Reduction In Discomfort Research Articles

Assurance for Endurance? Introducing a Novel Ergonomics Curriculum to Reduce Pain and Enhance Physical Well-Being Among GI Fellows.

Musculoskeletal pain and injuries (MSKPI) are common among gastroenterologists (GI) and GI fellows. Common areas of pain include the back, neck, hands/fingers, shoulders, and elbows. Although the prevalence of career-related pain and injuries among GIs is high, few endoscopists receive training in how to prevent MSKPI. We developed an ergonomics curriculum for our GI fellows that consisted of two modules that were led by physical therapists. Twelve out of 15 GI fellows, and one out of two hepatology fellows, participated in Module 1. Prior to the first module, 77% of participants reported pain in one or more body parts. Of those who reported pain, 100% of the fellows stated that this pain occurred during procedures, and 50% indicated this pain was performance-limiting. After completing Module 1, 100% of fellows reported that this was a valuable topic and 100% of the participants felt that this information would both help them feel and perform better. All fellows stated they had an immediate decrease in physical discomfort after engaging in the exercises that were included in Module 1. Eight fellows participated in Module 2. At the end of this module, 100% of fellows reported that this ergonomics training would likely help them to "physically perform better during procedures" and 100% of fellows indicated a reduction of physical discomfort (pain, aching) immediately after completing these exercises. Preliminary data indicated that this novel curriculum was perceived as valuable by GI fellows and that practicing these exercises reduced pain, particularly in the neck and the lower back.

Evaluation of the Nasopharyngeal Cannula Use After Orthognathic Surgery: Permeability of the Nasal Airways and Discomfort of the Patient With Cleft Lip and Palate.

It is believed that the use of the nasopharyngeal cannula can maintain the patent upper airway in the immediate post-operative period of orthognathic surgery. The present study is a randomized clinical trial with the objective of evaluating the difference in the use of the nasopharyngeal cannula in the post-operative period of orthognathic surgery with respect to permeability and discomfort. The sample was composed of 26 individuals with repaired cleft lip and palate randomly distributed in 2 groups with and without nasopharyngeal cannula. The evaluation was composed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), test with Altman mirror in 4 pre-operative periods, 6, 24, 30 hours after the operation. Rhinomanometry was also performed, a flow- pressure technique in 2 distinct moments, 6 and 24 hours after surgery. As a result, greater discomfort, greater obstruction as well as a reduction in the area of bilateral minimum nasal cross-section (ASTM) and increased resistance in the group with nasopharyngeal cannula are observed. In the intra-group comparison with the lowest ASTM values, the test group showed a significant difference between the first and the second moments (P = 0.001). It can be concluded that the nasopharyngeal cannula contributes to increase discomfort, worsens airway permeability by decreasing ASTM and increasing nasal resistance. Regarding the length of stay of the nasopharyngeal cannula, it can be said that from 6 hours onwards it does not contribute to the reduction of discomfort, airway permeability and assist in hemostasis.

Limited Sampling Strategies Supporting Individualized Dose Adjustment of Intravenous Busulfan in Children and Young Adults.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for busulfan supports dose adjustment during conditioning for stem cell transplantation. The authors aimed to develop and validate limited sampling strategies (LSS) of 4-5 samples for a precise estimation of the area under concentration (AUC)-time curve of busulfan, in plasma as an alternative to an intensive sampling strategy (ISS) requiring 9-10 samples. ISS TDM data from 297 patients (≤18 years of age) were used. AUCLSS was calculated using the trapezoidal rule and multiple linear regression (MLR). Unlike more complex modeling methods, MLR does not require sophisticated software or advanced training of personnel. MLR coefficients were estimated in the development subset containing randomly selected 50% of the records and were then used to calculate the AUCLSS of the remaining records (the validation subset). The agreement between dose adjustment recommendations (DAR) based on ISS and LSS, in the validation subset, was evaluated by a Bland-Altman analysis. A DAR deviating from an ISS-based reference by <15% was deemed acceptable. Twelve LSSs were acceptable. Sampling at 0, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after the start of the second infusion (LSS15) yielded the best performance, with DAR deviating from the reference by <10% for 95% of cases; the AUCLSS was determined as follows: AUCLSS = 74.7954 × C(0) + 81.8948 × C(120) + 38.1771 × C(180) + 138.1404 × C(240) + 54.1837. This LSS and LSS13 performed similarly well in an independent external validation. MLR-based estimates of AUCLSS provide DARs that deviate minimally from the reference. LSSs allow the reduction of patient discomfort, a ∼50% reduction of TDM-related workload for nursing staff and blood loss and a ∼25% reduction in laboratory workload. These benefits may encourage wider use of busulfan TDM, supporting safe and efficacious personalized dosing.

A split-mouth study comparing piezo electric surgery and traditional rotary burs on impacted third molars in young patients: an intraoperative and postoperative evaluation.

Piezoelectric surgery has been used in many different medical fields, for instance it is used in the field of oral surgery, as a valuable alternative to traditional rotary burs. Its first use dates to 1975 by Horton even if the first effective device for use in dentistry, has been developed by Vercellotti after the year 2000. The hypothesis of this study is that piezosurgery technology is more suitable in terms of specific intra-operative and postoperative evaluations compared to the rotary technology in ostectomy for the avulsion of the third molar germ. The null hypothesis presented is the lack of significant differences between the two technologies after and during surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative aspects are evaluated for a comparison between traditional rotary instruments and piezosurgery during germectomies in young patients through a blind randomized study (split-mouth). The surgical technique to employ for each hemi-arch was randomly selected from a computer algorithm. Different criteria were considered during the surgical procedure, in order to compare the two techniques. The piezoelectric technique demanded more time than traditional rotary method, and the difference was statistically significant both for the time of the entire procedure and the time only required for the ostectomy itself. Postoperative evaluations such as maximum mouth opening, facial swelling and postoperative pain showed no statistical difference. Even if the adopted clinical trial did not highlight any statistical difference the following review of literature showed an encouraging reduction in postoperative discomfort given by the piezosurgery as opposed to the traditional rotary bur surgery. The time taken to complete the operation, however, was longer with piezosurgery compared to traditional burs.

Mitigation of Equine Recurrent Uveitis through topical Suppressor of Cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1) mimetic peptide: Open Label Safety and Efficacy Pilot study

Abstract Recurrent Uveitis (RU), is a relapsing/remitting disease that accounts for more than 10% of severe visual handicaps in US patients per year, despite treatments that often include steroids. Even when effective, prolonged steroid use is accompanied by significant negative side effects. As such, there is a critical need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat RU. Notably, equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the only spontaneous model of human recurrent uveitis, and is also a leading cause of equine blindness. RU is driven by aberrant inflammation from the immune system. Notably, the body naturally generates a family of intracellular proteins, known as suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS), which prevent excessive inflammatory responses. We have previously shown that topical application of an eye drop, containing a cell-penetrating peptide that mimics SOCS1 (SOCS1-KIR), could mitigate experimental uveitis in mice. In order to evaluate the ability to translate our preclinical findings we conducted a first in equine, open label study in which we evaluated the safety and efficacy of topical SOCS1 peptide administration in ERU patients. We found that topical SOCS1-KIR administration was well tolerated in equine patients. Moreover, topical administration of SOCS1-KIR peptide twice a day was associated with reductions in ocular discomfort, hyperemia, and aqueous flare. Additionally, biochemical analyses of SOCS1-KIR revealed an enrichment strategy that could potentially be utilized to optimize ocular peptide dosing. Together, these results prove justification for conducting larger additional treatment studies in horses, and exploring SOCS1-KIR use in humans.

Pterygium excision with suture-less and glue-free conjunctival autograft

Introduction: Pterygium excision is a commonly encountered surgery with different methods being used. These procedures range from simple excision to use of grafts. Limbal conjunctival autograft is currently the most popular surgical procedure. The most common method of autograft fixation is suturing. But it has its own drawbacks like increased operating time, post-operative discomfort, inflammation, buttonholes, necrosis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, scarring, and granuloma formation. Glue is widely used due to many advantages like easy fixation of the graft, shorter operation time, and reduction in complications and post-operative discomfort but at the same time has some disadvantages also like high cost, the risk of transmission of infectionsand inactivation by iodine preparations.&#x0D; Purpose: In the following study, we describe a simple method of accomplishing conjunctival autograft adherence during pterygium surgery avoiding possible complications associated with the use of fibrin glue or sutures.&#x0D; Design: Prospective study.&#x0D; Method: We used conjunctival autograft, which was not sutured or glued to the scleral bed. The fibrin formed from the oozing blood was used to get the graft adhesion to the scleral bed. This study was approved by institutional review board, and written consent form was taken from each participant.&#x0D; Results: The suture-less and glue-free conjunctival autograft was found to have excellent results in terms of surgical outcome as well as post-operative recovery. In addition, risk of side effects related to sutures and glue was eliminated.&#x0D; Conclusion: Suture-less and glue-free conjunctival autograft is a new, easy, and cheaper technique for the management of pterygium.

Ergonomics assessment of passive upper-limb exoskeletons in an automotive assembly plant

Over the years, the industry’s interest in using external support devices, such as exoskeletons, is increasing. They are introduced as a new technique for improving the conditions of workers and for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. An investigation of muscle activity, Jonsson’s (Jonsson, 1982) ergonomic acceptance ranges, and shoulder range of motion was conducted with a sample of 12 workers using an upper extremity exoskeleton in an automotive assembly line. The operators performed continuous cycles of dynamic overhead work consisting of the assembly of the car body at the underside of the car making use of pneumatic screwdrivers. The EMGs (anterior part of deltoid, trapezius, latissimus dorsi and erector spinae) were measured for the muscle activity analysis on the one hand, and for the ergonomics study on the other hand. The latter consisted of an approach based on Jonsson’s work, that establishes acceptance thresholds of cumulative percentage of maximum voluntary contraction of muscle activity (%MVC) in a work cycle. The joint angles motion capture was carried out by measuring the angles of the neck, back, and arms joints. All measurements were performed during experimental sessions with and without an exoskeleton. The key findings show reductions of 34% and 18% of the deltoid and the trapezius muscular activities, respectively, which in turn could lead to a reduction of discomfort and fatigue. The erector spinae and latissimus dorsi muscles were not significantly affected by exoskeleton. The values of muscular activity were also represented over Jonsson’s acceptance areas. Referring to the posture, some differences were found in the range of movement of back, neck, and arms owing to the use of the exoskeleton; however, the differences were smaller than 5% in all cases.

Comparing the Effect of Low-Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) In Decrowding Lower Anteriors Using Conventional and Self-Ligating MBT Bracket Systems - An In Vivo Study

Introduction Orthodontic treatment is a type of care which often involves pre-adolescents, adolescents and adult who requires higher compliance due to long treatment duration1. Reduction in active treatment time can result in a reduction in patient discomfort and fatigue and improve patient compl

Effect of an Ergonomic Intervention on Reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders; A case study on employees of Bandar Abbas zinc Production Company

Introduction: Musculoskeletal discomfort is one of the most important causes of occupational injury and disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic intervention in order to reduce them.&#x0D; Methods: This analytic-descriptive study was conducted on 116 employees of Bandar Abbas Zinc Production Company. The Nordic questionnaire and QEC method were used to collect data before and after the interventions. An intervention program was conducted to reduce the workers' load weight, change their work level height, job rotation, and training. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.&#x0D; Results: During the last year, the highest frequency of musculoskeletal disorders were 65.52% in the lower limbs, 43.10% in the shoulder, and 43.10% in the knees. According to Cochran test, a significant difference was found between the discomfort before and after the intervention in the organs.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results revealed a significant reduction in musculoskeletal discomfort 3 months after the intervention. As a result, it can be deduced that integrated use of engineering and management interventions in a simple, practical, and cost-effective manner can reduce these diseases. Furthermore, continuous monitoring over appropriate implementation of these interventions over a long period of time along with commitment of the management and employee participation may reduce the musculoskeletal disorders.

Nonsurgical facial tightening after a fractional noninsulated microneedling radiofrequency treatment in Asians

AbstractBackgroundAs our previous three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric investigations have shown, noninsulated microneedle radiofrequency (NIMNRF) with 2.5‐mm penetration depth needles can induce long‐lasting tightening effects. However, further tightening effects for deeper tissues were sometimes required. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a novel fractional NIMNRF treatment strategy with 5.0‐mm penetration depth needles.Materials and MethodsTwenty Asian patients underwent full facial skin tightening using a sharply tapered NIMNRF applicator with a novel fractionated pulse mode. Patients received from 500 to 1000 pulses of 80 to 110 ms duration at a power of 10 to 14 W and a 1.5‐ to 5.0‐mm penetration depth. A topical anesthetic cream was applied before treatment. 3D volumetric assessments were performed at 6 months after the treatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5‐point scale at each follow‐up.ResultsObjective assessments with superimposed 3D color images showed a significant volumetric reduction in lower two‐thirds of the face for all patients. About 85% of the patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the treatment results. Side effects were mild and included a slight burning sensation and mild erythema that were minor and transitory. Posttreatment hyperpigmentation was not present, neither were other complications.ConclusionsThe advantages of the novel fractional NIMNRF treatment are the high potency of facial tightening effects, and reduction of discomfort and side effects. Taken together, these characteristics facilitate the ability to give repeated treatments and provide an alternative or adjunct treatment for patients with improved results.

Bullous Keratopathy in a dog treated with Third Eyelid Flap and Autologous Serum Eye Drops

Background: Bullous Keratopathy (BK) is characterized by decompensation of the corneal stroma resulting in visual impairment by corneal opacity, discomfort, excessive tearing, blepharospasm and pain. The aim of this study was to report a case of BK in a dog and the complete recovery of the ocular structure and visual function, with a third eyelid flap associated with the use of autologous blood serum topically.Case: A 2-year-old Shih Tzu male dog, weighing 4.3 kg, with recurrent bilateral eye discomfort was brought to Ophthalmologist Veterinarian Assistance. The patient had already been seen by other veterinarians, but the signs returned in a short period of time after the prescription was suspended. During physical examination it was observed moderate blepharospasm in the right eye, epiphora in the left eye, and in both eyes was noted exophthalmos, medial corneal entropion, caruncle trichiasis and ectopic cilia in the upper and lower eyelids. Fluorescein test was positive in both eyes, and a large bullous, opaque and gelatinous lesion with irregular appearance was observed occupying a large part of the cornea of the right eye. Superficial corneal ulcer was diagnosed in left eye and BK in right eye, both probably in consequence of ectopic cilia presence. Surgical intervention was made, with the cauterization and excision of the ectopic cilia and third eyelid flap in the right eye. The cauterization of caruncle trichiasis was not authorized by the owner. Moxifloxacin eye drops in the dose of one drop four times a day in both eyes, lubricant based on hyaluronic acid in the dose of one drop four times a day in both eyes, and autogenous blood serum, obtained from the centrifugation of a blood sample of the dog itself, in the dose of one drop every hour in the right eye for 24 hours, and meloxicam in the dose of 0.1 mg/kg every 24 h for 3 days were prescribed. Elizabethan collar was recommended until removal of the third eye flap. During the surgery, a sample of eye secretion was collected and sent for culture and antibiogram and did not show growth of microorganisms. After seven days of the procedure, the animal did not show eye discomfort and corneal ulcer in the left eye was healed. The third eye flap remained stable until the return of 28 days and after removal of the capton, adhesions were identified, which were removed with Castroviejo scissors after application of topical anesthetic proxymetacaine hydrochloride eye drops. A fluorescein test was performed and the absence of corneal keratitis was confirmed. Discrete corneal scars (macula) were identified.Discussion: The patient in this report had several changes in ocular morphology that favored the formation of recurrent injuries which contributed to the formation of BK. The use of topical medications as unique treatment was not performed due to the severity of the lesion and the presence of alterations such as medial entropion, caruncle trichiasis and ectopic cilia that needed surgical corrections to resolve the causes of the lesions. In order to protect the cornea and provide compression of its epithelium, a third eyelid flap was performed, a low-invasive procedure that is quick and easy to perform. Ectopic cilia were cauterized to eliminate one of the causes of the corneal injuries, however, the other changes could not be corrected because they were not authorized by the owner. The adjuvant uses of ocular lubricant based on hyaluronic acid, a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic and mainly autogenous blood serum favored the epithelial reconstruction of the cornea by providing protection, vitamins, growth factors, immunoglobulins, anti-collagenolytic and bacteriostatic substances. The protocol used it enabled a rapid reduction in patient discomfort, reversal of injuries and recovery of visual function.

Early rehabilitation in patients following colorectal resection: effectiveness of yogic breathing and manual therapy vs conventional care

Introduction Early rehabilitation programs have become an important focus of perioperative management after colorectal surgery with aims of improving patient care, reducing complication rates, and shortening hospital stay followingcolorectal surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yogic Breathing and Manual DiaphragmRelease Technique in early rehabilitation of patients following surgery to remove colorectal cancer.Methods A total of 40 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent colorectal resection were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental protocol (experimental group, EG: n 20 average age 66,5 years) or the stansard postoperative care (standard group, SG: n 20 average age 66 years). In all subjects, postoperative outcomes after seven sessionswere: peripheral oxygen saturation of capillary blood hemoglobin (SpO2), heart rate (HR), Activities of Daily Living(ADL), Short-Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and pulmonary functionality (spirometer).Results The length of postoperative hospital stay and ventilation hours were shorter in patients receiving the experimental protocol compared with those receiving the conventional postoperative care. A better pulmonary functionality, whichis fundamental for reducing lung complications, was recorded in patients receiving the experimental program than inthose receiving conventional care mainly in the percentage of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second. A significantlyimprovement of SPO2 and a greater decrement of HR was observed in the EG. To compare with SG, SF12 score afterexperimental protocol showed an improvement of quality of live. There was no significant difference in ADL score whenthe two groups were compared. Patients who received the experimental protocol compared with those receiving thestandard postoperative care showed a significantly reduction of discomfort after surgery.Conclusion Our experience demonstrated that there is the place for cooperation between Yogic Breathing and ManualDiaphragm Release Technique after colorectal surgery. The comparison between the groups showed that the SG hasbeen in a favorable clinical condition to prevent PPCs than the CG group. Thus, this new approach could be used as acomponent of the management of patients who have undergone colorectal surgery for cancer.

Differences in Elderly and Non-Elderly Outpatient Subjective Evaluation of "Easy-to-Eat Meals" after Dental Treatment.

Dental treatment improves the experience of eating by healing illnesses in the oral cavity or through the installation of special devices. However, mastication can often prove difficult for short periods of time after dental treatment, potentially limiting the types of food that can be consumed. Therefore, we proposed a highly nutritious meal strategy for dental outpatients (hereafter, "easy-to-eat meals"). We previously reported patients' subjective assessment of these easy-to-eat meals as determined through a questionnaire survey. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how differences in age affected such assessments. The study participants comprised patients scheduled to undergo dental treatment. They were divided into 2 groups: one of patients aged above and one of those aged below 70 years. All were required to consume provided easy-to-eat meals at the dental hospital directly after treatment and then answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on patient satisfaction with the meals, taste, portion size, convenience, reduction in discomfort, and whether they would consume them again. The format of the questionnaire was a visual analog scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (negative) to 10 (positive). Portion size was to be rated on a scale from 0 ("Not enough") to 10 ("Too much"), with 5 being "Just right". Correlations between the questionnaire items were investigated to determine how they influenced each other. The VAS average for "Reduction in discomfort" was 8.45±1.39 in the non-elderly group and 6.07±2.92 in the elderly group, and the difference was significant (p=0.02); the VAS average for "Taste" was 6.49±2.32 in the non-elderly group and 4.91±0.98 in the elderly group, and the difference was significant (p=0.04). The results of this study suggest that providing such meal plans as nutritional guidance after dental treatment can influence quality of life in elderly patients.

Anxiety and depression in menopausal transition: A hospital-based study from Kashmir

Background: Menopausal transition (MT) is the period of irregular menstrual activity which directly precedes menopause and is characterized by widely fluctuating hormone levels and reproductive, metabolic, and psychological disturbances. We aimed to study the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among ambulatory women in MT. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive ambulatory women in MT were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria by means of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, English version 5.0.0. The diagnosis of MT was made according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop. Results: About 28% of the cases had major depressive disorder (MDD), 14% had anxiety disorders, and 7% had anxiety with depression. A statistically significant difference in psychiatric comorbidity was found between the age groups of 45–50 years and 51–55 years. There was a statistically significant difference between onset of menarche and psychiatric comorbidity. Women in the late MT had statistically significant sleep disturbances. Conclusion: A high prevalence of mental disorders was observed which included MDD and other anxiety disorders. The results suggested that screening and appropriate management for psychiatric disorders should be part of the routine evaluation that would help in early recognition of symptoms and reduction in discomfort of these symptoms.

Intrapalpebral Extending Dysesthetic Bleb Revision with Fibrin Glue

ABSTRACTAimThis pilot study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a novel surgical technique using fibrin glue to treat bleb dysesthesia post-trabeculectomy due to intrapalpebral extension.BackgroundTrabeculectomy remains the gold standard for control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in refractory glaucoma. Bleb dysesthesia following antifibrotic-enhanced trabeculectomy is common, resulting in a significant decrease in quality of life. Symptoms include pain, foreign body sensation, and excessive tearing. Treatments include lubrication, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bandage contact lens, bleb needling, compression sutures, Nd:YAG laser treatments, autologous blood injection, and cryopexy. These procedures can be time-consuming, risk bleb function, and may be ineffective at symptom control; thus, a novel technique is required.TechniqueThis is a retrospective case series of eyes undergoing bleb dissection with scleral cutdown and conjunctival closure with ARTISS fibrin tissue glue. Reported cases have been followed up for 6 months. Outcomes assessed include complications, IOP, medication usage, subjective pain score, visual field, and cup-to-disk (C:D) ratio.ConclusionThis small pilot series demonstrated that patients suffering from bleb dysesthesia due to intrapalpebral bleb extension can be successfully treated with a novel surgical approach combining conjunctival dissection to sclera with fibrin tissue glue closure. There was no significant effect on bleb function and no contribution to glaucoma progression over a 6-month period. A significant reduction in patient discomfort with no new surgical complications was noted.Clinical significanceThis demonstrates a safe and effective novel surgical approach to treat patients with this condition. The technique is easily learnt and can be employed in an outpatient setting. The technique is readily accepted by patients in group who are often reticent to undergo further intervention. Most importantly, it does not compromise bleb function or destabilize glaucoma control.How to cite this articleHolmes DP, Manning DK. Intrapalpebral Extending Dysesthetic Bleb Revision with Fibrin Glue. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2020;14(1):37–42.

Pressure sensing of an aircraft passenger seat with lumbar control

Musculoskeletal sitting discomfort, specifically caused by long-term sitting, is primarily triggered by physiological fatigue on the human body due to its own weight. Passive seat designs can produce inadequate surface pressure zones on the body resulting in high musculoskeletal stress leading to physical discomfort. However, as proposed in this work, this can be alleviated by decentralizing the occupant's weight with an automatic morphing lumbar seat design.The morphing seat design presented in this paper adjusts in real-time, the seat's surface curvature to decentralize the pressure distribution. The seat system consists of a custom-made pressure sensor mat embedded within the backrest cushion and two pneumatic actuators located in the lumbar area. The purpose of this seat design is to produce a change in the backrest surface curvature so that such change creates a pressure distribution closely resembling a reference distribution. Said reference distribution is derived in this work based on the concept of the Ideal Pressure Distribution. The effectiveness of the discomfort reduction due to the decentralization of the backrest load is evaluated using an objective discomfort metric known as Seat Pan Distribution percentage applied only to the backrest, peak pressure areas and contact area. Preliminary performance tests of the seat system demonstrate the successful decentralization of the passenger's pressure distribution. The evaluation of the discomfort reduction is observed via the lowering in the objective discomfort metric and peak pressure areas while simultaneously increasing the contact area between the passenger and seat.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Premedication on Pain after Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment―A Review

Postoperative pain is more likely to arise within a few hours following ischolar_main canal treatment. Patients who have postoperative pain need analgesics that have fewer side effects for relieving the pain. Postoperative discomfort reduction by various preoperative means is a tried and tested method. Here, we predict symptoms that arise after treatment and try to deal with them before they begin. For those patients presenting with preoperative pain, it has been reported that up to 80% of this population will continue to report pain of different degrees even after endodontic treatment. A number of factors concerning the etiology of postoperative pain have been evaluated. The main contributing factors of pain during ischolar_main canal treatment comprises of mechanical, chemical, and microbial injuries to the pulp or periradicular tissues which are induced or exacerbated during treatment. Pretreatment analgesia is providing analgesia to patients before initiation of endodontic treatment, which can decrease the establishment of central and peripheral sensitization and has the potential to reduce postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic intake. Administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug before ischolar_main canal therapy will interfere with the inflammatory process before it begins; therefore, presumably decreasing postoperative pain.

Incorporation of Mindfulness Exercises to Reduce Anxiety During Urodynamic Testing: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Trial.

Incorporation of Mindfulness Exercises to Reduce Anxiety During Urodynamic Testing: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Trial.

Slow Instillation of Cooled Lignocaine Gel: Does it Reduce Urethral Discomfort During Cystoscopy?

Introduction: Intraurethral instillation of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride is associated with discomfort and stinging sensation, especially to male patients. This study was aimed to determine whether slow instillation and cooled gel reduce this discomfort.Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study was done comparing initial and procedural discomfort between 2% lignocaine instilled at room temperature and cooled to 4° C, and that instilled over 2 seconds and 10 seconds. Hundred and sixty male patients were divided into two groups of eighty each for the two studies.Results: Significant reduction in initial discomfort was observed with 10ml of 2% lignocaine hydrochloride cooled to 4° C and also when instilled over 10 seconds. Although procedural discomfort was also lesser in these two sets, it was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Discomfort, the most common complaint of male patients during rigid cystoscopy, can be reduced by slow instillation of lignocaine hydrochloride gel and also if the gel is cooled to 4° C.

Fanning as an alternative to air conditioning – A sustainable solution for reducing indoor occupational heat stress

We assessed whether increasing airflow with an electric fan is similarly effective as decreasing air temperature with air cooling (AC) in preventing heat-related reductions in productivity, and elevations in body temperatures and discomfort in a warm/humid indoor environment. In 48 experimental trials, we compared the reduction in the human heat stress response of sixteen participants during 135 min of intermittent arm ergometry at a fixed heart rate of 110 beats min−1, from a simulated tropical environment (HOT; 30 °C, 70%RH; wind < 0.2 m s−1) to that observed with either a, (i) 7 °C reduction in air temperature (AC; 23 °C, 70%RH, wind < 0.2 m s−1); or (ii) facilitated airflow (FAN; 30 °C, 70%RH, wind = 4.2 m s−1). Cumulative work was similarly improved (+11%) by FAN compared to AC. Likewise, reductions in rectal temperature, thermal sensation, and thermal discomfort were similar with the two different cooling strategies. Sweat losses in the FAN trial were higher compared to AC but lower than HOT without fanning. In conclusion, fanning offers an effective method for alleviating thermal stress and preventing productivity losses for workers exposed to environmental heat. Moving air instead of chilling it may require a little more sweating, but it can save electricity and hence lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to AC.