scholarly journals Effect of MyMAFI—A Newly Developed Mobile App for Field Investigation of Food Poisoning Outbreak on the Timeliness in Reporting: A Randomized Crossover Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2453
Author(s):  
Fathul Hakim Hamzah ◽  
Suhaily Mohd Hairon ◽  
Najib Majdi Yaacob ◽  
Kamarul Imran Musa
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Period Effect ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Group B

Prompt investigation of food poisoning outbreak are essential, as it usually involves a short incubation period. Utilizing the advancement in mobile technology, a mobile application named MyMAFI (My Mobile Apps for Field Investigation) was developed with the aim to be an alternative and better tool for current practices of field investigation of food poisoning outbreak. A randomized cross-over trial with two arms and two treatment periods was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the newly developed mobile application as compared to the standard paper-based format approach. Thirty-six public health inspectors from all districts in Kelantan participated in this study and they were randomized into two equal sized groups. Group A started the trial as control group using the paper-format investigation form via simulated outbreaks and group B used the mobile application. After a one-month ‘washout period’, the group was crossed over. The primary outcome measured was the time taken to complete the outbreak investigation. The treatment effects, the period effects and the period-by-treatment interaction were analyzed using Pkcross command in Stata software. There was a significant treatment effect with mean square 21840.5 and its corresponding F statistic 4.47 (p-value = 0.038), which indicated that the mobile application had significantly improve the reporting timeliness. The results also showed that there was a significant period effect (p-value = 0.025); however, the treatment by period interaction was not significant (p-value = 0.830). The newly developed mobile application—MyMAFI—can improve the timeliness in reporting for investigation of food poisoning outbreak.

scholarly journals Mobile Health to Improve Adherence and Patient Experience in Heart Transplantation Recipients: The mHeart Trial

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 463
Author(s):  
Mar Gomis-Pastor ◽  
Sonia Mirabet Perez ◽  
Eulalia Roig Minguell ◽  
Vicenç Brossa Loidi ◽  
Laura Lopez Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Transplantation ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Adherence Score

Non-adherence after heart transplantation (HTx) is a significant problem. The main objective of this study was to evaluate if a mHealth strategy is more effective than standard care in improving adherence and patients’ experience in heart transplant recipients. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) in adult recipients >1.5 years post-HTx. Participants were randomized to standard care (control group) or to the mHeart Strategy (intervention group). For patients randomized to the mHeart strategy, multifaceted theory-based interventions were provided during the study period to optimize therapy management using the mHeart mobile application. Patient experience regarding their medication regimens were evaluated in a face-to-face interview. Medication adherence was assessed by performing self-reported questionnaires. A composite adherence score that included the SMAQ questionnaire, the coefficient of variation of drug levels and missing visits was also reported. Results: A total of 134 HTx recipients were randomized (intervention N = 71; control N = 63). Mean follow-up was 1.6 (SD 0.6) years. Improvement in adherence from baseline was significantly higher in the intervention group versus the control group according to the SMAQ questionnaire (85% vs. 46%, OR = 6.7 (2.9; 15.8), p-value < 0.001) and the composite score (51% vs. 23%, OR = 0.3 (0.1; 0.6), p-value = 0.001). Patients’ experiences with their drug therapy including knowledge of their medication timing intakes (p-value = 0.019) and the drug indications or uses that they remembered (p-value = 0.003) significantly improved in the intervention versus the control group. Conclusions: In our study, the mHealth-based strategy significantly improved adherence and patient beliefs regarding their medication regimens among the HTx population. The mHeart mobile application was used as a feasible tool for providing long-term, tailor-made interventions to HTx recipients to improve the goals assessed.

Hepatoprotective Role of Propolis Extract to Prevent Hepatotoxic Effects of ATT in patients with Tuberculosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2867-2869
Author(s):  
Asma Arshad ◽  
Saira Munawar ◽  
Rabia Sajjad Toor ◽  
Saba Saleem ◽  
Kanwal Sharif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standard Dose ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
P Value ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Propolis Extract ◽  
Measured Weight ◽  
Group B ◽  
Group D

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of propolis in hepatocytes injury caused by ATT due to isoniazid and rifampicin. Methods: Healthy albino rats of with average weight of 200-250g were under this study. These rats dividing into main four groups, A group is taken a control group and then further into the group B, group C, and group D as group for experiments. The control group had 15 rats with measured weight, they were given distilled water. Group B had 15 rats, they were given with standard dose of rifampicin and isoniazid. Group c had 15 rats, they were also given with standard dose of rifampicin and isoniazid. Group D had 15 rats, they were given with standard dose of rifampicin and isoniazid and also extract of the propolis we prepared. Results: Serum ALT in the experimental group B with group C, group D were also found to be of statistically significant with p-value < 0.001. ALT serum level observed high in group B. Multiple comparison between groups revealed that group B with a significantly increase in the serum enzyme AST level in comparison to group A, group C and group D with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: This study showed that ethanolic extract of propolis prevents isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in the albino rats. Key words; Propolis, Anti-tuberculosis treatment, Hepato-toxicity.

scholarly journals Effect of acupuncture TENS versus conventional TENS on post cesarean section incision pain

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3738
Author(s):  
Priti A. Mehendale ◽  
Mayur T. Revadkar
Keyword(s):  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Random Allocation ◽  
Lower Segment Caesarean Section ◽  
Post Operative Pain ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Pain Rating Scale

Background: There is evidence regarding beneficial use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on post Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) incision pain. However, efficacy of different types of TENS following C section pain has not yet been explored adequately.Methods: 96 women who had recently undergone LSCS were included for the study. The subjects were in the age group of 20 to 40 years (25.84±3.96); having pain intensity 4 or more on Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). They were divided into three groups by random allocation method; namely Group A: Acupuncture (Low/Motor) TENS, Group B: Conventional (High/Sensory) TENS and Group C: Control group. Group A and B received specific type of TENS twice a day for 15 minutes. Control group C did not receive any TENS intervention. All subjects received standard post-operative medications and physiotherapy. Pain intensity was recorded on NPRS pre and post intervention.Results: Both Acupuncture TENS and Conventional TENS significantly decreased post-operative pain intensity as compared to control group (p value <0.0001).Conclusions: Both, acupuncture and conventional TENS are equally effective in reducing post LSCS incision pain at a strong and non-painful intensity.

A Survey on the Use of Mobile Applications for People who Are Visually Impaired

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Griffin-Shirley ◽  
Devender R. Banda ◽  
Paul M. Ajuwon ◽  
Jongpil Cheon ◽  
Jaehoon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Adult Group ◽  
Preliminary Information ◽  
Old Adult ◽  
Middle Aged Adult

Introduction The literature indicates that few studies have been conducted with persons with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) concerning mobile application or “app” usage. The current study explores the use of mobile apps with this population globally. Methods A total of 259 participants with visual impairments completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate tests were used to examine associations between demographic characteristics and mobile app use. Results The participants rated special apps as useful (95.4%) and accessible (91.1%) tools for individuals with visual impairments. More than 90% of the middle-aged adult group strongly agreed with the practicality of special apps, a significantly higher percentage than was observed in the young and old adult groups. In addition, the participants with low vision considered special apps less accessible than did those with blindness (p < .05). Discussion Results show that persons with visual impairments frequently use apps specifically designed for them to accomplish daily activities. Furthermore, this population is satisfied with mobile apps and would like to see improvements and new apps. Implications for practitioners Developers of apps for individuals with visual impairments need to refine and test the existing apps. Practitioners need to be knowledgeable about app usage so they can provide effective instruction to their students or clients. This study provides preliminary information regarding app usage among persons with visual impairments.

scholarly journals Effects of Aqueous Extract of Basella alba L. leaves on Blood Cell Count in Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-78
Author(s):  
Farhana Sabrin ◽  
AF Mohammed Shafiqul Alam ◽  
Muhammad Rashedul Islam ◽  
Md Elias Al Mamun ◽  
Jakir Ahmed Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Blood Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Aqueous Extract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Blood Cell Count ◽  
Basella Alba ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Group D

The effect of aqueous extract of Basella alba (puishak) leaves on blood cell count of rats was studied. Forty rats of both sexes weighing between 100-150 gm were used. The rats were divided into four groups (7 rats in each group), with group A as the control group and experimental groups were denoted as B, C and D. With all aseptic precautions, aqueous extract of Basella alba (Puishak) leaves was administered into the three different doses (For group B: 60 mg/kg bw, group C: 80 mg/kg bw and group D: 100 mg/kg bw). Control group A also received distilled water as a placebo at the dose of 10 mg/kg bw for 14 days. At day 15, blood samples were collected and sent for haematological analysis. Data analysis of blood count profile of 28 rats revealed that there is an increased number of RBC, WBC and platelet count in experimental groups than in control group. ANOVA test revealed that increased blood cell counts following administration of aqueous leaves extract of keeves of B. alba were statistically significant (p value for each case was .0001<.05) than control group. Paired samples t test was performed to compare between baseline hematological parameters and parameters after 14 days of intervention. Then comparison between Group A & Group B, between Group A & Group C and between Group A & Group D were done. In all cases, probability (p) value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.This it is clearly evident that aqueous extract of B.alba has positive stimulant effect on blood cells count of rats. Moreover, it was found that increment of doses also increases the cell count that is positively correlated with the hypothesis. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 22(1): 73-78, 2019

scholarly journals Efficacy of Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin in Management of Distal Ureteral Stones

Med Phoenix ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-13
Author(s):  
Bimochan Piya ◽  
Abhishek Bhattarai
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Diclofenac Sodium ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Ureteral Stones ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Expulsion Rate ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Introduction: Urinary tract calculi are the most frequent condition in urology clinics worldwide. The overall prevalence is about 5 % and lower urinary tract stones account for 70% among them. Medical expulsive therapy has been used to treat distal ureteric stone as it reduces symptoms and facilitates stone expulsion. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of tamsulosin and alfuzosin as medical therapy in ureteric stones. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients with distal ureteral stones of size ≤10 mm were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A patients (n-30) received 0.4 mg of tamsulosin daily, group B patients (n-29) received 10 mg of alfuzosin daily and group C patients (n-28) received 75 mg of diclofenac sodium. Patients in all groups received diclofenac sodium for one week and then as required. Follow-up was done on a weekly basis for 4 weeks. The stone expulsion rate, time for stone expulsion, and side-effects were recorded in each group. Results: The mean stone size (5.66, 5.79, 5.67) mm and age (29.1, 30.31, 29.4) were comparable in each group. The stone expulsion rate was 83.3%, 79.3%, and 50% in groups A, B, and C respectively.  It showed that both the study groups (Group A and Group B) were effective than the control group (p-value 0.006 and 0.02 respectively) but there was no difference between tamsulosin and alfuzosin (p-value 0.69). The duration of stone expulsion was 11.5 days, 11.8 days, and 17.3 days for Group A, B, and C respectively. The drugs related side effects reported by patients were mild and transient. Conclusion:  The use of tamsulosin and alfuzosin for the medical treatment of ureteric stones proved to be safe and effective and neither did have any significant benefits over the other.

scholarly journals A study of effect of topical anaesthetics on injection pain during immunization in infants

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 1463
Author(s):  
Magesh Kumar ◽  
V. Venkateshwar
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Injection Pain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Topical Anesthetic ◽  
Vaccine Injection ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group B

Background: Immunization is a necessary aspect of health care of children and injections are there for unavoidable. Many factors affect injection pain during immunization in infants. This study aims to see the effect of use of local anesthetics delivered by various modes for attenuation of vaccine related injection pain in infants and to compare them.Methods: An Open Label Four-Arm Randomized Control Trial of 300 healthy infants of age group 6 weeks to 6 months reported to immunization clinic for immunization with DPT-HiB-Hepatitis B combination vaccine were taken for study. The enrolled subjects were allocated into control group and intervention group (who were applied some form of local anesthesia).Results: Among the four groups of the patients studied we observed a statistical difference in the mean pain scores of the patients recorded at 15 second, 60 second and 5 min after vaccine injection (p value 0.0024 - 0.000). Group A (Infants with topical occlusive LA cream) showed minimum pain scores values at 15 second, 60 second and 5 min after vaccine injection, followed by Group C (Infants with topical LA spray with vapocoolant) whereas Control group (Infants not received any local anaesthesia) and Group B (Infants with topical LA spray without vapocoolant) exhibited the maximum pain scores.Conclusions: Topical occlusive local anesthetic cream and topical LA spray with vapocoolent, were found to be better than topical LA spray without vapocoolant or no topical anesthetic. Use of topical occlusive LA cream led to a lowest pain score. There was no significant difference in the profile of side effects following injection in the four group.

scholarly journals Mobile Application for Tourism

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Mobile Phone Application ◽  
Software Companies ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Usability Metrics ◽  
Application Developers

The current study developed a proposed mobile app for tourism companies in Egypt and tested its usability. A survey from a group of 53 respondents was conducted based on the mobile app features which were developed by tourists. The proposed mobile app was then tested by using usability measurement framework which was used to test the usability of the app interface and to ensure that this app meets user requirements. Three main usability metrics were employed in this study; effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. This study contributes to the current Mobile tourism and Mobile apps literature and offers useful information for ministry of tourism, software companies, mobile application developers and, of course, mobile device users in addition to entrepreneurs, policy makers, practitioners, researchers and educators through providing a clearer view and deep understanding for the issues related to the adoption of tourism-related new mobile phone application in Egypt.

scholarly journals Protective Effects of Ocimum basilicum Against Atrophic Changes in Graafian Follicles in Cyclophosphamide Induced Ovarian Toxicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-38
Author(s):  
Saba Saleem
Keyword(s):  
Ocimum Basilicum ◽  
Medical Institute ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
P Value ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Intraperitoneal Dose ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Natural Herb

Introduction: Cyclophosphamide is one of the alkylating chemotherapeutic drug used in cancer patients that has antifertility effects on female gonads. Ocimum basilicum is a natural herb rich in polyphenols and is known to improve fertility. Aims & Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate the role of natural herb, Ocimum basilicum extract, as a preventive agent against ovarian follicular toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Place and duration of study: This experimental study was performed in the Department of Anatomy, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. The duration of study was 8 months. Material & Methods: 45 female albino rats were divided equally in control group A, experimental group B and group C each contained 15 rats. Group A rats received single dose of 150 mg/kg normal saline intraperitoneally on 8th day of experiment, while group B was given single intraperitoneal dose of 150 mg/kg cyclophosphamide at day 8 of experiment. Group C rats were pretreated with methanolic basil (Ocimum basilicum) seeds extract for 7 days followed by single intraperitoneal dose of 150 mg/kg cyclophosphamide at day 8 of experiment. All the rats were dissected 48 hours after the last dose. Results: Graafian follicles were atrophied showing atretic granulosa cells in group B when compared with control group A with p value <0.001. However, significant improvement in status of Graafian follicles was observed in group C, when compared with group B with p value <0.025. Conclusion: This study depicts that basil seeds extract can prevent the cellular toxicity in Graafian follicles caused by cyclophosphamide treatment. So the use of basil seeds during chemotherapy can significantly limit its toxic effects on Graafian follicles.

scholarly journals Effects of posterior capsule stretch on adhesive capsulitis.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (08) ◽  
pp. 1272-1277
Author(s):  
Madiha Maryam ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Abdul Ghafoor Sajjad ◽  
Razia Rizwan ◽  
Sehrish Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Adhesive Capsulitis ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

To compare the effect of posterior capsular stretch on pain, ROM and functional disability in Adhesive Capsulitis. Study Design: Experimental, Randomized Control Trail. Setting: Department of Physiotherapy, Capital Development Authority Hospital Islamabad. Period: October 2015 to March 2016. Materials and Methods: Forty female patients having aged between 40 to 70 years with freezing and frozen stage of adhesive capsulitis were screened out. Adhesive capsulitis secondary to cervical Spondylosis, osteoporosis, direct trauma and any inflammation were excluded from the study. Subjects were randomly placed into two groups lottery method, the experimental group having 19 subjects received posterior capsular stretch along with conventional manual therapy and electrotherapy  whereas the control group had 21 subjects and they were given manual therapy and electrotherapy alone. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Range of Motion of shoulder joint were used as outcome measures. All the patients were assessed at baseline before intervention and at the completion of 6 weeks of treatment. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Abduction, Internal Rotation and disability show significant result. The abduction mean value of Group A was 115.00±22.023and of the Group B was 81.74±20.653 with p value was P<05. The internal rotation mean value of Group A was 70.71±12.776 and for the Group B was 60.32±8.699 and having p value P<05. The SPADI mean value of Group A was 51.76±22.043 and for the Group B was 24.24±7.287 having p value P<05. The NPRS and external rotation showed non-significant difference. Conclusion: It is concluded that posterior capsular stretch along with mobilization is more effective in treating ROM and functional disability.

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