Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire Research Articles

Effect of ear cleaning on treatment outcome for canine otitis externa.

Ear cleaning is often recommended for management of canine otitis externa (OE). Few invivo studies evaluate how ear cleaning affects treatment outcome. To determine the effect of ear cleaning on canine OE by comparing treatment outcome in cleaned versus noncleaned ears. Twenty-three client-owned dogs with ceruminous or purulent OE. Forty ears were randomised to one of two groups: 20 ears were wiped with dry or saline-moistened gauze (grp1), and 20 external ear canals received manual cleaning (grp2) with a commercial product. One millilitre of a commercial otic suspension containing hydrocortisone aceponate, miconazole nitrate and gentamicin sulfate was applied to affected ears every 24 h for five days. Cytological scores, modified otitis index score (OTIS3), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), modified PVAS and client questionnaire were compared on Day (D)0 and D7. There were no statistical differences between cytological scores, modified OTIS3, PVAS, modified PVAS or client assessments between groups at D7. Both groups had significant reduction in all treatment parameters from D0 to D7 with the exception of cytological rod scores that were only significantly decreased in cleaned ears. There was a significant difference in OTIS3 before and after cleaning on D0. Both groups achieved successful outcome regardless of cleaning. Ear cleaning may be more important when rod-shaped bacteria are present.

Kombinasi Pemberian Sereh dan Kunyit terhadap Penurunan Intensitas Nyeri Menstruasi pada Remaja Putri Kelas VII di SMP N 2 Kuta

Intoduction: Adolescence is a transition period marked by physical, emotional and psychological changes.Menstrual discomfort is one of the most frequent illnesses associated with menstruation. Non-pharmacological therapy is used to alleviate menstrual discomfort, specifically a combination of lemongrass and turmeric. The purpose of this study was to assess whether administering lemongrass and turmeric reduced the menstrual pain intensity felt by adolescent girls. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental research design using a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design and purposive sampling, involving 64 grade VII adolescent girls separated into two groups: the intervention and the control group. Pain intensty was assessed using a VAS (Visual Analog Scale) questionnaire.. Result: The results of This study’s findings obtained that the pretest p-value for the treatment group was 0.000<0.05, indicating a difference in menstrual pain after the intervention. However, the post-test p-value for the control group was 1,000>0.05, indicating no difference in menstrual pain in the control group. Mann Whiteny analysis yielded a p value of 0.00 (<0.05), indicating that the combination of lemongrass and turmeric reduced menstruation pain felt by adolescent girls. Sugestion: It is intended that the combination of lemongrass and turmeric will be considered when delivering complete midwifery care to adolescent girls in order to minimize the menstrual pain intensity.

Evaluation of the efficiency of rehabilitation interventions in patients after unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy

Background. Unilateral bi-portal endoscopic discectomy (UBED), as other surgical methods of treatment, may require the use of additional rehabilitation interventions in the recovery process of patients. Unfortunately, studies on the effectiveness of nonpharmacological methods in the postoperative period for these patients are insufficient. The study purposed to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation intervention program in the patients who have undergone UBED. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Spine and Spinal Cord of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Hospital in 2022–2023. The sample consisted of the main group (MG, n = 74) — patients who underwent removal of the hernia of the intervertebral disc used UBED and complex rehabilitation and control group (CG, n = 68) — UBED was performed without a rehabilitation course. Study methods: we used visual-analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry questionnaire before surgery and after it (in 1 day and 1, 6 and 12 months). Results. In the preoperative period, the back pain index was 5.3 ± 1.4 and 5.6 ± 1.1 cm in MG and CG, respectively. In the postoperative period the back pain index according to the VAS decreased to 1.5 ± 0.4 cm in one day after surgery in the MG with its positive dynamics during the year of observation. In CG this index also decreased to 1.4 ± 0.9 cm with a gradual improvement to 0.3 ± 0.1 cm in 12 months. At the 12 months after the surgery the Oswestry index demonstrated that quality of life was better in the subjects of MG compared to the CG (5.4 ± 3.2 and 17.4 ± 3.3 %, respectively). Conclusions. The use of physical ­exercises in combination with massage and hardware physiotherapy in patients who have UBED improved the quality of life of the patients in the long-term observation period, but did not affect the reduction of pain after the surgery in both short-term and long-term observation

Application of Multi-Rod Constructs for the Revision of Thoracolumbar Fractures.

The revision procedure for failure of internal fixation after thoracolumbar fracture is controversial. Combined anterior and posterior surgery is associated with higher risk more intraoperative bleeding and tissue damage. The success rate of simple anterior surgery needs further confirmation, and posterior surgery lacks stability of internal fixation. This study evaluates the feasibility and surgical effect of multi-rod constructs in the revision of thoracolumbar fractures. Eleven patients with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent previous construct failure and were treated with revision and internal fixation with the multi-rod technique from March 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed. The original internal fixation was removed and replaced in the medial insertion of satellite rods and bone graft. The average follow-up time was 15.97 months. The intraoperation blood loss, the time of the operation, activation and discharge and the rate of rod fracture were calculated. The sagittal Cobb angle before revision, after revision and at the last follow-up were compared. The clinical effect was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire (ODI). The average operation time was 107 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 131.81 mL, the active time was 1.59 days, and the discharge time was 10.89 days. No rod fractured again during the follow-up period. The paired t-test was used to compare the Cobb angle, VAS score, and ODI before and after surgery. There was significant difference in the sagittal Cobb angle between the pre-revision and the posterior sagittal position (p = 0.000), and no significant difference was found between post-revision and last follow-up (p = 0.551). VAS and ODI were greatly improved at the last follow-up. The literature on revision of thoracolumbar fractures is insufficient and comprises varying opinions. This paper proposes a new treatment option. The application of the multi-rod constructs in the revision of thoracolumbar fractures is safe, simple, and effective and might provide guidance for future clinical work.

Effect of 8 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy versus 8 weeks core stabilization training in the management of subjects with non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with chronic pain usually regard pain as a stressful situation. The literature revealed that chronic pain is associated with social and cognitive dysfunction. Recently, the literature started to support using cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce the effect of chronic nonspecific low back pain.ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy versus core stabilization training in the treatment of subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain.MethodsNinety subjects were enrolled in the current study, with mean age (32.30 ± 4.38) and mean weight (72.27 ± 10.88). They were equally randomized into three equal groups A, B, and C using opaque envelopes and computer-generalized numbers. Group A received cognitive behavioral therapy plus traditional treatment, group B received a core stabilization training program plus traditional treatment, and group C received only traditional treatment. Visual Analog Scale, Fear Avoidance and Belief Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index were used pre- and post-treatment to measure the outcomes in response to the treatment plans.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed that there was a significant decrease in the Visual Analog Scale, Fear Avoidance and Belief Questionnaire, and Oswestry Disability Index post-treatment compared with pre-treatment in group A (P < 0.001), group B (P < 0.001), and group C (P < 0.001). Also, the results revealed that there was a significant decrease in the Visual Analog Scale, Fear Avoidance and Belief Questionnaire work/lifestyle, and Oswestry Disability Index of group A compared with group B (P < 0.05) and group C (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in outcome measures in group B compared with group C (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the current study support the involvement of cognitive therapy in the management of chronic pain as it guides the patient to be aware of the underlying mechanism of chronic pain and the management maneuvers to overcome such pain. Also, the results provide credit to cognitive behavioral therapy in terms of long-term relief of chronic pain.

Postprandial appetite responses to a pecan enriched meal: A randomized crossover trial

Longer-term pecan consumption has shown appetite-regulating effects as a part of a free-living diet, yet the physiologic appetite responses to a single pecan-containing meal are unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute physiologic, subjective, and direct appetite responses of a pecan-containing meal to an energy- and macronutrient-matched control meal. This was an acute meal challenge study utilizing a double-blinded randomized crossover design with two periods. Participants were young, healthy adults (BMI: 22.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2, age: 22 ± 3 y) who consumed a meal containing either 68 g of pecans (PEC; 795 kcal) or an energy- and macronutrient-matched control meal (CON; 794 kcal) on separate testing days. At both testing visits, five postprandial blood draws, and visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires (in-lab) were used to determine differences in peptide YY (PYY), ghrelin, and subjective appetite over a 4-h postprandial period. Participants also completed VAS questionnaires (at-home) and food records for the rest of the day after leaving the testing visits. Thirty-one out of thirty-two randomized participants completed the study. There was a greater overall postprandial PYY response (p < 0.001), and a greater suppression of postprandial ghrelin after time point 120 min (p < 0.001), with the PEC vs. CON meal. Further, there was a greater increase in subjective fullness (p = 0.001), and suppression of at-home overall appetite (p = 0.02), from time 240–780 min post-meal with PEC vs. CON meals. There were no differences in self-reported EI between meals or any other VAS measure. In conclusion, a pecan-containing breakfast shake produced more favorable physiologic and subjective improvements in appetite compared to an energy- and macronutrient-matched control meal. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05230212).

Comparative study of efficacy and safety of pregabalin and gabapentin for treatment of neuropathic pain in oral cavity cancer patients: a comparative, randomized and prospective study

Background: Pain in patients with oral cancers can limit the normal functioning and quality of life. Neuropathic pain raises the anxiety and depression levels, increases the morbidity and decreases the efficiency to work. Neuropathic pain is frequently diagnosed as a complication of cancer pain due to direct invasion of nerves, plexus or compression, and side effect of chemotherapy, radiation injury or surgery. Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups based on treatment: group P (pregabalin) and group G (gabapentin). The intensity of pain was measured using visual analog scale (VAS) and DN4 questionnaire (Douleur Neuropathique 4) was used to evaluate neuropathic component. Changes in pain score and neuropathic component was assessed at 2nd and 4th week of follow up. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS 20.0 software at level of significance being p&lt;0.05. Results: At baseline, the mean±SD of VAS score in group P was 7.20±0.79; in group G was 7.13±0.66. At 2nd week, the mean±SD of VAS score in group P was 4.5±0.91; in group G was 4.46±0.88. At 4th week, the mean±SD of VAS score in group P was 3.66±0.69; in group G was 3.83±0.85. At baseline, the mean±SD of DN4 score in group P was 7.13±0.80; in group G was 6.93±0.85. At 2nd week, the mean±SD of DN4 score in group P was 4.73±0.92; in group G was 4.46±0.82. At 4th week, the mean±SD of DN4 score in group P was 3.73±0.42; in group G was 3.93±0.62. Conclusions: Pregabalin was found to be more effective with lesser side effects than gabapentin.

A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 14-Week Study of Mirogabalin in Chinese Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain.

There is no approved effective drug for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) in China. Gabapentinoids including mirogabalin have shown promise, although data in Chinese patients are scarce. This phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy and safety of mirogabalin for treating DPNP in China. Mirogabalin was administered at 5mg twice daily for the first week and uptitrated to 15mg twice daily for a total duration of 14weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in weekly average daily pain score (ADPS) at week 14; secondary endpoints included the ADPS responder rate, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire visual analogue scale score, patient global impression of change (PGIC), average daily sleep interference score (ADSIS), EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Of 393 patients (mirogabalin, n = 196; placebo n = 197), the mean age was 58.2years (mirogabalin, 58.7years; placebo, 57.7years) and 54.2% were male (mirogabalin, 56.1%; placebo, 52.3%). Mirogabalin elicited a greater change from baseline in the weekly ADPS vs. placebo at week 14: least-squares mean difference (95% confidence interval) vs. placebo - 0.39 (- 0.74, - 0.04), p = 0.0301. PGIC, ADSIS, and EQ-5D-5L data reflected significantly better improvements for patients receiving mirogabalin vs. placebo. The incidence of TEAEs was 75.0% and 75.1% in the mirogabalin and placebo groups, respectively. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate, and the incidence of TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation was 2.6% in the mirogabalin group and 1.5% in the placebo group. Although the effect size of mirogabalin was reduced due to the placebo effect, mirogabalin is a safe and effective treatment option for Chinese patients with DPNP. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04094662.

Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of Class IV Laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common musculoskeletal problem that affects a large proportion of the population and lasts longer than three months. It has a high cost in terms of life, disability, and healthcare. Several modalities have effectively provided immediate and long-term relief for CNP; however, the comparative clinical effectiveness of these modalities is limited. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness of Class IV Laser therapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound (TUS) in patients with CNP. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-four patients with CNP of both genders were recruited from an age range of 20–45 years from the Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy of Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy, MM(DU), Ambala, India. They were divided into two groups at random: the LASER group A (n = 22) and the TUS group B (n = 22). The intervention duration was 2 weeks with 6 treatment sessions. Pre- and post-treatment outcome measures were assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Algometer, Goniometer, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaires at baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention. The LASER group received a target dose of 10 joules per cm2 at a power of 10 watts, with a continuous dosage frequency. The TUS group underwent a continuous mode ultrasound (3 MHz, 1 W/cm2) for 6 minutes. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. For parametric and non-parametric data analysis within the group, the paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank were used. The independent t-test and Mann-U Whitney test were used for the group comparison of parametric and non-parametric data, respectively. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a significant improvement in all the outcome measures (p&lt;0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the two interventions in VAS, Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT), and NDI (p&lt;0.05). CONCLUSION: Class IV Laser therapy is clinically more effective than therapeutic ultrasound in treating patients with chronic neck pain.

Assessing the effectiveness of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-mastectomy pain in breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Post-mastectomy pain Syndrome (PMPS), characterized by chronic neuropathic pain stemming from intercostobrachial nerve lesions, presents a formidable clinical challenge. With the incidence of breast cancer surging, effective interventions for PMPS are urgently needed. To address this, we conducted this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to study the efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy over the motor cortex on pain, quality of life and thermal sensitivity in PMPS patients. We delivered 15 rTMS sessions over three weeks in a cohort of 34 PMPS patients. These patients were allocated randomly to either rTMS therapy or sham therapy groups. Pain assessments, utilizing the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), alongside quality-of-life evaluations through the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), were recorded before and after the 15 sessions. Additionally, we assessed thermal sensitivity using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). Our findings demonstrate the superior efficacy of rTMS therapy (over sham therapy) in reducing VAS and SF-MPQ scores (p < 0.0001), improving physical (p = 0.037), emotional (p = 0.033), and functional well-being (p = 0.020) components of quality of life, as quantified by FACT-B. Our investigation also unveiled marked enhancements in thermal sensitivity within the rTMS therapy group, with statistically significant improvements in cold detection threshold (p = 0.0001), warm detection threshold (p = 0.0033), cold pain threshold (p = 0.0078), and hot pain tolerance threshold (p = 0.0078). The study underscores the profound positive impact of rTMS therapy on pain, quality of life, and thermal sensitivity in patients havingPMPS, opening new avenues for pain management strategies.

Effects of suboccipital inhibition versus soft tissue manipulation on pain intensity and disability in tension-type headache among undergraduate physiotherapy students

BackgroundTension-type headache (TTH) is prevalent among collegiate students due to academic stress. Manual therapies like suboccipital inhibition and soft tissue manipulation have shown efficacy in TTH management. However, comparative studies between these interventions in collegiate populations are scarce. Understanding their relative effectiveness can enhance treatment strategies and improve outcomes, shedding light on optimal manual therapy approaches for TTH among collegiate students. This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital inhibition and soft tissue manipulation on pain intensity and disability in tension-type headache (TTH) among undergraduate physiotherapy students.MethodsForty undergraduate physiotherapy students diagnosed with TTH were randomly assigned to the suboccipital inhibition group (group A, n = 20) and the soft tissue manipulation group (group B, n = 20). The suboccipital inhibition group received manual therapy targeting the suboccipital muscles, while the soft tissue manipulation group received manipulation techniques focusing on the cervical and shoulder girdle muscles. Pain intensity and disability were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Headache Disability Index (HDI) Questionnaire at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. The data were collected and analysed using independent t test.ResultsBoth interventions demonstrated significant reductions in pain intensity and disability after 6 weeks, with the t value − 4.3150 and − 3.3106 at p < 0.05 for VAS and HDI respectively.ConclusionSuboccipital inhibition and soft tissue manipulation are effective interventions for reducing pain intensity and disability among undergraduate physiotherapy students with TTH. However, the suboccipital inhibition group showed improvement in pain intensity and disability and it has been statistically significant when compared to the soft tissue manipulation group.

A retrospective multidimensional comparison of microprocessor and mechanical knee users: Analysis of quality of life and satisfaction with the prosthesis.

Despite the demonstrated greater efficacy of microprocessor knees (MPK) over mechanical knees (MK), the latter is still widely used by persons with transfemoral amputation. Besides motivations related to local insurance policies, quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with the prosthesis play a key role in user preference. The aim of this study is to compare QoL and satisfaction in a large sample of MPK and MK users and to assess how these outcomes are explained by clinical and demographic characteristics. Retrospective study. The study was conducted on 75 MPK and 60 MK users. Quality of life was assessed using the EuroQoL Five Dimensions and the EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale questionnaires. Satisfaction was assessed with the Satisfaction with Prosthesis questionnaire. All 3 instruments were self-administered. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted thereafter. The difference in satisfaction between MPK and MK users was not statistically significant. Significant differences were observed instead for QoL. From the univariate regression analysis, 6 factors were significant predictors of QoL and satisfaction. On multivariate analysis, the number of significant factors was reduced to 3, namely knee type, age at the first prosthesis, and experience with prosthesis. Type of knee and age at the first prosthesis significantly predicted QoL scores, explaining 12% of EuroQoL Five Dimensions and 25% of EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale variances. Age at the first prosthesis and experience with prosthesis predicted Satisfaction with Prosthesis scores in the multivariate model, explaining 25% of the variance. MPK affects QoL but not satisfaction, which is positively driven by patients' experience with prosthesis and negatively affected by the age at the time of the first prosthesis.

A polyphenol fraction from Rosa multiflora var. platyphylala reduces body fat in overweight humans through appetite suppression - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Rosa species are rich sources of polyphenols with physiological functions. In this study a polyphenol-rich Rosa multiflora (var. platyphylala) petal extract (RoseFit™) was investigated for weight loss in humans. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind clinical trial seventy overweight male and female subjects (20-50 years) with body mass index (BMI) 25-30kg/m2 were randomly allocated to the active treatment group (RoseFit) and placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. The subjects received 300mg capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome measures included body weight, BMI, and body composition, as determined using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Secondary measures consisted of serum lipid profile and appetite marker (leptin and ghrelin) analyses. Safety analyses included biochemical and hematological assessments. At the end of the study, a marked reduction in body weight (-1.20 ± 2.62kg, p < 0.05) and BMI from baseline was observed in the RoseFit group. In addition, the body fat % (RoseFit = -1.69 ± 2.59%, placebo = 0.96 ± 3.21%; p < 0.001) and fat mass (RoseFit = -1.75 ± 1.80kg, placebo = 1.61 ± 3.82kg; p < 0.001) were significantly abated in RoseFit group. Importantly, the lean mass was maintained during the intervention. RoseFit ingestion significantly increased the serum leptin levels compared to the placebo (4.85%; p < 0.05). Further, RoseFit group showed reduction in the hunger hormone ghrelin level (2.27%; p < 0.001) from baseline to the end of study, compared to the placebo. The subjective evaluation of appetite using visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires further confirmed the appetite-suppression effects of RoseFit. The lipid profile significantly improved in RoseFit-treated subjects. No serious adverse events were observed during the study, indicating the tolerability of RoseFit. Supplementation with RoseFit significantly impacts body weight management and can thus be a potential nutraceutical ingredient for sustainable weight loss. CTRI/2019/10/021584 dated 09/10/2019.

The quality of life after keratinized mucosa augmentation around dental implants using xenogenic collagen matrix with or without stent.

The substitution of missing teeth with implants is a dependable and anticipated therapeutic approach. Despite numerous studies affirming long-term success rates, there exists a spectrum of potential biological and aesthetic complications. The primary objective of this study was to assess patient responses subsequent to surgical interventions, with a specific emphasis on the utilization of xenogenic collagen matrix (XCM), both with and without the application of a stent secured over healing abutments, in the context of keratinized gingival mucosa augmentation. The principal aim was to evaluate and draw comparisons between the clinical outcomes resulting from these two procedural approaches, with a particular focus on critical parameters encompassing post-operative complications, patient comfort, and the overall efficacy in achieving successful keratinized tissue augmentation. Sixty patients were selected for this study. The patients were divided into three groups: A, B, and a control group, with each group comprising 20 participants. We used XCM in experimental group A, XCM covered with surgical stent in experimental group B, and free gingival graft (FGG) in the control group. After the surgical procedure, patients were required to complete a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire for post-operative complications, and a quality of life (QOL) questionnaire on days 1, 3, and 7. Patients in the experimental groups A and B demonstrated markedly improved outcomes when compared with the control group. Assessments conducted on days 1, 3, and 7 demonstrated diminished levels of pain, bleeding, and swelling in both experimental groups, with experimental group B showing the least discomfort. The incorporation of XCM, either with or without stents, was associated with a reduction in analgesic consumption, underscoring its favorable influence on post-operative comfort, notwithstanding the exception of halitosis in experimental group B. Using XCM with or without a stent for keratinized tissue augmentation has better post-operative outcomes associated with reduced swelling, bleeding, and pain based on the QOL survey. This study provides data to support the clinical application of XCM and stents.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma injections versus placebo on pain and quality of life in patients with hip osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

This study aims to compare the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections over a saline placebo in terms of reduction of pain and impact on quality of life among patients with hip osteoarthritis. A total of 60 patients (29 males, 31 females, mean age: 57.9±7.3 years; range, 47 to 69 years) with known hip osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrance (KL) Grades 2/3 were randomized into placebo (n=30) and PRP groups (n=30) between June 2014 and June 2015. Both groups received intra-articular injections into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance for three consecutive weeks. The patients were followed for six months, and pain reduction was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). Intra-articular PRP treatment showed no advantage over a saline placebo in terms of VAS scores during activity. Both groups showed a significant improvement in VAS activity scores at one and six months. The placebo group showed improvements in VAS resting scores, whereas the PRP group did not. Both groups showed no improvement in WOMAC-total scores. Both groups showed no significant improvement across most SF-36 domains with the exception of improved physical role functioning at one month and general health at one and six months in the placebo group. Intra-articular injections of PRP show no significant difference compared to a saline placebo over a period of six months on pain, function, and quality of life scores in patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Local ozone injection compared to local glucocorticoid injection in carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of local ozone (O3) injection versus corticosteroid injection in the treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 42 patients (9 males, 33 females; mean age: 46.7±2.1 years; range, 18 to 70 years) with mild to moderate CTS between May 2021 and June 2021. The corticosteroid group (n=21) was injected with 40 mg triamcinolone, and in the O3 group B (n=21), 4 mL of a 10 mcg/mL oxygen (O2)-O3 mixture was injected. Symptom severity and functional impairments were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Electrodiagnostic and ultrasonographic parameters were obtained at baseline and eight weeks after the procedure. The O2-O3 solution improved pain and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire score after eight weeks (p<0.001); however, the change was nonsignificant compared to the corticosteroid group (p>0.05). Sensory nerve and compound muscle action potential latencies were not significantly changed eight weeks after O2-O3 injection (p>0.05), while both were significantly decreased in the steroid injection group (p<0.001). Volar bulging and median nerve cross-section surface area were not improved after O2-O3 injection, while the improvement was significant in the corticosteroid arm (p=0.02). Symptoms in patients with mild to moderate CTS may be alleviated by local O2-O3 injection; however, electrodiagnostic and ultrasonographic indices may be unchanged. Corticosteroid local injection may alleviate patient symptoms along with electrodiagnostic and ultrasonographic parameters.

Exploring the Concept of Disease Control in Chronic Cough

BackgroundDisease control in chronic diseases is an overarching concept that reflects the degree to which the goals of therapy are met. However, to date, there is no consensus on the definition of disease control in chronic cough. This study aimed to provide a conceptual exploration of patient-reported cough control in chronic cough.MethodsThis research is comprised of two sub-analyses. First, patients with chronic cough receiving care at referral clinics were evaluated. Correlation analyses were performed between patient-reported cough control (a 5-point Likert scale), cough-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and generic health PRO scores. Second, a survey was conducted among patients with refractory chronic cough and physicians to identify factors pertinent to cough control.ResultsThe analysis of 341 patients (mean age: 55.5±15.1 years; and female: 66.6%) revealed that cough control rating was moderately correlated with cough severity visual analogue scale and Leicester Cough Questionnaire scores, while demonstrating weaker correlations with cough-associated throat symptoms, cough-related complications, or general health-related quality of life (QoL). In the survey of patients and physicians, both groups considered certain factors, such as cough frequency, severity, and impact on QoL, to be relevant to the concept of cough control. However, patients rated “needs for cough rescue drug’ notably higher than physicians.ConclusionPatient-reported cough control was associated with cough severity or impact on QoL, however, cough control may not be fully captured by conventional cough PRO measurement tools. Further studies are warranted to define the consensus and tools to measure disease control in chronic cough.

Can narrow-diameter implants enhance patient-reported outcomes for mandibular implant-retained overdentures?

A systematic review and meta-analysis. To evaluate and compare stability and functionality between narrow and standard implant-retained mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients from multiple perspectives. Assessments included clinical parameters [survival rate (SR) and marginal bone loss (MBL)], along with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The study protocol followed PRISMA criteria for reporting reviews and meta-analyses. Using appropriate keywords, electronic search was conducted in each of the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus, up to July 22, 2022. There were no restrictions based on language, publication type, or publication date. Additionally, ongoing studies were explored in ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP, while cross-references in each selected study were manually examined. The eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing narrow implants (diameter ≤ 3.5 mm) to standard implants (diameter > 3.5-4.5 mm) retaining mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients. Excluded were studies with unclear implant diameter information, fewer than 5 patients per group, observational studies, reviews, and laboratory studies. Two authors independently conducted study selection, data collection, and analysis, resolving any discrepancies through discussion with a third author. Methodological quality was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. Implant SR and MBL measurements at final follow-up were recorded, while patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS-100) and oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire, respectively. After duplicate removal, 782 publications and 83 registered clinical trials were identified, of which 26 were eligible for full-text assessment. Ultimately, the quantitative evaluation included 12 publications from 8 independent studies: 4 parallel design RCTs and 4 CCTs. Risk of bias assessment revealed variations among the studies, with only one study being rated as having low risk. The follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 3 years. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in SR and MBL between narrow and standard implant groups (p = 0.29 and p = 0.93, respectively), with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 100% and I2 = 78%, respectively). Regarding PROMs, the narrow implant group showed significantly higher levels of patient satisfaction (mean difference (MD): 8.18; 95% CI: 5.83 to 10.53; p < 0.00001; I2 = 36%) and exhibited a significant improvement in OHRQoL (MD: -4.36; 95% CI: -6.83 to -1.89; p < 0.001; I2 = 55%) compared to the standard implant group. For implant-retained mandibular overdentures, the use of narrow implants is associated with comparable SR and MBL, along with higher patient satisfaction and better OHRQoL improvement as compared to standard implants, offering a viable alternative option for patients with diminished alveolar bone width.

Not just more, but more diverse: Green landscapes along urban roads may significantly reduce drivers' psychophysiological fatigue

The impact of roadside greenness on driving fatigue in real urban settings has been insufficiently investigated, presenting a critical knowledge gap for researchers, policymakers, professionals, and the public. In this onsite driving experiment, 34 urban residents completed seven driving tasks on different urban road routes in a randomized order with one-day intervals. A total of 238 tasks were conducted, each lasting an hour, assessing psychophysiological, visual, and muscular fatigue. A cardiovascular activity monitor (BioHarness) continuously measured the driver's heart rate, with lower rates indicating reduced psychophysiological fatigue. Visual and muscular fatigue were self-reported using a Visual Analog Scale questionnaire administered before, at the midpoint, and after completing the driving task. Deep transfer learning semantic segmentation analyzed road landscape characteristics and traffic conditions recorded from the drivers' view. Statistical analysis demonstrated that higher mean and variation in greenness significantly predicted lower psychophysiological fatigue after adjusting for multiple covariates. These results indicate that enhancing both the quantity and diversity of green landscapes along urban roads is vital for reducing driver's psychophysiological fatigue. This study reveals that roadside landscapes in urban settings are not trivial decorations, and they should be considered an essential component of transportation infrastructure.

Efficacy of a Triticum vulgare Extract as a Treatment of Cervical Ectropion: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

To assess the effectiveness of a topical treatment for cervical ectropion with vaginal ovules containing aqueous extract of Triticum vulgare. Prospective observational cohort study conducted between November 2020 and November 2022 at the colposcopy clinics of 2 different hospitals. Sexually active patients with a colposcopic diagnosis of cervical ectropion, awaiting ablative procedure, were included in the study and prescribed medical therapy with vaginal T. vulgare ovules (group 1) or wait-and-see therapy (group 2). At both enrollment and 2-month follow-up, a symptomatologic evaluation recording the intensity of postcoital bleeding, leucorrhea, and dyspareunia was performed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaire, and a colposcopic examination was performed, calculating the size of the ectropion area. A total of 116 patients (58 in group 1 and 58 in group 2) were included. Topical treatment with vaginal ovules containing aqueous extract of T. vulgare for 2 months resulted in significant decrease of symptoms related to cervical ectropion and significant reduction of the size of the ectropion area. Our results support the efficacy of topical treatment with vaginal ovules containing aqueous extract of T. vulgare for symptomatic cervical ectropion; our study also suggests that expectant management, despite being widely practiced, seems to lead to a worsening of the natural history of ectropion.