Comfort Scores Research Articles

The effect of lavender oil use on pain and comfort level in intramuscular injection administration: A single blind randomized controlled study

ContextThe fact that the concept of quality in health care services has come to the fore and that evidence-based practices have become widespread made such concepts as patient satisfaction and comfort important and priority parameters in determining the quality of health services. ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to determine the effects of using lavender oil in intramuscular injection on injection pain, comfort level, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate. MethodsThe study was designed as a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial. The research was conducted in accordance with the CONSORT Checklist guide. In our study, a total of 160 individuals were included in the sample, 80 of whom were control and 80 were intervention. Structured Information Form, Visual Analog Scale and Comfort Scale were used to collect the data of the research. Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon test were used to evaluate the data. ResultsIt was determined that the mean pain scores of the individuals who received intramuscular injection by applying lavender oil were statistically significantly lower than the individuals in the control group. Again, the comfort score averages of the individuals who were applied lavender oil were found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. It was determined that the blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate before the injection of the individuals in the control group increased statistically significantly according to the post-injection measurements, while the blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in the lavender oil group decreased significantly after the injection and remained within their normal values. ConclusionAs a result, it was determined that the application of lavender oil in intramuscular injection had a positive and significant effect on the blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of the individuals on the injection pain and comfort level.

The Effect of Active Warming Before Total Knee Arthroplasty on Intraoperative Body Temperature and Comfort: A Randomized Control Trial

PurposeThis study was conducted to determine the effect of active warming on intraoperative body temperature and comfort before total knee arthroplasty. DesignThis study was a randomized controlled trial designed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. MethodsThe study was conducted on 54 patients in a public hospital in Türkiye. In the study, patients in the intervention group were prewarmed for 30 minutes before surgery. The patients in the intervention and control groups were warmed with a warming bed during the surgery. FindingsIn this study, the first entry temperature to the operating room after anesthesia induction and the mean body temperature of the patients in the intervention group were higher than the control group. The mean comfort score of the patients in the intervention group was higher than the control group. ConclusionsAs a result of this study, we found that the combination of preoperative prewarming and intraoperative warming reduced the decrease in the patient's body temperature and increased the comfort.

Early oral hydration on demand in postanesthesia care unit effectively relieves postoperative thirst in patients after gynecological laparoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative thirst is one of the most intense, common and easily ignored subjective discomforts in patients after gynecological surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether early oral hydration on demand in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after gynecological laparoscopy under general anesthesia can appease postoperative thirst and increase patient comfort.MethodsParticipants were randomized into the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group were allowed to achieve early oral hydration on demand in the PACU if they were evaluated as fully conscious, with stable vital signs, grade 5 muscle strength, and well-recovered cough and swallowing reflex. However, the total amount of water intake throughout the entire study should not exceed 0.5mL/kg. During the study, the frequency of water intake, the total amount of water intake and adverse events were accurately recorded. The control group was managed according to the routine procedures and began to drink water 2 h after anesthesia. The intensity of thirst and subjective comfort in patients were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) when they entered and left the PACU.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were identified in age, height, weight, body mass index, pre-operative fasting time, duration of surgery, intraoperative fluid intake, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative urine volume, and thirst intensity and subjective comfort scores between the groups before intervention (P > 0.05). After intervention, the VAS score for thirst intensity in the intervention group significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the VAS score for subjective comfort in the intervention group significantly increased (P < 0.05). No adverse events were detected in both groups during the entire study.ConclusionEarly oral hydration on demand in the PACU can safely and effectively relieve postoperative thirst in patients, and improve patient comfort after gynecological laparoscopy.Trial registrationThis single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Center on April 27, 2023. The registration number of this study is ChiCTR2300070985.

Effects of prefabricated arch-support insole hardness on foot pressure and muscle activity in mountaineer porters during load-bearing tasks in mountainous terrain

BackgroundThe study aimed to compare the effects of medium hardness and high hardness arch-support insoles, with the latter modified by a soft forefoot pad, on foot pressure distribution and muscle activation during high-load carrying tasks in authentic mountainous trail environments. MethodsSixteen male mountaineer porters with experience in high-load carrying tasks participated in the experiments. They wore commercially available prefabricated arch-support insoles, specifically referred to as medium hardness arch-support material (MH) and high hardness arch-support material attached a 1-mm soft sponge pad to the forefoot area (HHSF) during uphill and downhill walking tasks with a 25-kg load. Foot pressure and muscle activation were measured using wireless pressure distribution insoles and a wireless surface electromyography system, respectively. ResultsThe HHSF showed significantly higher perceived comfort scores and reduced foot pressure in specific regions during downhill walking (p < 0.05). It exhibited increased peak foot pressure in the forefoot during uphill walking (p < 0.05). The MH showed greater foot pressure in the second metatarsal during downhill walking and a larger contact area in the midfoot during uphill walking (p < 0.05). Muscle activation did not differ significantly between the two insoles (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe study indicates that combining a high hardness arch-support insole with a soft forefoot pad may enhance comfort and potentially reduce foot injury risks, and improves foot propulsion and pressure distribution.

An evaluation of a bespoke modified UCBL foot orthosis on subjects with flat foot using kinetic measurements and user comfort scores: A randomized controlled trial

AimThe purpose of this study was to assess and evaluate the effect of a bespoke Modified UCBL Foot Orthosis (MUFO) using both kinetic parameters (Centre of Pressure (CoP) and the Ground Reaction Force (GRF) pattern) and comfort scores in subjects diagnosed with flat foot. MethodThis study included thirty-four young adults with symptomatic flatfeet. Two Kistler force plates (100 Hz) were used to record the CoP sway and GRF pattern during four conditions; 1) an MUFO and standard-fit shoe; 2) the University of California-Berkley Lab (UCBL) insole and standard-fit shoe; 3) barefoot and 4) standard-fit shoe only. The magnitude of subject comfort with UCBL and MUFO also was measured by a 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during walking. ResultsThe MUFO decreased mean lateral displacement in the initial phase and midstance of gait compared to barefoot walking. During the propulsion phase use of the new MUFO produced more lateral excursion with a mean difference of 3 mm) P < 0.001(compared to barefoot walking and standard shoe wear. No significant difference in comfort rate was found between the MUFO and UCBL (P = 0.165). ConclusionThe MUFO produced effective pronation control and decreased the CoP displacement in all of stance phase.

Effect of lidocaine pumped through hepatic artery to relieve pain of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy.

This study aims to explore the analgesic effect of lidocaine administered through the hepatic artery during hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 45 HCC patients were randomly divided into a study group and a control group. Both groups received oxaliplatin (OXA) based FOLFOX protocol via electronic infusion pump. The study group was continuously infused with 100 mg of lidocaine during HAIC, while 5% glucose solution was infused in the same way as described above. Changes in vital signs, visual analogue score (VAS) and general comfort score (GCQ scale) were recorded before surgery (Time point 0), at the end of infusion (Time point 01), 1 h after HAIC (Time point 02), 3 h after HAIC (Time point 03) and 6 h after HAIC (Time point 04). At each point of time from Time point 0 through Time point 04, the differences in MAP, RR and SPO2 between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). At each point of time from Time point 01 through Time point 04, the mean VAS scores in the study group were smaller and GCQ scores were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were both statistically significant (P < 0.05). Lidocaine infusion through the hepatic artery during HAIC effectively reduces intraoperative and postoperative pain and improves patient satisfaction with pain management, making it a valuable technique for clinical practice.

Impact of different concentration iodinated contrast media on pain and comfort in abdominal computed tomography

ObjectivesTo investigate whether high concentration iodinated contrast media (CM), compared with low concentration CM, could reduce pain and discomfort levels in patients who had level II and III venous conditions. MethodsThis prospective, single-center study enrolled patients who had level II and III venous conditions and underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scan between July 2021 and February 2022. The venous condition to establish peripheral venous access for CM injection was graded using the Intravenous Access Scoring system, of which level II and III indicated poor venous condition and difficult venous access. Patients received iomeprol 400 in high concentration group and ioversol 320 in low group at an identical iodine delivery rate of 1.12 gI/s. The primary outcomes were pain and comfort levels. The secondary outcomes included adverse events and image quality. Patients rated pain intensity via Numerical Rating Scale and comfort level via Visual Analogue Scale with higher scores indicating higher levels of pain and discomfort. Quantitative and qualitative image assessment were compared between two groups. Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were compared using χ2 test, χ2 test for trend or Fisher’s exact test. ResultsA total of 206 patients (mean age, 60.13 ± 12.14 years; 81 males) were included with 99 in the high concentration group and 107 in the low concentration group. The high group had significantly lower pain scores (median 1 [IQR: 0–2] vs 2 (IQR 2–4), p < 0.001) and comfort scores (1 [IQR: 0–3] vs 3 [IQR: 2–5], p < 0.001) than the low group. Incidence of CM extravasation did not significantly differ (1.0 % vs 4.5 %, p = 0.214). No hypersensitivity reaction was observed. Qualitative assessment showed higher clarity scores of intrahepatic hepatic artery and portal vein in the high group. Quantitative assessment results were comparable between two groups. ConclusionHigh concentration iodinated CM could lower pain intensity and improve comfort levels without comprising image quality of CT scan. High concentration CM is a preferable choice in patients with poor venous conditions during contrast-enhanced CT scan.

Modeling passenger comfort in turboprop aircraft using objective measures.

A quantitative comfort model will aid in evaluating comfort levels of various target groups before the actual flight of an airplane. However, constructing the model is always a challenge due to the complexity of the phenomenon. In this paper, we present quantitative comfort models to predict the (dis)comfort of passengers flying with turboprops based on objective measures. Ninety-seven participants took part in two experiments conducted during real flights, during which forty of them had environmental and personal factors recorded using (self-developed) measurement tools. The collected data were analyzed to model the relations between objective measures and subjective feelings. Two preliminary models based on gradient boosting regression were developed. The models were able to predict the changes in comfort and discomfort of individual passengers with an accuracy of 0.12±0.01 and 0.21±0.01 regarding normalized comfort and discomfort scores, respectively. Additionally, contributions of different factors were highlighted. The outcomes of the models show that we took a step forward in modeling the human comfort experience using objective measurements. Anthropometry (including age), seat positions, time duration, and row (noise) emerged as leading factors influencing the feeling of (dis)comfort in turboprop planes.

Factors influencing window opening behavior and mechanical ventilation usage during summertime: A case study in UK dwellings

The study presents findings of a data collection campaign conducted in 61 residential buildings in England during the summer of 2022, aiming to investigate the factors influencing 1) window usage, and 2) activation and deactivation of mechanical ventilation systems, and 3) the correlation between the residential soundscape, landscape, individual noise sensitivity, and the significance attributed to the external acoustic environment in determining window usage. The survey, covering 55 dwellings reliant on windows for ventilation, highlights that window opening is predominantly driven by perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) and thermal comfort concerns. Conversely, the acoustic factor ranks first in prompting window closure, alongside considerations related to perceived cold, safety concerns, excessive drafts, and insect intrusion. Within the 6 dwellings utilizing manually controlled mechanical ventilation, ventilation needs emerges as the predominant factor triggering system activation, followed by considerations related to thermal comfort and PIAQ. Reasons for system deactivation primarily involve a preference for window opening, excessive drafts, and, secondarily, excessive noise or thermal discomfort, with participant-voiced concerns about operational costs. The significance attributed to the external acoustic environment in determining window usage is mainly independent of perceived sound sources, measured loudness, or soundscape content. However, higher acoustic comfort scores correlate with a greater willingness to open windows for an acoustic contact. Interestingly, noise sensitivity modulates the importance attached to the external acoustic context when interacting with the window (odds ratio: 1.04). The study underscores the need of incorporating noise sensitivity as a relevant individual factor in models simulating window closing behaviour.

Decoding influences of indoor temperature and light on neural activity: entropy analysis of electroencephalographic signals.

Understanding the neural responses to indoor characteristics like temperature and light is crucial for comprehending how the physical environment influences the human brain. Our study introduces an innovative approach using entropy analysis, specifically, approximate entropy (ApEn), applied to electroencephalographic (EEG) signals to investigate neural responses to temperature and light variations in indoor environments. By strategically placing electrodes over specific brain regions linked to temperature and light processing, we show how ApEn can be influenced by indoor factors. We also integrate heart indices from a multi-sensor bracelet to create a machine learning classifier for temperature conditions. Results showed that in anterior frontal and temporoparietal areas, neutral temperature conditions yield higher ApEn values. The anterior frontal area showed a trend of gradually decreasing ApEn values from neutral to warm conditions, with cold being in an intermediate position. There was a significant interaction between light and site factors, only evident in the temporoparietal region. Here, the neutral light condition had higher ApEn values compared to blue and red light conditions. Positive correlations between anterior frontal ApEn and thermal comfort scores suggest a link between entropy and perceived thermal comfort. Our quadratic SVM classifier, incorporating entropy and heart features, demonstrates strong performance (until 90% in terms of AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity) in classifying temperature sensations. This study offers insights into neural responses to indoor factors and presents a novel approach for temperature classification using EEG entropy and heart features.

Silicone hydrogel versus hydrogel soft contact lenses for differences in patient-reported eye comfort and safety: A Cochrane systematic review summary.

This work is significant because it is the first Cochrane systemic review that compares the comfort and safety of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses (SCL). This study aimed to conduct a systemic review of randomized trials comparing the comfort and safety of silicone hydrogel and hydrogel SCLs. CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE.com, PubMed, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched on or before June 24, 2022, to identify randomized clinical trials that compared silicone hydrogel and hydrogel SCLs. Seven trials were identified and evaluated. One trial reported Ocular Surface Disease Index results, with the evidence being very uncertain about the effects of SCL material on Ocular Surface Disease Index scores (mean difference, -1.20; 95% confidence interval, -10.49 to 8.09). Three trials reported visual analog scale comfort score results, with no clear difference in comfort between materials, although results were of low certainty; trial results could not be combined because the three trials reported results at different time points. None of the included trials reported Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire 8 or Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness scores. There was no evidence of a clinically meaningful difference (>0.5 unit) between daily disposable silicone hydrogel and hydrogel SCLs in corneal staining, conjunctival staining, or conjunctival redness (very low certainty evidence). The overall evidence for a difference between all included silicone hydrogel and hydrogel SCL trials was of very low certainty, with most trials judged as having a high overall risk of bias. There was insufficient evidence to support recommending one SCL material over the other. Future well-designed trials are needed to generate high certainty evidence to further clarify differences in SCL material comfort and safety.

Evaluasi Green Building Berdasarkan Greenship pada Bangunan Gedung RSUD Grati Pasuruan

This research conducted focused on the Grati Hospital Building, which is an effort to mitigate global warming by evaluating the building in terms of green building principles. This is because the building is newly constructed and located in an industrial area with a dense population, making it suitable for a case study. The aim is to evaluate the RSUD Grati Hospital building based on the Green Building concept by applying Greenship assessment simulations. This research is classified as quantitative research, focusing on direct observational methods with reference to the Greenship Rating Tools, specifically version 1.2 for newly constructed buildings. The simulation results of the evaluation conducted on the RSUD Grati Hospital building are as follows: (1) Land Use Efficiency scores 7 points, (2) Energy Efficiency and Conservation scores 8 points, (3) Water Conservation scores 10 points, (4) Material Resources and Cycle scores 8 points, (5) Indoor Health and Comfort scores 6 points, (6) Building Environmental Management scores 4 points. Based on the points obtained, the overall rating is Bronze, with a score of 43 points or 42.57%, ranking fourth out of four ranks available, thus qualifying the building as a green building. The distinctive feature of the RSUD Grati Hospital building in implementing green building principles lies in its electricity and water conservation efforts, as reflected in the Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation categories.

The Relationship between Socket Comfort, Pain, and Mobility Over Treatment Milestones for Individuals with Lower-Limb Loss

Introduction This study investigates the relationships among mobility, pain, and socket comfort for people with lower-limb amputations who use prostheses over specific treatment milestones. Methods This is a retrospective chart analysis from January 1, 2015, to July 15, 2021. Outcome measures included are the Socket Comfort Score, Pain Scale, 2-Minute Walk Test, and PLUS-M (Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility). Data were collected at 4 milestones: Baseline and Discharge from Rehabilitation for those receiving their first prosthesis in rehabilitation and Initial Evaluation and Definitive Fitting for experienced prosthesis users receiving a replacement socket. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the strength of the correlations was determined using Pearson’s correlations. Results Measures were included from 59 individuals in rehabilitation and 165 individuals receiving a replacement socket. The sample was in general older males with transtibial amputations due to a variety of etiologies. The Pain Scale was negatively correlated with the Socket Comfort Score (−0.49 &lt; r &lt; −0.60), and the PLUS-M was correlated with the 2-minute walk test (0.41 &lt; r &lt; 0.61) at all milestones. Additionally, there were positive correlations between the PLUS-M and Socket Comfort Score (0.30 &lt; r &lt; 0.32), and negative correlations between the PLUS-M and Pain Scale (−0.46 &lt; r &lt; −0.32) for those receiving a replacement socket. Conclusions The relationship among comfort, pain, and mobility changes over the treatment timeline. There is evidence that, by addressing comfort and pain for those with experience using a prosthesis, clinicians can support the goal of increasing self-reported functional mobility. Clinical Relevance This study provides novel information about the relationships among pain, comfort, and mobility and the importance of considering the impact of treatment milestones when taking outcome measures and providing interpretative values as scores and relationships differ over the course of treatment.

The effect of educational intervention on the level of knowledge and comfort of nurses in heart failure self-care training: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of educational intervention on the level of knowledge and comfort of nurses in heart failure (HF) self-care training. This quasi-experimental study, lacking a control group, was conducted in 2021 with 102 nurses working in the coronary care unit at Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. The nurses were divided into four groups of 20 and one group of 22, participating in a 2.5-hour online training session. A pre-test was administered two weeks before the training, and a post-test was conducted four weeks after the training, using completed questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 software, employing paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. Before the training, the average knowledge score was 12.05 (standard deviation [SD]=2.23), and the average comfort score was 22.84 (SD=5.09). Following the training, the average knowledge score increased to 17.90 (SD=1.05), and the average comfort score rose to 31.05 (SD=2.14). The mean nurses' knowledge and comfort scores showed a significant increase after the educational intervention (P&lt;0.001). The findings indicated that the educational intervention effectively enhanced nurses' knowledge of HF self-care training and increased their comfort levels in teaching patients.

Analysis of the nursing effects of integrated medical and nursing care intervention in correction surgery for children with concealed penis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze and explore the nursing effects of integrated medical and nursing care intervention in correction surgery for children with concealed penis.MethodsA total of 76 eligible patients with concealed penis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the observation group received integrated medical and nursing care intervention. Outcomes include pain levels, comfort status, incidence of complications, and nursing satisfaction were collected and analyzed to investigate the nursing effects of the integrated medical and nursing care model.ResultsAfter 2/3 days of nursing intervention, the patients in the observation group had significantly lower pain scores (measured by FPS-R) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The patients in the observation group also had significantly higher comfort scores (measured by Kolcabal) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.63 vs. 23.68, P < 0.05). Parental satisfaction in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe integrated medical and nursing care intervention in correction surgery for children with concealed penis demonstrated positive nursing effects. It effectively reduced pain, improved comfort, lowered the risk of complications, and increased parental satisfaction. This approach maximizes the role of nursing care and is recommended for clinical implementation.

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Nursing Management in Enhancing Blood Donation Outcomes and Donor Experience: A Comparative Study

Objective: To assess the management effect of comprehensive nursing management on blood donation services in blood stations. Methods: Sixty-four individuals who donated blood at a blood station between September 2021 and September 2023 were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of 32 each. The first group received comprehensive nursing management, while the second group received routine nursing management. Blood donation indexes and observational indexes such as adverse reactions were compared between the groups. Results: The total blood donation volume and qualified blood donation volume were higher in the first group than in the second group. The amount of discarded blood and the rate of blood discards were lower in the first group compared to the second group (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the adverse reaction rate in the first group was lower, the blood donation comfort scores were higher, the psychological state scores were lower, and the quality of care scores were higher than those in the second group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Comprehensive nursing management can improve the efficiency of blood donation, reduce the rate of blood discards, decrease the incidence of adverse reactions, alleviate negative psychological states of blood donors, and enhance both the comfort level of blood donation and the quality of care provided.

Influence of Postoperative Diet Type and Regimen on Hospital Comfort and Rehabilitation of Lung Cancer Patients

A reasonable and standardized dietary plan and procedure can help patients recovering quickly from lung cancer surgery. The aim of this study is to optimize the diet plan and procedure mainly based on medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet and explore its clinical advantages for postoperative lung cancer patients. From October 2023 to December 2023, a total of 156 patients were collected, who underwent lung cancer surgery in Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The patients were randomized into MCT group (76 cases) and routine diet (RD) group (80 cases). Clinical symptoms, biochemical index, postoperative hospitalization time and cost, dietary satisfaction and hospitalization comfort between the two groups were analyzed. The mean anus exhausting time in MCT group [24.00 (9.75, 36.97) h] was significantly shorter than that in RD group [28.50 (24.00, 48.00) h] (P<0.001). And the incidence of dizziness (18.42%), nausea and vomiting (6.58%) in MCT group were remarkably lower than those in RD group (51.25%, 31.25%) (P<0.001). Hospitalization comfort score in MCT group [(16.74±1.70)] was significantly higher than that in RD group [(14.83±2.34)] (P=0.016). Meanwhile, the average hospitalization cost in MCT group [(39,701.82±8105.47)¥] showed an obvious decrease compared with RD group [(44,511.79±9593.19)¥] (P=0.007). Optimizing the dietary plan and procedure mainly based on MCT diet for postoperative lung cancer patients can help the recovery of gastrointestinal function and improve hospitalization comfort, which promoted overall postoperative rehabilitation of patients with lung cancer surgery.

Bilastine 0.6% Preservative-free Eye Drops: A Once-daily Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Bilastine is a second-generation antihistamine approved for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. The present trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new bilastine 0.6% preservative-free eye drop formulation for the symptomatic treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. This phase 3, multicenter, double-masked, randomized study compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability profile of bilastine 0.6% ophthalmic solution with that of ketotifen 0.025% and vehicle. The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction in ocular itching. The Ora-CAC® Allergen Challenge Model was used to assess ocular and nasal symptoms at 15 minutes (onset of action) and 16 hours after treatment. Patients (N=228) were 59.6% male, and the mean (SD) age was 44.1 (13.4) years. Bilastine demonstrated efficacy in reducing ocular itching compared to vehicle at both onset of action and 16 hours after treatment (P<.001). Symptoms improved with ketotifen compared to vehicle 15 minutes after treatment (P<.001). Bilastine demonstrated statistical noninferiority to ketotifen for all 3 post-CAC timepoints at 15 minutes after instillation, based on an inferiority margin of 0.4. Compared with vehicle, bilastine improved in conjunctival redness, ciliary redness, episcleral redness, chemosis, eyelid swelling, tearing, rhinorrhea, ear and palate pruritus, and nasal congestion at 15 minutes after treatment (P<.05). Ophthalmic bilastine was safe and well tolerated. Mean drop comfort scores were significantly better for bilastine than for ketotifen immediately upon instillation (P<.05) and similar to those of vehicle. Ophthalmic bilastine effectively reduced ocular itching for 16 hours after administration, suggesting that it could be used as a once-daily treatment for the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03479307.

Comparison of Socket Geometry, Socket Comfort, and Patient Experience between Manually- and Digitally-Designed Prosthetic Sockets for Lower-Limb Amputees: A Feasibility Study

This shift in practice may change the socket geometry and fit; however, to what extent is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of analyzing geometric and clinical differences between digitally- and manually-designed sockets. Nine adult inpatients with below-knee amputation were recruited. Two sockets were 3D printed for each participant from 3D socket models that were developed from: (1) 3D scanning a manually-modified hand-casted positive mold of the residuum; and (2) a digitally-modified 3D scan of the residuum. Manual and digital procedures were compared for three measures: final socket geometry, the Socket Comfort Score, and a patient experience survey. Feasibility data were collected to measure protocol implementation fidelity to inform a future larger study. These data revealed that 89% of participants followed the intended protocol, no participants dropped out, and only one adverse event was report. As no significant geometric differences were found and participants experienced similar comfort scores between manually- and digitally-designed sockets, study feasibility was determined to be successful. Thus, a randomized control trial study will be conducted to draw statistically relevant conclusions from these outcome measures that may provide meaningful information for improving digital design procedures.

Should I Just Stick to the Wall? Evaluating the Social Acceptance and Preferred Driving Side of Wall Following

The need for safe, predictable, and reliable robot navigation is fundamental for mobile robots to move around in home and office environments. Shortest-path navigation is a popular robot navigation method that uses the most efficient path to get to the desired goal. This behaviour is not always easy to interpret, understand, and avoid in a congested hallway. Instead, more predictable navigation methods, such as a robot following a wall, can help increase social acceptance and help avoid the robot crossing the pedestrian path. If a robot follows along a wall, a key variable to consider is the preferred driving side of the robot (left or right) in areas such as in narrow passages, and its perceived impact on social acceptance. This international user study (n = 143) involved an online video-based test to compare robot evaluation and social acceptance for two types of mobile navigation (Wall-Following and Shortest Path), including the preferred driving side for Wall-Following. A Fetch robot navigated from start to goal position in a series of indoor scenarios with a pedestrian. Select scenarios included a hallway, doorway, and intersection. Independent Sample T-Tests results found that Wall-Following was rated significantly higher than Shortest Path for being perceived as more comfortable and predictable, regardless of robot driving side. The preference for the driver side of the robot did not match the country of residence, nor did it have a significant impact on robot ratings. There were significant interaction effects for comfort, safety and predictable scores across two timepoints. Given the popularity of Shortest Path navigation, the findings indicate that this approach might not be the most appropriate for human settings. Additional investigation into Wall-Following behaviours is recommended for social acceptance, even if the method compromises the efficiency of the robot to acheive its objective.