scholarly journals Plasma tetranectin as a potential clinical biomarker for epilepsy and correlation with clinical and social characteristics

2017 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 002-005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekta Dahiya ◽  
Man Mohan Mehndiratta ◽  
Krishna Pillai
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Seizure Type ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Biomarker ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Baseline Test

Abstract Background Tetranectin concentration has been identified as a biomarker of several types of metastatic and malignant cancers. The role of tetranectin has also be seen in some neurological disorders. We aimed to estimate the plasma tetranectin concentration in different groups of people with epilepsy (PWE) followed-up for a year. As a secondary objective, the clinical and social characteristics were also correlated with the tetranectin levels. Methods We enrolled 90 subjects grouped as Newly-diagnosed epilepsy (NDE), Drug-effective epilepsy (DEE), and Drug-refractory epilepsy (DRE) and an age-gender matched control group (n = 30). The plasma samples were collected thrice at the six-month interval and were analysed for the tetranectin concentration using S-ELISA. Results The mean plasma tetranectin levels at the baseline test were significantly lower for the DEE (6.294 ± 0.806) and DRE (7.572 ± 0.545) groups compared with control group (9.71 ± 0.628) but not the NDE group (8.651 ± 0.859 vs. 9.71 ± 0.628; p > 0.05). On a year of follow-up, the tetranectin levels for the NDE group significantly decreased (p < 0.001) matching with that of the DEE and DRE group. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that gender (p = 0.035) in the DRE group and seizure type (p = 0.040) and diet (p = 0.046) for the NDE group were significantly correlated. Conclusion The plasma tetranectin level in PWE significantly decreased as the disease progressed irrespective of the stage of epilepsy. Thus, tetranectin could be considered as a potential progressive biomarker for epilepsy. The study outcome suggests further investigation for the possible link of tetranectin levels with clinical and social parameters.

scholarly journals The treatment of chronic periodontitis by non-surgical periodontal therapy in association with diode laser compared to conventional non-surgical therapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bellia Loredana ◽  
Ruggiero Roberta ◽  
Nicolò Michele
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Diode Laser ◽  
Surgical Therapy ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Probing Depth ◽  
Baseline Test ◽  
Mechanical Therapy ◽  
Non Surgical Treatment

Mechanical surface treatment and removal of the above and subgingival biofilm (Tartar ablation; SRP) are considered the most suitable tools for the treatment of periodontal inflammatory diseases, with the aim of destroying bacterial bioflim, reducing bacteria, and slowing down recolonization by pathogenic microorganisms. Often, however, the only S&RP are not enough, as there are patients who are experiencing relapses. Recently, laser therapy has been suggested as a potential tool to improve the outcome of periodontal non-surgical treatment. The objective of the following study was to evaluate the clinical healing of periodontal pockets treated with mechanical therapy, scaling and root planing, and diode laser application, compared to that obtained with non-surgical mechanical therapy alone. The study was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients in the control group (13 patients) underwent conventional non-surgical therapy only, while patients in the test group (17 patients) were associated with conventional non-surgical treatment, a laser irradiation session. At baseline and after 6 months, the parameters of probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (REC) were assessed The main variable of this study was the PD (probing depth) FMPS and FMBS at follow-up improved in both groups. The FMPS baseline test group 32.59 ± 6.74 - follow up 12.00 ± 3.16. The baseline of the control group showed 33.00 ± 9.55, the follow up 13.15 ± 4.85 The FMBS baseline test group found 24.29 ± 5.01 while at follow 9.65 ± 2.69. The baseline control group 30.31 ± 7.74, Follow up 11.08 ± 2.33. There is a statistical significance. (P.VALUE 0.0001) There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of PD, CAL and BOP at baseline and at follow-up. PD Test group 4,89±1,58 3,95±0,85 0,0001 Control group 5,02±1,57 4,01±0,86 CAL (mm)Test group 0,89±2,29 0,77±1,91 Control group 0,28±1,38 0,24±1,14 REC Test group 0,19±0,49 0,19±0,51 Control group 0,06±0,29 0,57±029 BOP Test group 51,2% 23,5% Control group 54,0% 20,9% The results showed differences in both baseline and follow-up for REC. Test group 0,19±0,49 0,19±0,51-Control group0,06±0,29 0,57±029 In intra-group analyzes, there are differences between baseline and follow-up for all values, except for REC in the control group. The diode laser can be used as an appropriate device for periodontal treatments, but it can offer additional and significant benefits if used according to appropriate protocols and parameters, and especially if associated with non-surgical, manual and ultrasound periodontal instrumentation, always site-specific , as it is a tool that does not replace traditional methods.

A Group-Based Walking Study to Enhance Physical Activity Among Older Adults: The Role of Social Engagement

2020 ◽  
pp. 016402752096361
Author(s):  
Yujun Liu ◽  
Margie E. Lachman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Treatment Condition ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Members

Objectives. The aim of this study was to explore social engagement and social comparisons as mechanisms to increase physical activity among older adults. Methods. Participants (N = 60, mean age = 65.7) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Participants in the treatment condition used the application to track their daily walking steps and interact via text messages with their group members for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group used the application only to track their own walking steps. Outcome variables included mean weekly steps, exercise self-efficacy, and social engagement. Results. The results revealed that participants in the experimental condition significantly increased their mean weekly steps and social engagement from the pretest to the posttest whereas the control group did not. These effects were maintained at the 1-month follow up. Discussion. The study expands our understanding of the motivational role of social engagement and social comparison in increasing PA among older adults.

scholarly journals Bone dehiscence formation during orthodontic tooth movement through atrophic alveolar ridges

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-329
Author(s):  
Adilson Luiz Ramos ◽  
Monique Cimão dos Santos ◽  
Márcio Rodrigues de Almeida ◽  
Carlos Flores Mir
Keyword(s):  
Null Hypothesis ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Tooth Movement ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Orthodontic Tooth Movement ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Alveolar Ridge ◽  
Bone Height

ABSTRACT Objectives To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in bone dehiscence formation before and after orthodontic tooth movement through an atrophic alveolar ridge. Material and Methods This longitudinal retrospective study evaluated pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography imaging of 15 adult patients. Twenty-five teeth were moved through the atrophic alveolar bone, whereas 25 teeth not subjected to translational movement were considered controls. The distances between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest were assessed at the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces of all of these teeth. Data were compared using the Wilcoxon test. The Spearman correlation test and multivariate linear regression analysis were also performed. Results In general, crestal bone height was reduced around 0.5 mm in all groups in every direction. Median buccal dehiscence increased significantly (+2.25 mm) (P &lt; .05) in teeth moved through the atrophic ridge. Control teeth also had buccal crest loss (+0.83 mm), but this was not statistically different from that of the experimental teeth. Lingual dehiscence increased significantly for the experimental (+0.17 mm) and control (+0.65 mm) groups. Mesial bone height decreased more in the control group (–0.44mm) than in the experimental group (–0.14mm). There was moderate correlation between amount of tooth movement and alveolar bone loss. Conclusions The null hypothesis was rejected as dehiscence increased after tooth movement through an atrophic alveolar ridge, mainly in the buccal plate.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Serum Oxalic Acid, Central Hemodynamic Parameters and Colonization by Oxalobacter formigenes in Hemodialysis Patients

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baris Gulhan ◽  
Kultigin Turkmen ◽  
Merve Aydin ◽  
Murat Gunay ◽  
Aytekin Cıkman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxalic Acid ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Hemodynamic Parameters ◽  
Oxalobacter Formigenes ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Central Hemodynamic ◽  
Blood Pressures ◽  
The Relationship

Background/Objective: Elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central aortic blood pressures are independent predictors of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Oxalic acid is a uremic retention molecule that is extensively studied in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate stones. Oxalobacter formigenes, a member of the colon microbiota, has important roles in oxalate homeostasis. Data regarding the colonization by and the exact role of O. formigenes in the pathogenesis of oxalic acid metabolism in HD patients are scant. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between fecal O. formigenes colonization, serum oxalic acid and hemodynamic parameters in HD patients with regard to the colo-reno-cardiac axis. Methods: Fifty HD patients were enrolled in this study. PWV and central aortic systolic (cASBP) and diastolic blood pressures (cADBP) were measured with a Mobil-O-Graph (I.E.M. GmbH, Stolberg, Germany). Serum oxalic acid levels were assessed by ELISA, and fecal O. formigenes DNA levels were isolated and measured by real-time PCR. Results: Isolation of fecal O. formigenes was found in only 2 HD patients. One of them had 113,609 copies/ml, the other one had 1,056 copies/ml. Serum oxalic acid levels were found to be positively correlated with PWV (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), cASBP (r = 0.33, p = 0.001) and cADBP (r = 0.42, p = 0.002) and negatively correlated with LDL (r = -0.30, p = 0.03). In multivariate linear regression analysis, PWV was independently predicted by oxalic acid, glucose and triglyceride. Conclusions: This is the first study that demonstrates the absence of O. formigenes as well as a relation between serum oxalic acid and cASBP, cADBP and PWV in HD patients. Replacement of O. formigenes with pre- and probiotics might decrease serum oxalic acid levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes in HD patients.

Short term chronic toxicity of tributyltin on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of omega-3

2020 ◽  
pp. 096032712094745
Author(s):  
Marwa G Ahmed ◽  
Mona El-Demerdash Ibrahim ◽  
Hoda R El Sayed ◽  
Samah M Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Treated Group ◽  
Toxic Effects ◽  
Cellular Damage ◽  
Antioxidant Defenses ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Group I

The declining rate of male fertility is a growing concern. Tributyltin (TBT) is a well-known endocrine disruptor (ED), that induces imposex in female gastropods and is widely used in various industrial applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of TBT on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible role of omega-3. Forty two adult male albino rats were divided into five groups; control group (Group I) and four experimental groups: omega-3 treated group, TBT treated group, TBT & omega-3 treated group and follow up group. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and seminal examinations. Our results clarfied that TBT induced a significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, LH and serum glutathione peroxidase levels and a significant increase in the serum Malondialdehyde as compared to the control group. Tributyltin induced disorganization and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, apoptosis, cellular damage and marked reduction in the germinal epithelium. A significant decrease in the cell proliferation and arrested spermatogenesis were also detected. Seminal analysis of TBT group showed a significant affection of all parameters as compared to other groups. Omega-3 ameliorated all of these hazardous effects. Follow up group still showed toxic effects. In conclusion, TBT has a toxic effect on the testis. Increased testicular oxidative stress, cellular damage and arrest of spermatogenesis with attenuation in antioxidant defenses are all contributing factors. Omega-3 can protect against TBT induced reproductive toxicity.

The Role of Allopurinol in Digital Replantation

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. WAIKAKUL ◽  
A. UNNANANTANA ◽  
V. VANADURONGWAN
Keyword(s):  
Proximal Phalanx ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Trial Group ◽  
Standard Management ◽  
Lower Infection ◽  
Group Recovery ◽  
Lower Infection Rate

The clinical effects of allopurinol on the attenuation of reperfusion injury in thumb replantations after prolonged ischaemic time were studied in a randomized control trial with a 2-year follow-up. There were 60 patients, in the trial group, and 38 patients in the control group. All were young, healthy labourers who had sharp or locally crushed amputations of the thumb at the proximal phalanx with a total ischaemic time of more than 10 hours. The standard management for thumb replantation was used in these patients, except that 300 mg allopurinol was given orally in the trial group on admission and a further 300 mg for another 5 days. After operation, the trial group had a lower infection rate, and less postoperative pain and chronic swelling than the control group. Recovery of sensation was also better in the trial group.

scholarly journals Study of Outcome of Ischemic Stroke Patient With Atrial Fibrillation

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Achinta Kumar Mallick ◽  
Md Kafil Uddin ◽  
Md Ahmed Ali ◽  
Pijus Kumar Kundu ◽  
Sheikh Mohammad Emdadul Haque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Deterioration ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Stroke Patients

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and a major risk factor for ischemic stroke, especially in the elderly. Patients with nonvalvular AF have a 5-fold excess risk of stroke. However, population-based data are scarce in patients who have experienced a first-ever ischemic stroke in the presence of AF regarding long-term risk of stroke recurrence and case-fatality rate. Aim of the study is to find out the outcome of ischemic stroke patients with Atrial Fibrillation. It was a descriptive type cross sectional study where 125 diagnosed cases of ischemic stroke were included. Presence of atrial fibrillation was detected by electrocardiogram. They were divided into two groups – those with atrial fibrillation and those without. Comparison was done between the two group in term of recurrence, mortality and clinical improvement. Atrial fibrillation was present in 22 (17.6%) of 125 patients with ischemic stroke. Those with AF were more frequently male, aged 45 years and older. The presence of AF was associated with high 3 months (Χ2 =4.562, df = 1, p<0.05) and 6 months mortality (Χ2 =7.868, df = 1, p<0.05), with a higher stroke recurrence rate within the first 6 months follow-up (22.7% versus 7.8% (<0.05)). At 3 months follow up clinical deterioration was noted in 9.1% patient with atrial fibrillation compared to 2.9% patients who had no arrhythmia(p<0.01) and at 6 months follow up clinical deterioration was noted in 18.2% patient with atrial fibrillation compared to 4.9% patients who had no arrhythmia(p<0.01). Ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation had significant mortality within the study period compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Significant deterioration in clinical outcome was noted in atrial fibrillation group after six months. Recurrence was more in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. Multivariate linear regression analysis shows atrial fibrillation as well as CKD, Diabetes mellitus and smoking as independent risk factor for recurrence. In conclusion, patients who had an ischemic stroke with accompanying atrial fibrillation had higher mortality, grave stroke severity, more recurrences and poorer functional status than those without atrial fibrillation.TAJ 2015; 28(2): 1-6

scholarly journals The role of left atrial strain in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation before and after annuloplasty: a long-term follow-up study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing-long Meng ◽  
Hong Meng ◽  
Jia Tao ◽  
Shu Yang ◽  
Hao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Tricuspid Regurgitation ◽  
Mitral Stenosis ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis ◽  
Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

Abstract Background Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common among patients with left heart disease and may recur during the follow-up period after selective tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TVA). This study aims to analyse the relationship between left atrial (LA) strain and the degree of preoperative functional TR and to explore the role of LA strain in predicting TR recurrence. Methods This study included 63 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis who underwent mitral valve replacement and concomitant TVA. Additionally, 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Preoperative conventional LA echocardiographic parameters and LA strain were measured. The association between LA strain and preoperative functional TR severity was analysed by Pearson correlation. Predictors of recurrent TR were determined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Compared with the control group, the mitral stenosis group developed a significant impairment in terms of LA strain. The degree of preoperative functional TR exhibited moderate correlations with LA reservoir strain (r = − 0.57) and LA conduit strain (r = 0.48). During a median follow-up period of 66.4 ± 36.4 months, TR recurred in 18 patients. Preoperative LA reservoir strain and the mean transmitral gradient were predictors of postoperative TR recurrence. When the two indexes were combined to establish a prediction, the sensitivity and specificity of prediction increased. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combined indicator was higher than those of the single indicators (0.90 vs. 0.70 and 0.72). Conclusions LA strain correlates with preoperative functional TR severity in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. The LA reservoir strain and preoperative mean transmitral gradient are independent predictive factors for recurrent TR after TVA.

scholarly journals The role of ablation index-guided pulmonary vein isolation in high-sensitivity TrThe role of ablation index-guided pulmonary vein isolation in high-sensitivoponin I and atrial fibrillation recurrence

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D De Campos ◽  
L Puga ◽  
P Sousa ◽  
N Antonio ◽  
L Elvas
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Contact Force ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ablation Index

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Ablation Index (AI) software has been associated with better freedom from atrial arrhythmias after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). There is conflicting data regarding the relationship between high sensitivity cardiac Troponin I (Hs-cTnI) and arrhythmia recurrence. The objective was to evaluate the impact of AI on Hs-cTnI level and on ablation effectiveness quotient (AEQ) and to assess if these markers are predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.  Methods Prospective observational study of consecutive patients referred for PVI for paroxysmal AF ablation from October 2017 to June 2018 according to a pre-specified AI protocol. Procedural endpoints and 2-year follow-up outcomes were assessed and compared to a retrospective cohort of conventional PVI contact-force-guided group .  Results A total of 56 patients were included: 29 patients the AI group and 27 patients in the control group. The mean age was 60.5 ± 10.3 years, 48% males. Left ventricular ejection fraction (60 ± 6 % AI vs 61 ± 5 % control, P = 0.07) and left atrium diameter (43 ± 7 mm AI vs 44 ± 6 mm control, P = 0.58) were comparable between groups. First-pass isolation was shown to be higher in the AI group (79% AI vs 44%, p= 0.01). Mean number of radiofrequency applications was lower in the AI group (93 ± 24 vs 111 ± 30, P = 0.02). Average contact-force was similar between groups (17.6 ± 4.1 g vs 22.6 ± 10.7 g, P =0.166). Patients that performed PVI guided by the AI had lower Hs-cTnI (1815 ± 1146 ng/L vs 3274 ± 1696 ng/L, p &lt; 0.001) and lower AEQ (1.01 ± 0.7 ng/L/s vs 1.51 ± 0.7 ng/L/s, P = 0.011) compared to patients in the control group. During a mean follow-up of 26 ± 11 months, AF recurrence was documented in 10.3% of patients in the AI group and 22.2% in the control group (P = 0.223). Neither Hs-cTnI nor AEQ levels were predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.  Conclusions These data suggest that AI-guided catheter ablation is associated with reduced levels of of Hs-cTnI and AEQ. Neither Hs-cTnI and AEQ should be used to predict arrhythmia recurrence. Abstract Figure.

scholarly journals The role of the trainer in adapted physical activity for osteoporosis to improve quality of life

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Marini ◽  
A Masini ◽  
P Maietta Latessa ◽  
T Sanna ◽  
A Raggi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Substantial Impact

Abstract Background Osteoporosis is a major health burden worldwide and require a multi-modal approach including exercise. Fractures have a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL) so exercise programs may to be conducted by trainers able to deal with this condition, because exercise alone, even if in the right dosage, seems to be not enough to improve QoL. A quasi-experimental pilot study performed to determine the feasibility and safety of an Adapted Physical Activity (APA) protocol specifically designed for osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures and its effect on QoL, with a specific focus on trainer's role. Methods The Experimental Group (EG) performed APA protocol 1hour twice a week for 6 months, while the Control Group (CG) received standard care. QoL was assessed at baseline and follow-up with ECOS-16 questionnaire and semi structured interviews to understand women perceptions regarding trainer's role. Using mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS 5 and NVivo 12, respectively. Results 40 post-menopausal women (mean age: 67.6±4.6) divided in 2 groups EG = 22 and CG = 18, completed the study. At follow-up, EG improved significantly QoL (EG: -0.5±0.5 vs CG: 0.0±0.3 p = 0.02). The APA intervention had a significant effect on all the components of QoL, as measured by the disease-specific ECOS-16 questionnaire: Physical Component Summary (PCS) (EG: -0.4±0.5 vs CG: 0.0±0.4 p = 0.06) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) (EG: -0.5±0.6 vs CG: 0.1±0.5 p = 0.02). The interviews confirmed this result, emphasizing the key role of the trainer in improving their QoL. The adherence calculated as number of sessions performed compared to the sessions proposed was 75.8%. No injuries were observed. Conclusions The feasibility, the safety, and the positive effect of the proposed exercise protocol on QoL confirmed also by the interviews, show that principles of exercise education applied by trainers should be extended also to patients with other chronic condition. Key messages Trainers specifically educated, could be a means of achieving the goal improving people’s QoL, as they occupy the role of exercise experts and also an educational, relational and support role. The management of osteoporosis is multi-modal and includes exercise, often recommended as a beneficial non-pharmacological treatment to slow the rate of bone loss and improve quality of life.

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