scholarly journals Effects of Pet Insects on Cognitive Function among the Elderly: An fMRI Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Yeon Park ◽  
Hae-Jin Ko ◽  
A-Sol Kim ◽  
Ha-Na Moon ◽  
Hye-In Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Insect Rearing ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii

Animal-assisted therapy has positive effects on cognitive function, depression, performance ability, and social functioning in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rearing pet insects on the cognitive function of healthy elderly participants, with fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) being used for this purpose. Community-dwelling right-handed elderly women (≥60 years) with normal cognitive function were enrolled and randomized at a 1:1 ratio into two groups: insect-rearing and control (n = 16) groups, with the insect-rearing group being further classified into two groups for analysis according to the subjects’ scores in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST) at the baseline fMRI: Insect-rearing group I with a relatively high score (n = 13), and insect-rearing group II with a relatively low score (n = 6). The insect-rearing groups received and reared crickets as pet insects for 8 weeks. The WCST consisted of two variations, a high level baseline (HLB) and semi-WCST version. There was a significant difference accuracy of the HLB–semi-WCST (p < 0.05) in insect-rearing group II after 8 weeks from the baseline test. In the fMRI analysis involving the WCST reaction test, increased activation was observed in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex in insect-rearing group II when the semi-WCST, rather than the HLB, was performed. Rearing pet insects showed positive effects on executive functions and performance improvement in elderly women. Further larger studies on the effects of pet insects on cognitive function are warranted.

scholarly journals Effects of Pet Insects on Cognitive Function Among the Elderly: An fMRI Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Yeon Park ◽  
Hae-Jin Ko ◽  
A-Sol Kim ◽  
Ha-Na Moon ◽  
Hye-In Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Animal Assisted Therapy ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Insect Rearing ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii

Background: Animal-assisted therapy has positive effects on cognitive function, depression, performance ability, and social functioning in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rearing pet insects on the cognitive function of healthy elderly participants, with fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) being used for this purpose. Methods: Community-dwelling elderly women (&ge;60 years) with normal cognitive function were enrolled during April 2015. They were randomized at a 1:1 ratio into two groups: insect-rearing and control (n=16) groups, with the insect-rearing group being further classified into two groups for analysis according to the subjects&rsquo; scores in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST) at the first fMRI: insect-rearing group I with a relatively high score (n=13), and insect-rearing group II with a relatively low score (n=6). All subjects were educated on a healthy lifestyle for better cognitive function at every visit, and the insect-rearing groups received and reared crickets as pet insects. The fMRI was performed at baseline and after 8 weeks using the WCST as a stimulus. The WCST consisted of two variations, a high level baseline (HLB) and semi-WCST version. Results: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics among the three groups. There was a significant difference accuracy of the HLB&ndash;semi-WCST (p&lt;0.05) in insect-rearing group II after 8 weeks from the baseline test. In the fMRI analysis involving the WCST reaction test, increased activation was observed in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and parietal cortex in insect-rearing group II when the semi-WCST, rather than the HLB, was performed. There were no significant differences in the other groups. Conclusion: The rearing of pet insects as an animal-assisted therapy is cost-effective, easy, and occupies little space. In this study, it showed positive effects on executive functions and performance improvement in elderly women. Further larger studies on the effects of pet insects on cognitive function are warranted.

scholarly journals Impact of hemodialysis on the wellbeing of chronic kidney diseases patients: a pre-post analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Um-e-Kalsoom ◽  
Sabiha Khan ◽  
Israr Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Chronic Kidney Diseases ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hemodialysis may have serious psychological impact upon patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of hemodialysis on the wellbeing of individuals with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Result A sample consists of (N = 100) CKD patients referred from neurology ward of Leady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Data was collected from both male (50%) and female (50%) in 2017. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of pre-set criteria. In group I, individuals with 4–5 stage of CKD referred first time for dialysis treatment were recruited. Group II comprised of CKD patients with 1–3 stage. Demographic data sheet, Pakistan Anxiety and Depression, WHO Quality of Life scale, and Perceived Social support scale (PSS) were used to test the hypotheses. Paired sample t test was use to see the difference between pre- and post-analysis of depression, anxiety, QOL, and PSS in group I (experimental group). Results suggests significant difference on depression (p > .001), anxiety (p > .001), and QOL (p > .001), while no significant difference was reported on perceived social support (p <.673). Findings also indicate no significant difference between group I and group II on QOL depression, anxiety, and PSS. Conclusion The findings concluded that patients under hemodialysis treatment suffered from depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life.

Role of Cord Blood Carboxyhemoglobin in Detecting Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates with ABO Alloimmunization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahir Tıraş ◽  
Emrah Can ◽  
Şahin Hamilçıkan
Keyword(s):  
Cord Blood ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Term Neonates ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Positive Direct ◽  
Severe Hyperbilirubinemia

Objective This study aimed to assess whether cord blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in jaundiced term neonates with and without a positive direct Coombs test (DCT) and in healthy controls could be used as a predictor of severe hyperbilirubinemia. The percentage of cord blood COHb should be higher among neonates with Coombs-positive ABO hemolytic disease than among those with Coombs-negative ABO incompatibility and higher than that of ABO-compatible control neonates. Study Design This cross-sectional descriptive study of 198 term neonates comprised three subgroups: group I featured 68 DCT-positive ABO-incompatible neonates (ABO + DCT), group II featured 60 DCT-negative ABO-incompatible neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (ABO–DCT), and group III featured 70 healthy controls. COHb was determined by an OSM3 hemoximeter. Results Group I differed from groups II and III for cord blood bilirubin, cord blood hemoglobin, and cord blood hematocrit. Groups I and II had higher mean total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels than group III, while there was no difference in the mean TSB levels between groups I and II. There was no significant difference between the COHb group means for groups I, II, and III (p = 0.98). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve calculated for group I/group III and group II/group III were found to be 0.62 and 0.54, respectively. Conclusion COHb levels did not prove to be superior to the DCT for predicting the risk of developing severe hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates. Key Points

scholarly journals Experimental Study on a Prediction Model of the Shrinkage and Creep of Recycled Aggregate Concrete

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
pp. 4322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lv ◽  
Liu ◽  
Zhu ◽  
Bai ◽  
Qi
Keyword(s):  
Substitution Rate ◽  
Recycled Aggregate Concrete ◽  
Recycled Aggregate ◽  
Creep Model ◽  
Aggregate Concrete ◽  
Ordinary Concrete ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Shrinkage And Creep ◽  
Group Ii

The significant difference between recycled aggregate and natural aggregate is the content of the attached mortar layer. With the increase of the replacement rate of recycled aggregate, the shrinkage and creep of recycled aggregate concrete is significantly increased. In this paper, 180-day shrinkage and creep tests of recycled aggregate concrete with different water–cement ratios were designed in order to analyze the effect of the substitution rate and water–cement ratio on shrinkage and creep properties. The results show that the shrinkage strain of recycled aggregate concrete with a substitution rate of 50% and 100% at 180 days is 26% and 48% higher than that of ordinary concrete, respectively, and the growth of group II is 22% and 47%, respectively. When the load was 180 days old, the creep coefficient of recycled aggregate concrete with a substitution rate of 50% and 100% in group I increased by 19.6% and 39.6%, respectively compared with ordinary concrete, and group II increased by 23.6% and 44.3%, respectively. Based on the difference of adhering mortar content, the creeping increase coefficient and shrinkage increase coefficient of the attached mortar were proposed, and a shrinkage and creep model of recycled aggregate concrete was established. When compared with the experimental results, the model calculation results met the accuracy requirements.

Immersive and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Distraction on Pain Perception to Intraoral Injections

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 389-394
Author(s):  
Supriya Kumari ◽  
Rachana Bahuguna ◽  
Nishita Garg ◽  
Ramakrishna Yeluri
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of immersive VR (IVR) and non-immersive VR (NIVR) distraction on perceived pain during intraoral injections in children undergoing dental procedures. The objective was to introduce 3-dimensional nature of virtual reality during the provoking phase of dental treatment as a means of distraction in children. Study design: A total of 200 children were selected for the study, 100 for IVR group and 100 for NIVR group. After randomization, children were introduced to Oculus Go Standalone equipment; MCDAS (f), VAS, WBFRS and the treatment procedure using tell show do technique. Group I children were introduced to oculus go standalone headset with hand held controller to play temple run or roller coaster game while in group II, children watched cartoon movies of their choice. Pre-operative & post-operative MCDAS scores were obtained using MCDAS (f) questionnaire in local language. Post-operatively, VAS and WBFRS scores were also obtained. The data was analyzed using independent t-test and chi-square analysis. Results: Pre-operatively, the mean MCDAS scores were similar in both the groups viz. Group–I (29.20 ± 3.197) and Group–II (29.09 ± 3.803) and is statistically not significant. Post-operatively, the mean MCDAS scores were higher in non-immersive group (20.72 ± 2.822) as compared to immersive group (10.99 ± 2.227). VAS score was higher in non-immersive group (2.72 ± 0.99) as compared to immersive group (0.75 ± 0.88). WBFRS scores were higher in non-immersive group (2.78 ± 1.097) as compared to immersive group (0.82 ± 1.104). Conclusion: Three-dimensional virtual reality was found to be an effective means of distraction in children undergoing dental procedures and especially during the provoking phase. The significant difference obtained clearly indicates irrespective of immersiveness of virtual reality, anxiety had been decreased and on comparison the pain perception to intraoral injection is less in immersive virtual reality environment. Immersive VR distraction technique can serve as an adjunct to traditional behavior management strategies already available to the pediatric dentist.

Effect of using smart phones on balance functions

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Hazzaa ◽  
DM Hassan ◽  
Sh Mahmoud
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Smart Phone ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Visual Fatigue ◽  
Vestibular Disorder ◽  
Dynamic Posturography ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Composite Scores

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of visual fatigue caused by smart phone on the balance function. Subjects and Methods Forty subjects divided into 2 groups were included in the present study . Group I, twenty normal healthy subjects with mean age of 28.8 years. Group II, twenty subjects with a clinical diagnosis of peripheral vestibular disorder with mean age of 38.85years. They were subjected to a computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) , occulomotor tests of videonystagmography (VNG) and sensory organization test (SOT) of computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) before and after visual fatigue induction. Results Significant differences existed between C5, 6 and composite scores in group I and in C4 and composite scores in group II after visual fatigue induction. However, there was no significant difference between occulomotor tests in both groups after visual fatigue induction. Conclusions The smart phone use can affect the balance function in healthy subjects and augment the deficit in those with balance problem. Reducing visual fatigue should be considered through various procedures as taking proper rest, adjusting the brightness of screen, avoid any wrong posture and using filters if possible.

scholarly journals Reducing the anticholinergic and sedative load in older patients on polypharmacy by pharmacist-led medication review: a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e019042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helene G van der Meer ◽  
Hans Wouters ◽  
Lisa G Pont ◽  
Katja Taxis
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Medication Review ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveTo evaluate if a pharmacist-led medication review is effective at reducing the anticholinergic/sedative load, as measured by the Drug Burden Index (DBI).DesignRandomised controlled single blind trial.Setting15 community pharmacies in the Northern Netherlands.Participants157 community-dwelling patients aged ≥65 years who used ≥5 medicines for ≥3 months, including at least one psycholeptic/psychoanaleptic medication and who had a DBI≥1.InterventionA medication review by the community pharmacist in collaboration with the patient’s general practitioner and patient.Primary and secondary outcomes measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of patients whose DBI decreased by at least 0.5. Secondary outcomes were the presence of anticholinergic/sedative side effects, falls, cognitive function, activities of daily living, quality of life, hospital admission and mortality. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months follow-up.ResultsMean participant age was 75.7 (SD, 6.9) years in the intervention arm and 76.6 (SD, 6.7) years in the control arm, the majority were female (respectively 69.3% and 72.0%). Logistic regression analysis showed no difference in the proportion of patients with a≥0.5 decrease in DBI between intervention arm (17.3%) and control arm (15.9%), (OR 1.04, CI 0.47 to 2.64, p=0.927). Intervention patients scored higher on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, measure of cognitive function (OR 2.02, CI 1.11 to 3.67, p=0.021) and reported fewer sedative side effects (OR 0.61, CI 0.40 to 0.94, p=0.024) at follow-up. No significant difference was found for other secondary outcomes.ConclusionsPharmacist-led medication review as currently performed in the Netherlands was not effective in reducing the anticholinergic/sedative load, measured with the DBI, within the time frame of 3 months. Preventive strategies, signalling a rising load and taking action before chronic use of anticholinergic/sedative medication is established may be more successful.Trial registration numberNCT02317666.

Comparison of a PGA Sheet with a Commercial ePTFE Sheet as a Staple-Line Reinforcement in Lung Surgery

2007 ◽  
Vol 342-343 ◽  
pp. 849-852
Author(s):  
Keon Hyeon Jo ◽  
Seok Whan Moon ◽  
Young Du Kim ◽  
Young Jo Sa ◽  
Si Young Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Polyglycolic Acid ◽  
Lung Surgery ◽  
Resection Margins ◽  
Air Leakage ◽  
Staple Line Reinforcement ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Similar Threshold ◽  
Group Ii

To prevent prolonged air leakage after lung surgery, we developed a biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet and compared it with an expanded polytetrafluoethylene (ePTFE). Eighteen adult mongrel dogs were used in this experiment. The airway pressures at which air first leaked at the stapled resection margins were measured immediately after surgery in group I (N=5), 2 days after surgery in group II (N=5), and 7 days after surgery in group IIII (N=5), Based on the presence of SLR, there were 3 subgroups in each group: there was no SLR in subgroup a; ePTFE in subgroup b; PGA sheet in subgroup c. The histologic examination was performed 2 months after surgery (N=3). In group I, there was a significant difference in air leakage pressures (mm Hg) between no reinforcement and SLR. We observed the same results in group II and III with statistical significance. However, there was no significant difference between the reinforcement groups. The histologic findings demonstrated more severe adhesions and biodegradation in the dogs in which the PGA sheet was used. Our PGA sheet was considered a useful reinforcement material, because it had a similar threshold for air leakage with the ePTFE with excellent biodegradation.

scholarly journals Results of modern tuboperitoneal infertility treatment

2009 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drenka Turjacanin-Pantelic ◽  
Dragana Bojovic-Jovic ◽  
Biljana Arsic ◽  
Eliana Garalejic
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
P Value ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group Ii

Background/Aim. A modern approach to surgical treatment of tuboperitoneal infertility is based on laporascopic techniques. The aim of this study was to compare results of tuboperitoneal infertility treatment by the use of laparoscopy and classical laparotomy. Methods. A retrospectiveprospective study on 66 women treated operatively form tuboperitoneal infertility was performed. Data from patient's anamnesis and those related to the surgical treatment results, obtained by the use of an inquiry, were used in retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. Chi-square test was used in statistical analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Classical laparotomy was used on 34 women in a period from 1996 to 1997, while 32 women were operated laparoscopically in a period from 1999 to 2000. The results were as follows: a total number of conceived women was 16 (24%), seven in the group I (20.6%) and nine in the group II (28.1%); 13 women were with one pregnancy, six in the group I (17.6%) and seven in the group II (22%). Twice pregnant were three women, one in the group I (2.9%) and two in the group II (6.2%). The resulting pregnancies were: five women with abortion spontaneous, two in the group I (5.9%) and three in the group II (9.4%); two women with extrauterine pregnancy in the group I (5.9%); three with pretemporal birth, one in the group I (2.9%) and two in the group II (6.2%), while six women were with the temporal birth, two in the group I (5.9%) and four in the group II (12.5%). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the results between these two groups. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of tubeperitoneal infertility, regardless of the used methods (classical laparotomy or laparoscopy) was successful in a great number of women. These methods have a great advantage over in vitro fertilization, and they should not be ignored.

scholarly journals Binocular responses and vertical strabismus

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dusica Risovic ◽  
Lidija Petrovic ◽  
Natalija Kosanovic-Jakovic ◽  
Katarina Misailovic ◽  
Branislav Stankovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binocular Vision ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Common Pattern ◽  
Inferior Oblique Muscle ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Sensory Tests ◽  
Dissociated Vertical Deviation

Background/Aim. Elevation in adduction is the most common pattern of vertical strabismus, and it is mostly treated with surgery. The results of weaking of inferior oblique muscle are very changeable. The aim of this study was to evaluate binocular vision using sensory tests before and one and six months after the surgery. Methods. A total of 79 children were divided in two groups: the first, with inferior oblique muscle of overaction (n = 52), and the second with dissociated vertical deviation (DVD), and primary inferior oblique muscle overaction (n = 27). We tested them by polaroid mirror test (PMT), Worth test at distance and near, fusion amplitudes on sinoptofore, Lang I stereo test and Wirt-Titmus stereo test. We examined our patients before and two times after the surgery for vertical strabismus. Results. Foveal suppression in the group I was found in 60.5% of the patients before, and in 56.4% after the surgery. In group II Foveal suppression was detected in 64.7% of the patients before, but in 55.6% 6 months after the surgery with PMT. Worth test revealed suppression in 23.5% of the patients before, and in 40.7% after the vertical muscle surgery. Parafoveal fussion persisted in about 1/3 of the patients before the surgery, and their amplitudes were a little larger after the surgery in the group I patients. Lang I stereo test was negative in 53.9% before and 51.9% after the surgery in the group I, and in 48.2% of the patients before and after the surgery in the group II patients. Wirt-Titmus stereo test was negative in 74.5% of the patients before and in 72.9% after the surgery in the group I, but in the group II it was negative in 70.8% before and in 68.0% of the patients 6 months after the surgery. Conclusion. Binocular responses were found after surgery in 65.7% of the patients the group I and in 55.6% patients the group II. There was no significant difference between these two groups, but binocular responses were more often in the patients of the group I.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document