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The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... 2013High level of caries activity is related to organisms in the dental plaque with high acidogenesis capacity. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
High level of caries activity is related to organisms in the dental plaque with high acidogenesis capacity.
AIM
To test salivary pH in children of the same family and compare it with their caries status. To compare pH levels between children and their parents. To examine the relationship between pH and caries status among children of the same family and their parents.
STUDY DESIGN
We examined 123 children and adolescents aged 3-18, (73 boys and 50 girls) and 33 adults, (12 men and 21 women), parents of these children. Caries status was examined clinically, using DMF index. Salivary pH measurements were made by a digital pH meter.
RESULTS
Among adults, increase in patient age led to increased DMF (p = 0.005). The higher the pH, the lower the DMF (p = 0.037). Among men, DMF was lower by 3 compared to women (p = 0.049). Children's pH correlated with the parents' (p = 0.004). Children's DMF correlated to their pH (p = 0.001). Children's pH was the best predictor of their DMF (R2 = 0.309, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Among children, the higher the pH, the lower the DMFT. Children's pH was the best predictor of their DMF.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; DMF Index; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Family Health; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Parents; Saliva; Sex Factors; Siblings; Tooth Loss
PubMed: 24683775
DOI: 10.17796/jcpd.38.2.90764500t2703188 -
Journal of Diabetes Science and... Sep 2009Most current insulin pumps include an insulin-on-board (IOB) feature to help subjects avoid problems associated with "insulin stacking." In addition, many control... (Review)
Review
MOTIVATION
Most current insulin pumps include an insulin-on-board (IOB) feature to help subjects avoid problems associated with "insulin stacking." In addition, many control algorithms proposed for a closed-loop artificial pancreas make use of IOB to reduce the probability of hypoglycemic events that often occur due to the integral action of the controller. The IOB curves are generated from the pharmacodynamic (time-activity profiles) actions of subcutaneous insulin, which are obtained from glycemic clamp studies.
METHODS
Glycemic clamp algorithms are reviewed and in silico studies are performed to analyze the effect of glucose meter bias and noise on glycemic control and the manipulated glucose infusion rates. The glucose infusion rates are used to obtain insulin time-activity profiles, which are then used to generate IOB curves.
RESULTS
A model-based, three-step-ahead controller is shown to be equivalent to a proportional-integral control algorithm with time-delay compensation. A systematic glucose meter bias of +6 mg/dl results in a decrease in the glucose area under the curve of 3% but no change in the IOB profiles.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on these preliminary simulation studies, a substantial amount of glucose meter bias and noise during a glycemic clamp can be tolerated with little net effect on the IOB curves. It is suggested that handheld glucose meters can therefore be used in clamp studies if the measurements are filtered (averaged) before processing by the control algorithm. Clinical studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Topics: Algorithms; Blood Glucose; Computer Simulation; Diabetes Mellitus; Diagnostic Equipment; Equipment Design; Glucose Clamp Technique; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Insulin Infusion Systems; Models, Biological; Pancreas, Artificial; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 20144413
DOI: 10.1177/193229680900300503 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Oct 2012Exercise therapy is a common intervention for the management of intermittent claudication (IC). However, considerable uncertainty remains about the effect of different... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Exercise therapy is a common intervention for the management of intermittent claudication (IC). However, considerable uncertainty remains about the effect of different exercise components such as intensity, duration, or content of the exercise programs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of supervised walking therapy (SWT) as treatment in patients with IC and to update and identify the most important exercise components resulting in an optimal training protocol for patients with IC.
METHODS
A systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1966 and February 2012 were included if they evaluated the effectiveness of SWT. Predefined exercise components were extracted, including treadmill use during training, claudication pain end point used during walking, length of the SWT program, and total training volume. A meta-analysis and meta-regression was performed to evaluate the weighted mean difference in maximum walking distance (MWD) and pain-free walking distance (PFWD) between SWT and noninterventional observation.
RESULTS
Twenty-five RCTs (1054 patients) comparing SWT vs noninterventional observation showed a weighted mean difference of 180 meters (95% confidence interval, 130-230 meters) in MWD and 128 meters (95% confidence interval, 92-165 meters) in PFWD, both in favor of the SWT group. In multivariable meta-regression analysis, none of the predefined exercise components were independently associated with significant improvements in MWD or PFWD.
CONCLUSIONS
SWT is effective in improving MWD and PFWD in patients with IC. However, pooled results from the RCTs did not identify any of the exercise components including intensity, duration, or content of the program as being independently associated with improvements in MWD or PFWD.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Treatment Outcome; Walking
PubMed: 23026425
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2012.04.046 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Jul 2020Urinary pH is a decisive factor in several pathologies, there by an informative marker employed in treatment decisions. Although extensively used, the urinary pH...
OBJECTIVES
Urinary pH is a decisive factor in several pathologies, there by an informative marker employed in treatment decisions. Although extensively used, the urinary pH dipstick test may not be sufficiently accurate or precise for clinical decisions and more robust methodologies need to be considered. In this study, we compare pH measurements when using aportable medical device and different dipstick tests.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four pH dipstick brands and a Lit-Control® pH Meter were tested using commercial buffer solutions with seven distinct pH values representing the physiological range in urine (4.66; 5.0;5.5; 6.0; 7.0; 7.5; 8.0). A statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation of measured versus real values, together with validity measures as resolution,precision and accuracy.
RESULTS
Validity measures stated the superiority of the portable pH meter, with a reduced dispersion of data and more exact values. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrate that the pH values obtained with the pH meter were the closest to the buffers' real pH values.
CONCLUSION
The detailed comparative study presented here reveal the superiority of a portable pH meter to several of the most used dipstick brands in the clinic.Lit-Control® pH Meter represents a reliable alternative when a monitoring of urinary pH is needed, as may happen during the screening of diseases or treatment monitoringin the clinic, as well as during the self-monitoringby the patient under professional supervision at home.
Topics: Employment; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Reagent Strips; Urinalysis
PubMed: 32633250
DOI: No ID Found -
HardwareX Sep 2023Acid-base titration is a quantitative analysis that enables knowing the quantity of acidic or basic groups present in a solution sample. It consists in the addition of...
Acid-base titration is a quantitative analysis that enables knowing the quantity of acidic or basic groups present in a solution sample. It consists in the addition of base or acid to the solution sample while monitoring the pH to reach a neutral pH. The titration can be automated and here we present a low cost Arduino based Open Source Pump (OSPump) modified to act as an automated titrator with an obsolete but reliable Metrohm 713 pH meter. Our device is 50 times less expensive than second hand units from the pH meter manufacturer and inherently open to customization. We present two validation cases of study, including the lipolysis of a vegetable olive oil in water emulsion, characterized by the OSPump Titrator.
PubMed: 37649586
DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2023.e00464 -
Pediatric Research Mar 2021Transcutaneous bilirubinometry is a widely used screening method for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Deviation of the transcutaneous bilirubin concentration (TcB) from the...
BACKGROUND
Transcutaneous bilirubinometry is a widely used screening method for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Deviation of the transcutaneous bilirubin concentration (TcB) from the total serum bilirubin concentration (TSB) is often ascribed to biological variation between patients, but variations between TcB meters may also have a role. This study aims to provide a systematic evaluation of the inter-device reproducibility of TcB meters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirteen commercially available TcB meters (JM-105 and JM-103) were evaluated in vitro on phantoms that optically mimic neonatal skin. The mimicked TcB was varied within the clinical range (0.5-181.3 μmol/L).
RESULTS
Absolute differences between TcB meter outcomes increased with the measured TcB, from a difference of 5.0 μmol/L (TcB = 0.5 μmol/L phantom) up to 65.0 μmol/L (TcB = 181.3 μmol/L phantom).
CONCLUSION
The inter-device reproducibility of the examined TcB meters is substantial and exceeds the specified accuracy of the device (±25.5 μmol/L), as well as the clinically used TcB safety margins (>50 µmol/L below phototherapy threshold). Healthcare providers should be well aware of this additional uncertainty in the TcB determination, especially when multiple TcB meters are employed in the same clinic. We strongly advise using a single TcB meter per patient to evaluate the TcB over time.
IMPACT
Key message: The inter-device reproducibility of TcB meters is substantial and exceeds the clinically used TcB safety margins. What this study adds to existing literature: The inter-device reproducibility of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) meters has not been reported in the existing literature. This in vitro study systematically evaluates this inter-device reproducibility.
IMPACT
This study aids in a better interpretation of the measured TcB value from a patient and is of particular importance during patient monitoring when using multiple TcB meters within the same clinical department. We strongly advise using a single TcB meter per patient to evaluate the TcB over time.
Topics: Bilirubin; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Equipment Design; Humans; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infant, Premature; Monitoring, Physiologic; Neonatal Screening; Phantoms, Imaging; Reproducibility of Results; Skin Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 32919392
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01118-6 -
Annals of Dermatology Apr 2016The clinical symptoms of facial and truncal acne differ. Skin surface acidity (pH), which is affected by sebum secretions, reflects the different clinical...
BACKGROUND
The clinical symptoms of facial and truncal acne differ. Skin surface acidity (pH), which is affected by sebum secretions, reflects the different clinical characteristics of the face and trunk. However, no studies have been conducted on truncal sebum production and skin pH.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the differences and relationship between pH values of the face and trunk. We also evaluated the relationship between pH and the quantity of sebum produced in the trunk.
METHODS
A total of 35 female patients clinically diagnosed with truncal acne were included. We measured pH on the face and truncal area using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905®. We measured truncal sebum secretions using the Sebumeter SM 815®. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations and differences between pH and sebum.
RESULTS
Facial pH was significantly higher than chest and back pH values. The correlation between pH on the trunk and the face was significant. We used linear regression equations to estimate truncal pH using only measured pH from the chin. There was no significant relationship between truncal sebum secretion and pH.
CONCLUSION
This was the first study that evaluated the differences and correlations between facial and truncal pH. We found that facial pH can predict truncal pH. In addition, we conclude that differences in pH and sebum secretion between the face and trunk are one of the reasons for differences in acne symptom at those sites.
PubMed: 27081270
DOI: 10.5021/ad.2016.28.2.216 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Dec 2019There is little information about vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The objective of this study was: 1) compare Vit D levels...
BACKGROUND
There is little information about vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The objective of this study was: 1) compare Vit D levels between patients with PH, left ventricular failure (LVF) and healthy subjects (HS); 2) correlate, in patients with PH, Vit D levels with prognosis-related variables, such as the 6-min walk test (6MWT).
METHODS
Vitamin D levels were measured in a cross-sectional study in 126 patients from one of three groups: patients with PH (n = 53), patients with LVF (n = 42) and healthy subjects (n = 31). In all groups, 8-h fasting blood samples were obtained in the morning. In the PH and the LVF group, functional class (WHO criteria), metres covered in the 6MWT and echocardiographic parameters were analysed. In the PH group, plasma N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level was analysed and a complete haemodynamic evaluation by right heart catheterisation was made.
RESULTS
Mean Vit D levels were lower in PH than in both other groups (ng/ml, mean ± SD): PH 19.25 ± 10, LVF 25.68 ± 12, HS 28.8 ± 12 (PH vs LVF p = 0.017, PH vs HS p = 0.001 and HS vs LVF p = 0.46). Vit D deficiency prevalence was higher in PH as compared to the other groups (PH 53.8%, LVF 45.2%, HS 25%, p = 0.01). Patients with PH in functional class (FC; WHO criteria) III-IV had higher Vit D deficiency prevalence than those in FC I-II (86.7% vs 40.5%, p = 0.003). There was a significant linear correlation between the 6MWT and Vit D levels in PH (p < 0.01), but not in LVF (p = 0.69).
CONCLUSIONS
Vit D levels were lower in patients with PH as compared to patients with LVF and HS and correlated directly with 6-min walk distance.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Echocardiography; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prevalence; Prognosis; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Walk Test; Young Adult
PubMed: 31864342
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-019-1011-7 -
Journal of Oral Biology and... 2015Saliva, "Mirror of body's health" has long been of particular interest as a substitute for blood for disease diagnosis and monitoring. The radiation effects on salivary...
BACKGROUND
Saliva, "Mirror of body's health" has long been of particular interest as a substitute for blood for disease diagnosis and monitoring. The radiation effects on salivary glands are of particular interest in which salivary amylase is a good indicator of salivary glands function. Thus, estimation of these parameters represents a reasonable approach in evaluation of patient's risk for disease occurrence, intensity and prognosis.
AIM OF STUDY
To evaluate and compare the pH and amylase levels in saliva of cancer patients prior to treatment, patients during treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Saliva samples of 90 individuals were taken which were divided into 3 groups - 30 individuals without cancer, 30 cancer patients prior treatment and 30 cancer patients during treatment. Materials used were pH strips and pH meter, Salivary Amylase assay.
RESULTS
Statistical analysis - ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's test. 1) Significant decrease in salivary amylase levels - in cancer patients, during treatment when compared to others. 2) Significant decrease in salivary pH levels in newly diagnosed cancer patients prior to treatment.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, pH strips and pH meter showed to be a useful tool in the measurement of pH of saliva in individuals with and without cancer. This study showed that cancer patients without treatment have a lower pH of saliva. Treatment increased the pH of the saliva to a more alkaline level whereas amylase levels decreased in those subjects. Therefore those parameters can be an area of further research with an increased sample size, which in-turn may help in opening the doors for new dimension in non invasive prognostic markers.
PubMed: 26258019
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2015.04.002 -
The Journals of Gerontology. Series A,... Nov 2006It has been suggested that lower extremity muscle power is more important for physical function in older adults compared to strength, and that there is a nonlinear...
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested that lower extremity muscle power is more important for physical function in older adults compared to strength, and that there is a nonlinear relationship between power or strength and physical function that might be indicative of a threshold above which the association between muscle function and physical function is no longer evident. This study examined the association between lower extremity strength or power with the time to complete a 400-meter walk, and attempted to identify thresholds within the relationship.
METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 384 females and 336 males aged > or = 65 years from the InCHIANTI study ("Invecchiare in Chianti," i.e., Aging in the Chianti Area) was conducted. Measures included 400-meter walk time, lower extremity strength and power, comorbidities, and sociodemographic variables (age, gender, height, education, cognitive function, depression).
RESULTS
Linear regression models showed that both lower extremity strength and power were significant predictors of 400-meter walk time, although power explained marginally more of the variance in 400-meter walk time. Quadratic models of lower extremity strength and power fit the data slightly better than the linear models. Regardless of gender, comorbidities, or normalization scheme for strength and power, the curvilinear form of the relationship between strength or power and 400-meter walk time remained the same.
CONCLUSIONS
Lower extremity muscle strength and power are both important predictors of the 400-meter walk time. Although curvilinear relationships existed between muscle strength and power and the 400-meter walk time, the data do not indicate a clear threshold for either strength or power above which the performance in the 400-meter walk test plateaus.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Lower Extremity; Male; Muscle Strength; Regression Analysis; Time Factors; Walking
PubMed: 17167161
DOI: 10.1093/gerona/61.11.1186