scholarly journals Silicone Oil Decreases Biofilm Formation in a Capacitance-Based Automatic Urine Measurement System

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 445
Author(s):  
Martin Slettengren ◽  
Martin Linnros ◽  
Jan van der Linden
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Silicone Oil ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Capacitance Measurement ◽  
Free Hemoglobin ◽  
Capacitance Measurements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Capacitance-based automatic urine measurement is a validated technique already implemented in clinical practice. However, albuminuria and free hemoglobinuria cause progressive biofilm buildup on the capacitance sensors of the urinometers. The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the influence of albumin and free hemoglobin on the capacitance signal of an automatic urinometer with and without the addition of silicone oil. A solution of Ringer’s acetate mixed with either albumin or free hemoglobin was run through an automatic urinometer containing either a water-soluble capsule with silicone oil or not. In total, around 500 capacitance measurements were retrieved from the albumin and free hemoglobin group, respectively. The mean increase in capacitance in the albumin 3 g/L group was 257 ± 100 pF without and 105 ± 30 pF with silicone oil, respectively, during 24 h. After ten hours of recording, differences between the two albumin groups reached statistical significance. For the free hemoglobin groups (0.01 g/L), the mean increase in capacitance was 190 ± 170 pF with silicone oil, and 324 ± 80 pF without, with a significant difference between the groups after 20 h and onwards. Coating of the capacitance measurement membrane of the automatic urinometer by albumin or free hemoglobin was significantly decreased by silicone oil, prolonging the functionality of the device.

Effects of Orthokeratology Lens On Axial Length Elongation in Myopia With Anisometropia Children

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziyang Chen ◽  
Kai-Ming Chen ◽  
Ying Shi ◽  
Zhao-Da Ye ◽  
Sheng Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Axial Length ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Spherical Equivalent ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Group 1

Abstract AimTo investigate the effect of orthokeratology (OK) lens on axial length (AL) elongation in myopia with anisometropia children.MethodsThirty-seven unilateral myopia (group 1) and fifty-nine bilateral myopia with anisometropia children were involved in this 1-year retrospective study. And bilateral myopia with anisometropia children were divided into group 2A (diopter of the lower SER eye under − 2.00D) and group 2B(diopter of the lower SER eye is equal or greater than − 2.00D). The change in AL were observed.The datas were analysed using SPSS 21.0.Results(1) In group 1, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eye were 24.70 ± 0.89 mm and 23.55 ± 0.69 mm, respectively. In group 2A, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eyes were 24.61 ± 0.84 mm and 24.00 ± 0.70 mm respectively. In group 2B, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eyes were 25.28 ± 0.72 mm and 24.70 ± 0.74 mm. After 1 year, the change in AL of the L eyes was faster than the H eyes in group 1 and group 2A (all P<0.001).While the AL of the H eyes and L eyes had the same increased rate in group 2B. (2) The effect of controlling AL elongation of H eyes is consistent in three groups (P = 0.559).The effect of controlling AL elongation of L eyes in group 2B was better than that in group 1 and group 2A (P < 0.001). And the difference between group 1 and group 2A has no statistical significance. (3) The AL difference in H eyes and L eyes decreased from baseline 1.16 ± 0.55mm to 0.88 ± 0.68mm after 1 year in group 1.And in group 2A, the AL difference in H eyes and L eyes decreased from baseline 0.61 ± 0.34mm to 0.48 ± 0.28mm. There was statistically significant difference (all P<0.001). In group 2B, the baseline AL difference in H eyes and L eyes has no significant difference from that after 1 year (P = 0.069).ConclusionsMonocular OK lens is effective on suppression AL growth of the myopic eyes and reduce anisometropia value in unilateral myopic children. Binocular OK lenses only reduce anisometropia with the diopter of the low eye under − 2.00D. Binocular OK lenses cannot reduce anisometropia with the diopter of the low eye equal or greater than − 2.00D. Whether OK lens can reduce refractive anisometropia value is related to the spherical equivalent refractive of low refractive eye in bilateral myopia with anisometropia children after 1-year follow-up.

Factors Affecting the Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures Associated with the Posterior Malleolar Fragment

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Kuyumcu ◽  
Emre Bilgin ◽  
Hasan Bombacı
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
The Mean

Background This study was performed to determine the factors that influence the clinical outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures associated with the posterior malleolus (PM). Methods We evaluated 42 fractures of 42 patients. Posterior malleolus fracture size was calculated using computed tomography. Posterior malleolar fractures with a size less than 10% were left nonfixated. The decision for larger fragments was performed using fluoroscopy following the fixation of other components. If the joint was found to be congruent, the PM was left nonfixated. Otherwise, the PM was reduced and fixated. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on Weber, Freiburg, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores. Ankle osteoarthritis was determined according to the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society classification. The effect of PM fixation, age, PM fragment size, waiting period before surgery, presence of ankle dislocation, and number of injured malleoli on clinical outcomes were assessed. Statistical significance was set at a value of P &lt; .05. Results The mean patients age was 48.5 ± 14.9 years (range, 20–84 years) and the mean follow-up was 23.7 ± 8.6 months (range, 12–56 months). Fixation of the PM was performed solely in 12 patients. Postoperative displacement of the PM and articular step were less than 2 mm in all fractures. Statistically significant worse outcomes were demonstrated based on functional scores in the patients with a PM size greater than or equal to 25% (P = .042, P = .038, and P = .048, respectively) and in patients aged 60 years or older (P = .005, P = .007, and P = .018, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between functional scores and the other factors. Ankle osteoarthritis was observed at a higher rate in patients with PM size greater than or equal to 25% and in patients aged 60 years or older. Conclusions Clinical outcomes of the patients are mainly influenced by the patient's age and PM fragment size. However, if the tibiotalar joint is congruent, comparable results can be obtained in PM fixated or nonfixated patients.

Abstract 3091: Image Sharing Prior To Transfer Of Patients With Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minal Jain ◽  
Anunaya Jain ◽  
Abhijit R Kanthala ◽  
Kate C Young ◽  
Babak S Jahromi
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Sinus Thrombosis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Admission Diagnosis ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Image Sharing ◽  
Interhospital Transfer ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: The lack of 24X7 availability of sub-specialty neurologists and neurosurgeons in regional county hospitals frequently leads to transfer of patients with stroke/ICH to higher tertiary care centers. Transfer of patients without prior communication may delay both diagnosis as well as time sensitive treatments. Recently our institution adopted image sharing prior to transfer to facilitate triage of inter-hospital transfers. Aim: To analyze if image sharing enabled judicious selection of patients more likely to require intensive care/intervention. Methods: We analyzed consecutive adult patients with an admission diagnosis of stroke/TIA/carotid stenosis/carotid-dissection/aneursym/hemiplegia/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis for whom an interhospital transfer request was made. Results: The cohort had 197 subjects with 52.6% females. The mean age of subjects was 61.1 years (SD 16.1 years). The mean distance of healthcare facilities requesting transfer from our center was 47.7 miles (SD 28.5 miles). Of all transfer requests, 78.7% (155) were accepted to our facility, 14.7% (29) were asked to follow up in outpatient clinics, 3% (6) transfers were cancelled because a higher level of care was deemed unnecessary, 1% (2) patients declined transfer and 2.5% (5) were lost to other facilities. The median stroke severity measured by NIHSS on arrival was 3 (IQR 1 to 8). Images were shared prior to decision making for transfer for 20.3% (40) patients. Fewer patients were accepted for transfer with image sharing (73%) than without (83.7%), although this did not reach statistical significance (z statistic -1.51; p=0.132). There was no significant difference in NIHSS (p=0.3919), neurological status measured by GCS (p=0.294) or age (p=0.9942) between subjects who had image sharing versus those who did not. Amongst all accepted patients 45.1% were deemed to need intensive care and 47.7% received interventions (surgical, medical or advanced diagnostic testing). The proportion of patients who underwent intervention or were admitted to an intensive care unit was much higher when patients’ images were shared prior to transfer (85.2%) when compared to patients transferred without image sharing (56.8%; z statistic 2.755; p=0.006). The odds of undergoing intervention when patients were transferred after image sharing was 4.37 as compared to patients transferred without image sharing (95% CI 1.43 to 13.39). Conclusion: Subjects who had their images shared prior to transfer had significantly higher intervention rate. Thus image sharing is a possible tool to increase specificity for selecting patients with stroke related diagnoses, who would benefit from transfer to a tertiary care center.

scholarly journals Sexual Dimorphism in Laryngeal Volumetric Measurements Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Latif Hamdan ◽  
Elie Khalifee ◽  
Georges Ziade ◽  
Sahar Semaan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Mean Width ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Volumetric Measurements

The objective of this study is to investigate the dimensional and volumetric measurements in the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle in men and women using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The hypothesis is that there is a gender-related difference in these measurements. A retrospective chart review of 76 patients who underwent MRI of the neck at the American University of Beirut Medical Center was conducted. The dimension and volume of the right and left TA muscle were measured on axial and coronal planes short tau inversion recovery images. Male and female groups were compared with respect to demographic data and MRI findings using parametric and nonparametric tests. The mean length of the thyro-arytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 2.44 [0.29] cm vs females 1.70 [0.22] cm) and on the left (males 2.50 [0.28] cm vs females 1.72 [0.24] cm) reaching statistical significance ( P < .001). The mean width of the thyro-arytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 0.68 [0.13] cm vs females 0.59 [0.11] cm) and on the left (males 0.68 [0.12] cm vs females 0.57 [0.12] cm) reaching statistical significance ( P < .001). The mean height of the thyro-arytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 1.05 [0.21] cm vs females 0.95 [0.12] cm) and on the left (males 1.05 [0.21] cm vs females 0.95 [0.12] cm) reaching statistical significance ( P < .01 on the right and P < .05 on the left). The volume of the thyroarytenoid muscle in males was larger than that in females on the right (males 0.86 [0.25] mL vs females 0.48 [0.15] mL) and on the left (males 0.89 [0.27] mL vs females 0.48 [0.17] mL) reaching statistical significance ( P < .001). The results of this investigation clearly indicate a significant difference in these measurements between men and women.

A Randomised Controlled Trail of Plasma Exchange in Rapidly Progressive Renal Failure of Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4899-4899
Author(s):  
William F. Clark ◽  
A. Keith Stewart ◽  
Gail A. Rock ◽  
Marion Sternbach ◽  
David M. Sutton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Plasma Exchange ◽  
Kidney Failure ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Baseline Characteristics

Abstract In myeloma, plasma exchange (PE) has been suggested to prevent rapidly progressive kidney failure by reducing exposure to nephrotoxic light chains. We carried out a randomized controlled multi-centre trial comparing PE or no PE in 104 patients of whom 101 met the inclusion, exclusion criteria and 4 were lost to follow-up. We compared baseline characteristics as well as renal outcomes and performed a futility analysis to determine the sample size necessary for potential statistical significance for the changes noted. Thirty-nine patients were randomized to the control group and 58 to the PE group with a 6-month follow-up. The baseline characteristics of these 2 groups were similar including serum creatinine, dialysis dependence, age, gender, serum calcium, serum albumin, 24 -hour urine for protein levels and Durie-Salmon myeloma staging. Thirteen (33.3%) of the control group and 19 (33.3%) of the PE group died within 6 months of follow up. Ten patients (31%) in the control and 10 patients (21%) in the PE arm were dialysis dependent at 6 months. Seven patients (47%) came off dialysis in the control and 13 patients (59%) in the PE arm with the mean number of dialysis days from 0–6 months being 45.7±67.6 in the control versus 29.2±56.1 in the PE arm at 6 months. The mean serum creatinine in the control group was 314.6±256.1 μmol/L versus 215.4±215.3 μmol/L in the PE group and the composite end point of death, dialysis or serum creatinine >254 μmol/L occurred in 12 (30.8%) in the control and 11 (19.3%) in the PE arm. The futility analysis to indicate the per group sample size necessary to achieve statistical significance at 6 months for the difference we observed was infinite for cumulative mortality, 805 for dialysis dependence, 2418 for coming off dialysis, 321 for number of dialysis days, 132 for creatinine difference of 100 μmol/L and for the composite outcome of death, dialysis or creatinine>354 μmol/L, 737. We did not observe a statistically significant difference in mortality or renal morbidity for PE versus no PE in patients with myeloma and rapidly progressive kidney failure.

scholarly journals Agreement between Impression of Stroke in the Emergency Department and Diagnosis at the Neurology Department

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Samad Shams-Vahdati ◽  
Alireza Ala ◽  
Eliar Sadeghi-Hokmabad ◽  
Neda Parnianfard ◽  
Maedeh Gheybi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Prevention Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Academic Teaching Hospital ◽  
The Mean

Background: Missing to detect an ischemic stroke in the emergency department leads to miss acute interventions and treatment with secondary prevention therapy. Our study examined the diagnosis of stroke in the emergency department (ED) and neurology department of an academic teaching hospital. Methods and Materials: A retrospective chart review was performed from March 2017 to March 2018. ED medical document (chart) were reviewed by a stroke neurologist to collect the clinical diagnosis and characteristics of ischemic stroke patients. For determining the cases of misdiagnosed and over diagnosed data, the administrative data codes were compared with the chart adjudicated diagnosis. The adjusted estimate of effect was estimated through testing the significant variables in a multivariable model. The comparisons were done with chi square test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. Results: Of 861 patients of the study, 54% were males and 43% were females; and the mean age of them was 66.51 ± 15.70. We find no statically significant difference between patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in the emergency department (12.87±3.25) and patients GCS in the neurology department (11.77±5.15). There were 18 (2.2%) overdiagnosed of ischemic stroke, 8 (0.9%) misdiagnosed of ischemic stroke and 36 (4.1%) misdiagnosed of hemorrhagic strokes in the emergency department. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between impression of stroke in the emergency department and diagnosis at the neurology department.

scholarly journals The Impact of Limited Code Switching on the Achievement of the Jordanian English Language Learners

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samer R. Hmeadat
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

    The study sought to investigate the impact of limited and regulated code switching on the achievement of the Jordanian EFL learners. To achieve the aim of study, the use of code-switching was intended to be integrated within the code of conduct which made up the backbone of the class management.  The study sample consisted of (105) students from the eighth and ninth grades in Berein Secondary School, The Second Directorate of Education in Zarqa District. The subjects were divided into four groups; two experimental groups consisted of (51) male students who were taught through using code-switching. The other two control groups consisted of (52) male students who were taught the same content through the conventional strategy. Questionnaires were distributed into (100) male and female English teachers in different public and private schools to know their attitudes toward using code-switching in their daily lessons in EFL classrooms.  To achieve the goals of this study, the researcher chose both the quantitative design (achievement test) and the qualitative design (interviews and questionnaire) to conduct his study. Analysis of One-Way ANOVA was performed to test the statistical significance of the differences among groups. The results revealed that there was a statistical significant difference at the level (α =0.05) in the mean scores between the experimental groups and the control groups in favor of the experimental groups. The result showed that there were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the subjects of the experimental groups who were taught through the code of conduct and using the code-switching.  

scholarly journals Evaluating the Effect of Retinal Defocus (Blur) on Lateral Heterophoria

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
George Nnamdi Atuanya ◽  
Osayimwen Osas Ero ◽  
Raphael Uchenna Enyinnaya Akpalaba
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Standard Testing ◽  
Defocus Blur ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ocular Health

Purpose: This study was conducted to ascertain the effect of retinal defocusing or retinal blur on lateral heterophoria at far and near.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study involving 57 participants aged 5 to 35 years, who were selected based on the inclusion criteria of being myopes and emmetropes who had a normal general and ocular health. The Von Graefe technique was used for measuring phoria under standard testing conditions.Results: The mean baseline lateral phoria for emmetropes were 0.53 ± 1.14∆ exophoria and 2.47 ± 2.08∆ exophoria at far and near respectively, while after defocusing, it was 2.80 ± 0.88∆ exophoria and 4.34 ± 1.70∆ exophoria at far and near respectively. For myopes, the baseline lateral phoria was 1.52 ± 1.09∆ exophoria and 4.76 ± 1.13∆ exophoria at far and near respectively while after defocussing, it was 3.39 ± 0.92∆ exophoria at far and 7.60 ± 1.00∆ exophoria at near. The mean difference in lateral phoria was found to be significant at the 95% confidence level (P = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference in lateral phoria change at far (P = 0.072), while the near phoria difference was significant (P = 0.002).Conclusion: Gas Retinal defocusing with +2.50D resulted in a shift towards exophoria at both far and near, with myopes experiencing more exophoric shift. This is because they are less sensitive to the presence of blur. This will enable practitioners to be cautious of the inhibition of accommodation due to higher exophoria at near when prescribing lenses. Keywords: Retinal Defocus, Myopia, Emmetropia, Near lateral phoria, Distance lateral phoria.

scholarly journals Retinal Sensitivity before and after Silicone Oil Removal Using Microperimetry

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ghada A. Nassar ◽  
Maha M. Youssef ◽  
Lameece M. Hassan ◽  
Hebatalla S. Makled
Keyword(s):  
Silicone Oil ◽  
Retinal Sensitivity ◽  
Oil Removal ◽  
Corrected Visual Acuity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B ◽  
Best Corrected Visual Acuity

The purpose of the study is to assess the retinal sensitivity, using microperimetry, before and after silicone removal. It included 22 patients admitted for silicone removal after vitrectomy for macula-off retinal detachment. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the duration of silicone tamponade: Group A: <3 months (included 10 patients), and Group B: 3–6 months (included 12 patients). Retinal sensitivity was tested, using microperimetry, one day before and one month after silicone removal. The best-corrected visual acuity (in LogMAR) significantly improved postoperatively (0.69 versus 1.06 and 0.69 versus 1.07 in Groups A and B, respectively). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 12.89 ± 1.05 mmHg postoperatively versus 14.89 ± 1.76 mmHg preoperatively in Group A (p=0.011) and was 13.33 ± 1.30 mmHg postoperatively versus 15.33 ± 3.11 mmHg preoperatively in Group B (p=0.008). In Group A, the mean postoperative overall retinal sensitivity was 8.70 ± 2.56 dB versus 5.68 ± 2.00 dB preoperatively (p=0.008). In Group B, it was 9.83 ± 3.36 dB versus 7.00 ± 2.55 dB (p=0.002). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups as regards improvement in overall retinal sensitivity. We concluded that the overall retinal sensitivity significantly increased following silicone removal in both groups. This trial is registered with ISRCTN43187564.

Effect of a Dialysis Access Coordinator on Preemptive Access Placement among Veterans: A Quality Improvement Initiative

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall C. Gale ◽  
Doreen Kehoe ◽  
Yiming Z. Lit ◽  
Steven M. Asch ◽  
Manjula Kurella Tamura
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
P Value ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
Dialysis Access ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Access Surgery

Background and Objectives: Preemptive placement of permanent dialysis access is recommended in order to reduce the morbidity associated with central venous catheters. We assessed the effect of a dialysis access coordinator on preemptive access placement in veterans who are at high risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements: Pre-post evaluation of a dialysis access coordinator in the nephrology clinics of the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto. The access coordinator streamlined access referrals, prioritized surgical waiting lists and addressed patient barriers. We compared the frequency of preemptive access referral, surgery, and use for dialysis during the intervention period, July 1, 2013 to May 31, 2016, to a pre-intervention period, January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, among all patients with a predicted 1-year risk for ESRD ≥20%. Results: There were 156 patients in the historical cohort and 131 in the intervention cohort. The mean age was 69.9 ± 11.6 years and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 14.5 ± 5.7 ml/min/1.73 m2. The intervention was associated with an 11.8% increase in access referral (p value = 0.03), and a 9.4% increase in completed access surgery (p value = 0.05). Increases in permanent access at the start of dialysis (15.2%), and functional permanent access at the start of dialysis (12.4%) did not reach statistical significance. Among patients who received access surgery, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of unused access. Conclusions: Implementation of an access coordinator was associated with a modest increase in preemptive access placement among patients who are at high risk for ESRD without increasing the prevalence of unused access.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document