A Pilot Study of the Influence of Natrum muriaticum at 6CH and 30CH Potency in a Standardized Culture of Phaseolus vulgaris

The use of highly diluted and dynamized solutions is widespread. Its use extends to all living beings, including vegetables, acting effectively in primary and secondary metabolism. The aim of the present pilot study was to confirm the action of Natrum muriaticum at 6 CH and 30 CH dilutions in comparison to the action of a 5.0% NaCl solution, when administered separately in population of Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). An evaluation was performed by determining the Relative Growth Rate (RGR) of bean population treated for six weeks and subdivided into 4 groups (with 5 vases each): P1, the control group, which was treated with a 30% alcohol solution only; P2, treated with an aqueous 5.0% NaCl solution; P3, treated with Natrum muriaticun at 6 CH dilution; P4, treated with Natrum muriaticum at 30 CH dilution. The results obtained showed that an increase in soil salinity caused inhibition of the development of bean population (P2). In addition, the use of the Natrum muriaticum dilution promoted a significant increase in vegetable growth, chiefly related to the 6 CH (P3), causing a significant increase in the RGR of the bean population. The use of this high dilutions provided evidence that method is efficient in vegetables.

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Negation Processing in Children with ADHD: The Generic Problem of Using Negation in Instructions

Journal of Psycholinguistic Research ◽

10.1007/s10936-021-09789-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carolin Dudschig ◽

Barbara Kaup ◽

Jennifer Svaldi ◽

Marco Daniel Gulewitsch

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Impulse Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Adhd Group ◽

Response Delay ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Generic Problem ◽

Linguistic Control ◽

Present Pilot Study

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that negation comprehension falls back onto inhibitory brain systems that are also crucial for impulse control and other non-linguistic control domains (Beltran et al., 2018, 2019; de Vega et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2020). Against this backdrop, the present pilot study investigated the use of negation within directional instructions (i.e., “not left”, “now left”, “not right”, “now right”) in children with ADHD and a control group. The results indicate that children in general have a long response delay following negative compared to affirmative instructions. Additionally, there was a tendency for this effect to be more pronounced in the ADHD group. Together, these results suggest that negation processing might indeed demand inhibitory control processes, which are differently available across different subgroups. Thus, the current study provides evidence that using negation in imperatives or instructions is generally rather critical and should be avoided if possible, but that negation use is probably even more problematic in specific clinical populations. Potential implications of these results will be discussed.

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Neuropsychological Profile in Pediatric Migraine without Aura: A Pilot Study

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11121582 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1582

Author(s):

Maria Esposito ◽

Lorenzo Antinolfi ◽

Marco Carotenuto

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Migraine Without Aura ◽

Neuropsychological Functioning ◽

Control Group ◽

Neuropsychological Effects ◽

Pediatric Migraine ◽

Neuropsychological Profile ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Language And Education ◽

Present Pilot Study

Despite the high prevalence of headache in developmental age, current reports about its neuropsychological effects are still lacking. The aim of the present pilot study is to assess the neuropsychological skills among children affected by migraine without aura (MwoA). Fifteen children (7M/8F) (mean age 10.73 ± 2.13) with MwoA, consecutively referred to the Center for Childhood Headache at Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, underwent the Italian version of the NEPSY-2 after cognitive evaluation. Moreover, to assess the pain level and disability grade during daily activity, the VAS and PedMIDAS scales were used. MwoA children were comparable with the control group of 38 children with respect to age, gender, language, and education level. Written informed consent was obtained from all parents and from children directly, when appropriate. MwoA children differed from controls significantly among the NEPSY-2 subscales, with a relevant relationship between the frequency and intensity of the attacks. In conclusion, the results of the present pilot study may suggest that MwoA could impact significantly neuropsychological functioning in children.

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Valorization of the Pharmacological Potential of Phytochemical Compounds Contained in the Crude Extract of the Root of a Plant of Withania frutescens L

Phytothérapie ◽

10.3166/phyto-2019-0191 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

A. EL Moussaoui ◽

F. Jawhari ◽

K. EL Ouahdani ◽

I. Es-Safi ◽

D. Bousta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Extract ◽

Control Group ◽

Root Extract ◽

Nacl Solution ◽

Phytochemical Compounds ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Pharmacological Potential

Our present study focuses on the evaluation of the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing activity of Withania frutescens L. The anti-inflammatory result has an inhibition percentage of 78.87% ± 7.08 at 450 mg/kg and 75.14% ± 6.39 at 400 mg/kg and 89.75% ± 3.44 for diclofenac (1%). When applied locally, the 10% cream has an inflammation inhibition of 96.87% ± 5.85 and 76.14% ± 7.88 for the 5% cream with 89.87 ± 6.20 of reference (Indomethacin). The abdominal contractions of rats treated with the root extract are significantly lower than those of the control group that received only physiological NaCl solution, with 41.20 ± 2.30 for the extract and 82.20 ± 5.04 for NaCl and 53.40 ± 4.94 for the reference. The healing activity of the studied extract records a percentage of contraction of about 93.20% ± 3.36 (Extract 10%), 84.50% ± 3.84 (Extract 5%), 48.47% ± 2.15 (control) and 81.88 ± 2.24 for the reference.

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Personalized Behavioral Nutrition Intervention in Older Asian Americans with Type 2 Diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic: Study Protocol for a Pilot, Hybrid, Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.23522 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jisook Ko ◽

Yan Du ◽

Rozmin Jiwani ◽

Chengdong Li ◽

Jing Wang

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Glycemic Control ◽

Asian Americans ◽

Control Group ◽

Management Approach ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Behavioral Nutrition

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the in-person-based self-management approach (i.e., face-to-face or group approach) of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Older adults with T2D, including Asian Americans (AAs), have experienced worsening of diabetes control due to various reasons, including uncertainty of continuous access to essential diabetes medications, devices, education, limited health literacy, as well as constant anxiety and stress. Hybrid clinical trials that incorporate virtual elements into the in-person-based study could provide these vulnerable populations with accessible and timely interventions OBJECTIVE The primary aims of this pilot study are to determine (1) the effect of personalized behavioral nutrition (PBN) intervention on glycemic control, weight control, and metabolites profiles; and (2) the acceptability of PBN. to enhance glycemic control using personalized behavioral nutrition. METHODS Participants will be recruited with a web-based registry, advertisements in ethnic newspapers, and social network services popular among AAs. A total of 60 AAs, aged 65 years or older, who are descendants of Chinese, Korean, or South Asian, and have a diagnosis of T2D will be randomized into two groups: a PBN group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). A 4-week PBN intervention comprises three components: 1) digital self-monitoring; 2) personal nutrition change goals and recommendations; and 3) diabetes nutrition educations. All participants will complete digital self-monitoring on diet, physical activity, and blood glucose. In addition, all participants will access an interactive digital platform to track their self-monitoring data and communicate with the research team. The effectiveness and acceptability of implementing the intervention will be assessed. RESULTS Funding support and institutional review board approval for this study have been secured. Data collection started in August 2020 and is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of PBN utilizing a metabolomics approach and digital-assisted intervention with hybrid RCT among older AAs. The findings of this pilot study will inform the development of a full-scale PBN protocol and hybrid clinical trials that can be adapted for people with T2D in the ongoing pandemic.

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EFFECT OF MMSC AND HSC ON REPARATIVE REGENERATION OF THE LIVER UNDER CONDITIONS OF ITS TOXIC DAMAGE

Journal of Ural Medical Academic Science ◽

10.22138/2500-0918-2020-17-3-243-248 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 243-248

Author(s):

I.Yu. Maklakova ◽

◽

V.V. Bazarniy ◽

D.Yu. Grebnev ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Repair ◽

Carbon Tetrachloride ◽

Mitotic Activity ◽

Liver Damage ◽

Inflammatory Activity ◽

Control Group ◽

Nacl Solution ◽

Repair Enzymes ◽

Toxic Liver Damage ◽

Hsc Transplantation

The aim of this study was to study the effect of combined MMSC and HSC transplantation on liver regeneration under conditions of toxic carbon tetrachloride damage. Materials and methods. The study was performed on white male mice with toxic liver damage by intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride at a dose of 50 µl per mouse once. An hour after modeling liver damage, placental MMSCs and HSCs were administered intravenously at a dose of 4 million cells/kg and 330 thousand cells/kg, respectively, suspended in 0.2 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. Control group animals were given 0.9% NaCl solution-0.2 ml intravenously. On days 1, 3, and 7 after cell transplantation, changes in inflammatory activity in the liver were evaluated, and mitotic and apoptotic indices were determined. On the 7th day after the introduction of cells, the activity of DNA repair enzymes of the PARP family was analyzed. Results. Combined MMSC and HSC transplantation leads to a decrease in the index of inflammatory activity in the liver due to a decrease in necrosis, hepatocyte dystrophy, and a decrease in infiltration. As a result of the study, an increase in the activity of PARP repair enzymes was found, which led to a decrease in programmed cell death. Also, cotransplantation of MMSCs and HSCs was accompanied by increased mitotic activity of hepatocytes. Conclusion. Cotransplantation of MMSCs and HSCs under conditions of toxic liver damage reduces the inflammatory response, stimulates the mitotic activity of hepatocytes, and increases the activity of enzymes of the DNA repair system. Activation of the liver's reparative system, in turn, reduces the programmed death of hepatocytes.

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AB0007 STAT4 RS7574865 G/T POLYMORPHISM AS MARKER OF PREDISPOSITION TO SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS WITH JUVENILE ONSET

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.2142 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1038.2-1039

Author(s):

M. Kaleda ◽

M. Krylov ◽

I. Nikishina

Keyword(s):

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Renal Involvement ◽

Control Group ◽

Coombs Test ◽

Systemic Lupus ◽

Direct Coombs Test ◽

Positive Direct ◽

Cutaneous Lupus

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a significant genetic predisposition. Recent studies have identified STAT4 (signal transducers and transcription activators 4) as a susceptibility gene for SLE.Objectives:To investigate the hypothesis of the association of STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism with the predisposition to SLE in children and its relationship with some of SLE manifestations.Methods:The case-control pilot study included 143 children (39 with SLE and 103 healthy unrelated volunteers as a control group). Diagnosis of SLE was based on 2012 SLICC criteria. STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism was investigated using allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results:The group of pts with SLE consisted of 29 girls and 10 boys, with an average age of 11.8±3.7 years (from 3 to 17 years) and an average disease duration of 4.1±2.4 years. 79.5% pts had acute cutaneous lupus at the onset, 46.1% - nonscarring alopecia, 71.8% - arthritis, 23.1% - oral and nasal ulcers, 23.1% - serositis, 43.6% - renal involvement, 35.9% –neuropsychiatric disorders. Leucopenia/lymphopenia was found in 71.8% of pts, thrombocytopenia – in 23,1%. ANA were detected in 100% pts, anti-dsDNA – in 79.5%, anti-Sm – in 31.6%, antiphospholipid antibodies - in 7,3%, hypocomplementemia – in 61.5%, positive direct Coombs test – in 35.9 %. Macrophage activation syndrome at the onset was documented in 15.4 % of pts. The distribution of rs7574865 genotypes in the control group showed no significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The distribution of genotype frequencies among pts had statistically significant differences compared to the control (χ2=12.95, p=0.0015): GG-30.8% and 63.1% (p=0.001), GT-56.4% and 33.0% (p=0.018), TT-12.8% and 3.9% (p=0.114), GT+TT - 69.2% and 36.9% (p=0.0005). The frequency of the mutant STAT 4 allele T (polymorphism), was significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (41% and 20.4%, respectively; p=0.0007). We identified an association of the T allele with some clinical, laboratory, and immunological disorders in SLE: arthritis (OR 3.9, p=0.0002), acute cutaneous lupus (OR 2.47, p=0.003), nonscarring alopecia (OR 3.12, p=0.002), renal involvement (OR 2.42, p=0.022), leucopenia (OR 2.72, p=0.003), thrombocytopenia (OR 4.88, p=0.002), anti-dsDNA (OR 2.82, p=0.0006), hypocomplementemia (OR 2.34, p=0.012), positive direct Coombs test (OR 3.38, p=0.002).Conclusion:Our pilot study confirmed that the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism was associated with the risk of SLE in children and some of SLE manifestations.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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FRI0617-HPR GRADED MOTOR IMAGERY IN POSTTRAUMATIC STIFFNESS OF THE ELBOW: A PILOT STUDY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.2660 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 913.2-914

Author(s):

T. Birinci ◽

E. Kaya Mutlu ◽

S. Altun

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Motor Imagery ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Elbow Fracture ◽

Stiff Elbow ◽

Limb Fractures ◽

Upper Limb Fractures ◽

Graded Motor Imagery

Background:Elbow fracture is treated either conservatively or surgically followed by a period of immobilization with casting or splinting. A splint used to immobilize upper limbs for many weeks results in changes in both the peripheral musculature and the central nervous system. It is well known that common complaints after upper limb fractures include weakness, pain, and stiffness; therefore, pain management is important in the early stages of the rehabilitation of upper limb fractures.Objectives:This pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of graded motor imaginary (GMI) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and function in patients with posttraumatic stiff elbow.Methods:Fourteen patients with posttraumatic stiff elbow (6 women, mean age: 45.42 ± 11.26 years, mean body mass index: 24.29 ± 3.38 kg\m2and mean duration of immobilization: 4.75 ± 1.03 weeks) were randomly allocated to either GMI or control groups. The GMI group received GMI treatment in addition to a structured exercise program, and the control group received a structured exercise program (two days per week for six weeks) (Figure 1). The assessments included pain at rest and during activity using the visual analog scale (VAS), elbow active ROM with a digital goniometer (Baseline Evaluation Instrument, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc., White Plains, NY), and upper extremity functional status using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). The assessments were performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention.Figure 1.Graded motor imagery performed with mirror boxResults:After the 6-week intervention, there was a significant increase in elbow flexion-extension ROM and supination-pronation ROM, and improvement in DASH score in both groups (p<0.05). However, improvement in VAS-rest and VAS-activity was significantly higher in the GMI group than the control group (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively).Conclusion:A conservative treatment program consisting of GMI treatment in addition to a structured exercise program applied twice a week for 6 weeks, has been found more effective in decreasing pain in the posttraumatic stiff elbow. It could be concluded that GMI is an effective treatment method for elbow fracture in patients with predominant elbow pain.References:[1] Harris JE, Hebert A. Utilization of motor imagery in upper limb rehabilitation: a systematic scoping review. Clin Rehab. 2015:29(11):1092-1107.[2] Opie GM, Evans A, Ridding MC, Semmler JG. Short-term immobilization influences use-dependent cortical plasticity and fine motor performance. Neuroscience. 2016:330:247-256.[3] Birinci T, Razak Ozdincler A, Altun S, Kural C. A structured exercise programme combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching or static stretching in posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehab. 2019:33(2):241-252.Acknowledgments:The present work was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa (Project No: TDK-2019-33997).Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Parental Self-Efficacy to Promote Children’s Healthy Lifestyles: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094794 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4794

Author(s):

Cayetana Ruiz-Zaldibar ◽

Inmaculada Serrano-Monzó ◽

Olga Lopez-Dicastillo ◽

María Jesús Pumar-Méndez ◽

Andrea Iriarte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Parenting Styles ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Parenting Practices ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Positive Parenting ◽

Parenting Programs ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Lifestyles

Positive parenting programs are a key strategy to promote the development of parental competence. We designed a pilot study based on parental self-efficacy to promote healthy lifestyles in their children aged between 2 to 5 years old. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the effects of a parenting program on parental self-efficacy and parenting styles. Twenty-five parents were allocated into intervention (N = 15) and control group (N = 10). Parents from the intervention group received four group sessions (120 mi per session) to develop a positive parenting, parenting styles and parenting skills regarding to children’s diet, exercise, and screen time, and two additional sessions about child development and family games. Parents from the control group received these two latter sessions. Parental self-efficacy, parenting styles, and meal-related parenting practices were measured before and after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Acceptability and feasibility of the program was also measured. Quantitative data were analyzed using the repeat measures ANOVA and ANCOVA tests and the effect size calculation. Content analysis was used to analyse open questions. Positive trends were found regarding parental self-efficacy and the use of authoritative parenting style. Parents also reported a great acceptability of the program getting high satisfaction. According to the feasibility barriers and facilitators aspects were identified. The positive trends founded in this study support the development of parenting programs to promote healthy lifestyle in children.

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Cerebral oxygenation in 45-degree trendelenburg position for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a single-center, open, controlled pilot study

BMC Urology ◽

10.1186/s12894-020-00774-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Clemens Wiesinger ◽

Dominik Stefan Schoeb ◽

Mathias Stockhammer ◽

Emir Mirtezani ◽

Lukas Mitterschiffthaler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Cerebral Oxygenation ◽

Preoperative Assessment ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Rank Test ◽

Control Group ◽

Robot Assisted ◽

Clinical Trial Registry ◽

Trendelenburg Position ◽

Signed Rank Test

Abstract Background Within the last decade, robotically-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become the standard for treating localized prostate cancer, causing a revival of the 45° Trendelenburg position. In this pilot study we investigated effects of Trendelenburg position on hemodynamics and cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing RALP. Methods We enrolled 58 patients undergoing RALP and 22 patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) (control group) in our study. Demographic patient data and intraoperative parameters including cerebral oxygenation and cerebral hemodynamics were recorded for all patients. Cerebral function was also assessed pre- and postoperatively via the Mini Mental Status (MMS) exam. Changes in parameters during surgery were modelled by a mixed effects model; changes in the MMS result were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results Preoperative assessment of patient characteristics, standard blood values and vital parameters revealed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions Applying a 45° Trendelenburg position causes no difference in postoperative brain function, and does not alter cerebral oxygenation during a surgical procedure lasting up to 5 h. Further studies in larger patient cohorts will have to confirm these findings. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Registry; DRKS00005094; Registered 12th December 2013—Retrospectively registered; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00005094.

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The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation in Women Who Had Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Complementary Medicine Research ◽

10.1159/000513924 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Sevde Aksu ◽

Pelin Palas Karaca

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Cesarean Section ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Breast Pain ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Right ◽

Documentation Tool ◽

And Control

Aim: The research was conducted as a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of reflexology on lactation in mothers who delivered by cesarean section (CS). Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a total of 60 postpartum women in the reflexology application (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). After the CS, the mothers in the control group were given approximately 3-h routine nursing care after recovering from the effects of anesthesia; the introductory information form was applied, and the Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool (LATCH) and visual analog scale (VAS) for the signs of the onset of lactation were implemented on the first and second days. Reflexology was applied to the women in the intervention group after an average of 3 h following the mother’s condition had become stable and she had recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Reflexology was applied a total of 20 min – 10 min for the right foot, 10 min for the left foot – twice a day with 8-h intervals on the first and second days after CS. After the last reflexology application, the LATCH and VAS for the signs of the onset of lactation were applied. Results: Of the women, 70% breastfed their babies within 60 min after delivery; 46.7% of the mothers received breastfeeding training and 81.7% needed support for breastfeeding after the CS. The LATCH breastfeeding scores of the women in the intervention group on both days were significantly higher compared to those of the women in the control group (p < 0.001). On the first day after the CS, apart from breast pain, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast heat and breast tension (p > 0.05). On the second day after the CS, apart from breast tension, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of breast heat and breast pain (p < 0.05). In the study, women in the intervention group were found to have higher scores in terms of all three symptoms compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.

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