Post-treatment Values Research Articles

Effects of Sub-Occipital Muscles Inhibition and Self Stretch on Calf and Hamstring Muscle Tightness: One Time Comparative Study

Background: Muscle tightness is the most limiting factor for restricted ROM and decreased joint flexibility. Hamstring and calf muscles are more prone to getting tight, which causes musculoskeletal problems. This study focused on checking the effects of various therapeutic techniques, including the sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique and self-stretching technique, on hamstring and calf muscle flexibility in subjects with tight muscle groups. Objectives: To determine the effects of sub-occipital muscle inhibition and self-stretch on calf and hamstring muscle tightness. Methodology: A total number of 60 subjects aged between 20 and 45years were analyzed for the Active knee extension test, Passive dorsiflexion test, and Sit and reach test to assess the sub-occipital muscle inhibition and self-stretch on calf and hamstring muscle tightness. Result: Showed significant improvement in AKE following suboccipital muscle inhibition (pre= 135.9; post = 162.63) and self-stretching (pre= 137.53; post=162.13) Had been obtained by comparing pre and post-intervention values of outcome measures AKE () (AKE, SRT and Ankle DF) by using paired t-test whereas between-group comparison of post, data mean and SD is done by impaired t-test. Conclusion: From the results, it is concluded that the sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique is more effective in relieving tightness from the hamstring and calf group of muscles as compared to the self-stretching technique in AKE, SRT, and Ankle dorsiflexion. Keywords: calf muscle tightness, Hamstring muscle tightness.

Effects of clear aligners on the vertical position of the molar teeth and the vertical and sagittal relationships of the face: a preliminary retrospective before-after clinical trial

IntroductionDespite the popularity of clear aligners, their predictability has not been assessed adequately. Moreover, no study has investigated their effects on numerous dentomaxillary variables. Therefore, this study was conducted for the first time, assessing several new or controversial items. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of clear aligners on the vertical position of the molar teeth and the vertical and sagittal relationships of the face.MethodsThis preliminary retrospective before-after non-randomized clinical trial was performed on 168 observations of 84 patients (33.60±9.28 years, 54 females) treated with 0.75mm Invisalign appliances. Pretreatment and posttreatment values were measured for: mandibular plane angle, occlusal plane angle, Y-Axis, ANB, facial angle, lower anterior facial height, overbite, and the distances of the molars from the palate and mandibular plane were measured. The alterations in parameters caused by treatment (delta values) were calculated for each measurement. Effects of treatment and some parameters on delta values were analyzed statistically (α=0.05).ResultsMean±SD of ΔMP-FH, ΔOP-FH, ΔY-Axis, ΔLAFH, ΔNPog-FH, ΔANB, ΔOverbite, ΔSNB, Δ6-PP, Δ7-PP, Δ6-MP, and Δ7-MP were respectively 0.11±1.61, 0.80±1.56, 0.15±1.18, 0.07±0.91, -0.22±1.25, 0.03±0.62, 0.04±1.15, -0.06±1.14, -0.36±0.94, -0.32±1.14, 0.19±0.96, 0.18±1.10. Only the alterations in OP-FH, 6-PP, and 7-PP were significant (P≤0.011). Age, sex, treatment duration, or pretreatment mandibular plane angle were not correlated with any delta values. However, the pretreatment occlusal plane angle was negatively correlated with ΔOP-FH and ΔY-Axis. Crowding was correlated negatively with ΔOP-FH and ΔY-Axis and positively with ΔNPog-FH. Overjet was negatively correlated with ΔANB and ΔOverbite (P≤0.035).ConclusionsInvisalign intruded first/second maxillary molars and increased the occlusal plane angle. Age, sex, and treatment duration were not correlated with post-treatment anatomic alterations.

Prognostic impact of peripheral blood WT1 mRNA dynamics in patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with venetoclax combination therapy

BackgroundWilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) mRNA quantification is a useful marker of measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, whether monitoring the WT1 mRNA levels may predict the outcome of venetoclax (VEN) combination therapy in AML is not reported. This study aims to elucidate whether WT1 mRNA dynamics could predict long-term prognosis.Methods33 patients with untreated or relapsed/refractory AML evaluated for peripheral blood WT1 dynamics in VEN combination therapy were analyzed.ResultsThe median age was 73 years (range 39–87). Azacitidine was combined with VEN in 91% of patients. Overall, the median overall survival (OS) was 334 days (95% CI 210–482), and the complete remission (CR) plus CR with incomplete hematologic recovery rate was 59%. A 1-log reduction of WT1 mRNA values by the end of cycle 2 of treatment was associated with significantly better OS and event-free survival (EFS) (median OS 482 days vs. 237 days, p = 0.049; median EFS 270 days vs. 125 days, p = 0.02). The negativity of post-treatment WT1 mRNA value during the treatment was associated with significantly better OS and EFS (median OS 482 days vs. 256 days, p = 0.02; median EFS not reached vs. 150 days, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of these two parameters as strong EFS predictors (HR 0.26, p = 0.024 and HR 0.15, p = 0.013, respectively). The increase in WT1 mRNA values was correlated with relapse.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that WT1 mRNA dynamics can be a useful marker for assessing long-term prognosis of VEN combination therapy for AML.

Overvaluation of shape/weight at posttreatment predicts relapse at 12-month follow-up after successful behaviorally-based treatment of binge-eating disorder.

To test whether overvaluation of shape/weight at the end of treatment prospectively predicts relapse at 12-month follow-up in patients with binge-eating disorder (BED). Participants were 129 patients with BED who achieved abstinence from binge eating after 6 months of behaviorally-based weight-loss treatments in a clinical trial. Independent assessments conducted at posttreatment and at 12-month follow-up included the Eating Disorder Examination interview, the Beck Depression Inventory, and weight measurements. Of the 129 participants who attained abstinence from binge-eating at posttreatment, 46 (36%) were categorized with clinical overvaluation and 83 (64%) with subclinical overvaluation; 115 (89%) were re-assessed at 12-month follow-up. Participants with overvaluation at posttreatment were significantly more likely than those without to relapse at 12-months to non-abstinence from binge eating (54% vs. 28%) and to diagnosis-level binge-eating frequency of once weekly or greater (31% vs. 13%). Overvaluation at posttreatment predicted significantly higher eating-disorder psychopathology and depression scores at 12-month follow-up but were unrelated to weight and weight changes. Treatment groups did not have main or interaction effects; posttreatment overvaluation effects were observed regardless of treatment and of covarying for posttreatment value of dependent variables. Our findings suggest that overvaluation of shape/weight at the end of treatment predicts relapse and heightened eating-disorder psychopathology and depression scores 1 year later in patients who achieved abstinence from binge eating with behaviorally-based treatments. Overvaluation of shape/weight has significant clinical implications and warrants consideration as a diagnostic specifier for BED as it provides important prospective prognostic information. Although effective treatments are available for binge-eating disorder, relapse following successful treatments is not uncommon. Almost nothing is known about what predicts relapse following treatments for binge-eating disorder. Our study found that overvaluation of shape/weight (i.e., body image concerns that overly impact self-worth) at posttreatment prospectively predicted relapse and higher eating-disorder psychopathology and depression 1 year later in patients who achieved binge-eating abstinence with behaviorally based treatments. gov registration: NCT00829283. (Treatment of obesity and binge eating: Behavioral weight loss vs. stepped care.).

Individualized treatment strategy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis based on imaging evaluation

Purpose: To study the effect of individualized treatment strategy based on imaging evaluation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
 Methods: Eighty patients with RA of the wrist treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China from January 2018 to December 2022 were assigned to control and study groups. Conventional methods were used for treating control subjects, based on RA laboratory index results, while the study group received individualized treatment based on RA laboratory index results and results of imaging evaluation. Before and after treatment, serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assayed using immunoturbidimetry. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Wei method. Imaging examination - ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - was carried out in study group before and after treatment. Disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and score on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated before and after treatment, and the curative effect in the two groups was compared based on curative effect evaluation.
 Results: In both groups, post-treatment values of RF, CRP and ESR were lower than the corresponding pre-treatment levels, but were significantly smaller in study group (p < 0.05). The DAS28 and VAS scores of the two groups after treatment were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the pretreatment levels, but the DAS28 and VAS scores were significantly lower in study group (p < 0.05). Treatment efficacy in study group (95.0 %) was significantly higher than in control patients (77.5 %, p = 0.0476). The results of imaging indicators showed significantly reduced post-treatment synovial thickness and joint effusion in study group patients when compared with control patients (p < 0.01).
 Conclusion: Individualized treatment strategy for RA patients based on imaging results enhances curative effectiveness, reduces disease activity, relieves pain, and improves the quality of life of patients.

Fractal Changes of the Retinal Microvasculature in Syphilitic Uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose To quantify chorioretinal microvascular damage and recovery post-treatment in patients with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) using fractal dimension (FD). Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients with serologically confirmed syphilitic uveitis. We obtained optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scans at baseline and follow-up after intravenous penicillin treatment and computed FD of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) using ImageJ. Results We enrolled seven patients with ASPPC (11 eyes), and 17 control subjects (34 eyes). Pre-treatment averages of FD-SCP, FD-DCP, and FD-CC were: 1.672 (±0.115), 1.638 (±0.097), and 1.72 (±0.137); post-treatment: 1.760 (±0.071), 1.764 (±0.043), and 1.898 (±0.047). After treatment FD-CC increased in all 11 eyes with an average of 0.163 (p = 0.003); FD-DCP increased in 10 (91%) eyes with an average of 0.126 (p = 0.003); and FD-SCP increased in seven (64%) eyes with an average of 0.089 (p = 0.059). Compared to the post-treatment FD values in the syphilitic group, controls had similar FD-SCP (p = 0.266), FD-DCP (p = 0.078), and FD-CC (p = 0.449). Conclusions CC and DCP are mostly affected in ASPPC with minimal changes in the SCP. All vascular layers FD recovered after completing antibiotic treatment.

Efficacy of lumbar motor control training in treatment of patients with cervicogenic headache

BackgroundCervicogenic headache (CGH), is a secondary headache arising from cervical disorders. Training core muscles have a corrective effect on the whole spine. Moreover, increased deep neck flexors (DNFs) activation is closely linked with balanced core stabilization of the global cervical-thoracic-lumbopelvic chains. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lumbar motor control training combined with cervical stabilization exercises compared to cervical stabilization exercises alone in CGH patients.MethodsFifty-two subjects of both genders with CGH and chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP) participated in this study. They were recruited from the outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic at Mubarak Central Hospital, Giza, Egypt; their mean age was 28.1 ± 5.8 years and their BMI was 22.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2. They received treatment for three sessions per week for 4 weeks. Subjects were assigned randomly into two equal groups; the control group: received cervical stabilization exercises (axial elongation, cranio-cervical flexion, cervical extension, rowing, and Y-exercise). Study group: received cervical stabilization exercise in addition to lumbar motor control training (abdominal draw-in maneuver, side plank, and quadruped position), each exercise had a 4-week progression. Headache frequency, duration, intensity by visual analog scale (VAS), and neck functional disability by Neck Disability Index (NDI) were measured before the first session and after the last session of the 4 weeks of treatment.ResultsThere was a high statistically significant difference in post-treatment mean values of headache frequency, headache duration, headache intensity, and neck functional disability between the two groups in favor of the study group.ConclusionAdding lumbar motor control training to cervical stabilization exercise is more effective than cervical stabilization alone in decreasing headache frequency, duration, intensity, and neck functional disability in CGH patients with CMNP.Trial registrationNCT05952115. Registered 11 July 2023-retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4.

Adjuvant effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A case series.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution of patients with diabetic foot ulcer treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the Bates-Jensen (BJ) scale. A total of 21 patients were monitored, with an average age of 58 years. Patients underwent the standard treatment protocol of the institution, supplemented with aPDT utilizing 0.01% methylene blue (MB) and laser irradiation (660 nm, 100 mW, 6 J per point). Following aPDT, the lesions were protected with hydrofiber dressings containing silver. The Bates-Jensen Scale was employed at pre-treatment and post-aPDT sessions to assess lesion progression. The results demonstrated a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment values in the overall BJ score. The use of MB in aPDT proved to be an effective, safe, well-tolerated treatment with high patient adherence and the potential for implementation in the care of diabetic foot conditions.

Effect of Peanut Ball Exercise on Fear of Labour among Primigravida Mother

Background: Fear of giving birth is the primary factor that has reduced the preference for natural birth. Thesudden rise in the percentage of C-sections has harmed women’s pregnancy and new-born health.Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of peanut ball exercise on reducing fear among primigravida mothers.Materials and Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to experimental (peanut ball exercise,antenatal exercise, antenatal education) and conventional (Antenatal exercises) groups. The fear of childbirthquestionnaire (FCQ) was used to evaluate the pre-test the same test used to determine post-treatment values after12 weeks of the treatment.Results: A significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups (P =0.0001). peanutball exercise and antenatal education were effective in mothers with a fear of childbirth.Conclusion: Peanut ball training is effective in mothers with a fear of childbirth.

Efficacy of Scapular Strengthening Exercise and Eccentric Forearm Exercise on Functional Recovery in Subjects with Lateral Epicondylitis

Background: Inflammation of the extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis tendon causes lateral epicondyle discomfort.Patients on the dominant side were more affected than those on the nondominant side. And also proximal muscleweakness or instability places an additional load on the distal joint, leading to distal conditions, such as lateralepicondylitis.Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of scapular strengthening exercise and forearm eccentric exercise onfunctional recovery in subjects with lateral epicondylitis.Materials and Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to experimental (scapular strengtheningwith eccentric exercise) and conventional (eccentric exercise) groups. Pain-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE),the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and grip strength measurement using a hand dynamometer were usedto evaluate the pre-test. The same test was used to determine post-treatment values after five weeks of treatment.Results: A substantial difference was seen between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.0001). Scapularstrengthening and eccentric exercises were effective in patients with lateral epicondylitis.Conclusion: Scapular muscle strengthening and eccentric forearm training are effective in individuals with lateralepicondylitis.

Hot-pack therapy increased gliding function of the iliotibial band during passive knee motion: An exploratory study

IntroductionQuantifying soft tissue dynamics during joint motion is important for the valid assessment and development of effective therapeutic interventions for the soft tissues. This study aimed to examine the immediate effect of thermotherapy on gliding of the iliotibial band (ITB), including the subcutaneous tissue, and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle during passive knee joint motion. MethodsTen participants (age, 20.4 ± 0.7 years; height, 172.0 ± 8.9 cm; weight, 64.1 ± 9.7 kg; BMI, 21.6 ± 1.7 kg/m2) with no history of lower extremity surgery or neuromuscular disease participated in the study. An electrothermal hot pack with an internal temperature of 65 °C was applied to one of the lateral thighs, followed by measuring its stiffness using a durometer. Movements of both the ITB and VL were recorded using ultrasound imaging during isokinetic knee motion. The Farneback method and optical flow algorithm analysis software were adapted to create the movement velocity from ultrasound imaging. Gliding coefficient was calculated using the coefficient of correlation for each velocity in the proximal-distal direction during knee motion. The mean velocity during knee motion was calculated using absolute values. The differences between the pre-intervention values and between the pre- and post-intervention values were examined. ResultsAfter applying the hot pack, the stiffness significantly decreased (p = 0.01), and the mean velocity of the ITB significantly increased (p = 0.03). The gliding coefficient and VL mean velocity did not significant differ (p = 0.65 and p = 0.80, respectively) between pre- and post-hot-pack applications. ConclusionsHot-pack therapy might increase gliding function of the ITB during passive knee motion.

Efficacy of mindfulness meditation to improve quality of life in young women with polycystic ovarian disease

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of women’s most common endocrine disorders that can cause anxiety, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life (QOL). Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a 9-week mindfulness-based meditation program on the QOL and general health parameters in young women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This study was implemented on women diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria. The program was conducted for 9 weeks, beginning with a 15 min session and gradually increasing it to 60 min. The program included techniques on breath focus, body scan, “Om” chanting, mindful breathing, thinking, seeing, and listening. Pre-intervention questionnaires were given to the participants. These were a PCOS questionnaire (PCOSQ), a general health-related QOL questionnaire, and a five-item questionnaire for acne problems. Responses of participants were analyzed using 22 SPSS statistical software. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean of pre- and post-intervention Likert scale response values for the 26-item PCOSQ. There was no significant difference in the mean of pre- and post-intervention Likert scale response values for the acne questionnaire. Before the intervention, majority of them were unsatisfied with their health condition, only 8% reported “excellent” health, after the intervention 63% reported “very good.” 42% reported a reduction in pain, and 71% reported that they were calm and peaceful “most of the time.” Conclusion: Results showed that mindfulness meditation intervention had caused a significant change in general health and QOL of patients with PCOS.

Effects of progessive vs. constant protocol whole-body vibration on muscle activation, pain, disability and functional performance in non-specific chronic low back pain patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant disability and functional impairment. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has emerged as a new treatment method, but additional research is necessary to determine the optimal parameters of WBVE that would be beneficial for patients experiencing chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aims to investigate the effects of two type of WBVE (constant vs progressive) on pain, disability, functional performance, and muscle activity in patients with NSCLBP. Thirty-two individuals diagnosed with chronic low back pain (CLBP) without any specific causes were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a constant/fixed protocol WBVE group or a progressive protocol WBVE group. Participants underwent WBVE sessions for around 30 min, thrice weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Primary outcomes assessed included pain intensity, functional disability, functional performance, and electromyographic activity of core musculature, measured at baseline and upon completion of the intervention period. Temporal changes of each outcome variable across different periods and between groups were measured with repeated measures 2×2 mixed ANOVA. Further, the paired t-test was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment values within each group. Significant improvements were observed in both the constant and progressive WBVE protocol groups. Pain intensity decreased by 64.2% (p<0.001) in the constant group and by 61.1% (p<0.001) in the progressive group. Functional disability decreased by 48.1% (p<0.001) in the constant group and by 53.3% (p<0.001) in the progressive group. Functional performance improved by 16.5% (p<0.001) in the constant group and by 16.9% (p<0.001) in the progressive group. Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated significant improvements across all measured variables except % maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) of external obliques (EO) in both intervention groups with time (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of improvement between the constant and progressive WBVE protocols (p>0.05), indicating both modalities' effectiveness in ameliorating CLBP symptoms and associated functional impairments. The study demonstrates that both progressive and constant WBVE protocols are equally effective in reducing pain and disability in NSCLBP patients. These findings support the inclusion of progressive WBVE in clinical practice, offering a flexible treatment option that can be tailored to individual patient needs, ensuring both tolerability and effectiveness. This contributes valuable evidence towards optimizing WBVE protocols for managing NSCLBP.

Comparison of Metformin and Myoinositol on Clinical, Hormonal and Metabolic Profile of Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: An Open-label Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: The prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), one of the common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, varies from 2.2% to 26% globally. The treatment for PCOS aims to reduce Body Mass Index (BMI), improve underlying hormonal disturbances, prevent future reproductive and metabolic complications, and enhance the quality of life. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of metformin and Myoinositol (MI) on the metabolic, hormonal, and clinical profiles in PCOS. Materials and Methods: An open-label randomised clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Chengelpet, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2019 to May 2020. The study included 80 women with PCOS who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received metformin 1500 mg/day (in three divided doses), while the other group received MI 1 gram/day for three months. At the end of the 12-week therapy, the participants were evaluated for changes in clinical, metabolic, and hormonal profiles. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, proportion, mean, and standard deviation were used for quantitative data. Results: Both the metformin and MI-treated groups showed a significant reduction in BMI, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin. Both drugs were equally effective in changing the hormonal profile. There was a significant improvement in lipid parameters in both groups, with High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels being more significantly raised in the metformin group. The post-treatment HDL values in the metformin group were 75.69±19.16 mg/dL compared to 41.43±6.18 mg/dL in the MI group (p&lt;0.0001). Both groups demonstrated similar efficacy in improving menstrual regularity, with 60% of the patients in the metformin group and 65% in the MI group having regular cycles at the end of treatment. Among infertility patients, the conception rate was 40% in the metformin group and 25% in the MI group (p=0.70). Conclusion: Both drugs were equally efficient in improving the clinical, metabolic, and hormonal profiles in PCOS. Metformin was found to be superior to MI in improving fertility and increasing HDL levels.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of different anticoagulation regimens in plasma exchange: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Extracorporeal line clotting during plasma exchange (PE) not only delays efficient treatment, but also cause great waste of nursing resources. There is a lack of comprehensive comparison of the efficacy and safety among different anticoagulation regimens in plasma exchange in literature. A systematic search was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, and CNKI. Studies that had compared at least two anticoagulation regimens in PE were considered eligible. The anticoagulative efficacy outcome was assessed by the occurrence of extracorporeal circuit clotting. The safety outcome was assessed by the occurrence of bleeding events, post-treatment APTT values, and post-treatment platelets counts. The risk of bias was assessed by the AHRQ tool. Mean differences or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of continuous variables and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs of categorical variables were pooled using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model as appropriate. In all, 7 studies with 1638 patients and 10951 sessions of PE treatment were included. Pooled results indicated the anticoagulative efficacy of UFH was better than that of saline flushing, yet did not differ with those of LMWH or RCA. Although the occurrence of bleeding events had no difference among different pairs of anticoagulation regimens, anticoagulation using UFH might lead to longer post-treatment APTT value and lower post-treatment platelet counts. Only one study was judged to have low risk of bias in each of the five domains in the AHRQ tool. The current anticoagulation regimens are generally effective and well tolerated in PE; however, the number of included studies was too limited to draw definitive conclusions.

Comparative Assessment of the Phytodesalination rates of Duckweed and Water Hyacinth in Brackish Water

Brackish surface water is a challenge for mostestuarinecommunities to meet the water requirement for agricultural purposes. Desalination plantson the other hand,are costlyandenergy consuming method to run. This research compares the possible use of duckweed andwater hyacinth for their Phytodesalinationrates of brackish water. Three replicates containing about 100 g of each aquatic macrophytes in a trough with 10 litres of brackish water (salinity 7.69 ppt) were studied daily for 6 days. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity were the measured water parameters thereafter, the treatment means were calculated. Results showed that maximum reductions of most of the water parameter were observed after 3 days of the research for both aquatic macrophytes. A reduction of EC by 16.4 %, TDS by 16.3 % and salinity by 20.7 % for duckweed while for water hyacinth, a reduction of EC by 20 %, TDS by 19 % and salinity by 29.1 % were observed. Thereafter, both aquatic macrophytes started showing signs of nutrient starvation and a reduced rate of desalination. This can be addressed by removingthe spent and wilting aquatic plantsand re-introducingfresh onesin 3 days intervalsuntil desalination is achieved. Anova shows that there was significant difference between pre-and post-treatment values at 95 %confidence level in EC for both duckweed and water hyacinth treatment and also in TDS and salinity for water hyacinth treatment. This suggests potency of water hyacinth in the desalination of brackish water for crop irrigation and other agricultural purposes.

Evaluating the efficacy of Rho kinase inhibitor eye drops in the management of corneal edema: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ripasudil in managing various corneal edema conditions. This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted at Hadassah Medical Center and involved 16 patients with 17 eyes. Patients were selected based on diagnostic criteria, primarily corneal edema. The conditions were as follows, listed by frequency: postcataract surgery (31.25%), postpenetrating keratoplasty (25%), post-Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (18.75%), Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (12.5%), status post-Ahmed glaucoma valve (6.25%), and status posttrabeculectomy (6.25%). The treatment regimen involved topical administration of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Glanatec® 0.4%), administered three times a day or tailored to condition severity. Efficacy was assessed using pre- and posttreatment measurements of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell count (ECC), along with slit-lamp and optical coherence tomography examinations. The average duration of ripasudil treatment was approximately 4.9 ± 2.2 months. Significant improvements were observed in BCVA, changing from a pretreatment value of 1.106 ± 0.817 logMAR to a posttreatment value of 0.56 ± 0.57 logMAR (P = 0.0308). CCT also showed a significant reduction, from 619.50 ± 56.36 μm pretreatment to 572.5 ± 75.48 μm posttreatment (P = 0.0479). ECC showed a marginal but not statistically significant increase, from 849.00 ± 570.72 cells/mm² pretreatment to 874.75 ± 625.59 cells/mm² posttreatment (P = 0.9010). The study provides robust evidence supporting the use of ripasudil in managing corneal edema. Significant improvements in key ocular metrics such as BCVA and CCT were observed, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients suffering from various forms of corneal edema.

Effectiveness of Kinesio-Taping and Conventional Therapy for Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic non-specific low back pain, which is treated in orthopedic rehabilitation settings, is a frequent musculoskeletal issue. Lumbar spondylosis, Psychogenic Low Back Pain, Spinal Stenosis and poor posture are all causing pain for the patient. Kinesio-Taping helps to reduce or eliminate discomfort. Objective: To see how effective kinesio-tapping and traditional therapy are for non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study design in which 30 patients were recruited using a convenient sampling sample, with 15 individuals in each group (Group A, Kinesio-Tapping with Conventional Therapy includes stretching, strengthening and hot pack) Group B which consists solely of standard conventional therapy. An independent T-Test for inter-group comparison and a paired sample T-Test for within-group analysis were used to assess the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Results: There was a significant change between the baseline and post-treatment NRPS values. Mean difference of 10.42 and 3.14 were reported between the pretreatment and post treatment values of NPRS in KT taping Group which was significant (p-value &lt; 0.05). Mean difference of 14.18 and 3.68 were reported between the pretreatment and post treatment values of NPRS in Conventional PT Program Group which was significant (p-value &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Kinesio-Taping in conjunction with Conventional Therapy is more effective than Conventional Therapy alone in treating Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.

Comparison of EDTA and Boric Acid Irrigation in Terms of Root Canal Dentin Microhardness and Sealer Penetration Depth

Chemo mechanical preparation is one of the important stages for successful endodontic treatment, and Boric acid has been proposed as an alternative irrigation solution for root canal treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation with boric acid (BA) and EDTA on the mineral content and microhardness of dentin and penetration of the AH Plus root canal sealer. Methods: 63 single-rooted teeth were instrumented. Microhardness analysis, 45 teeth were cut longitudinally and then transversely to obtain dentin. Pre- and post-treatment microhardness values were measured. The samples were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 15) for irrigation solution: distilled water, 17% EDTA, and 5% BA. The 18 roots were irrigated with three solutions (n = 6). Nine of the roots were filled with AH-Plus for confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis, and the others were used for XRD analysis. Results: The results were evaluated with the ANOVA test. BA caused a significant decrease in microhardness value in apical and coronal parts (p &lt; 0.05), while EDTA reduced only in coronal parts (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: BA provided higher sealer penetration ability. BA reduced the microhardness and provided better sealer penetration.

The Influence of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis and Its Treatment on Choroidal Vascular Index

Purpose: To evaluate the the effects of seasonal allergic counjunctivitis (AC) and its treatment upon choroidal structure such as choroidal thickness (ChT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) through the use of topical antihistamine agents. Methods. The 60 eyes of 30 patients were included in the AC group. Another 30 patients were included in the control group. The choroid was imaged by using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) instrument without pupillary dilation. ChT was defined as the area between the outer hyperreflective border of the RPE and the sclerochoroidal border at the fovea, 750 µm temporal to the fovea and 750 µm nasal to the fovea. Image J was used to measure CVI. With the images obtained from EDI-OCT, the total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and CVI were calculated using the binarization method. Results. The mean ChT value in the AC group was 358.5 ± 93.8 µm at baseline and 356.8 ± 86.6 µm following 1 month of treatment. Meanwhile, the mean ChT in the control group was 316.6 ± 60.7 µm. The mean CVI value was 66.65 ± 2.98 in the control group, 70.75 ± 3.26 in the AC group at baseline, and 69.50 ± 3.17 following 1 month of treatment. Statistically significant difference was tracked between control and AC group (p = 0.028) and control group and posttreatment values (p=0,031). There were no statistically significant difference between initial AC treatment values and posttreatment values for all of the measurements. Conclusion. ChT and CVI can increase in patients with AC due to inflammation and increased vascular permeability. Although symptoms and signs related to AC may disappear after the treatment, effects in the choroid do not immediately normalize.