THE ROLE OF ANXIOLYTICS IN HYPERTENSIVE URGENCY MANAGEMENT

Chess playing has a significant role in participants’ resources allocation, both at a psychological level, but mostly concerning the cognitive resources. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of chess playing on the intellectual development of primary-class students. 67 children were tested using the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices and were distributed in three different groups according to their experience with chess, namely: the control group (formed by students with no experience with chess playing), the beginners group (students with less than one year in chess playing training) and the advanced group (children with more than two years experience with chess). Results indicated that chess playing had a significant effect on the SPM performance, indicating that those in the advanced group performed significantly better than those in the control or in the beginners group. Conclusions of this study tap into the benefits of playing chess with a focus on the children’s’ cognitive development.

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Effect of HSV-2 Suppressive Therapy on Genital Tract HIV-1 RNA Shedding among Women on HAART: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.1155/2012/868526 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

A. E. Nijhawan ◽

A. K. DeLong ◽

S. Chapman ◽

A. Rana ◽

J. Kurpewski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Genital Tract ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Sexual Transmission ◽

Suppressive Therapy ◽

Control Group ◽

Highly Active ◽

One Year ◽

Hiv 1

Background. The role of suppressive HSV therapy in women coinfected with HSV-2 and HIV-1 taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is unclear.Methods. 60 women with HIV-1/HSV-2 coinfection on HAART with plasma HIV-1 viral load (PVL) ≤75 copies/mL were randomized to receive acyclovir (N=30) or no acyclovir (N=30). PVL, genital tract (GT) HIV-1, and GT HSV were measured every 4 weeks for one year.Results. Detection of GT HIV-1 was not significantly different in the two arms (OR 1.23,P=0.67), although this pilot study was underpowered to detect this difference. When PVL was undetectable, the odds of detecting GT HIV were 0.4 times smaller in the acyclovir arm than in the control arm, though this was not statistically significant (P=0.07). The odds of detecting GT HSV DNA in women receiving acyclovir were significantly lower than in women in the control group, OR 0.38,P<0.05.Conclusions. Chronic suppressive therapy with acyclovir in HIV-1/HSV-2-positive women on HAART significantly reduces asymptomatic GT HSV shedding, though not GT HIV shedding or PVL. PVL was strongly associated with GT HIV shedding, reinforcing the importance of HAART in decreasing HIV sexual transmission.

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The long-term effect of explicit instruction on learners’ knowledge on English articles

Language Teaching Research ◽

10.1177/1362168817739648 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 179-199 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Mari Umeda ◽

Neal Snape ◽

Noriaki Yusa ◽

John Wiltshier

Keyword(s):

Explicit Knowledge ◽

Explicit Instruction ◽

Control Group ◽

Instruction Group ◽

Long Term Effect ◽

One Year ◽

English Articles ◽

Generic Sentences

This study examines the role of explicit instruction in article semantics to L2 learners of English. Two types of generic sentences, expressed by different articles, were tested over time. An instruction group ( n = 21), a control group ( n = 16) and a native English speaker control group ( n = 9) participated in the study. The instruction group received nine 60-minute lessons across 9 weeks. A pre-test was administered to both groups before instruction began and four post-tests were given to both groups. The results from delayed post-tests show that the instruction group improved, but after one year little knowledge was retained. The findings suggest that explicit knowledge of articles is unlikely to be retained unless ongoing instruction is achieved.

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CLIL and Productive Vocabulary Acquisition in the Czech Context

Advances in Language and Literary Studies ◽

10.7575/aiac.alls.v.10n.4p.153 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 153

Author(s):

Barbora Reynaert

Keyword(s):

Vocabulary Acquisition ◽

Vocabulary Development ◽

Language Education ◽

Time Frame ◽

Control Group ◽

The Czech Republic ◽

Education Improvement ◽

One Year ◽

Experimental Group

This paper sheds light on productive vocabulary development in classes of CLIL (content and language integrated learning). Participants in the study were pupils of lower-secondary school (aged 11-15) in the Czech Republic having experienced CLIL instruction in History or Civics. The investigation was aimed at measuring vocabulary acquisition gained during a year of CLIL. Half of the pupils in the experimental group already had one year of CLIL experience prior to the experiment; the second half of the pupils started with CLIL at the time of the experiment. Both of these groups were compared to one another as well as to a control group with no CLIL instruction. Data collection instruments were created on the basis of standardized Laufer & Nation’s vocabulary levels tests (Laufer & Nation, 1999). As it turned out, previous experience with CLIL as well as the role of the teacher were significant factors. The study points out differences in productive vocabulary development in CLIL in terms of a one-to-two-year time frame. The role of the teacher appeared to have an undeniable importance as well. These factors are discussed in terms of language education improvement.

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Cytogenetic effects among workers exposed to formaldehyde. The possible role of some polymorphisms

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.346 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

F Ghelli ◽

V Bellisario ◽

M Buglisi ◽

E Cocchi ◽

R Bono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Polymorphisms ◽

Gene Polymorphisms ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽

Mean Value ◽

Sister Chromatid Exchanges ◽

Control Group ◽

Health Studies ◽

The Individual

Abstract Background Formaldehyde (FA) is a human carcinogen. It is commonly used in diluted form as formalin. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) as a consequence of the exposure to FA in a hospital setting, taking into account the role of some polymorphisms in developing genotoxic damage. Methods CAs and SCEs assays were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 57 pathologists enrolled in Turin hospitals (Italy) and 48 unexposed enrolled as controls. All subjects were genotyped for CYP1A1 exon 7 (A>G), CYP1A1*2A (T>C), CYP2C19*2 (G>A), GSTT1 (Positive/Null), GSTM1 (Positive/null), GSTP1 (A>G), XRCC1 (G399A), XRCC1 (C194T), XRCC1 (A280G), XPD (A751C), XPC exon 15 (A939C), XPC exon 9 (C499T), TNFα -308 (G>A), IL10 -1082 (G>A), IL10 -819 (C>T) and IL6 -174 (G>C) gene polymorphisms. Due to the little number of recessive homozygotes, we compared the dominant genotype with the combined group of heterozygotes and recessive homozygotes. Results Among pathologists, the mean value of personal air-FA was 64.2 µg/m3, mean significantly higher (p = 0.000) than controls (19.1 µg/m3). Similarly, pathologists showed significantly higher values of SCEs (p = 0.009) and CAs (p = 0.000) with respect to controls. In the same group, CYP2C19*2 (p = 0.011), XRCC1 (G399A) (p = 0.007), and IL10 (-1082) (p = 0.042) gene polymorphisms influenced the CAS levels, as well as those of CYP1A1 exon 7 (p = 0.010), XPD A751C (p = 0.002), XPC C499T (p = 0.040), and IL10 (-819) (p = 0.005) the levels of SCEs. In control group, CAs resulted significantly lower in CYP1A1 exon 7 dominant homozygotes (p = 0.001). Conclusions Our study confirms the role of FA as an inductor of genotoxicity, even when, daily, workers are exposed to low FA levels. Some genetic polymorphisms seem to have an influence in modulating the effect of FA exposure, highlighting, in occupational health studies, the role of the individual susceptibility. Key messages FA exposure is confirmed to be a genotoxicity inductor even at low concentrations. Some genetic polymorphisms seem to have a role in the modulation of FA exposure-related damage.

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Expanded Role of a Dietitian in Monitoring a Gluten-Free Diet in Patients with Celiac Disease: Implications for Clinical Practice

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13061859 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1859

Author(s):

Katarzyna Gładyś ◽

Jolanta Dardzińska ◽

Marek Guzek ◽

Krystian Adrych ◽

Zdzisław Kochan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Celiac Disease ◽

Nutritional Value ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Gluten Free Diet ◽

Control Group ◽

Gluten Free ◽

Food Diary ◽

Dietary Education ◽

One Year

Access to a registered dietitian experienced in celiac disease (CD) is still limited, and consultation when available focuses primarily on the elimination of gluten from the diet. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in adult CD patients before, and one year after, the standard dietary education. The study included 72 CD patients on a GFD and 30 healthy controls. The dietary intake of both groups was assessed through a 3-day food diary, while adherence to a GFD in celiac subjects was assessed using Standardized Dietician Evaluation (SDE). Subsequently, all CD patients received detailed education on gluten sources, and 48 of them participated in a one-year follow-up. Results: Comparison with the control group showed that consumption of plant protein in CD patients was significantly lower, whereas fat and calories were higher. At baseline, only 62% of CD patients adhered to a GFD, but the standard dietary education successfully improved it. However, the nutritional value of a GFD after one year did not change, except for a reduced sodium intake. The CD subjects still did not consume enough calcium, iron, vitamin D, folic acid or fiber. In conclusion, while the standard dietary education improved GFD adherence, it did not significantly alter its nutritional value. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the role of a dietitian in the treatment of CD.

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Hypertensive urgencies during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital setting: A “U” shaped alarming curve.

Archives of Medical Science ◽

10.5114/aoms/141243 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

IOANNIS LEONTSINIS ◽

Niki Katsiki ◽

VASILIOS PAPADEMETRIOU ◽

CHRISTINA CHRYSΟHOOU ◽

MARIA KARIORI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virus Disease ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Tertiary Hospital ◽

Relative Increase ◽

Uncontrolled Hypertension ◽

Virus Spread ◽

Hypertensive Urgency ◽

Shape Distribution ◽

Hypertensive Urgencies ◽

The Impact

IntroductionCorona virus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic provoked unprecedented disturbance in hypertension care, while alarming concerns arose about its long-term consequences. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 spread on population behavior regarding hypertension urgencies during its first wave.Material and methodsData from daily unscheduled visits and admission counts in the Cardiology sector were collected from the Emergency Department database of a tertiary General Hospital in Athens, Greece from January 15th-July 15th 2020. This data was compared with the ones from the previous year. Cases presented with hypertensive urgency or admitted due to uncontrolled hypertension were separately analyzed.ResultsA total of 7,373 patients records were analyzed. Hypertension urgency cases demonstrated a “U” shaped distribution in 2020, showing declining trend during the rapid virus spread, an image that was reversed after the transmission rate’s fade. COVID-19 incidence in Greece was inversely associated with uncontrolled hypertension admissions during its declining phase (r=-0.64 p=0.009), whereas total attendance exhibited a similar correlation during the first and the following months of the pandemic (r=0.677, p=0.031, r=-0.789, p=0.001). Uncontrolled hypertension rate on admission was positively related to the national incidence of COVID-19 cases during the first months of 2020 (r= 0.82, p=0.045).ConclusionsHypertensive urgency-related visits followed a “U” shape distribution during the pandemic’s first wave with attendance nadir coincidence to the virus spread peak. The initial relative increase in uncontrolled hypertension-related admissions rate, combined with the later increment of hypertensive urgencies may indicate blood pressure deregulation among the studied population which is multifactorial and potentially detrimental.

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Addressing fluctuation in article choice by Japanese learners of L2 English through explicit instruction

Instructed Second Language Acquisition ◽

10.1558/35594 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 164-188

Author(s):

Neal Snape ◽

Mari Umeda

Keyword(s):

Explicit Knowledge ◽

Explicit Instruction ◽

Control Group ◽

English Speaker ◽

Instruction Group ◽

Post Test ◽

Japanese Learners ◽

One Year ◽

Study Participants

This study examines the role of explicit instruction in article meanings to L1-Japanese learners of L2-English. An instruction group (n = 21), a control group (n = 16) and a native English speaker group (n = 9) participated in this study. Participants were asked to rate the acceptability of [±definite] and [±specific] sentences on a scale of 1–4 (1 = unacceptable; 4 = acceptable) in relation to a context for pre- and three post-tests. A pre-test was administered to both groups before instruction began and three post-tests were given to both groups. The instruction group received seven, sixty-minute lessons across seven weeks on instruction in the concepts of definiteness and specificity. Post-test 1 was administered to all participants at the end of the instruction period; post-test 2 was given after a twelve-week summer break; post-test 3 was one year after instruction had ended. The findings show that the instruction group made some gains in consolidating their understanding of the concepts during the instruction period, but after one year little explicit knowledge was retained.

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Addressing fluctuation in article choice by Japanese learners of L2 English through explicit instruction

Instructed Second Language Acquisition ◽

10.1558/isla.35594 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 164-188

Author(s):

Neal Snape ◽

Mari Umeda

Keyword(s):

Explicit Knowledge ◽

Explicit Instruction ◽

Control Group ◽

English Speaker ◽

Instruction Group ◽

Post Test ◽

Japanese Learners ◽

One Year ◽

Study Participants

This study examines the role of explicit instruction in article meanings to L1-Japanese learners of L2-English. An instruction group (n = 21), a control group (n = 16) and a native English speaker group (n = 9) participated in this study. Participants were asked to rate the acceptability of [±definite] and [±specific] sentences on a scale of 1–4 (1 = unacceptable; 4 = acceptable) in relation to a context for pre- and three post-tests. A pre-test was administered to both groups before instruction began and three post-tests were given to both groups. The instruction group received seven, sixty-minute lessons across seven weeks on instruction in the concepts of definiteness and specificity. Post-test 1 was administered to all participants at the end of the instruction period; post-test 2 was given after a twelve-week summer break; post-test 3 was one year after instruction had ended. The findings show that the instruction group made some gains in consolidating their understanding of the concepts during the instruction period, but after one year little explicit knowledge was retained.

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The possible contributing factors for the success of steroid therapy in Bell's Palsy: a clinical and electrophysiological study

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215100128580 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 940-943 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Tarek S. Shafshak ◽

Aymen Y. Essa ◽

Fathy A. Bakey

Keyword(s):

Facial Nerve ◽

Electrophysiological Study ◽

Bell’S Palsy ◽

Control Group ◽

Not Given ◽

Bell's Palsy ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Nerve Recovery ◽

One Year

AbstractIncomplete recovery from Bell's palsy was observed in some patients even after the intake of corticosteroids. This prospective study was performed on 160 patients with unilaterial nonrecurrent Bell's palsy in order to investigate the role of prednisolone on the prognosis of Bell's palsy. Ninety-three patients were given prednisolone tablets (1 mg/kg body wt/day up to 70 mg) for six successive days, then the dose was reduced gradually over the next four days. The remaining 67 patients were not given prednisolone (control group). Facial nerve recovery was assessed clinically and electrophysiologically for up to one year. The results of this study suggested that the most probable contributing factor for the success of prednisolone in improving the prognosis of Bell's palsy was its early intake (within the first 24 hours following onset).

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