scholarly journals Review of the Studies in the Use of Biofeedback Therapy in Rehabilitation and Physiatrics of Neurological Patients

Doctor Ru ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 43-47
Author(s):  
E.Yu. Mozheyko ◽  
◽  
O.V. Petryaeva ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Biofeedback Therapy ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Neurological Patients ◽  
Drug Free

Objective of the Review: To collect information, analyse and evaluate previous studies in the use of biofeedback in neurological patients. Key Points. Despite the wide practical application and a lot of available publications, the level of evidence of this method is low because of a small sample size and the challenges with biofeedback mechanism description. A review of various types of biocontrol, its mechanisms and developments shows that drug-free therapy using only patient’s resources (organic, psychological, emotional and volitional) can activate the mechanisms of neuroplasticity, which are poorly studied. Still, it does not prevent from using biocontrol for the therapy of patients and/or prevention of various diseases in healthy population. Conclusion. Biofeedback therapy has proven to be a safe, relatively efficient and easy-to-use method. However, organisation of a large-scale double blind randomized trial is one of the predominant directions in the future. Keywords: biofeedback, biocontrol, neurofeedback, biofeedback therapy.

CONTRIBUTION OF DNA COPY-NUMBER VARIATION (CNV) TO CANCER SUSCEPTIBILITY AND LARGE-SCALE GENOME ALTERATIONS IN OSTEOSARCOMA (OS)

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
I Pasic ◽  
A Shlien ◽  
A Novokmet ◽  
C Zhang ◽  
U Tabori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genomic Instability ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Variation ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Cancer Susceptibility ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Snp Array ◽  
Tumour Suppressor Gene ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
International Hapmap Project

Introduction: OS, a common Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS)-associated neoplasm, is a common bone malignancy of children and adolescents. Sporadic OS is also characterized by young age of onset and high genomic instability, suggesting a genetic contribution to disease. This study examined the contribution of novel DNA structural variation elements, CNVs, to OS susceptibility. Given our finding of excessive constitutional DNA CNV in LFS patients, which often coincide with cancer-related genes, we hypothesized that constitutional CNV may also provide clues about the aetiology of LFS-related sporadic neoplasms like OS. Methods: CNV in blood DNA of 26 patients with sporadic OS was compared to that of 263 normal control samples from the International HapMap project, as well as 62 local controls. Analysis was performed on DNA hybridized to Affymetrix genome-wide human SNP array 6.0 by Partek Genomic Suite. Results: There was no detectable difference in average number of CNVs, CNV length, and total structural variation (product of average CNV number and length) between individuals with OS and controls. While this data is preliminary (small sample size), it argues against the presence of constitutional genomic instability in individuals with sporadic OS. Conclusion: We found that the majority of tumours from patients with sporadic OS show CN loss at chr3q13.31, raising the possibility that chr3q13.31 may represent a “driver” region in OS aetiology. In at least one OS tumour, which displays CN loss at chr3q13.31, we demonstrate decreased expression of a known tumour suppressor gene located at chr3q13.31. We are investigating the role ofchr3q13.31 in development of OS.

Comparative Efficacy of Once Daily Loratadine versus Terfenadine in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

1989 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Banov
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Initial Dose ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Excellent Response ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Parallel Group Trial ◽  
Group Trial

This 1 week study compared the efficacy of once daily administration of 10 mg loratadine with 120 mg terfenadine in out-patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. It focussed on the efficacy of treatment at the end of the 24 h period following a daily dose. The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial, and 41 patients were enrolled and evaluated for efficacy. Patients took an initial dose at the study site and returned on days 2 and 8. At day 2 (24 h after the initial dose), according to the physician's evaluation 57% of loratadine-treated patients had a good or excellent response, compared to 50% of those given terfenadine. At day 8, 24 h after the final dose, 71% of the loratadine-treated patients and 35% of the terfenadine-treated patients had a good or excellent response ( P = 0.03). At days 2 and 8, reductions in mean symptom scores measured 22, 23 and 24 h after the initial and final doses showed an indication of being greater with loratadine than with terfenadine (non-significant due to small sample size). The incidence of sedation was similar in both groups. It is concluded that 10 mg loratadine, administered once daily, controls the symptoms of rhinitis more effectively than 120 mg terfenadine given once daily in the last few hours of the 24 h dosing period.

scholarly journals Combining Bayesian Approaches and Evolutionary Techniques for the Inference of Breast Cancer Networks

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Beretta ◽  
Mauro Castelli ◽  
Ivo Gonçalves ◽  
Ivan Merelli ◽  
Daniele Ramazzotti
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Graphical Models ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
Correlation Networks ◽  
Model Complex ◽  
Cancer Networks

AbstractGene and protein networks are very important to model complex large-scale systems in molecular biology. Inferring or reverseengineering such networks can be defined as the process of identifying gene/protein interactions from experimental data through computational analysis. However, this task is typically complicated by the enormously large scale of the unknowns in a rather small sample size. Furthermore, when the goal is to study causal relationships within the network, tools capable of overcoming the limitations of correlation networks are required. In this work, we make use of Bayesian Graphical Models to attach this problem and, specifically, we perform a comparative study of different state-of-the-art heuristics, analyzing their performance in inferring the structure of the Bayesian Network from breast cancer data.

scholarly journals Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Proof-of-concept Trial of Resveratrol for Outpatient Treatment of Mild Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marvin R. McCreary ◽  
Patrick M. Schnell ◽  
Dale A. Rhoda
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Phase 2 Study ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has been well studied and has demonstrated anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that might mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Outpatients (N=105) were recruited from central Ohio in late 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or resveratrol. Both groups received a single dose of Vitamin D3 which was used as an adjunct. The primary outcome measure was hospitalization within 21 days of symptom onset; secondary measures were ER visits, incidence of pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. Five patients chose not to participate after randomization. Twenty-one day outcome was determined of all one hundred participants (mean [SD] age 55.6 [8.8] years; 61% female) (or their surrogates). There were no clinically significant adverse events attributed to resveratrol. Outpatients in this phase 2 study treated with resveratrol had a lower incidence compared to placebo of: hospitalization (2% vs. 6%, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04-3.10), COVID-related ER visits (8% vs. 14%, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.18-1.83), and pneumonia (8% vs. 16%, RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.16-1.55). One patient (2%) in each group developed pulmonary embolism (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.06-15.55). This underpowered study was limited by small sample size and low incidence of primary adverse events. A larger trial could determine efficacy.TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04400890 26/05/2020; FDA IND #150033 05/05/2020

scholarly journals Copy number variation analysis of twin pairs discordant for cleft lip with or without cleft palate

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 205873841985587
Author(s):  
Luca Scapoli ◽  
Francesco Carinci ◽  
Annalisa Palmieri ◽  
Francesca Cura ◽  
Alessandro Baj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Copy Number Variants ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Monozygotic Twin ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
High Level

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) is a frequent orofacial malformation. The comparison of concordance rate observed in monozygotic and dizygotic twins supports high level of heritability and a strong genetic component. However, phenotype concordance for orofacial cleft in monozygotic twins is about 50%. The aim of the present investigation was to detect postzygotic events that may account for discordance in monozygotic twins. High-density SNP microarrays hybridization was used to genotype two pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for nsCL/P. Discordant SNP genotypes and copy number variants were analyzed to identify genetic differences responsible of phenotype discrepancy. A number of differences were observed, none involving known nsCL/P candidate genes or genomic regions. Considering the limitation of the study, related to the small sample size and to the large-scale investigation method, the results suggest that the detection of discordant events in other monozygotic twin pairs would be remarkable and warrant further investigations.

scholarly journals Development of AOSpine BOnE (Bone Osteobiologics and Evidence) Classification

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 871-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C. Wang ◽  
S. Tim Yoon ◽  
Darrel S. Brodke ◽  
Jong-Beom Park ◽  
Patrick Hsieh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Knowledge Forum ◽  
Levels Of Evidence ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Patient Reported

Study Design: Classification development. Objectives: The aim of our study was to develop a 3-tier classification for the levels of evidence for osteobiologics and provide a description of the principles by which osteobiologics can be evaluated. BOnE (Bone Osteobiologics and Evidence) classification evaluates each osteobiologic based on the available evidence, and if the published evidence is based on clinical, in vivo or in vitro studies. Methods: The process of establishing the BOnE classification included 5 face-to-face meetings and 2 web calls among members of the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Degenerative. Results: The 3 levels of evidence were determined based on the type of data on osteobiologics: level A for human studies, level B for animal studies, and level C for in vitro studies, with level A being the highest level of evidence. Each level was organized into 4 subgroups (eg, A1, A2, A3, and A4). Conclusions: The use and the variety of osteobiologics for spine fusion has dramatically increased over the past few decades; however, literature on their effectiveness is inconclusive. Several prior systematic reviews developed by AOSpine Knowledge Forum Degenerative reported low level of evidence primarily due to the high risk of bias, small sample size, lack of control groups, and limited patient-reported outcomes. BOnE classification will provide a universal platform for research studies and journal publications to classify a new or an existing product and will allow for creating decision-making algorithms for surgical planning.

eHealth Interventions for Fruit and Vegetable Intake: A Meta-Analysis of Effectiveness

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 947-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norma Patricia Rodriguez Rocha ◽  
Hyekyeong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Mean Differences

Background. An adequate intake of fruits and vegetables (FVI) has shown benefits for reduced risk of manifesting chronic diseases. Thus, development of effective interventions to promote FVI is paramount. Aim. To assess the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for FVI targeted to healthy population, in comparison with control groups, and identify the moderators contributing to their effectiveness. Method. A database search was conducted in April 2016 and July 2018 using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, Google Scholar, SciELO, and RISS, yielding 19 eligible studies. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Tool. Random-effects model was used to calculate effect sizes (ES) by weighted standardized mean differences. Results. This meta-analysis includes 19 studies and 6,894 participants. The most common eHealth tool used was Internet-based interventions ( n = 10). Most of studies were conducted in adults ( n = 11), followed by children ( n = 4), and adolescents ( n = 4). The minimum number of behavior change techniques (BCTs) used was one, and the maximum seven. The overall ES was small (0.26, p < .001), favoring eHealth interventions. The between-studies heterogeneity was large ( I2 = 62.77%, p < .001). Subgroup analyses showed that the components with larger ES were tailored interventions (0.27, p < .001), computer-based interventions (0.44, p < .001), and use of ≥7 BCTs (0.42, p < .001). Discussion. All studies showed a positive ES favoring interventions. Large heterogeneity could be explained in part by the number of BCTs and type of eHealth tool used. Nonetheless, more concrete evidence regarding other intervention components effectiveness was limited by small sample size. Conclusion. The use of eHealth tools for the improvement of FVI showed to be more effective compared with nonintervention and interventions not using these technologies. Nonetheless, more research is needed to determine the specific combination of intervention components that could translate into larger effectiveness.

Facebook as a platform for co-creating music festival experiences

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Hoksbergen ◽  
Andrea Insch
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Music Festival ◽  
Alternative Means ◽  
On Line

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the need to understand how younger music festival-goers use and engage with a music festival’s Facebook page, and how they perceive this social networking service (SNS) as a potential on-line platform for value co-creation. Design/methodology/approach Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 young adults who attended an annual New Year’s Eve music festival, Rhythm and Vines, in Gisborne, New Zealand. Findings Analysis of the interview data revealed that the majority of participants did not actively engage with this platform and could be categorised as passive viewers or information-seekers. In addition, participants perceived five types of value from using this SNS: functional, social, emotional, interactive and aesthetic value. Even though participants were not segmented due to the small sample size, patterns in their levels of engagement with Facebook, attendance status, reasons for attending the festival and the combinations of forms of value that they perceived were identified. Research limitations/implications Future research should use a large-scale survey method to obtain a representative sample that is generalisable to a specific population of music festival-goers. Practical implications Dominance of features on Facebook providing festival-goers with functional value suggests they prefer a passive or co-optation approach to value co-creation in this context. Due to the limited extent of participants actively co-creating value on this platform, alternative means of encouraging interaction to co-create value with festival-goers should be investigated. Originality/value This study demonstrates that this SNS provides this group of young adults with a means to connect their real-time festival experience, with their on-line Facebook social network during the year.

Effect of coadministration of propranolol and etodolac (VT-122) plus sorafenib for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 390-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew N de la Torre ◽  
Ismael Castaneda ◽  
Aram F. Hezel ◽  
Newell F. Bascomb ◽  
Gouri Shankar Bhattacharyya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis Virus ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Separate Study ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Duration Of Therapy ◽  
Significant Efficacy

390 Background: Propranolol and etodolac (designated VT-122) target the adrenergic and prostaglandin stress systems activated in HCC. These stress-induced systems are proposed to induce changes in the tumor microenvironment and immune system leading to tumor promotion and immune tolerance. In a separate study, administration of VT-122 prior to sorafenib showed an increase in median overall survival (OS) of 21 months when VT-122 is administered before sorafenib compared to 10 months OS for sorafenib alone. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of administering VT-122 at least 30 days after starting sorafenib. Methods: Patients with HCC receiving sorafenib for at least 30 days were eligible for this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized to receive sorafenib with either VT-122 or placebo. Patients received therapy for up to 12 months or until treatment failure. VT-122 was administered twice daily. The primary endpoint was duration of therapy (DoT) and the secondary endpoint was OS. Results: Twenty patients were randomized, 11 and 9 patients to the VT122 and placebo arm, respectively. Each arm was balanced with regards to age (mean of 60.4 years), Child Pugh status (9 Child Pugh A, 11 Child Pugh B7), hepatitis virus status (6 HBV and 1 HCV positive) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (20.4 mg/L). VT122 with sorafenib was well tolerated with no unexpected serious adverse events reported. Mean OS was 13.9 months and 9.6 months in the VT-122 and placebo arms, respectively. Mean DoT (unvalidated) was 10.1 months and 7.5 months in the VT-122 and placebo arms, respectively. Conclusions: Co-administration of VT-122 with sorafenib was well tolerated and showed an increase in duration of therapy and OS versus sorafenib alone. The small sample size and number of events precludes the ability to make any significant efficacy conclusions. The increase in survival was not as great as that seen in a separate study in which VT122 was started prior to sorafenib. A further Phase 3 study of VT122 administered prior to sorafenib in patients with HCC is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT01265576.

scholarly journals Randomized Controlled Trial of Strain-Specific Probiotic Formulation (Renadyl) in Dialysis Patients

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranganathan Natarajan ◽  
Bohdan Pechenyak ◽  
Usha Vyas ◽  
Pari Ranganathan ◽  
Alan Weinberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Uremic Toxin ◽  
Double Blind

Background. Primary goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of Renadyl in end-stage renal disease patients was to assess the safety and efficacy of Renadyl measured through improvement in quality of life or reduction in levels of known uremic toxins. Secondary goal was to investigate the effects on several biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.Methods. Two 2-month treatment periods separated by 2-month washout and crossover, with physical examinations, venous blood testing, and quality of life questionnaires completed at each visit. Data were analyzed with SAS V9.2.Results. 22 subjects (79%) completed the study. Observed trends were as follows (none reaching statistical significance): decline in WBC count(-0.51×109/L,P=0.057)and reductions in levels of C-reactive protein(-8.61 mg/L,P=0.071)and total indoxyl glucuronide(-0.11 mg%,P=0.058). No statistically significant changes were observed in other uremic toxin levels or measures of QOL.Conclusions. Renadyl appeared to be safe to administer to ESRD patients on hemodialysis. Stability in QOL assessment is an encouraging result for a patient cohort in such advanced stage of kidney disease. Efficacy could not be confirmed definitively, primarily due to small sample size and low statistical power—further studies are warranted.

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