scholarly journals Promising Effects of 3-Month Period of Quercetin Phytosome® Supplementation in the Prevention of Symptomatic COVID-19 Disease in Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study

Life ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Mariangela Rondanelli ◽  
Simone Perna ◽  
Clara Gasparri ◽  
Giovanna Petrangolini ◽  
Pietro Allegrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Survival Function ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Protection Factor ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Complete Clinical Remission

Quercetin, for its crucial properties, fulfills the need for a multifactor action that is useful for the potential counterbalance of a COVID-19 infection. Given this background, the aim of the study was to evaluate the potential effect of 3 months’ supplementation with Quercetin Phytosome® (250 mg twice a day) as prevention against symptomatic COVID-19. In total, 120 subjects were enrolled (males, 63; females, 57; age 49 ± 12), with 60 in the supplementation group and 60 in the placebo group. No significant differences were detected between groups in terms of gender, smoking, and chronic disease. Subjects underwent rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests every 3 weeks. During our study, 5 subjects had COVID-19, 1 out of 60 subjects in the quercetin group and 4 out of 60 in the control group. Complete clinical remission was recorded at 7 and 15 days in the quercetin and placebo groups, respectively. Analysis showed that, at 5 months, the COVID free survival function (risk of infection) was 99.8% in subjects under quercetin supplementation and 96.5% in control group. As shown by the value of EXP(B), those who had taken the supplement had a protection factor of 14% more to not contract the COVID-19 infection than that of those who had taken a placebo. Obtained results are encouraging, but further studies are required to add quercetin as regular prophylaxis.

Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Frontline Healthcare Workers in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quratul-Ain Zafar
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan in terms of psychological factors emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at different hospitals across Pakistan and data collection was carried out from 15th June 2020 till 15th August 2020. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study aiming to compare the levels of burnout and emotional distress between frontline COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 healthcare workers. Any physician, nurse, and other healthcare workers were recruited from emergency care units and Covid-19 care units (target group), and non-COVID-19 care units (control group). Participation was voluntary and participants had to complete self-reported questionnaires and scales. A mixed-mode data collection was carried out, either in paper or web-based form to ensure maximum participation. Results: The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding depression, stress, and insomnia. The study group showed higher scores for these factors than the control group. Chi-square test of association revealed significant scores of burnout and professional fulfillment in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of burnout in the study group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a significant psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the frontline healthcare workers measured in terms of emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout.

Prevalence of Thyroid Diseases in an Occupationally Radiation Exposed Group: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital of Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Francesca Mansi ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
Giovanni M. Ferri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposed Workers

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic and Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Infections among Hospital Workers in the Greater Jakarta Area, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5048
Author(s):  
Adrianna Bella ◽  
Mochamad Thoriq Akbar ◽  
Gita Kusnadi ◽  
Olivia Herlinda ◽  
Putri Aprilia Regita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Household Size ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Behavioral Correlates ◽  
Cross Sectional

(1) Background: because of close contacts with COVID-19 patients, hospital workers are among the highest risk groups for infection. This study examined the socioeconomic and behavioral correlates of COVID-19 infection among hospital workers in Indonesia, the country hardest-hit by the disease in the Southeast Asia region. (2) Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study, which collected data from 1397 hospital staff from eight hospitals in the Greater Jakarta area during April–July 2020. The data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests. We employed descriptive statistics and adjusted and unadjusted logistic regressions to analyze the data of hospital workers as well as the subgroups of healthcare and non-healthcare workers. (3) Results: from a total of 1397 hospital staff in the study, 22 (1.6%) were infected. In terms of correlates, being a healthcare worker (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 8.31, 95% CI 1.27–54.54) and having a household size of more than five (AOR = 4.09, 1.02–16.43) were significantly associated with a higher risk of infection. On the other hand, those with middle- and upper-expenditure levels were shown to have a lower risk of infection (AOR = 0.06, 0.01–0.66). Behavioral factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare and non-healthcare workers included knowledge of standard personal protective equipment (PPE) (AOR = 0.08, 0.01–0.54) and application of the six-step handwashing technique (AOR = 0.32, 0.12–0.83). (4) Conclusion: among hospital staff, correlates of COVID-19 infection included being a healthcare worker, household size, expenditure level, knowledge and use of PPE, and application of appropriate hand washing techniques.

scholarly journals Effects of Aroma Massage on Home Blood Pressure, Ambulatory Blood Pressure, and Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged Women with Hypertension

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myeong-Sook Ju ◽  
Sahng Lee ◽  
Ikyul Bae ◽  
Myung-Haeng Hur ◽  
Kayeon Seong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Nursing Intervention ◽  
Home Blood Pressure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Massage Group

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aroma massage applied to middle-aged women with hypertension. The research study had a nonequivalent control group, nonsynchronized design to investigate the effect on home blood pressure (BP), ambulatory BP, and sleep. The hypertensive patients were allocated into the aroma massage group (n=28), the placebo group (n=28), and the no-treatment control group (n=27). To evaluate the effects of aroma massage, the experimental group received a massage with essential oils prescribed by an aromatherapist once a week and body cream once a day. The placebo group received a massage using artificial fragrance oil once a week and body cream once a day. BP, pulse rate, sleep conditions, and 24-hour ambulatory BP were monitored before and after the experiment. There was a significant difference in home systolic blood pressure (SBP) (F=6.71,P=0.002) between groups after intervention. There was also a significant difference in SBP (F=13.34,P=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (F=8.46,P=0.005) in the laboratory between aroma massage and placebo groups. In sleep quality, there was a significant difference between groups (F=6.75,P=0.002). In conclusion, aroma massage may help improve patient quality of life and maintain health as a nursing intervention in daily life.

Effect of the Modified Surgeon Assisted Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Time Required for First Analgesic Dose after Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: Randomized placebo-control

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-05
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mamdouh
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Spinal Anesthesia ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Tap Block

Background: The transverses abdominis plane block (TAP block) is one of the widely used regional analgesic techniques in cesarean section. There are different variations of the procedure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of the modified surgeon assisted bilateral TAP block in patients undergoing cesarean section Patients&Methods: Sixty patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups to receive either TAP block with 40 ml of bupivacaine 0.25%(study group) or 40 ml normal saline as placebo after obtaining informed consent. All patients will receive intravenous diclofencac75mg every 12 hrs postoperatively. Postoperatively, there was an assessment every 2hrs during the first 24hrs by the visual analogue pain scale (VAPS). Time to the first analgesic request will be measured as primary outcome and all patients will receive opioid on demand or VAPS > 4 with 25mg pethidine intramuscularly. Moreover, total opioid requirement in 24hrs will be measured as secondary outcome along with postoperative complications as nausea, vomiting and abdominal distention. Complications related to the TAP procedure will be also assessed. Results: The median (interquartile range) time to the first analgesic request in the first 24hrs postoperatively was significantly shorter in the placebo group compared to the study group; 4h (4, 6) and 24h (10, 24) with p value < 0.001. Postoperative opioid requirement was significantly higher in the control group (30/30{100%}) than the study group (13/30{43.3%}). The median (interquartile range) number of opioid doses was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the study group; 2(2, 2) and 0(0, 1) respectively. At all points in the study, pain scores both were lower in the study group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The modified surgeon assisted bilateral TAP block is relatively new, safe and cost effective technique which provides adequate postoperative analgesia allowing for better maternal ambulation and better postoperative recovery. Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov registration number: NCT04623632

Studying Subjective Well-Being during a Quarantine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Browning ◽  
E. Scott Geller
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Mood States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Psychology Class ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

To investigate the impact of writing a gratitude letter on particular mood states, we asked students in two university classes (a research class and a positive psychology class) to complete a 15-item mood assessment survey (MAS) twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). The research students who signed up for one or two pass/fail field-study credits in a research class also completed the MAS twice a day, but they did not write the weekly gratitude letter that was expected from the students in the positive psychology class. Each mood state was averaged per each day for the participants in each group and compared between the Gratitude Group and the Control Group. No group difference occurred for some mood states like “incompetent,” but for the “unmotivated” mood state, a significant difference was found. To investigate the potential effect of weekday, we compared the average mood rating between groups for each day of the week. For the mood state of “unmotivated”, a remarkable dip occurred on Wednesday for the Gratitude group, but not for the Control group. These results indicated that writing a gratitude letter increased the benefactor’s motivation, especially on the day when it was accomplished.

scholarly journals Effect of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel on dental plaque superinfecting microorganisms in mentally handicapped patients

2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudio Mendes Pannuti ◽  
Roberto Fraga Moreira Lotufo ◽  
Silvana Cai ◽  
Maria da Conceição Saraiva ◽  
Nívea Maria de Freitas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mentally Handicapped ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Supragingival Plaque ◽  
Chlorhexidine Gel

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of a 0.5% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque superinfecting microorganisms in mentally handicapped patients. Thirty inmates from the institution "Casas André Luiz" were assigned to either test group (CHX gel, n = 15) or control group (placebo gel, n = 15). The gel was administered over a period of 8 weeks. Supragingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, after gel use (8 weeks) and 16 weeks after baseline. The presence of Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and yeasts was evaluated. No significant growth of any superinfecting microorganism was observed in the CHX group, when compared to the placebo group. The results indicated that the 0.5% chlorhexidine gel did not produce an undesirable shift in these bacterial populations.

scholarly journals Effect of vitamin D supplementation on disease activity (SLEDAI) and fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients with hipovitamin D: An Open Clinical Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Achmad Rifa’i ◽  
Handono Kalim ◽  
Kusworini Kusworini ◽  
Cesarius Singgih Wahono
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Significant Difference

Background : Low level of vitamin D impact the disease activity and the degree of fatigue in SLE patients. This study aims to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on disease activity and fatigue condition in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients with hipovitamin D.Methods: We performed an open clinical trial. Subjects were randomized into two different groups (supplementation or placebo) using simple random sampling. The treatment group got vitamin D3 softgel/ cholecalciferol 1200 IU/day or 30 mg/day, while the control group gotplacebo for 3 months. SLEDAI scores and FSS scores were calculated at pre and posttreatment.Results: There were 20 subjectsfor supplementation group and 19 subjects in the placebo group. From this study, before and after treatment, we found a significant difference of mean level of vitamin D in supplementation group (p=0.000), and no significant difference inpatients with placebo (p=0.427). Moreover, from the SLEDAI score analysis, observed a significant difference bothin the supplemented group (p=0.000) and the placebo group (p=0.006). FSS scores significantly different in the supplemented group (p=0.000). Incorrelation test,there was a negative correlation (r=-0763) between vitamin D level and disease activity (SLEDAI), and both showing stastistical significance between thepre supplementation (p=0.000) and post supplementation (r=-0846; p=0.000). Similarly to theFSS scores, there was a meaningfulnegative correlation (r=-0.931, p=0.000) between the level of vitamin D with FSS scores pre and post supplementation (r=-0.911; p= 0.000). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between disease activity (SLEDAI) pre supplementation with fatigue condition pre supplementation (r=0.846; p = 0.000) and postsupplementation (r=0.913; p= 0.000).Conclusion: The supplementation of vitamin D 1200 IU per day in patients with SLE improve disease activity and degree of fatigue. Keywords: vitamin D, disease activity, fatigue, SLE

Laryngeal preservation by treatment with induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy protocol for stage III & IV carcinoma larynx – results of a pilot study

1999 ◽  
Vol 113 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Thakar ◽  
S. Bahadur ◽  
D. A. Tandon ◽  
A. Ranganathan ◽  
G. K. Rath
Keyword(s):  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Carcinoma Larynx ◽  
Laryngeal Preservation ◽  
Group I ◽  
Initial Results ◽  
Disease Free ◽  
Surgical Salvage

AbstractTotal laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the larynx is effective but functionally disabling. In an effort at laryngeal preservation, 33 patients of stage III/IV carcinoma larynx were treated between 1987 and 1991 with induction chemotherapy followed by definitive radiation. Two chemotherapy protocols were administered. Group I patients received one to three cycles of cisplatin 100 mg/m2 (day 1), bleomycin 15 U/m2 (day 1), and 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2/day (day 2 to 5) at three weekly intervals. This was then followed by radiotherapy. Group II received one to six weekly injections of single agent methotrexate 50 mg/m2 with or without leucocovorin rescue followed by radiotherapy. Any recurrence was salvaged by surgery.Midway through the study, Group II protocol was discontinued as the initial results were not comparable with Group I or standard treatment. The Group I protocol, however, yielded an initial locoregional control rate of 83.3 per cent With the addition of surgical salvage the locoregional control rate was 94.4 per cent and the control rate with laryngeal preservation was 88.8 per cent. The Kaplan-Meier probability of two years and five years disease-free survival was 81.9 per cent and 61.4 per cent respectively. For disease-free survival with laryngeal preservation the corresponding figures for two years and five years were 58.3 per cent and 41.7 per cent.The control group of 51 patients treated with radical surgery followed by radiotherapy yielded survival figures at two years and five years of 64.3 per cent and 57.2 per cent. The difference in the survival of Group I and the control group was not statistically significant (p value = 0.280). These initial results indicate that for stage III and for surgically resectable stage IV laryngeal carcinomas, a protocol of induction combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, bleomycin and 5-fluorouracil followed by radiotherapy and combined with surgical salvage whenever required, can lead to comparable cure rates. In addition, a large proportion of patients are spared the morbidity of a total laryngectomy.

Semantic Desensitization: Language Conditioning or Demand Characteristics Manipulation?

1975 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 747-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Sappington
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Demand Characteristics ◽  
Hand Dynamometer ◽  
And Control ◽  
Causal Variable

Previous studies in language conditioning, especially those called semantic desensitization, have shown changes in self-report, behavioral measures, and the semantic meaning of the target concept following treatment. This last has been proposed as a causal variable but experimental and control groups differed greatly in terms of their demand characteristics. The present study included a placebo group with demand characteristics similar to those of the control group. The target area was self-concept (18 male Ss, 9 female Ss). Significant changes in self-report and actual performance with a hand dynamometer were obtained but these were as great for the placebo group as for the experimental groups. It was suggested that factors other than conditioning are of importance in semantic desensitization.

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