scholarly journals Clinical evaluation of a sub-lingual vaccine for prevention of exacerbations in COPD

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-54
Author(s):  
P.D. Nadig ◽  
A. Haran ◽  
M. Shetty

Background: Lower airway bacterial infection is one of the major cause for exacerbation inCOPD. Multicomponent vaccines derived from the various causative pathogens are shownto prevent the exacerbations.Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out toevaluate the effi cacy of sublingual vaccine (Ismigen) in preventing the exacerbations inCOPD and to observe its tolerability.Materials and Methods: Twenty four COPD patientsmeeting the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. Ismigen was administered once aday sublingually for ten days a month for three consecutive months. They were observed over one year for exacerbations, hospitalisations, respiratory symptoms, lung function tests and adverse reactions. The mean scores of the parameters in the previous year were compared with that of the year following treatment. Students t test and Chi- square test were used for analysis. Results: The mean number of exacerbations reduced from 6.79±3.51 to 2.67±1.90 (p<0.001) and the mean number of hospitalisations from 2.29±1.85 to 0.67±0.87 (p<0.001). There was no significant change in the respiratory symptom score and lung function test. Mild non-serious adverse event was reported by one patient.Conclusion: The results indicated that Ismigen could be an effective and well-tolerated add on therapy in COPD to reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i4.11634 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(4) 2015 51-54

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Dina Abadi Bavil ◽  
Mahrokh Dolatian ◽  
Zohreh Mahmoodi ◽  
Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban

Background: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological disorder in young women and is seen in almost 50% of women. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between physical activity and nutrition with primary dysmenorrhea in students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Sari, Iran) in 2015. Methods: This comparative descriptive study was conducted on 250 students with and without primary dysmenorrhea. Data were collected using personal-demographic, nutrition and physical activity questionnaires. The output was then analyzed in SPSS-18 using independent t-test, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The results showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of nutrition and physical activity, as the mean score of nutrition was 57.91 in the group with dysmenorrhea and 61.68 in the group without, while the mean intensity of physical activity was 5518.75 metric in the group with dysmenorrhea and 4666.42 metric in the group without. Physical activity was calculated by MET scale (minutes/week). This index measured the amount of consumed energy at the time of activity relative to that consumed at resting time. Conclusions: A healthier and more favorable nutrition style and more regular physical activity reduces the severity of dysmenorrhea in girls. Therefore, educational measures are required to raise awareness among young women about the effects of proper nutrition and physical activity on the prevention and reduction of dysmenorrhea complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Cunha ◽  
L Gonçalves

Abstract Introduction In order to play a wind instrument one must have a good breathing control with rhythm variation, control of inspiratory and expiratory volume as well as a good control of the airflow transmitted by the musician through the different mouthpieces. The pulmonary function of the different wind instrument players has been scarcely studied generating divergent conclusions. Objectives To characterize and compare lung function and functional capacity of musicians of different wind instruments. Methodology One hundred and one individuals from five philharmonic bands from Aveiro and Porto districts were studied. Smokers or ex-smokers for less than one year, respiratory pathology, history of chronic pulmonary or cardiac disease were exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into three groups: "Air reed", "Reeds" and "Metals". Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index (TI), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV). Functional capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test (6-MWT). Data analysis was performed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with a 95% confidence interval. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Results All spirometric parameters with the exception of TI were increased in "Metals" group with significant decrease in the "Air reed" parameters of FEV1 (p = 0.045) and MVV (p = 0.004). A negative correlation between FEV1 and 6-MWT was noticed in male musicians (r=-0.291; p = 0.022). Conclusion Musicians from the “Metals” group showed better lung function when compared to other groups. There was no positive correlation between lung function and functional capacity of the studied musicians. However, there was a weak negative correlation between FEV1 of male musicians and their functional capacity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Shafiei ◽  
Arash Nademi ◽  
Ali Ashraf Mozafari ◽  
Elham Bastani ◽  
Taleb Kokhazadeh ◽  
...  

Background: The incidence of limb fractures in children depends on environmental factors and socioeconomic backgrounds. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of limb fractures in 1 to 15-year-old children in Ilam City, Iran. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled all children aged 15 and below admitted to the Emam Khomeini Hospital of the Ilam University of Medical Sciences between July 2012 and March 2018. Data including age, sex, injury mechanism, and injured organs were recorded in SPSS software and analyzed using a chi-square test. Results: Out of 4877 children, 74.3% were boys, and 25.7% were girls, with the men to women ratio of 2.87 and the mean age of 9.10 ± 4.3 years. Elbow and forearm with 39.35% and leg with 21.61% were the most common sites of fractures. Home, street, and sports fields were the commonplaces of injury with 50.7%, 28.3%, and 7.2%, respectively. The age range of 8 - 15 years, with 3693 cases (75.72%) was the most vulnerable age group. Fractures occurred mostly in spring and summer and less frequently in the other seasons. Conclusions: Specific attention should be paid to the home environment and its safety for controlling injuries in preschool children. This includes increasing parents’ knowledge of preventive measures. Moreover, improving the physical condition of pavements and crosswalks in the streets is necessary for the prevention of injuries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (52) ◽  
pp. 102-106
Author(s):  
Ana de Lourdes Sá de Lira ◽  
Cassius Wander Coelho Martins ◽  
Luis Paulo da Silva Dias ◽  
Tito Cacau Sousa Santos

Objective: To assess primary molars early loss in mixed dentition prevalence. Method: A study was carried out in children aged 6 to 12 years. Deciduous molar loss was considered early when it occurred before Nolla stage 6 (full formed crown) of the permanent successor or one year before its physiological exfoliation. Periapical radiographs were obtained to verify the presence of the permanent successor and the level of root formation, as well as the need for placement of fixed space maintainer lingual arch or Nance button. For the study of frequency distribution of early dental loss in relation to gender and dentition, we used the Chi-square test of 5% probability level and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test for adequate statistical analysis. Results: Of the 315 children examined, 159 (50.47%) were male and 156 (49.52%) were female. Only 25 (7.9%) presented multiple dental losses in the posterior region, 19 in the lower arch and 6 in the upper arch. In the inferior one there was predominance of first and second deciduous molars loss. There was no difference in the association between genders and the occurrence of multiple dental losses (χ² (1) = 0.03, p>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of deciduous teeth premature loss was of 7.9% and the most affected teeth were the first and second molars in the lower arch. Lingual arch space holders were installed in 6 children, who will remain with it until the permanent successors erupt into the oral cavity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Carvalho de Vasconcelos ◽  
Leonardo de Alencar Matos ◽  
Elilton Cavalcante Pinheiro-Júnior ◽  
Antônio Sérgio Teixeira de Menezes ◽  
Nilton Vivacqua-Gomes

This study evaluated the accuracy of three electronic apex locators (Root ZX, Novapex, and Justy II) in root canal length determinations using different apical file sizes, considering the apical constriction (AC) and the major foramen (MF) as anatomic references. The diameter of the apical foramina of 40 single-rooted teeth was determined by direct visual measurement and the master apical file was established. Electronic measurements were then performed using 3 instruments: the selected master apical file (adjusted file), one size smaller (intermediate file), and two sizes smaller (misfit file). The distances from the tip of files fixed in the canals to the MF and to the AC were measured digitally. Precision at AC and at MF for the misfit, intermediate and adjusted apical files was as follows: 80%/88%/83% and 78%/83%/95% (Root ZX); 80%/85%/80% and 68%/73%/73% (Novapex); and 78%/80%/78% and 65%/78%/70% (Justy II). Considering the mean discrepancies, statistically significant differences were found only for the adjusted file at MF, with Root ZX presenting the best results at MF. The chi-square test showed significant differences between the acceptable measurements at AC and at MF for the Justy II and Novapex (± 0.5 mm) regardless of file adjustment. Under the conditions of the present study, all devices provided acceptable electronic measurements regardless of file adjustment, except for Root ZX which had its performance improved significantly when the precisely fit apical file was used. Justy II and Novapex provided electronic measurements nearest to the AC.


2010 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Banabilh ◽  
A. R. Samsudin ◽  
A. H. Suzina ◽  
Sidek Dinsuhaimi

Abstract Objective: To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in facial profile shape, malocclusion class, or palatal morphology in Malay adults with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods: Subjects were 120 adult Malays aged 18 to 65 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 33.2 ± 13.31) divided into two groups of 60. Both groups underwent clinical examination and limited channel polysomnography (PSG). The mean OSA and control values were subjected to t-test and the chi square test. Results: Physical examination showed that 61.7% of the OSA patients were obese, and 41.7% of those obese patients had severe OSA. The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly greater for the OSA group (33.2 kg/m2 ± 6.5) than for the control group (22.7 kg/m2 ± 3.5; P &lt; .001). The mean neck size and systolic blood pressure were greater for the OSA group (43.6 cm ± 6.02; 129.1 mm Hg ± 17.55) than for the control group (35.6 cm ± 3.52; 114.1 mm Hg ± 13.67; P &lt; .001). Clinical examination showed that the most frequent findings among OSA groups when compared with the control group were convex profiles (71.7%), Class II malocclusion (51.7%), and V palatal shape (53.3%), respectively; the chi square test revealed a significant difference in terms of facial profile and malocclusion class (P &lt; .05), but no significant difference in palatal shape was found. Conclusion: The null hypothesis is rejected. A convex facial profile and Class II malocclusion were significantly more common in the OSA group. The V palatal shape was a frequent finding in the OSA group.


2021 ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Faisal Konbaz ◽  
Taif Alqahtani ◽  
Nada Alharthi ◽  
Mohammad Baraja ◽  
Nazish Masud ◽  
...  

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the healthcare system’s capacities around the world. Due to the alarming situation, medical activities have been restricted to allocate resources to treat COVID-19-infected patients. However, medical emergencies still need urgent medical intervention. Considering the lack of reliable data regarding spinal surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the present study sought to analyze the pattern of spinal surgeries in KSA. Methodology: A case series of patients who had urgent spine surgeries during COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Data on patients’ demographics, COVID-19 test result, American Society of Anesthesia Score, SSS grade, diagnosis, and data related to surgery and postoperative findings were collected. All collected data were then processed and analyzed. Surgical outcomes based on source of admission were compared using Chi-square test. Result: A total of 63 patients who underwent spine surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 18 years and males were predominant (59%). The positive COVID-19 patients were 3%. Almost half of the patients were classified into ASA II. The majority were categorized into grade B (65%) according to SSS. The frequently diagnosed condition was fracture (33%), followed by spinal stenosis (18%) and metastatic (10%), while the most mentioned location was lumbar (61%). Postoperative complications were found in 11% of the patients. The readmission rate within 30 days, unplanned return to OR and ICU admission were 19%, 13%, and 11%, respectively. While the mean duration between admission and surgery was 8 ± 20 days, the mean duration of length of stay was 20 ± 29 days. Further, a significant association was seen between the admission source and the surgical procedure performed and surgical indication. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that the surgical intervention was only provided to patients requiring immediate or urgent spinal management. However, the length of hospitalization and duration between hospital admission and surgery was substantially prolonged. Further studies are warranted to determine the factors leading to prolonged hospitalization and time between hospital admission and surgery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Nemček

SummaryThe aim of the study was to determine the status of SE in people with physical disabilities (PwPD) and compare SE scores between active and inactive individuals. The sample of PwPD (n = 186) was divided into two groups of those who are regularly participating in sport (active; n = 88) and those who are not participating in any sport in their leisure (inactive; n = 98). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was used as a primary research method. 10-item scale measures global self-worth by measuring positive and negative feelings about the self. Higher scores (from 10 to 40 points) indicate higher SE. The Pearson chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 10 RSES items and total scores between active and inactive PwPD. We found that the mean score of RSES in PwPD was 28.83 points; active PwPD observed total score of RSES 30.01 points and group of inactive PwPD showed the lowest SE by achieving 27.76 points. Mean scores comparison of each RSES item between active and inactive PwPD revealed higher SE in the group of active PwPD. Significantly higher SE was presented by 4 from 10 RSES items and by total score in the group of active PwPD. The results of our study confirmed that actively living PwPD have significantly higher SE comparing those PwPD who are living sedentary life style.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-230
Author(s):  
Marc Tshilanda ◽  
Ulrick S. Kanmounye ◽  
Remy Kapongo ◽  
Michel Tshiasuma

Objectives: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death, disability, and dementia in developing countries. Our study aimed to evaluate the systemic disorders associated with mortality in patients admitted within 72 hours of the initial stroke event. Setting: The study took place at a tertiary hospital in Kinshasa. Participants: Patients admitted within 72 hours of the initial stroke event. Interventions: This cross-sectional study consisted of a retrospective review of stroke patient records from January 2016 to December 2018. The Pearson-Chi square test and odds ratios were calculated with a threshold of significance of 0.05. Main outcome measures: Mortality Results: We recruited 114 cases. The mean age was 61.8 ± 2.4 years, and the sex ratio was 1.78 in favor of men. Hypertension (76.3%), dyslipidemia (71.1%), and diabetes mellitus (58.8%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Most patients had hypoxia (85.9%), hypertension (82.4%), hyperglycemia (57.8%), and fever (28.1%). We registered thirty-two deaths (28.1%): 20 (62.5%) from the ischemic strokes, and 12 (37.5%) from hemorrhagic strokes. Systemic disorders with the worst prognosis during were arterial hypotension (OR=3.87, p >0.001), and fever (OR = 1.56, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Arterial hypotension and fever adversely affect stroke patient outcomes, and strokes are responsible for high mortality in Congo


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 193-199
Author(s):  
Pujan Balla ◽  
Anil Shrestha ◽  
Ninadini Shrestha ◽  
Navindra Bista ◽  
Moda Nath Marhatta

Background: Spinal anesthesia is the preferred technique of anesthesia employed for caesarean sections. However, it is very often complicated by hypotension. Different drugs and techniques have been used to prevent the hypotension induced by spinal anesthesia. In this study, the effect of ondansetron on the prevention of hypotension after spinal anesthesia was evaluated. Objectives: To determine the effect of prophylactic ondansetron on prevention of spinal induced hypotension in elective caesarean section. Methodology: Eighty-six parturients planned for elective caesarean deliveries were randomized into two groups of 43 each. Group O received Ondansetron 4 mg (4 ml) and Group S received Normal Saline (4 ml) intravenously 10 minutes prior to spinal anesthesia. Blood pressure, heart rate, phenylephrine requirements, occurrence of nausea and vomiting and APGAR scores of neonates were compared between the groups. Hemodynamic data was analyzed using Student’s t-test for intergroup comparison and ANOVA was used for intragroup comparison. Categorical data was analyzed using Pearson Chi-Square test. For all determinants, p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Occurrence of hypotension in Group O (20.9 %) was significantly lower than in Group S (72.1%) (p < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in Group O at 2, 6, 8, 12 and 14 minutes (p < 0.05). The use of phenylephrine (37.21 mcg vs. 146.51 mcg, p < 0.05) and occurrence of nausea (11.6%, vs. 41.9% p < 0.002) was significantly lower in ondansetron group. Conclusion: Ondansetron is effective in preventing spinal induced hypotension in elective caesarean sections.


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