for all months. TheTHI was significantly lower during morning as compared to evening hours for all months in different climate forwhole year. Economic analysis reveals that the cost of feed per kg body weight gain was quite less in group 2 ascompared to group 1. So the practice of grazing of camel calves during cool hours of day remain profitable forfarmers by looking at the body weight gain and better body conformation in climate change condition.

scholarly journals Can Body Mass Index Affect Height Growth at Menarche among Girls Receiving Treatment for Early Puberty? A Retrospective Study in Korean Girls

Children ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Sun-Jin Lee ◽  
Sun-Young Kim ◽  
Minsun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Central Precocious Puberty ◽  
Early Puberty ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Height Gain ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) therapy is used to control puberty progression and it preserves height potential in patients with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). This study evaluated the correlation between weight and height gain at menarche following GnRHa treatment among girls with ICPP and relatively central early puberty (EP). We investigated height/weight trends and changes in height from diagnosis to menarche in girls with ICPP and EP treated with GnRHa. The mean difference in height (Δheight) from treatment cessation to menarche was 9.79 ± 3.53 cm. Girls were divided into girls with Δheight ≥ 9.79 cm (Group 1) and girls with Δheight < 9.79 cm (Group 2). Although near adult height was significantly higher in Group 1, the mean body mass index (BMI) and weight were significantly lower at diagnosis, treatment discontinuation, and menarche. The BMI and weight at the three time points were negatively correlated with height. Girls with higher BMI at all three time points had slower growth rates during the study period. Considering that BMI and body weight were closely related to Δheight, proper management of BMI and body weight of girls receiving early puberty treatment might contribute to growth during and after GnRHa treatment.

scholarly journals Application of Desmopressin and conjugated estrogens to reduce the volume of blood loss during arthroplsty of the hip joint in patients with end stage renal disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-63
Author(s):  
N. E. Mushtin ◽  
A. N. Tsed ◽  
A. K. Dulaev ◽  
A. A. Lednev ◽  
K. G. Iljushenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Blood Loss ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Hip Joint ◽  
Conjugated Estrogens ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The objective was to determine the possibilities of using desmopressin and conjugated estrogens during primary hip joint arthroplasty in patients receiving renal replacement therapy.Methods and materials. The material for the study was data on 53 patients with pathology of the hip joint, who underwent primary arthroplasty from 2016 to 2018. All patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (n=23) – patients not suffering from kidney diseases. Group 2 (n=30) – patients receiving renal replacement therapy. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: 1 subgroup – comparisons, where the combination of desmopressin/conjugated estrogens was not used. 2 subgroup – control, where desmopressin was used at a dosage of 0.4 mg/kg 2 hours before the incision, conjugated estrogens was used at a dosage of 0.6 mg / kg of body weight within 5 days before the operation.Results. In group 1 (patients not suffering from kidney disease), there was no statistically significant difference between the subgroups. In group 2 (patients receiving hemodialysis), there was a statistically significant difference in the volume of blood loss. Thus, in the subgroup without using additional techniques, the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 769.5±389.3 ml; in the second subgroup (using desmopressin and estrogens) – 479.1±245.2 ml. The difference was statistically significant, p<0.05. The efficiency was 27.9 %.Conclusion. The additional use of conjugated estrogens at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg of body weight within 5 days before the operation, desmopressin at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg of body weight 2 hours before the incision reduced blood loss by 27.9 %. The use of combination of conjugated estrogens and desmopressin in patients not suffering from kidney disease did not affect the amount of blood loss.

scholarly journals Adaptive functional change of the contralateral kidney after partial nephrectomy

2017 ◽  
Vol 313 (2) ◽  
pp. F192-F198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Se Young Choi ◽  
Sangjun Yoo ◽  
Dalsan You ◽  
In Gab Jeong ◽  
Cheryn Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Partial Nephrectomy ◽  
Functional Change ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Contralateral Kidney ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
American Society ◽  
American Society Of Anesthesiologists ◽  
Group 1

Partial nephrectomy aims to maintain renal function by nephron sparing; however, functional changes in the contralateral kidney remain unknown. We evaluate the functional change in the contralateral kidney using a diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) renal scan and determine factors predicting contralateral kidney function after partial nephrectomy. A total of 699 patients underwent partial nephrectomy, with a DTPA scan before and after surgery to assess the separate function of each kidney. Patients were divided into three groups according to initial contralateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR; group 1: <30 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2, group 2: 30–45 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2, and group 3: ≥45 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2). Multiple-regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with increased GFR of the contralateral kidney over a 4-yr postoperative period. Patients in group 1 had a higher mean age and hypertension history, worse American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and larger tumor size than in the other two groups. The ipsilateral GFR changes at 4 yr after partial nephrectomy were −18.9, −3.6, and 3.9% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, whereas the contralateral GFR changes were 10.8, 25.7, and 38.8%. Age [β: −0.105, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.213; −0.011, P < 0.05] and preoperative contralateral GFR (β: −0.256, 95% CI: −0.332; −0.050, P < 0.01) were significant predictive factors for increased GFR of the contralateral kidney after 4 yr. The contralateral kidney compensated for the functional loss of the ipsilateral kidney. The increase of GFR in contralateral kidney is more prominent in younger patients with decreased contralateral renal function.

The impact of exogenous constitutional obesity on the systemic circulation in COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
Д.С. Шилин ◽  
К.Г. Шаповалов
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Vascular Wall ◽  
Systemic Circulation ◽  
Hemodynamic Changes ◽  
Normal Body ◽  
Bacterial Origin ◽  
Normal Body Weight ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Актуальность: ожирение является одной из самых распространенных в мире причин развития сопутствующих заболеваний. у человека. В настоящий момент проблема СOVID-19 приводит к развитию и обострению сердечно-сосудистой патологии, сопровождающейся изменениями гемодинамики. Цель исследования - оценка зависимости изменений гемодинамики у пациентов с COVID-19 от алиментарно-конституционального ожирения. Методика. Исследование выполнено у 73 пациентов обоего пола с внебольничной полисегментарной вирусно-бактериальной пневмонией на фоне СOVID-19. Пациенты были разделены на 3 группы по индексу массы тела. В 1-ю группу вошли пациенты без избытка массы тела, 2-ю составили пациенты с избыточной массой тела, 3-ю - с ожирением 1 степени. Использован комплекс аппаратно-программного неинвазивного исследования центральной гемодинамики методом объемной компрессионной осциллометрии «КАП ЦГ осм- «Глобус» (Россия). Результаты. У пациентов с СOVID-19, страдающих ожирением I степени (30,0 - 34,9 кг/м2). выявлено статистически значимое снижение сердечного индекса относительно лиц с нормальной массой тела (на 10,8%, p=0,010). Пациенты с избытком массы тела имели более высокое диастолическое давление (на 10,5%, p=0,011) Показатель периферического сосудистого сопротивления у пациентов с СOVID-19 без избыточной массы тела был на 16.5% ниже, чем у пациентов с ожирением 1 степени. Удельное периферическое сопротивление сосудов у пациентов 1-й группы было на 10.3% меньше, чем у пациентов с избыточной массой тела. Податливость сосудистой стенки у пациентов 1-й группы была ниже на 22.5%, чем у пациентов с СOVID-19 и ожирением 1 степени. Заключение. У пациентов с внебольничной полисегментарной вирусно-бактериальной пневмонией на фоне СOVID-19 при ожирении 1 степени и избыточной массе тела выявляются значимые изменения гемодинамики относительно больных с нормальной массой тела. Background: Obesity is one of the most common causes of comorbidities worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, development and increasing severity of cardiovascular disorders associated with hemodynamic changes has become increasingly relevant. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in COVID-19 patients depending on the severity of their exogenous constitutional obesity. Methods. 73 male and female patients with community-acquired polysegmental pneumonia of viral and bacterial origin associated with COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. The patients were allocated to three groups depending on the value of their body mass index (BMI). Group 1 included patients with normal body weight; Group 2 included overweight patients, and Group 3 included patients with grade 1 obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m2). The measurements were performed using a technique of volumetric compression oscillometry on a non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring system KAP CG osm (Globus, Russia). Results. COVID-19 patients with grade 1 obesity (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m2) demonstrated a statistically significant 10.8% decrease in the cardiac index compared to patients with normal body weight (p=0.010). Overweight patients had 10.5% higher diastolic blood pressure (p=0.011). Peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) in COVID-19 patients with normal body weight was 16.5% lower than in patients with grade 1 obesity. PVR adjusted for body surface area in patients with normal body weight was 10.3% lower than in overweight patients. The compliance of the vascular wall in Group 1 patients was 22.5% lower than in COVID-19 patients with grade 1 obesity. Conclusion. COVID-19 patients with community-acquired, polysegmental pneumonia of viral and bacterial origin demonstrate significant hemodynamic changes compared to patients with normal body weights.

A cross-sectional research conducted in Malatya province, Turkey: Knowledge levels and awareness about rational antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance before and after graduation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
ADEM KOSE
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Theoretical Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Senior Students ◽  
Rational Antibiotic Use ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Irrational antibiotic use can adversely affect treatment outcomes or even lead to increased antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to determine antimicrobial prescribing habits and to evaluate the level of theoretical knowledge of rational antibiotic use and awareness about antimicrobial resistance among the senior students of medical faculty and the family physicians in Malatya province in Turkey. Methods This study was cross-sectional research and was carried out between dates of 01 February-30 April 2019, in Malatya province. Power analysis was calculated as minimum 240 participants when considering a proportion difference of 0.18 between the groups, a type I error of 0.05 and a type II error of 0.20. A total 225 senior students in Inonu University Medical Faculty (Group 1) and 230 actively-working family physicians in Malatya primary healthcare services who were found eligible (Group 2) were included in to this study. A questionnaire form was prepared including seven sections and thirty questions. All of the participants were interviewed face to face. Before the questions, the purpose of the study and the contents of the questions were explained to participants. Qualitative data were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test. A p<0.05 value was considered to be statistically significant. Results The group 1 had a tendency to apply to specialist physician when starting to themselves antibiotic treatment, they were more cautious when making antibiotic decision, and their theoretical knowledge level was better. They argued that penal sanctions could be more effective by developing strict use policies to raise awareness of resistance to antibiotics. The group 2 had higher self-confidence and it was also concluded that forgot their theoretical antibiotic knowledge over time and could not follow the novel information because of the intensity of working life. Both groups stated that post-graduation trainings could be used effectively for reducing the antibiotic resistance. Conclusion This study highlighted the need for immediate action of training and corrective actions and might create awareness to determine the difference in theoretical knowledge levels and behavior models of physicians before and after graduation and to reduce higher use rates to lower levels. Key words: Antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic, awareness, rational use

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