Comparison of three different thermometers in evaluating the body temperature of healthy young adult individuals

The aim of this study was to compare the measurement values obtained with a non‐contact infrared thermometer, a tympanic thermometer and a chemical dot thermometer. The research population was composed of students studying in two departments of a university in Ankara. A total of 452 students who fit the inclusion criteria of the study and volunteered to participate were included in the sample. Body temperature measurements with different thermometers were performed by the same researcher at the same room temperature. Data were analyzed in a computerized environment by SPSS 15.0 statistical program pack and Bland–Altman graph. Mean age of healthy young adults participating in the study was 19.66 ± 0.94, and 55.1% of them were female. The agreement limits for non‐contact infrared and chemical dot was between ?1.30 and 0.32°C; for non‐contact infrared and tympanic was between ?1.26 and 0.13°C; and for chemical dot and tympanic ?0.89 and 0.74°C. It was determined that, although the measurement values of the tympanic membrane and chemical dot thermometers conformed with each other, the conformity of the non‐contact infrared thermometer was weak.     

急性脑卒中早期康复的功能变化与费用的随机对照研究

目的:探讨早期康复对急性脑卒中患者功能变化的影响及相关费用的分析和评价。方法:80例急性脑卒中患者随机分成康复组(40例)和对照组(40例),除进行常规的神经内科治疗外,康复组患者在急性期(病后1个月内,病情稳定48h)至病后6个月进行规范的康复治疗,包括运动疗法、作业疗法和言语治疗等,并对每组患者在入组时、病后3个月和6个月时的功能状况采用改良Barthel和综合功能评定(FCA)进行评测。比较两组在病后3个月和6个月的相关费用,包括直接医疗费用、直接非医疗费用、间接费用等,并进行了成本—效果分析。结果:病后3个月和6个月两组患者的功能状况均有不同程度的改善,其中康复组患者功能改善程度较大,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。病后3个月康复组38例的费用总和为$889104.2(23397.5±14176.4),对照组38例的费用总和为$737686.1(19412.8±20897.6),差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);病后6个月康复组38例的费用总和为$1087417.5(28616.2±22009.1),对照组为$901915.2(23734.6±22687.0),差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。MBI或FCA积分每增加1分在康复组所需的总费用和直接医疗费用相对较低。结论:早期规范的康复治疗可以改善急性脑卒中的功能状况。     

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveThe present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) aimed to investigate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsThe RCTs of pulmonary rehabilitation programs published between 1999 and 2021 were retrieved from electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase). Two reviewers independently assessed the topical relevance and trial quality and extracted data for meta-analysis using the Stata software version 14.0.ResultsA total of 39 trials involving 2,397 participants with COPD were evaluated. We found that patients who received pulmonary rehabilitation program had significant improvement in the 6-min walk test (6MWT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire score, and the modified British Medical Research Council score as compared to those who received usual care. Yoga and Tai Chi showed significant improvement in the forced expiratory volume (FEV1)% in 1 s predicted value. However, no significant difference was detected in the modified Borg score, forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC predicted value between the pulmonary rehabilitation and usual care groups.ConclusionYoga and Tai Chi showed a significant improvement in the FEV1% predicted value. Also, pulmonary rehabilitation program improved the exercise capacity, the quality of life, and dyspnoea in patients with COPD.

Key messages

• A total of 39 trials involving 2,397 participants with COPD were evaluated.
• We found that patients who received pulmonary rehabilitation program had significant improvement in the 6MWT, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire score, and the modified British Medical Research Council score as compared to those who received usual care.
• Yoga and Tai Chi showed significant improvement in the FEV1% predicted value.
• No significant difference was detected in the modified Borg score, FVC, and FEV1/FVC predicted value between the pulmonary rehabilitation and usual care groups.

     

The effect of Qigong on fibromyalgia (FMS): a controlled randomized study

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of a 7-week Qigong intervention on subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS).

Methods. The study was a controlled randomized study with repeated measures. Fifty-seven FMS female subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 29) or a waiting-list control group (n = 28). After completion of the experimental part, the control group received the same intervention. Collection of data was made at pre- and post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up for both groups.

Results. During the experimental part of the study, significant improvements were found for the intervention group, at post-treatment, regarding different aspects of pain and psychological health and distress. Almost identical results were found for the combined group. At 4-month follow-up, the majority of these results were either maintained or improved.

Conclusion. The overall results show that Qigong has positive and reliable effects regarding FMS. A high degree of completion, 93%, and contentment with the intervention further support the potential of the treatment. The results of the study are encouraging and suggest that Qigong intervention could be a useful complement to medical treatment for subjects with FMS.     

Recovery of walking ability using a robotic device in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled study

Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of Lokomat + conventional therapy in recovering walking ability in non-ambulatory subacute stroke subjects involved in inpatient rehabilitation. Method: Thirty first-ever stroke patients completed 8 weeks of intervention. One group (n?=?16) received Lokomat therapy twice a week, combined with three times 30?min a week of conventional overground therapy. The second group (n?=?14) received conventional assisted overground therapy only, during a similar amount of time (3.5?h a week). The intervention was part of the normal rehabilitation program. Primary outcome measure was walking speed. Secondary outcome measures assessed other walking- and mobility-related tests, lower-limb strength and quality of life measures. All outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention and at wk 24 and wk 36 after start of the intervention. Results: Patients showed significant (p?Conclusion: These results indicate that substituting Lokomat therapy for some of conventional therapy is as effective in recovering walking ability in non-ambulatory stroke patients as conventional therapy alone.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Recovery of walking after stroke is important.

• Robot-assisted therapy is currently receiving much attention in research and rehabilitation practice as devices such as the Lokomat seem to be promising assistive devices.

• Technical developments, sub-optimal study designs in literature and new therapy insights warrant new effectiveness studies.

• Results of a financially and practically feasible study indicate that substituting Lokomat therapy for some of conventional therapy is as effective in recovering walking ability in non-ambulatory stroke patients as compared to conventional overground therapy alone.

     

Supraorbital electrical stimulation in management of chronic type tension headache: A randomized controlled study

Background and Purpose: Headache disorders are considered one of the ten most disabling conditions, for both males and females, according to the World Health Organization. Chronic type tension headache (CTTH) has a prevalence of 2–3% within the general population. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of stimulating noninvasively the trigeminal nerve in the supraorbital area (SOES) for treatment of CTTH. Methods: In an 8-week period of intervention, 45 patients were divided equally into three groups. Both group A “study” and group B received conventional physical therapy program three times a week. Group A received additional SOES for 20 minutes daily. Group C was on prescribed medications only. Assessments occurred pre and post intervention using Headache Impact Test (HIT), headache frequency, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Results: In between groups, comparison showed statistically significant differences between all groups (p < 0.000). Within-group comparisons showed that both groups A and B showed a significant improvement in all measured data. Improvement percent of group A was HIT = 18.4% and VAS = 63.0%, p ≤ 0.0001, and group B was HIT = 12.5% and VAS = 28.2%, p ≤ 0.0002, while group C showed no significant improvement with improvement percent HIIT = 1.2% and VAS = 8.6%, p ≤ 0.5. Patients in groups A and B reported less headache frequencies than group C. Conclusion: SOES had positive therapeutic results for treatment of CTTH.     

Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on social functioning, loneliness and well-being of lonely, older people: randomized controlled trial

Title. Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on social functioning, loneliness and well‐being of lonely, older people: randomized controlled trial. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore the effects of psychosocial group nursing intervention on older people’s feelings of loneliness, social activity and psychological well‐being. Background. Older people’s loneliness is associated with low quality of life, and impaired health, increased use of health and social services and increased mortality. Previous intervention studies have achieved quite modest results. Method. A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 2003 and 2006 using a group intervention aimed at empowering older people, and promoting peer support and social integration. A total of 235 people (>74 years) suffering from loneliness met 12 times with professional leaders in groups. The UCLA Loneliness Scale and Lubben’s Social Network Scale were used at entry, after 3 and 6 months. Psychological well‐being was charted using a six‐dimensional questionnaire at baseline and 12 months later. Findings. A statistically significantly larger proportion of intervention group participants had found new friends during the follow‐up year (45% vs. 32%, P = 0·048), and 40% of intervention group participants continued their group meetings for 1 year. However, no differences were found in loneliness or social networks between the groups. Psychological well‐being score improved statistically significantly in the intervention groups [+0·11, 95% confidence interval (CI): +0·04 to +0·13], compared with the controls (+0·01, 95% CI: ?0·05 to +0·07, P = 0·045). Feeling needed was statistically significantly more common in the intervention groups (66%) than in controls (49%, P = 0·019). Conclusion. New sensitive measurements of loneliness and social isolation are needed to measure fluctuations in feelings of loneliness and in social isolation.     

骨科康复一体化模式下髋臼骨折围手术期康复临床路径：一项前瞻性随机对照研究

目的 探讨骨科康复一体化模式下髋臼骨折围手术期康复临床路径的有效性和安全性。方法 2019年6月至2021年1月北京积水潭医院创伤骨科经急诊收治入院行手术治疗的髋臼骨折病例82例,按照随机数字表法分为对照组(n=41)和试验组(n=41)。对照组采用常规髋臼骨折治疗,试验组采用骨科康复一体化模式下的髋臼骨折围手术期康复临床路径进行治疗,共24周。比较两组不同治疗时期疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Barthel指数(BI)评分和Majeed骨盆功能评分。结果 共获得76例病例完整随访资料。两组不同时期VAS评分均无显著性差异(|Z|<1.926, P> 0.05)。试验组BI评分在出院,术后2周、6周和12周随访时均高于对照组(|Z|> 2.121, P <0.05);术前和术后24周,两组BI评分均无显著性差异(|Z|<1.862, P> 0.05)。试验组Majeed骨盆功能评分在术后2周、6周、12周和24周随访时均高于对照组(|Z|> 2.428, P <0.05)。试验组在术后6周、12周、24周Majeed骨盆功能评分为“优”的患...     

金钱草片治疗尿路结石的多中心随机对照临床研究

目的评价金钱草片治疗尿路结石的有效性与安全性。方法采用多中心、随机对照试验设计,以八正合剂为对照药,金钱草片组6片/次,3次/d,八正合剂组20 mL/次,3次/d,疗程均为4周。结果本研究共纳入病例230例,其中金钱草片组178例,八正合剂组52例,八正合剂组全分析集(FAS集)和有效病例分析集(PPS集)FAS集/PPS集的临床痊愈率分别为40.00%/40.82%,有效率分别为70.00%/71.43%,金钱草片组FAS集/PPS集的临床痊愈率分别为44.97%/45.23%,有效率分别为75.15%/75.60%,经统计学检验,2组的临床疗效无显著性差异。2组患者的治疗后中医证候疗效比较比较结果(FAS集/PPS集)表明:八正合剂组FAS集/PPS集的临床痊愈率分别为16.00%/16.33%,有效率分别为98.00%/100.00%,金钱草片组FAS集/PPS集的临床痊愈率分别为37.87%/38.10%,有效率分别为99.41%/99.40%,FAS和PPS分析结果均表明2组中医证侯疗效痊愈率差别有统计学意义,试验组的痊愈率较对照组高,2组不良事件和不良反应发生率无显著性差异。结论金钱草片与八正合剂疗效相当,不良反应发生率,安全性好,是一种治疗尿路结石的安全有效的药物。     

帕珠沙星治疗急性泌尿系统感染的多中心随机对照临床研究

目的评价国产帕珠沙星注射液治疗急性泌尿系统感染的疗效和安全性。方法采用多中心、单盲、区组随机、平行对照试验设计，以左氧氟沙星注射液为对照药，帕珠沙星每次静滴300mg，左氧氟沙星每次静滴200mg，两药均每日用药2次，疗程7～10d。结果本研究共纳入117例，帕珠沙星组和左氧氟沙星组分别为58例和59例，其中帕珠沙星组1例因细菌培养为耐药大肠埃希菌生长而剔除，故两组进行全分析集（FAS）和符合方案分析集（PPS）分析的病例数均分别为57例和59例。疗程结束时帕珠沙星组与左氧氟沙星组的痊愈率和有效率分别为71．9％与67．8％和93．0％与83．1％，细菌清除率和阴转率均分别为97．6％与93．8％，两组比较差异无显著性。帕珠沙星组和左氧氟沙星组的不良反应发生率分别为12．1％和15．3％，差异无显著性，均主要表现为恶心、腹泻、局部刺激及血清转氨酶增高等。两组均未见严重不良事件发生。结论国产帕珠沙星注射液与左氧氟沙星注射液治疗泌尿系统中、重度急性细菌性感染均疗效确切，安全性较好。     

早期康复临床路径对缺血性脑卒中患者功能恢复影响的多中心、单盲、随机对照研究

目的:明确早期康复临床路径联合康复方案对缺血性脑卒中患者日常生活活动能力、运动功能的影响,为脑卒中早期康复临床路径的优化和推广提供数据支持。方法:符合纳入标准的缺血性脑卒中患者286例,随机分为临床路径组(n=143)和常规康复组(n=143)。临床路径组入组后进入脑卒中早期康复临床路径及相应的康复治疗方案,常规康复组采取一般康复治疗,不进入临床路径,对康复治疗内容及时间不做要求。分别于入组前和临床路径介入后第三周末(即出院时)采用改良Barthel指数(modified Barthel index,MBI)和Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分量表(Fugl-Meyer motor assessment scale,FMA)评估两组患者的日常活动能力和运动功能。结果:临床路径组康复治疗前后的MBI差值、MBI改善程度((MBI后-MBI前)(/100-MBI前)×100%)均显著高于常规康复组,差异有显著性意义(P0.05)。两组患者康复治疗前后FMA差值及FMA改善程度([FMA后-FMA前)/(100-FMA前)×100%]比较差异无显著性意义(P0.05)。结论:早期康复临床路径结合规范化的康复方案能提高缺血性脑卒中患者的日常活动能力的恢复。     

Rofecoxib in the acute treatment of migraine: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of rofecoxib and ibuprofen for acute migraine treatment. BACKGROUND: Rofecoxib was effective and well tolerated in a previous study of treatment of a single migraine attack. We sought to replicate these findings for a single attack and also study the clinical profile of rofecoxib in the acute treatment of multiple migraine attacks. Ibuprofen was included as a reference nonselective NSAID. METHODS: Adult migraineurs (n = 783) treated one migraine attack with either rofecoxib (25 or 50 mg), ibuprofen 400 mg, or placebo in a randomized, double-blind study. Patients could elect to enroll in a 3-month double-blind extension phase. RESULTS: In the single-attack phase, headache relief at 2 hours postdose was reported by 59.4%, 62.2%, and 57.7% of patients who took rofecoxib 25 mg, rofecoxib 50 mg, and ibuprofen 400 mg, respectively, versus 30.5% for placebo (all P < .001 vs placebo). The active drugs were statistically superior to placebo on a variety of additional measures. In the extension phase, the mean percentage of patients' attacks with headache relief at 2 hours postdose was 61.8% for rofecoxib 25 mg, 65.4% for rofecoxib 50 mg, and 59.3% for ibuprofen 400 mg. The mean percentage of patients' attacks with 24-hour sustained headache relief was greater for rofecoxib 50 mg (52.0%) than for rofecoxib 25 mg (47.8%, P < .050) or ibuprofen (39.0%, P < .010). In the single-attack phase, the adverse event rate was higher for rofecoxib 50 mg (37.8%) than placebo (27.8%, P < .050); rates were similar to placebo for rofecoxib 25 mg (32.0%, n.s.) and ibuprofen 400 mg (28.1%, n.s.). In the extension phase, treatment groups had similar adverse event rates. CONCLUSIONS: Rofecoxib 25 and 50 mg and ibuprofen 400 mg were effective and generally well tolerated in the acute treatment of migraine.     

Monitoring treatment fidelity in a randomized controlled trial of a complex intervention

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to describe how treatment fidelity is being enhanced and monitored, using a model from the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium. BACKGROUND: The objective of treatment fidelity is to minimize errors in interpreting research trial outcomes, and to ascribe those outcomes directly to the intervention at hand. Treatment fidelity procedures are included in trials of complex interventions to account for inferences made from study outcomes. Monitoring treatment fidelity can help improve study design, maximize reliability of results, increase statistical power, determine whether theory-based interventions are responsible for observed changes, and inform the research dissemination process. METHODS: Treatment fidelity recommendations from the Behavior Change Consortium were applied to the SPHERE study (Secondary Prevention of Heart DiseasE in GeneRal PracticE), a randomized controlled trial of a complex intervention. Procedures to enhance and monitor intervention implementation included standardizing training sessions, observing intervention consultations, structuring patient recall systems, and using written practice and patient care plans. The research nurse plays an important role in monitoring intervention implementation. FINDINGS: Several methods of applying treatment fidelity procedures to monitoring interventions are possible. The procedure used may be determined by availability of appropriate personnel, fiscal constraints, or time limits. Complex interventions are not straightforward and necessitate a monitoring process at trial stage. CONCLUSION: The Behavior Change Consortium's model of treatment fidelity is useful for structuring a system to monitor the implementation of a complex intervention, and helps to increase the reliability and validity of evaluation findings.     

Effectiveness of a community pharmacist intervention in diabetes care: a randomized controlled trial

What is known and Objective: There is little evidence from well‐designed randomized controlled trials of the impact of community pharmacist intervention on the clinical management of patients with type 2 diabetes. It is also not known how sustainable any observed effects on glycaemic control are, over time. This study was initiated to address both these issues. Methods: A 6‐month, randomized, controlled parallel‐group trial in 66 community pharmacies was conducted in Belgium. Patients were randomly assigned to receive usual pharmacist care (n = 135) or a predefined pharmacist intervention (n = 153). The intervention mainly focused on correct medication use, medication adherence and healthy lifestyle promotion. Primary outcome was glycaemic control, as measured by fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. Sustainability of changes in glycaemic control was assessed by additional glucose measurements 18 months after the end of the study. Results and Discussion: The intervention significantly reduced HbA1c (between‐group difference: 0·5%, P = 0.009). The largest impact on HbA1c was observed when pharmacotherapy changes (i.e., type and/or dose of hypoglycaemic agents) initiated by the physician were sustained with pharmaceutical care: HbA1c was reduced by 1·05% in the intervention group, whose medication was changed, compared with a reduction of 0·02% in the therapy‐modification only, group. It was also found that the diabetes education program resulted in improved self‐management and better knowledge of diabetes. Eighteen months after the end of the formal study period, the mean HbA1c of the intervention group did not differ significantly from the control group (7·4% vs. 7·2%). What is new and Conclusion: This study provides new evidence, from a randomized controlled trial, of the beneficial effect of community pharmacist intervention in the clinical management of type 2 diabetic patients. However, questions remain about the sustainability of the observed improvements.     

The preliminary effect of a parenting program for Korean American mothers: a randomized controlled experimental study

BACKGROUND: Traditional Korean American discipline is characterized by a lack of expression of affection and use of harsh discipline. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to pilot test the effect of the Incredible Years Parenting Program among Korean American mothers. METHODS: A randomized controlled experimental study design was used; 29 first-generation Korean American mothers of young children (3-8 years old) were randomly assigned to intervention (n=20) and control (n=9) groups. Intervention group mothers received a 12-week parenting program. Control group mothers did not receive the intervention. Mothers reported on discipline styles (positive, appropriate, and harsh), level of acculturation, and their child's outcomes (behavioral problems and social competence) at pre-, post-, and 1-year follow-up intervals. RESULTS: After completing the program, intervention group mothers significantly increased use of positive discipline as compared to control group mothers. Among intervention group mothers, high-acculturated mothers significantly increased appropriate discipline whereas low-acculturated mothers significantly decreased harsh discipline. In the 1-year follow-up, intervention group mothers maintained the significant effect for positive discipline. CONCLUSIONS: Providing this program appears to be a promising way of promoting positive discipline among Korean American mothers.     

Reflecting peer-support groups in the prevention of stress and burnout: randomized controlled trial

Title.  Reflecting peer-support groups in the prevention of stress and burnout: randomized controlled trial.
Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to test the effect of participating in a reflecting peer-support group on self-reported health, burnout and on perceived changes in work conditions.
Background.  Stress-related conditions are one of the most common causes for long-term sick-leave. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of person-directed interventions aimed at reducing stress levels in healthcare workers. Prior research in the relationship between support and burnout show somewhat inconsistent results.
Method.  A randomized controlled trial with peer-support groups as the intervention was conducted with 660 healthcare workers scoring above the 75th percentile on the exhaustion dimension of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. One hundred and fifty-one (22·9%) agreed to participate. The intervention started in 2002 with 51 participants (96·1% were women), 80 of whom constituted the control group. Potential differences in outcome measures 12 months after the intervention were compared using ancova , and data collected was completed in 2004. Qualitative content analyses were used to analyse reported experiences from group participation.
Results.  Statistically significant intervention effects were found for general health, perceived quantitative demands at work, participation and development opportunities at work and in support at work. Seven categories of experiences from participating were identified: talking to others in a similar situation, knowledge, sense of belonging, self-confidence, structure, relief of symptoms and behavioural change.
Conclusion.  Peer-support groups using a problem-based method could be a useful and comparatively inexpensive tool in alleviating work-related stress and burnout.