Difference In Group Research Articles

COMPARISON OF MALACHITE GREEN AND METHYLENE BLUE DYES IN NON-SURGICAL PERIODONTAL TREATMENT IN PATIENTS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS AND UNDERGOING IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients failing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). comparing methylene blue (MB) (0.01%) and malachite green (MG) (0.01%) dyes as a therapeutic protocol, measuring the following periodontal clinical parameters: clinical probing depth (CPD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), full-mouth plaque index (PI), and full-mouth bleeding index (BI), using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) pathogens. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Forty-four patients were evaluated, 15 (34.1%) female and 29 (65.9%) male. The mean age was 46 years. In the evaluation of GR, there was a significant difference in the non-resistant group in which MB was used. Resistant patients treated with MG or MB showed significant differences in the decrease of Pg bacteria. PDT associated with MB promoted improvements in CPD and decrease of Aa and Pg bacteria, being an effective therapeutic protocol.

Prognostic implications of margin status in association with systemic treatment in a cohort study of patients with resection of colorectal liver metastases.

This study investigates the impact of margin status after colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) resection on outcomes of patients after neoadjuvant treatment versus those who underwent upfront resection. An international collaborative database of CLM patients who underwent surgical resection was used. Proportional hazard regression models were created for single and multivariable models to assess the relationship between independent measures and median overall survival (mOS). R1 was associated with worse OS in the neoadjuvant group (mOS: 51.8 m for R0 vs. 26.0 m for R1; HR: 2.18). In the patients who underwent upfront surgery, R1 was not associated with OS. (mOS: 46.7 m for R0 vs. 42.6 m for R1). When patients with R1 in each group were stratified by adjuvant treatment, there was no significant difference in the neoadjuvant group, while in the upfront surgery group with R1, adjuvant treatment was associated with significant improvement in OS (mOS: 42.6 m for adjuvant vs. 25.0 m for no adjuvant treatment; HR: 0.21). R1 is associated with worse outcomes in the patients who receive neoadjuvant treatment with no significant improvement with the addition of adjuvant therapy, likely representing an aggressive tumor biology. R1 did not impact OS in patients with upfront surgery who received postoperative chemotherapy.

Effect of baseline LH/FSH ratio in PCOS on IVF-ET outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

Objective: To exlplore the association between the baseline luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 2 868 PCOS patients were enrolled, all of the participants were patients in The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Hospital from October 2015 to October 2021. Propensity score matching (1∶2.5) was conducted to regulate the non-random allocation of patients. Data were extracted from the hospital's medical records. Patients with baseline LH/FSH ratio>2 were deemed as study group, patients with baseline LH/FSH ratio≤2 were deemed as control group. Single factor analysis was applied to compare the differences of pregnancy outcomes between two groups. Results: After propensity score matching (1∶2.5), there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05), indicating that the data were comparable. In the study group, the total dose of gonadotropin (Gn) and duration of Gn were lower than those of the control group (t=4.989, P<0.001; t=3.267, P=0.001), the rate of in vitro maturation was higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.938, P=0.026), the number of retrieved oocytes and cleavage were higher than those of the control group (t=-2.305, P=0.021; t=-2.816, P=0.005), but there were no differences in the number and rate of high-quality embryos between the two groups (t=-1.636, P=0.102; t=-0.123, P=0.902). The incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2=17.277, P<0.001). Regardless of fresh embryo transfer or frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles, the incidences of gestational diabetes mellitus in the study group were higher than those in the control group (χ2=9.174, P=0.002; χ2=4.204, P=0.040) of singleton pregnancy. In the fresh embryo transfer cycle, the clinical pregnancy rate [30.30% (20/66) vs 47.75% (53/111)] and delivery rate [30.30% (20/66) vs 46.85% (52/111)] in the study group were lower than those in the control group (χ2=5.198, P=0.023; χ2=4.695, P=0.030). In the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle, the delivery rate in the study group was higer than that in the control group [59.41% (423/712) vs 55.04% (1 053/1 913); χ2=7.526, P=0.023]. The clinical pregnancy rate and delivery rate of fresh embryo transfer cycle in the study group were significantly lower than those of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle (χ2=21.308, P<0.001; χ2=20.871, P<0.001), but there were no significant differences in the control group (all P>0.05). Conclusions: PCOS patients with a higher basal LH/FSH ratio are more likely to develop moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after controlled ovarian stimulation and have a higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Better pregnancy outcome could be obtained by frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Psychometric Properties of Fine Motor Function Measure in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Rasch Analysis.

Our study utilized Rasch Analysis to examine the psychometric properties of 61-items fine motor function measure (FMFM) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Partial credit model (PCM) was utilized to test the reliability and validity of FMFM. The response pattern of this samples displayed acceptable fitness to PCM. The analysis results supported the assumption of 1-dimensionality of FMFM. Disordered category thresholds were found in 30 items. Differential item functioning (DIF) was detected in 23 items. Participants with different CP subtypes in different age groups may perform in differently responses patterns. The Rasch analysis produces reliable evidence to support the clinical application of FMFM. Some items may produce inaccurate measurements originated from category structures. Difference in age groups and symptom topography may be associated with variation in fine motor ability among children with CP and leading to unnecessary assessment bias. Hence, FMFM items need modifications to calibrate the former item formulation.

24 h combined esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring in children with chronic cough

BackgroundChronic cough in children is closely related to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). However, this association has not been adequately studied due to a lack of diagnostic tools. Combined esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring is considered the most accurate method for evaluating the association between symptoms and reflux, but data on its use in children with chronic cough are still lacking. We aimed to assess the association between chronic cough and GER in children through MII-pH monitoring.MethodsChildren with chronic cough (> 4 weeks) who were suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) were selected to undergo 24 h MII-pH monitoring at our hospital. Patients were divided into groups according to their age, body position, reflux index (RI) or total reflux events, and the differences between the groups were analyzed. Then the significance and value of 24 h pH and impedance monitoring in chronic cough and the relationship between chronic cough and reflux were discussed.ResultsOverall, 426 patients were included. The median age was 12 months (interquartile range: 6–39.5 months), 129 (30.3%) patients had RI > 7% detected by pH-metry, and 290 (68.1%) patients had positive diagnosis based on the impedance data. GER predominantly occurred in the upright position and mostly involved weakly acidic reflux and mixed gas–liquid reflux. There were 14.1% of children in non-acid GER group were SAP positive showing no difference in acid GER group 13.2% (P = 0.88), whereas patients with SAP > 95% in MII positive group (47[16.2%]) is higher than in MII negative group (P < 0.05).ConclusionTwenty four hour MII-pH monitoring is safe, well tolerated in children, but also has a higher detection rate of gastroesophageal reflux. It can find identify weakly acidic reflux, weakly alkaline reflux and reflux events with different physical properties, which can explain the relationship between GER and chronic cough more comprehensively. It provides new approach for exploring the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of children with chronic cough.

EFL students’ writing achievement via the execution of scaffolding strategies instruction

This paper examined the effects of scaffolding strategies instruction on EFL students' writing achievement, and its consistency in writing sub-skills. The study followed a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, and data were collected from 48 students in each comparison and experimental group. Results from paired-samples t-test confirmed a significant writing achievement score difference between the pretest and posttest for the experimental group (p = .001), but an insignificant difference for the comparison group (p = .426). Independent-sample t-test of post-test yielded a significant difference between the two groups favoring the experimental class (p = .001). The findings verified scaffolding teaching's feasibility for improving students' writing. Results from MANOVA proved writing sub-skills content, vocabulary, grammar, mechanics and organization jointly account for significant variance between comparison and experimental groups writing. Separate results of the variables revealed composing relevant content as the stronger predictor (F (1, 94) = 35.08, p = .001), but no mechanics' use disparity between the two groups, F (1, 94) = .42, p = .520. The findings verified the scaffolding strategies' substantial role in enhancing learners' overall writing achievement and all writing sub-skills except for mechanics. Results from the questionnaire showed participants' positive perceptions about scaffolding strategies instruction. Based on the findings, we recommend scaffolding strategies teaching for EFL students' writing improvements.

Effectiveness of Rumoh Gizi Gampong and positive deviance in improving the nutritional status of toddlers in Aceh

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that is a priority to address because it can affect the quality of children. Fulfilling the nutritional needs of children under five through positive family habits, including through family improvement and Rumoh Gizi Gampong (RGG), can significantly reduce stunting rates. The purpose of the study was to identify the effectiveness of Rumoh Gampong Nutrition and positive deviance in efforts to improve the nutritional status of toddlers in Aceh, with a quasi experimental design conducted in Merduati village, Kutaradja sub-district, Banda Aceh with 50 samples (25 intervention groups and 25 controls) using purposive sampling technique carried out on October 15, 2020-15 January 2021. Data collection using questionnaires with interview techniques, food record documentation studies and weight measurements using Dacin and height using microtoise. Data processing with paired T test, the results showed a significant difference in the intervention group on how to fulfill toddler food (p = 0.000), food intake (p = 0.000), and nutritional status (p = 0.000), there were differences in how to fulfill food in the intervention and control groups (p = 0.00), there were differences in food intake in the intervention and control groups (p = 0.001) and there were differences in body weight in the intervention and control groups (p = 0.001). It is recommended to support the positive deviance program and Rumoh Gampong Nutrition for all posyandu in their working area.

Pitavastatin is Well-Tolerated with no Detrimental Effects on Physical Function.

Little is known about the potential benefits or harms of statins on physical function among people with HIV (PWH). REPRIEVE was a double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluating pitavastatin for primary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in PWH. Time to complete ten chair rises, 4-meter gait speed, grip strength, and a modified short physical performance test were assessed annually for up to 5 years in the ancillary study PREPARE and analyzed using linear mixed models. Of 602 PWH, 52% were randomized to pitavastatin and 48% to placebo. Median age was 51 years; 18% were female at birth; 2% transgender; 40% Black, and 18% Hispanic. Median PREPARE follow-up was 4.7 (4.3, 5.0) years. Muscle symptoms (grade ≥3 or treatment-limiting) occurred in 5% of both groups. There was no evidence of decline in chair rise rate in either treatment group, and no difference in the pitavastatin group compared to placebo (estimated difference -0.10 [95% CI: -0.30, 0.10] rises/min/year; p=0.31). Small declines over time were observed in other physical function tests in both treatment groups, with no apparent differences between groups. We observed minimal declines in physical function over 5 years of follow-up among middle-aged PWH, with no differences among PWH randomized to pitavastatin compared to placebo. This finding, combined with low prevalence of myalgias, supports the long-term safety of statin therapy on physical function, when used for primary prevention of MACE among PWH.

A Novel Biomarker in Experimental Cerebral Ischemia: Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A

Objectives: To investigate the role of blood brain barrier biomarkers for the detection of experimental cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar albino rats with a mean age of 4–6 months and an average weight of 350–400 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into five ischemia groups (control, 1.5 h of ischemia, 4.5 h of ischemia, 6 h of ischemia, and 24 h of ischemia). Cerebral ischemia was achieved by unilateral ligating of CCA and ECA at the same time. After surgical preparation and awaiting for appropriate ischemia time we collected blood and brain tissue samples. Then we investigated serum occludin, claudin-5 and JAM-A levels from blood samples and the apoptotic index and percentages of pycnotic nucleus from brain tissues histologically. The obtained data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software package version 18 and the Jamovi software package. Results: Serum JAM-A level showed a statistically significant difference in all ischemia groups compared with the control group (p

Comparison of classical and patient-preferred music on anxiety and recovery after ınguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative listening to patient-preferred music and classical music on postoperative anxiety and recovery.MethodsA prospective, randomized controlled, single-blind study included 255 patients who were scheduled for elective inguinal hernia operation under general anesthesia. Spielberger state State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form 1,2 (STAI-I, STAI-II), Quality of Recovery Score-40 (QoR-40) were applied in the preoperatively. In the preoperative period, the preferential music group (group P) patients listened to their favorite music, while patients in the classical music group (group C) listened to classical music, music was not played in the control group (group N). STAI-I, QoR-40 questionnaire, pain status, and patient satisfaction in the postoperative period were recorded by a blinded investigator.ResultsA total of 217 patients participated in the study analysis. Postoperative STAI-1 score was lower in group P than in group N (p = 0.025) and was similar among other groups. The postoperative QoR-40 score was significantly higher in group P than in group N (p = 0.003), and it was similar between the other groups. While SBP, DBP and HR premusic and post-music changes were significant, there was no difference in other groups. There was no difference between the groups in the NRS score. The patient satisfaction score was significantly higher in group P.ConclusionsPreoperative patient-preferred music application reduces postoperative anxiety and improves recovery quality compared to classical music. In addition, regulation of hemodynamic data and patient satisfaction increase in a preferential music application, but pain scores do not change.Trial registrationNCT04277559|https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/

Level of Psycoeducation Effectiveness on Adaptation Fracture Patients at Pirngadi Hospital Medan City

&lt;div&gt;&lt;table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr&gt;&lt;td align="left" valign="top"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Two thirds of injury cases in developing countries, including Indonesia, are still a major public health problem in all countries. In 2020 there were 152.256 injury cases in Indonesia (17.8%). Fractures cause a variety of negative effects, including psychological, social, and spiritual. A report from the Department of Health shows that 15 percent of fracture sufferers experience emotional stress and even depression. Psychological education helps in the treatment and reduction of depressive symptoms, which are part of the psychological response to disability. This research is to find out how well psychoeducation helps fracture patients adapt at Pirngadi Hospital, Medan City. This type of research is quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with control group. This research was carried out at Pirngadi Hospital, Medan City from 21 July to 23 August 2023. The study population included 67 patients who experienced grade 2 and 3 fractures. The sampling technique is non-probability sampling. The number of samples in this study was 16 people for the control group and 16 people for the treatment group. The research instrument has been tested for validity and reliability. Univariate analysis to describe research variables, while bivariate analysis with dependent t test to determine the mean differences in the treatment group before and after being given psychoeducation and in the control group at pre-test and post-test. The results of the study showed that there was a difference in the average adaptation of fracture patients who were given psychoeducational intervention compared to the group of patients who were not given intervention with p value = 0.000; 95% CI &amp;lt; alpha = 0.05. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords: Frakture, Injury Patient, Psychoeducation&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;

Examination of Subclinical Neurological Involvement in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Background : The aim of this study is to evaluate cognitive functions of patients with psoriasis in terms of subclinical neurological involvement using p300 method, and to reveal the correlation between the disease duration and severity if any. Methods: 40 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 40 healthy individuals were included in the study. Standard mini mental test and beck depression inventory were applied to the groups. PASI values and DLQI values of psoriasis patients were calculated. P300 measurements of both groups were recorded and assessed in order to evaluate the cognitive functions. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the healthy and psoriasis groups in terms of PzLat, PzAmp, CzLat and CzAmp values (p=0.681, p=0.301, p=0.138, p=0.739, respectively). When it was compared in terms of PASI values, there was no statistically significant difference in the patient group in terms of PzLat, PzAmp, CzLat and CzAmp values (p=0.211, p=0.422, p=0.106, p=0.305, respectively). When evaluated according to disease duration, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of PzLat, PzAmp, CzLat and CzAmp values (p=0.901, p=0.244, p=0.632, p=0.868, respectively). Conclusion: Cognitive functions in psoriasis patients are not affected by the presence, severity and duration of the disease. As far as we know, the present study is the first study using electrophysiological P300 method in evaluating the cognitive functions in patients with psoriasis.

Comparison of effect and safety of phacoemulsification surgery performed by resident and attending physicians.

The objective of this study is to compare the effect and safety of phacoemulsification surgery performed by resident and attending physicians. This was a retrospective study. Eyes with cataract who underwent phacoemulsification surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University between January 2021 and December 2023 were reviewed. All the patients were followed up for at least 12 months and were divided into two groups according to the surgery performer. SPSS was used to analyze data, considering p < 0.05 significant. Overall, 316 patients with cataract in group 1 (surgery performed by resident physician, n = 181) and group 2 (surgery performed by attending physician, n = 135) were reviewed. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics variables and cataract grade between the groups. The resident surgeon used more cumulative dissipate energy (15.00 ± 7.25 vs. 10.83 ± 6.52, p < 0.001) and operation time (20.46 ± 5.69 vs. 12.59 ± 4.61 min, p < 0.001) to complete the surgery. Also, the ECL in group 1 was higher (14.87 ± 5.00 vs. 10.77 ± 4.46, p < 0.001). The eyes had significant visual improvement in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.05), but at the 12-month follow-up, eyes in group 2 had better best-corrected visual acuity [0.10 (0.00, 0.22) vs. 0.10 (0.10, 0.22) logMAR, p = 0.039]. Except for month 1, the intraocular pressure was no statistical difference in group 1 and group 2 (14.65 ± 2.52 vs. 15.30 ± 2.34 mmHg, p = 0.019). Cases in group 1 were more likely to undergo intraoperative and postoperative complications (37 vs. 14, p = 0.031), including cornea edema (p = 0.025), capsule tear (p = 0.044), and posterior capsular opacification (p = 0.027). The effect of phacoemulsification surgery performed by the resident physician is satisfying, but compared to the attending physician, the higher probability of complications should be paid more attention.

Influence of titanium and titanium-zirconium alloy as implant materials on implant stability of maxillary implant retained overdenture: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundLong-term success of implant restoration depends on many factors one of them is the sufficient implant stability which is lowered in compromised bone density sites such as the maxilla as it is categorized as type III & IV bone, so searching for a new innovation and updates in implant material and features is very mandatory. So, the aim of this study was to compare between two implant materials (roxolid and traditional titanium) on the primary and secondary stability of implant retained maxillary overdenture.MethodsEighteen completely edentulous patients were selected. All patients received maxillary implant-retained overdentures and lower complete dentures; patients were divided equally into two groups according to the type of implant materials. Group A received a total number of 36 implants made of roxolid material and Group B received a total number of 36 implants made of traditional titanium alloys. Implant stability was assessed using ostell device, the primary implant stability was measured at the day of implant installation however, secondary implant stability was measured after six weeks of implant placement. Paired t-test was used to compare between primary and secondary stability in the same group and an independent t-test was used to compare between the two groups with a significant level < 0.05.ResultsIndependent t-test revealed a significant difference between the two groups with p -value = 0.0141 regarding primary stability and p-value < 0.001 regarding secondary stability, as roxolid implant group was statistically higher stability than titanium group in both. Paired t- test showed a statistically significant difference in roxolid implant group with p-value = 0.0122 however, there was non-statistically significant difference in titanium group with p-value = 0.636. Mann Whitney test showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding amount of change in stability with p value = 0.191. roxolid implant group showed a higher amount of change in stability than the titanium implant group.ConclusionWithin the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that: Roxolid implants showed promising results regarding primary and secondary stability compared to conventional Titanium implants and can be a better alternative in implant retained maxillary overdentures.Trial registrationRetrospectively NCT06334770 at 26–3-2024.

The Effectiveness of Schema Therapy on the Coping Strategies and Psychological Hardiness of Mothers with Children Who Stutter

Background: Mothers play an important role in the process of treating children's stuttering. Enhancing mothers’ psychological state through coping strategies and psychological hardiness based on schema therapy can significantly affect the mother-child relationship during the therapeutic process. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on the coping strategies and psychological hardiness of mothers with stuttering children in Kermanshah. Methods: The present quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. In this study, 30 mothers of stuttering children were selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into two groups. Endler and Parker's coping strategies questionnaire and Kubasa's psychological hardiness questionnaire were used. Schema therapy, based on Young's schema therapy protocol, was used as the intervention in one group. Results: The average age in the schema therapy intervention group was 34.60 ± 6.28 years, and in the control group, it was 35.87 ± 6.38 years. The highest frequency of education level in both groups was at the diploma degree. Regarding family income (socioeconomic status), the average-level income was the most common in both groups. Statistical comparison of the pre- and post-test scores of task, emotion, and avoidance strategies, as well as the scores of commitment, challenge, and control components, showed statistically significant differences in the schema therapy group (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: As the present findings showed, due to the significant role of mothers' interaction and reaction in managing the treatment process of stuttering children, schema therapy can be used to improve the coping strategies and psychological hardiness of mothers.

Evaluation of Children's Drawings as a Measure of Dental Anxiety Before and After Oral Health Education.

Drawing is an effective tool for evaluating dental anxiety and communicating with children. The aim of this study was to evaluate children's drawings as a measure of dental anxiety with two different assessment methods and their possible relationship with age, gender, and previous dental visits before and after education. A total of 129 children aged 4-6 years old were requested to draw a picture of the dentist and dental office perception before and after a 20-minute dental education at selected Kindergartens. Drawings were evaluated according to Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) and Massoni methodologies. The difference in drawing groups between before and after oral health education was found to be statistically significant which meant children had less anxiety after education (P = 0.001). A statistical difference was observed in the scores before and after the education in the group of children who had previous dental visits and those who did not (P = 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in both groups of children who had previous dental visits and those who did not (P = 0.002). Oral health education at younger ages is effective in overcoming dental anxiety and improving the positivity of dental perception. Drawing is a suitable assessment tool for learning about the child's notions and feelings.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Primary and Secondary Fibromyalgia in Bulgaria

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by a chronic widespread pain, general fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and functional disorders. FM affects both women and men in 9:1 to 20:1 ratio. The purpose of this clinical study is to analyze clinical manifestations in patients with primary and secondary fibromyalgia. Eighty-three patients with primary FM, 39 patients with FM and osteoarthritis (OA), 23 patients with FM and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 27 patients with SLE, and 36 healthy subjects were included. The present study compared chronic pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety in patients with primary FM, patients with SLE, FM + OA, FM + SLE and healthy subjects. Based on the 2016 criteria for number of chronic widespread pain areas, there is a statistically significant difference of the control group compared to the patients with primary FM (p = 0.001), FM + OA (p = 0.001), FM + SLE (p = 0.001), SLE (p = 0.001). Based on the MFIS fatigue scale, the chronic fatigue is a statistically significant difference of the control group, as compared to patients with primary FM (p = 0.004), FM + OA (p = 0.02), FM + SLE (p = 0.001). Based on the HADS clinical parameter, anxiety and depression are a statistically significant difference of the control group, as compared to patients with primary FM (p = 0.01), FM + OA (p = 0.01), FM + SLE (p = 0.01), and no difference in patients with SLE (p = 0.77). The comparison between the patient groups is important to evaluate the disease activity and the treatment to be recommended.

The effect of fat model variation on muscle fat fraction quantification in a cross-sectional cohort.

Spectroscopic imaging, rooted in Dixon's two-echo spin sequence to distinguish water and fat, has evolved significantly in acquisition and processing. Yet precise fat quantification remains a persistent challenge in ongoing research. With adequate phase characterization and correction, the fat composition models will impact measurements of fatty tissue. However, the effect of the used fat model in low-fat regions such as healthy muscle is unknown. In this study, we investigate the effect of assumed fat composition, in terms of chain length and double bond count, on fat fraction quantification in healthy muscle, while addressing phase and relaxometry confounders. For this purpose, we acquired bilateral thigh datasets from 38 healthy volunteers. Fat fractions were estimated using the IDEAL algorithm employing three different fat models fitted with and without the initial phase constrained. After data processing and model fitting, we used a convolutional neural net to automatically segment all thigh muscles and subcutaneous fat to evaluate the fitted parameters. The fat composition was compared with those reported in the literature. Overall, all the observed estimated fat composition values fall within the range of previously reported fatty acid composition based on gas chromatography measurements. All methods and models revealed different estimates of the muscle fat fractions in various evaluated muscle groups. Lateral differences changed from 0.5% to 5.3% in the hamstring muscle groups depending on the chosen method. The lowest observed left-right differences in each muscle group were all for the fat model estimating the number of double bonds with the initial phase unconstrained. With this model, the left-right differences were 0.64% ± 0.31%, 0.50% ± 0.27%, and 0.50% ± 0.40% for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors muscle groups, respectively. Our findings suggest that a fat model estimating double bond numbers while allowing separate phases for each chemical species, given some assumptions, yields the best fat fraction estimate for our dataset.

Left ventricular subclinical systolic myocardial dysfunction assessed by speckle-tracking in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is a novel ultrasound technique, which can detect early subclinical myocardial dysfunction with high sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of speckle tracking echocardiography in the evaluation of subclinical myocardial injury in patients with Cushing's syndrome. 35 patients with Cushing's syndrome and 29 healthy controls matched for age, sex, BMI, and systolic blood pressure were included in the study. All subjects were assessed using both conventional Doppler echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography. Among patients, they were further divided into inactive group (n = 7) and active group (n = 28) based on cortisol levels. Trend analysis was used among patients in different disease activity. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to explore influence factors related to subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction value showed no statistical difference between patients Cushing's syndrome and control group. However, GLS and LVSD, show significant differences in Cushing's syndrome group. Also, among active Cushing's syndrome group, inactive Cushing's syndrome group and control group, GLS (-15.4 ± 3.0 vs -18.1 ± 3.1 vs-19.4 ± 2.4, P < 0001) and LVSD (48.9 ± 21.5 vs 43.5 ± 17.9 vs 28.5 ± 8.3, P < 0001) changed significantly with the disease activity status. In addition, GLS and LVSD were both linearly corrected with 24-hour urinary cortisol level. GLS and LVSD are sensitive parameters in detecting and monitoring subclinical myocardial systolic dysfunction in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Myocardial injury is linearly correlated with cortisol level, which can be partially reversed after the biochemical control of cortisol.

ELEVATING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: THE BODY TECHNIQUE PROTOCOL'S EFFECT ON VITALITY AND RESPIRATORY WELLNESS

Engaging in regular exercise and sports can inadvertently lead to habitual movement patterns, restricting specific body parts' range of motion and diminishing joint elasticity. This decline in muscle flexibility impacts energy levels during physical activities, thus affecting overall vitality. Subjective Vitality State (SVS) captures the essence of feeling alive, reflecting an individual's energy reserves. The study involved 36 healthy young athletes aged 22.48±3.54 years, categorized into control and treatment groups. The treatment group followed a novel Body Technique exercise protocol (BT), while the control group adhered to a familiar conditioning protocol. Both protocols included five exercises targeting various muscle groups. The study focused on subjective vitality, perceived intensity load, and chest girth differences during breathing. Analysis of subjective vitality change within groups showed no significant difference for the control group before and after treatment (p=0.44), while the treatment group exhibited significantly higher subjective vitality after BT exercises (p=0.00). Significant differences were found in the "exhale-inhale" variable for the treatment group before and after treatment (p=0.00), but not for the control group (p=0.15). BT protocol demonstrated superior effects on SVS and chest girth, highlighting the significance of innovative, unconventional exercise in sports. By addressing concerns such as fatigue and injury, BT protocol may offer the prospect of better results in forthcoming training sessions. The study encourages a paradigm shift in exercise approaches, emphasizing conscious intervention to address novel movement patterns and enhance well-being in athletes.