scholarly journals Functional Evaluation of a “Lingual Ring” Oral Device Applied on Patients Affected by Temporo-Mandibular Disorders TMDs: A Comparative Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 4832
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Currò ◽  
Mario Ferlisi ◽  
Alessandro Rampello ◽  
Alessio Rampello ◽  
Gianfranco Albergo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
Clinical Symptomatology ◽  
Therapeutic Protocol ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Clinical Responses ◽  
Surgery Department ◽  
Articular Pain

This study aims to evaluate the functional variations of the electromyographic response and clinical symptomatology in TMD patients. This study has been performed and compared before and after the application of a therapeutic protocol based on the use of an oral device working on the proper mandibular repositioning through the proprioceptive-based lingual re-education called “Lingual Ring”. Between January to December 2016, 32 TMD patients have been recruited out of a series of 321 individuals recruited at the Neurosensorial and Motorial Surgery Department, in Palermo (Italy). All the patients underwent the Surface Electromyography (sEMG) of Masseter and Temporal muscles, with different registrations at T0, T1, T2, and T3; to evaluate the variations of the Electromyographic values, it was assigned the application of the Lingual Ring as the only therapy. The study demonstrated a neat rebalancing of the EMG tracks and important improvements with the TMD related issues. The clinical responses, due to the treatment at the end of the therapeutic protocol, were: absence or reduction of muscular or articular pain; absence or reduction of articular noises; absence or reduction of the cephalalgia. Hence, significant results, both clinical and in terms of instrumental EMG, were assessed. We can affirm that the adopted methodology allowed the monitoring of the Electromyographic variation and clinical symptoms. Moreover, the usage of the “Lingual Ring device” allowed to carry out a simple and immediate therapeutic protocol that is minimally invasive, ensuring a clear rebalancing of the EMG tracks as well as the TMD related pain.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Profiles in Nasal Polyps of Glucocorticoid Responders and Non-Responders: Before and After Treatment

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenzhen Zhu ◽  
Weiqing Wang ◽  
Yang Zha ◽  
Xiaowei Wang ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Polyps ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Eosinophil Infiltration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Systemic Glucocorticoids ◽  
Abnormal Metabolism ◽  
Clinical Responses ◽  
Differential Gene ◽  
Inflammatory Molecules

Background: The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and mechanisms underlying different responses to systemic glucocorticoids (GC) remain unclear. The major aim of this study was to explore the transcriptomic and oxidative lipidomic signatures and the effects of GC in patients with different clinical responses.Methods: Nasal polyp biopsies were obtained before and after 14-day oral GC treatment from 16 patients with CRSwNP, and normal nasal mucosa specimens were collected from 12 control subjects. RNA sequencing and oxidative lipidomics were performed, and differential gene expression analysis was conducted in the Responder and Non-responder groups at baseline and after treatment.Results: In the Responder group, GC significantly improved clinical symptoms and reduced tissue eosinophil infiltration. Meanwhile, GC led to a pronounced transcriptomic reversion with robust suppression of inflammatory responses and abnormal metabolism of extracellular matrix, as well as restoration of cilia function. However, non-responders were mainly characterized by epithelial hyperplasia and keratinization, with much less transcriptomic improvement after GC treatment. Higher expression of type 2 inflammatory molecules (CCL13, IGHE, CCL18, CCL23, CCR3, and CLC) with lower levels of LACRT, PPDPFL, DES, C6, MUC5B, and SCGB3A1 were related to a stronger clinical response to GC. Besides decreased prostaglandins and increased leukotrienes, increased dysregulation in other oxylipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids was determined in nasal polyps, which was ameliorated by GC treatment.Conclusion: Systemic GC exert anti-inflammatory effects, improve tissue remodeling, restore cilia function, and ameliorate dysregulation of oxylipid mediator pathway in CRSwNP. GC-responders exhibited different transcriptomic signatures from non-responders.

Effect of new dietary supplement on sperm quality

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (45) ◽  
pp. 1787-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Horváth ◽  
Endre Czeizel
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Usa ◽  
New Treatments

Introduction: There is a decline in male fertility thus new treatments are needed. Aims: To test the efficacy of a new dietary supplement developed in the USA and registered as a curing drug in Hungary (OGYI). Methods: In a clinical trial 100 men with low sperm quality (spermium count 5–20 M/ml, good motility 10–40%, and adverse shape 30–50%) were examined. Results: Sperm parameters were measured before and after a 3-month treatment and after another 3-month without treatment. This dietary supplement statistically and clinically significantly improved sperm count and motility. In 74 cases this dietary supplement demonstrated a beneficial effect on sperm quality (more than 10% increase in sperm count, or quality of motility, or shape); in 16 cases the improvement exceeded 30%. No adverse effect could be accounted for this treatment. Conclusions: This new dietary supplement may contribute to the treatment of male infertility. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1787–1792.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Use of Cerebellar Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) in a Sardinian Family Affected by Spinocerebellar Ataxia 38 (SCA 38)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Sanna ◽  
Paolo Follesa ◽  
Paolo Tacconi ◽  
Mariangela Serra ◽  
Maria Giuseppina Pisu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinocerebellar Ataxia ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Therapeutic Use ◽  
Theta Burst Stimulation ◽  
Burst Stimulation ◽  
Motor Cortex Excitability ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Theta Burst ◽  
Serum Bdnf

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia 38 (SCA 38) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by conventional mutations in the ELOVL5 gene which encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of very long fatty acids, with a specific expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Three Italian families carrying the mutation, one of which is of Sardinian descent, have been identified and characterized. One session of cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was applied to 6 affected members of the Sardinian family to probe motor cortex excitability measured by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). Afterwards, patients were exposed to ten sessions of cerebellar real and sham iTBS in a cross-over study and clinical symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment by Modified International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (MICARS). Moreover, serum BDNF levels were evaluated before and after real and sham cerebellar iTBS and the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in influencing iTBS effect was explored. Present data show that one session of cerebellar iTBS was able to increase MEPs in all tested patients, suggesting an enhancement of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway in SCA 38. MICARS scores were reduced after ten sessions of real cerebellar iTBS showing an improvement in clinical symptoms. Finally, although serum BDNF levels were not affected by cerebellar iTBS when considering all samples, segregating for genotype a difference was found between Val66Val and Val66Met carriers. These preliminary data suggest a potential therapeutic use of cerebellar iTBS in improving motor symptoms of SCA38.

scholarly journals A prospective, observational clinical trial on the impact of COVID-19-related national lockdown on thyroid hormone in young males

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Brigante ◽  
Giorgia Spaggiari ◽  
Barbara Rossi ◽  
Antonio Granata ◽  
Manuela Simoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Hpt Axis ◽  
The Impact

AbstractTrying to manage the dramatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection spread, many countries imposed national lockdown, radically changing the routinely life of humans worldwide. We hypothesized that both the pandemic per se and the consequent socio-psychological sequelae could constitute stressors for Italian population, potentially affecting the endocrine system. This study was designed to describe the effect of lockdown-related stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in a cohort of young men. A prospective, observational clinical trial was carried out, including patients attending the male infertility outpatient clinic before and after the national lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic. The study provided a baseline visit performed before and a follow-up visit after the lockdown in 2020. During the follow-up visit, hormonal measurements, lifestyle habits and work management were recorded. Thirty-one male subjects were enrolled (mean age: 31.6 ± 6.0 years). TSH significantly decreased after lockdown (p = 0.015), whereas no significant changes were observed in the testosterone, luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and prolactin serum levels. No patient showed TSH serum levels above or below reference ranges, neither before nor after lockdown. Interestingly, TSH variation after lockdown was dependent on the working habit change during lockdown (p = 0.042). We described for the first time a TSH reduction after a stressful event in a prospective way, evaluating the HPT axis in the same population, before and after the national lockdown. This result reinforces the possible interconnection between psychological consequences of a stressful event and the endocrine regulation.

scholarly journals Endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy for the treatment of intradural extramedullary tumors: an operative technique and short-term outcomes of 20 consecutive cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaorong Yan ◽  
Huiqing Wang ◽  
Cai Li ◽  
Yuanxiang Lin ◽  
Lin Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Spinal Deformity ◽  
Tumor Recurrence ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Intradural Extramedullary ◽  
Controlled Surgery

Abstract Background To present a surgical technique for the treatment of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors by using endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy technique. Methods In this study, 20 patients with 22 IDEM tumors were enrolled. An endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy was employed to remove the tumors. Data related to clinical symptoms and medical images before and after surgery were collected for perioperative evaluation and follow-up analysis. Results All the tumors in 20 patients were well removed. The clinical symptoms were significantly reduced in all the patients as well. The short-term follow-up data showed that there was no tumor recurrence or spinal deformity. Conclusion The endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy technique provided favorable exposure and satisfactory resection to the IDEM tumors. It may be an effective surgical method for treating IDEM tumors. Larger samples and longer follow-up data are needed to verify its long-term effectiveness.

scholarly journals FRI0612-HPR EFFECT OF THERMOFORMABLE ORTHOSES ON FOOT FUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM AN OPEN CLINICAL TRIAL.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 911.2-912
Author(s):  
I. Aachari ◽  
H. Rkain ◽  
F. Safaa ◽  
L. Benzakour ◽  
T. Latifa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Activity Limitation ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Functional Impact ◽  
Pain Disability ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Foot Function ◽  
The Impact

Background:Orthoses and footwear can play an important role in managing foot pathology in patients whose systemic disease is controlled. Foot orthoses are frequently prescribed in clinical practice as an intervention for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Objectives:The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of thermoformable orthoses on the functional index of the foot (FFI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods:We conducted an open clinical trial, having consecutively included 14 patients (85.7% female, average age 54.8 ± 10 years) suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (median progression time of 9 years [5 - 12]). The average DAS28 was 2.7 ± 1.2 and the functional impact objectified by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was on average 0.9 ± 0.7.The median deadline from the start of RA and the onset of the foot problem was 3 years [0 – 7,75]. The foot problem was bilateral in 100% of the cases and inaugural in 85.7% of the cases.We evaluated the functional impact of foot injury for all our patients at baseline and 8 weeks after the use of thermoformable orthoses, based on the FFI (Foot function Index) measuring the impact of foot pathology on function in terms of pain, disability and activity limitation.The comparison of the FFI domains before and after the use of orthoses was carried out using parametric or nonparametric paired tests using The SPSS statistical software.Results:With the use of foot orthoses, FFI values decreased in all subscales (p=0,024) (pain, disability and activity limitation). This reduction was significant for disability (0,011) but not for pain and activity limitation.There were no significant correlations between the global FFI and the progression of RA, the duration of foot damage and the functional impact measured by the HAQ.Table 1. The comparison of the FFI domains before and after the use of orthoses.psignificatif if< 0,05; Test used: Non-parametric test for two linked samples.Conclusion:Foot orthoses were effective as an adjuvant in the management of rheumatoid foot. They significantly reduced disability as measured by the FFI. The absence of factors associated with pain and limitation of activity could possibly be related to the small sample size.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: A Technical Note

2021 ◽  
pp. 074880682199015
Author(s):  
Ian S. Lehrer ◽  
Joe Niamtu
Keyword(s):  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Cosmetic Surgery ◽  
Recovery Time ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Dermal Fillers ◽  
Facial Surgery ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Application Potential ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Cosmetic facial surgery procedures and therapies have continued to evolve with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques with a shorter recovery time. We present a how-to guide for nonsurgical rhinoplasty including the use of different hyaluronic acid fillers. We provide examples of before and after patient photos as well as photos demonstrating our technique. This technical note highlights the popular concept of minimally invasive nasal contouring using dermal fillers. As such, we provide a brief overview of different dermal fillers that can be used for this application, potential problems and complications, as well as remedies. Dermal fillers have become an entry point into cosmetic surgery for many patients. Our technique of nasal contouring with hyaluronic acid fillers in particular yields safe, effective, and repeatable results.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of paranasal air suction on acute migraine using portable air sucker – a randomized, double blind study

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. R. Bandara ◽  
S. Samita ◽  
A. M. Kiridana ◽  
H. M. M. T. B. Herath
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Headache Disorder ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Primary Headache Disorder ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background Migraine is a primary headache disorder and is the most common disabling primary headache disorder that occurs in children and adolescents. A recent study showed that paranasal air suction can provide relief to migraine headache. However, in order to get the maximum benefit out of it, an easy to use effective air sucker should be available. Aiming to fulfil the above requirement, a randomized, double blind control clinical trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a recently developed low–pressure portable air sucker. Methods Eighty-six Sri Lankan school children of age 16–19 years with migraine were enrolled for the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups, and one group was subjected to six intermittent ten-second paranasal air suctions using the portable air sucker for 120 s. The other group was subjected to placebo air suction (no paranasal air suction). The effect of suction using portable air sucker was the primary objective but side of headache, type of headache, and gender were also studied as source variables. The primary response studied was severity of headache. In addition, left and right supraorbital tenderness, photophobia, phonophobia, numbness over the face and scalp, nausea and generalized tiredness/weakness of the body were studied. The measurements on all those variables were made before and after suction, and the statistical analysis was performed based on before and after differences. As a follow–up, patients were monitored for 24-h period. Results There was a significant reduction in the severity of headache pain (OR = 25.98, P < 0.0001), which was the primary outcome variable, and other migraine symptoms studied, tenderness (left) (OR = 289.69, P < 0.0001), tenderness (right) (OR > 267.17, P < 0.0001), photophobia (OR = 2115.6, P < 0.0001), phonophobia (OR > 12.62, P < 0.0001) nausea (OR > 515.59, P < 0.0001) and weakness (OR = 549.06, P < 0.0001) except for numbness (OR = 0.747, P = 0.67) in the treatment group compared to the control group 2 min after the suction. These symptoms did not recur within 24-h period and there were no significant side effects recorded during the 24-h observation period. Conclusion This pilot study showed that low–pressure portable air sucker is effective in paranasal air suction, and suction for 120 s using the sucker can provide an immediate relief which can last for more than 24-h period without any side effects. Trail registration Clinical Trial Government Identification Number – 1548/2016. Ethical Clearance Granted Institute – Medical Research Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka (No 38/2016). Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registration No: SLCTR/2017/018. Date of registration = 29/ 06/2017. Approval Granting Organization to use the device in the clinical trial– National Medicines Regulatory Authority Sri Lanka (16 Jan 2018), The device won award at Geneva international inventers exhibition in 2016 and President award in 2018 in Sri Lanka. It is a patented device in Sri Lanka and patent number was SLKP/1/18295. All methods were carried out in accordance with CONSORT 2010 guidelines.

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