Control Group Mean Research Articles

Healthcare resource utilization, total costs, and comorbidities among patients with myotonic dystrophy using U.S. insurance claims data from 2012 to 2019

BackgroundMyotonic dystrophy (DM) is a rare, inherited disorder with multi-systemic effects that impact the skeletal muscles, eyes, heart, skin and gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, and central nervous systems. DM is divided into two subtypes: DM1 can present from early childhood through adulthood and also has a congenital form (cDM) while DM2 typically manifests during mid-adulthood. Both forms are progressive with no approved treatments, and unmet need for disease-modifying therapies remains high. This study interrogated health insurance claims data to explore the clinical experience, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and all-cause costs for DM.ResultsA total of 8541 patients with DM and 242 patients with cDM and their matched controls were selected from a database of over 200 million claimants. HCRU and all-cause costs, including pharmacy, outpatient, and inpatient services, were analyzed across four years in 12-month follow-up periods. Mean all-cause costs per DM patient were high in each of the four periods (range $14,640–$16,704) and showed a steady increase from 13 to 23 months on, while the control group mean costs declined from $9671 in the first 12 months after the index event, to approach the US population average ($5193) over time. For cDM, the highest mean costs were in the first 12-months ($66,496 vs. $2818 for controls), and remained high (above $17,944) across all subsequent periods, while control mean costs approached $0. For DM and cDM, HCRU was higher compared to controls across all study periods and all-cause healthcare costs were mostly driven by inpatient and outpatient encounters. Analysis of all diagnosis codes over the study period (comorbidities) demonstrated an elevated comorbidity profile consistent with the clinical profile of DM.ConclusionsThis study is among the first to utilize claims data to increase understanding of the clinical experience and health economic outcomes associated with DM. The markedly elevated HCRU patterns and comorbidity profile presented here add to the broad body of scientific and clinical knowledge on DM. These insights can inform clinical care and support the development of disease modifying and/or symptom-targeting therapies that address the multi-systemic, progressive nature of DM.

Correlation of HMGB1, PON-1, MCP-1, and Periodontal P. gingivalis with Amniotic Fluid Fecal Dye.

Background This paper aims to investigate the correlation between high mobility group protein-1 (HMG-b1), antioxidant enzyme-1 (paraoxon-1, PON-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1), P. gingivalis, and MSAF. Materials and Methods The total sample size comprised of 73 cases in both groups. These patients were further subdivided into 2 groups: the MSAF group and the control group. 38 women were in the MSAF group and 35 women with term amniotic fluid serum were in the control group. The MSAF group was selected as a full-term singleton amniotic fluid fecal infection group. Clinical data were collected, and specimens were collected. Fecal staining of amniotic fluid and full-term amniotic fluid removes the placenta and umbilical cord blood. The expression of HMGB1 in the placenta was observed by immune-histochemical staining of MSAF and control groups. The content of PON-1 in cord blood was determined by ELISA. Results Correlation between maternal and neonatal clinical data and MSAF was done; MSAF group mean gestational age was 41.38 ± 1.40 weeks; control group mean gestational age was 39.20 ± 1.24 weeks. This study found no correlation between the birth weight, maternal age, sex, first/transmaternal, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and anemia between the MSAF and control group with nonsignificant P value (P > 0.05). However, the fatal age, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, umbilical cord abnormalities, placental abnormalities, and neonatal asphyxia factors were statistically different with a significant P value of <0.05 between both groups. HMGB1 and Periodontal P. gingivalis are mostly expressed in placental trophoblast, vascular endothelial cells, and amniotic epithelial and interstitial cells. After HE staining of 72 placentas by HE in MSAF and control, 6 had acute chorioamnionitis (5.1 control), 32 had chronic (23.9), 35 had abnormal placentas, and three in MSAF had chorionic columnar metaplasia. In immune-histochemistry experiments, the HMGB1 expression intensity of placental tissue was higher in the MSAF group (P < 0.05); however, the level of PON-1 was lower in the MSAF group as compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions Gestational age and placental abnormalities are clinical high-risk factors for MSAF. HMGB1, PON-1, MCP-1, and Periodontal P. gingivalis may be involved in the development of MSAF, suggesting an oxidative/antioxidant imbalance with inflammation, and may be one of the mechanisms for MSAF development.

Nurse-Led Intervention on Prevention and Home Management of Diarrhoea Among Mothers of Under-5 Children in Surulere Local Government, Lagos State

The adverse impact of diarrhoea in Nigeria as a nation cannot be far-fetched with various scientific findings and correlation over the years. The prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in Nigeria is 18.8%. Therefore, the study examined the effect of nurse-led intervention on prevention of diarrhoea among mothers of under-5 children. The study adopted a two group quasi-experimental design. Purposive and proportional sampling techniques were used to select 161 participants for the study. Two instruments were used as tools for collecting information from the respondents which are questionnaire and checklist. The study was carried out in three phases namely pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention stage. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that respondents’ knowledge of prevention of diarrhoea among mothers of under-5 children was low at the pre-intervention stage for both the experimental group (8.03±1.19) and the control group (8.02±1.28) while it increased significantly at the immediate post intervention for the experimental group (20.01±1.97) while the control group (8.75±0.74) remained almost the same. There were significant differences in the post intervention knowledge of prevention of diarrhoea between mothers of under-5 children in the intervention and control group (Mean difference = 11.26; t = 39.291; p &lt; .05); and post intervention knowledge of preventive skills for diarrhoea between mothers of under-5 children in the intervention and control group (Mean difference = 8.90; t = 33.750; p &lt; .05). The study concluded that nurse-led intervention increased the levels of knowledge of prevention and preventive skills of diarrhoea among mothers of under-5 children. It was recommended among others that an intensive and comprehensive educational initiative should be organized by nursing leaders and tailored to meeting the specific needs of mothers.

Evaluation of Hematological Profile in Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the hematological profile in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients.Methods: The study's participants (100) were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of fifty areca nut chewers with complaints of burning sensations, blanching, and stiffness of the oral mucosa. Group II consisted of fifty healthy patients as controls. A hematological profile was estimated in all subjects.Results: The control group had a mean hemoglobin (Hb) of 13.87±1.26 g/dL, while the OSMF group had a mean Hb of 11.03±2.16 g/dL (P=0.001). The mean serum iron level in the control group was 120.36±41.22 g/dL, while it was 44.97±13.45 g/dL in the OSMF group (P=0.001). The control group's mean serum vitamin B12 values were 424.77±110.95 g/dL, while the OSMF group's was 210.11±44.88 g/dL (P=0.001). In the research population, 47 patients had iron deficiency. The odds ratio (OR) was 28.11, which meant that the high prevalence of iron deficiency was predicted 28.11 times more often than in the control group.Conclusion: As part of a biochemical assessment, iron status is assessed as part of a prevention mechanism for people who are at high risk. Biochemical testing has been suggested as a potential tool for mass screening OSMF patients.

Safety of pre- or postoperative accelerated radiotherapy in 5 fractions: A randomized pilot trial.

ObjectiveNeo-adjuvant radiotherapy (NART) for breast cancer has shown promising survival results in retrospective trials. However, there are some obstacles such as a chemotherapy delay, an increased overall treatment time (OTT) and the risk of increasing surgical morbidity. Accelerated radiotherapy (RT) in 5 fractions allows to deliver NART in a very short time span and minimizes the delay of surgery and chemotherapy. This trial investigates this NART schedule for safety, feasibility and OTT.Material and methodsTwenty patients eligible for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and breast conserving surgery, were randomized between NART before NACT or NACT and postoperative RT. In both arms, RT treatment was given in 5 fractions to the whole breast with a simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) on the tumor(bed). Lymph node irradiation was given concomitantly in case of lymph node involvement. OTT was defined as the time from diagnosis to last surgery in the intervention group, while in the control group the time between diagnosis and last RT-fraction was used. In the intervention group NACT-delay was defined as time between diagnosis and start of chemotherapy.Results20 patients were included, and 19 patients completed treatment. OTT was significantly shorter in the intervention group (mean 218 days, range 196–253) compared to the control group (mean 237, range 211–268, p = 0.001). The difference in mean duration from diagnosis to the first treatment was a non-significant 4 days longer (31 vs 27 days, p = 0.28), but the start of NACT after diagnosis was delayed by 21 days (48 vs 27 days, p < 0.001). NART did not result in additional surgery complications.ConclusionThis pilot trial is the first to report on accelerated NART in 5 fractions with SIB. NART before NACT resulted in a shorter OTT with good safety results.

Neurobehavioral and Ameliorative Effect of Complan Milk and Bambara Nut on Rats Fed With Bitter Cassava – A Nutritional Approach

Cassava products have been introduced to the market in different regions of the world as part of diet, despite containing more than one toxic substance. Roots and leaves of cassava of all varieties contain cyanogenic glucoside, mainly as linamarin, but also as lotaustralin, in different concentrations in their cellular vacuoles. Twenty (20) albino Wistar rats were used for this research and were randomly selected into 4 groups of five 5 rats each. The result obtained from the study showed that there was a significant reduction in weight of the Konzo induced Wistar rats group from week 1 to week 4. A weight gain of 21.7g to 34.7g was observed in the cassava-induced Konzo and complan milk fed group Wistar rats and cassava-induced Konzo and Bambara nut (Okpa) fed group Wistar rats when compared with the cassava-induced Konzo group Wistar rats. There was a decrease in Na+,K+, Urea, Creatinine and HCO3 in cassava-induced Konzo and Bambara nut (Okpa) fed group Wistar rats when compared with cassava-induced Konzo Wistar rat group and control group. In evaluating the motor coordination/impairment using rotarod test, cassava-induced Konzo Wistar rat group, cassava-induced Konzo and complan milk fed group Wistar rats group and cassava-induced Konzo and Bambara nut (Okpa) fed Wistar rats group spent a significantly less mean time 20.65±0.33, 24.93±0.67 and 25.71±0.72 respectively when compared to the control group mean time of 39.45±0.42. Also, a significant improvement in motor coordination was observed in cassava-induced Konzo and complan milk fed group Wistar rats group and cassava-induced Konzo and Bambara nut (Okpa) fed Wistar rats group when compared with cassava-induced Konzo Wistar rat group. From the histological evaluation of the brain of the Wistar rats showed neurons that are vacuolated as a result of bitter cassava and alpha motor neurons. It is hence concluded that the toxic effect of bitter cassava can be ameliorated using proteins or balanced diets such as milk and bambara nuts (Okpa).

Effectiveness “Kamio” on Treatment Compliance and Quality of Life Bipolar Disorder Patient in Dr. Iskak General Hospital, Tulungagung, East Java

Background: Bipolar Disorder is a chronic disease with various variations in the course of the disease that are often unknown, misdiagnosed and even when diagnosed are often not adequately treated. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of KamiO on quality of life in Bipolar Disorder patients at dr. Iskak Tulungagung Hospital. Subjects and Method: Observational study with randomized control trial was conducted at dr. Iskak General Hospital, Tulungagung, East Java, from May 25 to August 25, 2022. The study population were 160 patients with bipolar disorder. A 114 sample was selected using the simple random sampling divided into (1) 57 sample in the treatment group and (2) 57 sample in control group. In this study, the independent variable was KAMIO. The dependent variable is medication adherence and quality of life. While the measuring instrument used is a questionnaire. Data analysis using Mann Whitney test. Results: Patients in the intervention group more adherent to visit medical treatment (Mean= 63.00) than control group (Mean= 52.00), with p= 0.039. Quality of life in bipolar disorder patients in the intervention group (Mean= 72.25) was higher than in the control group (Mean= 42.75) and it was statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Quality of life in the intervention group (kamio cards) is higher than in the control group. Keywords: kamio effectiveness, treatment adherence, quality of life, bipolar Correspondence: Katmini. STRADA Indonesian Institute of Health Sciences. Jl. Manila No. 37, Kediri, East Java 64123, Indonesia. Email: katminitini@gmail.com. Mobile: 0823-3466-2921. Indonesian Journal of Medicine (2022), 07(03): 337-343 https://doi.org/10.26911/theijmed.2022.07.03.10

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF PEER TUTORING ON ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS TOWARDS ECOLOGY IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NORTH WESTERN ZONE OF NIGERIA

This study investigated the effect of peer tutoring on the achievement of students in ecology in colleges of education in the North-Western zone of Nigeria. The study adopted a quasiexperimental pretest, a post-test control group design. The sample of 128 students from two(2) colleges of education out of seven (7) colleges of education in Kano State from a population of 2900, form the intact classes for the study. Each intact class was randomly selected from NCE 1 Biology students, each arm containing 64 students. Ecology Achievement Test (EAT) was the instrument used in this study for data collection, it was adopted from NCE 1past moderated examination questions that comprise 40 multiple-choice expert-validated questions. The split-half reliability coefficients of EAT were established. Three research questions guided the study and three corresponding null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The experimental group was taught using peer tutoring while the control group was taught using the lecture method. A pretest was administered to both groups. The experimental group was taught ecology using peer tutoring, while the control group was exposed to the lecture method for a period of six weeks. The results showed that the Experimental group (Mean=31.6) perform better than the Control group (Mean=24.9). The result showed that males in the Experimental group achieved higher mean scores (Mean=31.89) than those in the Control group (Mean=23.55.9). Results showed that female students taught using peer tutoring (M = 31.34) perform better than those taught using the lecture method (M = 26.64). From the findings of the study, it was recommended that the Administrations of Colleges of Education in the northwest zone in Nigeria should enforce the use of a variety of approaches in teaching. Such an approach should include the use of social interaction and a cooperative learning approach, the use of lecture methods by teachers should be reduced. Rather, a constructivist approach that calls for social interaction among students should be a dominant approach.

Do Conventional and New-Generation Multiple Ultrasonic Applications Change the Shear Bond Strength of Metal Brackets?

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare orthodontic braces' shear bond strength (SBS) before and after conventional and new-generation multiple ultrasonic instrumentations (UIs). Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy-five extracted human premolars were bracketed and embedded in acrylic molds. Teeth were separated into 7 groups; each group consisted of 25 teeth. All samples were thermocycled 500 times and control group was randomly selected. To the rest of the teeth, UI and vector ultrasonic instrumentation (VUI) were performed, UI1 and VUI1 were separated. Following the second thermocycling, UI and VUI; UI2 and VUI2, and after the third thermocycling, UI and VUI the UI3 and VUI3 were separated. Results: The decreases in the mean SBS of the UI3 and VUI3 were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group's means. There were no statistically significant differences between neither the means of the control group and UI1, UI2, VUI1, VUI2; nor the means of the VUI1-UI1; VUI2-UI2; VUI3-UI3. There was no statistically significant difference among the means of the UI1-UI2-UI3. On the other hand, the VUI3 was found to have the least statistically significant SBS among VUI groups. Conclusions: Our results revealed that multiple UI and VUI applications both reduce the SBS of brackets. Although the reduction with VUI was found to be more than UI, there was no statistically significant difference between the two instrumentations. Both procedures can be used with caution as a multiple cleaning aid for patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Reinforcing an immature tooth model using three different restorative materials

To compare and evaluate the strength rendering capacity of three restorative materials in tooth model simulated as immature teeth. In this in vitro study, 80 human maxillary permanent central incisors scheduled for periodontal extraction were collected, and an immature tooth model was prepared using a 3 mm twist drill. To simulate single-visit apical barrier, all the teeth were prepared with peso number 1-6. The teeth were segregated into three experimental and a control group. The experimental groups (n = 20) comprised of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), Biodentine, and glass ionomer cement. The fracture resistance of all the teeth was tested using universal testing machine. The final reading of the applied load to cause fracture was noted and later was subjected to statistical analysis, P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and the level of significance was fixed at 5%. Student's t-test was applied to compare values among experimental groups. There was a significant difference in the values of peak load resulting in fracture among experimental groups which was observed statistically (P ≤ 0.001). FRC exhibited superior reinforcing capacity (mean: 1199.7 N) among the experimental materials followed by Biodentine and Bioglass R. The lowest value to fracture was observed in control group (mean: 236.7 N). The results indicate that FRC could substantially contribute positively in reinforcing the simulated thin-walled immature roots.

Effects of rigid high gas-permeable contact lens wear on progression in patient with keratoconus

Wearing Rigid High Gas-Permeable Contact Lens (RGPCL) is a primary method of vision rehabilitation in keratoconus eyes. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of using RGPCL on the topographical variations at the keratoconus progress. All patients had undergone ophthalmic examination including corneal topography, and their medical history and keratoconus characteristics were documented. Fifty-one eyes of those who wore RGPCL without any problems and 42 eyes of those who did not wear any lenses were evaluated retrospectively. It was accepted that the follow-up period was terminated when patients received any treatment or change lenses. The mean follow-ups were 36.5±12.7 and 38.4±14.6 months in the control and lens-wearing samples, respectively. The changes in topographic indices were compared from the baseline to the final visit. The difference between spectacle-best corrected visual acuity was not significant in both groups from baseline to final visit (p&gt;0.05). In the RGPCL wearing group, apical keratometric power ( Kmax ) increased from mean 51.86±3.70 diopter (D) to 52.54±3.85 D at the sagittal map in the following period, but this difference was not significant (p&gt;0.05). Similarly, in the control group, Kmax increased from mean 52.14±2.51 D to 52.94±3.02 D, and this difference was not significant (p&gt;0.05). Lens-wearing and control group mean keratometry values increased from 47.36±1.7 D and 47.17±1.65 D to 47.94±2.05 D and 47.74±1.76 D, respectively (p&gt;0.05). Pachymetry at the thinnest corneal point decreased significantly in both groups from baseline to final visit (p=0.008, p=0.01). In conclusion, the comfortable usage of RGPCL has no effect on the progression of keratoconus.

Effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy on body temperature among patients with fever in selected ICUs of a tertiary care hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab

Fever itself is not an illness. A fever is usually a sign that immune system is busy fighting an infection or other illness. Water is an excellent conductor, which allows it to transfer heat effectively and quickly. Water has a temperature conducting capacity twenty-seven times that of air. When Hot Water Foot Bath applied for 15-20 minutes the blood vessels in the feet starts expanding and gets improved circulation, and relieving aches, tiredness and fever. The improved blood circulation resets the hypothalamic set points by heat transfer from higher heat area to lower heat area. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy on body temperature among patients with fever. Methodology: In this study, with Quantitative approach, pre-test and post-test control group design was used. This study was conducted in ICUs of Tertiary care Hospital, Ludhiana The target population consists of patients with fever admitted in ICUs. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw sample from target population as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. With lottery method, patients (N= 50) were divided into two groups i.e. n1=25 (experimental group) and n2=25 (Control group). Pre-test of body temperature was done by using standardized digital thermometer. For experimental group, hot water foot bath therapy at 107.6 °F (42°C) water temperature as measured with lotion thermometer was given for 15 minutes. Later, post-test of body temperature was done to determine the effectiveness of hot water foot bath therapy. Result: The findings of the study showed that significant difference has been found in experimental group and control group in pre-test and post-test between the groups and within experimental groups. In between the groups, i.e. in experimental group was 99.424±0.5811 and in control group was 100.648±05516. Within the experimental group, mean value of body temperature in pre-test was 100.632 ±0.4110 °F, in posttest it was 99.424 ±0.5811°F, whereas, in control group mean value of body temperature in pre-test was 100.624±0.4944°F, and in post-test it was 100.648±0.5516°F. Conclusion: The finding of the study demonstrated that hot water foot bath therapy was an effective non-Pharmacological method to reduce the body temperature. The mean post-test body temperature was lower than mean pre-test body temperature. There was significant difference in body temperature has been found between the experimental group and control group, as well as with in the experimental group in pre-test and post-test.

Efficiency of topical phenytoin in diabetic foot ulcer care: A randomized control trial

Aim: To study the efficiency of topical phenytoin on healing in diabetic foot ulcer grades 1 and 2. Methods: Totally, 60 patients in each group with diabetic foot ulcers of more than 4 weeks duration without any co-morbid conditions and ulcers belonging to Grade 1 and 2 as per Meggitt – Wagner’s diabetic foot ulcers were inducted into the study. The whole sample population was divided into two equal and comparable groups based on willingness for undergoing topical phenytoin therapy for the wound. Those who were not willing were subjected to conventional wound care, forming the control group. Antibiotics are given to both groups as per culture reports. Results: In the study group, 13 patients had granulation tissue at 14 days of less than 75%, and 17 patients had granulation tissue at 14 days of greater than 75%. In the control group mean value of the size of the ulcer initially is 8.76cm and in 7 days is 7.12 cm and in 14 days is 5.86 cm. In the study group mean value of the size of the ulcer initially is 9.03 cm and in 7 days is 5.63 cm and in 14days is 3.3 cm. Conclusion: Phenytoin enhances wound healing via the following mechanisms: stimulation of fibroblast proliferation, enhancement of granulation tissue development, and inhibition of collagenase activity.

Evaluation of the Role of Twitter in Increasing the Awareness and Knowledge about Diabetes Among Citizens of Saudi Arabia

Purpose: The objective of this research was to evaluate the role of Twitter in increasing the awareness and knowledge of diabetes among citizens of Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this research we used a purposive sampling method and carried out a quantitative experimental study design. The participants were adults Twitter users from Saudi Arabia that had relative diabetic patients. The sample size was 200 participants, which were divided into an intervention and a control group. Each group consisted of 100 participants. The intervention group was recruited through Twitter, and the control group was recruited through WhatsApp. Data were analyzed and interpreted using statistical techniques, such as paired t-test, the simple t-test and the ANOVA. Results: The mean diabetes knowledge test (DKT) score of the intervention group was Mean=13.57, SD= 3.46. After the intervention process, the mean (M) increased to 17.06 and the standard deviation (SD) decreased to 2.35. According to these outcomes, the paired t-test showed that the use of Twitter had an influence on increasing diabetes awareness. Instead, for the control group, the mean (M) was 13.68, and the standard deviation (SD) was 3.72 at the baseline. During the study process, the mean (M) of the control group increased to 14 and the standard deviation (SD) augmented to 3.59. Then, according to the paired t-test, we concluded that in the control group, there was no effect on the participants’ knowledge. Conclusion: The results suggested that Twitter had a positive impact on increasing awareness and diabetes knowledge among adult Twitter users in Saudi Arabia.

DCI after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Related to the Expression of MFG-E8.

Objective To explore the predictive value of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) in the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods We recruited 32 patients with aSAH as the case group and 24 patients with unruptured aneurysms as the control group. Serum MFG-E8 levels were measured by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We analyzed the relationship between MFG-E8 levels and the risk of DCI. Results The levels of serum MFG-E8 in the case group (mean = 11160.9 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in the control group (mean = 3081.0 pg/mL, p < 0.001). MFG-E8 levels highly correlated with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and modified Fisher scores (r = −0.691 and − 0.767, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, MFG-E8 levels in patients with DCI (5882.7 ± 3162.4 pg/mL) were notably higher than those in patients without DCI (15818.2 ± 3771.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the occurrence of DCI could effectively be predicted by MFG-E8 (area under the curve = 0.976, 95%CI = 0.850–1.000). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a remarkable decrease in the incidence of DCI in case group individuals with high levels of MFG-E8 (≥11160.9 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Conclusion MFG-E8 may be a useful predictive marker for DCI after an aSAH and could be a promising surrogate end point.

Effect of Fenugreek on Lactation among Postnatal Women’s of Selected Hospital at Vadodara

Background of the Study: Breast feeding is the pleasant vitamins for infants. Most of the postnatal moms face the trouble of inadequate breast milk which influences the wellness of an infant. Hence the researcher had taken up this study, used fenugreek among the postnatal mother who has insufficient breast milk secretionas an effective way to boost the production of breast milk.&#x0D; Methods: A quantitative research approach with experimental pre-test post-test control group design was used to assess effect of fenugreek on lactation among postnatal woman. The study was conducted among 60 postnatal mothers in a selected hospital, Vadodara.&#x0D; Results: The present study revealed that in experimental group in pre-test, majority 25(83.3%) had insufficient lactation and only 5(16.7%) had sufficient lactation while in post-test 20(66.7%) had sufficient lactation and 10(33.3%) had insufficient lactation. The impact of fenugreek on lactation amongst experimental group turned into examined through the usage of paired t test with obtained t value (t=8.348, df=29, p=0.001) turned into statistically highly significant at p&lt;0.05 level of significance. The post-test lactation revealed that in control group mean score was 22.97±3.755 and in experimental group mean score was 30.03±5.334 with mean difference of 7.06 with obtained t value (t=5.934, df=58, p=0.001) was statistically significant at p&lt;0.05 level. The association between pre interventions lactation of postnatal woman of experimental and control group with selected demographic variables such as age, educational status, occupational status, religion, residency, type of family and food habits were found statistically not significant at p&lt;0.05 level with pre interventions lactation of postnatal woman of experimental and control group. &#x0D; Conclusion: The overall effect of fenugreek on lactation among experimental group was tested by using paired t test with obtained t value (t=8.348, df=29, p=0.001) was statistically highly significant at p&lt;0.05 level of significance. Study findings revealed that fenugreek was effective in promoting lactation of postnatal mothers in experimental group as compared to control group.

Effect of Specific Acupuncture Therapy Combined with Rehabilitation Training on Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Acupuncture therapies were used to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) and its complications. To assess the effect of a specific acupuncture therapy combined with rehabilitation training for inpatients with incomplete SCI, we conducted an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Center in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Seventy-two participants diagnosed with incomplete SCI were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 24 patients each, with data collection completed in December, 2019. Participants were randomly assigned (1 : 1 : 1) to 3 groups to receive treatment for 4 weeks, 5 times/week of acupuncture for Continuous Acupuncture Treatment (CAT) group, 3 times/week for Intermittent Acupuncture Treatment (IAT) group, and no acupuncture for Control group; all 3 groups received routine rehabilitation training. The primary outcome was the change of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score from baseline to week 4. Secondary outcomes included sensory score, Modified Barthel Index (MBI). At week 4, CAT group had a higher motor score and MBI score increase than the control group (mean difference 10.52, 17.36; p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). CAT group had more increase in motor score and MBI than IAT group (mean difference 5.55, 14.77; p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). But the difference among groups in the increase of sensory score was not statistically significant. Acupuncture resulted in a higher motor score and MBI after 4 weeks. And the dosage of 5/week led to more improvement in motor score and MBI than that of 3/week. The results suggested that a dosage of 5/week of acupuncture is safe and more effective for SCI than 3/week. But further research is needed to determine the best intervention dosage, long-term efficacy, and underlying mechanism. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900021530.

Could Modifying the Skin Microbiome, Diet, and Lifestyle Help with the Adverse Skin Effects after Stopping Long-Term Topical Steroid Use?

We set up this preliminary study to begin to evaluate one main question: could strengthening the microbiome have potential benefits for the skin condition of patients suffering with adverse effects after stopping long-term topical steroid use? We aim to turn it into a much larger study if the results show the interventions might help. After commonly being prescribed for eczema, cessation of topical steroid use, especially after long periods of inappropriate use, can leave lasting adverse effects on the body and skin, known by some as topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). This preliminary study involved seven human participants suffering with skin problems associated with TSW who approached Dr. Anja Gijsberts-Veens of their own volition because they were interested in more natural recovery methods. Five completed the study in full. Progress in skin condition was tracked by self-assessed symptom severity questionnaires filled out at the beginning and end of the five-month study. The skin microbiome was addressed by using a 100% natural product shown in previous work to significantly increase skin microbiome biodiversity. Three participants implemented dietary changes and supplementation in response to guidance after fecal sample analysis, with the aim of improving gut microbiome health. The average improvement in skin symptoms for all participants was 40%, and average symptom improvement ranged from 14% for Patient 5 to 92% for Patient 1. On average, the participants saw an improvement in 85% of their symptoms and stagnation or regression in 11% and 4%, respectively. Our results suggest that the interventions used might improve the skin condition of TSW patients, but the small sample size and the lack of a control group mean that more definitive conclusions should be reserved for our follow-up work, which addresses these issues. We also aim to swab the skin of participants to assess the effect on the skin microbiome from skin and gut treatments, as well as including a more in-depth analysis of skin and gut microbiomes.

The Implementation of Online Accent Reduction Software to Improve Pronunciation of English and Arabic Department Students

The objective of this study is to implement accent reduction software in English pronunciation teaching. This study employed an experimental approach. There were forty students recruited from the English and Arabic departments. The students were split into two classes, with one class being treated as an experimental class and another class as a controlled class. Each class consisted of twenty students, ten English department students, and the other ten Arabic department students. We administered an experimental class with twelve meeting treatments using the Elsa accent reduction software to teach English pronunciation. Meanwhile, the controlled class was not given any treatments. The results show that there was a significant difference between the result of the pre-test and post-test of the students' pronunciations that were taught with the accent reduction software. It was found that the mean score of the experimental class was significantly improved from 53.12 to 85.44 after they were given the treatment. Meanwhile, the control group's mean score was also improved, but it was not significant from 49.33 to 59.11. Our study highlighted that the use of accent reduction software in teaching English pronunciations could help students to improve their English pronunciations. The students were able to imitate an English sound from the software. The limitation of this study is that we did not compare the results of English and Arabic students’ ability in pronunciations after the use of the software. Future studies are recommended to compare pronunciations between English and Arabic students through the use of the software to understand language background might affect the treatment.

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEMONSTRATION-CUM-DISCUSSION TEACHING STRATEGY ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN SOME ECOLOGICAL CONCEPTS

This study investigated the effectiveness of Demonstration-cum-Discussion teaching strategy on students’ academic achievement in ecological concepts at Navrongo Senior High School, using quasi-experimental design (pretest, posttest non-equivalent approach). The sample comprised of 75 Form Two General Science Gold Track (control group of 29 males and 10 females) and Green Track (experimental group of 21 males and 15 females) students. The experimental group and control groups were taught using Demonstration-cum-Discussion teaching strategy and Conventional Teaching Method respectively. The test-retest reliability coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.78. The pretest scores revealed that the students were homogeneous in terms of academic achievement (Mean = (22.19, 21.46) t-value = 0.87, p-value = 0.39, p &gt; 0.05). The posttest results of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (Mean = (48.19, 38.71) t-value = 12.43, p-value = 0.000, p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the achievement of male and female students in the experimental group for both pretest (Mean = (23.24, 21.33) t-value = 1.43, p-value = 0.20, p &gt; 0.05) and posttest (Mean = (48.52, 47.73) t-value = 0.53, p-value = 0.59, p &gt; 0.05). This study recommended that Biology teachers at Navrongo Senior High School should be encouraged to teach the concept of Ecology using demonstration-cum-discussion in order to enhance the conceptual understanding and academic achievement of students. &#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0998/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;