Guided Mourning for Morbid Grief: A Controlled Study

1981 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mawson ◽  
I. M. Marks ◽  
L. Ramm ◽  
R. S. Stern
Keyword(s):  
Waiting List ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Do So

SummaryDuring 2 weeks on a waiting list 12 patients with morbid grief did not improve significantly. They were then randomly allocated either to guided mourning treatment, in which they were encouraged to face cues concerning their bereavement or to control treatment in which they were asked to avoid such cues. Each treatment comprised six 1½ hour sessions over 2 weeks. At week 4 guided mourning patients had improved significantly more than had controls on 3 measures, with a supportive trend on 4 measures. Improvement though modest was maintained to 10–28 weeks follow-up. Control patients did not improve significantly or show any trend to do so.

Writer's Cramp: a Controlled Trial of Habit Reversal Treatment

1988 ◽  
Vol 153 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelika Wieck ◽  
Richard Harrington ◽  
Isaac Marks ◽  
Colin Marsden
Keyword(s):  
Relaxation Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Habit Reversal ◽  
Reversal Training ◽  
Writer’S Cramp ◽  
Writer's Cramp ◽  
Habit Reversal Training

In uncontrolled studies, several behavioural methods, including habit reversal, were said to be useful in writer's cramp. In this controlled study, 23 subjects with writer's cramp recruited from a neurology clinic were randomly allocated to five sessions over four weeks of either habit reversal training or a control treatment of relaxation training. Three subjects dropped out. Twenty patients (9 habit reversers, 11 controls) completed the trial up to three months follow-up. Outcome measures included observation of writing within the session, assessment of writing tasks completed at home, and blind ratings by an independent assessor. The results showed that habit reversal was no better than relaxation. Taking both treatments together, patients improved to three months follow-up on seven of nine measures, but remained substantially handicapped.

scholarly journals Does caffeine reduce methotrexate intolerance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled study

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatma H. EL Nouby ◽  
Nihal Ahmed Fathi ◽  
Amal Abdelaziz Fehr ◽  
Abdel-Azim Assi ◽  
Reem Mahmoud Lotfy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Complete Relief ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A

Abstract Background Intolerance to MTX is the most common cause of non-compliance that leads to poor disease control. Treatment is usually discontinued due to intolerance which interferes with compliance of the patient to long-term treatment. Caffeine causes most of its biological effects via antagonizing all types of adenosine receptors (ARs). Our aim was to investigate the effect of caffeine intake on reducing symptoms of MTX intolerance in patients with RA. Methods Ninety patients were diagnosed as RA with MTX intolerance divided into 2 groups. Sixty patients were prescribed caffeine or dark chocolate. Control group included 30 patients who will continue MTX regimen without addition of any extra caffeine. Results Group A (caffeine group): There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls at the start of the study. There was statistically significant decrease in methotrexate intolerance severity score (MISS) all over the study period (P = 0.001), and also MISS was statistically significantly lower in each follow-up time when compared with time 0 (P = 0.001). Group B (control group): There was statistically significant increase in MISS all over the study period (P = 0.017); also, MISS was statistically significantly higher in follow-up time 2 and time 3 when compared with time 0 (P = 0.033). We found that after 3 months, 80% of group A patients showed complete relief, 6.7% showed partial relief, 10% showed minimal relief, and 3.3% got worse. Conclusion Adding caffeine to management regimen can reduce the symptoms of MTX intolerance in RA patients. Caffeine relieved the symptoms of MTX intolerance in 80% of RA patients after 3 months of adding caffeine to management regimen.

scholarly journals A study protocol for a preliminary randomised controlled trial assessing the acceptability and effectiveness of two eating disorders prevention interventions in Switzerland: The HEIDI BP-HW project

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259796
Author(s):  
Isabelle Carrard ◽  
Sophie Bucher Della Torre
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Dissatisfaction ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Prevention Interventions ◽  
Group Sessions ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Because of the serious consequences of eating disorders on young women’s lives and because of the lack of specialised care facilities, assessing and implementing evidence-based prevention interventions is necessary. Switzerland, like other Western countries, has high prevalence rates of eating disorders. However, no prevention interventions have been evaluated in this country so far. This paper presents the protocol of a preliminary study with the aim to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of two interventions, the Body Project (BP) and the Healthy Weight Program (HW), for female students from French-speaking Switzerland. These two interventions were chosen because they have been widely evaluated and they proved to be effective in various countries. They take place in groups and include four weekly sessions over one month. Because of the pandemic situation, the group sessions will take place online on an collaborative platform. The design is a three-arm randomised controlled study. Ninety female students aged 18–25 and presenting with at least moderate body dissatisfaction will be randomised into three groups: (1) one-month BP intervention, (2) one-month HW intervention, and (3) one-month waiting-list control group followed by the BP intervention. Assessments of body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalisation, dietary restraint, negative affect, and eating disorder psychopathology will be conducted before and after the interventions or waiting list and after a one-month follow-up. ANCOVA and ANOVA with repeated measures will be used to assess group differences and follow-up stability. Acceptability will be assessed with a questionnaire on participants’ satisfaction with the interventions, group discussion at the end of the intervention, and with participants’ rate of attendance to the group sessions. The study results will provide additional data on these two eating disorders prevention interventions and will suggest ways for their dissemination and further evaluation in Switzerland.

Topical Bimatoprost Insert for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Treatment - A Phase II Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francine Rubião ◽  
Alan Cezar Faria Araújo ◽  
João Bernardo Sancio ◽  
Bárbara Silva Nogueira ◽  
Juçara Ribeiro Franca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Hypertension ◽  
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
T Test ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Open Angle ◽  
Drug Concentrations

Background: The most common treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the daily use of eye drops. Sustained-release drug delivery systems have been developed to improve patient adherence by achieving prolonged therapeutic drug concentrations in ocular target tissues while limiting systemic exposure. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost inserts with bimatoprost eye drops in patients with POAG and ocular hypertension (OH). Methods: We include OH and POAG patients aged between 40 and 75 years-old. Both OH and POAG patients had intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 and ≤30 mmHg at 9:00 am without glaucoma medication and normal biomicroscopy. Five normal patients with IOP≤14 mmHg constitute the control group. A chitosan-based insert of bimatoprost was placed at the upper conjunctival fornix of the right eye. In the left eye, patients used one drop of LumiganTM daily at 10:00 pm. For statistical analysis, we used a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student t-test, and paired t-test. Results: Sixteen POAG and 13 OH patients with a mean age of 61 years were assessed. In both eyes, IOP reduction was similar during three weeks of follow-up (19.5±2.2 mmHg and 16.9±3.1 mmHg), insert, and eye drop, respectively; P=0.165). The percentage of IOP reduction in the third week was 30% for insert and 35% for eye drops (P=0.165). No intolerance or discomfort with the insert was reported. Among the research participants, 58% preferred the use of the insert while 25% preferred eye drops, and 17% reported no preference. Conclusions: Bimatoprost-loaded inserts showed similar efficacy to daily bimatoprost eye drops during three weeks of follow up, without major side effects. This might suggest a possible change in the daily therapeutic regimen for the treatment of POAG and OH.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Abdominal and Gluteus Medius Training in Lumbo-Pelvic Stability and Adductor Strength in Female Soccer Players. A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1528
Author(s):  
Héctor Guerrero-Tapia ◽  
Rodrigo Martín-Baeza ◽  
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Injuries ◽  
Experimental Group

Background. Abdominal and lumbo-pelvic stability alterations may be the origin of lower limb injuries, such as adductor pathology in soccer players. Imbalance can be caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial over 8 weeks, 25 female footballers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (isometric abdominal training and gluteus medius-specific training) or a control group (isometric abdominal training). Evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and after a 4-week follow-up period. The exercise protocol in common for both groups included three exercises: Plank, Lateral plank and Bird dog. Specific exercises for the gluteus medius were: Pelvic drop and Stabilization of the gluteus medius in knee valgus. Outcome measures were lumbar-pelvic stability and adductor strength. Results: After the intervention, there was an increase in lumbo-pelvic stability in both groups, being greater in the control group than in the experimental group (mean differences [MD]: 4.84 vs. MD: 9.58; p < 0.01) with differences in the analysis of repeated measures (p < 0.001), but not in group interaction (p = 0.26). Changes were found in adductor strength in the experimental group (MD: −2.48; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −1.48; p < 0.01 in right adductor) and control group (MD: −1.68; p < 0.001 in the left adductor; MD: −2.05; p < 0.001 in the right adductor) after the intervention, with differences in the analysis of repeated measures in left (p < 0.001) and right (p < 0.001) adductor strength. Conclusions: An abdominal and gluteal training protocol shows no advantage over a protocol of abdominal training alone for lumbo-pelvic stability and adductor strength, while improvements in both variables are maintained at four weeks follow-up.

scholarly journals ‘Youthification’ of drama through real-time storytelling: A production study of blank and the legacy of SKAM

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-162
Author(s):  
Vilde Schanke Sundet
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Production Study ◽  
Do So

This article explores the ‘youthification’ of television through real-time storytelling. It draws on a study of the online youth drama blank (2018–2019), NRK’s first follow-up after the hit show SKAM (2015–2017). It finds that real-time drama brings unique opportunities to broadcasters aiming to reconnect with younger audiences, but also substantial challenges. This insight is essential, as previous studies have highlighted the format’s advantages while downplaying its problems and dilemmas. Furthermore, the article emphasises the continuous need for innovation in youth storytelling, especially at public service broadcasters with the mandate and ability to do so.

scholarly journals AB0642 SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTIONS PERFORMED WITH ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE IN PATIENTS WITH SACROILIITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1615.2-1616
Author(s):  
A. R. Cunha ◽  
C. Mazeda ◽  
R. Aguiar ◽  
A. Barcelos
Keyword(s):  
Sacroiliac Joint ◽  
Ultrasound Guidance ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Sonographic Guidance ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Joint Injections

Background:Sacroiliitis is the hallmark of axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA). ASAS-EULAR management recommendations for axSpA, consider glucocorticoid injections directed to the local site of musculoskeletal inflammation as a treatment option for pain relief, besides treatment with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) before starter biotechnological treatment. However, there are few studies to evaluate efficacy of this technique with a small number of patients and a short follow-up. Ultrasonography has been used as a valuable option to guide this technique.Objectives:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided injections of sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in patients with sacroiliitis using clinical and laboratory outcomes at baseline and at 4-6thweeks.Methods:This study involved patients with axSpA with acute sacroiliitis, ≥18 and ≤ 65 years old, with body mass index (BMI) < 30kg/m2attending the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, which had been poorly controlled (ASDAS>2.1) by conventional therapy (physiotherapy, NSAIDs at maximum tolerated dosing during ≥ 4 weeks). Sociodemographic, clinical (disease duration, BMI, BASDAI, BASFI, ASDAS) and laboratory (CRP) data was collected from the medical records at baseline and at 4-6thweeks.Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25. Continuous variables were described with mean/median ± standard deviation (SD).SIJs injection was performed, under ultrasound guidance, using standard procedures with 2mL of lidocaine 1% and 40mg of methylprednisolone, with a 22-gauge needle. The procedure was performed by the same operator. Written informed consents were obtained from all patients.Results:We performed eleven sacroiliac injection in eleven consecutive patients (one procedure per patient). Nine patients (81.8%) were female, mean age (±SD) of 40.6(±9.4) years, median disease duration(±SD) of 0.9(±6.2) years and median BMI(±SD) of 24.2(±3.3). Eight patients (72.7%) had Nr-axSpA. All patients were non-responders to NSAIDs.At 4-6thweeks there was a decreased in median (±SD) BASDAI (5.4±1.9 vs 4.1±1.9), BASFI (4.2±1.4 vs 3.5±2.3) and ASDAS (3.2±0.8 vs 2.2±0.6) indexes.Conclusion:As previous studies demonstrated, this technique seems to be safe and quite effective.Our goal is to increase the number of patients undergoing this technique and have a longer follow up to evaluate its efficacy. The study has several limitations: the mid- and long-term effects should be evaluated in the future based on the results of the short-term effects and the study was not conducted as a double-blinded, controlled study.References:[1]van der Heijde D, Burgos-Vargas R, Ramiro S.,et al. ASAS/EULAR recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:978–991[2]Maugars Y, Mathis C, Vilon P, Prost A. Corticosteroid injection of the sacroiliac joint in patients with seronegative spondylarthropathy. Arthritis Rheum 1992; 35:564–8.[3]Pekkafahli MZ, Kiralp MZ, Basekim CC et al. Sacroiliac joint injections performed with sonographic guidance. J Ultrasound Med 2003;22:553–9[4]Klauser A, De Zordo T, Feuchtner G et al. Feasibility of ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injection considering sonoanatomic landmarks at two different levels in cadavers and patients. Arthritis Rheum 2008; 59:1618–1624.Disclosure of Interests:Ana Rita Cunha: None declared, Carolina Mazeda: None declared, Renata Aguiar: None declared, Anabela Barcelos Speakers bureau: Bene, Eli-Lilly, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis

scholarly journals The effect of a 24-week training focused on activities of daily living, muscle strengthening, and stability in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a monocentric controlled study with follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Špiritović ◽  
Barbora Heřmánková ◽  
Sabína Oreská ◽  
Hana Štorkánová ◽  
Olga Růžičková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Substantial Proportion ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies ◽  
Inflammatory Myopathies ◽  
Local Inflammatory Response ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background The structural and functional changes of the skeletal muscles in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) caused by inflammation and immune changes can be severely disabling. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a 24-week program combining a supervised training of activities of daily living (ADL), resistance, and stability with home exercise for improving muscle function, compared to a daily home-based exercise representing the regular outpatient care. Methods Fifty-seven patients with IIM were consecutively and non-selectively enrolled in an intervention (IG, n = 30) or control (CG, n = 27) group. Both groups were provided a standard-of-care pharmacological treatment and follow-up. Only the IG underwent the supervised intervention twice a week for 1 h per session. At baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks, all patients were assessed by an assessor blinded to the intervention for primary outcomes: muscle strength (Manual Muscle Testing of eight muscle groups [MMT-8]) and endurance (Functional Index-2 [FI-2]), and secondary outcomes: stability and body composition. Secondary outcomes also included questionnaires evaluating disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), quality of life (Short Form 36 [SF-36]), depression (Beck’s Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]), and fatigue (Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS]), and analysis of the systemic and local inflammatory response and perceived exertion to assess the safety of the intervention. Results Twenty-seven patients in the IG and 23 in the CG completed the entire program and follow-up. At week 24, compared to deterioration in the CG, we found a significant improvement in the IG in muscle strength (mean % improvement compared to baseline by 26%), endurance (135%), disability (39%), depression (26%), stability (11%), and basal metabolism (2%) and a stabilization of fitness for physical exercise. The improvement was clinically meaningful (a 24-week change by >20%) in most outcomes in a substantial proportion of patients. Although the improvement was still present at 48 weeks, the effect was not sustained during follow-up. No significant increase in the systemic or local expression of inflammatory markers was found throughout the intervention. Conclusions This 24-week supervised intervention focused on ADL training proved to be safe and effective. It not only prevented the progressive deterioration, but also resulted in a significant improvement in muscle strength, endurance, stability, and disability, which was clinically meaningful in a substantial proportion of patients. Trial registration ISRCTN35925199 (retrospectively registered on 22 May 2020).

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