scholarly journals Examining Metabolic Profiles in Opioid-‎Dependent Patients ‎

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 28681
Author(s):  
Nader Molavi ◽  
Amir Ghaderi ◽  
Hamid Reza Banafshe
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Social Burden ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Opioid Users

Background: Drug abuse is a social burden and a public health disorder. Previous evidence suggested numerous illicit substances (e.g., opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, & cannabis) affect immune system functions, oxidative stress mechanisms, inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species production. This study aimed to determine the extent of these metabolic parameters in opioid-dependent patients. We also compared these patients with a healthy control group. Methods: This study was conducted in Amirie Clinic, Kashan, Iran. Plasma and serum samples from 50 illicit opioid users (study group) and 50 non-opioid users (control group) were studied. Metabolic levels for MDA, NO, TAC, GSH, Insulin, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were assessed in both research groups (N=100). Results: There was a significant difference in the status of MDA (P=0.003), NO (P=0.01), TAC (P=0.003), GSH (P=0.001), insulin (P=0.04), HOMA-IR (P=0.02), and hs-CRP (P=0.001) between the study and control groups. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation among the duration of illicit opioid use and MDA concentrations (r=-0.424, P=0.002), as well as TAC levels (r=0.314, P=0.02). Conclusion: The study results suggested metabolic profiles were impaired in the study group, compared to the controls.  

scholarly journals Effect of Foetal Movement Counting on Prenatal Attachment and Maternal Worries among Primigravidas- A Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jignya Vinodbhai Asari ◽  
Anjali Pushkar Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Prenatal Attachment ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Foetal Movement ◽  
And Control

Introduction: Pregnant woman experience various physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that may cause anxiety. The anxiety and worries can be decreased by sharing information about the developing child, like foetal body movement. Aim: To assess effect of Foetal Movement Counting (FMC) on prenatal attachment and maternal worries among primigravida mothers. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was carried out among primigravida mothers of selected Hospitals of Central Gujarat using proforma of Cranley’s maternal foetal attachment scale and Cambridge worry scale. The study was conducted from March 2019 to July 2020. Eighty participants were recruited by convenient sampling 40 in each study group and control group. The study group were provided with foetal movement chart and the participants were asked to record foetal movements for seven consecutive days, twice a day for 20 minutes. Post assessment of prenatal attachment and maternal worries was done using tools of data collection for both study and control group. Chi- square test was used to test the significance (p-value <0.05). Results: The study results revealed that in study group mean score for prenatal attachment was 79.43 at the start and improved to 101.25 (p-value <0.001) after seven days of FMC. In control group, the mean score for prenatal attachment did not show significant difference pre-test and post-test (74.20 vs 74.85, p-value=0.077). In study group, the mean Cambridge worry scale score was 36.55 which came down to 20.28 (p-value <0.001) after seven days, while in control group it was 41.38 at the beginning and 41.30 after seven days (p-value=0.998). Conclusion: Foetal Movement Counting was found to improve maternal foetal attachment and reduce maternal worries. FMC can be routinely and effectively promoted among the pregnant population to help them achieve a positive pregnancy experience and outcome.

scholarly journals Study on the changes in TSH, TPO-Ab and other indicators due to Vitamin D deficiency in Pregnant Women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the first trimester

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Zhou ◽  
Ben Li ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
Zhihong Li
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To investigate the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in pregnant women with early pregnancy complicated by subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: A total of 172 pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the first trimester diagnosed and treated in a given hospital from August 2014 to May 2018 were selected, and their levels of vitamin D were determined. Depending on the abnormality of their vitamin D levels, the study participants were divided into two groups: the study group (vitamin D≤20 ng/L) and the control group (vitamin D>20 ng/L). The levels of TSH, TPO-Ab, IL-1 and hsCRP in the two groups were measured. Results: The levels of TSH, hsCRP and TPO-Ab in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The comparison between the two groups in terms of IL-1 showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester is associated with in an increased level of TSH in the first trimester, thereby aggravating subclinical hypothyroidism. The mechanism may be associated with the impact of vitamin D deficiency on hs-CRP and other body inflammation indicators, as well as on thyroid autoantibodies and other immune indicators, but has no effect on IL-1 levels. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.1982 How to cite this:Zhou X, Li B, Wang C, Li Z. Study on the changes in TSH, TPO-Ab and other indicators due to Vitamin D deficiency in Pregnant Women with subclinical hypothyroidism in the first trimester. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.1982 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

scholarly journals Frequency-Following Response (FFR) in Military Pilots

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziela Maria Martins-Moreira ◽  
Alessandra Spada Durante
Keyword(s):  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Aircraft Accidents ◽  
Frequency Following Response ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Qualitative Variables ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
The Right ◽  
Military Pilots

Abstract Introduction Good hearing in pilots, including central auditory skills, is critical for flight safety and the prevention of aircraft accidents. Pure tone audiometry alone may not be enough to assess hearing in the members of this population who, in addition to high noise levels, routinely face speech recognition tasks in non-ideal conditions. Objective To characterize the frequency-following response (FFR) of a group of military pilots compared with a control group. Methods Twenty military pilots in the Study Group and 20 non-pilot military personnel, not exposed to noise in their work, in the Control Group, all with normal hearing, aged between 30 and 40 years old, completed a questionnaire to assess their hearing habits, and their FFRs were measured with a /da/ syllable (duration 40 milliseconds, speed 10.9/s), at 80 dB NA in the right ear. All procedures were approved by the ethical committee of the institution. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-Student or Mann-Whitney tests for quantitative variables, and the Fisher or chi-squared tests for qualitative variables, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding auditory habits. In the FFR, wave amplitudes A (p = 0.01) and C (p = 0.04) were significantly lower in the Study Group. Conclusion Working as a military pilot can be a crucial factor in determining an individual's typical FFR pattern, demonstrated in the present study by statistically significant reductions in the amplitudes of the A and C waves.

scholarly journals Cytokine profiles and Lactobacillus species presence in pre-menopausal subjects with genital Mycoplasma genitalium or Ureaplasma urealyticum colonization

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110091
Author(s):  
John Garza ◽  
Kushal Gandhi ◽  
Sarah Choi ◽  
Asley Sanchez ◽  
Gary Ventolini
Keyword(s):  
Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Species Dominance ◽  
Cytokine Profiles ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and Purpose: Lactobacilli play a vital role in protecting the vagina against pathogens. Cytokines are vital components of defense against infections in women. The genital mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum, are associated with various infectious diseases in adults and infants. The objective of our study is to identify differences in cytokine profile and Lactobacillus species dominance between a study group of non-pregnant pre-menopausal women with genital M. genitalium or U. urealyticum colonization and a control group of non-pregnant pre-menopausal women without genital M. genitalium or U. urealyticum colonization. Methods: A real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure Lactobacillus species in vaginal swab samples. Cytokine analysis was performed using multiplex immunoassay techniques. Analysis of variance confirmed a significant difference in cytokine profiles between patient groups, with t-tests identifying the most significantly different cytokines. Categorical data analysis identified significant patterns of relative Lactobacillus species dominance in the study group. Results: Lactobacillus iners was the predominant Lactobacillus species in the control group ( p = 0.005). There were no dominant Lactobacillus species observed in the study group. Vascular endothelial growth factor A ( p = 0.002), interleukin-8 ( p = 0.001), and interleukin-1β ( p = 0.049) were expressed significantly higher in the study group, whereas interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( p < 0.001), interleukin-10 ( p = 0.001), interleukin-12 ( p = 0.002), and interferon-γ ( p = 0.022) were expressed higher in the control group. Association matrices for cytokines were significantly different between two groups ( p < 0.001), with mostly negative associations in the control group and mostly positive associations in the study group. Conclusion: Cytokine levels, their associations, and the patterns of Lactobacillus species dominance are observed to significantly diverge on the basis of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum colonization among non-pregnant pre-menopausal women.

Impression cytology and meibomian glands in conjunctivochalasis

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110087
Author(s):  
Ersin Muhafiz ◽  
Erdinç Bozkurt ◽  
Remzi Erten
Keyword(s):  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Meibomian Gland ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Impression Cytology ◽  
Schirmer Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meibomian Glands ◽  
And Control ◽  
Margin Cytology

Purpose: To evaluate the tear parameters, meibomian glands and lid margin and tarsal conjunctival impression cytology in patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCH). Methods: The study included 57 patients diagnosed with CCH and 35 healthy volunteers. Tear break-up time (TBUT) was measured and Schirmer test was performed. Meibomian gland morphologies, dropout rates, and meiboscores were evaluated using meibography. Finally, impression cytology samples were taken by pressing the impression filters on the lower lid margin and lower tarsal conjunctiva. The samples were evaluated according to the Nelson grading system. Results: Schirmer test was longer and TBUT was shorter in the study group ( p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median of meibomian gland dropout rate was 33.45% (Interquartile range [IQR]; 23.17%–49.75%) and 18.80% (IQR; 12.35%–26.50%) in the study and control groups, respectively ( p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of lid-margin cytology between the two groups ( p = 0.481). In tarsal conjunctiva cytology, the median value of Nelson grade of the study group was 2 (IQR; 1–2) and that of the control group was 1 (IQR; 1–2) ( p = 0.040). When Nelson grade-2 and above was accepted as the pathological limit, it was found that 27.5% of the study group and 15.2% of the control group showed pathological findings ( p = 0.204). Conclusions: In patients with CCH, damage occurs in the tarsal conjunctiva with the effects of redundant conjunctival folds. In these patients, atrophy occurs in the meibomian glands and tear stability is impaired. Therefore, CCH should not be overlooked in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing at old age home

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Raj ◽  
Subramaniam Santhi ◽  
G. J. Sara Sapharina
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Interventional Group ◽  
Old Age Homes

AbstractObjectivesThis study finds out the effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing in old age homes.MethodsThe non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Wechsler's memory scale (WMS-IV) and Geriatric depression scale (GDS) were the instruments used to assess the memory and depression among elderly during the pretest and posttest, respectively and the researcher had developed data sheet to collect information about the background variables using interview technique.ResultsThe neurobic exercise program was found to be effective in reducing depression among elderly residing in old age homes. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the level of depression had been found during the pretest and posttest in the interventional group. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) found between the study group and in the control group. There was significant correlation (r=0.417, p<0.05) found between the memory and depression during the pretest in the study group among the elderly. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) found in the mean scores of depression and marital status of the elderly during the pretest in the study group and there was a significant association (p<0.01) found in the mean scores of depression and the gender of the elderly during the pretest and posttest in the non interventional group were found.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that neurobic exercise program is an effective intervention in improving memory and reducing depression.

scholarly journals The Combined Effects of Sports Smart Bracelet and Multi-Component Exercise Program on Exercise Motivation among the Elderly in Macau

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Cheuk Kei Lao ◽  
Bing Long Wang ◽  
Richard S. Wang ◽  
Hsiao Yun Chang
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exercise Motivation ◽  
Sport Training ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and objectives: Faced with the serious problem of an aging population, exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain the health of the elderly. In recent years, with the popularization of smartphones, the elderly have increasingly accepted technological products that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI). However, there is not much research on using artificial intelligence bracelets to enhance elders’ motivation and participation in exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on the motivation of the elderly in Macau. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a randomized trial design in a 12 week multi-sport exercise training intervention. According to the evaluation, a total of sixty elders’ pre- and post-test data were included in this study. Results: After 12 weeks of multi-sport exercise training, the evaluation scores on the exercise motivation scale (EMS) increased significantly in the group wearing exercise bracelets and those taking part in the multi-component exercise program, and the degree of progress reached a statistically significant level, but the control group did not show any statistically significant difference. The influence of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on elders’ motivation is clearer. Conclusions: The use of sports smart bracelets by elderly people in conjunction with diverse exercise training can effectively enhance elders’ motivation and increase their participation in regular exercise. The combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs is worth promoting in the elderly population.

Effect of Aerosol Inhalation of Budesonide Suspension on Clinical Efficacy, Remission Time of Asthma and Disappearance Time of Rales in Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 3057-3062
Author(s):  
TingTing Zheng ◽  
XiNi Liu ◽  
Xuechun Chen
Keyword(s):  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Aerosol Inhalation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Disappearance Time ◽  
And Control ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

To investigate the effect of aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension on clinical efficacy, remission time of asthma and disappearance time of rales in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Methods: 100 cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in our hospital from February 2019 to February 2021 were randomly divided into study group (n = 50) and control group (n = 50). The control group was given azithromycin intravenous drip followed by oral treatment, and the study group was given aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension on the basis of the control group. Results: Compared with the control group, disappearance time of rales in the study group, remission time of cough, remission time of asthma and time of hospitalization in the study group were relatively short (P<0.05), and the efficacy in the study group was relatively high (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and hoarseness between the two groups (P>0.05). The improvement of FVCS FEV1 and PEF and other indexes was relatively high in the study group by comparing with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can effectively enhance the therapeutic effect, promote the improvement of lung function, and reduce the disappearance time of rales and remission time of asthma, so it can be popularized.

The effects of breathing exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Burak Yilmaz ◽  
Cagtay Maden ◽  
Begümhan Turhan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Respiratory Exercises

Background/aims Workers engaged in vehicle spray painting are at a risk of developing respiratory problems because of the solvents in the spray paints. Changes in respiratory functions and functional capacities caused by spray painting can be improved with respiratory exercises. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory exercises on the respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters. Methods A total of 70 volunteers with similar characteristics participated in the study. The groups were divided into two groups randomly (35 study group, 35 control group). Respiratory functions (value of forced expiratory volume percentage in 1 second [FEV1]), forced vital capacity percentage [FVC], FEV1/FVC percentage, peak expiratory flow percentage [PEF (%)] and maximum voluntary ventilation percentage [MVV (%)]), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were evaluated. The study group undertook supervised breathing exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The same exercises were given to the control group as a home programme. Home programmes were followed up by telephone calls. Evaluations were performed again after 6 weeks. Results In the study group, FEV1 (%) increased more than in the control group (P<0.05). The increase in PEF (%) was similar in both groups (P>0.05). In the study group, FEV1/FVC (%) and MVV (%) were significantly different before and after the intervention (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the control group (P>0.05). There was a greater increase in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05). 6-Minute Walk Test distance (m) before and after the intervention in both groups were similar (P>0.05). Before and after the intervention, a significant difference was found in the vitality and the social function domains of the SF-36 in the study group. In the comparisons of groups, a significant difference was found in the study group in the role-emotional, social function and bodily pain domains of the SF-36 after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions Breathing exercises can be recommended for vehicle spray painters to avoid an increase in respiratory resistance and to improve their quality of life.

Effects of a physical self-care support program for patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Suélem B. de Lorena ◽  
Angela L.B.P. Duarte ◽  
Markus Bredemeier ◽  
Vanessa M. Fernandes ◽  
Eduardo A.S. Pimentel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stretching Exercises ◽  
Care Support

BACKGROUND: The effects of stretching exercises in fibromyalgia (FM) deserves further study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Physical Self-Care Support Program (PSCSP), with emphasis on stretching exercises, in the treatment of FM. METHODS: Forty-five women with FM were randomized to the PSCSP (n= 23) or to a control group (n= 22). The PSCSP consisted of weekly 90-minute learning sessions over 10 weeks, providing instructions on wellness, postural techniques, and active stretching exercises to be done at home. The control group was monitored through 3 medical appointments over 10 weeks and included in a waiting list. The primary outcomes were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Sit and Reach Test (SRT) at the end of the study. RESULTS: Nineteen and 21 patients completed the trial in PSCSP and control groups, respectively. After 10 weeks, the PSCSP group showed significantly better FIQ (difference between adjusted means, -13.64, 95% CI, -21.78 to -5.49, P= 0.002) and SRT scores (7.24 cm, 3.12 to 11.37, P= 0.001) than the CONTROL group, but no significant difference in pain VAS (-1.41, -3.04 to 0.22, P= 0.088). Analysis using multiple imputation (MI) and delta-adjusted MI for missing outcomes rendered similar results. CONCLUSIONS: A PSCSP emphasizing stretching exercises significantly improved FIQ and SRT scores, and may be a helpful therapy for FM.

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