High prevalence of latent tuberculosis using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test in Takayasu arteritis

Objectives: This study aims to investigate latent tuberculosis using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus method in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA). Patients and methods: This case-control study included 22 patients with TA (3 males, 19 females; median age: 36.5 years; IQR, 32 to 50 years), 22 healthy individuals (3 males, 19 females; median age: 38.5 years; IQR, 32.5 to 50 years), and 66 patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases (DCTDs) (4 males, 62 females; median age: 41 years; IQR, 29.8 to 54 years). Two control groups were formed: (i) age- and sex-matched healthy individuals and (ii) patients with other DCTDs. Epidemiological data were collected, and the QFT-Plus test was performed. The QFT-plus positivity was compared among the groups. Results: A higher prevalence of QFT-Plus positive cases was observed in the TA group (8/22) than in the healthy control group (1/22) (p=0.020) or in the group with other DCTDs (3/66) (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the past pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence between the TA and DCTD groups (p=0.013). Conclusion: The prevalence of latent tuberculosis in TA patients (36.4%) was higher than that in both control groups and higher than the prevalence of latent tuberculosis among the general Brazilian population. Although a positive association was found, it is not possible to establish a direct cause-effect relationship. Given the increasing use of anti-cytokine therapies in TA, it is necessary to thoroughly screen patients with TA before initiating immunosuppressive therapy to avoid tuberculosis reactivation.

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Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24191/jchs.v1i1.5850 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 22

Author(s):

Nazli Zainuddin ◽

Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽

Rosdan Salim

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Side Effects ◽

Coconut Oil ◽

Test Group ◽

Nasal Symptom ◽

Control Group ◽

Virgin Coconut Oil ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

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Impact of intrawound vancomycin powder on prevention of surgical site infection after posterior spinal surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.8.spine20992 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Hiroki Ushirozako ◽

Tomohiko Hasegawa ◽

Yu Yamato ◽

Go Yoshida ◽

Tatsuya Yasuda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Spinal Surgery ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Propensity Score Model ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Surgical Data ◽

Vancomycin Powder ◽

Vancomycin Group ◽

And Control

OBJECTIVESurgical site infection (SSI) after posterior spinal surgery is one of the severe complications that may occur despite administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the use of intraoperative aseptic precautions. The use of intrawound vancomycin powder for SSI prevention is still controversial, with a lack of high-quality and large-scale studies. The purpose of this retrospective study using a propensity score–matched analysis was to clarify whether intrawound vancomycin powder prevents SSI occurrence after spinal surgery.METHODSThe authors analyzed 1261 adult patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery between 2010 and 2018 (mean age 62.3 years; 506 men, 755 women; follow-up period at least 1 year). Baseline and surgical data were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score model was established with adjustments for age, sex, type of disease, and previously reported risk factors for SSI. The SSI rates were compared between patients with intrawound vancomycin powder treatment (vancomycin group) and those without (control group).RESULTSIn a preliminary analysis of 1261 unmatched patients (623 patients in the vancomycin group and 638 patients in the control group), there were significant differences between the groups in age (p = 0.041), body mass index (p = 0.013), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (p < 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.001), revision status (p < 0.001), use of steroids (p = 0.019), use of anticoagulation (p = 0.033), length of surgery (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and use of instrumentation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SSI rates between the vancomycin and control groups (21 SSIs [3.4%] vs 33 SSIs [5.2%]; OR 0.640, 95% CI 0.368–1.111; p = 0.114). Using a one-to-one propensity score–matched analysis, 444 pairs of patients from the vancomycin and control groups were selected. There was no significant difference in the baseline and surgical data, except for height (p = 0.046), between both groups. The C-statistic for the propensity score model was 0.702. In the score-matched analysis, 12 (2.7%) and 24 (5.4%) patients in the vancomycin and control groups, respectively, developed SSIs (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.243–0.972; p = 0.041). There were no systemic complications related to the use of vancomycin.CONCLUSIONSThe current study showed that intrawound vancomycin powder was useful in reducing the risk of SSI after posterior spinal surgery by half, without adverse events. Intrawound vancomycin powder use is a safe and effective procedure for SSI prevention.

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Thyroid Functions in Children on Levetiracetam or Valproic Acid Therapy

Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1716916 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elif Karatoprak ◽

Samet Paksoy

Keyword(s):

Valproic Acid ◽

Subclinical Hypothyroidism ◽

Control Group ◽

Thyroid Function Tests ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Control Groups ◽

Acid Therapy ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Tsh Levels

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the thyroid functions in children receiving levetiracetam or valproate monotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of children with controlled epilepsy receiving valproic acid (VPA group) or levetiracetam monotherapy (LEV group) for at least 6 months. Free thyroxine 4 levels (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were compared between VPA group, LEV group, and age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group). A total of 190 children were included in the study: 63 were in the VPA, 60 in the LEV, and 67 in the control group. Although there was no significant difference regarding average fT4 levels, higher TSH levels were found in the VPA group when compared with the LEV and control groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of fT4 and TSH values in the LEV group when compared with the control group (p = 0.56 and p = 0.61, respectively). Subclinical hypothyroidism (defined as a TSH level above 5 uIU/mL with a normal fT4 level was detected in 16% of patients in the VPA group, none in the LEV and control groups. Our study found that VPA therapy is associated with an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism while LEV had no effect on thyroid function tests.

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Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Mangosteen and Propolis Extracted Complex in Patients with Gingivitis: A Multi-Centered Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082604 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2604

Author(s):

Jin-Young Park ◽

Kyung-A Ko ◽

Ji-Yeong Lee ◽

Jae-Woon Oh ◽

Hyun-Chang Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Test Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Control Groups ◽

Immunological Parameters ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

And Control

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.

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The Baby Shark (Songs Heard Affecting Resuscitation Kinetics) study

BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning ◽

10.1136/bmjstel-2020-000657 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjstel-2020-000657

Author(s):

Rebecca Singer ◽

Grace Leo ◽

Tessa Davis ◽

Ben Lawton ◽

Henry Goldstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Target Zone ◽

Compression Depth ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Overall Performance ◽

The Mean ◽

Training Exercises ◽

And Control ◽

Musical Cues

Previous research has examined the utilisation of musical cues to improve the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivered in training environments. We postulated a musical cue that is both contemporary and transcends cultures may improve CPR performance. Our aim was to establish whether chest compressions are performed with improved rate and depth if a song of a fixed beat (PinkFong’s ‘Baby Shark’ with a tempo of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 15 beats in each verse) is played to a healthcare professional immediately before undertaking CPR compared to whale noises (a non-metronomic rhythm). 58 Participants of a paediatric conference (majority doctors) were randomly assigned to listen to a minute of Baby Shark (28) or whale song (30) and then undertake a minute of CPR. There was no significant difference in the mean compression rate between the Baby Shark and control groups, with the groups achieving 121 and 125 bpm, respectively (p=0.18). In relation to compression depth within the target zone, the Baby Shark group had more compressions completed within the target zone (55%) than the control group (39%) although this difference was not significant (p=0.08). Listening to Baby Shark prior to undertaking simulated CPR does not improve overall performance, but there is a potential tendency to improve adequate compression depth which may be beneficial in training exercises.

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Mechanisms of Intravascular Linear Ablation Induced Restenosis in Rabbit Abdominal Aorta

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/7459276 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Qiang Chen ◽

Manman Wang ◽

Shuai Shao ◽

Hongze Liu ◽

Xiaodong Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimal Hyperplasia ◽

Coronary Intervention ◽

Transluminal Angioplasty ◽

Artery Dissection ◽

Control Group ◽

High Cholesterol Diet ◽

Control Groups ◽

Vsmc Proliferation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Objectives. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the mainstay treatment for coronary artery disease but complications such as in-stent restenosis and thrombosis remain problematic. Radiofrequency balloon angioplasty (RBA) can improve lumen dimension, fusing intimal tears, and artery dissection but is associated with higher restenosis rate. Methods. After establishing an atherosclerosis model based on endothelial abrasion and high cholesterol diet, forty-five rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: RBA (n=20), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (n=20), and control groups (n=5). The RBA and PTA groups were subdivided according to harvested time posttreatment, respectively (1 hour, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days). Aorta segments were then isolated for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot for TLR-4, NF-κB, MCP-1, and VCAM-1expression. Results. At 28 days, intimal area was significantly lower in the RBA group compared to the PTA and control groups, whilst luminal and medial area were comparable in the RBA and PTA group but higher and lower than the control group, respectively. Expression of TLR-4, NF-κB, MCP-1, and VCAM-1 showed no significant difference between RBA and PTA groups. Conclusions. RBA can depress the intimal hyperplasia and promote dilatation of the artery to greater extents than PTA at 28 days. However, this did not involve TLR-4 signaling pathway, which likely plays a negligible role in mediating restenosis. Reduction of intimal hyperplasia may be due to injury of ablation to the tunica media and inhibition of VSMC proliferation and migration.

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Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Schizophrenia a Lateralisation Study

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.157.6.881 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 157 (6) ◽

pp. 881-887 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Paul Furlong ◽

Paul Barczak ◽

Gwilym Hayes ◽

Graham Harding

Keyword(s):

Index Finger ◽

Objective Measure ◽

Control Group ◽

Temporal Region ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Schizophrenic Patients ◽

Left And Right ◽

And Control ◽

Stimulation Of

The SSEPs obtained from 19 schizophrenics defined by RDC, DSM–III and PSE criteria Were compared with those from a control group of healthy volunteers. Previous findings of an abnormal lack of lateralising response in schizophrenic patients were not replicated. No significant difference in either amplitude or morphology between the traces obtained from the two groups were recorded. Ipsilateral and contralateral latencies for stimulation of the left and right index finger showed no significant difference in peak latency for any component between patient and control group. When mean peak-to-peak amplitudes were plotted the contralateral component was always greater in amplitude than the ipsilateral one. An objective measure of the degree of lateralisation, the percentage lateralisation quotient, showed no lateralisation differences between the patient and control groups. A case of myogenic contamination of ipsilateral components was observed calling into doubt findings where no temporal region monitoring has been performed.

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Applicability of auriculotherapy in reducing stress and as a coping strategy in nursing professionals

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/s0104-11692012000500021 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 980-987 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Leonice Fumiko Sato Kurebayashi ◽

Juliana Rizzo Gnatta ◽

Talita Pavarini Borges ◽

Maria Júlia Paes da Silva

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

The Third ◽

Stress Symptoms ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Needle Control ◽

Nursing Professionals ◽

Reducing Stress

AIMS: randomized clinical trial aimed at evaluating the auriculotherapy in reducing stress levels in 75 nursing professionals and analyze the coping domains that have changed after treatment. METHODOLOGY: volunteers were divided into 3 groups (Control, Needles and Seeds) and received eight sessions at Shenmen, Kidney and Brainstem points. The Control Group didn't receive any intervention. RESULTS: ANOVA test showed statistical differences in stress levels for Needle/Control Groups in the third and fourth assessments, according to Stress Symptoms List when compared the three groups in four assessments. For the Inventory of Folkman/Lazarus, a significant difference was obtained for Spacing domain between needle/control. In analysis within the same group, differences were found for Confrontation in fourth assessment between Needle/Control Groups and for Social Support in the third one between Seeds/Control Groups. CONCLUSION: The auriculotherapy decreased stress levels, changed Coping domains after treatment, suggesting that both Auriculotherapy with needles and seeds can produce positive impact to improve strategy Coping in the nursing team. However, more studies are needed to conceive the extent of the technique.

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Cholesterol Transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Cholesterol ◽

10.1155/2015/682904 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Zahra Tavoosi ◽

Hemen Moradi-Sardareh ◽

Massoud Saidijam ◽

Reza Yadegarazari ◽

Shiva Borzuei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Control Group ◽

Regulation Mechanism ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Abca1 Expression

ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes encode the cholesterol transporter proteins that play a key role in cholesterol and phospholipids homeostasis. This study was aimed at evaluating and comparing ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes expression in metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals. This case-control study was performed on 36 patients with metabolic syndrome and the same number of healthy individuals in Hamadan (west of Iran) during 2013-2014. Total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells and purified using RNeasy Mini Kit column. The expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes was performed by qRT-PCR. Lipid profile and fasting blood glucose were measured using colorimetric procedures. ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients was significantly lower (about 75%) compared to that of control group, while for ABCA1 expression, there was no significant difference between the two studied groups. Comparison of other parameters such as HDL-C, FBS, BMI, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure between metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals showed significant differences (P<0.05). Decrease in ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients compared to healthy individuals suggests that hyperglycemia, related metabolites, and hyperlipidemia over the transporter capacity resulted in decreased expression of ABCG1. Absence of a significant change in ABCA1 gene expression between two groups can indicate a different regulation mechanism for ABCA1 expression.

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The Effect of Using Prezi on Al Zaytoonah University Students’ Performance in French Language Reading Skills

International Education Studies ◽

10.5539/ies.v12n1p128 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 128

Author(s):

Samer Al-Hammouri

Keyword(s):

Public Schools ◽

Reading Skills ◽

Reading Skill ◽

Achievement Test ◽

French Language ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Test ◽

Experimental Group

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using Prezi on Al Zaytoonah students’ performance in French Language reading skill. To achieve the purpose of the study, a pre/post-test was constructed to measure students’ performance in French language reading skill. The sample of the study comprised 128 students from Al Zaytoonah University and was distributed into two sections, which were selected purposefully. The sample of the study was distributed into two groups (one experimental and one control groups). The experimental group’s students were taught the reading skill using Prezi while the control groups’ students were taught using the traditional way. The sample of the study was 64 students in the experimental group and 64 students in the control group. Those groups were distributed into two purposefully selected sections in public schools in Amman. The results of the study showed a variance in the means of the achievement test according to group, it also showed that there were statistically significant differences on the achievement test due to the Strategy variable. There were statistically significant differences between using Prezi Strategy and the Current Strategy in favor of the Prezi Strategy, and there was no statistically significant difference in the students’ achievement due to gender. There was no statistically significant difference due to the interaction between gender and group. The researchers recommend that researchers focus on new teaching strategies and conduct more studies related this topic. They also recommend that other researchers conduct studies and focus on the role play strategy.

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