scholarly journals The Effectiveness of 0.6% Povidone Iodine Eye Drops in Reducing the Conjunctival Bacterial Load and Needle Contamination in Patients Undergoing Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection: A Prospective, Randomized Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Reibaldi ◽  
Teresio Avitabile ◽  
Francesco Bandello ◽  
Antonio Longo ◽  
Vincenza Bonfiglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prophylactic Treatment ◽  
Povidone Iodine ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Injection Needle ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control

The study purpose was to assess the efficacy of a preservative-free 0.6% povidone iodine eye drops as perioperative prophylactic treatment for reducing conjunctival bacterial load and the rate of needle contamination in patients undergoing intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection. Enrolled patients were randomized to either the study group (0.6% povidone iodine, three day-prophylactic treatment before the injection) or to the control group (placebo, three day-prophylactic treatment). Conjunctival swabs were obtained before and after the prophylactic treatment in both groups. Intravitreal injections were performed in a sterile fashion. The injection needle and a control needle were collected for microbiological culture. Data from 254 and 253 eyes in the study group and control group, respectively, were analyzed. Bacterial growth from conjunctival swab cultures was significantly lower after 0.6% povidone iodine prophylaxis compared to baseline and to placebo prophylaxis (p < 0.001), showing an 82% eradication rate in the study group. No injection needle showed bacterial contamination in the study group, whereas six needles were culture-positive in the control group (p = 0.015). No serious ocular and non-ocular adverse events were recorded. The 0.6% povidone iodine solution proved an effective treatment in reducing conjunctival bacterial load and risk of needle contamination.

scholarly journals The Effect of Pilates Training on the Balance of Elderly

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Zaičenkovienė ◽  
Renata Rakovaitė
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Four Square ◽  
And Control

Research background. Falling is one of the most important problems in the elderly’s mobility disorder, which is most often affected by the loss of balance. It is known that Pilates exercises could help to increase the deep muscle strength, improve posture and proprioception, which affects the improvement of the balance. Objective – to evaluate the effects of Pilates exercises on the elderly’s static and dynamic balance. Methodology. The study population consisted of 20 volunteers, men and women, who were divided into Pilates exercises (n = 10, age 65.1 ± 2.6) and control (n = 10, age 68.6 ± 4.9) groups. The study group participated in Pilates classes 2 times per week for six weeks (session duration 60 minutes). The control group did not participate in any physical activity, but they were physically active as usually in their daily life. The main outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention. The static balance was assessed by measuring posturographic parameters using the force platform, dynamic balance was measured with the Timed up and Go Test (TUG) and the Four Square Step Test (FSST). Results. The results showed signifcant improvement in static balance of the experimental group after the Pilates exercises during standing tests when the feet were apart, eyes opened and closed and when the feet together with eyes opened, and when the foot was in front of the other foot. The results of the control group did not differ during both tests. The results of both groups did not differ in the static balance tests before and after the study, but after the Pilates exercises, the results of the Pilates group signifcantly differed from the control group test results when the feet were in shoulder line with open eyes. The results of the dynamic balance after Pilates exercises signifcantly improved in both tests in the study group. Before the study, there were not statistically signifcant differences in the dynamic balance results between the groups. Conclusions. Six-week Pilates exercises had a positive effect on the elderly’s static and dynamic balance.Keywords: Pilates training, static balance, dynamic balance.

scholarly journals In vivo antimicrobial activity of 0.6% povidone-iodine eye drops in patients undergoing intravitreal injections: a prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Tognetto ◽  
Marco R. Pastore ◽  
Lorenzo Belfanti ◽  
Riccardo Merli ◽  
Alex L. Vinciguerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Povidone Iodine ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Intravitreal Treatment ◽  
Preservative Free

AbstractTo investigate the antimicrobial activity of a preservative-free 0.6% povidone-iodine eye drop as an antiseptic procedure in decreasing the conjunctival bacterial load in eyes scheduled for intravitreal treatment and to compare its efficacy to the untreated fellow eye used as the control group. Prospective cohort analysis in which 208 patients received preservative-free 0.6% povidone-iodine eye drops three times a day for three days before intravitreal injection. Before and after the prophylactic treatment, a conjunctival swab was collected from both the study eye and the untreated contralateral eye, used as control. The swab was inoculated on different culture media and the colony-forming units were counted. Bacteria and fungi were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Treatment with 0.6% povidone-iodine eye drops significantly reduced the conjunctival bacterial load from baseline (p < 0.001 for blood agar and p < 0.001 for chocolate agar) with an eradication rate of 80%. The most commonly isolated pathogen at each time-point and in both groups was coagulase-negative Staphylococci, isolated in 84% of the positive cultures. The study provides evidence about the effectiveness of 0.6% povidone-iodine eye drops treatment in reducing the conjunctival bacterial load in eyes scheduled for intravitreal treatment.

scholarly journals Level Achieved in the Development of Skills for the Sexual and Reproductive Life of University Students After the Application of a Sexual Education Strategy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Del Carmen Saeteros Hernández ◽  
Eida Ortiz Zayas ◽  
Angélica María Saeteros Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Education Strategy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reproductive Life ◽  
And Control

Introduction: Sexuality education must develop life skills. Methodology: The level of life skills was evaluated using a quasi- experimental design from before after with a control group, random   samples of   40   students   were selected in the study and control group, respectively. The sex education strategy was implemented in the study group and a pre and post test was applied; before and after the strategy. Statistical techniques were used for dependent and independent samples, with a significance level of p = 0,05. Results: The comparisons of the study and control groups before, the control group before and after, and the measurement after the implementation of the strategy of the satisfied needs of life skills in the study group, were within expectations, the most of the variables studied regarding the need to develop life skills are homogeneous in the study and control group before implementing the strategy; and no significant differences were found in the comparison of the control group before and after. Subsequent measurement regarding needs met or level achieved in the development of skills for sexual and reproductive life in the study group was high, even for some of them, 100% of students appreciated that they had achieved it. Conclusion: The sex education strategy was effective in developing skills for sexual and reproductive life due to the high level achieved by the students who participated in the strategy. Keywords: education, sex, life skills, sexual and reproductive health. RESUMEN Introducción: La educación sexual debe desarrollar habilidades para la vida. Metodología: Se evaluó el nivel de habilidades para la vida mediante un diseño cuasi experimental de antes después con grupo control, se seleccionaron muestras aleatorias de 40 estudiantes en el grupo de estudio y control respectivamente, se implementó la estrategia de educación sexual en el grupo de estudio y se aplicó una pre y post prueba; antes y después de la estrategia. Se utilizaron técnicas estadísticas para muestras dependientes e independientes, con un nivel de significación p = 0,05. Resultados: Las comparaciones de los grupos de estudio y control antes, grupo control antes y después y la medición posterior a la implementación de la estrategia de las necesidades satisfechas de habilidades para la vida en el grupo de estudio, estuvieron dentro de lo esperado, la mayoría de variables estudiadas respecto a la necesidad de desarrollar habilidades para la vida son homogéneas en el grupo de estudio y control antes de implementar la estrategia; y no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la comparación del grupo control antes y después. La medición posterior respecto a necesidades satisfechas o nivel conseguido en el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida sexual y reproductiva en el grupo de estudio fue elevado, incluso para algunas de ellas, el 100% de estudiantes apreció que lo había logrado. Conclusiones: La estrategia de educación sexual fue efectiva para desarrollar habilidades para la vida sexual y reproductiva debido al nivel elevado conseguido por los estudiantes que participaron en la estrategia. Palabras clave: educación sexual, habilidades para la vida, salud sexual, reproductiva.

Contrast and Glare Sensitivity after Implantation of AcrySof® and Human Optics 1CU® Intraocular Lenses

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A. Kamppeter ◽  
G. Sauder ◽  
J.B. Jonas
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Lens ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Intraocular Lenses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Group 13 ◽  
Measuring Device ◽  
And Control ◽  
Lens Optics ◽  
Glare Sensitivity

Purpose To evaluate contrast and glare sensitivity of a newly developed, potentially accommodative intraocular lens. Methods The clinical interventional prospective randomized study included 20 patients (23 eyes) undergoing standard phacoemulsification with clear cornea incision in topical anesthesia. In the study group (10 eyes), the 1CU Human Optics intraocular lens (optics diameter 5.5 mm) was implanted. The control group (13 eyes) received the monofocal AcrySof intraocular lens (optics diameter: 6.0 mm). Using a newly developed contrast measuring device, contrast and glare sensitivity were tested 4 weeks after surgery. Results The study group and control group did not vary significantly in contrast (p=0.38) or glare sensitivity (p=0.52). Conclusions The results suggest that the newly developed 1CU Human Optics intraocular lens and the standard AcrySof intraocular lens do not vary significantly in glare and contrast sensitivity.

scholarly journals Study on the Regulation of Qinxitong Combined with Methotrexate Tablets on Multiple Inflammatory Indicators and Mechanism Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
Zhaoyang Dong ◽  
Jichao Yin
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Observation Group ◽  
Regulatory Effect ◽  
Inflammatory Index ◽  
Normal People ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control ◽  
Better Than

Objective: To study the changes of several inflammatory index mechanism factors in the clinical efficacy of tablet and methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into observation (n =10) and control (n =10), then normal people as normal (n=10), all three groups were given methotrexate and the observation group were treated with Qin interest pain tablets. Expression of inflammatory index mechanism factors in each group. Results: After treatment, inflammatory index mechanism factors were detected; a significant decrease of IFN-g, IL-1b, IL-10, IL-37, TNF-a and other factors was found before and after combination treatment (P <0); IL-8 and IL-13 expression (P <0); the CRP, ESR score of the study group was lower than the control group (P <0.05); and the inflammatory index mechanism factors were affected by drug combination. Conclusion: Tablets combined with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients is better than methotrexate. It obviously changed the expression of the patient’s inflammatory index mechanistic factors, which has a regulatory effect on the inflammatory mechanistic factors.

scholarly journals Superior training efficacy of beginning movement load training for the baseball throwers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yi Chou ◽  
Jih-Yang Ko ◽  
Shu-Fang Chen ◽  
Chia-Feng Wu ◽  
Kuan-Ting Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Shoulder Motion ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Superior shoulder motion with rotator cuff activation are essential for the performance of the throwing athletes. The present study compared the novel beginning movement load training (BMLT) and popular throwers ten program regarding the training efficacy of baseball throwers. We hypothesized that the BMLT contributed the superior training efficacy than popular throwers ten program. Methods Forty adult baseball players were randomized into study group and control group equally. In study group, the cyclic shoulder motion was repeatedly operated 3 days in a week and lasted for 6 weeks using three different BMLT training machines. As for control group, three popular cyclic training in the throwers ten program were adopted for the shoulder trainings as the same protocol in study group. The evaluations before and after training included the static range of motion (ROM), the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVICs) of the target muscle (pectoralis major, middle deltoid and supraspinatus) and throwing velocity. Result After 6-week course, study group had significant wider static ROM in saggital adduction (p = 0.002), coronal internal rotation (p = 0.018) and external rotation (p = 0.044) than in control group. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) ratio of middle deltoid/supraspinatus was significant lower in study group (Study:Control = 1.14 ± 0.76:3.56 ± 5.57, p = 0.049) which indicated the enhanced supraspinatus maximal contraction in the study group after training. In addition, the study group had significant improvement in throwing speed (117 ± 10 vs. 109 ± 10 km/h, p = 0.040). Conclusion The BMLT contributed the superiority in range of motion, recruitment of supraspinatus and throwing velocity than the popular thrower’s ten program. It could be a favourable training for the overhead activity.

scholarly journals Superior Training Efficacy of Beginning Movement Load Training for the Baseball Throwers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yi Chou ◽  
Jih-Yang Ko ◽  
Shu-Fang Chen ◽  
Chia-Feng Wu ◽  
Kuan-Ting Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Shoulder Motion ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background : Superior shoulder motion with rotator cuff activation are essential for the performance of the throwing athletes. The present study compared the novel beginning movement load training (BMLT) and popular throwers ten program regarding the training efficacy of baseball throwers. We hypothesized that the BMLT contributed the superior training efficacy than popular throwers ten program. Methods : Forty adult baseball players were randomized into study group and control group equally. In study group, the cyclic shoulder motion was repeatedly operated 3 days in a week and lasted for 6 weeks using three different BMLT training machines. As for control group, three popular cyclic training in the throwers ten program were adopted for the shoulder trainings as the same protocol in study group. The evaluations before and after training included the static range of motion (ROM), the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVICs) of the target muscle (pectoralis major, middle deltoid and supraspinatus) and throwing velocity. Result : After 6-week course, study group had significant wider static ROM in saggital adduction (p=0.034), coronal internal rotation (p=0.038) and external rotation (p=0.04) than in control group. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) ratio of middle deltoid/supraspinatus was significant lower in study group (Study : Control = 1.14±0.76 : 3.56 ±5.57, p = 0.044) which indicated the enhanced supraspinatus maximal contraction in the study group after training. In addition, the study group had significant improvement in throwing speed (117±10 vs 109±10 Km/hr, p=0.031). Conclusion : The BMLT contributed the superiority in range of motion, recruitment of supraspinatus and throwing velocity than the popular thrower`s ten program. It could be a favourable training for the overhead activity.

scholarly journals Dual Effects of Cellular Immunotherapy in Inhibition of Virus Replication and Prolongation of Survival in HCV-Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Qian ◽  
Nanya Wang ◽  
Huimin Tian ◽  
Haofan Jin ◽  
Hengjun Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Conventional Therapy ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Cellular Immunotherapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control

Immune cells play an important role in the development and progression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the influence of adoptive cellular immunotherapy (CIT) on viral load and progression-free survival (PFS) for HCC patients infected with HCV. Patients (n=104) were divided into a control group (conventional therapy,n=73) and study group (combination of CIT and conventional therapy,n=31). Autologous mononuclear cells were induced into natural killer,γδT, and cytokine-induced killer cells and infused intravenously to study group patients. More patients had shown viral load decrease or were stable in study group (100% versus 75%) (p=0.014). The median PFS of the study group and control group was 16 and 10 months, respectively (p=0.0041), and only CIT was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio, 0.422;p=0.005). Three patients developed transient moderate fever after infusion, and there were no significant differences in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels before and after treatment in both groups. Our results show that CIT contributes to improvement of prognosis and inhibition of viral replication in HCV-related HCC patients, without impairment of liver function.

Effects of Time and Perceptual Orientation on Actors' and Observers' Attributions

1984 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Donald S. Martin ◽  
Ming-Shiunn Huang
Keyword(s):  
Video Recording ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Perceptual Orientation ◽  
Initial Difference ◽  
Variety Show ◽  
And Control ◽  
Unrelated Variety

The actor/observer effect was examined by Storms in a 1973 study which manipulated perceptual orientation using video recordings. Storms' study was complex and some of his results equivocal. The present study attempted to recreate the perceptual reorientation effect using a simplified experimental design and an initial difference between actors and observers which was the reverse of the original effect. Female undergraduates performed a motor co-ordination task as actors while watched by observers. Each person made attributions for the actor's behaviour before and after watching a video recording of the performance. For a control group the video recording was of an unrelated variety show excerpt. Actors' initial attributions were less situational than observers'. Both actors and observers became more situational after the video replay but this effect occurred in both experimental and control groups. It was suggested the passage of time between first and second recording of attributions could account for the findings and care should be taken when interpreting Storms' (1973) study and others which did not adequately control for temporal effects.

Melatonin Improves Erythropoietin Hyporesponsiveness via Suppression of Inflammation

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-208
Author(s):  
Evan Noori Hameed ◽  
Haydar F. Hadi AL Tukmagi ◽  
Hayder Ch Assad Allami
Keyword(s):  
Iron Status ◽  
Transferrin Saturation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
Inflammatory Parameters ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control ◽  
Controlled Clinical Study

Background: Inadequate response to Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) despite using relatively larger doses regimen represents a potential risk factor of Cardiovascular (CV) related mortality in addition to health-care economic problems in anemic patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Erythropoietin (EPO) hyporesponsiveness related to inflammation has been increased progressively. Melatonin is well known as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate whether melatonin could improve anemic patients response to EPO. Methods: This single controlled clinical study was carried out in 41 CKD patients with hemoglobin (Hb) levels less than 11g/dl divided randomly in a 1:1 ratio into 2 groups; treatment group who received 5mg melatonin plus their regular treatments and control group who received their regular treatments only. Hematological and iron status parameters include Hb level, serum iron (S. iron), Transferrin Saturation Ratio (TSAT) and serum ferritin (S. ferritin) in addition to inflammatory parameters that include tissue necrotic factor alfa (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) determined before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results: Melatonin remarkably increases the Hb level with a significant increase in S. iron and TSAT compared to baseline. The elevation of S. iron and TSAT was significantly higher in the melatonin group. Additionally, all inflammatory markers estimated were reduced significantly by melatonin compared to base line and control group. Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that melatonin has an advantageous effect on improving EPO response in anemic patients with CKD.

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