Effects of a Non-Energy-Restricted Ketogenic Diet on Clinical Oral Parameters. An Exploratory Pilot Trial

Ketogenic diets (KDs) may be a helpful complement in the prevention of and therapy for several diseases. Apart from their non-cariogenic properties, it is still unclear how KDs affect oral parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a KD on clinical periodontal parameters. Twenty generally healthy volunteers with an average age of 36.6 years underwent a KD for 6 weeks. Their compliance was monitored by measuring their urinary ketones daily and by keeping 7-day food records. Clinical oral parameters included plaque (PI), gingival inflammation (GI), a complete periodontal status (probing depths, bleeding on probing), and general physical and serologic parameters at baseline and after 6 weeks. The results showed a trend towards lower plaque values, but with no significant changes from baseline to the end of the study with regard to the clinical periodontal parameters. However, their body weight and BMI measurements showed a significant decrease. The regression analyses showed that the fat mass and the BMI were significantly positively correlated to periodontal inflammation, while HDL, fiber, and protein intake were negatively correlated to periodontal inflammation. The KD change did not lead to clinical changes in periodontal parameters in healthy participants under continued oral hygiene, but it did lead to a significant weight loss.

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VREED

Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies ◽

10.1145/3495002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Luma Tabbaa ◽

Ryan Searle ◽

Saber Mirzaee Bafti ◽

Md Moinul Hossain ◽

Jittrapol Intarasisrisawat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Environments ◽

Affective Computing ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Emotional Responses ◽

Physiological Signals ◽

Skin Response ◽

Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽

Learning Analysis ◽

Computing Literature ◽

Healthy Participants

The paper introduces a multimodal affective dataset named VREED (VR Eyes: Emotions Dataset) in which emotions were triggered using immersive 360° Video-Based Virtual Environments (360-VEs) delivered via Virtual Reality (VR) headset. Behavioural (eye tracking) and physiological signals (Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)) were captured, together with self-reported responses, from healthy participants (n=34) experiencing 360-VEs (n=12, 1--3 min each) selected through focus groups and a pilot trial. Statistical analysis confirmed the validity of the selected 360-VEs in eliciting the desired emotions. Preliminary machine learning analysis was carried out, demonstrating state-of-the-art performance reported in affective computing literature using non-immersive modalities. VREED is among the first multimodal VR datasets in emotion recognition using behavioural and physiological signals. VREED is made publicly available on Kaggle1. We hope that this contribution encourages other researchers to utilise VREED further to understand emotional responses in VR and ultimately enhance VR experiences design in applications where emotional elicitation plays a key role, i.e. healthcare, gaming, education, etc.

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M61. THE ROLE OF PERSONAL WORLDVIEW IN PREDICTING DELUSION PRONENESS IN A NON-CLINICAL SAMPLE

Schizophrenia Bulletin ◽

10.1093/schbul/sbaa030.373 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S158-S158

Author(s):

Georgia Zamperoni ◽

Eric Tan ◽

Erica Neill ◽

Susan Rossell ◽

Eric Tan

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Stepwise Regression ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

The Self ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Thought Processes ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Background Unusual thought processes, often referred to as delusion proneness, are not unique to clinical populations. Understanding the factors that contribute to delusion proneness has important theoretical and clinical implications in prodromal psychosis. Methods This study ascertained the presence of delusion proneness and associated levels of distress, preoccupation and conviction in a large sample of healthy participants (N=258, M= 33.62 years, SD =12.04), and subsequently investigated two aspects of personal worldview in predicting delusion proneness: Locus of control (LOC) and core positive and negative schemas of the self and others. This data was collected via an online survey. Results Stepwise regression analyses indicated that negative schemas of others predicted the presence of delusion proneness (p<.001) and associated levels of distress (p= .012) and preoccupation (p= .025); whilst negative schemas of the self predicted only the presence of delusion proneness (p= .001). Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that LOC was not a significant predictor of the presence of delusion proneness (p= .141), or associated features of distress (p =.281), preoccupation (p=.220) and conviction (p= .660). Discussion The current study found that negative schemas of others accounted for more variance in predicting delusion proneness and aspects of experience (distress and preoccupation) than negative self- schemas. Our study may suggest that therapy focusing on one’s regulation of emotions and assumptions about others in individuals with delusion-like beliefs may be more critical in alleviating delusional symptoms than exclusively focusing on self-schemas.

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Sex-Based Differences in Tensiomyography as Assessed in the Lower Erector Spinae of Healthy Participants: An Observational Study

Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach ◽

10.1177/1941738120917932 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 341-346

Author(s):

Christine Lohr ◽

Tobias Schmidt ◽

Klaus-Michael Braumann ◽

Rüdiger Reer ◽

Ivan Medina-Porqueres

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Muscle Stiffness ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Mean Values ◽

Healthy Participants ◽

Contractile Characteristics

Background: Although there is mounting evidence on sex-linked differences in paraspinal muscle function, it is unknown whether sex-based variations in mechanical and contractile characteristics of the lumbar erector spinae (LES) can be monitored noninvasively in healthy participants at rest using tensiomyography (TMG). Hypothesis: Sex-specific effects in muscle displacement (Dm) and velocity of muscle deformation (Vd) will be observed via TMG assessed in the LES. Study Design: Observational study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: LES response was measured in a relaxed state in 40 healthy adults (20 females). Possible differences between the conditions were investigated using mixed-model analyses of variance. Two-stage hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to predict the outcome of TMG Dm and Vd based on participant sex. Results: There were significant main effects of sex with large effect sizes for both TMG parameters, resulting from lower mean values in women compared with men (Dm, P < 0.01; Vd, P < 0.01). In contrast, neither the main effect of side (left vs right LES) nor the interaction between the side and sex reached significance (all P > 0.3). Introducing the sex variable in stage 2 of the regression analyses significantly improved the prediction of the TMG parameters (all ∆R2 ≥ 0.18; all P < 0.01; all f2 ≥ 0.29). Conclusion: Sex-based differences in muscle stiffness and contractile characteristics could be observed by TMG on LES muscles in healthy individuals at rest. The data suggest that these disparities are not exclusively attributable to anthropometric measures but may be linked to intrinsic sex-based differences in skeletal muscle characteristics. Clinical Relevance: We recommend implementing TMG in a clinical setting using the obtained results as a basis to factor for the patient’s biological sex when assessing effects of therapeutic/exercise regimens aiming at the optimization of myofascial tissue regeneration and performance.

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Physical Self-Perceptions, Aerobic Capacity and Physical Activity in Male and Female Members of a Corporate Health and Fitness Club

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1996.83.3.1075 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 83 (3) ◽

pp. 1075-1082 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Amanda J. Daley ◽

Gaynor Parfitt

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

Important Determinant ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Hierarchical Multiple Regression ◽

Self Perceptions ◽

Health And Fitness ◽

Self Worth ◽

General Physical ◽

Composite Scores

As physical activity and fitness are believed to influence esteem and self-perceptions positively, the purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among participation in physical activity, aerobic capacity, and physical self-perceptions in 40 men and 33 women, members of a British corporate health and fitness club. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated a significant linear relationship for men between scores on Physical Self-worth and composite scores on Participation in Physical Activity. Men's feelings regarding general physical self-worth may be an important determinant of their subsequent levels of physical exercise.

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Associations between Salivary Cytokines and Periodontal and Microbiological Parameters in Patients undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Treatment

10.21203/rs.2.17349/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yong Chen ◽

Wong Wing Kit ◽

Jayampath C Seneviratne ◽

Shuying Huang ◽

Colman McGrath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Bacterial Load ◽

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Gingival Inflammation ◽

Orthodontic Appliance ◽

Orthodontic Therapy ◽

Periodontal Inflammation ◽

Gingival Health ◽

Fixed Orthodontic Appliance ◽

Aerobic And Anaerobic

Abstract Background: Orthodontic treatment can lead to microbial-induced gingival inflammation and aseptic periodontal inflammations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between salivary pro-inflammatory cytokines levels with gingival health status and oral microbe loads among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance treatment (FOAT). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among a sample of 111 consecutive orthodontic patients (mean age 18.4 ± 4.4 years). Clinical examinations were conducted to assess the gingival health status employing the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Plaque Index (PI). Salivary microbiological assessments of total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria count, streptococci count and lactobacilli count were undertaken. Salivary immunological assessments included Interleukin-1Beta (IL-1β) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) ELISA assays. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of salivary IL-1β was 83.52 ± 85.62 pg/ml and MIF was 4.12 ± 0.96 ng/ml. Positive significant correlations between salivary IL-1β levels and salivary bacteria counts (r=0.380~0.446, P<0.001), and between salivary MIF levels and total salivary aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts (r=0.249~0.306, P<0.01) were observed. A significant positive correlation was found between salivary IL-1β levels and BI (r=0.216, p<0.05). Conclusions: The levels of salivary IL-1β and MIF correlate with oral bacterial load among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. This has implications in understanding gingival inflammation/ aseptic periodontal inflammation during orthodontic therapy.

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Commonality in Abnormality: “Abnormal” Neuropsychological Scores Are Common in Baseline Testing of Youth Athletes

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa015 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 469-481

Author(s):

Jessica Watson ◽

Colin Brown ◽

Rayna B Hirst ◽

Ryan C Thompson

Keyword(s):

Poisson Regression ◽

Regression Models ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Neuropsychological Battery ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Functional Deficits ◽

Youth Athletes ◽

Full Scale Intelligence Quotient ◽

Baseline Testing ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Objective Although research shows that abnormal scores are common in adults, fewer studies examine the frequency of abnormal scores within children. The present study assessed how specific tests, cognitive domains, and patient factors affect the likelihood of abnormally low scores among healthy youth athletes. Methods Youth athletes (n = 85, Mage = 11.72, SD = 2.23) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery (N = 23 tests) during baseline testing for a sport-related concussion clinical research program. “Abnormal” scores were defined using cutoffs at 1, 1.5, and 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the population mean. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models examined abnormal test scores as a function of age, sex, ethnicity, and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ). Results Using cutoffs of 1, 1.5, and 2 SDs, the percent of healthy participants with at least one abnormal test score was 61.2, 36.5, and 22.4%, respectively, indicating a high proportion of healthy participants with abnormal scores and low specificity for tests using these cutoffs. In univariate Poisson regression analyses, FSIQ and abnormal score were negatively correlated (p < .001), wherein lower FSIQ was associated with more abnormal scores. In multivariate regression analyses, lower performance on executive function, memory, and processing speed tests was significantly associated with an increased frequency of abnormal scores. Conclusions Abnormally low scores in healthy youth occur frequently and do not necessarily represent functional deficits. Cutoffs of 2 SDs should be considered for many tests to increase specificity and reduce the risk of false positive errors that could lead to negative clinical outcomes.

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D-galactose supplementation in individuals with PMM2-CDG: results of a multicenter, open label, prospective pilot clinical trial

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases ◽

10.1186/s13023-020-01609-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Peter Witters ◽

Hans Andersson ◽

Jaak Jaeken ◽

Laura Tseng ◽

Clara D. M. van Karnebeek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Congenital Disorder ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Symptomatic Therapy ◽

Supportive Treatment ◽

Open Label ◽

Congenital Disorder Of Glycosylation ◽

Link Type ◽

Clinical Changes

AbstractPMM2-CDG is the most prevalent congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) with only symptomatic therapy. Some CDG have been successfully treated with D-galactose. We performed an open-label pilot trial with D-galactose in 9 PMM2-CDG patients. Overall, there was no significant improvement but some milder patients did show positive clinical changes; also there was a trend toward improved glycosylation. Larger placebo-controlled studies are required to determine whether D-galactose could be used as supportive treatment in PMM2-CDG patients.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02955264. Registered 4 November 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02955264

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The use of ketogenic diets in cancer patients: a systematic review

Clinical and Experimental Medicine ◽

10.1007/s10238-021-00710-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maximilian Römer ◽

Jennifer Dörfler ◽

Jutta Huebner

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Clinical Evidence ◽

Complementary Therapy ◽

Conclusive Evidence ◽

Significant Weight Loss ◽

Potential Harm ◽

Ketogenic Diets ◽

Different Types

AbstractKetogenic diets are a widely known, yet controversial treatment for cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the clinical evidence for anti-tumor effects, as well as the effects on anthropometry, quality of life, adverse events and adherence in cancer patients. In April 2019, a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (EMBASE, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies analyzing the use, effectiveness and potential harm of a ketogenic diet in cancer patients of any age as sole or complementary therapy. From all 19.211 search results, 46 publications concerning 39 studies with 770 patients were included in this systematic review. The therapy concepts included all forms of diets with reduced carbohydrate intake, that aimed to achieve ketosis for patients with different types of cancer. Most studies had a low quality, high risk of bias and were highly heterogeneous. There was no conclusive evidence for anti-tumor effects or improved OS. The majority of patients had significant weight loss and mild to moderate side effects. Adherence to the diet was rather low in most studies. Due to the very heterogeneous results and methodological limitations of the included studies, clinical evidence for the effectiveness of ketogenic diets in cancer patients is still lacking.

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Assessment of Dental Calculus, Plaque and GingivalInflammation in Patients with Urinary Stone

Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry ◽

10.26477/jbcd.v31i1.2572 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 14-18

Author(s):

Maher B Mohammed ◽

Maha Sh. Mahmood

Keyword(s):

Healthy Subjects ◽

Urinary Stone ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Clinical Parameters ◽

Dental Calculus ◽

Gingival Inflammation ◽

Gingival Health ◽

And Control ◽

Healthy Participants

Background: Dental calculus is mineralized dental plaque formed on teeth and dental prosthesis surfaces in the oral cavity. Urinary stone is a crystal aggregation formed in urinary system due to minerals saturation present in urine. The structure of dental calculus is similar to that of urinary stone. Objective: To assess oral hygiene and gingival status in patients with urinary stone. And compared with healthy subjects. Patients and Methods: Sixty participants, 25-40 years, were involved in this study who were divided into study and control group. The study group involved patients with urinary stone while the control group involved healthy subjects. Clinical parameters including plaque, calculus and gingival indices were recorded for all participants. The correlation between the recorded clinical parameters was estimated. Results: The study group mean (±SD) plaque (1.435±0.499), gingival (0.995±0.288) and calculus (1.28 ±0.66) indices were found to be significantly high compared with control group(0.868±0.265), (0.602±0.265) (0.501±0.457 ) respectively. The formed calculus was positively associated with accumulated plaque (r: 0.608, p < 0.05) and gingival inflammation(r: 0.612, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Urinary stone patients were associated with more plaque and calculus accumulation, and had worse gingival inflammation compared to healthy participants. Thus, they need to be more aware of their gingival health status and improved preventive care of oral health.

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