scholarly journals Anti-RSV prophylaxis efficacy for infants and young children with cystic fibrosis in Ireland

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Linnane ◽  
Miranda G. Kiernan ◽  
Nuala H. O’Connell ◽  
Linda Kearse ◽  
Colum P. Dunne
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Related Hospitalisation ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Rationale: There is limited evidence supporting the routine use of palivizumab in paediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to reduce respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and related hospitalisation. Despite this, anti-RSV prophylaxis is increasingly common. This is the first report from Ireland regarding palivizumab outcomes for children with CF, under 2 years old, despite the greatest prevalence of CF globally. Methods: An audit was performed at a tertiary hospital in Ireland’s mid-West to document all children with CF, <24 months old, who received palivizumab over a five year period and comparision made with all eligible children for the prior five year period who had not received the product (also CF patients). Palivizumab was administered to both cohorts in their first year of life. Hospitalisation rates were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Incidence of RSV and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was recorded. Results: A total of 19 patients who received palivizumab were included in the study; comparision was made with a retrospective control group of 30 patients. Prophylactic palivizumab did not prevent hospitalisation for 10/19 patients, 3 of whom were affected by RSV. This was significantly greater than in the control group, where no hospitalisations were recorded (p < 0.0001). P. aeruginosa was isolated in one case from the study cohort, while no P. aeruginosa was detected in the control group. Conclusions: This study, the first of its kind from Ireland where CF prevalence is highest, does not provide unequivocal support for prophylactic use of palivizumab in CF patients under 2 years. Despite being derived from a small sample size, based on these data and complementary clinical observation, we have discontinued such prophylaxis. However, should reported incidence of RSV-related hospitalisation increase, there is scientific plausibility for appropriately powered, randomised, controlled trials of palivizumab.

scholarly journals Influenza Virus Detection Following Administration of Live-Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccine in Children With Cystic Fibrosis and Their Healthy Siblings

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantina Boikos ◽  
Lawrence Joseph ◽  
Christine Martineau ◽  
Jesse Papenburg ◽  
David Scheifele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Virus Detection ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Rna Detection

Abstract Background.  We aimed to explore the detection profile of influenza viruses following live-attenuated intranasal influenza vaccination (LAIV) in children aged 2–19 years with and without cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods.  Before the 2013–2014 influenza season, flocked nasal swabs were obtained before vaccination and 4 times in the week of follow-up from 76 participants (nCF: 57; nhealthy: 19). Influenza was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. A Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression model was used to estimate the effect of CF status and age on influenza detection. Results.  Overall, 69% of the study cohort shed influenza RNA during follow-up. The mean duration of RT-PCR detection was 2.09 days (95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.73–2.48). The odds of influenza RNA detection on day 1 following vaccination decreased with age in years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.82 per year; 95% CrI: 0.70–0.95), and subjects with CF had higher odds of influenza RNA detection on day 1 of follow-up (OR: 5.09; 95% CrI: 1.02–29.9). Conclusion.  Despite the small sample size, our results indicate that LAIV vaccine strains are detectable during the week after LAIV, mainly in younger individuals and vaccinees with CF. It remains unclear whether recommendations for avoiding contact with severely immunocompromised patients should differ for these groups.

P–700 Increased progesterone to mature oocyte index is associated with lower top-quality embryo rate in GnRH antagonist protocols

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y E Şükür ◽  
K Pouya ◽  
B Özmen ◽  
M Sönmezer ◽  
B Berker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Live Birth ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Mature Oocyte ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Cohort

Abstract Study question Do progesterone elevation (PE) on trigger day and progesterone to mature oocyte index (PMOI) affect embryo quality and the chance of live birth? Summary answer The top-quality embryo rate is decreased by increasing PMOI, but it has no association with absolute serum progesterone levels. What is known already Progesterone elevation have been reported to significantly decrease pregnancy and implantation rates. The main mechanism of this adverse effect is mainly related to an asynchrony between the endometrium and the embryo. Many of the previous studies have failed to show a significant impact of PE on embryo quality and the success of subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle. However, PMOI was suggested to be more predictive than PE of ART outcome and might be associated with embryo quality. Study design, size, duration A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted. All FET cycles performed in a university hospital infertility centre between January 2016 and December 2019 were reviewed. A total of 44 patients who had PE (&gt;1.5 ng/ml) on trigger day and 134 patients who did not have PE were assessed. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study group consisted of patients who had PE (&gt;1.5 ng/mL) during fresh COS cycle and the control group consisted of patients who did not have PE. In addition to effect of PE on subsequent FET cycle outcome, an association between PMOI and embryo quality was assessed. The threshold level to define increased PMOI (&gt;0.12 ng/ml) was calculated as the median level of the whole study cohort. Main results and the role of chance The mean ages of the study and control groups were 30.4±5.4 years and 31.1±5.6 years, respectively (P = 0.413). Although the number of oocytes collected and MII oocytes were significantly higher in patients with PE, the total number of frozen embryos were similar between the groups. There were no significant differences concerning the outcome measures including live birth rate in the subsequent FET cycle between participants with and without PE (27.3% vs. 23.9%, respectively; P = 0.652). The rate of top-quality embryos was similar between participants with and without PE (43% vs. 52%, respectively; P = 0.370). However, the rate of top-quality embryos was significantly lower in cycles with PMOI&gt;0.12 ng/ml than in cycles PMOI&lt;0.12 ng/ml (42% vs. 56%, respectively; P = 0.027). Limitations, reasons for caution The retrospective design and the small sample size derived from a single institution. Wider implications of the findings: Increased PMOI, which is associated to lower top-quality embryo rate, may in turn result in diminished cumulative live birth rate. Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Longitudinal assessment of S100B serum levels and clinical factors in youth patients with mood disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Rajewska-Rager ◽  
Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz ◽  
Pawel Kapelski ◽  
Natalia Lepczynska ◽  
Joanna Pawlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Depressed Group

AbstractMood disorders have been discussed as being in relation to glial pathology. S100B is a calcium-binding protein, and a marker of glial dysfunctions. Although alterations in the S100B expression may play a role in various central nervous system diseases, there are no studies on the potential role of S100B in mood disorders in adolescents and young adults . In a prospective two-year follow-up study, peripheral levels of S100B were investigated in 79 adolescent/young adult patients (aged 14–24 years), diagnosed with mood disorders and compared with 31 healthy control subjects. A comprehensive clinical interview was conducted which focused on clinical symptoms and diagnosis change. The diagnosis was established and verified at each control visit. Serum S100B concentrations were determined. We detected: lower S100B levels in medicated patients, compared with those who were drug-free, and healthy controls; higher S100B levels in a depressed group with a family history of affective disorder; correlations between age and medication status; sex-dependent differences in S100B levels; and lack a of correlation between the severity of depressive or hypo/manic symptoms. The results of our study indicate that S100B might be a trait-dependent rather than a state-dependent marker. Due to the lack of such studies in the youth population, further research should be performed. A relatively small sample size, a lack of exact age-matched control group, a high drop-out rate.

ECT rekindles pharmacological response in schizophrenia

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Hustig ◽  
R. Onilov
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Antipsychotic Agents ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Notes ◽  
Symptom Profiles ◽  
Pharmacological Response ◽  
Maintenance Ect

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our naturalistic-observational study was to determine the efficacy and utility of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in clinical population of individuals with schizophrenia where pharmacological response was suboptimal.MethodsThe cohort comprised 27 patients suffering from schizophrenia with refractoriness to antipsychotic agents and with severe, disabling symptoms. They only interventional assessing tool was clinical global impression (CGI-S) performed at the baseline and at the end of the treatment.ResultsThe administration of ECT resulted in overall clinical improvement reflected in CGI scales and descriptions in clinical notes. On 12 months follow-up period, 10 patients (37.1%) maintained improvement and were able to continue with pharmacological therapy only, suggesting its rekindling effect, especially with Clozapine. Conversely, 17 patients (62.9%) deteriorated and required an additional course of ECT to maintain improvement. In some cases, maintenance ECT treatment was required. The group who engaged in self-harming behaviour at baseline demonstrated they were more likely to relapse into psychosis at the end of the first course of ECT, their self-harming behaviour abated, especially when maintenance ECT was undertaken.ConclusionsAlthough limited by lack of control group, small sample size, heterogeneous symptom profiles and various concurrent neuroleptic agents, the ECT proved as valuable and safe augmentative procedure when unsatisfactory response to pharmacological interventions had been demonstrated prior to interventions. This effect was evident despite the chronicity of the illness.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acetaminophen-Related Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies in Vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Yiwen Zhang ◽  
Jiajun Zhong ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Shuisheng Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Liver Injury ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cell ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group

Objective: The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in acetaminophen-induced liver injury has been investigated in animal experiments, but individual studies with a small sample size cannot be used to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies to explore the potential of using MSCs in acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Methods: Eight databases were searched for studies reporting the effects of MSCs on acetaminophen hepatoxicity. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA/SE 16.0 software. Results: Eleven studies involving 159 animals were included according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Significant associations were found for MSCs with the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (standardized mean difference (SMD) − 2.58, p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD − 1.75, p = 0.001), glutathione (GSH) (SMD 3.7, p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (SMD 1.86, p = 0.022), interleukin 10 (IL-10) (SMD 5.14, p = 0.0002) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (SMD − 4.48, p = 0.011) compared with those in the control group. The subgroup analysis showed that the tissue source of MSCs significantly affected the therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis results demonstrate that MSCs could be a potential treatment for acetaminophen-related liver injury.

scholarly journals An experimental study on the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1337-1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra C Jones ◽  
Lisa Kervin
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Children's Magazines ◽  
Food Advertisements ◽  
Effects On Children

AbstractObjectiveThe present study sought to determine the feasibility of an experimental research design to investigate the effects of exposure to magazine advertising on children's food choices.DesignChildren were randomized to read either a magazine with food advertisements or a magazine with no food advertisements. They then chose two food items from the intervention ‘store’ to eat after the session. Data were also collected on attitudes to advertising and snack food preferences. Finally, participants’ parents were provided with a self-completion survey on food choices and other variables (n24).SettingThree vacation care centres in regional New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsChildren aged 5–12 years (n47).ResultsChildren in the experimental condition were more likely to choose advertised foods than those in the control group. Interestingly, the majority reported taste and healthiness as the most important factors in snack food choices; however, when faced with the actual food choice, they predominantly chose unhealthy foods (eighty-two unhealthy and only twelve healthy items were chosen).ConclusionsThis was the first study to assess the effects on children of exposure to food advertising within the context of reading a child-targeted magazine. Importantly, even with the small sample size and venue limitations, we found that exposure to magazine advertising influenced food choices. Children's magazines are an under-researched and poorly regulated medium, with considerable potential to influence children's food choices. The present study shows that the methodology is feasible, and future studies could replicate this with larger samples.

scholarly journals Cystic fibrosis gene mutations and polymorphisms in Saudi men with infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-329
Author(s):  
Talal AlMaghamsi ◽  
Naeem Iqbal ◽  
Nabil Abdullrahman Al-Esaei ◽  
Muhsina Mohammed ◽  
Kamel Zein Eddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis Gene ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Primary Infertility

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Some mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator ( CFTR ) gene may impair spermatogenesis or cause a congenital absence of the vas deferens that manifests as isolated male infertility. OBJECTIVE: Assess the frequency and analyze the spectrum of CFTR gene variations in Saudi men with primary infertility. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. SETTING: Tertiary care specialist hospital in Jeddah. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of Saudi men who presented with primary infertility to the outpatient andrology clinic with either azoospermia or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing were used to identify all variants of the CFTR gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of the patients with a mutant CFTR gene and the spectrum of CFTR gene variations. SAMPLE SIZE: 50 infertile Saudi men. RESULTS: This study identified 10 CFTR gene variants in 7 (14%) subjects (100 chromosomes). The detected variants and polymorphisms were: c.1408G>A, c.4389G>A, c.2562T>G, c.869+11C>T, c.2909-92G>A, c.3469-65C>A, c.1210-6delT, c.1210-6T>A, c.2988+1G>A, and c.1210-13GT>TG. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that 14% of the study subjects had one or more CFTR mutations and these were compounded in most of the affected patients. The spectrum of CFTR gene mutations in these subjects was similar to the mutations reported in other studies throughout the world. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and the lack of a control group. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: None.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Symptoms and Duration of Post Acute Effects in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children – a Nationwide Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise Borch ◽  
Mette Holm ◽  
Maria Knudsen ◽  
Svend Ellermann-Eriksen ◽  
Soeren Hagstroem
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Muscle Weakness ◽  
School Children ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Danish Health ◽  
Registration Number

Abstract Background: Most children have a mild course of acute COVID-19, but only a few mainly non-controlled studies with small sample size, have evaluated the long-term recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (‘long COVID’).Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 37,522 children age 0-17 years with RT-PCR verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and a control group of 78,037 randomly selected children. An electronic questionnaire was sent to both groups of children from March 24th until May 9th 2021.Results: Long COVID symptoms were reported by 12-51% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children. Among pre-school children, fatigue Risk Difference (RD) 0.05 (CI 0.04-0.06), loss of smell RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01), loss of taste RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.02) and muscle weakness RD 0.01 (CI 0.00-0.01) were statistically significant symptoms of ‘long COVID’.Among school children the most significant symptoms were loss of smell RD 0.12 (CI 0.12-0.13), loss of taste RD 0.10 (CI 0.09-0.10), fatigue RD 0.05 (CI 0.05-0.06), respiratory problems RD 0.03 (CI 0.03-0.04), dizziness RD 0.02 (CI 0.02-0.03), muscle weakness RD 0.02 (CI 0.01-0.02), and chest pain RD 0.01 (CI 0.01-0.01). Children in the control group experienced significantly more concentration difficulties, headache, muscle- and joint pain, cough, nausea, diarrhea and fever than the SARS-CoV-2 infected. In most children ‘long COVID’ symptoms resolved within 1-5 months.Conclusions: This study provides new evidence of ‘long COVID’ symptoms in children.Trial registration number: The study was approved by The Danish Health Data Authority and registered at Central Denmark region (# 1-16-02-621-20).

scholarly journals The impact of visual impairment on nutritional status: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabila Jones ◽  
Hannah Bartlett
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Impaired People ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature that has investigated the impact of visual impairment on nutritional status. We identified relevant articles through a multi-staged systematic approach. Fourteen articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 761 participants. It was found that visual impairment significantly affects nutritional status. The studies reported that visually impaired people have an abnormal body mass index (BMI); a higher prevalence of obesity and malnutrition was reported. Visually impaired people find it difficult to shop for, eat, and prepare meals. Most studies had a small sample size, and some studies did not include a study control group for comparison. The limitations of these studies suggest that the findings are not conclusive enough to hold true for only those who are visually impaired. Further studies with a larger sample size are required with the aim of developing interventions.

Role of Trace andamp; Toxic Elements in the Development of Anaemia in School going population of Hyderabad

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-405
Author(s):  
Junaid Ali Thebo Junaid Ali Thebo ◽  
Shaista Khan Shaista Khan ◽  
Abdul Aziz Shaikh Abdul Aziz Shaikh ◽  
Nasren Thebo Nasren Thebo ◽  
Ghulam Nabi Ghulam Nabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Severe Anemia ◽  
Informed Consent Form ◽  
Lead Levels

The aim of this research work was to measure the concentration of essential trace elements, including serum copper, iron and zinc in children suffering from anemia, and also to investigate the effect of heavy metal like lead on causing anemia. The study has been performed on school going children living in Hyderabad, which is a mini industrialized city. The study was carried out in anemic children studying in different schools of Hyderabad having different age groups. 10 ml venous blood samples were obtained after an informed consent form was signed.The samples were used to analyzed the trace elements (Fe,Cu, Zn) and toxic metal Lead (Pb). Trace elements include zinc and copper were found elevated in anemic children than healthy one, Copper is involved in many vital mechanisms in the body, energy production, connective tissue formation, and Fe metabolism, whereas copper found low with relation to the iron in anemic children because copper helps in the absorption of iron. Zinc is an essential micronutrient demanded by living being because of its significant position in-cooperation with structural constituent of proteins and as a cofactor in enzyme catalysis, there is difference between zinc and iron, they have been found to inhibit each other’s absorption due to their competitive absorption pathways. Increased zinc levels found in children with low iron content, whereas control group have normal results of these elements which may be due to their dietary management. The results revealed the environmental pollution and the associated health risks on exposure to lead. Pb concentrations whereas the current research stated a considerable relationship of mild and severe anemia with 10-42.2μg/dl Pb concentrations, the variation in results may be due to a small sample size in the current study, Drinking water from corrosion of plumbing systems through the use of lead sellers and other lead containing materials in connecting household plumbing to public water supplies. Ground and surface water are also contaminated by lead consuming industry and agricultural activities. The concentrations of Pb greater than or equal to (≥)10 μg/dl in children related with an increased threat of mild and severe anemia, diminishing iron absorption . High Lead levels were related with lower concentrations of iron, ferritin and copper, in this study it was found that high levels of lead were found mostly in boys. Lead levels have also found in control group which was below 5 ug/dl, according to WHO ≥ 10 ug/dl is considered as high.

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