Control Group Mean Research Articles (Page 1)

Hilar nerve block has been recently described as a method of pain relief during percutaneous liver tumor ablation. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hilar nerve block. In this retrospective cohort study, all patients who underwent image-guided percutaneous liver ablation with and without hilar nerve block from November 2022 to July 2024 in our institution were reviewed. Outcomes including technical success, complications, pain scores, intravenous analgesia and sedation requirements were compared between the nerve block and control groups. Thirty patients were included in the nerve block group and 33 patients were included in the control group. The nerve block group experienced less pain during ablation compared to the control group, both overall (mean pain score 3.9 vs 5.5 respectively, p = 0.018) and within the non-subcapsular tumor subgroup (mean pain score 3.5 vs 5.3 respectively, p = 0.018). The nerve block group required lower doses of fentanyl compared to the control group (mean dose 17.5 µg vs 35.6 µg, p = 0.001). Twelve patients in the nerve block group did not require any intravenous analgesia. Hilar nerve block is a safe and effective technique for pain relief during percutaneous liver tumor ablation, which can lower the requirement for intravenous analgesics.

Background: Considering the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among Iranian women and the effects of sexual self-concepts on sexual performance, further studies on the effects of sex counseling on the sexual self-concepts of brides-to-be seem necessary. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effects of EX-PLISSIT sex counseling on the sexual self-concepts of brides-to-be. Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 women visiting the premarital counseling centers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. The 15-plus-year-old brides-to-be were selected as participants and were then assigned to intervention and control groups with a randomized block design. Participants in the intervention group attended four 60–90-minute individual counseling sessions with an interval of one week in accordance with the EX-PLISSIT model, whereas those in the control group received routine premarital counseling. The researcher interviewed all participants before and four weeks after the intervention and then completed the Multidimensional Sexual Self- Concept Questionnaire and the Sexual Dysfunctional Belief Questionnaire. Results: Results showed no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of demographics and the baseline scores of sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunction beliefs. The post-intervention mean score of negative sexual self-concept was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=-5.8, 95% confidence interval: - 3.3 to -8.2, p<0.001), and the post-intervention mean score of situational self-concept was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (mean difference=3.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.9 to 5.1, p=0.004). However, results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in the post-intervention mean score of positive sexual self-concept (mean difference=- 0.5, 95% confidence interval: -5.1 to 4.0, p=0.815). In addition, the post-intervention mean score of sexual dysfunction beliefs was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=-15.3, 95% confidence interval: -20.1 to -10.5, p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicated the positive effects of EX-PLISSIT sex counseling on negative and situational sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunction beliefs in brides-to-be. Hence, this model is recommended to be used in combination with other sex counseling methods in order to improve the sexual health of brides-to-be.

Sonography only, few internal examinations (SOFIE): Birth progress in normal deliveries followed with intrapartum ultrasound.

Recommendations for vitamin D supplementation are essential for the prevention and therapy of vitamin D deficiency. However, reliable data remain lacking for children, as most intake recommendations are based on individual studies. This work aimed to obtain reliable data that allow health authorities to re-evaluate recommendations for oral vitamin D uptake in children. We conducted a systematic literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed on vitamin D supplementation in children. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 6th, 2016, and that met special inclusion criteria were included. Egger's test was performed to rule out publication bias, and a quality assessment of the RCTs was performed using the Jadad score. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE method. The meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA-P recommendations. A total of seventeen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. On average, the baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 42.48 +/- 17.82 nmol/L in the intervention groups and 41.42 +/- 16.74 nmol/L in the control groups (mean value +/- standard deviation). At the beginning of the study periods, mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D values were deficient in 41% of the RCTs in the deficient range, and in 30% in the insufficient range, respectively. After vitamin D supplementation, the intervention groups showed a significant increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration compared with the control groups. (evidence level high ++++). The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level increased by an average of 25.57 nmol/L (CI: 19.59, 31.56 nmol/L, p < 0.001). The effect was already significant after a few weeks (studies shorter than 16 weeks - increase of 26.23 nmol/L), and vitamin D administration over a more extended period did not result in a greater increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (25.45 nmol/l rise after 52 weeks). After supplementation, there was no vitamin D deficiency in any of the intervention groups, but in 18% of the studies, the 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was still in the insufficient range (<50 nmol/L). We estimated that a daily dose of 1145 IU of vitamin D would be necessary to raise the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 97.5% of the study population above 50 nmol/L. Notably, vitamin D intoxication was not observed. Overall, there was significant heterogeneity in the studies, for which no explanation could be identified. The Egger's test revealed no publication bias. This analysis should raise awareness that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are widespread in children worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency is clinically significant because it impairs bone mineralization, increases the risk of rickets and fractures, and may negatively influence immune, metabolic, and neurocognitive function, as well as cancer development, underscoring the importance of effective supplementation strategies, especially in children. Our analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation in children effectively increases 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, normalizing them in 80% of studies (evidence level high ++++). Both fortified foods and vitamin D preparations can be used for substitution. The dose of 800 IU per day recommended in Germany and many other countries for children and adolescents can be considered safe (evidence level high ++++) and should also be implemented in everyday clinical practice because of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. In the future, large-scale prospective RCTs will be required to investigate the impact of different vitamin D dosages on the incidence of childhood diseases (e.g., rickets, type 1 diabetes, hypertension, asthma, respiratory infections) to understand these associations better. Such studies should also account for critical confounding determinants of vitamin D status, including BMI, sex, ethnicity, geographic location, season, dietary intake, and genetic variation.

Background: Nutritional issues among toddlers remain a serious problem in Indonesia. The age of 6–24 months is a critical period in the growth and development of toddlers. Furthermore, children aged 12–23 months were more likely to meet complementary foods (e.g., minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet) than those younger, indicating that the older the child is, the greater the possibility of them meeting minimum complementary foods. Therefore, understanding complementary foods among mothers is essential for meeting the nutritional needs of children aged 6–11 months. Purpose: To compare mothers' knowledge about complementary foods for children aged 6–11 months in the intervention and control groups in South Tangerang. Methods: This research utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group design, carried out between August to September 2022. Participants (n=40) were selected through simple random sampling and then divided into intervention group (n=20) or the control group (n=20). To assess differences in knowledge changes between the two groups, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied in the analysis. Results: The mean scores in the intervention group before and after receiving the booklet were 50.5 and 75.5, respectively. This implies a significant difference between complementary food knowledge mothers in the pre-test and post-test (p-value £0.05). On the other hand, the control group's mean value did not change significantly (pre-test 51.5 and post-test 50.5; p-value >0.05). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the booklet intervention had an impact on increasing mothers' understanding of complementary foods. Thus, health education through booklets is useful in changing knowledge and might be used in posyandu.

The study investigated the effects of proprioceptive+core exercises on female swimmers' 25-meter freestyle technical swimming performance and vertical jump performance. Sixteen females aged 20-26 with at least three year of swimming experience participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: Proprioceptive+Core Exercise Group (PCEG) (n=8 women) and the Control Group (CG) (n=8 women). The experimental group applied proprioceptive+core exercises in addition to their swimming training twice a week for 6 weeks, while the control group continued their routine swimming training twice a week. When the pretest and posttest results were examined, the 25-meter freestyle technical swimming performance of the proprioceptive+core experimental group was measured as 23.33±2.51 in the pretest and 21.66±2.59 in the posttest. The vertical jump performance of the proprioceptive+core experimental group was 18.73±6.43 in the pretest and 23.48±7.30 in the posttest. When the pretest and posttest were compared, significant differences were found in the experimental group's 25-meter freestyle technical swimming performance (p=0.004) and vertical jump performance (p=0.001). In the control group, the 25-meter freestyle technical swimming performance was measured as 24.58±1.56 in the pretest and 24.25±1.34 in the posttest. The vertical jump performance of the control group was measured as 13.76±1.66 in the pretest and 16.07±1.74 in the posttest. Significant improvements were found in the 25-meter freestyle technical swimming performance of the proprioceptive+core experimental group (mean difference -1.67±1.13 sec; posttest 21.66±2.59 sec). The 25-meter freestyle technical swimming performance between the groups was found to be significant (p=0.020). The vertical jump performance of the proprioceptive+core group was higher (mean difference: 4.75±2.19 cm; posttest: 24.25±1.34 cm), while the vertical jump performance of the control group (mean difference: 2.31±1.37 cm; posttest: 16.07±1.74 cm) was lower. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.018). Six weeks of proprioceptive+core exercises were found to have positive effects on the 25-meter freestyle technical swimming times and the vertical jump performance test in female swimmers. The findings suggest integrating proprioceptive+core exercises into swimming training would improve performance.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, and adherence of idebenone tablets in improving cognitive function among patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment in a real-world setting.MethodsThis single-arm, multicenter, real-world observational study enrolled 3,755 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment from 342 hospitals across China between January 2020 and December 2024. Patients received idebenone (30 mg three times daily) for 3 months. Cognitive function was assessed using MoCA and MMSE at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3. Treatment effectiveness was categorized as markedly effective (≥80% improvement), effective (30–79% improvement), or ineffective (<30% improvement).ResultsOf the 3,755 patients (mean age 60.7 ± 10.4 years; 58.5% male), 61.8% had hypertension and 48.4% had ischemic stroke. The total effectiveness rate increased progressively from 10.9–13.0% at month 1 to 37.4–38.2% at month 3 for both MoCA and MMSE scores (p < 0.001). MoCA scores improved from 14.6 ± 5.1 at baseline to 17.6 ± 6.2 at month 3, while MMSE scores increased from 14.2 ± 4.6 to 17.5 ± 6.2. High medication adherence (≥80%) was achieved by 96.9% of patients. Only mild adverse events were reported in less than 2% of patients, with no severe adverse events documented.ConclusionThis real-world study suggests that three-month idebenone therapy provides meaningful improvements in cognitive function among patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment, with excellent safety and adherence profiles. However, the observational, single-arm design without a control group means that observed improvements cannot be definitively attributed to the intervention alone. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

BackgroundCollege students commonly struggle with procrastination, which is linked to mental health complaints and poor academic performance. Interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective in reducing procrastination. Traditional face-to-face therapy and online interventions have shown promising outcomes, with the latter overcoming help-seeking barriers such as lengthy referral processes and waiting lists.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a new eHealth intervention targeting procrastination for college students (“GetStarted”) with guidance by student e-coaches. This cognitive behavioral therapy–based intervention was designed specifically for and together with the target demographic of students studying in the Netherlands. Guidance was offered by trained clinical psychology students in the form of written motivational, supportive messages.MethodsWe conducted a single-arm study. The primary outcomes were satisfaction (8-item Client Satisfaction Questionnaire [CSQ-8]), usability (10-item System Usability Scale [SUS-10]), and adherence (completion rate). The secondary outcomes were changes to procrastination (Irrational Procrastination Scale [IPS]), depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]), stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale [PSS-10]), quality of life (Mental Health Quality of Life Questionnaire [MHQoL]), and e-coaching satisfaction (Working Alliance Inventory for Guided Internet Interventions [WAI-I]).ResultsOf 734 participants who started the intervention, 335 (45.6%) completed the posttest. Students reported being satisfied with the intervention (CSQ-8: mean 23.48, SD 3.23) and found it very usable (SUS-10: mean 34.39, SD 4.52). Regarding adherence, participants completed 68.95% of the intervention on average, while 36.65% (n=269) of participants completed the full intervention. Participants showed a significant decrease in procrastination (IPS: mean decrease 35.39-32.56, Cohen d=0.63), depression (PHQ-9: mean decrease 9.27-7.73, Cohen d=0.35), and stress (PSS-10: mean decrease 20.79-19.02, Cohen d=0.31) as well as an increase in quality of life (MHQoL: mean increase 12.81-13.65, Cohen d=0.37) from baseline to posttest to follow-up. Participants reported a moderate-to-strong alliance with their e-coach (WAI-I: mean 45.26, SD 7.72).ConclusionsThe internet-based, student-guided intervention “GetStarted” targeting procrastination appears to be acceptable and feasible for college students in the Netherlands. However, high attrition rates and the lack of a control group mean that results must be interpreted with caution. To further examine intervention effectiveness, a randomized controlled trial needs to be conducted.

Lewy body diseases (LBDs) feature profound myocardial depletion of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine. In addition to sympathetic neuronal loss, the norepinephrine deficiency may reflect decreased vesicular sequestration of cytoplasmic catecholamines in dysfunctional but living nerve terminals. To evaluate intraneuronal vesicular storage in patients with LBDs, we retrospectively analyzed multitracer PET data using 18F-6-fluorodopamine (18F-DA, a sympathetic neuroimaging agent) and 11C-methylreboxetine (11C-MRB, a ligand for the cell membrane norepinephrine transporter). If there were a vesicular storage defect, then the decrease in 18F-DA-derived radioactivity would be greater than the decrease in 11C-MRB-derived radioactivity. Methods: Twenty-three patients with Parkinson disease or the Lewy body form of pure autonomic failure and 15 controls underwent 18F-DA dynamic scanning (9 frames; last frame, 10-min duration with midpoint at 25 min) and on a separate day underwent 11C-MRB PET for 45 min (dynamic for 30 min, then a static 15-min frame with midpoint at 38 min). Results: All patients in the LBD group had interventricular septal 18F-DA-derived radioactivity below the range of values in the control group (mean decrease, 75%; P < 0.0001). The LBD group also had a mean decrease of 37% in 11C-MRB-derived radioactivity from the control group in the static frame with midpoint at 38 min (P < 0.0001). At all time points after tracer administration, septal myocardial 18F-DA/11C-MRB ratios were lower in the LBD group (by 68% at 25 min; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: LBDs entail substantially decreased vesicular storage in cardiac sympathetic nerves. This abnormality has direct implications for disease-modifying treatment and prevention strategies, since extant but dysfunctional ("sick-but-not-dead") neurons may be salvageable.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of differentiated learning in enhancing critical thinking skills and student activeness in mathematics among fourth-grade students in public elementary schools in the Trucuk District, Klaten. Differentiated learning is designed to address diverse student needs, interests, and abilities through tailored content, process, and assessment strategies. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 70 students from four randomly selected schools. Two schools were assigned as experimental groups implementing differentiated learning, while the remaining two served as control groups using conventional teaching methods. Data were collected through critical thinking tests and observation sheets measuring student activeness. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, classical assumption tests, and hypothesis testing using paired t-tests. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Students in the experimental group demonstrated higher critical thinking scores (mean = 54.20) than those in the control group (mean = 42.83), with a t-value of 17.717 and a p-value of 0.000 (p 0.05). Similarly, student activeness improved significantly in the experimental group (mean = 53.34) compared to the control group (mean = 43.51), supported by a t-value of 6.254 and a p-value of 0.000. The results suggest that differentiated learning effectively enhances both critical thinking and student activeness in mathematics. Individualized instruction provides meaningful engagement and supports cognitive development, particularly in elementary education. This study highlights the importance of responsive teaching strategies in fostering student-centered learning environments.

Background: Nursing assistants (NAs) in long-term care facilities contribute to palliative care by assisting with activities of daily living and comfort care. There is a gap in evaluated palliative care trainings for NAs. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of online training on knowledge of psychosocial aspects of palliative care among NAs. Design: We used a wait-listed randomized two-group pretest-posttest design. The training was developed based on literature review and needs assessment. All participants completed a baseline evaluation. The intervention group took a posttest on palliative care knowledge upon completing an eight-module palliative care training, with the control group just completing the assessments. Setting/Subjects: NAs (n = 102) from six long-term care facilities in the United States were in the intervention (n = 51) and a control group (n = 51). The retention rate was 90% at the posttest, with 46 NAs in each group (n = 92). Measurements: We measured palliative care knowledge using 50 questions (scored 0-100) at baseline and posttest. The questions were developed to measure how well the participants understood the training content. Results: Palliative care knowledge significantly increased in the intervention group only (mean score 4.1 points, p < 0.05). The posttest score of the intervention group was significantly greater than that of the control group (mean score 6.5 points, p < 0.005). The effect size of the difference in posttest scores between two study groups was medium (Glass's Δ 0.60). Conclusion: The results indicate the effectiveness of online training in improving NAs' knowledge of psychosocial aspects of palliative care.

Use of virtual simulation-based training platform on thyroid ultrasonography in medical students: a randomized controlled trial.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of nutrition education and counseling on the nutritional status of pregnant women in Ethiopia, to guide future public health efforts. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched from 2014 up to December 2024. The review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Sub-group analysis, the I2 test, funnel plot, and Egger's test were performed. A weighted mean difference was used to measure the outcome. Nine studies were included in the analysis. nutritional interventions significantly improved mid-upper arm circumference in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean difference = 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.37, 1.13). Community-based interventions showed greater effectiveness (mean difference = 1.03, 95% CI 0.66, 1.41), and interventions lasting 6months or more were more impactful (mean difference = 0.75, 95% CI 0.37, 1.13). Medium-intensity counseling also yielded better results than high-intensity counseling (mean difference = 0.76, 95% CI 0.28, 1.24). Individual-based interventions had a larger effect (mean difference = 0.98, 95% CI 0.17-1.78) compared to group-based ones (mean difference = 0.64, 95% CI 0.20-1.08). Theory-based counseling significantly improved mid-upper arm circumference (mean difference = 0.99, 95% CI 0.58, 1.40). Nutrition education has a significant positive impact on the nutritional status of pregnant women, with the most effective results observed in community-based settings, extended interventions, medium-intensity counseling, individualized approaches, and theory-driven frameworks. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42025638888.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that colonises. Aims to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection severity and metabolic disorder. A case-control study was conducted with 180 patients, who were divided into three groups: (Group 1) severe gastritis, (Group 2) moderate gastritis, and (Group 3) healthy controls. In serum, H. pylori was detected using nephelometry immunoassay, and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) determined interleukin-17F (IL-17F). The severe gastritis patients had significantly higher H. pylori levels compared to those of moderate gastritis patients (mean difference: 47.083 AU/ml, p &lt; 0.05) and healthy controls (mean difference: 117.033 AU/ml, p &lt; 0.05). The control group had significantly lower amounts of H. pylori than those in the moderate gastritis group (mean difference: -69.950 AU/ml, p &lt;0.05). The levels of IL-17F were also significantly higher in the severe gastritis group than the moderate gastritis group (mean difference: 27.9467 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.05) and the control group (mean difference: 59.9967 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.05). The levels of HbA1c in the severe gastritis group were higher than those in both the moderate gastritis group (mean difference: 3.1217%, p &lt;0.05) and the control group (5.0883%, p &lt;0.05). The mean levels of RBS in severe gastritis were higher compared to both moderate gastritis (51.800 mg/dl, p &lt; 0.05) and the control group (122.833 mg/dl, p &lt; 0.05). Results revealed that higher infection severity resulted in higher concentrations of these markers, indicating the contribution of H. pylori to metabolic dysfunction and immune response. These results underscore the need for H. pylori eradication to enhance metabolism and immunity.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that colonises. Aims to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection severity and metabolic disorder. A case-control study was conducted with 180 patients, who were divided into three groups: (Group 1) severe gastritis, (Group 2) moderate gastritis, and (Group 3) healthy controls. In serum, H. pylori was detected using nephelometry immunoassay, and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) determined interleukin-17F (IL-17F). The severe gastritis patients had significantly higher H. pylori levels compared to those of moderate gastritis patients (mean difference: 47.083 AU/ml, p &lt; 0.05) and healthy controls (mean difference: 117.033 AU/ml, p &lt; 0.05). The control group had significantly lower amounts of H. pylori than those in the moderate gastritis group (mean difference: -69.950 AU/ml, p &lt;0.05). The levels of IL-17F were also significantly higher in the severe gastritis group than the moderate gastritis group (mean difference: 27.9467 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.05) and the control group (mean difference: 59.9967 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.05). The levels of HbA1c in the severe gastritis group were higher than those in both the moderate gastritis group (mean difference: 3.1217%, p &lt;0.05) and the control group (5.0883%, p &lt;0.05). The mean levels of RBS in severe gastritis were higher compared to both moderate gastritis (51.800 mg/dl, p &lt; 0.05) and the control group (122.833 mg/dl, p &lt; 0.05). Results revealed that higher infection severity resulted in higher concentrations of these markers, indicating the contribution of H. pylori to metabolic dysfunction and immune response. These results underscore the need for H. pylori eradication to enhance metabolism and immunity.

Background:Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, necessitating effective non-surgical preventative strategies. This study is the first to evaluate the morphological and histopathological effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZE) on selenite-induced cataracts in rats.Materials and Methods:Seventy-two male Sprague–Dawley rat pups were randomly assigned to six groups: control (C), vehicle control (VC), ZE control (ZC), selenite (S), selenite plus vehicle (SV), and selenite plus ZE (SE). Cataracts were induced by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite (30 μmol/kg) on postnatal day 8. ZE (500 μL/kg, diluted 1:1 with olive oil) was administered orally twice weekly for 5 weeks. Cataract severity was graded weekly by using Hiraoka’s scale (0–6) by a blinded ophthalmologist. Histopathological changes were qualitatively assessed via hematoxylin and eosin staining. Statistical analysis employed the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn’s post-hoc test.Results:No cataracts developed in the control groups (mean grade: 0). The S and SV groups developed severe cataracts (mean grade: 5.14 ± 0.64). ZE treatment significantly reduced cataract severity in the SE group (mean grade: 2.07 ± 0.59; P < 0.05 vs. S and SV). Histopathology showed that ZE preserved lens architecture and markedly reduced degenerative changes compared with S and SV.Conclusion:This study provides the first morphological and histological evidence that ZE can prevent or delay cataract formation by preserving lens structure and function in a selenite-induced rat model. ZE demonstrates promising potential as a natural therapeutic agent for cataract prevention.

Residual spraying with pyrethroid insecticides is still the main strategy used to prevent vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. The emergence of resistance to these insecticides in triatomine populations associated with vector control failure highlights the need to evaluate alternative tools, such as xenointoxication. Chickens serve as important blood meal sources and are positively associated with triatomine abundance. Therefore, several endectocides have been tested in chickens, with fluralaner exhibiting the best results. However, the effect of treating chickens with fluralaner has not been evaluated in pyrethroid-resistant triatomines. Here, we aimed to assess the efficacy and duration of the lethal effect of fluralaner on pyrethroid-resistant and susceptible Triatoma infestans using chickens as treated hosts under semi-experimental conditions with a treated-control design. Three chickens received two oral doses of Bravecto® (fluralaner, MSD Animal Health) at 0.5mg/kg, whereas three other chickens were assigned to the control group, which received only semolina. Third- to fifth-instar nymphs, both susceptible and resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, were exposed to the chickens at five specific times: 0 (pre-treatment), 3, 7, 14, and 28days post-treatment (DPT). We recorded the degree of triatomine engorgement and assessed feeding success and survival after each exposure. The data were analyzed via logistic regressions and Kaplan‒Meier curves. Feeding success rates were high, ranging from 95.5% to 100% throughout the trial, and were not affected by treatment or exposure time. The greatest lethal effects of fluralaner on triatomines exposed to treated chickens were observed up to 14 DPT, with cumulative mortality ranging from 76.9% to 87.0%. At 28 DPT, triatomine mortality decreased significantly to 12.8%, similar to the control group means (< 17.9%) and pre-treatment levels (6.8%). No difference in the lethality of fluralaner was detected between susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant triatomines via logistic regression analysis. On the basis of these and previous results, chickens are eligible for a field study that addresses the efficacy of simultaneous xenointoxication of various hosts using fluralaner. This approach provides a promising alternative for addressing the challenge of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in triatomines.

Background: Post-caesarean pain negatively affects maternal recovery, mobility, breastfeeding, and overall well-being. Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) technique is a non-pharmacological intervention shown to reduce postoperative discomfort. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Jacobson’s Muscle Relaxation Technique in reducing pain among post-caesarean mothers. Methods: A true experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted. Fifty post-caesarean mothers were selected using purposive sampling and allocated to experimental (n=25) and control (n=25) groups. The experimental group received JPMR sessions from Day 1 to Day 5 post-surgery, while the control group received routine care. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired and unpaired t-tests. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain scores post-intervention (mean = 0.48 ± 0.65) compared to the control group (mean = 6.28 ± 0.75) (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Jacobson’s Muscle Relaxation Technique is effective, safe, and non-invasive for reducing post-caesarean pain. Its integration into routine postnatal care can enhance maternal recovery and reduce analgesic dependency.

Center of mass displacement and lower limb kinematics during the side hop test in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability.

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that can treat spinal conditions while resulting in less pain and faster recovery than alternative techniques. However, achieving precise navigation is challenging without significant radiation exposure and increased surgical times. Fluoroscopy-based 2-dimensional navigation (2DNAV) is an emerging technology that offers real-time navigation using intraoperative fluoroscopy. This study evaluated the clinical efficiency and radiation safety of 2DNAV in biportal endoscopic spine surgery as compared with conventional C-arm fluoroscopy. This prospective comparative cohort study included 20 biportal endoscopic patients using 2DNAV and 20 case-matched control patients using C-arm fluoroscopy. Primary outcomes included operative time, number of fluoroscopic images, radiation exposure time, and total radiation dose. Additionally, a visual analog scale for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index were obtained. Mean operative time in the 2DNAV group (67.95 ± 14.4 minutes) was significantly shorter compared with the control group (83.0 ± 16.0 minutes, P = 0.003). The mean number of fluoroscopic images required was significantly less in the 2DNAV group (3.15 ± 1.6 images) with vs control group (17.95 ± 5.7 images, P < 0.001). Total radiation exposure time was significantly lower in the 2DNAV group (mean 1.9 ± 1.1 min:sec) vs the control group (mean 9.21 ± 5.6 min:sec, P < 0.001). 2DNAV group experienced mean radiation dose of 0.77 ± 0.4 mGy vs 6.21 ± 3.8 mGy in control (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes. 2DNAV significantly reduced operative times and required significantly fewer fluoroscopic images with lower radiation exposure for patients. 2DNAV allowed for the successful completion of the procedures with no difference in clinical outcomes. 2DNAV provides real-time instrument tracking and computer navigation during endoscopic spine surgery with significantly decreased operative time and radiation exposure with similar clinical outcomes as conventional fluoroscopy.