Variation in Campylobacter multilocus sequence subtypes from chickens as detected on three plating media

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this study was to compare subtypes of Campylobacter jejuni and coli detected on three discreet selective Campylobacter plating media to determine if different media select for different subtypes. Fifty ceca and fifty carcasses (n=100, representing 50 flocks) were collected from the...

Medical students' perspective about role-plays as a teaching strategy in community medicine.

PubMed

Manzoor, Iram; Mukhtar, Fatima; Hashmi, Noreen Rahat

2012-04-01

To assess the students' perspective about role-plays conducted as a teaching methodology in community medicine. A quasi-experimental study. Department of Community Medicine at Fatima Memorial College of Medicine and Dentistry from July to November 2010. A probability technique of simple random sampling was used to collect 63 students from the third and fourth year MBBS who were randomly distributed in five sub-groups. They were variously ascribed the roles of obsceners, participants and helpers. A questionnaire was distributed to collect student's responses. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 17 to compare the responses. Chi-square test was applied and p-value was fixed at < 0.05 as significant. Sixty-three students were selected as participants of this study in which 46 belonged to the fourth year MBBS class (73%) and 17 were third year MBBS students (27%). There were 13 male (20.6%) and 50 female (79.4%) students. Role-plays were identified as most effective method of teaching (n = 25, 37.9%) followed by lectures (n = 17, 25.8%, p = 0.054). Fifty-two students (78.5%) admitted that role-plays improved their knowledge of the subject, 55 (84.6%) said that it will help them in their clinical performance. Fifty-nine participants (89.4%) found role-plays interesting and 49 (74.2%) wanted to incorporate role-plays as a part of curriculum. Fifty-six of the participants (88.9%) agreed that role-plays improved their communication skills. Twenty-one participants (31.8%) believed that it helped them in making acquaintance with the local situation. Forty-six students (76.7%) identified role-plays as a feasible way of andragogy (p = 0.005) and 48 (76.2%) said that it provoked critical thinking about the subject (p = 0.038). Fifty-four students (85.7%) admitted that their attention span was better in role-plays as compared to lectures (p = 0.047). Role-plays were well accepted by the students as an effective teaching methodology and can be incorporated as a part of teaching strategies in Community Medicine.

Analysis of internal structure changes in black human hair keratin fibers with aging using Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kuzuhara, Akio; Fujiwara, Nobuki; Hori, Teruo

To investigate the internal structure changes in virgin black human hair keratin fibers due to aging, the structure of cross-sections at various depths of virgin black human hair (sections of new growth hair: 2 mm from the scalp) from a group of eight Japanese females in their twenties and another group of eight Japanese females in their fifties were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. For the first time, we have succeeded in recording the Raman spectra of virgin black human hair, which had been impossible due to high melanin granule content. The key points of this method are to cross-section hair samples to a thickness of 1.50-microm, to select points at various depths of the cortex with the fewest possible melanin granules, and to optimize laser power, cross slit width as well as total acquisition time. The reproducibility of the Raman bands, namely the alpha-helix (alpha) content, the beta-sheet and/or random coil (beta/R) content, the disulfide (--SS--) content, and random coil content of two adjoining cross-sections of a single hair keratin fiber was clearly good. The --SS-- content of virgin black human hair from the Japanese females in their fifties for the cortex region decreased compared with that of the Japanese females in their twenties. On the other hand, the beta/R and alpha contents of the cortex region did not change.

Quality assurance in the EORTC 22033-26033/CE5 phase III randomized trial for low grade glioma: the digital individual case review.

PubMed

Fairchild, Alysa; Weber, Damien C; Bar-Deroma, Raquel; Gulyban, Akos; Fenton, Paul A; Stupp, Roger; Baumert, Brigitta G

2012-06-01

The phase III EORTC 22033-26033/NCIC CE5 intergroup trial compares 50.4 Gy radiotherapy with up-front temozolomide in previously untreated low-grade glioma. We describe the digital EORTC individual case review (ICR) performed to evaluate protocol radiotherapy (RT) compliance. Fifty-eight institutions were asked to submit 1-2 randomly selected cases. Digital ICR datasets were uploaded to the EORTC server and accessed by three central reviewers. Twenty-seven parameters were analysed including volume delineation, treatment planning, organ at risk (OAR) dosimetry and verification. Consensus reviews were collated and summary statistics calculated. Fifty-seven of seventy-two requested datasets from forty-eight institutions were technically usable. 31/57 received a major deviation for at least one section. Relocation accuracy was according to protocol in 45. Just over 30% had acceptable target volumes. OAR contours were missing in an average of 25% of cases. Up to one-third of those present were incorrectly drawn while dosimetry was largely protocol compliant. Beam energy was acceptable in 97% and 48 patients had per protocol beam arrangements. Digital RT plan submission and review within the EORTC 22033-26033 ICR provide a solid foundation for future quality assurance procedures. Strict evaluation resulted in overall grades of minor and major deviation for 37% and 32%, respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citation classics in periodontology: a controlled study.

PubMed

Nieri, Michele; Saletta, Daniele; Guidi, Luisa; Buti, Jacopo; Franceschi, Debora; Mauro, Saverio; Pini-Prato, Giovanpaolo

2007-04-01

The aims of this study were to identify the most cited articles in Periodontology published from January 1990 to March 2005; and to analyse the differences between citation Classics and less cited articles. The search was carried out in four international periodontal journals: Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and Journal of Periodontal Research. The Classics, that are articles cited at least 100 times, were identified using the Science Citation Index database. From every issue of the journals that contained a Classic, another article was randomly selected and used as a Control. Fifty-five Classics and 55 Controls were identified. Classic articles were longer, used more images, had more authors, and contained more self-references than Controls. Moreover Classics had on the average a bigger sample size, often dealt with etiopathogenesis and prognosis, but were rarely controlled or randomized studies. Classic articles play an instructive role, but are often non-Controlled studies.

A randomized trial of massage therapy after heart surgery.

PubMed

Albert, Nancy M; Gillinov, A Marc; Lytle, Bruce W; Feng, Jingyuan; Cwynar, Roberta; Blackstone, Eugene H

2009-01-01

To determine whether massage therapy improves postoperative mood, pain, anxiety, and physiologic measurements; shortens hospital stay; and decreases occurrence of atrial fibrillation. Two hundred fifty-two adults undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to usual postoperative care (n=126) or usual care plus two massages (n=126). Assessments of mood, depression, anxiety, pain, physiologic status, cardiac rhythm, and hospital length of stay were completed. Logistic and linear regressions were performed. Preoperative pain, mood, and affective state scores were positively associated with postoperative scores; however, there were no postoperative differences between groups for any measures (P=.11 to .93). There were no differences in physiologic variables except lower postoperative blood pressure after massage (P = .01). Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence (P = .6) and median postoperative hospital length of stay (P = .4) were similar between groups. Massage therapy is feasible in cardiac surgical patients; however, it does not yield therapeutic benefit. Nevertheless, it should be a patient-selected and -paid option.

Two-year Randomized Clinical Trial of Self-etching Adhesives and Selective Enamel Etching.

PubMed

Pena, C E; Rodrigues, J A; Ely, C; Giannini, M; Reis, A F

2016-01-01

The aim of this randomized, controlled prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of restoring noncarious cervical lesions with two self-etching adhesive systems applied with or without selective enamel etching. A one-step self-etching adhesive (Xeno V(+)) and a two-step self-etching system (Clearfil SE Bond) were used. The effectiveness of phosphoric acid selective etching of enamel margins was also evaluated. Fifty-six cavities were restored with each adhesive system and divided into two subgroups (n=28; etch and non-etch). All 112 cavities were restored with the nanohybrid composite Esthet.X HD. The clinical effectiveness of restorations was recorded in terms of retention, marginal integrity, marginal staining, caries recurrence, and postoperative sensitivity after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months (modified United States Public Health Service). The Friedman test detected significant differences only after 18 months for marginal staining in the groups Clearfil SE non-etch (p=0.009) and Xeno V(+) etch (p=0.004). One restoration was lost during the trial (Xeno V(+) etch; p>0.05). Although an increase in marginal staining was recorded for groups Clearfil SE non-etch and Xeno V(+) etch, the clinical effectiveness of restorations was considered acceptable for the single-step and two-step self-etching systems with or without selective enamel etching in this 24-month clinical trial.

Frequency of second mesiobuccal canal in permanent maxillary first molars using the operating microscope and selective dentin removal: A clinical study.

PubMed

Das, Suroopa; Warhadpande, Manjusha M; Redij, Saurabh A; Jibhkate, N G; Sabir, Husain

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of operating microscope and selective dentin removal increased the frequency of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal detection in permanent maxillary first molar teeth. One hundred fifty permanent maxillary first molars indicated for root canal treatment were randomly selected from patients belonging to the age group of 18-45 years irrespective of gender. After access cavity preparation and location of main canals, the MB2 canal orifice was sought in all teeth with an endodontic explorer under direct vision (Stage I), then under magnification with the aid of operating microscope (Stage II) and finally with the combined use of operating microscope and selective dentin removal (Stage III). MB2 canals were detected in 36%, 54% and 72% of the teeth in Stages I-III, respectively. This study demonstrated that dental operating microscope when used along with adjunctive aids such as selective dentin removal/troughing and good clinical knowledge will increase the ability of dental clinician to locate MB2 canals.

Wilderness experience in Rocky Mountain National Park 2002: Report to RMNP

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schuster, Elke; Johnson, S. Shea; Taylor, Jonathan G.

2004-01-01

The social science technique of Visitor Employed Photography [VEP] was used to obtain information from visitors about wilderness experiences. Visitors were selected at random from Park-designated wilderness trails, in proportion to their use, and asked to participate in the survey. Respondents were given single-use, 10-exposure cameras and photo-log diaries to record experiences. A total of 293 cameras were distributed, with a response rate of 87%. Following the development of the photos, a copy of the photos, two pertinent pages from the photo-log, and a follow-up survey were mailed to respondents. Fifty six percent of the follow-up surveys were returned. Findings from the two surveys were analyzed and compared.

Effect of Art Production on Negative Mood: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Chloe E.; Robbins, Steven J.

2007-01-01

Art therapists have long held that art production causes reductions in stress and elevations in mood (Rubin, 1999). The authors examined this claim in a randomized, controlled trial. Fifty adults between the ages of 18 and 30 were randomly assigned to either create an art work or to view and sort a series of art prints. Three measures of overall…

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Syntactic Treatment Procedures with Cantonese-Speaking, School-Age Children with Language Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

To, Carol K. S.; Lui, Hoi Ming; Li, Xin Xin; Lam, Gary Y. H

2015-01-01

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sentence-combining (SC) and narrative-based (NAR) intervention approaches to syntax intervention using a randomized-controlled-trial design. Method: Fifty-two Cantonese-speaking, school-age children with language impairment were assigned randomly to either the SC or the NAR treatment…

Random Forest as an Imputation Method for Education and Psychology Research: Its Impact on Item Fit and Difficulty of the Rasch Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Golino, Hudson F.; Gomes, Cristiano M. A.

2016-01-01

This paper presents a non-parametric imputation technique, named random forest, from the machine learning field. The random forest procedure has two main tuning parameters: the number of trees grown in the prediction and the number of predictors used. Fifty experimental conditions were created in the imputation procedure, with different…

Randomized controlled trial comparing tailoring methods of multimedia-based fall prevention education for community-dwelling older adults.

PubMed

Schepens, Stacey L; Panzer, Victoria; Goldberg, Allon

2011-01-01

We attempted to determine whether multimedia fall prevention education using different instructional strategies increases older adults' knowledge of fall threats and their fall prevention behaviors. Fifty-three community-dwelling older adults were randomized to iwo educational groups or a control group. Multimedia-based educational interventions to increase fall threats knowledge and encourage fall prevention behaviors had two tailoring strategies: (1) improve content realism for individual learners (authenticity group) and (2) highlight program goals and benefits while using participants' content selections (motivation group). Knowledge was measured at baseline and 1-mo follow-up. Participants recorded prevention behaviors for 1 mo. Intervention group participants showed greater knowledge gains and posttest knowledge than did control group participants. The motivation group engaged in more prevention behaviors over 1 mo than did the other groups. Tailoring fall prevention education by addressing authenticity and motivation successfully improved fall threats knowledge. Combining motivational strategies with multimedia education increased the effectiveness of the intervention in encouraging fall prevention behaviors.

The use of digital imaging, video conferencing, and telepathology in histopathology: a national survey.

PubMed

Dennis, T; Start, R D; Cross, S S

2005-03-01

To undertake a large scale survey of histopathologists in the UK to determine the current infrastructure, training, and attitudes to digital pathology. A postal questionnaire was sent to 500 consultant histopathologists randomly selected from the membership of the Royal College of Pathologists in the UK. There was a response rate of 47%. Sixty four per cent of respondents had a digital camera mounted on their microscope, but only 12% had any sort of telepathology equipment. Thirty per cent used digital images in electronic presentations at meetings at least once a year and only 24% had ever used telepathology in a diagnostic situation. Fifty nine per cent had received no training in digital imaging. Fifty eight per cent felt that the medicolegal implications of duty of care were a barrier to its use. A large proportion of pathologists (69%) were interested in using video conferencing for remote attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings. There is a reasonable level of equipment and communications infrastructure among histopathologists in the UK but a very low level of training. There is resistance to the use of telepathology in the diagnostic context but enthusiasm for the use of video conferencing in multidisciplinary team meetings.

[Association between depression and glycemic control disorder in patients with diabetes mellitus 2].

PubMed

Castro-Aké, Gilberto Alejandro; Tovar-Espinosa, José Antonio; Mendoza-Cruz, Ulises

2009-01-01

Depression is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), physically affecting the general condition of the patient. It also has repercussions with a poor glycemic control, as found when nutrition is not adequate and there is little adherence to the therapeutic plan. Our objective was to identify the association between depression disorders (DD) in patients with DM2 and their glycemic control. A case and control study was carried out in 186 patients with DM2, aged 30 to 60 years, selected by simple random sampling. The MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview was applied. The glycemic control was documented. There were 54 males and 132 females. Fifty three (28.4 %) were found with controlled glycemia and 135 (72.6 %) were not controlled. Fifty one (27.4 %) of the patients with DM2 suffered DD. There were 45 patients (24.1 %) controlled without DD, 8 (4.3 %) were controlled with DD; 90 (48.3 %) were uncontrolled without DD and 43 (23.1 %) were uncontrolled with DD. The chi(2) was p = 0.03. The presence of DD is associated with an uncontrolled glycemia in the DM2 patients.

Improving Balance in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goljar, Nika; Burger, Helena; Rudolf, Marko; Stanonik, Irena

2010-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of balance training in a balance trainer, a newly developed mechanical device for training balance, with conventional balance training in subacute stroke patients. This was a randomized controlled study. Fifty participants met the inclusion criteria and 39 finished the study. The participants were…

Is Reducing Uncertain Control the Key to Successful Test Anxiety Intervention for Secondary School Students? Findings from a Randomized Control Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Putwain, David W.; Pescod, Marc

2018-01-01

The aim of the study was to conduct a randomized control trial of a targeted, facilitated, test anxiety intervention for a group of adolescent students, and to examine the mediating role of uncertain control. Fifty-six participants (male = 19, white = 21, mean age = 14.7 years) were randomly allocated to an early intervention or wait-list control…

Data survey on the effect of product features on competitive advantage of selected firms in Nigeria.

PubMed

Olokundun, Maxwell; Iyiola, Oladele; Ibidunni, Stephen; Falola, Hezekiah; Salau, Odunayo; Amaihian, Augusta; Peter, Fred; Borishade, Taiye

2018-06-01

The main objective of this study was to present a data article that investigates the effect product features on firm's competitive advantage. Few studies have examined how the features of a product could help in driving the competitive advantage of a firm. Descriptive research method was used. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22) was engaged for analysis of one hundred and fifty (150) valid questionnaire which were completed by small business owners registered under small and medium scale enterprises development of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed; reliability and validity procedures were also confirmed. The field data set is made publicly available to enable critical or extended analysis.

Practices and Attitudes Regarding Women Undergoing Fertility Preservation: A Survey of the National Physicians Cooperative.

PubMed

Bortoletto, Pietro; Confino, Rafael; Smith, Brigid M; Woodruff, Teresa K; Pavone, Mary Ellen

2017-09-01

To describe physician attitudes and variations in oncofertility treatment strategies. An exploratory online survey administered between December 1, 2014 and January 27, 2015 to 185 members of the National Physicians Cooperative (NPC). Twenty-eight percent (52 of 185) of NPC members responded to the online survey. Fifty percent of respondents were obstetrician-gynecologists working largely in academic medical centers. Thirty-eight percent stated that 14 was the youngest age they felt comfortable performing oocyte retrievals with 35% stating that any age was acceptable as long as they were postpubertal. Short stimulation protocols, utilizing a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (86%), were more common than long stimulation or microdose Lupron flare protocols (23% and 18%), respectively, which utilize a GnRH agonist. Random start protocols were used by 77% and over 90% perform luteal phase starts. When using random start protocols, 64% use gonadotropins only and 32% start GnRH antagonists alone for several days before starting gonadotropins. Fifty-five percent of physicians were comfortable stimulating ovarian cancer patients only after clearance from an oncologist. Aromatase inhibitors (77%) were significantly more common than tamoxifen (24%) for stimulation in breast cancer patients (p = 0.0006). When considering ovarian stimulation after chemotherapy, 24% expressed comfort only if blood counts are normal, 38% tend to wait 3 months. Regarding experimental treatment, 83% report discussing the use of GnRH agonists alone and 64% of clinics offer ovarian tissue cryopreservation. This study underlines the wide variation that exists in stimulation and phase start techniques, patient selection, comfort levels, and cancer type-specific decision making.

Safety and efficacy of injectable and oral maropitant, a selective neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist, in a randomized clinical trial for treatment of vomiting in dogs.

PubMed

Ramsey, D S; Kincaid, K; Watkins, J A; Boucher, J F; Conder, G A; Eagleson, J S; Clemence, R G

2008-12-01

Maropitant (Cerenia), a selective neurokinin(1) receptor antagonist, was evaluated for safety and efficacy in treatment and prevention of acute vomiting due to various etiologies in dogs in a randomized clinical trial. Two-hundred seventy-eight dogs were enrolled from 29 veterinary hospitals. Two-hundred fifty-two were evaluable for efficacy, while 275 were evaluable for safety. A randomized block design was utilized (three maropitant- and one placebo-treated dog per block). Initial treatment was maropitant at 1 mg/kg body weight (0.45 mg/lb) or an equivalent volume of saline (placebo) administered subcutaneously. On the subsequent 1 to 4 days, maropitant or placebo (dependent on allocation) was administered subcutaneously or orally at approximate 24-h intervals as needed. Oral doses were administered as maropitant tablets using unit dosing to deliver a minimum dose of 2 mg/kg body weight (0.9 mg/lb) or equivalent numbers of similar placebo tablets. Dogs and housing were observed twice daily for evidence of vomiting. Emesis was significantly (P

Public perspectives on nuclear security. US national security surveys, 1993--1997

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herron, K.G.; Jenkins-Smith, H.C.

This is the third report in a series of studies to examine how US attitudes about nuclear security are evolving in the post-Cold War era and to identify trends in public perceptions and preferences relevant to the evolution of US nuclear security policy. It presents findings from three surveys: a nationwide telephone survey of randomly selected members of the US general public; a written survey of randomly selected members of American Men and Women of Science; and a written survey of randomly selected state legislators from all fifty US states. Key areas of investigation included nuclear security, cooperation between USmore » and Russian scientists about nuclear issues, vulnerabilities of critical US infrastructures and responsibilities for their protection, and broad areas of US national science policy. While international and US national security were seen to be slowly improving, the primary nuclear threat to the US was perceived to have shifted from Russia to China. Support was found for nuclear arms control measures, including mutual reductions in stockpiles. However, respondents were pessimistic about eliminating nuclear armaments, and nuclear deterrence continued to be highly values. Participants favored decreasing funding f/or developing and testing new nuclear weapons, but supported increased investments in nuclear weapons infrastructure. Strong concerns were expressed about nuclear proliferation and the potential for nuclear terrorism. Support was evident for US scientific cooperation with Russia to strengthen security of Russian nuclear assets. Elite and general public perceptions of external and domestic nuclear weapons risks and external and domestic nuclear weapons benefits were statistically significantly related to nuclear weapons policy options and investment preferences. Demographic variables and individual belief systems were systematically related both to risk and benefit perceptions and to policy and spending preferences.« less

Origins and applications of the Montroll-Weiss continuous time random walk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shlesinger, Michael F.

2017-05-01

The Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) was introduced by Montroll and Weiss in 1965 in a purely mathematical paper. Its antecedents and later applications beginning in 1973 are discussed, especially for the case of fractal time where the mean waiting time between jumps is infinite. Contribution to the Topical Issue: "Continuous Time Random Walk Still Trendy: Fifty-year History, Current State and Outlook", edited by Ryszard Kutner and Jaume Masoliver.

The continuous time random walk, still trendy: fifty-year history, state of art and outlook

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kutner, Ryszard; Masoliver, Jaume

2017-03-01

In this article we demonstrate the very inspiring role of the continuous-time random walk (CTRW) formalism, the numerous modifications permitted by its flexibility, its various applications, and the promising perspectives in the various fields of knowledge. A short review of significant achievements and possibilities is given. However, this review is still far from completeness. We focused on a pivotal role of CTRWs mainly in anomalous stochastic processes discovered in physics and beyond. This article plays the role of an extended announcement of the Eur. Phys. J. B Special Issue [http://epjb.epj.org/open-calls-for-papers/123-epj-b/1090-ctrw-50-years-on] containing articles which show incredible possibilities of the CTRWs. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Continuous Time Random Walk Still Trendy: Fifty-year History, Current State and Outlook", edited by Ryszard Kutner and Jaume Masoliver.

Age-Related Differences of Individuals’ Arithmetic Strategy Utilization with Different Level of Math Anxiety

PubMed Central

Si, Jiwei; Li, Hongxia; Sun, Yan; Xu, Yanli; Sun, Yu

2016-01-01

The present study used the choice/no-choice method to investigate the effect of math anxiety on the strategy used in computational estimation and mental arithmetic tasks and to examine age-related differences in this regard. Fifty-seven fourth graders, 56 sixth graders, and 60 adults were randomly selected to participate in the experiment. Results showed the following: (1) High-anxious individuals were more likely to use a rounding-down strategy in the computational estimation task under the best-choice condition. Additionally, sixth-grade students and adults performed faster than fourth-grade students on the strategy execution parameter. Math anxiety affected response times (RTs) and the accuracy with which strategies were executed. (2) The execution of the partial-decomposition strategy was superior to that of the full-decomposition strategy on the mental arithmetic task. Low-math-anxious persons provided more accurate answers than did high-math-anxious participants under the no-choice condition. This difference was significant for sixth graders. With regard to the strategy selection parameter, the RTs for strategy selection varied with age. PMID:27803685

Age-Related Differences of Individuals' Arithmetic Strategy Utilization with Different Level of Math Anxiety.

PubMed

Si, Jiwei; Li, Hongxia; Sun, Yan; Xu, Yanli; Sun, Yu

2016-01-01

The present study used the choice/no-choice method to investigate the effect of math anxiety on the strategy used in computational estimation and mental arithmetic tasks and to examine age-related differences in this regard. Fifty-seven fourth graders, 56 sixth graders, and 60 adults were randomly selected to participate in the experiment. Results showed the following: (1) High-anxious individuals were more likely to use a rounding-down strategy in the computational estimation task under the best-choice condition. Additionally, sixth-grade students and adults performed faster than fourth-grade students on the strategy execution parameter. Math anxiety affected response times (RTs) and the accuracy with which strategies were executed. (2) The execution of the partial-decomposition strategy was superior to that of the full-decomposition strategy on the mental arithmetic task. Low-math-anxious persons provided more accurate answers than did high-math-anxious participants under the no-choice condition. This difference was significant for sixth graders. With regard to the strategy selection parameter, the RTs for strategy selection varied with age.

Attachment as Moderator of Treatment Outcome in Major Depression: A Randomized Control Trial of Interpersonal Psychotherapy versus Cognitive Behavior Therapy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McBride, Carolina; Atkinson, Leslie; Quilty, Lena C.; Bagby, R. Michael

2006-01-01

Anxiety and avoidance dimensions of adult attachment insecurity were tested as moderators of treatment outcome for interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Fifty-six participants with major depression were randomly assigned to these treatment conditions. Beck Depression Inventory-II, Six-Item Hamilton Rating Scale…

Positive Family Intervention for Severe Challenging Behavior I: A Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durand, V. Mark; Hieneman, Meme; Clarke, Shelley; Wang, Mo; Rinaldi, Melissa L.

2013-01-01

The present study was a multisite randomized clinical trial assessing the effects of adding a cognitive-behavioral intervention to positive behavior support (PBS). Fifty-four families who met the criteria of (a) having a child with a developmental disability, (b) whose child displayed serious challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury,…

Gender Differences in the Maintenance of Response to Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Felmingham, Kim L.; Bryant, Richard A.

2012-01-01

Objective: To examine potential differential responses in men and women to cognitive behavior therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: Fifty-two men and 56 women diagnosed with PTSD participated in randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavior therapy for PTSD. Participants were randomly allocated to either (a) exposure-only…

A Randomized Trial of an Elementary School Mathematics Software Intervention: Spatial-Temporal Math

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rutherford, Teomara; Farkas, George; Duncan, Greg; Burchinal, Margaret; Kibrick, Melissa; Graham, Jeneen; Richland, Lindsey; Tran, Natalie; Schneider, Stephanie; Duran, Lauren; Martinez, Michael E.

2014-01-01

Fifty-two low performing schools were randomly assigned to receive Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math, a supplemental mathematics software and instructional program, in second/third or fourth/fifth grades or to a business-as-usual control. Analyses reveal a negligible effect of ST Math on mathematics scores, which did not differ significantly across…

A Randomized Trial of Longitudinal Effects of Low-Intensity Responsivity Education/Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warren, Steven F.; Fey, Marc E.; Finestack, Lizbeth, H.; Brady, Nancy C.; Bredin-Oja, Shelley L.; Fleming, Kandace K.

2008-01-01

Purpose: To evaluate the longitudinal effects of a 6-month course of responsivity education (RE)/prelinguistic milieu teaching (PMT) for young children with developmental delay. Method: Fifty-one children, age 24-33 months, with fewer than 10 expressive words were randomly assigned to early-treatment/no-treatment groups. All treatment was added as…

Randomized Trial of Three Child/Parent Training Groups for ADHD Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reddy, Linda; Braunstein, Dania; Springer, Craig; Bartik, Celina; Hauch, Yvonne; Hall, Tara; Benisz, Becky; Gioia, Lauren

The present study examined the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention for young children with ADHD. Fifty families were randomly assigned to three treatment conditions: (1) child group training only (N=18); (2) child and parent group training only (N=14); and (3) child and parent group training and parent/teacher consultation (N=18). Child,…

Literature-based discovery of diabetes- and ROS-related targets

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known mediators of cellular damage in multiple diseases including diabetic complications. Despite its importance, no comprehensive database is currently available for the genes associated with ROS. Methods We present ROS- and diabetes-related targets (genes/proteins) collected from the biomedical literature through a text mining technology. A web-based literature mining tool, SciMiner, was applied to 1,154 biomedical papers indexed with diabetes and ROS by PubMed to identify relevant targets. Over-represented targets in the ROS-diabetes literature were obtained through comparisons against randomly selected literature. The expression levels of nine genes, selected from the top ranked ROS-diabetes set, were measured in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of diabetic and non-diabetic DBA/2J mice in order to evaluate the biological relevance of literature-derived targets in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Results SciMiner identified 1,026 ROS- and diabetes-related targets from the 1,154 biomedical papers (http://jdrf.neurology.med.umich.edu/ROSDiabetes/). Fifty-three targets were significantly over-represented in the ROS-diabetes literature compared to randomly selected literature. These over-represented targets included well-known members of the oxidative stress response including catalase, the NADPH oxidase family, and the superoxide dismutase family of proteins. Eight of the nine selected genes exhibited significant differential expression between diabetic and non-diabetic mice. For six genes, the direction of expression change in diabetes paralleled enhanced oxidative stress in the DRG. Conclusions Literature mining compiled ROS-diabetes related targets from the biomedical literature and led us to evaluate the biological relevance of selected targets in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. PMID:20979611

Parent Training with High-Risk Immigrant Chinese Families: A Pilot Group Randomized Trial Yielding Practice-Based Evidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lau, Anna S.; Fung, Joey J.; Ho, Lorinda Y.; Liu, Lisa L.; Gudino, Omar G.

2011-01-01

We studied the efficacy and implementation outcomes of a culturally responsive parent training (PT) program. Fifty-four Chinese American parents participated in a wait-list controlled group randomized trial (32 immediate treatment, 22 delayed treatment) of a 14-week intervention designed to address the needs of high-risk immigrant families.…

Hypnotic Taper with or without Self-Help Treatment of Insomnia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belleville, Genevieve; Guay, Catherine; Guay, Bernard; Morin, Charles M.

2007-01-01

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a minimal intervention focusing on hypnotic discontinuation and cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for insomnia. Fifty-three adult chronic users of hypnotics were randomly assigned to an 8-week hypnotic taper program, used alone or combined with a self-help CBT. Weekly hypnotic use decreased in both…

A Double-Blind Randomized Pilot Study Comparing Quetiapine and Divalproex for Adolescent Mania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delbello, Melissa P.; Kowatch, Robert A.; Adler, Caleb M.; Stanford, Kevin E.; Welge, Jeffrey A.; Barzman, Drew H.; Nelson, Erik; Strakowski, Stephen M.

2006-01-01

Objective: To determine the comparative efficacy of quetiapine and divalproex for the treatment of adolescent mania. Method: Fifty adolescents (ages 12-18 years) with bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episode, were randomized to quetiapine (400-600 mg/day) or divalproex (serum level 80-120 [micro]g/mL) for 28 days for this double-blind study,…

Phobic spider fear is associated with enhanced attentional capture by spider pictures: a rapid serial presentation event-related potential study.

PubMed

Van Strien, Jan W; Franken, Ingmar H A; Huijding, Jorg

2009-03-04

The early posterior negativity (EPN) reflects early selective visual processing of emotionally significant information. This study explored the association between fear of spiders and the EPN for spider pictures. Fifty women completed a Spider Phobia Questionnaire and watched the random rapid serial presentation of 600 neutral, 600 negatively valenced emotional, and 600 spider pictures (three pictures per second). The EPN was scored as the mean activity in the 225-300-ms time window at lateral occipital electrodes. Participants with higher scores on the phobia questionnaire showed larger (i.e. more negative) EPN amplitudes in response to spider pictures. The results suggest that the attentional capture of spider-related stimuli is an automatic response, which is modulated by the extent of spider fear.

Head-to-head randomized trials are mostly industry sponsored and almost always favor the industry sponsor.

PubMed

Flacco, Maria Elena; Manzoli, Lamberto; Boccia, Stefania; Capasso, Lorenzo; Aleksovska, Katina; Rosso, Annalisa; Scaioli, Giacomo; De Vito, Corrado; Siliquini, Roberta; Villari, Paolo; Ioannidis, John P A

2015-07-01

To map the current status of head-to-head comparative randomized evidence and to assess whether funding may impact on trial design and results. From a 50% random sample of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in journals indexed in PubMed during 2011, we selected the trials with ≥ 100 participants, evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs, biologics, and medical devices through a head-to-head comparison. We analyzed 319 trials. Overall, 238,386 of the 289,718 randomized subjects (82.3%) were included in the 182 trials funded by companies. Of the 182 industry-sponsored trials, only 23 had two industry sponsors and only three involved truly antagonistic comparisons. Industry-sponsored trials were larger, more commonly registered, used more frequently noninferiority/equivalence designs, had higher citation impact, and were more likely to have "favorable" results (superiority or noninferiority/equivalence for the experimental treatment) than nonindustry-sponsored trials. Industry funding [odds ratio (OR) 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6, 4.7] and noninferiority/equivalence designs (OR 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5, 6.6), but not sample size, were strongly associated with "favorable" findings. Fifty-five of the 57 (96.5%) industry-funded noninferiority/equivalence trials got desirable "favorable" results. The literature of head-to-head RCTs is dominated by the industry. Industry-sponsored comparative assessments systematically yield favorable results for the sponsors, even more so when noninferiority designs are involved. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The use of digital imaging, video conferencing, and telepathology in histopathology: a national survey

PubMed Central

Dennis, T; Start, R D; Cross, S S

2005-01-01

Aims: To undertake a large scale survey of histopathologists in the UK to determine the current infrastructure, training, and attitudes to digital pathology. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to 500 consultant histopathologists randomly selected from the membership of the Royal College of Pathologists in the UK. Results: There was a response rate of 47%. Sixty four per cent of respondents had a digital camera mounted on their microscope, but only 12% had any sort of telepathology equipment. Thirty per cent used digital images in electronic presentations at meetings at least once a year and only 24% had ever used telepathology in a diagnostic situation. Fifty nine per cent had received no training in digital imaging. Fifty eight per cent felt that the medicolegal implications of duty of care were a barrier to its use. A large proportion of pathologists (69%) were interested in using video conferencing for remote attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings. Conclusions: There is a reasonable level of equipment and communications infrastructure among histopathologists in the UK but a very low level of training. There is resistance to the use of telepathology in the diagnostic context but enthusiasm for the use of video conferencing in multidisciplinary team meetings. PMID:15735155

Prevalence and Predictors of Depression among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outpatients in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

El Mahalli, A A

2015-04-01

Diabetes Mellitus is frequently accompanied by serious complications. Less known is the increased risk for depression. Undiagnosed depression prevents initiation of treatment, thereby contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Study aimed to determine prevalence and predictors of depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Study was cross-sectional. It was conducted in the outpatient clinics of diabetes mellitus in a governmental hospital in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia in 2013. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (260 participants) were selected using systematic random sampling technique. One interview questionnaire was designed to collect demographic and health factors. Two self- administered instruments were used to assess perceived social support and depression. Assessment of the relationship between depression and its predictors was done using Univariate analysis. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the combined effect of several factors associated with depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients after adjusting for confounding variables. Almost fifty percent of diabetics were depressed (49.6%). Patients with poor diabetes mellitus control (OR 3.221, P.000) and unmarried (OR 3.206, P .025) were more risky for developing depression and difference was significant. Prevalence of depression among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was almost fifty percent. So, diabetics should be regularly examined for signs and symptoms of depression.

Sleep Promotion Program for Improving Sleep Behaviors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

PubMed Central

John, Bindu; Bellipady, Sumanth Shetty; Bhat, Shrinivasa Undaru

2016-01-01

Aims. The purpose of this pilot trial was to determine the efficacy of sleep promotion program to adapt it for the use of adolescents studying in various schools of Mangalore, India, and evaluate the feasibility issues before conducting a randomized controlled trial in a larger sample of adolescents. Methods. A randomized controlled trial design with stratified random sampling method was used. Fifty-eight adolescents were selected (mean age: 14.02 ± 2.15 years; intervention group, n = 34; control group, n = 24). Self-report questionnaires, including sociodemographic questionnaire with some additional questions on sleep and activities, Sleep Hygiene Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, The Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire, and PedsQL™ Present Functioning Visual Analogue Scale, were used. Results. Insufficient weekday-weekend sleep duration with increasing age of adolescents was observed. The program revealed a significant effect in the experimental group over the control group in overall sleep quality, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and emotional and overall distress. No significant effect was observed in sleep hygiene and other sleep parameters. All target variables showed significant correlations with each other. Conclusion. The intervention holds a promise for improving the sleep behaviors in healthy adolescents. However, the effect of the sleep promotion program treatment has yet to be proven through a future research. This trial is registered with ISRCTN13083118. PMID:27088040

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Tailoring Methods of Multimedia-Based Fall Prevention Education for Community-Dwelling Older Adults

PubMed Central

Schepens, Stacey L.; Panzer, Victoria; Goldberg, Allon

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVE We attempted to determine whether multimedia fall prevention education using different instructional strategies increases older adults’ knowledge of fall threats and their fall prevention behaviors. METHOD Fifty-three community-dwelling older adults were randomized to two educational groups or a control group. Multimedia-based educational interventions to increase fall threats knowledge and encourage fall prevention behaviors had two tailoring strategies: (1) improve content realism for individual learners (authenticity group) and (2) highlight program goals and benefits while using participants’ content selections (motivation group). Knowledge was measured at baseline and 1-mo follow-up. Participants recorded prevention behaviors for 1 mo. RESULTS Intervention group participants showed greater knowledge gains and posttest knowledge than did control group participants. The motivation group engaged in more prevention behaviors over 1 mo than did the other groups. CONCLUSION Tailoring fall prevention education by addressing authenticity and motivation successfully improved fall threats knowledge. Combining motivational strategies with multimedia education increased the effectiveness of the intervention in encouraging fall prevention behaviors. PMID:22214115

Evaluating the Sustained Health Impact of Household Chlorination of Drinking Water in Rural Haiti

PubMed Central

Harshfield, Eric; Lantagne, Daniele; Turbes, Anna; Null, Clair

2012-01-01

The Jolivert Safe Water for Families program has sold sodium hypochlorite solution (chlorine) and conducted household visits in rural Haiti since 2002. To assess the impact of the program on diarrheal disease, in 2010 we conducted a survey and water quality testing in 201 program participants and 425 control households selected at random. Fifty-six percent of participants (versus 10% of controls) had free chlorine residuals between 0.2 and 2.0 mg/L, indicating correct water treatment. Using intention-to-treat analysis, we found that significantly fewer children < 5 in participant households had an episode of diarrhea in the previous 48 hours (32% versus 52%; P < 0.001) with 59% reduced odds (odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.21–0.79). Treatment-on-treated estimates of the odds of diarrhea indicated larger program effects for participants who met more stringent verifications of participation. Diarrheal disease reduction in this long-term program was comparable with that seen in short-term randomized, controlled interventions, suggesting that household chlorination can be an effective long-term water treatment strategy. PMID:22987657

Evaluating the sustained health impact of household chlorination of drinking water in rural Haiti.

PubMed

Harshfield, Eric; Lantagne, Daniele; Turbes, Anna; Null, Clair

2012-11-01

The Jolivert Safe Water for Families program has sold sodium hypochlorite solution (chlorine) and conducted household visits in rural Haiti since 2002. To assess the impact of the program on diarrheal disease, in 2010 we conducted a survey and water quality testing in 201 program participants and 425 control households selected at random. Fifty-six percent of participants (versus 10% of controls) had free chlorine residuals between 0.2 and 2.0 mg/L, indicating correct water treatment. Using intention-to-treat analysis, we found that significantly fewer children < 5 in participant households had an episode of diarrhea in the previous 48 hours (32% versus 52%; P < 0.001) with 59% reduced odds (odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.21-0.79). Treatment-on-treated estimates of the odds of diarrhea indicated larger program effects for participants who met more stringent verifications of participation. Diarrheal disease reduction in this long-term program was comparable with that seen in short-term randomized, controlled interventions, suggesting that household chlorination can be an effective long-term water treatment strategy.

Early Effects of Responsivity Education/Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching for Children with Developmental Delays and Their Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fey, Marc E.; Warren, Steven F.; Brady, Nancy; Finestack, Lizbeth H.; Bredin-Oja, Shelley L.; Fairchild, Martha; Sokol, Shari; Yoder, Paul J.

2006-01-01

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a 6-month course of responsivity education/prelinguistic milieu teaching (RE/PMT) for children with developmental delay and RE/PMT's effects on parenting stress in a randomized clinical trial. Method: Fifty-one children, age 24-33 months, with no more than 10 expressive words or signs, were randomly assigned to…

The Relative Effects and Equity of Inquiry-Based and Commonplace Science Teaching on Students' Knowledge, Reasoning, and Argumentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Christopher D.; Taylor, Joseph A.; Kowalski, Susan M.; Carlson, Janet

2010-01-01

We conducted a laboratory-based randomized control study to examine the effectiveness of inquiry-based instruction. We also disaggregated the data by student demographic variables to examine if inquiry can provide equitable opportunities to learn. Fifty-eight students aged 14-16 years old were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups of…

Prone position as prevention of lung injury in comatose patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

PubMed

Beuret, Pascal; Carton, Marie-Jose; Nourdine, Karim; Kaaki, Mahmoud; Tramoni, Gerard; Ducreux, Jean-Claude

2002-05-01

Comatose patients frequently exhibit pulmonary function worsening, especially in cases of pulmonary infection. It appears to have a deleterious effect on neurologic outcome. We therefore conducted a randomized trial to determine whether daily prone positioning would prevent lung worsening in these patients. Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Sixteen-bed intensive care unit. Fifty-one patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation because of coma with Glascow coma scores of 9 or less. In the prone position (PP) group: prone positioning for 4 h once daily until the patients could get up to sit in an armchair; in the supine position (SP) group: supine positioning. The primary end point was the incidence of lung worsening defined by an increase in the Lung Injury Score of at least 1 point since the time of randomization. The secondary end point was the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A total of 25 patients were randomly assigned to the PP group and 26 patients to the SP group. The characteristics of the patients from the two groups were similar at randomization. The incidence of lung worsening was lower in the PP group (12%) than in the SP group (50%) ( p=0.003). The incidence of VAP was 20% in the PP group and 38.4% in the SP group ( p=0.14). There was no serious complication attributable to prone positioning, however, there was a significant increase of intracranial pressure in the PP. In a selected population of comatose ventilated patients, daily prone positioning reduced the incidence of lung worsening.

The effect of music video exposure on students' perceived clinical applications of popular music in the field of music therapy: a pilot study.

PubMed

Gooding, Lori F; Mori-Inoue, Satoko

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of video exposure on music therapy students' perceptions of clinical applications of popular music in the field of music therapy. Fifty-one participants were randomly divided into two groups and exposed to a popular song in either audio-only or music video format. Participants were asked to indicate clinical applications; specifically, participants chose: (a) possible population(s), (b) most appropriate population(s), (c) possible age range(s), (d) most appropriate age ranges, (e) possible goal area(s) and (f) most appropriate goal area. Data for each of these categories were compiled and analyzed, with no significant differences found in the choices made by the audio-only and video groups. Three items, (a) selection of the bereavement population, (b) selection of bereavement as the most appropriate population and (c) selection of the age ranges of pre teen/mature adult, were additionally selected for further analysis due to their relationship to the video content. Analysis results revealed a significant difference between the video and audio-only groups for the selection of these specific items, with the video group's selections more closely aligned to the video content. Results of this pilot study suggest that music video exposure to popular music can impact how students choose to implement popular songs in the field of music therapy.

Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of rasagiline as monotherapy in early Parkinson's disease patients.

PubMed

Stern, Matthew B; Marek, Kenneth L; Friedman, Joseph; Hauser, Robert A; LeWitt, Peter A; Tarsy, Daniel; Olanow, C Warren

2004-08-01

Rasagiline (N-propargyl-1(R)-aminoindan) mesylate is a potent, selective, and irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor. This study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of rasagiline monotherapy in early Parkinson's disease (PD) patients not receiving levodopa. The study was performed as a multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 10-week study. Fifty-six PD patients were randomly assigned to rasagiline mesylate 1, 2, or 4 mg once daily, or placebo. A 3-week dose-escalation period was followed by a 7-week maintenance phase. At week 10, the mean (+/-SE) changes from baseline in total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score were -1.8 (+/-1.3), -3.6 (+/-1.7), -3.6 (+/-1.2), and -0.5 (+/-0.8) in the rasagiline 1, 2, and 4 mg/day and placebo groups, respectively. Analysis of responders showed that 28% of patients (12 of 43) receiving rasagiline had an improvement in total UPDRS score of greater than 30%, compared with none of the patients receiving placebo (P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). The frequency and types of adverse events reported by rasagiline-treated and placebo-treated patients were similar. These results suggest that rasagiline monotherapy is well tolerated and efficacious in early PD. Copyright 2004 Movement Disorder Society

Manga comic influences snack selection in Black and Hispanic New York City youth.

PubMed

Leung, May May; Tripicchio, Gina; Agaronov, Alen; Hou, Ningqi

2014-01-01

To determine whether a single exposure to a Manga comic (Japanese comic art) with multiple messages promoting fruit intake influenced snack selection in minority urban youth. Fifty-seven youth (mean age 10.8 y; 54% female; 74% black/African American) attending after-school programs in Brooklyn, NY participated in a pilot study in which they were randomly assigned to receive the comic or a non-health-related newsletter. After reading their media, participants were offered a snack and could choose from among healthy/unhealthy options. Secondary outcomes included knowledge, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations related to fruit intake and media transportation. Data were analyzed using regression and paired t test. Comic group participants were significantly more likely to choose a healthy snack, compared to the Attention-control group (odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-12.1, P = .04). The Comic group reported increases in self-efficacy (P = .04) and greater transportation (immersion into media) (P = .006). Results suggest Manga comics may be a useful format to promote healthy snack selection in urban minority youth. Copyright © 2014 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of Functional Progressive Resistance Exercise Training on Walking Ability in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scholtes, Vanessa A.; Becher, Jules G.; Janssen-Potten, Yvonne J.; Dekkers, Hurnet; Smallenbroek, Linda; Dallmeijer, Annet J.

2012-01-01

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of functional progressive resistance exercise (PRE) training on walking ability in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-one ambulant children with spastic CP (mean age 10 years 5 months, 29 boys) were randomized to an intervention (n=26) or control group (n=25, receiving usual care).…

Heroin addicts have higher discount rates for delayed rewards than non-drug-using controls.

PubMed

Kirby, K N; Petry, N M; Bickel, W K

1999-03-01

Fifty-six heroin addicts and 60 age-matched controls were offered choices between monetary rewards ($11-$80) available immediately and larger rewards ($25-$85) available after delays ranging from 1 week to 6 months. Participants had a 1-in-6 chance of winning a reward that they chose on one randomly selected trial. Delay-discounting rates were estimated from the pattern of participants' choices. The discounting model of impulsiveness (Ainslie, 1975) implies that delay-discounting rates are positively correlated with impulsiveness. On average, heroin addicts' discount rates were twice those of controls (p = .004), and discount rates were positively correlated with impulsivity as measured by self-report questionnaires (p < .05). The results lend external validity to the delay-discounting rate as a measure of impulsiveness, a characteristic associated with substance abuse.

STS-1 operational flight profile. Volume 5: Descent, cycle 3. Appendix C: Monte Carlo dispersion analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The results of three nonlinear the Monte Carlo dispersion analyses for the Space Transportation System 1 Flight (STS-1) Orbiter Descent Operational Flight Profile, Cycle 3 are presented. Fifty randomly selected simulation for the end of mission (EOM) descent, the abort once around (AOA) descent targeted line are steep target line, and the AOA descent targeted to the shallow target line are analyzed. These analyses compare the flight environment with system and operational constraints on the flight environment and in some cases use simplified system models as an aid in assessing the STS-1 descent flight profile. In addition, descent flight envelops are provided as a data base for use by system specialists to determine the flight readiness for STS-1. The results of these dispersion analyses supersede results of the dispersion analysis previously documented.

Fabrication of polymer micro-lens array with pneumatically diaphragm-driven drop-on-demand inkjet technology.

PubMed

Xie, Dan; Zhang, Honghai; Shu, Xiayun; Xiao, Junfeng

2012-07-02

The paper reports an effective method to fabricate micro-lens arrays with the ultraviolet-curable polymer, using an original pneumatically diaphragm-driven drop-on-demand inkjet system. An array of plano convex micro-lenses can be formed on the glass substrate due to surface tension and hydrophobic effect. The micro-lens arrays have uniform focusing function, smooth and real planar surface. The fabrication process showed good repeatability as well, fifty micro-lenses randomly selected form 9 × 9 miro-lens array with an average diameter of 333.28μm showed 1.1% variations. Also, the focal length, the surface roughness and optical property of the fabricated micro-lenses are measured, analyzed and proved satisfactory. The technique shows great potential for fabricating polymer micro-lens arrays with high flexibility, simple technological process and low production cost.

The association of the transitions in smoking stages with prevalence of cigarette smoking in the classes and schools: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

MohammadPoorasl, Asghar; Nedjat, Saharnaz; Fakhari, Ali; Fotouhi, Akbar

2014-01-01

Adolescent tobacco use remains a major public health priority to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use in community. The aim of this study was determining the association of the transitions in smoking stages with prevalence of cigarette smoking in the classes and schools in adolescents of Tabriz City (northwest of Iran). Fifty-six high schools were randomly selected, and 4903 students completed a self-administered questionnaire on cigarette smoking twice with a 12-months interval in 2010 and 2011. Transition from experimenter to regular smoker stage was associated with the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the school. The results have shown the association of student's smoking uptake with the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the school. This highlights the importance of enforcing smoke free policies in schools.

An evaluation of selected NASA scientific and technical information products: Results of a pilot study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinelli, Thomas E.; Glassman, Myron

1989-01-01

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate selected NASA scientific and technical information (STI) products. The study, which utilized survey research in the form of a self-administered mail questionnaire, had a two-fold purpose -- to gather baseline data regarding the use and perceived usefulness of selected NASA STI products and to develop/validate questions that could be used in a future study concerned with the role of the U.S. government technical report in aeronautics. The sample frame consisted of 25,000 members of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in the U.S. with academic, government or industrial affiliation. Simple random sampling was used to select 2000 individuals to participate in the study. Three hundred fifty-three usable questionnaires (17 percent response rate) were received by the established cutoff date. The findings indicate that: (1) NASA STI is used and is generally perceived as being important; (2) the use rate for NASA-authored conference/meeting papers, journal articles, and technical reports is fairly uniform; (3) a considerable number of respondents are unfamiliar with STAR (Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports), IAA (International Aerospace Abstracts), SCAN (Selected Current Aerospace Notices), and the RECON on-line retrieval system; (4) a considerable number of respondents who are familiar with these media do not use them; and (5) the perceived quality of NASA-authored journal articles and technical reports is very good.

Informed Consent to Study Purpose in Randomized Clinical Trials of Antibiotics, 1991 Through 2011.

PubMed

Doshi, Peter; Hur, Peter; Jones, Mark; Albarmawi, Husam; Jefferson, Tom; Morgan, Daniel J; Spears, Patricia A; Powers, John H

2017-10-01

Potential research participants may assume that randomized trials comparing new interventions with older interventions always hypothesize greater efficacy for the new intervention, as in superiority trials. However, antibiotic trials frequently use "noninferiority" hypotheses allowing a degree of inferior efficacy deemed "clinically acceptable" compared with an older effective drug, in exchange for nonefficacy benefits (eg, decreased adverse effects). Considering these different benefit-harm trade-offs, proper informed consent necessitates supplying different information on the purposes of superiority and noninferiority trials. To determine the degree to which the study purpose is explained to potential participants in randomized clinical trials of antibiotics and the degree to which study protocols justify their selection of noninferiority hypotheses and amount of "clinically acceptable" inferiority. Cross-sectional analysis of study protocols, statistical analysis plans (SAPs), and informed consent forms (ICFs) from clinical study reports submitted to the European Medicines Agency. The ICFs were read by both methodologists and patient investigators. Protocols and SAPs were used as the reference standard to determine prespecified primary hypothesis and record rationale for selection of noninferiority hypotheses and noninferiority margins. This information was cross-referenced against ICFs to determine whether ICFs explained the study purpose. We obtained trial documents from 78 randomized trials with prespecified efficacy hypotheses (6 superiority, 72 noninferiority) for 17 antibiotics conducted between 1991 and 2011 that enrolled 39 407 patients. Fifty were included in the ICF analysis. All ICFs contained sections describing study purpose; however, none consistently conveyed study hypothesis to both methodologists and patient investigators. Methodologists found that 1 of 50 conveyed a study purpose. Patient investigators found that 11 of 50 conveyed a study purpose, 7 accurately and 4 inaccurately compared with the reference standard. Seventy-one of 72 noninferiority trial protocols or SAPs provided no rationale for selection of noninferiority hypothesis. None provided a clinical rationale for the chosen amount of decreased efficacy. Patients were not accurately informed of study purpose, which raises questions regarding the ethics of informed consent in antibiotic trials. Noninferiority and superiority trials entail different benefit-harm trade-offs that must be conveyed for ethical informed consent.

Strategies in identifying individuals in a segregant population of common bean and implications of genotype x environment interaction in the success of selection.

PubMed

Mendes, M P; Ramalho, M A P; Abreu, A F B

2012-04-10

The objective of this study was to compare the BLUP selection method with different selection strategies in F(2:4) and assess the efficiency of this method on the early choice of the best common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lines. Fifty-one F(2:4) progenies were produced from a cross between the CVIII8511 x RP-26 lines. A randomized block design was used with 20 replications and one-plant field plots. Character data on plant architecture and grain yield were obtained and then the sum of the standardized variables was estimated for simultaneous selection of both traits. Analysis was carried out by mixed models (BLUP) and the least squares method to compare different selection strategies, like mass selection, stratified mass selection and between and within progeny selection. The progenies selected by BLUP were assessed in advanced generations, always selecting the greatest and smallest sum of the standardized variables. Analyses by the least squares method and BLUP procedure ranked the progenies in the same way. The coincidence of the individuals identified by BLUP and between and within progeny selection was high and of the greatest magnitude when BLUP was compared with mass selection. Although BLUP is the best estimator of genotypic value, its efficiency in the response to long term selection is not different from any of the other methods, because it is also unable to predict the future effect of the progenies x environments interaction. It was inferred that selection success will always depend on the most accurate possible progeny assessment and using alternatives to reduce the progenies x environments interaction effect.

Semiconducting Metal Oxide Based Sensors for Selective Gas Pollutant Detection

PubMed Central

Kanan, Sofian M.; El-Kadri, Oussama M.; Abu-Yousef, Imad A.; Kanan, Marsha C.

2009-01-01

A review of some papers published in the last fifty years that focus on the semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) based sensors for the selective and sensitive detection of various environmental pollutants is presented. PMID:22408500

Role of intrinsic search cues in the formation of consumer preferences and choice for pork chops.

PubMed

Verbeke, Wim; De Smet, Stefaan; Vackier, Isabelle; Van Oeckel, Monique J; Warnants, Nathalie; Van Kenhove, Patrick

2005-02-01

This study investigates the role of drip, colour, marbling and fat cover as intrinsic search cues in the formation of pork chop preferences and individual determinants. Data are collected from a sample of 443 pork consumers in Belgium through using repeated selection of chops from randomised photobooks and questionnaires including socio-demographic, attitudinal and behavioural variables. Data analysis includes mixture regression analysis, bivariate descriptive statistics and the estimation of multivariate probit models. Consumers sampled in this study prefer pork chops without fat cover. Preference for fat cover is stronger among male, 35+ aged consumers with lower levels of awareness of the relation between food and health and who like pork for other reasons than taste and nutritional value (all p<0.05). Preference for colour is equally consistent within an individual, though fifty-fifty light-dark, with dark chops being more preferred by 35+ aged consumers (p<0.05). Preferences for marbling and drip are not consistent and not determined by joint socio-demographic, attitudinal and behavioural factors. Preferences for cue levels are not correlated, except a weak relation between preference for dark chops without drip (r=0.116). Preferences are apparently formed by deductions with the use of single cues as key information, mainly based on fat cover or colour, and random choice on marbling and drip.

The Impact of Combined Music and Tai Chi on Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Persons: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Liao, S J; Tan, M P; Chong, M C; Chua, Y P

2018-05-01

The effectiveness of pharmacological treatment may be limited in older persons. Several studies using Tai Chi or music therapy separately confirmed positive effects in the reduction of depressive symptoms. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the possible synergistic effect of combined music and Tai Chi on depressive symptoms. One hundred and seven older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms were recruited from Ya'an city. Fifty-five participants were cluster randomized to combined music and Tai Chi group for three months, while the other fifty-two individuals were randomized to the control group that entailed routine health education delivered monthly by community nurses. The primary outcome of depressive symptoms was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) at baseline and monthly for three months. At three-month follow-up, a statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms was found in the intervention group compared with control group (F(3,315) = 69.661, P < 0.001). Following adjustments for socio-demographic data, the true effect of intervention on depressive symptoms was significant (F = 41.725, P < 0.01, η p 2 = 0.574). Combined music and Tai Chi reduced depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older persons. This represents an economically viable solution to the management of depression in highly populous developing nations.

Translating the link between social identity and health behavior into effective health communication strategies: An experimental application using antismoking advertisements.

PubMed

Moran, Meghan Bridgid; Sussman, Steve

2014-01-01

Social identity is a construct that has been linked to health behavior. Yet, limited research has attempted to translate this relationship into health communication strategies. The current study addresses this gap by examining the efficacy of social identity targeting (constructing ads so that they target a specific group with which an individual identifies) to increase anti-cigarette smoking beliefs among adolescents. Two hundred and fifty one adolescents aged 12-15, randomly selected from a nationally representative sample, completed an online survey. Participants indicated which of 11 peer groups (determined in pre-testing) they most identified with. Each participant was then randomly assigned to view an ad that either did or did not target that group. One week later participants reported level of agreement with two key antismoking beliefs presented in the ad. Multiple regression analyses indicated that if an individual identified with the group targeted by the ad, antismoking beliefs were more strongly endorsed. Based on these findings, we conclude that social identity targeting has the potential to increase the effectiveness of antismoking messages and should be considered when designing antismoking campaigns.

[The analysis on the hepatitis B awareness and factors influencing of reproductive women in poverty rural areas of Gansu province].

PubMed

Li, Hui; Liu, Chang-jiang; Li, Feng-qin

2009-06-01

To investigate the Hepatitis B (HB) awareness, ways of obtaining knowledge and related factors to reproductive women, to analyze the influential factors and provide strategies for HB control. Three counties were selected random in Gansu, one town was from each county, five villages from each town, about fifty reproductive women aged from 15 to 45 in each village were investigated by questionnaires. The HB awareness of 790 Reproductive women was 47.82%. Awareness of the illiterates and the junior college degree were 27.32% and 72.87% respectively. There were no statitstic difference in different ages and channel to getting knowledge, but it has statistic difference on education level. The HB awareness of women of childbearing age was low. There was discrimination to the HB virus infected people. It is necessary to conduct various health education among different people.

Clinical Evaluation of Kshara sutra Therapy in the management of Bhagandara( Fistula- in-Ano)- A prospective study.

PubMed

Panigrahi, Hemanta Kumar; Rani, Rakesh; Padhi, M M; Lavekar, G S

2009-01-01

A prospective study of 50 patients suffering from Bhagandara(Fistula in Ano) (age ranging from 18-54years) treated by Kshara sutra therapy Kshara sutra unit, Central research Unit, Punjabi bagh, New Delhi January 2007 to July 2008. To determine the incidence of low or high anal fistula, recurrence rate following Kshara sutra therapy and effect of Ksharasutra therapy on the Bhagandara. The fifty patients (50) were selected randomly in the Out Patient Department. Uncontrolled open level Study. Patients were followed to see the incidence of recurrence, effect of Kshara Sutra Therapy on incontinence. Overall recurrence rate was only 5.88 %. Minor incontinence was observed only following Kshara sutra Therapy for high variety for which no treatment was given. No such complication occurred in low variety. Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano) can be treated by Kshara Sutra Therapy with minimal loss of sphincter muscle and low reoccurrence rate.

Gynaecologists' attitude to abortion provision in 2015.

PubMed

Savage, Wendy Diane; Francome, Colin

2017-04-01

We aimed to ascertain the attitude of consultant gynaecologists towards the working of the 1967 Abortion Act, women's choice and decriminalisation of abortion, and whether they had requests on the grounds of foetal sex in the last five years. A postal questionnaire was sent to a 20% random sample of NHS gynaecologists, coded and analysed using SPSS. 286 doctors replied, 78%. 60% considered the abortion act was working satisfactorily. Ninety percent thought the woman should decide whether to continue the pregnancy in consultation with her doctor. However, 15% thought it too easy to obtain. Fifty-six percent of those with an opinion agreed that abortion should be decriminalised and treated like any other medical procedure. It is time to consider decriminalisation of abortion. About half performed abortions and 152 (97%) had never had a request for an abortion on the grounds of foetal sex. Sex selection is not a major problem in the UK.

Evaluation of the driver's cab in the Rc5 engine.

PubMed

Hedberg, G

1987-03-01

The opinion of engine drivers concerning the design of the cab in a new engine (Rc5, ASEA, Sweden) is surveyed in the present study, which is aimed at recommendations for further improvements of the new cab. Fifty engine drivers from the northern part of Sweden (Ange, Vannas and Boden), who had been driving the new engine, were selected at random to answer a specially designed questionnaire. Most of the drivers considered the new cab as better than the old one (Rc4) in several respects. Particularly appreciated was an adjustable footrest, on which the safety regulator pedal was fitted, which enabled an individually adjusted position for driving. They also preferred the automatic brake valve located close to the driver and with its movements in a sagittal direction. A number of proposals for further improvement of the cab are presented in order to attain an optimally designed driver's cab.

Teaching College Courses in Selected Correctonal Facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barringer-Brown, Charletta Hope

2015-01-01

Numerous research studies have focused on recidivism rates ignoring education to inmates as a technique of reducing recidivism. This qualitative study investigates the faculty perception of teaching in selected correctional facilities. A sample of fifty-three faculty members teaching within four selected correctional facilities within a 60 mile…

1961-2011: Fifty years of Hayashi tracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palla, Francesco

2012-09-01

Fifty years after the seminal paper by Prof. C. Hayashi, the field of pre-main sequence (PMS) evolution still plays a fundamental role in observational and theoretical astrophysics. In this contribution, I highlight the contribution made by Hayashi in establishing the theoretical foundation of early stellar evolution. Then, I discuss the changes of the classical theory introduced by the inclusion of protostellar evolution in PMS models and present selected results on young stars.

[Selective digestive decontamination. Why don't we apply the evidence in the clinical practice?].

PubMed

Taylor, N; van Saene, H K F; Abella, A; Silvestri, L; Vucic, M; Peric, M

2007-04-01

Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) is a prophylactic strategy whose objective is to reduce the incidence of infections, mainly mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia in patients who require intensive cares, preventing or eradicating the oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal carrier state of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Fifty-four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 9 meta-analysis have evaluated SDD. Thirty eight RCTs show a significant reduction of the infections and 4 of mortality. All the meta-analyses show a significant reduction of the infections and 5 out of the 9 meta-analyses report a significant reduction in mortality. Thus, 5 patients from the ICU with SDD must be treated to prevent pneumonia and 12 patients from the ICU should be treated to prevent one death. The data that show benefit of the SDD on mortality have an evidence grade 1 or recommendation grade A (supported by at least two level 1 investigations). The aim of this review is to explain the pathogeny of infections in critical patients, describe selective digestive decontamination, analyze the evidence available on it efficacy and the potential adverse effects and discuss the reasons published by the experts who advise against the use of SDD, even though it is recognized as the best intervention evaluated in intensive cares to reduce morbidity and mortality of the infections.

Effectiveness of CO2 laser with subcision in patients with acne scars.

PubMed

Anupama, Y G; Wahab, Afthab Jameela

2016-11-01

Post-acne facial scarring has always been a challenge to treat. It requires multiple therapeutic modalities as single modality is not hundred percent effective. Therefore, we have combined CO 2 laser resurfacing with subcision in patients with acne scars for better results. The aim is to study the effectiveness and side effects of CO 2 laser with subcision in patients with atrophic acne scars. Fifty patients were selected for the study. Baseline grading was done with Goodman and Baron grading system. Twenty-five patients were randomly selected for subcision followed by CO 2 laser and the remaining patients were selected for CO 2 laser alone. The treatment was done for four sessions at 4-week interval. Clinical photographs were obtained for evaluation. CO 2 laser with subcision showed excellent response in grade-2 and -3 acne scars. Statistically there is a significant difference between CO 2 laser following subcision and CO 2 laser alone at 5% level (p < 0.05). Both procedures were well tolerated with minimal side effects. The highly versatile CO 2 laser is useful for treating acne scars. Subcision prior to the CO 2 laser procedure showed better improvement when compared to CO 2 laser alone. Thus, in acne scars, multiple therapeutic modalities achieve better results.

Structural Alteration of Gut Microbiota during the Amelioration of Human Type 2 Diabetes with Hyperlipidemia by Metformin and a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula: a Multicenter, Randomized, Open Label Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Accumulating evidence implicates gut microbiota as promising targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). With a randomized clinical trial, we tested the hypothesis that alteration of gut microbiota may be involved in the alleviation of T2DM with hyperlipidemia by metformin and a specifically designed herbal formula (AMC). Four hundred fifty patients with T2DM and hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to either the metformin- or AMC-treated group. After 12 weeks of treatment, 100 patients were randomly selected from each group and assessed for clinical improvement. The effects of the two drugs on the intestinal microbiota were evaluated by analyzing the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene by Illumina sequencing and multivariate statistical methods. Both metformin and AMC significantly alleviated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and shifted gut microbiota structure in diabetic patients. They significantly increased a coabundant group represented by Blautia spp., which significantly correlated with the improvements in glucose and lipid homeostasis. However, AMC showed better efficacies in improving homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and plasma triglyceride and also exerted a larger effect on gut microbiota. Furthermore, only AMC increased the coabundant group represented by Faecalibacterium spp., which was previously reported to be associated with the alleviation of T2DM in a randomized clinical trial. Metformin and the Chinese herbal formula may ameliorate type 2 diabetes with hyperlipidemia via enriching beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia and Faecalibacterium spp. PMID:29789365

Effects of Visual/Verbal Associations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Anna C.

Different effects of instructional strategies on recall and comprehension of terms frequently used in formal analysis of art were examined. The study looked at a synthesis of three theoretical positions: dual-coding theory, schema theory, and elaboration theory. Two-hundred and fifty sixth-grade students were randomly assigned to three groups:…

The Effect on One's Own Performance of Evaluating Peers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Stuart J.

Fifty-three high school males took a minicourse on library usage. All were randomly assigned a topic and given response sheets requiring the use of dictionaries, encyclopedias, periodicals, and books. In a discussion session, all received instructional handouts. Students were assigned either to evaluating two peers' pretests (experimental) or…

Enhancing English Language Planning Strategy Using a WebQuest Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Sayed, Rania Kamal Muhammad; Abdel-Haq, Eman Muhammad; El-Deeb, Mervat Abou-Bakr; Ali, Mahsoub Abdel-Sadeq

2016-01-01

The present study aimed at developing English language planning strategy of second year distinguished governmental language preparatory school pupils using the a WebQuest model. Fifty participants from second year at Hassan Abu-Bakr Distinguished Governmental Language School at Al-Qanater Al-Khairia (Qalubia Governorate) were randomly assigned…

Selection of Educational Materials in the United States Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute for Educational Development, New York, NY.

The objective of this study was to collect "baseline" data with which to examine a complex process in the educational system--the selection of educational materials. The first part of the study analyzes the statutes of the fifty states which bear upon selection and purchase of educational materials. The purpose of this analysis is to…

A prospective, randomized study on the efficacy of tongue protector in patients with burning mouth syndrome.

PubMed

López-Jornet, P; Camacho-Alonso, F; Andujar-Mateos, P

2011-04-01

To apply a tongue protector with habit-modifying therapy through self-control, in the patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). A prospective, randomized study was made of 65 consecutive patients with BMS. Fifty subjects were randomized to two groups: group A (informed) and group B (informed and the application of a tongue protector). The symptoms were evaluated by VAS, whereas the psychological profile was assessed using the HAD, with application of the quality of life questionnaires SF-36 and OHIP-49. The duration of treatment was 2 months. Fifty patients (46 females and 4 males) completed the study. The VAS scores in group B were 8.2 at baseline and 4.5 after 2 months. The respective scores in group A were 7.1 and 5.6 - the differences between the two groups being significant (P < 0.001). In group B the OHIP-49 yielded lower scores for most of the scales, with significant differences vs group A. In group B the SF 36 yielded significant differences vs group A in physical role, bodily pain, general health and emotional role. Parafunctional traumatism of the tongue should be taken into account in the pathogenesis of BMS with a view to exploring new therapeutic options. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Is having quality as an item on the executive board agenda associated with the implementation of quality management systems in European hospitals: a quantitative analysis

PubMed Central

Botje, Daan; Klazinga, N.S.; Suñol, R.; Groene, O.; Pfaff, H.; Mannion, R.; Depaigne-Loth, A.; Arah, O.A.; Dersarkissian, M.; Wagner, C.; Klazinga, N.; Kringos, D.S.; Lombarts, M.J.M.H.; Plochg, T.; Lopez, M.A.; Vallejo, P.; Saillour-Glenisson, F.; Car, M.; Jones, S.; Klaus, E.; Bottaro, S.; Garel, P.; Saluvan, M.; Bruneau, C.; Depaigne-Loth, A.; Hammer, A.; Ommen, O.; Pfaff, H.; Botje, D.; Escoval, A.; Lívio, A.; Eiras, M.; Franca, M.; Leite, I.; Almeman, F.; Kus, H.; Ozturk, K.; Mannion, R.; Wang, A.; Thompson, A.

2014-01-01

Objective To assess whether there is a relationship between having quality as an item on the board's agenda, perceived external pressure (PEP) and the implementation of quality management in European hospitals. Design A quantitative, mixed method, cross-sectional study in seven European countries in 2011 surveying CEOs and quality managers and data from onsite audits. Participants One hundred and fifty-five CEOs and 155 quality managers. Setting One hundred and fifty-five randomly selected acute care hospitals in seven European countries (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Turkey). Main outcome measure(s) Three constructs reflecting quality management based on questionnaire and audit data: (i) Quality Management System Index, (ii) Quality Management Compliance Index and (iii) Clinical Quality Implementation Index. The main predictor was whether quality performance was on the executive board's agenda. Results Discussing quality performance at executive board meetings more often was associated with a higher quality management system score (regression coefficient b = 2.53; SE = 1.16; P = 0.030). We found a trend in the associations of discussing quality performance with quality compliance and clinical quality implementation. PEP did not modify these relationships. Conclusions Having quality as an item on the executive board's agenda allows them to review and discuss quality performance more often in order to improve their hospital's quality management. Generally, and as this study found, having quality on the executive board's agenda matters. PMID:24550260

Is having quality as an item on the executive board agenda associated with the implementation of quality management systems in European hospitals: a quantitative analysis.

PubMed

Botje, Daan; Klazinga, N S; Suñol, R; Groene, O; Pfaff, H; Mannion, R; Depaigne-Loth, A; Arah, O A; Dersarkissian, M; Wagner, C

2014-04-01

To assess whether there is a relationship between having quality as an item on the board's agenda, perceived external pressure (PEP) and the implementation of quality management in European hospitals. A quantitative, mixed method, cross-sectional study in seven European countries in 2011 surveying CEOs and quality managers and data from onsite audits. One hundred and fifty-five CEOs and 155 quality managers. One hundred and fifty-five randomly selected acute care hospitals in seven European countries (Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Turkey). Main outcome measure(s) Three constructs reflecting quality management based on questionnaire and audit data: (i) Quality Management System Index, (ii) Quality Management Compliance Index and (iii) Clinical Quality Implementation Index. The main predictor was whether quality performance was on the executive board's agenda. Discussing quality performance at executive board meetings more often was associated with a higher quality management system score (regression coefficient b = 2.53; SE = 1.16; P = 0.030). We found a trend in the associations of discussing quality performance with quality compliance and clinical quality implementation. PEP did not modify these relationships. Having quality as an item on the executive board's agenda allows them to review and discuss quality performance more often in order to improve their hospital's quality management. Generally, and as this study found, having quality on the executive board's agenda matters.

A Comprehensive Lifestyle Peer Group-Based Intervention on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: The Randomized Controlled Fifty-Fifty Program.

PubMed

Gómez-Pardo, Emilia; Fernández-Alvira, Juan Miguel; Vilanova, Marta; Haro, Domingo; Martínez, Ramona; Carvajal, Isabel; Carral, Vanesa; Rodríguez, Carla; de Miguel, Mercedes; Bodega, Patricia; Santos-Beneit, Gloria; Peñalvo, Jose Luis; Marina, Iñaki; Pérez-Farinós, Napoleón; Dal Re, Marian; Villar, Carmen; Robledo, Teresa; Vedanthan, Rajesh; Bansilal, Sameer; Fuster, Valentin

2016-02-09

Cardiovascular diseases stem from modifiable risk factors. Peer support is a proven strategy for many chronic illnesses. Randomized trials assessing the efficacy of this strategy for global cardiovascular risk factor modification are lacking. This study assessed the hypothesis that a peer group strategy would help improve healthy behaviors in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 543 adults 25 to 50 years of age with at least 1 risk factor were recruited; risk factors included hypertension (20%), overweight (82%), smoking (31%), and physical inactivity (81%). Subjects were randomized 1:1 to a peer group-based intervention group (IG) or a self-management control group (CG) for 12 months. Peer-elected leaders moderated monthly meetings involving role-play, brainstorming, and activities to address emotions, diet, and exercise. The primary outcome was mean change in a composite score related to blood pressure, exercise, weight, alimentation, and tobacco (Fuster-BEWAT score, 0 to 15). Multilevel models with municipality as a cluster variable were applied to assess differences between groups. Participants' mean age was 42 ± 6 years, 71% were female, and they had a mean baseline Fuster-BEWAT score of 8.42 ± 2.35. After 1 year, the mean scores were significantly higher in the IG (n = 277) than in the CG (n = 266) (IG mean score: 8.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.37 to 9.32; CG mean score: 8.17; 95% CI: 7.55 to 8.79; p = 0.02). The increase in the overall score was significantly larger in the IG compared with the CG (difference: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.18; p = 0.02). The mean improvement in the individual components was uniformly greater in the IG, with a significant difference for the tobacco component. The peer group intervention had beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, with significant improvements in the overall score and specifically on tobacco cessation. A follow-up assessment will be performed 1 year after the final assessment reported here to determine long-term sustainability of the improvements associated with peer group intervention. (Peer-Group-Based Intervention Program [Fifty-Fifty]; NCT02367963). Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY AND PERSONALITY PROFILE IN DIVORCE SEEKING COUPLES

PubMed Central

Batra, Lalit; Gautam, Shiv

1995-01-01

To what extent psychiatric morbidity and personality factors contribute to marital disharmony and decision to divorce is still an unanswered question in Indian setting. This study was undertaken with aims to find out (1) the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in persons seeking divorce; (2) the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in persons who had good marital adjustment; (3) the nature of psychiatric morbidity observed in these subjects, and (4) the personality profile of these subjects. Fifty randomly selected divorce seeking couples (n=100) from the matrimonial court of Jaipur City and thirty couples with good marital adjustment (n=60) selected from the community were studied. Probable psychiatric cases identified by administering GHQ (Hindi version) were diagnosed according to ICD-10 and personality profile of all cases was studied by using 16 PF. High psychiatric morbidity (50%) was found among divorce seeking couples in comparison to control group (13%). There was a high prevalence of neurone disorders (22%) and mood disorders (16%) in experimental group. Schizophrenia and related disorders (10%) and substance abuse disorder (2%) were seen only in the experimental group. Specific personality factors related to divorce seeking individuals and persons with stable marriage have been identified. The implications of this study are highlighted. PMID:21743746

The Loci Mnemonic Technique in Learning and Memory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montague, William E.; Carter, John

This study investigated the facilitative effects of the loci system using mental imagery for acquisition and recall within a retroactive inhibition (RI) paradigm. Fifty-five college undergraduates were randomly assigned to five treatment conditions. Four groups formed cells in a 2x2 factorial design which included (1) an RI factor (AB-AD vs.…

Effects of Infant Massage on Attachment Security: An Experimental Manipulation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jump, Vonda K.

The formation of attachments is an important phenomenon occurring in the realm of socioemotional development. This study examined the impact of infant massage on infants' subsequent attachment security. Fifty-seven mother-infant dyads (48 dyads from Head Start, 9 from the community at large) were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group…

Influence of feeding thermally peroxidized soybean oil on oxidative status in growing pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objectives of this study were to determine whether feeding thermally processed peroxidized soybean oil (SO) induces markers of oxidative stress and alters antioxidant status in pig tissue, blood, and urine. Fifty-six barrows (25.3 ± 3.3 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments...

Screening and Brief Intervention for Tobacco Use by Student Health Providers on College Campuses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sutfin, Erin L.; McNamara, Robert S.; Blocker, Jill N.; Ip, Edward H.; O'Brien, Mary Claire; Wolfson, Mark

2012-01-01

Objective: This study assessed college students' reports of tobacco screening and brief intervention by student health center providers. Participants: Participants were 3,800 students from 8 universities in North Carolina. Methods: Web-based survey of a stratified random sample of undergraduates. Results: Fifty-three percent reported ever visiting…

Challenges of Material Resource Management among Social Studies Lecturers in Nigerian Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dania, P. O.; Obro, S.; Owhorhu, J. S.

2016-01-01

The study is focused on the challenges of material resource management among social studies lecturers in Nigerian Universities. The study population is one thousand eight hundred and fifty five (1855). The sample size comprises one hundred staff, one hundred and twenty students, and forty internal material resource managers were randomly selected…

Development of Selective Auditory Attention Skills in Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cherry, Rochelle Silberzweig

1981-01-01

Fifty-three children (ages 5-9) were individually tested on their ability to select pictures of monosyllabic words presented diotically via headphones. Tasks were presented in quiet and under three noise (distractor) conditions: white noise, speech backwards, and speech forward. Age and type of distractor significantly influenced test scores.…

Choosing to Serve? An Exploration of Student Self-Selection of Service Learning Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weber, Paula S.; Schneider, Kenneth R.; Weber, James E.

2008-01-01

This study explores student selection of service learning projects in lieu of traditional library research projects. One hundred fifty-four strategic management students completed surveys exploring their tolerance of ambiguity, time pressure, attitudes toward civic participation, self-efficacy toward service, political conservatism, and the role…

Using electronic data to predict the probability of true bacteremia from positive blood cultures.

PubMed

Wang, S J; Kuperman, G J; Ohno-Machado, L; Onderdonk, A; Sandige, H; Bates, D W

2000-01-01

As part of a project to help physicians make more appropriate treatment decisions, we implemented a clinical prediction rule that computes the probability of true bacteremia for positive blood cultures and displays this information when culture results are viewed online. Prior to implementing the rule, we performed a revalidation study to verify the accuracy of the previously published logistic regression model. We randomly selected 114 cases of positive blood cultures from a recent one-year period and performed a paper chart review with the help of infectious disease experts to determine whether the cultures were true positives or contaminants. Based on the results of this revalidation study, we updated the probabilities reported by the model and made additional enhancements to improve the accuracy of the rule. Next, we implemented the rule into our hospital's laboratory computer system so that the probability information was displayed with all positive blood culture results. We displayed the prediction rule information on approximately half of the 2184 positive blood cultures at our hospital that were randomly selected during a 6-month period. During the study, we surveyed 54 housestaff to obtain their opinions about the usefulness of this intervention. Fifty percent (27/54) indicated that the information had influenced their belief of the probability of bacteremia in their patients, and in 28% (15/54) of cases it changed their treatment decision. Almost all (98% (53/54)) indicated that they wanted to continue receiving this information. We conclude that the probability information provided by this clinical prediction rule is considered useful to physicians when making treatment decisions.

Do adult focused anti-smoking campaigns have an impact on adolescents? The case of the Australian National Tobacco Campaign.

PubMed

White, V; Tan, N; Wakefield, M; Hill, D

2003-09-01

To examine adolescents' awareness of and response to an adult focused anti-smoking advertising campaign. Data were obtained from two cross sectional surveys of adolescents. The first study, a national evaluation study, involved a telephone survey of a randomly selected sample of 400 14-17 year olds across Australia in 1998. The second study involved a survey of 3714 students aged 12-17 years, randomly selected from a probability sample of secondary schools in the Australian State of Victoria. In both surveys, adolescents answered questions on their awareness of the advertising campaign and actions taken in response to the campaign. Adolescents in the national evaluation study also answered questions assessing knowledge of health effects of smoking, impact of the campaign on adolescents, and relevance of the campaign for adolescents and other groups. Responses for smokers and nonsmokers were examined. Among the national evaluation sample, 85% of adolescent smokers thought the campaign was relevant to them. Fifty three per cent indicated that the campaign had led some teenagers to at least try to quit and 85% thought it made smoking seem less cool and desirable. Among students who were established smokers the campaign generated quitting activity, with 27% cutting down the number of cigarettes they smoked and 26% having thought about quitting. Results indicate that adolescents were very aware of this adult focused anti-smoking campaign and thought it relevant to them. The findings suggest that a graphic health effects cessation focused campaign may have been successful in promoting anti-smoking attitudes among adolescents.

Photobiomodulation in the Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity Caused by In-Office Dental Bleaching. A Randomized Placebo Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Calheiros, Andrea Paiva Corsetti; Moreira, Maria Stella; Gonçalves, Flávia; Aranha, Ana Cecília Correa; Cunha, Sandra Ribeiro; Steiner-Oliveira, Carolina; Eduardo, Carlos de Paula; Ramalho, Karen Müller

2017-08-01

Analyze the effect of photobiomodulation in the prevention of tooth sensitivity after in-office dental bleaching. Tooth sensitivity is a common clinical consequence of dental bleaching. Therapies for prevention of sensitivity have been investigated in literature. This study was developed as a randomized, placebo blind clinical trial. Fifty patients were selected (n = 10) and randomly divided into five groups: (1) control, (2) placebo, (3) laser before bleaching, (4) laser after bleaching, and (5) laser before and after bleaching. Irradiation was performed perpendicularly, in contact, on each tooth during 10 sec per point in two points. The first point was positioned in the middle of the tooth crown and the second in the periapical region. Photobiomodulation was applied using the following parameters: 780 nm, 40 mW, 10 J/cm 2 , 0.4 J per point. Pain was analyzed before, immediately after, and seven subsequent days after bleaching. Patients were instructed to report pain using the scale: 0 = no tooth sensitivity, 1 = gentle sensitivity, 2 = moderate sensitivity, 3 = severe sensitivity. There were no statistical differences between groups at any time (p > 0.05). More studies, with others parameters and different methods of tooth sensitivity analysis, should be performed to complement the results found. Within the limitation of the present study, the laser parameters of photobiomodulation tested in the present study were not efficient in preventing tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching.

Effectiveness of probiotic, chlorhexidine and fluoride mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans – Randomized, single-blind, in vivo study

PubMed Central

Jothika, Mohan; Vanajassun, P. Pranav; Someshwar, Battu

2015-01-01

Aim: To determine the short-term efficiency of probiotic, chlorhexidine, and fluoride mouthwashes on plaque Streptococcus mutans level at four periodic intervals. Materials and Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized control study in which each subject was tested with only one mouthwash regimen. Fifty-two healthy qualified adult patients were selected randomly for the study and were divided into the following groups: group 1- 10 ml of distilled water, group 2- 10 ml of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash, group 3- 10 ml of 500 ppm F/400 ml sodium fluoride mouthwash, and group 4- 10 ml of probiotic mouthwash. Plaque samples were collected from the buccal surface of premolars and molars in the maxillary quadrant. Sampling procedure was carried out by a single examiner after 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days, respectively, after the use of the mouthwash. All the samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc test. Results: One-way ANOVA comparison among groups 2, 3, and 4 showed no statistical significance, whereas group 1 showed statistically significant difference when compared with groups 2, 3, and 4 at 7th, 14th, and 30th day. Conclusion: Chlorhexidine, sodium fluoride, and probiotic mouthwashes reduce plaque S. mutans levels. Probiotic mouthwash is effective and equivalent to chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride mouthwashes. Thus, probiotic mouthwash can also be considered as an effective oral hygiene regimen. PMID:25984467

Participants' experiences of music, mindful music, and audiobook listening interventions for people recovering from stroke.

PubMed

Baylan, Satu; McGinlay, Meigan; MacDonald, Maxine; Easto, Jake; Cullen, Breda; Haig, Caroline; Mercer, Stewart W; Murray, Heather; Quinn, Terence J; Stott, David; Broomfield, Niall M; Stiles, Ciara; Evans, Jonathan J

2018-05-04

Existing research evidence suggests that both music listening and mindfulness interventions may have beneficial effects on mood and cognition poststroke. This mixed-methods study, nested within a pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the feasibility and acceptability of combining music listening and brief mindfulness training poststroke, explored study participants' experiences of engaging in the interventions. Fifty-six stroke survivors who were randomized to receive an 8-week intervention of mindful music listening (n = 15), music listening (n = 21), or audiobook listening (n = 20, control) using self-selected material participated in a postintervention individual semistructured interview with a researcher not involved in their intervention delivery. Interview questions focused on affective, cognitive, and physical experiences. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Across groups, listening was associated with positive distraction from thoughts and worries. Mindful music listening was most strongly associated with relaxation and concentration, improved attentional control, and emotion regulation, as well as enjoyment. Music listening was most strongly associated with increased activity, memory reminiscence, and improved mood. In addition, participants provided valuable feedback on intervention feasibility and acceptability. The findings suggest that the interventions were feasible and enjoyable for people recovering from stroke. © 2018 New York Academy of Sciences.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Daycare and Overnight Stay Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

PubMed

Salleh, A A M; Affirul, C A; Hairol, O; Zamri, Z; Azlanudin, A; Hilmi, M A; Razman, J

2015-01-01

This present study sought to review the feasibility and patients' satisfaction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to be perform as daycare procedure. Sixty-two patients with symptomatic gallstones were recruited within a year. They were randomized into overnight stay and daycare groups. The outcomes and post-operative complications were analyzed. Fifty-eight patients were eligible for analysis and four patients were excluded because of conversion to open cholecystectomy. All patients in daycare group reported no fever but two patients in the overnight stay group complaint of post-operative fever (p=0.150). The mean pain score using Visual Analogue Score (VAS) in daycare group was 2.93 but in the overnight stay was recorded as 3.59 (p=0.98). Five patients had post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in daycare group compared to 2 patients in the overnight stay group (p=0.227). Patient's satisfaction were higher in the daycare group (p=0.160). All patients in daycare group were back at work within a week but in overnight stay, 11 patients had to stay off work for more than one week (p=0.01). Daycare laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible. The satisfaction of daycare surgery is higher than overnight stay group. Patients' selection is an important aspect of its success.

A Comparison of Two Methods of Assessing Textbook Readability of Selected College Level Electronics Textbooks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Froelich, Donald Max

Fifty-eight students enrolled in basic electronics courses from three state colleges in Missouri, were involved in comparing the cloze readability technique with the Flesch Reading Ease Formula to ascertain the effectiveness of each in assessing the readability of selected college level electronics textbooks. Pearson product-moment correlations…

Clinical comparison between patients with selective immunoglobulin A deficiency and other primary immunodeficiencies.

PubMed

Lozano, Natalia A; Lozano, Alejandro; Sasia, Laura V; Saranz, Ricardo J; Agresta, María Fernanda; del Pilar Bovina Martijena, María; Ianiero, Luciano; Grenat, Andrés R

2015-04-01

Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are low-prevalence diseases. There are warning signs that may raise clinical suspicion. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical characteristics and warning signs of patients with PID and to compare the clinical differences between selective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency and other PIDs. Eighty-nine patients were studied; their median age at the time of diagnosis was 6 years old (4.08-11.67). Fifty-three (59.5%) patients were male. Fifty-four (60.7%) patients had selective IgA deficiency, and 35 (39.3%) had other PIDs. The main clinical manifestations were rhinopharyngitis in 65 (73.03%) patients and atopy in 39 (43.82%). Twenty- four (26.97%) patients showed warning signs, and none had selective IgA deficiency. Patients with other PIDs had a higher incidence of lower respiratory tract infection, sepsis, skin infections, mucocutaneous candidiasis, dental alterations, cardiovascular malformations, angioedema, hospitalizations and death. Ten (28.57%) patients received intravenous gammaglobulin, 15 (42.85%) antibiotic prophylaxis, and 2 (2.24%) antifungal prophylaxis.

Effect of Delay on Search Decisions in a Task-Oriented Reading Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mañá, Amelia; Vidal-Abarca, Eduardo; Salmerón, Ladislao

2017-01-01

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of setting a delay between reading a text and answering comprehension questions on "when"-to-search and "what"-to-search decisions in a task-oriented reading environment. Fifty-five eighth-grade students were randomly divided into two groups. One group read one text, answered…

Evaluation of a Sexual Abuse Prevention Education for Chinese Preschoolers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Wenjing; Chen, Jingqi; Feng, Yanan; Li, Jingyi; Liu, Chengfeng; Zhao, Xiaoxia

2014-01-01

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a sexual abuse prevention education in a sample of Chinese preschool children in Beijing, China. Method: One hundred and fifty preschool children were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (N = 78) or the wait-list control group (N = 72). Children were posttested on…

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy versus Temporal Pulse Amplitude Biofeedback Training for Recurrent Headache

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Paul R.; Forsyth, Michael R.; Reece, John

2007-01-01

Sixty-four headache sufferers were allocated randomly to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), temporal pulse amplitude (TPA) biofeedback training, or waiting-list control. Fifty-one participants (14M/37F) completed the study, 30 with migraine and 21 with tension-type headache. Treatment consisted of 8, 1-hour sessions. CBT was highly effective,…

Intervention Targeting Development of Socially Synchronous Engagement in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Landa, Rebecca J.; Holman, Katherine C.; O'Neill, Allison H.; Stuart, Elizabeth A.

2011-01-01

Background: Social and communication impairments are core deficits and prognostic indicators of autism. We evaluated the impact of supplementing a comprehensive intervention with a curriculum targeting socially synchronous behavior on social outcomes of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods: Fifty toddlers with ASD, ages 21 to 33…

The Effects of Practice Modality on Pragmatic Development in L2 Chinese

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Shuai; Taguchi, Naoko

2014-01-01

This study investigated the effects of input-based and output-based practice on the development of accuracy and speed in recognizing and producing request-making forms in L2 Chinese. Fifty American learners of Chinese with intermediate level proficiency were randomly assigned to an input-based training group, an output-based training group, or a…

High versus Low Theoretical Fidelity Pedometer Intervention Using Social-Cognitive Theory on Steps and Self-Efficacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raedeke, Thomas D.; Dlugonski, Deirdre

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study was designed to compare a low versus high theoretical fidelity pedometer intervention applying social-cognitive theory on step counts and self-efficacy. Method: Fifty-six public university employees participated in a 10-week randomized controlled trial with 2 conditions that varied in theoretical fidelity. Participants in the…

Comparison of Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to Inactivated Swine Influenza Virus Vaccine in Weaned Pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Purpose: To evaluate and compare humoral and cellular immune responses to inactivated swine influenza virus (SIV) vaccine. Methods: Fifty 3-week-old weaned pigs from a herd free of SIV and PRRSV were randomly divided into the non-vaccinated control group and vaccinated group containing 25 pigs each....

Comparison of Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to Inactivated Swine Influenza Virus Vaccine in Weaned Pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Humoral and cellular immune responses to inactivated swine influenza virus (SIV) vaccine were evaluated and compared. Fifty 3-week-old weaned pigs from a herd free of SIV and PRRSV were randomly divided into the non-vaccinated control group and vaccinated group containing 25 pigs each. Pigs were va...

Computeen: A Randomized Trial of a Preventive Computer and Psychosocial Skills Curriculum for At-Risk Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lang, Jason M.; Waterman, Jill; Baker, Bruce L.

2009-01-01

Computeen, a preventive technology and psychosocial skills development program for at-risk adolescents, was designed to improve computer skills, self-esteem, and school attitudes, and reduce behavior problems, by combining elements of community-based and empirically supported prevention programs. Fifty-five mostly Latino adolescents from 12 to 16…

Enhancing Learning from Dynamic and Static Visualizations by Means of Cueing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuhl, Tim; Scheiter, Katharina; Gerjets, Peter

2012-01-01

The current study investigated whether learning from dynamic and two presentation formats for static visualizations can be enhanced by means of cueing. One hundred and fifty university students were randomly assigned to six conditions, resulting from a 2x3-design, with cueing (with/without) and type of visualization (dynamic, static-sequential,…

Guided Imagery and Relaxation for Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodwin, Linda K.; Lee, Sang Min; Puig, Ana I.; Sherrard, Peter A. D.

2005-01-01

Fifty-two women with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer agreed to participate in a study to determine the effectiveness of two interventions, guided imagery and relaxation, to enhance psychological well-being. Participants were randomly assigned to either a guided imagery or relaxation group. Forty women completed the study. A student's t-test was…

University Opinion Poll 9: Child Care, MPIRG, Lettuce. Preliminary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matross, Ronald; And Others

The University Opinion Poll conducted a survey of student opinion on issues related to University-sponsored day care, the role of the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG) and the University's policy on buying lettuce for its food services. Four hundred fifty-two respondents, 76% of a random sample of University of Minnesota students,…

Prediction Accuracy: The Role of Feedback in 6th Graders' Recall Predictions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Harthy, Ibrahim S.

2016-01-01

The current study focused on the role of feedback on students' prediction accuracy (calibration). This phenomenon has been widely studied, but questions remain about how best to improve it. In the current investigation, fifty-seven students from sixth grade were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Thirty pictures were chosen from…

Modifying Pro-Drug Risk Factors in Adolescents: Results from Project ALERT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghosh-Dastidar, Bonnie; Longshore, Douglas L.; Ellickson, Phyllis L.; McCaffrey, Daniel F.

2004-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a revised state-of-the-art drug prevention program, Project ALERT, on risk factors for drug use in mostly rural midwestern schools and communities. Fifty-five middle schools from South Dakota were randomly assigned to treatment or control conditions. Treatment-group students received 11…

Active Trachoma and Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Two Gambian Regions: On Course for Elimination by 2020?

PubMed Central

Harding-Esch, Emma M.; Edwards, Tansy; Sillah, Ansumana; Sarr, Isatou; Roberts, Chrissy H.; Snell, Paul; Aryee, Esther; Molina, Sandra; Holland, Martin J.; Mabey, David C. W.; Bailey, Robin L.

2009-01-01

Background Trachoma has been endemic in The Gambia for decades. National trachoma control activities have been in place since the mid-1980's, but with no mass antibiotic treatment campaign. We aimed to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and of actual ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection as measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the two Gambian regions that had had the highest prevalence of trachoma in the last national survey in 1996 prior to planned national mass antibiotic treatment distribution in 2006. Methodology/Principal Findings Two stage random sampling survey in 61 randomly selected Enumeration Areas (EAs) in North Bank Region (NBR) and Lower River Region (LRR). Fifty randomly selected children aged under 10 years were examined per EA for clinical signs of trachoma. In LRR, swabs were taken to test for ocular C. trachomatis infection. Unadjusted prevalences of active trachoma were calculated, as would be done in a trachoma control programme. The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation, follicular (TF) in the 2777 children aged 1–9 years was 12.3% (95% CI 8.8%–17.0%) in LRR and 10.0% (95% CI 7.7%–13.0%) in NBR, with significant variation within divisions (p<0.01), and a design effect of 3.474. Infection with C. trachomatis was found in only 0.3% (3/940) of children in LRR. Conclusions/Significance This study shows a large discrepancy between the prevalence of trachoma clinical signs and ocular C. trachomatis infection in two Gambian regions. Assessment of trachoma based on clinical signs alone may lead to unnecessary treatment, since the prevalence of active trachoma remains high but C. trachomatis infection has all but disappeared. Assuming that repeated infection is required for progression to blinding sequelae, blinding trachoma is on course for elimination by 2020 in The Gambia. PMID:20027217

Results of a national survey indicating information technology skills needed by nurses at time of entry into the work force.

PubMed

McCannon, Melinda; O'Neal, Pamela V

2003-08-01

A national survey was conducted to determine the information technology skills nurse administrators consider critical for new nurses entering the work force. The sample consisted of 2,000 randomly selected members of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Seven hundred fifty-two usable questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 38%. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale and consisted of 17 items that assessed various technology skills and demographic information. The questionnaire was developed and pilot tested with content experts to establish content validity. Descriptive analysis of the data revealed that using e-mail effectively, operating basic Windows applications, and searching databases were critical information technology skills. The most critical information technology skill involved knowing nursing-specific software, such as bedside charting and computer-activated medication dispensers. To effectively prepare nursing students with technology skills needed at the time of entry into practice, nursing faculty need to incorporate information technology skills into undergraduate nursing curricula.

Clinical Evaluation of Kshara sutra Therapy in the management of Bhagandara( Fistula- in-Ano)- A prospective study

PubMed Central

Panigrahi, Hemanta Kumar; Rani, Rakesh; Padhi, M.M.; Lavekar, G.S.

2009-01-01

Study design: A prospective study of 50 patients suffering from Bhagandara(Fistula in Ano) (age ranging from 18-54years) treated by Kshara sutra therapy Place: Kshara sutra unit, Central research Unit, Punjabi bagh, New Delhi Duration: January 2007 to July 2008. Objectives: To determine the incidence of low or high anal fistula, recurrence rate following Kshara sutra therapy and effect of Ksharasutra therapy on the Bhagandara. Material and methods: The fifty patients (50) were selected randomly in the Out Patient Department. Study Design: Uncontrolled open level Study. Results: Patients were followed to see the incidence of recurrence, effect of Kshara Sutra Therapy on incontinence. Overall recurrence rate was only 5.88 %. Minor incontinence was observed only following Kshara sutra Therapy for high variety for which no treatment was given. No such complication occurred in low variety. Conclusion: Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano) can be treated by Kshara Sutra Therapy with minimal loss of sphincter muscle and low reoccurrence rate. PMID:22557318

Laceration injury at cesarean section.

PubMed

Haas, D M; Ayres, A W

2002-03-01

To determine the infant laceration injury rate during Cesarean sections at Naval Medical Center, San Diego and to describe risk factors associated with this complication. Retrospective chart review of all infants born between 1 January 1996 and 31 December, 1999 identified by computer coding as having sustained a birth injury. Fifty randomly selected maternal records of Cesarean sections without infant lacerations were reviewed and analyzed as a control group. Our Cesarean section rate during the time was 16.5% with a laceration injury rate of 0.74%. When compared to controls, there was no difference in operative indication, type of Cesarean section, or any demographic information between the two groups. Male infant gender (p = 0.027) and ruptured membranes (p = 0.019) showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Laceration injury to the infant during Cesarean section is associated with a laboring uterus. This is an important complication that should be part of preoperative counselling and should be documented appropriately when it occurs.

STS-1 operational flight profile. Volume 5: Descent cycle 3. Appendix D: GRTLS six degree of freedom Monte Carlo dispersion analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montez, M. N.

1980-01-01

The results of a six degree of freedom (6-DOF) nonlinear Monte Carlo dispersion analysis for the latest glide return to landing site (GRTLS) abort trajectory for the Space Transportation System 1 Flight are presented. For this GRTLS, the number two main engine fails at 262.5 seconds ground elapsed time. Fifty randomly selected simulations, initialized at external tank separation, are analyzed. The initial covariance matrix is a 20 x 20 matrix and includes navigation errors and dispersions in position and velocity, time, accelerometer bias, and inertial platform misalinements. In all 50 samples, speedbrake, rudder, elevon, and body flap hinge moments are acceptable. Transitions to autoland begin before 9,000 feet and there are no tailscrapes. Navigation derived dynamic pressure accuracies exceed the flight control system constraints above Mach 2.5. Three out of 50 landings exceeded tire specification limit speed of 222 knots. Pilot manual landings are expected to reduce landing speed by landing farther downrange.

Nitrous oxide for pain management of first trimester surgical abortion -- a randomized controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Singh, Rameet H; Espey, Eve; Carr, Shannon; Pereda, Brenda; Ogburn, Tony; Leeman, Lawrence

2015-02-01

The objective was to determine feasibility of a study comparing mean pain scores between women randomized to nitrous oxide/oxygen (NO) versus oxygen+oral analgesics for trimester surgical abortion. Pilot randomized controlled trial comparing NO (n=10) versus oxygen+oral analgesics (n=10). Feasibility of subject recruitment, and pain and satisfaction scores on a visual analog scale were evaluated. Fifty-seven percent of eligible women participated. Mean pain scores were similar between groups, and mean satisfaction scores were higher for the NO group (77.5 vs. 46.7, P=.048). The majority of eligible women agreed to participate in this study evaluating an uncommon pain control intervention. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Cefamandole as prophylactic A.B. in abdominal surgery. Comparative study of cefamandole versus clindamycin/tobramycin (author's transl)].

PubMed

Iarchy, J

1980-01-01

A prospective, randomized and controlled study of prophylactic A.B. was made in 100 patients prior to abdominal surgery. Fifty patients received 3 x 2 g of cefamandole I.V. within 24 hrs, the first dose being given at the time of anesthetic induction. Postoperative infections occurred in 2% of this group. Fifty patients received the association Clindamycin-Tobramycin (clindamycin 600 mg - tobramycin 80 mg/8 hrs) for 24 hrs, the first dose also at the induction of anesthesia. The complication rate in this group was 18%. The difference between those 2 groups is statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Cefamandole used as a prophylactic antibiotic in abdominal surgery reduces the incidence of postoperative wound infections when compared to the association clindamycin-tobramycin.

Analysis of Errors Committed by Physics Students in Secondary Schools in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Omosewo, Esther Ore; Akanbi, Abdulrasaq Oladimeji

2013-01-01

The study attempt to find out the types of error committed and influence of gender on the type of error committed by senior secondary school physics students in metropolis. Six (6) schools were purposively chosen for the study. One hundred and fifty five students' scripts were randomly sampled for the study. Joint Mock physics essay questions…

Studying the Effects of Quantitatively Defined Teaching Strategies on Students in Elementary School Science Using Macro-Interaction Analysis Techniques.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Penick, John E.; And Others

The effects of two patterns of teacher behavior on student behavior were investigated, using eight elementary teachers (grades 1-5) and their 250 students. The teacher behavior was conceptualized in terms of the amount of restriction placed on the activities of science students. Fifty students were randomly assigned, with equalizing restrictions…

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Couple Relationship and Coparenting Program (Couple CARE for Parents) for High- and Low-Risk New Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petch, Jemima F.; Halford, W. Kim; Creedy, Debra K.; Gamble, Jenny

2012-01-01

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of couple relationship education in assisting couples to sustain relationship functioning and parenting sensitivity, and whether benefits were moderated by risk of maladjustment in the transition to parenthood ("risk"). Method: Two hundred fifty couples expecting their first child were assessed on…

The ADHD Label, Analogue Methodology, and Participants' Geographic Location on Judgments of Social and Attentional Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koonce, Danel A.; Cruce, Michael K.; Aldridge, Jennifer O.; Langford, Courtney A.; Sporer, Amy K.; Stinnett, Terry A.

2004-01-01

Two hundred fifty-nine preservice teachers at a medium-sized university in the Southwest participated in the current study. The participants were randomly assigned to a labeled condition, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or nonlabeled condition, and were presented a vignette in one of three forms: a written case study, a video clip, or a…

Impact of Norm Perceptions and Guilt on Audience Response to Anti-Smoking Norm PSAs: The Case of Korean Male Smokers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Hyegyu; Paek, Hye-Jin

2013-01-01

Objective: To examine how norm appeals and guilt influence smokers' behavioural intention. Design: Quasi-experimental design. Setting: South Korea. Method: Two hundred and fifty-five male smokers were randomly assigned to descriptive, injunctive, or subjective anti-smoking norm messages. After they viewed the norm messages, their norm perceptions,…

Influence of thermally peroxidized soybean oil on growth performance and oxidative status in growing pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding peroxidized soybean oil (SO) on growth performance and oxidative status in growing pigs. Fifty-six barrows (25.3 ± 3.3 kg initial BW) were randomly assigned to one of four diets containing either 10% fresh SO (22.5 C) or SO exposed to...

Embolization of the Gastroduodenal Artery Before Selective Internal Radiotherapy: A Prospectively Randomized Trial Comparing Standard Pushable Coils with Fibered Interlock Detachable Coils

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dudeck, Oliver, E-mail: oliver.dudeck@med.ovgu.de; Bulla, Karsten; Wieners, Gero

2011-02-15

The purpose of this study was compare embolization of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) using standard pushable coils with the Interlock detachable coil (IDC), a novel fibered mechanically detachable long microcoil, in patients scheduled for selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). Fifty patients (31 male and 19 female; median age 66.6 {+-} 8.1 years) were prospectively randomized for embolization using either standard coils or IDCs. Procedure time, radiation dose, number of embolization devices, complications, and durability of vessel occlusion at follow-up angiography were recorded. The procedures differed significantly in time (14:32 {+-} 5:56 min for standard coils vs. 2:13 {+-} 1:04 min formore » IDCs; p < 0.001); radiation dose for coil deployment (2479 {+-} 1237 cGycm Superscript-Two for standard coils vs. 275 {+-} 268 cGycm Superscript-Two for IDCs; p < 0.001); and vessel occlusion (17:18 {+-} 6:39 min for standard coils vs. 11:19 {+-} 7:54 min for IDCs; p = 0.002). A mean of 6.2 {+-} 1.8 coils (n = 27) were used in the standard coil group, and 1.3 {+-} 0.9 coils (p < 0.0001) were used in the IDC group (n = 23) because additional pushable coils were required to achieve GDA occlusion in 4 patients. In 2 patients, the IDC could not be deployed through a Soft-VU catheter. One standard coil dislodged in the hepatic artery and was retrieved. Vessel reperfusion was noted in only 1 patient in the standard coil group. Controlled embolization of the GDA with fibered IDCs was achieved more rapidly than with pushable coils. However, vessel occlusion may not be obtained using a single device only, and the use of sharply angled guiding catheters hampered coil pushability.« less

Globalization, immigration and diabetes self-management: an empirical study amongst immigrants with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ireland.

PubMed

Thabit, H; Shah, S; Nash, M; Brema, I; Nolan, J J; Martin, G

2009-10-01

We have previously reported that immigrants in Ireland have poorer glycemic control compared with a matched population of Irish patients. This may be associated with poor diabetes self-care and low health literacy. To compare the diabetes self-care profile of non-Irish-national patients i.e. immigrant patients (IM) and Irish patients (IR) attending a hospital diabetes clinic and to evaluate differences in health literacy between the two cohorts. We studied the differences in diabetes self-management between 52 randomly selected non-Irish-national patients with type 2 diabetes and 48 randomly selected Irish/Caucasian patients. Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) was used to assess health literacy. IM had poorer glycemic control than IR (HbA1c 8.0 +/- 1.9 vs. 6.9 +/- 1.4%, P < 0.005). A significant proportion of IM forget to monitor their daily blood glucose (42.1% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.05). Family support is more important amongst IM in performing daily blood glucose monitoring (75% vs. 47.7%, P < 0.05), taking medications (81.7% vs. 42.2%, P = 0.01) and following an appropriate meal plan (87.6% vs. 62.2%, P < 0.05). Fifty-three percent can only understand simple or familiar questions about their diabetes care; 65.9% can only provide information on simple or familiar topics about their diabetes. Health literacy was found to be lower in the IM groups when assessed using REALM (52.7 vs. 61.4, P = 0.01). Those providing diabetes education and care need to be aware of differing patient expectations regarding family involvement in the care of their diabetes and the possible contribution of language problems and lower health literacy to a limited understanding of diabetes self-care.

Treatment of Anxiety in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: Rationale and Design of the UNWIND Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Blumenthal, James A.; Feger, Bryan J.; Smith, Patrick J.; Watkins, Lana L.; Jiang, Wei; Davidson, Jonathan; Hoffman, Benson M.; Ashworth, Megan; Mabe, Stephanie K.; Babyak, Michael A.; Kraus, William E.; Hinderliter, Alan; Sherwood, Andrew

2016-01-01

Background Anxiety is highly prevalent among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and there is growing evidence that high levels of anxiety are associated with worse prognosis. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of treating anxiety in CHD patients for reducing symptoms and improving clinical outcomes. Exercise and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to be effective in treating patients with depression, but have not been studied in cardiac patients with high anxiety. Methods The UNWIND trial is a randomized clinical trial of patients with CHD who are at increased risk for adverse events because of comorbid anxiety. One hundred fifty participants with CHD and elevated anxiety symptoms and/or with a diagnosed anxiety disorder will be randomly assigned to 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (3×/wk, 35 min, 70–85% VO2peak), escitalopram (5–20 mg qd), or placebo. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, participants will undergo assessments of anxiety symptoms and CHD biomarkers of risk, including measures of inflammation, lipids, hemoglobin A1c, heart rate variability, and vascular endothelial function. Primary outcomes include post-intervention effects on symptoms of anxiety and CHD biomarkers. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes (cardiovascular hospitalizations and all-cause death) and measures of quality of life. Conclusions The UNWIND trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02516332) will evaluate the efficacy of aerobic exercise and escitalopram for improving anxiety symptoms and reducing risk for adverse clinical events in anxious CHD patients. PMID:27264220

Effect of oral rehydration solution on fatigue during outdoor work in a hot environment: a randomized crossover study.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Tomohisa; Tamura, Hideru; Ishiguro, Haruya; Yamaguchi, Keiko; Minami, Kazufumi

2010-01-01

The effects of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) on fatigue were studied in workers engaged in manual work during the summer. One hundred and fifty-three workers engaged in loading cargo onto aircraft at Tokyo International Airport who consented to participate in the study were the subjects. The study was carried out on two summer days with fine weather during the daytime shift. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: with one group restricted to ORS intake and the other group having free-choice of their favorite drink (FAD) in a randomized crossover study. The subjects were asked about the amount of beverage that they consumed and the type of FAD that they chose on the days of the survey. The effects of the ORS and the FAD were compared using a visual analogue scale (VAS) to determine the degree of fatigue experienced immediately after completing work. The average wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) on the survey days was 30 degrees C. The beverage intake during work was 1,000 ml for most participants and the most commonly chosen types of FAD were tea and coffee. The fatigue VAS was significantly lower on the ORS intake days than on the FAD intake days (50.0 +/- 18.3 vs. 53.9 +/- 16.3). The results of this study suggest that the intake of ORS during outdoor work in a hot environment would be effective for preventing industrial accidents and heat stroke. It is important to select an appropriate drink to ensure adequate intake of water and electrolytes.

Resistance of upland-rice lines to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita.

PubMed

Souza, D C T; Botelho, F B S; Rodrigues, C S; Furtini, I V; Smiderle, E C; de Matos, D L; Bruzi, A T

2015-12-21

Despite the benefits of crop rotation, occurrence of nematodes is a common problem for almost all crops within the Cerrado biome, especially for rice. The use of resistant cultivars is one of the main methods for control of nematodes. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the reaction of 36 upland-rice lines, with desirable agronomic characteristics, according to their resistance to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). The experimental design was entirely randomized with four replications. Each plot of land consisted of two rice plants in a 3-L vase. The plants were inoculated with 1000 eggs and eventual juveniles of the respective nematodes. Fifty-five days after the inoculation, the roots and the aerial part of the plant were weighed and the egg mass (EM) as well as the reproduction factor (Rf) were estimated. It was determined that the isolated use of EM was not beneficial in selecting rice lines resistant to the root-knot nematode. This procedure must, therefore, take into account the egg counting and the Rf, in order to improve the reliability of the selection. In our study, 30 evaluated lines were observed to be resistant. Among the recommended cultivars, only BRS Monarca had its performance susceptible to the studied nematode species.

Use of Video to Facilitate End-of-Life Discussions With Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

El-Jawahri, Areej; Podgurski, Lisa M.; Eichler, April F.; Plotkin, Scott R.; Temel, Jennifer S.; Mitchell, Susan L.; Chang, Yuchiao; Barry, Michael J.; Volandes, Angelo E.

2010-01-01

Purpose To determine whether the use of a goals-of-care video to supplement a verbal description can improve end-of-life decision making for patients with cancer. Methods Fifty participants with malignant glioma were randomly assigned to either a verbal narrative of goals-of-care options at the end of life (control), or a video after the same verbal narrative (intervention) in this randomized controlled trial. The video depicts three levels of medical care: life-prolonging care (cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], ventilation), basic care (hospitalization, no CPR), and comfort care (symptom relief). The primary study outcome was participants' preferences for end-of-life care. The secondary outcome was participants' uncertainty regarding decision making (score range, 3 to 15; higher score indicating less uncertainty). Participants' comfort level with the video was also measured. Results Fifty participants were randomly assigned to either the verbal narrative (n = 27) or video (n = 23). After the verbal description, 25.9% of participants preferred life-prolonging care, 51.9% basic care, and 22.2% comfort care. In the video arm, no participants preferred life-prolonging care, 4.4% preferred basic care, 91.3% preferred comfort care, and 4.4% were uncertain (P < .0001). The mean uncertainty score was higher in the video group than in the verbal group (13.7 v 11.5, respectively; P < .002). In the intervention arm, 82.6% of participants reported being very comfortable watching the video. Conclusion Compared with participants who only heard a verbal description, participants who viewed a goals-of-care video were more likely to prefer comfort care and avoid CPR, and were more certain of their end-of-life decision making. Participants reported feeling comfortable watching the video. PMID:19949010

Older driver training using video and global positioning system technology--a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Porter, Michelle M

2013-05-01

There is emerging evidence that older driver training programs with on-road instruction are more effective than driver education programs that are conducted only in the classroom. Although most programs have provided this additional in-vehicle training with a driving instructor and a dual-braked vehicle, technology could assist in providing this feedback. It was hypothesized that participants who received video and global positioning system (GPS) feedback (Video group) in addition to classroom education would improve to a greater extent than those who received a classroom-based course alone (Education) or Control participants. Fifty-four participants (32 men and 22 women), 70-89 years old, randomized to one of the three groups, completed the study. All participants underwent pre- and postintervention driving tests, in their own vehicle, on a standardized route, that were recorded with video and GPS equipment. The Video group met with a driving instructor to receive feedback on their driving errors in their preintervention driving test. A blinded assessor scored all driving tests in random order. The Video group significantly reduced their driving errors by 25% (p < .05) following the intervention, whereas the other two groups did not change significantly. Fifty-two percent of participants from the Video group improved their global safety rating, whereas only 5.3% in the Control and 22.2% in the Education groups did. This study suggests that direct driving feedback using video and GPS technology could be an effective and novel means to provide older driver education.

A randomized controlled trial comparing periodic mask CPAP with physiotherapy after abdominal surgery.

PubMed

Denehy, L; Carroll, S; Ntoumenopoulos, G; Jenkins, S

2001-01-01

Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques aimed at improving lung volumes and secretion clearance in patients after surgery. Periodic continuous positive airway pressure (PCPAP) is used to treat patients following elective upper abdominal surgery. However, the optimal method of application has not been identified, more specifically, the dosage of application of PCPAP. The present randomized controlled trial compared the effects of two dosages of PCPAP application and 'traditional' physiotherapy upon functional residual capacity (FRC), vital capacity (VC), oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2), incidence of post-operative pulmonary complications and length of stay with a control group receiving 'traditional' physiotherapy only. Fifty-seven subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups. All groups received 'traditional' physiotherapy twice daily for a minimum of three post-operative days. In addition, two groups received PCPAP for 15 or 30 minutes, four times per day, for three days. Fifty subjects (39 male; 11 female) completed the study. There were no significant differences in any variables between the three groups. The overall incidence of post-operative pulmonary complications was 22% in the control group, 11% and 6% in the PCPAP 15-minute and PCPAP 30-minute groups, respectively. Length of hospital stay was not significantly different between the groups but for subjects who developed post-operative pulmonary complications, the length of stay was significantly greater (Z = -2.32; p = 0.021). The addition of PCPAP to a traditional physiotherapy post-operative treatment regimen after upper abdominal surgery did not significantly affect physiological or clinical outcomes.

Effects of Improvement on Selective Attention: Developing Appropriate Somatosensory Video Game Interventions for Institutional-Dwelling Elderly with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Shang-Ti; Chiang, I-Tsun; Liu, Eric Zhi-Feng; Chang, Maiga

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop appropriate somatosensory video game interventions on enhancing selective attention of institutional-dwelling elderly with disabilities. Fifty-eight participants aged 65[approximately]92 were recruited and divided into four groups, 4-week and 8-week experimental and two control groups, for evaluating the…

Selective Toll-Like Receptor 4 Antagonists Prevent Acute Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice.

PubMed

Okada, Takeshi; Kawakita, Fumihiro; Nishikawa, Hirofumi; Nakano, Fumi; Liu, Lei; Suzuki, Hidenori

2018-05-31

There are no direct evidences showing the linkage between Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to examine if selective blockage of TLR4 prevents BBB disruption after SAH in mice and if the TLR4 signaling involves mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). One hundred and fifty-one C57BL/6 male mice underwent sham or endovascular perforation SAH operation, randomly followed by an intracerebroventricular infusion of vehicle or two dosages (117 or 585 ng) of a selective TLR4 antagonist IAXO-102 at 30 min post-operation. The effects were evaluated by survival rates, neurological scores, and brain water content at 24-72 h and immunoglobulin G immunostaining and Western blotting at 24 h post-SAH. IAXO-102 significantly prevented post-SAH neurological impairments, brain edema, and BBB disruption, resulting in improved survival rates. IAXO-102 also significantly suppressed post-SAH activation of a major isoform of MAPK p46 c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 as well as periostin induction and preserved tight junction protein zona occludens-1. Another selective TLR4 antagonist TAK-242, which has a different binding site from IAXO-102, also showed similar effects to IAXO-102. This study first provided the evidence that TLR4 signaling is involved in post-SAH acute BBB disruption and that the signaling is mediated at least partly by JNK activation. TLR4-targeted therapy may be promising to reduce post-SAH morbidities and mortalities.

La Ciencia de los Antiguos Mexicanos: Una Bibliografia Selecta

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ortiz-Franco, Luis; Magana, Maria

1973-01-01

Fifty-five citations pertaining to the scientific and mathematic development of ancient Mexicans, particularly the Mayas, are given in this select bibliography. The introduction and descriptions of resource libraries in 8 States are in Spanish. (NQ)

Continuous-Time Random Walk with multi-step memory: an application to market dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubiec, Tomasz; Kutner, Ryszard

2017-11-01

An extended version of the Continuous-Time Random Walk (CTRW) model with memory is herein developed. This memory involves the dependence between arbitrary number of successive jumps of the process while waiting times between jumps are considered as i.i.d. random variables. This dependence was established analyzing empirical histograms for the stochastic process of a single share price on a market within the high frequency time scale. Then, it was justified theoretically by considering bid-ask bounce mechanism containing some delay characteristic for any double-auction market. Our model appeared exactly analytically solvable. Therefore, it enables a direct comparison of its predictions with their empirical counterparts, for instance, with empirical velocity autocorrelation function. Thus, the present research significantly extends capabilities of the CTRW formalism. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Continuous Time Random Walk Still Trendy: Fifty-year History, Current State and Outlook", edited by Ryszard Kutner and Jaume Masoliver.

Short-term outcomes of local infiltration anaesthetic in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled double-blinded controlled trial.

PubMed

Mulford, Jonathan S; Watson, Anna; Broe, David; Solomon, Michael; Loefler, Andreas; Harris, Ian

2016-03-01

The primary objective of the study was to determine if local infiltration anaesthetic (LIA) reduced total length of hospital stay in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. The study also examined whether LIA improves early pain management, patient satisfaction and range of motion in TKA patients. We conducted a randomized controlled double-blinded study. Fifty patients undergoing TKA were randomized to receive either placebo or LIA at the time of surgery and on the first day post-operatively. Pain scores, level of satisfaction and range of motion were recorded preoperatively and post-operatively. There was no statistical difference between the groups for length of stay, post-operative pain scores, satisfaction scores or range of motion 6 weeks post-operatively. This randomized double-blinded trial did not demonstrate a decrease in pain or reduction of length of stay due to local infiltration analgesia. © 2015 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Combined treatment with headgear and the Frog appliance for maxillary molar distalization: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of the Frog appliance (FA) alone or in combination with headgear for distalizing the maxillary molars. Methods Fifty patients (25 males and 25 females) aged 12.6 - 16.7 years who received treatment for Class II malocclusion at the Orthodontic Clinic of Al-Baath University were selected for this study and randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Maxillary molar distalization was achieved using the FA alone (group 1) or a combination of the FA with high-pull headgear worn at night (group 2). Lateral cephalograms were obtained before and after treatment. Results The maxillary molars moved distally by 5.51 and 5.93 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Distal movements were associated with axial tipping by 4.96° and 1.25°, and with loss of anchorage by mesial movement of the second maxillary premolars by 2.70 and 0.90 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The combined use of the FA and nighttime high-pull headgear decreased the distalization time and improved the ratio of maxillary molar distalization movement relative to the overall opening space between the first maxillary molars and second premolars. Conclusions The FA can effectively distalize the maxillary molars, this distalization associates with some unfavorable changes. Nighttime use of high-pull headgear combined with the FA can reduce these unfavorable changes and improve treatment outcomes. PMID:23671835

Research Misconduct: A Report from a Developing Country.

PubMed

Khadem-Rezaiyan, Majid; Dadgarmoghaddam, Maliheh

2017-10-01

Cheating rate is rising and engages newer methods. This study performed to estimate the rate of research misconduct in the thesis of undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in 2015. In this cross sectional study, all undergraduate and postgraduate medical students graduated during the study period in 2015, from the School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran were asked to fill a small checklist anonymously. It consisted of two demographic questions and two other ones for estimation of research misconduct. All three major types of research misconduct were explained in the checklist. We used the Randomized Response Technique for sensitive question in this survey. We asked the respondent to choose one question randomly and answer to it. The probability of selection of each question was equal. There were 149 filled questionnaires out of which 44 (31%) were graduated for General Practitioner, 63 (44%) for Residency, 31(21%) for Master Degree and 6 (4%) for Ph.D. Fifty-two percent (75) were male. More than half of participants were graduated between 2011 and 2012. The majority of participants were native (104, 81%). Undergraduate students had an estimation of 19% research misconduct in performing the thesis while this was 26% of postgraduate students. Males were nearly two times comparing to females in this issue (30% vs. 16%). This high estimation must be considered in future policy making about observing strictly on researches.

A Analysis of the Development of Weather Concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mroz, Paul John

Weather information in all forms is poorly understood and often misinterpreted by the general public. Weather literacy is necessary for everyone if critical weather messages, designed to save lives and protect property, are to be effective. The purpose of this study was to seek content and causal evidence for a developmental concept of Weather Information Processing that was consistent with Piagetian Cognitive Stages of Development. Three ordinal Content Stages Of Weather Information Processing (phenomena, process and mechanism) and three ordinal Causal Explanation Stages Of Weather Information Processing (non-real, natural, and scientifically valid abstract ideas) were explored for their relationship with Piaget's Pre-Operational, Concrete and Formal Stages of Development. One hundred and fifty -five elementary and secondary school students from two school districts were administered a written Piagetian exam. Commonly available television weather programs were categorized, randomly assigned and viewed by 42 randomly selected students who were administered three Piagetian tasks. Students were clinically interviewed for the level of content information and causal explanations (reasoning). Results indicated that content information and causal reasoning of students to televised weather information is significantly related (p <.01) to age, and Piagetian Cognitive Stages of Development. Two Piagetian logic operations (seriation and correlation) were established as significantly different (p <.05) when related to age. These findings support a developmental concept of Weather Information Processing and have implications for teaching and presenting weather information to the public.

The Use and the Prescription Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine Among Urolithiasis Patients in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study.

PubMed

Lin, Po-Hung; Lin, Shun-Ku; Hsu, Ren-Jun; Cheng, Kuan-Chen; Liu, Jui-Ming

2016-01-01

To investigate the pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usage for urolithiasis patients in Taiwan and to determine the most common Chinese herbal products used for urolithiasis. Retrospective review of urolithiasis patients treated with TCM treatment. One million randomly selected samples in the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database between 1997 and 2008. Eighty-two thousand five hundred and fifty-one newly diagnosed urolithiasis patients. The correlation between TCM treatment, demographic factors, or medical conditions. A total of 62.6% of urolithiasis patients use TCM treatment. A younger age, female gender, polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities, and stone in the lower urinary tract result in a greater tendency to use TCM, after adjusting for demographic factors. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San Extract Powder and Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-Wan Extract Powder are the most frequently prescribed Chinese medicine formulae. This is the first study to examine the use of and the prescription pattern for TCM in urolithiasis patients using a random, national population-based sample. More than 62% of urolithiasis patients use TCM, and patients with polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities, and stone in the ureter are more likely to use TCM. The most frequently prescribed Chinese medicine formulae were Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San Extract Powder and Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-Wan Extract Powder, which were reported to retard the progression of renal failure and alleviate flank pain or tenderness.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Resection of Colorectal Malignancies

PubMed Central

Chapman, Andrew E.; Levitt, Michael D.; Hewett, Peter; Woods, Rodney; Sheiner, Harry; Maddern, Guy J.

2001-01-01

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted resection of colorectal malignancies with open colectomy. Methods Two search strategies were devised to retrieve literature from the Medline, Current Contents, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until July 1999. Inclusion of papers was determined using a predetermined protocol, independent assessments by two reviewers, and a final consensus decision. English language papers were selected. Acceptable study designs included randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, case series, or case reports. Fifty-two papers met the inclusion criteria. They were tabulated and critically appraised in terms of methodology and design, outcomes, and the possible influence of bias, confounding, and chance. Results Little high-level evidence was available. Laparoscopic resection of colorectal malignancy was more expensive and time-consuming, but little evidence suggests high rates of port site recurrence. The new procedure’s advantages revolve around early recovery from surgery and reduced pain. Conclusions The evidence base for laparoscopic-assisted resection of colorectal malignancies is inadequate to determine the procedure’s safety and efficacy. Because of inadequate evidence detailing circumferential marginal clearance of tumors and the necessity of determining a precise incidence of cardiac and other major complications, along with wound and port site recurrence, it is recommended that a controlled clinical trial, ideally with random allocation to an intervention and control group, be conducted. Long-term survival rates need to be a primary aim of such a trial. PMID:11685021

Sternotomy or drainage for a hemopericardium after penetrating trauma: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Nicol, Andrew J; Navsaria, Pradeep H; Hommes, Martijn; Ball, Chad G; Edu, Sorin; Kahn, Delawir

2014-03-01

To determine if stable patients with a hemopericardium detected after penetrating chest trauma can be safely managed with pericardial drainage alone. The current international practice is to perform a sternotomy and cardiac repair if a hemopericardium is detected after penetrating chest trauma. The experience in Cape Town, South Africa, on performing a mandatory sternotomy in hemodynamically stable patients was that a sternotomy was unnecessary and the cardiac injury, if present, had sealed. A single-center parallel-group randomized controlled study was completed. All hemodynamically stable patients with a hemopericardium confirmed at subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW), and no active bleeding, were randomized. The primary outcome measure was survival to discharge from hospital. Secondary outcomes were complications and postoperative hospital stay. Fifty-five patients were randomized to sternotomy and 56 to pericardial drainage and wash-out only. Fifty-one of the 55 patients (93%) randomized to sternotomy had either no cardiac injury or a tangential injury. There were only 4 patients with penetrating wounds to the endocardium and all had sealed. There was 1 death postoperatively among the 111 patients (0.9%) and this was in the sternotomy group. The mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay for a sternotomy was 2.04 days (range, 0-25 days) compared with 0.25 days (range, 0-2) for the drainage (P < 0.001). The estimated mean difference highlighted a stay of 1.8 days shorter in the ICU for the drainage group (95% CI: 0.8-2.7). Total hospital stay was significantly shorter in the SPW group (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 1.4-3.3). SPW and drainage is effective and safe in the stable patient with a hemopericardium after penetrating chest trauma, with no increase in mortality and a shorter ICU and hospital stay. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00823160).

The I Don't Know Option in the Vocabulary Size Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Xian

2013-01-01

The current study evaluates guessing behaviors in a vocabulary size test (VST) and examines whether including an "I don't know" in a VST may have an impact on the results of the test. One-hundred-fifty first-year students at a university in China took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group took a…

Design of Online Report Writing Based on Constructive and Cooperative Learning for a Course on Traditional General Physics Experiments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lo, Hao-Chang

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop an online report writing activity that was a constructive and cooperative learning process for a course on traditional general physics experiments. Wiki, a CMC authoring tool, was used to construct the writing platform. Fifty-eight undergraduate students (33 men and 25 women), working in randomly assigned…

"Learn Young, Learn Fair", a Stress Management Program for Fifth and Sixth Graders: Longitudinal Results from an Experimental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kraag, Gerda; Van Breukelen, Gerard J. P.; Kok, Gerjo; Hosman, Clemens

2009-01-01

Background: This study examined the effects of a universal stress management program (Learn Young, Learn Fair) on stress, coping, anxiety and depression in fifth and sixth grade children. Methods: Fifty-two schools (1467 children) participated in a clustered randomized controlled trial. Data was collected in the fall of 2002, the spring of 2003,…

The Effectiveness of Using a Content Acquisition Podcast to Teach Phonological Awareness, Phonemic Awareness, and Phonics to Preservice Special Education Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlisle, Abigail A.; Thomas, Cathy Newman; McCathren, Rebecca B.

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using a content acquisition podcast (CAP) to teach phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics (PA) to preservice special education teachers. Fifty undergraduate preservice special education teachers over 2 years were randomly assigned to either the CAP group or a comparison group…

The Effects of Response Modes and Cues on Language Learning, Cognitive Load and Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Web-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Ching-Huei; Huang, Kun

2014-01-01

An experiment was conducted to examine how different response modes for practice questions and the presence or absence of cues influenced students' self-efficacy beliefs, perceived cognitive load, and performance in language recall and recognition tasks. One hundred fifty-seven 6th grade students were randomly assigned to one of four conditions:…

Assessing the Validity of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire--Short Form in Adults with ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mick, Eric; Faraone, Stephen V.; Spencer, Thomas; Zhang, Huabin F.; Biederman, Joseph

2008-01-01

Objective: The authors assessed the psychometric properties of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-QSF) in adults with ADHD. Method: One hundred fifty ADHD and 134 non-ADHD adults from a case-control study and 173 adults randomized to placebo or methylphenidate were assessed with the Q-LES-QSF and the…

0.025-inch vs 0.035-inch guide wires for wire-guided cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomized study

PubMed Central

Kitamura, Katsuya; Yamamiya, Akira; Ishii, Yu; Sato, Yoshiki; Iwata, Tomoyuki; Nomoto, Tomohiro; Ikegami, Akitoshi; Yoshida, Hitoshi

2015-01-01

AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes between 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch guide wires (GWs) when used in wire-guided cannulation (WGC). METHODS: A single center, randomized study was conducted between April 2011 and March 2013. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at our hospital. Informed, written consent was obtained from each patient prior to study enrollment. Three hundred and twenty-two patients with a naïve papilla of Vater who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the purpose of selective bile duct cannulation with WGC were enrolled in this study. Fifty-three patients were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, and 269 patients were randomly allocated to two groups by a computer and analyzed: the 0.025-inch GW group (n = 109) and the 0.035-inch GW group (n = 160). The primary endpoint was the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation with WGC. Secondary endpoints were the success rates of the pancreatic GW technique and precutting, selective bile duct cannulation time, ERCP procedure time, the rate of pancreatic duct stent placement, the final success rate of selective bile duct cannulation, and the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). RESULTS: The primary success rates of selective bile duct cannulation with WGC were 80.7% (88/109) and 86.3% (138/160) for the 0.025-inch and the 0.035-inch groups, respectively (P = 0.226). There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates of selective bile duct cannulation using the pancreatic duct GW technique (46.7% vs 52.4% for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively; P = 0.884) or in the success rates of selective bile duct cannulation using precutting (66.7% vs 63.6% for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively; P = 0.893). The final success rates for selective bile duct cannulation using these procedures were 92.7% (101/109) and 97.5% (156/160) for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively (P = 0.113). There were no significant differences in selective bile duct cannulation time (median ± interquartile range: 3.7 ± 13.9 min vs 4.0 ± 11.2 min for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively; P = 0.851), ERCP procedure time (median ± interquartile range: 32 ± 29 min vs 30 ± 25 min for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively; P = 0.184) or in the rate of pancreatic duct stent placement (14.7% vs 15.6% for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively; P = 0.832). The incidence of PEP was 2.8% (3/109) and 2.5% (4/160) for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups, respectively (P = 0.793). CONCLUSION: The thickness of the GW for WGC does not appear to affect either the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation or the incidence of PEP. PMID:26290646

Item generation and design testing of a questionnaire to assess degenerative joint disease-associated pain in cats.

PubMed

Zamprogno, Helia; Hansen, Bernie D; Bondell, Howard D; Sumrell, Andrea Thomson; Simpson, Wendy; Robertson, Ian D; Brown, James; Pease, Anthony P; Roe, Simon C; Hardie, Elizabeth M; Wheeler, Simon J; Lascelles, B Duncan X

2010-12-01

To determine the items (question topics) for a subjective instrument to assess degenerative joint disease (DJD)-associated chronic pain in cats and determine the instrument design most appropriate for use by cat owners. 100 randomly selected client-owned cats from 6 months to 20 years old. Cats were evaluated to determine degree of radiographic DJD and signs of pain throughout the skeletal system. Two groups were identified: high DJD pain and low DJD pain. Owner-answered questions about activity and signs of pain were compared between the 2 groups to define items relating to chronic DJD pain. Interviews with 45 cat owners were performed to generate items. Fifty-three cat owners who had not been involved in any other part of the study, 19 veterinarians, and 2 statisticians assessed 6 preliminary instrument designs. 22 cats were selected for each group; 19 important items were identified, resulting in 12 potential items for the instrument; and 3 additional items were identified from owner interviews. Owners and veterinarians selected a 5-point descriptive instrument design over 11-point or visual analogue scale formats. Behaviors relating to activity were substantially different between healthy cats and cats with signs of DJD-associated pain. Fifteen items were identified as being potentially useful, and the preferred instrument design was identified. This information could be used to construct an owner-based questionnaire to assess feline DJD-associated pain. Once validated, such a questionnaire would assist in evaluating potential analgesic treatments for these patients.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of quantitative characters in spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.).

PubMed

Aliya, F; Begum, H; Reddy, M T; Sivaraj, N; Pandravada, S R; Narshimulu, G

2014-05-01

Fifty genotypes of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications at the Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India during kharif, 2012. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out to study the character association and contribution, respectively for twelve quantitative characters namely vine length (m), number of stems per plant, days to first female flower appearance, first female flowering node, days to first fruit harvest, days to last fruit harvest, fruiting period (days), fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), fruit weight (g), number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant (kg) for identification of the potential selection indices. Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that fruiting period and number of fruits per plant not only had positively significant correlation with fruit yield but also had positively high direct effect on it and are regarded as the main determinants of fruit yield. Days to first fruit harvest had positively moderate direct effect on fruit yield and its association was negatively significant, days to last fruit harvest had negatively high direct effect on fruit yield and its association was significant positively, hence restricted simultaneous selection can be made for days to first fruit harvest and days to last fruit harvest. The improvement in fruit yield can be effective if selection is based on days to first fruit harvest, days to last fruit harvest, fruiting period and number of fruits per plant.

Preventive and social cost implications of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak on selected organizations in Lagos state, Nigeria

PubMed Central

Olugasa, Babasola Oluseyi; Oshinowo, Oluwafunmilola Yemisi; Odigie, Eugene Amienwanlen

2015-01-01

Introduction As Ebola virus disease (EVD) continues to pose public health challenge in West Africa, with attending fears and socio-economic implications in the current epidemic challenges. It is compelling to estimate the social and preventive costs of EVD containment in a Nigerian city. Hence, this study was to determine the social and preventive cost implications of EVD among selected public institutions in Lagos, Nigeria, from July to December, 2014. Methods Questionnaires and key-informants interview were administered to respondents and administrators of selected hospitals, hotels and schools in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. Knowledge of disease transmission, mortality and protocols for prevention, including cost of specific preventive measures adopted against EVD were elicited from respondents. Descriptive statistics and categorical analysis were used to summarize and estimate social and preventive costs incurred by respective institutions. Results An estimated five million, nineteen thousand, three hundred and seventy-nine Naira and eighty kobo (N5,019,379.80) only was observed as direct and social cost implication of EVD prevention. This amount translated into a conservative estimate of one billion, twenty-seven million, ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and fifty-six Naira (N1,027,094,756.10) for a total of four thousand schools, two hundred and fifty-three hospitals and one thousand, four hundred and fifty one hotels in Lagos during the period (July 20-November 20, 2014). Conclusion The high cost of prevention of EVD within the short time-frame indicated high importance attached to a preventive policy against highly pathogenic zoonotic disease in Nigeria. PMID:26740848

A randomized double-blind trial of two low dose combined oral contraceptives.

PubMed

Bounds, W; Vessey, M; Wiggins, P

1979-04-01

Fifty-five women using Loestrin-20 (20 microgram ethinyl oestradiol and 1 mg norethisterone acetate) as an oral contraceptive have been compared with a like number using Microgynon-30 (30 microgram ethinyl oestradiol and 150 microgram levonorgestrel) in a randomized, double-blind trial. Despite the small sample size, the main finding in the trial is clear-cut; Loestrin-20 provides poor cycle control and is thus less acceptable as an oral contraceptive than Microgynon-30. Although there is also a suggestion that Loestrin-20 may be less effective than Microgynon-30, the difference in the accidental pregnancy rates is not statistically significant.

Low Prevalence of Substandard and Falsified Antimalarial and Antibiotic Medicines in Public and Faith-Based Health Facilities of Southern Malawi

PubMed Central

Khuluza, Felix; Kigera, Stephen; Heide, Lutz

2017-01-01

Substandard and falsified antimalarial and antibiotic medicines represent a serious problem for public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, information on the prevalence of poor-quality medicines is limited. In the present study, samples of six antimalarial and six antibiotic medicines were collected from 31 health facilities and drug outlets in southern Malawi. Random sampling was used in the selection of health facilities. For sample collection, an overt approach was used in licensed facilities, and a mystery shopper approach in nonlicensed outlets. One hundred and fifty-five samples were analyzed by visual and physical examination and by rapid prescreening tests, that is, disintegration testing and thin-layer chromatography using the GPHF-Minilab. Fifty-six of the samples were analyzed according to pharmacopeial monographs in a World Health Organization-prequalified quality control laboratory. Seven out-of-specification medicines were identified. One sample was classified as falsified, lacking the declared active ingredients, and containing other active ingredients instead. Three samples were classified as substandard with extreme deviations from the pharmacopeial standards, and three further samples as substandard with nonextreme deviations. Of the substandard medicines, three failed in dissolution testing, two in the assay for the content of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, and one failed in both dissolution testing and assay. Six of the seven out-of-specification medicines were from private facilities. Only one out-of-specification medicine was found within the samples from public and faith-based health facilities. Although the observed presence of substandard and falsified medicines in Malawi requires action, their low prevalence in public and faith-based health facilities is encouraging. PMID:28219993

Nutritional and eating education improves knowledge and practice of patients with type 2 diabetes concerning dietary intake and blood glucose control in an outlying city of China.

PubMed

Wang, Huan; Song, Zhenfeng; Ba, Yanhui; Zhu, Lin; Wen, Ying

2014-10-01

To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of type 2 diabetics in Yakeshi City and to assess the effect of implementation of nutritional and eating education in enhancing knowledge and practices regarding a healthy diet. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 162 diabetics to determine their nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices; fifty-four participants received nutritional and eating education for 6 months. Diabetes-related nutrition knowledge, awareness, practice accuracy, dietary intake and glycaemic control were assessed before and after education. Yakeshi, a remote city in northern China. A total of 162 type 2 diabetics recruited from three hospitals, fifty-four of whom were selected randomly to receive education. Among the 162 respondents, most diabetics (75%) considered that controlling diet was important in the methods of controlling blood glucose. Scores for knowledge, practices and overall KAP (knowledge-attitude-practice) were low, but scores for attitude were high. Participants with diabetes education experiences, practice duration over 1 year or high education level all had higher scores for KAP (P < 0·001, P < 0·05 and P < 0·001, respectively) than their counterparts. After education, patients' nutrition knowledge, awareness and practice accuracy improved significantly (P < 0·05). The rates of patients with recommended daily intake of vegetables, grains and dairy were boosted (P < 0·05). Various nutrient intakes increased (P < 0·05) but not protein, Fe, Zn and Se. Significant improvements were also found in glycaemic control (P < 0·05). Diabetics in Yakeshi had positive attitudes, but relatively poor nutrition knowledge and practices. Nutritional and eating education was effective in improving diabetics' nutrition knowledge and practices, and this optimal practice helped them control blood glucose effectively.

Risk perception and knowledge about osteoporosis: well informed but not aware? A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Clark, Patricia; Lavielle, Pilar

2015-04-01

Identify the level of knowledge and risk perception of developing osteoporosis (OP) and its association with socio-demographic variables and risk factors. Individuals older than 18 years living in Mexico City were surveyed. The sample, which was designed to be representative of this population, was randomly selected and stratified by socioeconomic level, age, and sex. The Multiple Osteoporosis Prevention Survey, designed to assess OP-related knowledge, risk perception, was used. Four hundred and fifty-five individuals, homogeneously distributed according to defined strata, were surveyed. Almost 29 % (28.9 %) of subjects consumed tobacco, and 13.4 % had a family history of OP. Most subjects reported a lower-than-recommended calcium daily intake. Fifty-three and a half percent identified most risk factors adequately, and almost all (97.9 %) had received some sort of information about OP. Sixty-six and a half percent of subjects perceived OP as a serious disease; 51.5 % considered themselves to be personally responsible for acquiring it; 50.2 % were concerned about suffering from it; and 47.1 % considered it likely they would develop it. The most important variables associated with the perception of risk were age (<45 years), gender (female), and family history of OP. Subjects considered it more likely, more serious, and felt more worried and personally responsible about developing a heart condition or cancer than OP; they felt less concerned, less personally responsible, and less likely to contract AIDS or develop Alzheimer's. Individuals know a lot about OP, but they engage in risky behaviors and lack perception of their risk in developing it. Interventions should aim at raising awareness about personal responsibility and about the likelihood of developing this condition.

Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer in Patients Aged 75 Years and Older: Acute Toxicity, Compliance with Treatment, and Early Results.

PubMed

Guimas, Valentine; Boustani, Jihane; Schipman, Benjamin; Lescut, Nicolas; Puyraveau, Marc; Bosset, Jean François; Servagi-Vernat, Stéphanie

2016-06-01

Treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (T3-T4 or N+) is based on short-course radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery. It is estimated that 30-40 % of rectal cancer occurs in patients aged 75 years or more. Data on adherence to neoadjuvant CRT and its safety remain poor owing to the under-representation of older patients in randomized clinical trials and the discordance in the results from retrospective studies. The aim of this study was to assess adherence with preoperative CRT and tolerability in older patients with a stage II/III unresectable rectal cancer. Patients aged 75 years or more with stage II/III rectal cancer treated with preoperative CRT at the University Hospital of Besancon from 1993 to 2011 were included. Feasibility, toxicities, overall survival, and local recurrence rates were studied. Fifty-six patients with a Charlson score from 2 to 6 were included. The mean age was 78 years. The compliance rates for RT and chemotherapy were 91 and 41.1 %, respectively. Two patients stopped CRT; one for hemostatic surgery, and one for severe sepsis. For CRT, the rate of grade ≥3 toxicity was 14.29 %, mainly the digestive type. Fifty-two patients underwent tumor resection, including 76.79 % total mesorectal excision resection with 84.6 % complete resection, and a rate of postoperative complications of 39.6 %. At 2 years, the overall survival and local recurrences rates were 87.3 and 7.8 %, respectively. In older patients, selected preoperative CRT, with an adapted chemotherapy dose, is well tolerated. The main toxicity was gastrointestinal. Adherence to RT is comparable to that of younger patients.

47 CFR 1.1602 - Designation for random selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Designation for random selection. 1.1602 Section 1.1602 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Random Selection Procedures for Mass Media Services General Procedures § 1.1602 Designation for random selection...

47 CFR 1.1602 - Designation for random selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Designation for random selection. 1.1602 Section 1.1602 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Random Selection Procedures for Mass Media Services General Procedures § 1.1602 Designation for random selection...

The Efficacy of a Social Skills Group Intervention for Improving Social Behaviors in Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeRosier, Melissa E.; Swick, Danielle C.; Davis, Naomi Ornstein; McMillen, Janey Sturtz; Matthews, Rebecca

2011-01-01

This study tested the efficacy of a new social skills intervention, "S ocial S kills GR oup IN tervention-High Functioning Autism" ("S.S.GRIN-HFA"), designed to improve social behaviors in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. Fifty-five children were randomly assigned to "S.S.GRIN-HFA" treatment (n = 27) or control (i.e.,…

The Effects of Computer Technology in Assisting the Development of Literacy in Young Struggling Readers and Spellers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fasting, Rolf B.; Lyster, Solveig-Alma Halaas

2005-01-01

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of MultiFunk, a computer program designed to assist reading, on the reading and spelling proficiency of struggling readers. Fifty-two below-average readers and spellers, in grades 5, 6 and 7, were randomly assigned as experimental and control groups (N = 26 + 26). In addition, 114 classmates,…

47 CFR 1.1603 - Conduct of random selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Conduct of random selection. 1.1603 Section 1.1603 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Random Selection Procedures for Mass Media Services General Procedures § 1.1603 Conduct of random selection. The...

47 CFR 1.1603 - Conduct of random selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Conduct of random selection. 1.1603 Section 1.1603 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Random Selection Procedures for Mass Media Services General Procedures § 1.1603 Conduct of random selection. The...

Gender, Alcohol Consumption Patterns, and Engagement in Sexually Intimate Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Nha Trang, Viet Nam

PubMed Central

Kaljee, Linda M.; Green, Mackenzie S.; Zhan, Min; Riel, Rosemary; Lerdboon, Porntip; Lostutter, Ty W.; Tho, Le Huu; Van Luong, Vo; Minh, Truong Tan

2010-01-01

A randomly selected cross-sectional survey was conducted with 880 youth (16 to 24 years) in Nha Trang City to assess relationships between alcohol consumption and sexual behaviors. A timeline followback method was employed. Chi-square, generalized logit modeling and logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the sample, 78.2% male and 56.1% female respondents ever consumed alcohol. Males reporting sexual behaviors (vaginal, anal, oral sex) had a significantly higher calculated peak BAC of 0.151 compared to 0.082 for males reporting no sexual intimacy (p < .0001). Females reporting sexual behaviors had a peak BAC of 0.072 compared to 0.027 for those reporting no sexual intimacy (p = .016). Fifty percent of (33/66) males and 30.4% (7/23) females report event specific drinking and engagement in sexual behaviors. Males reporting 11+ drinks in 30 days had more sexual partners than those reporting 1 to 10 drinks (p = .037). Data suggest different physical and psychosocial mediators between alcohol consumption and sexual behaviors by gender. PMID:21373363

Effect of Fluoride Varnish on Enamel Remineralization in Anterior Teeth with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.

PubMed

Restrepo, Manuel; Jeremias, Fabiano; Santos-Pinto, Lourdes; Cordeiro, Rita Cl; Zuanon, Angela Cc

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fluoride varnish on remineralization of anterior teeth affected by Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) by means of Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence- QLF. Fifty-one healthy 9 - 12- year-old children were selected according to different clinically diagnosed levels of MIH, proposed by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2003) (considering the most severe lesion per patient, n= 51 lesions), and randomly divided into two groups: (1) four applications of 5% NaF varnish, with one-week interval, and (2) usual home care- control. At each visit, the mean change in fluorescence and area of lesion were measured by QLF. The data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test. All patients showed enamel alterations in first permanent molars and incisors, frequently with two molars affected by MIH (41.1%). There was no statically significant difference in the mean of fluorescence and area of lesion between groups over the studied time. We observed no favorable effect on the remineralization of MIH lesions in anterior teeth after four applications of fluoride varnish.

Trade unionism in the information technology (IT) industry: an employee's perspective.

PubMed

Dhar, Rajib Lochan

2012-01-01

This research aimed to understand the information technology (IT) employees' perception and approach towards union formation in the Indian IT Industry. Fifty IT professionals from three different organizations participated in this study who were dispersed throughout the organizational hierarchy and were selected via randomized quota sampling to reflect a mix of age, experience, gender and position they held with the organization. Qualitative methods were used in order to collect the data, through phenomenological principles. Discussion with the participants led to the emergence of four themes which influence the employees' perception of trade union formation the Indian IT industry. These were: (a) feeling of a blue collar, (b) collective to individual bargaining, (c) changing role of HR and (d) other reasons. This study provided a tentative starting point towards the greater understanding of the employee's perceived notion of organizational life that influences employee's outlook towards trade unionism. Based on the study findings, there is an imperative that the human resource department, organizational forerunners and trade union philosophers continue to use research findings to understand employees' views about union formation in the IT industry.

Schizophrenia as social discourse: how do people use their diagnosis for social action?

PubMed

Haghighat, Rahman

2008-12-01

'Schizophrenia' can do things other than diagnose or stigmatize those so defined in that it can serve various forms of social action. Two hundred and fifty-eight randomly selected patients with an experience of schizophrenia and their relatives participated in the study of schizophrenia as social discourse. They used the diagnosis for political struggle and social leverage in such diverse forms as demonstration of the meaning of 'a schizophrenic', discursive intervention for ideological invitation, reclaiming personal worth (revalorization), solidarity with fellow patients and economic compensation. Despite the inherent value of the diagnosis in helping them get the right treatment, participants saw devaluing meaning in various designations for schizophrenia and, given choice, preferred certain formulations of the diagnosis over others in relation to their social discourse. To be effective, treatment models, service delivery and communication with patients must allow, interpret and incorporate their first person accounts (discourse) as a feature of their individuality and uniqueness in the therapeutic process. This is likely to increase their sense of wellbeing, empowerment and cooperation with the treatment.

Visualization: a tool for enhancing students' concept images of basic object-oriented concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cetin, Ibrahim

2013-03-01

The purpose of this study was twofold: to investigate students' concept images about class, object, and their relationship and to help them enhance their learning of these notions with a visualization tool. Fifty-six second-year university students participated in the study. To investigate his/her concept images, the researcher developed a survey including open-ended questions, which was administered to the participants. Follow-up interviews with 12 randomly selected students were conducted to explore their answers to the survey in depth. The results of the first part of the research were utilized to construct visualization scenarios. The students used these scenarios to develop animations using Flash software. The study found that most of the students experienced difficulties in learning object-oriented notions. Overdependence on code-writing practice and examples and incorrectly learned analogies were determined to be the sources of their difficulties. Moreover, visualization was found to be a promising approach in facilitating students' concept images of basic object-oriented notions. The results of this study have implications for researchers and practitioners when designing programming instruction.

Isolation and characterization of bioactive fungi from shark Carcharodon carcharias' gill with biopharmaceutical prospects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yi; Han, Jinyuan; Feng, Yan; Mu, Jun; Bao, Haiyan; Kulik, Andreas; Grond, Stephanie

2016-01-01

Until recently, little was known about the fungi found in shark gills and their biomedicinal potential. In this article, we described the isolation, bioactivity, diversity, and secondary metabolites of bioactive fungi from the gill of a shark ( Carcharodon carcharias). A total of 115 isolates were obtained and grown in 12 culture media. Fifty-eight of these isolates demonstrated significant activity in four antimicrobial, pesticidal, and cytotoxic bioassay models. Four randomly selected bioactive isolates inhibited human cancer cell proliferation during re-screening. These active isolates were segregated into 6 genera using the internal transcribed spacer-large subunit (ITS-LSU) rDNA-sequence BLAST comparison. Four genera, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor, and Chaetomium were the dominant taxa. A phylogenic tree illustrated their intergenera and intragenera genetic diversity. HPLC-DAD-HRMS analysis and subsequent database searching revealed that nine representative strains produced diverse bioactive compound profiles. These results detail the broad range of bioactive fungi found in a shark's gills, revealing their biopharmaceutical potential. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing shark gill fungi and their bioactivity.

A re-audit of the use of definitions of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in peer-reviewed literature.

PubMed

Byard, Roger W; Lee, Vivian

2012-11-01

The use of different definitions of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may make comparison of data among studies difficult. Fifty randomly selected papers dealing with SIDS that were published between 2010 and 2011 in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed to determine whether one of three internationally accepted definitions of SIDS had been either written in the text or referenced. A significant improvement in the use of definitions has occurred since 2005, with the percentage of papers either quoting or referencing a standard definition increasing by 26%, from 42 to 68%. The 1989 NICHD definition remained the most commonly used definition (35.1%) followed by the 2004 San Diego definition (26.3%). Although the percentage of papers where either no definition was provided or where an idiosyncratic or mis-cited definition was used fell 26%, from 58 to 32%, nearly one in three papers published on SIDS in peer-reviewed journals that were included in this study still did not cite a standard definition. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

Young Women's Perceptions of the Relationship in Fifty Shades of Grey.

PubMed

Bonomi, Amy E; Nichols, Emily M; Carotta, Christin L; Kiuchi, Yuya; Perry, Samantha

2016-02-01

Millions of women are interacting with Fifty Shades of Grey-a best-selling novel and film. Yet, to date, no social science study has been undertaken to examine women's perceptions of the Fifty Shades relationship narrative in its film adaptation-what they deem appealing, what they deem unappealing, and what they would welcome or resist in their own relationship. In the present study, we used focus groups to examine women's perceptions of the relationship patterns in the Fifty Shades of Grey film. Focus groups were conducted with 35 young adult women (randomly sampled from the registrar's office of a large Midwestern university) immediately after watching the Fifty Shades film with the study team at a local theater within two days of the film's release. Seven semistructured questions concentrating on reactions to the relationship patterns between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele depicted in the Fifty Shades film were asked, including general reactions, appealing and unappealing characteristics, romantic and dangerous elements, and aspects that participants would tolerate (or not tolerate) in their own relationships. While participants assessed parts of the relationship between Christian and Anastasia as exciting and romantic, they consistently indicated an unappealing lack of health in the relationship. Participants expressed grave concerns over Christian's stalking, controlling, manipulative, and emotionally abusive behavior, anger in sexual interactions, and neglect of Anastasia's needs. At the same time, they sympathized with and rationalized Christian's behaviors as a function of his personality, needs, and abilities. A small contingent implicated Anastasia in the unhealthy relationship process, whereas a broader majority of participants highlighted the challenges with trying to "speak up" in an unhealthy relationship like Christian and Anastasia's. When asked where participants would draw the line in their own relationship, participants indicated they would welcome the adventure and gifts, but would not tolerate being controlled and stalked, having their needs neglected, and having a partner who expressed anger in sexual interactions. Our findings point to the value of using popular culture, including the Fifty Shades narrative, to actively engage young women in productive conversation about characteristics of relationship health and un-health. Similar approaches could be used to engage young women in safe, relatable conversations about healthy and unhealthy relationships, including the warning signs of abuse. As a broader impact, our study contributes to an understanding of how young women interact with and make sense of relationships depicted in popular culture.

Evidence-based value of subcutaneous surgical wound drainage: the largest systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kosins, Aaron M; Scholz, Thomas; Cetinkaya, Mine; Evans, Gregory R D

2013-08-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the evidenced-based value of prophylactic drainage of subcutaneous wounds in surgery. An electronic search was performed. Articles comparing subcutaneous prophylactic drainage with no drainage were identified and classified by level of evidence. If sufficient randomized controlled trials were included, a meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Fifty-two randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, and subgroups were determined by specific surgical procedures or characteristics (cesarean delivery, abdominal wound, breast reduction, breast biopsy, femoral wound, axillary lymph node dissection, hip and knee arthroplasty, obesity, and clean-contaminated wound). Studies were compared for the following endpoints: hematoma, wound healing issues, seroma, abscess, and infection. Fifty-two studies with a total of 6930 operations were identified as suitable for this analysis. There were 3495 operations in the drain group and 3435 in the no-drain group. Prophylactic subcutaneous drainage offered a statistically significant advantage only for (1) prevention of hematomas in breast biopsy procedures and (2) prevention of seromas in axillary node dissections. In all other procedures studied, drainage did not offer an advantage. Many surgical operations can be performed safely without prophylactic drainage. Surgeons can consider omitting drains after cesarean section, breast reduction, abdominal wounds, femoral wounds, and hip and knee joint replacement. Furthermore, surgeons should consider not placing drains prophylactically in obese patients. However, drain placement following a surgical procedure is the surgeon's choice and can be based on multiple factors beyond the type of procedure being performed or the patient's body habitus. Therapeutic, II.

Anesthetic Efficacy of Gow-Gates Nerve Block, Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block, and Their Combination in Mandibular Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Saatchi, Masoud; Shafiee, Maryam; Khademi, Abbasali; Memarzadeh, Bahareh

2018-03-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of the Gow-Gates nerve block (GGNB), the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), and their combination for mandibular molars in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. One hundred fifty patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular molar were selected. The patients randomly received 2 GGNB injections, 2 IANB injections, or 1 GGNB injection plus 1 IANB injection of 1.8 mL 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. Access cavity preparation was initiated 15 minutes after injections. Lip numbness was a requisite for all of the patients. Success was specified as no or mild pain on the basis of Heft-Parker visual analog scale recordings during access cavity preparation or initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed with the chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and analysis of variance tests. The success rates of anesthesia were 40%, 44%, and 70% for the GGNB, IANB, and GGNB + IANB groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of anesthesia between the GGNB and IANB groups (P > .05). The anesthesia success rate for the GGNB + IANB group was significantly different from those of the GGNB and IANB groups (P < .05). A combination of GGNB and IANB could improve the efficacy of anesthesia in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, but it would still require supplemental anesthesia. Further research may be needed to confirm the results of this study. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bipolar plasma vaporization using plasma-cutting and plasma-loop electrodes versus cold-knife transurethral incision for the treatment of posterior urethral stricture: a prospective, randomized study.

PubMed

Cai, Wansong; Chen, Zhiyuan; Wen, Liping; Jiang, Xiangxin; Liu, Xiuheng

2016-01-01

Evaluate the efficiency and safety of bipolar plasma vaporization using plasma-cutting and plasma-loop electrodes for the treatment of posterior urethral stricture. Compare the outcomes following bipolar plasma vaporization with conventional cold-knife urethrotomy. A randomized trial was performed to compare patient outcomes from the bipolar and cold-knife groups. All patients were assessed at 6 and 12 months postoperatively via urethrography and uroflowmetry. At the end of the first postoperative year, ureteroscopy was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure. The mean follow-up time was 13.9 months (range: 12 to 21 months). If re-stenosis was not identified by both urethrography and ureteroscopy, the procedure was considered "successful". Fifty-three male patients with posterior urethral strictures were selected and randomly divided into two groups: bipolar group (n=27) or cold-knife group (n=26). Patients in the bipolar group experienced a shorter operative time compared to the cold-knife group (23.45±7.64 hours vs 33.45±5.45 hours, respectively). The 12-month postoperative Qmax was faster in the bipolar group than in the cold-knife group (15.54±2.78 ml/sec vs 18.25±2.12 ml/sec, respectively). In the bipolar group, the recurrence-free rate was 81.5% at a mean follow-up time of 13.9 months. In the cold-knife group, the recurrence-free rate was 53.8%. The application of bipolar plasma-cutting and plasma-loop electrodes for the management of urethral stricture disease is a safe and reliable method that minimizes the morbidity of urethral stricture resection. The advantages include a lower recurrence rate and shorter operative time compared to the cold-knife technique.

Treatment of anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease: Rationale and design of the UNderstanding the benefits of exercise and escitalopram in anxious patients WIth coroNary heart Disease (UNWIND) randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Blumenthal, James A; Feger, Bryan J; Smith, Patrick J; Watkins, Lana L; Jiang, Wei; Davidson, Jonathan; Hoffman, Benson M; Ashworth, Megan; Mabe, Stephanie K; Babyak, Michael A; Kraus, William E; Hinderliter, Alan; Sherwood, Andrew

2016-06-01

Anxiety is highly prevalent among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and there is growing evidence that high levels of anxiety are associated with worse prognosis. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of treating anxiety in CHD patients for reducing symptoms and improving clinical outcomes. Exercise and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been shown to be effective in treating patients with depression, but have not been studied in cardiac patients with high anxiety. The UNWIND trial is a randomized clinical trial of patients with CHD who are at increased risk for adverse events because of comorbid anxiety. One hundred fifty participants with CHD and elevated anxiety symptoms and/or with a diagnosed anxiety disorder will be randomly assigned to 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (3×/wk, 35 min, 70%-85% VO2peak), escitalopram (5-20 mg qd), or placebo. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, participants will undergo assessments of anxiety symptoms and CHD biomarkers of risk, including measures of inflammation, lipids, hemoglobin A1c, heart rate variability, and vascular endothelial function. Primary outcomes include post-intervention effects on symptoms of anxiety and CHD biomarkers. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes (cardiovascular hospitalizations and all-cause death) and measures of quality of life. The UNWIND trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02516332) will evaluate the efficacy of aerobic exercise and escitalopram for improving anxiety symptoms and reducing risk for adverse clinical events in anxious CHD patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evolution of Randomized Trials in Advanced/Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcoma: End Point Selection, Surrogacy, and Quality of Reporting.

PubMed

Zer, Alona; Prince, Rebecca M; Amir, Eitan; Abdul Razak, Albiruni

2016-05-01

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) have used varying end points. The surrogacy of intermediate end points, such as progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), and 3-month and 6-month PFS (3moPFS and 6moPFS) with overall survival (OS), remains unknown. The quality of efficacy and toxicity reporting in these studies is also uncertain. A systematic review of systemic therapy RCTs in STS was performed. Surrogacy between intermediate end points and OS was explored using weighted linear regression for the hazard ratio for OS with the hazard ratio for PFS or the odds ratio for RR, 3moPFS, and 6moPFS. The quality of reporting for efficacy and toxicity was also evaluated. Fifty-two RCTs published between 1974 and 2014, comprising 9,762 patients, met the inclusion criteria. There were significant correlations between PFS and OS (R = 0.61) and between RR and OS (R = 0.51). Conversely, there were nonsignificant correlations between 3moPFS and 6moPFS with OS. A reduction in the use of RR as the primary end point was observed over time, favoring time-based events (P for trend = .02). In 14% of RCTs, the primary end point was not met, but the study was reported as being positive. Toxicity was comprehensively reported in 47% of RCTs, whereas 14% inadequately reported toxicity. In advanced STS, PFS and RR seem to be appropriate surrogates for OS. There is poor correlation between OS and both 3moPFS and 6moPFS. As such, caution is urged with the use of these as primary end points in randomized STS trials. The quality of toxicity reporting and interpretation of results is suboptimal. © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

A comparison of the sealing ability of various temporary restorative materials to seal the access cavity: An in vitro study.

PubMed

Markose, Aji; Krishnan, Ramesh; Ramesh, Maya; Singh, Shishir

2016-10-01

In multiple-appointment root canal treatment, a temporary filling material is used to seal the access cavity between visits. The primary function of this material is to prevent the contamination of the root canal system by fluids, organic debris, and bacteria from the oral cavity. A total of fifty extracted noncarious unrestored human maxillaryanterior teeth with intact crowns and roots were selected The canals were instrumented using stepback technique and sodium hypochlorite (3%) and hydrogen peroxide (3%) were used as irrigants for each specimen alternatively. The coronal two-thirds of each canal were flared using Gates-Glidden drills up to no. 3 size and obturated with Gutta-percha using zinc oxide-eugenol (ZnOE) as sealer. The teeth were then randomly selected and divided into six groups out of which four were experimental groups and two control groups. The teeth were then immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 3 days. All sealing materials and Gutta-percha were gently removed from the walls of the canal, and the entire circumference of the canal wall examined for dye penetration. The lowest mean leakage was in the Fermit-N group followed by Cavit-W, ZnOE, intermediate restorative materials (IRM), and positive control. Fermit-N showed better sealing ability compared to cavit, ZnOE and IRM.

Application Values of T-SPOT.TB in Clinical Rapid Diagnosis of Tuberculosis.

PubMed

Zhu, Feng; Ou, Qinfang; Zheng, Jian

2018-01-01

This paper aims to explore the application value of tuberculosis-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assay (T-SPOT.TB) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Fifty one patients with tuberculosis (TB) admitted to Wuxi No.5 People's Hospital, Wuxi, China from June 2015 to June 2017 were selected as the TB group, and 40 patients without tuberculosis admitted in the same period were randomly selected as the non-TB group. Patients in the two groups received T-SPOT.TB, TB antibody (TB-Ab) test and mycobacterium TB deoxyribonucleic acid (TB-DNA) test, and the results were compared. Comparisons of the sensitivity of the three methods showed that the sensitivity of T-SPOT.TB was the highest, followed by TB-DNA from sputum samples, and that of TB-Ab was the lowest. The specificity of TB-Ab was the highest, followed by T-SPOT.TB, and that of TB-DNA from sputum samples was the lowest. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under curve (AUC) of T-SPOT.TB (0.896) was the highest, followed by TB-DNA from sputum samples (0.772), and that of sputum smears (0.698) was the lowest. T-SPOT.TB can quickly and accurately determine the presence of tuberculosis infection, and it is a non-invasive examination, which can further assist in the diagnosis and guide the treatment.

Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words? Using Images to Create a Concreteness Effect for Abstract Words: Evidence from Beginning L2 Learners of Spanish

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Andrew; Pahom, Olga; Ramonda, Kris

2014-01-01

This study examines the lexical representation and recall of abstract words by beginning L2 learners of Spanish in the light of the predictions of the dual coding theory (Paivio 1971; Paivio and Desrochers 1980). Ninety-seven learners (forty-four males and fifty-three females) were randomly placed in the picture or non-picture group and taught…

High School Physics Availability: Results from the 2012-13 Nationwide Survey of High School Physics Teachers. Focus On

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Susan; Tesfaye, Casey Langer

2014-01-01

In this report, the authors share their analysis of the data from over 3,500 high schools in the U.S. beginning with an examination of the availability of physics in U.S. high schools. The schools in their sample are a nationally-representative random sample of the almost 25,000 high schools in forty-nine of the fifty states. Table 1 shows the…

A Stacked Approach to Reading Intervention: Increasing 2nd- and 3rd-Graders' Independent Reading Levels with an Intervention Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Chase; Durham, Patricia; Rosenbaum-Martinez, Crystal

2018-01-01

Fifty 2nd- and 3rd-grade students identified as experiencing difficulty reading were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, students received a reading intervention called Read Two Impress for a total of 360 min. Students in the control continued to receive regular instruction from their teacher. A 2 × 3…

Lap Top Computers and the Learning Disabled Student. A Study of the Value of Portable Computers to the Writing Progress of Students with Fine Motor Problems. No. 193.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yau, Maria; And Others

Fifty-six Toronto (Ontario, Canada) seventh-grade and eighth-grade learning-disabled students whose handwriting was very difficult to read were randomly assigned to either an experimental or comparison group. Experimental group students were loaned a portable computer to use freely at school and at home during the course of the experiment.…

Career Education: A Lifelong Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Jack W., Ed.; Whealon, Terry O., Ed.

Intended for use by students, professional career counselors, and teachers, this book contains a selection of writings by many notable authorities and practitioners of career education in the United States. Its fifty-four articles present background information, philosophical and practical problems, programs suitable for adaptation, and the…

Cell-mediated immunity in an ageing population.

PubMed Central

Girard, J P; Paychère, M; Cuevas, M; Fernandes, B

1977-01-01

Eight hundred and eighty patients hospitalized in a geriatric hospital were routinely tested with 2, 10, 30 and 100 i.u. tuberculin. Among these, fifty-four patients were selected on the basis of negative skin tests and absence of evident diseases interfering with the function of the immune apparatus. A battery of tests analysing cell-mediated immunity was applied to those fifty-four patients. It appears that elderly patients having a negative test to 100 i.u. tuberculin show very infrequent sensitization to three other thymus-dependent antigens. The capacity of this selected population to become sensitized to DNCB is poor (20%). Furthermore they exhibit a low per cent of peripheral blood T cells (36%) and a poor capacity to respond in vitro to mitogens such as PHA. Testing the in vitro response to a battery of antigens demonstrates a good correlation with the results of the skin tests. Finally the leucocytes of 25% of this selected population failed to produce LIF in vitro in the presence of PHA. These results suggest not only an absolute decrease in the population of circulating T lymphocytes in those elderly humans; but very likely, at least in some cases, a functional impairment of T cells. PMID:321161

Mosaic microecological differential stress causes adaptive microsatellite divergence in wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum, at Neve Yaar, Israel.

PubMed

Huang, Qingyang; Beharav, Alex; Li, Youchun; Kirzhner, Valery; Nevo, Eviatar

2002-12-01

Genetic diversity at 38 microsatellite (short sequence repeats (SSRs)) loci was studied in a sample of 54 plants representing a natural population of wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum, at the Neve Yaar microsite in Israel. Wild barley at the microsite was organized in a mosaic pattern over an area of 3180 m2 in the open Tabor oak forest, which was subdivided into four microniches: (i) sun-rock (11 genotypes), (ii) sun-soil (18 genotypes), (iii) shade-soil (11 genotypes), and (iv) shade-rock (14 genotypes). Fifty-four genotypes were tested for ecological-genetic microniche correlates. Analysis of 36 loci showed that allele distributions at SSR loci were nonrandom but structured by ecological stresses (climatic and edaphic). Sixteen (45.7%) of 35 polymorphic loci varied significantly (p < 0.05) in allele frequencies among the microniches. Significant genetic divergence and diversity were found among the four subpopulations. The soil and shade subpopulations showed higher genetic diversities at SSR loci than the rock and sun subpopulations, and the lowest genetic diversity was observed in the sun-rock subpopulation, in contrast with the previous allozyme and RAPD studies. On average, of 36 loci, 88.75% of the total genetic diversity exists within the four microniches, while 11.25% exists between the microniches. In a permutation test, G(ST) was lower for 4999 out of 5000 randomized data sets (p < 0.001) when compared with real data (0.1125). The highest genetic distance was between shade-soil and sun-rock (D = 0.222). Our results suggest that diversifying natural selection may act upon some regulatory regions, resulting in adaptive SSR divergence. Fixation of some loci (GMS61, GMS1, and EBMAC824) at a specific microniche seems to suggest directional selection. The pattern of other SSR loci suggests the operation of balancing selection. SSRs may be either direct targets of selection or markers of selected haplotypes (selective sweep).

Therapeutic Risk and Benefits of Concomitantly Using Herbal Medicines and Conventional Medicines: From the Perspectives of Evidence Based on Randomized Controlled Trials and Clinical Risk Management

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiu-lai; Chen, Meng; Zhu, Ling-ling

2017-01-01

Despite increased awareness of the potential of herb-drug interactions (HDIs), the lack of rigorous clinical evidence regarding the significance provides a challenge for clinicians and consumers to make rational decisions about the safe combination of herbal and conventional medicines. This review addressed HDIs based on evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Literature was identified by performing a PubMed search till January 2017. Risk description and clinical risk management were described. Among 74 finally included RCTs, 17 RCTs (22.97%) simply addressed pharmacodynamic HDIs. Fifty-seven RCTs (77.03%) investigated pharmacokinetic HDIs and twenty-eight of them showed potential or actual clinical relevance. The extent of an HDI may be associated with the factors such as pharmacogenomics, dose of active ingredients in herbs, time course of interaction, characteristics of the object drugs (e.g., administration routes and pharmacokinetic profiles), modification of herbal prescription compositions, and coexistence of inducers and inhibitors. Clinical professionals should enhance risk management on HDIs such as increasing awareness of potential changes in therapeutic risk and benefits, inquiring patients about all currently used conventional medicines and herbal medicines and supplements, automatically detecting highly substantial significant HDI by computerized reminder system, selecting the alternatives, adjusting dose, reviewing the appropriateness of physician orders, educating patients to monitor for drug-interaction symptoms, and paying attention to follow-up visit and consultation. PMID:28491115

[Development and validation of quality standards for colonoscopy].

PubMed

Sánchez Del Río, Antonio; Baudet, Juan Salvador; Naranjo Rodríguez, Antonio; Campo Fernández de Los Ríos, Rafael; Salces Franco, Inmaculada; Aparicio Tormo, Jose Ramón; Sánchez Muñoz, Diego; Llach, Joseph; Hervás Molina, Antonio; Parra-Blanco, Adolfo; Díaz Acosta, Juan Antonio

2010-01-30

Before starting programs for colorectal cancer screening it is necessary to evaluate the quality of colonoscopy. Our objectives were to develop a group of quality indicators of colonoscopy easily applicable and to determine the variability of their achievement. After reviewing the bibliography we prepared 21 potential indicators of quality that were submitted to a process of selection in which we measured their facial validity, content validity, reliability and viability of their measurement. We estimated the variability of their achievement by means of the coefficient of variability (CV) and the variability of the achievement of the standards by means of chi(2). Six indicators overcome the selection process: informed consent, medication administered, completed colonoscopy, complications, every polyp removed and recovered, and adenoma detection rate in patients older than 50 years. 1928 colonoscopies were included from eight endoscopy units. Every unit included the same number of colonoscopies selected by means of simple random sampling with substitution. There was an important variability in the achievement of some indicators and standards: medication administered (CV 43%, p<0.01), complications registered (CV 37%, p<0.01), every polyp removed and recovered (CV 12%, p<0.01) and adenoma detection rate in older than fifty years (CV 2%, p<0.01). We have validated six quality indicators for colonoscopy which are easily measurable. An important variability exists in the achievement of some indicators and standards. Our data highlight the importance of the development of continuous quality improvement programmes for colonoscopy before starting colorectal cancer screening. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Implant and prosthesis movement after enucleation: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Shome, Debraj; Honavar, Santosh G; Raizada, Kuldeep; Raizada, Deepa

2010-08-01

To evaluate implant and prosthesis movement after myoconjunctival enucleation and subsequent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implantation, compared with the traditional enucleation with muscle imbrication using a PMMA implant and with enucleation accompanied by porous polyethylene implantation. Randomized, controlled, observer-masked, interventional study. One hundred fifty patients, equally and randomly allocated to the 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of patients in whom a PMMA implant was used after enucleation with muscle imbrication (traditional PMMA group). Group 2 consisted of patients in whom a PMMA implant was used after enucleation with a myoconjunctival technique (myoconjunctival PMMA group). Group 3 consisted of patients in whom a porous polyethylene implant was used after enucleation by the scleral cap technique (porous polyethylene group). Fifty patients were included in each group. Patients were allocated to 1 of the 3 groups using stratified randomization. Informed consent was obtained. Acrylic prostheses custom made by a trained ocularist were fitted 6 weeks after surgery in all patients. A masked observer measured implant and prosthesis movement 6 weeks after surgery using a slit-lamp device with real-time video and still photographic documentation. Analysis of implant and prosthesis movement was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U test, and a P value of < or =0.03 was considered significant. Complications including implant displacement and exposure also were noted. Implant and prosthesis movement. Myoconjunctival PMMA implant movement was better than the traditional PMMA implant (P = 0.001), but was similar to that of the porous polyethylene implant. Prosthesis movement with the myoconjunctival PMMA implant was better than that of either the traditional PMMA (P = 0.001) or porous polyethylene (P = 0.002) implants. Myoconjunctival enucleation technique with a PMMA implant provides statistically and clinically significantly better implant and prosthesis movement than the traditional PMMA implant and better prosthesis movement than the porous polyethylene implant. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of Mathematical Skills Developing Game Software.

PubMed

Hajdics, Gyula; Guzsvinecz, Tibor; Szucs, Veronika; Sik Lanyi, Cecilia

2017-01-01

Using basic mathematical operations is not easy for everyone. The AndMaths game for Android devices was developed to help elementary school students to learn these basic mathematical skills in the number ranges of twenties, fifties, hundreds and thousands. The user can freely select the number ranges.

Upland oak ecology symposium: history, current conditions, and sustainability

Treesearch

Martin A. Spetich

2004-01-01

Fifty-one papers address the ecology, history, current conditions, and sustainability of upland oak forests - with emphasis on the Interior Highlands. Subject categories were selected to provide focused coverage of the state-of-the-art research and understanding of upland oak ecology of the region.

Eye-Movement Analysis Demonstrates Strategic Influences on Intelligence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vigneau, Francois; Caissie, Andre F.; Bors, Douglas A.

2006-01-01

Taking into account various models and findings pertaining to the nature of analogical reasoning, this study explored quantitative and qualitative individual differences in intelligence using latency and eye-movement data. Fifty-five university students were administered 14 selected items of the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices test. Results…

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on radiographic healing of tibial plateau leveling osteotomies in dogs: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

PubMed

Kieves, Nina R; Canapp, Sherman O; Lotsikas, Peter J; Christopher, Scott A; Leasure, Christopher S; Canapp, Debra; Gavin, Patrick R

2018-05-20

To determine the influence of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on radiographic healing and limb function after uncomplicated, stable osteotomies in dogs. In vivo, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-control study. Fifty client-owned dogs. Fifty client-owned dogs with naturally occurring unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were enrolled prior to tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Dogs were assigned to an active (LIPUS) treatment group or a placebo control (SHAM) treatment group via block randomization on the basis of age, weight, and affected limb. Dogs in the LIPUS treatment group underwent LIPUS treatments for 20 minutes daily: 1.5-MHZ ultrasound wave pulsed at 1 kHZ with a 20% duty cycle at an intensity of 30 mW/cm 2 for the duration of the study (12 weeks). Radiographic evaluation was performed at 4, 8, 10, and 12 weeks postoperatively to evaluate bone healing. Limb function was assessed with temporal-spatial gait analysis preoperatively and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively by using a pressure-sensitive walkway system. Both groups had significant improvement in radiographic score and limb use over time. However, there was no significant difference in radiographic bone healing, or limb use as measured by objective gait analysis detected between the LIPUS treatment group and SHAM treatment group at any point in the study. LIPUS treatment did not improve healing in this stable osteotomy model. This study does not provide evidence to support the clinical application of LIPUS to stimulate the healing of stable, uncomplicated osteotomies to accelerate bone healing. © 2018 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

l-Carnosine as Adjunctive Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Ghajar, Alireza; Aghajan-Nashtaei, Farinaz; Afarideh, Mohsen; Mohammadi, Mohammad-Reza; Akhondzadeh, Shahin

2018-06-01

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of l-carnosine as an add-on to methylphenidate in management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This was an 8-week, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Fifty-six drug-free children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old with a diagnosis of ADHD entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to l-carnosine (800 mg/d in two divided doses) or placebo plus methylphenidate (0.5-1.5 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. Children were assessed using the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8 postbaseline. Fifty patients completed the study, and all had two postbaseline measurements. Using the general linear model repeated measures, significant effect was observed for time × treatment interaction on total and inattention subscales of the Parent ADHD-RS (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 3.783, df = 1.444, p = 0.041 and F = 4.032, df = 1.600, p = 0.030). Improvements in the Teacher ADHD-RS were not significantly different between the two groups in total (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 0.200, df = 1.218, p = 0.705), as well as inattention and hyperactivity subscale scores (p = 0.956 and 0.281, respectively). The frequency of side effects was not significantly different between the two treatment arms. l-carnosine, as a supplementary medication, might be beneficial in treatment of children with ADHD. However, further investigations and different doses of l-carnosine are required to replicate these findings in children with ADHD.

The relationship between simulation in nursing education and medication safety.

PubMed

Sears, Kimberley; Goldsworthy, Sandra; Goodman, William M

2010-01-01

This experimental study examined whether the use of clinical simulation in nursing education could help reduce medication errors. Fifty-four student volunteers were randomly assigned to an experimental (treatment) group (24 students) or a clinical control group (30 students). The treatment replaced some early-term clinical placement hours with a simulated clinical experience. The control group had all normally scheduled clinical hours. Treatment occurred prior to opportunities for medication administration. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

Important Text Characteristics for Early-Grades Text Complexity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzgerald, Jill; Elmore, Jeff; Koons, Heather; Hiebert, Elfrieda H.; Bowen, Kimberly; Sanford-Moore, Eleanor E.; Stenner, A. Jackson

2015-01-01

The Common Core set a standard for all children to read increasingly complex texts throughout schooling. The purpose of the present study was to explore text characteristics specifically in relation to early-grades text complexity. Three hundred fifty primary-grades texts were selected and digitized. Twenty-two text characteristics were identified…

Selected Bibliography of Arab Educational Materials, Vol. 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Ahram Center for Scientific Translations, Cairo (Egypt).

One hundred fifty-four English language annotations of books, articles, and government publications about education in 11 Arab countries are contained in this bibliography. Drawing from materials published in 1976, the bibliography examines education for all age groups and ability levels in Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi…

Fidelity in After-School Program Intervention Research: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maynard, Brandy R.; Peters, Kristen E.; Vaughn, Michael G.; Sarteschi, Christine M.

2013-01-01

Objective: This study examined whether and to what extent researchers addressed intervention fidelity in research of after-school programs serving at-risk students. Method: Systematic review procedures were used to search, retrieve, select, and analyze studies for this review. Fifty-five intervention studies were assessed on the following…

International Index to Film Periodicals 1972.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Karen, Ed.

Fifty-nine film journals, selected as being the most representative and significant of their respective countries, are indexed in this annual publication of the International Federation of Film Archives (IFFA). The index is the result of the collaborative efforts of film archivists working in 24 countries under the direction of the Documentation…

Towards a Dynamic Model of Skills Involved in Sight Reading Music

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kopiez, Reinhard; Lee, Ji In

2006-01-01

This study investigates the relationship between selected predictors of achievement in playing unrehearsed music (sight reading) and the changing complexity of sight reading tasks. The question under investigation is, how different variables gain or lose significance as sight reading stimuli become more difficult. Fifty-two piano major graduates…

Biochemistry in Undergraduate Health Courses: Structure and Organization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silva, Irani F.; Batista, Nildo A.

2003-01-01

This article describes the following aspects of teaching biochemistry in undergraduate health courses: objectives, number of hours, time in which the subject is studied, selection of content, teaching strategies, and evaluation methodologies used. Fifty-three courses distributed in 13 areas within the health field and offered by 12 institutions…

An international overview of the recording and use of functional traits in dairy cattle breeding and management

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An important component in the development of sustainable dairy production systems is the maintenance of cow health and functionality. Genetic selection has resulted in substantial increases in cow productivity over the past fifty years, but health and fertility are increasingly important determinant...

Child Lifestyles Predictors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Özpolat, Ahmet Ragip

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to explain the effectiveness of parental attitudes, socio-economic status and gender in determining the predictors of child lifestyles. The study group consists of three hundred and fifty (350) eighth grade students studying in the province of Erzincan during the 2012-2013 academic year; the students are selected by…

Are Locking Constructs in Distal Femoral Fractures Always Best? A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Less Invasive Stabilization System With the Minimally Invasive Dynamic Condylar Screw System.

PubMed

2016-01-01

The purpose of this clinical study is to determine whether the rate of fracture healing and fracture union, repaired with a locked device, will be as good as or better than standard nonlocking bicortical fixation in distal femoral fractures. Institutional review board-approved, multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial. Seven level 1 trauma centers across Canada. Fifty-two patients with distal femoral fractures (AO/OTA 33A1 to 33C2) were enrolled in the randomized trial. Twelve AO/OTA 33C3 fractures were excluded from the randomized trial but followed up as a nonrandomized cohort. Patients were treated through a standardized minimally invasive approach. Fractures were randomized 1:1 to treatment with the locked Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS; Synthes, Paoli, PA) or the dynamic condylar screw (DCS). The nonrandomized cohort was treated at the surgeon's discretion. Primary outcomes were time to radiological union and number of delayed/nonunions at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were postoperative function and complications. Fifty-two patients were randomized including 34 women and 18 men. The mean age was 59 years. Twenty-eight patients were treated with the LISS and 24 with the DCS. There was no statistically significant difference between the LISS and the DCS in terms of the number of fractures healed, time to union, or functional scores. Complications and revisions were more common in the LISS group. There were 7 reoperations in the LISS group and one in the DCS group. Only 52% of the LISS group healed without intervention by 12 months compared with 91% in the DCS group. There was no advantage to the locking plate design in the management of distal femoral fractures in this study. The higher cost of the locking plates, challenges in technique, and lack of superiority have led the authors to discontinue the use of this lateral unicortical locking device in favor of other devices that allow locked or nonlocked bicortical fixation, articular compression, and bridging of the comminuted fracture segments. The cost-effective treatment for a subgroup or periarticular fractures may be a fixed-angle nonlocked device in patients with reasonable bone quality. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Improving the Quality of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Notes in an Indian Public Sector Hospital in Accordance with the Royal College of Surgeons Guidelines: A Completed Audit Loop Study.

PubMed

Krishnan, B; Prasad, G Arun; Madhan, B

2016-09-01

Proper and adequate documentation in operation notes is a basic tool of clinical practice with medical and legal implications. An audit was done to ascertain if oral and maxillofacial surgery operative notes in an Indian public sector hospital adhered to the guidelines published by the Royal College of Surgeons England. Fifty randomly selected operative notes were evaluated against the guidelines by RCS England with regards to the essential generic components of an operation note. Additional criteria relevant to oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were also evaluated. Changes were introduced in the form of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specific consent forms, diagram sheets and a computerized operation note proforma containing all essential and additional criteria along with prefilled template of operative findings. Re-audit of 50 randomly selected operation notes was performed after a 6 month period. In the 1st audit cycle, excellent documentation ranging from 94 to 100 % was seen in 9 essential criteria. Unsatisfactory documentation was observed in criteria like assistant name, date of surgery. Most consent forms contained abbreviations and some did not provide all details. Additional criteria specific to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery scored poorly. In the 2nd Audit for loop completion, excellent documentation was seen in almost all essential and additional criteria. Mean percentage of data point inclusion improved from 84.6 to 98.4 % (0.001< P value <0.005). The use of abbreviations was seen in only 6 notes. Regular audits are now considered a mandatory quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first completed audit on operation notes documentation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from India. The introduction of a computerized operation note proforma showed excellent improvement in operation note documentation. Surgeons can follow the RCS guidelines to ensure standardization of operation notes.

Effects of a randomized intervention promoting healthy children's meals on children's ordering and dietary intake in a quick-service restaurant.

PubMed

Anzman-Frasca, Stephanie; Braun, Abbey C; Ehrenberg, Sarah; Epstein, Leonard H; Gampp, April; Leone, Lucia A; Singh, Anita; Tauriello, Sara

2018-08-01

Children's consumption of restaurant foods is associated with higher energy intake and lower nutritional quality compared to foods prepared at home. The aim of this pilot study was to test whether an in-restaurant intervention promoting healthy children's meals (i.e. two meals that met nutrition recommendations and were thus healthier than typical children's meal offerings across leading restaurants) affected children's meal selection and intake. Families with 4-to-8-year-old children were recruited from one location of Anderson's Frozen Custard, a regional quick-service restaurant chain. Families were randomly assigned to return to the restaurant during an intervention or control period and were blinded to group assignment. All families received free meals. During the intervention period families also received placemats featuring two healthy "Kids' Meals of the Day" upon restaurant entry. After families finished dining, researchers recorded children's orders and collected leftovers for quantifying dietary intake via weighed plate waste. Poisson regression and chi-square tests were used to compare children's orders between study groups, and t-tests were used to test for differences in dietary intake among children ordering a promoted healthy entrée (main dish) versus those who did not. Fifty-eight families participated. Children who were exposed to the study placemats prior to ordering ordered a significantly greater number of healthy food components compared to controls (p = 0.03). Overall, in the intervention group, 21% of children ordered a healthy entrée or side dish, versus 7% of controls. Children who ordered one of the promoted healthy entrées consumed less saturated fat across the total meal compared to those who did not (p = 0.04). Manipulating the prominence of healthy choices in restaurants may shift children's meal selections. Future research should build on these initial promising results, aiming to increase the potency of the intervention to achieve more widespread effects. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Randomness and arbitrary coordination in the reactive ultimatum game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva, Roberto; Valverde, Pablo; Lamb, Luis C.

2016-07-01

Darwin's theory of evolution - as introduced in game theory by Maynard Smith - is not the only important evolutionary aspect in an evolutionary dynamics, since complex interdependencies, competition, and growth should be modeled by, for example, reactive aspects. In the ultimatum game, the reciprocity and the fifty-fifty partition seems to be a deviation from rational behavior of the players under the light of Nash equilibrium. Such equilibrium emerges, for example, from the punishment of the responder who generally tends to refuse unfair proposals. In the iterated version of the game, the proposers are able to improve their proposals by adding a value thus making fairer proposals. Such evolutionary aspects are not properly Darwinian-motivated, but they are endowed with a fundamental aspect: they reflect their actions according to value of the offers. Recently, a reactive version of the ultimatum game where acceptance occurs with fixed probability was proposed. In this paper, we aim at exploring this reactive version of the ultimatum game where the acceptance by players depends on the offer. In order to do so, we analyze two situations: (i) mean field and (ii) we consider players inserted within the networks with arbitrary coordination. We then show that the reactive aspect, here studied, thus far not analyzed in the evolutionary game theory literature can unveil an essential feature for the convergence to fifty-fifty split. Moreover we also analyze populations under four different polices ranging from a highly conservative to a moderate one, with respect to the decision in changing the proposal based on acceptances. We show that the idea of gaining less more times added to the reciprocity of the players is highly relevant to the concept of ;healthy; societies population bargaining.

Fifty Years of Progress, 1937-1987 [Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL, LBNL)

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Budinger, T. F. (ed.)

1987-01-01

This booklet was prepared for the 50th anniversary of medical and biological research at the Donner Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory of the University of California. The intent is to present historical facts and to highlight important facets of fifty years of accomplishments in medical and biological sciences. A list of selected scientific publications from 1937 to 1960 is included to demonstrate the character and lasting importance of early pioneering work. The organizational concept is to show the research themes starting with the history, then discoveries of medically important radionuclides, then the use of accelerated charged particles in therapy, next human physiology studies then sequentially studies of biology from tissues to macromolecules; and finally studies of the genetic code.

Status of health sector strategic plans in five countries of the WHO African Region.

PubMed

Barry, S P; Sambo, L G; Bakeera, S; Kirigia, J M; Diarra-Nama, A J

2009-01-01

To assess the adequacy of the existing strategic plans and compare the format and content of health sector strategic plans with the guidelines in selected countries of the African region. The health strategic plans for Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, which are kept at the WHO/AFRO, were reviewed. All health strategic plans among the Anglophone countries (Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) that were developed after the year 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Fifty percent of these countries that fitted this criterion were randomly selected. They included Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. The analysis framework used in the review included situation analysis; an assessment of appropriateness of strategies that are selected; well developed indicators for each strategy; the match between the service and outcomes targets with available resources; and existence of a clear framework for partnership engagement for implementation. Most of the strategic plans identify key ill health conditions and their contributing factors. Health service and resource gaps are described but not quantified in the Botswana, Gambia, Malawi, Tanzania strategic documents. Most of the plans selected strategies that related to the situational analysis. Generally, countries' plans had clear indicators. Matching service and outcome targets to available resources was the least addressed area in majority of the plans. Most of the strategic plans identified stakeholders and acknowledged their participation in the implementation, providing different levels of comprehensiveness. Some of the areas that are well addressed according to the analysis framework included: addressing the strategic concerns of the health policies; identifying key partners for implementation; and selection of appropriate strategies. The following areas needed more emphasis: quantification of health system gaps; setting targets that are cognisant of the local resource base; and being more explicit in what stakeholders' roles are during the implementation period.

National Educational Technology Trends: 2012. State Leadership Empowers Educators, Transforms Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duffey, Delia, R.; Fox, Christine

2012-01-01

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is the principal association representing the technology leadership in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This is SETDA's ninth annual report on select educational technology activities. This year's report includes…

Military Curricula for Vocational & Technical Education. Light Frame Construction I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

This training manual for a secondary-postsecondary-level course in light frame construction I is one of a number of military-developed curriculum packages selected for adaptation to vocational instruction and curriculum development in a civilian setting. Purpose stated for the fifty-hour course is for students to develop the skills required in…

Conservation of Senegalese Youth and Its Psycho-Social Correlates.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brekke, Beverly; Williams, John

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the appropriateness of Piagetian tasks for a comparative assessment of the cognitive development of rural and semi-urban Senegalese youth; and (2) to determine relationships among selected social and environmental factors affecting Senegalese youth. Fifty semi-urban and 50 rural area…

Handwriting Deficits in Children with Minimal Brain Dysfunction: Effects of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Placebo.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lerer, Robert J.; And Others

1979-01-01

Fifty hyperactive and learning disabled children (8 to 12 years old) were selected for study because of severe handwriting difficulties. The children received methylphenidate (Ritalin) or placebo under double blind conditions. Twenty-six students (52 percent) showed improvement in overall handwriting following the administration of methylphenidate…

Military Curricula for Vocational & Technical Education. Light Frame Construction II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

This training manual for a secondary-postsecondary level course in light frame construction II is one of a number of military-developed curriculum packages selected for adaptation to vocational instruction and curriculum development in a civilian setting. Purpose stated for the fifty-five hour course is for students to interpret construction…

Behavioral and Social Science: Fifty Years of Discovery.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smelser, Neil J., Ed.; Gerstein, Dean R., Ed.

This commemorative book contains 10 papers that provide a selective sample of behavioral and social science research accomplishments and trends over a 50-year period, and comparisons are made with research presented in the 1933 report, "Recent Social Trends in the United States" (The Ogburn Report). Four chapters in part 1,…

Originalism in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forte, David F.

2011-01-01

In this article, the author provides a detailed legal history of originalism and investigates whether, and to what extent, originalism is a part of law school teaching on the Constitution. He shares the results of an examination of the leading constitutional law textbooks used in the top fifty law schools and a selection of responses gathered from…

Assessing Statistical Change Indices in Selected Social Work Intervention Research Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ham, Amanda D.; Huggins-Hoyt, Kimberly Y.; Pettus, Joelle

2016-01-01

Objectives: This study examined how evaluation and intervention research (IR) studies assessed statistical change to ascertain effectiveness. Methods: Studies from six core social work journals (2009-2013) were reviewed (N = 1,380). Fifty-two evaluation (n= 27) and intervention (n = 25) studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were…

Self-Controlled Practice Enhances Motor Learning in Introverts and Extroverts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaefer, Angélica; Chiviacowsky, Suzete; Meira, Cassio de Miranda, Jr.; Tani, Go

2014-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of self-controlled feedback on the learning of a sequential-timing motor task in introverts and extroverts. Method: Fifty-six university students were selected by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. They practiced a motor task consisting of pressing computer keyboard keys…

An Analysis of Certain Elements of an Audio-Tape Approach to Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Ronald Ernest

This study was designed to determine the association between selected variables and an audio-tape approach to instruction. Fifty sophomore students enrolled in a physical anthropology course at Shoreline Community College (Washington) participated in an experimental instructional program that consisted of thirty-two audio-tapes and three optional…

Proceedings of the 1990 IPMAAC Conference on Personnel Assessment (14th, San Diego, California, June 24-28, 1990).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Personnel Management Association, Washington, DC.

Fifty-seven papers presented at the annual meeting of the International Personnel Management Association Assessment Council (IPMAAC) in 1990 are provided. Selected topics include: using the cloze technique for reading skills assessment; examining assessment techniques; job analysis; alternate strategies for assessing writing skills; assessment of…

The Impact of Mobile Learning on Listening Anxiety and Listening Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rahimi, Mehrak; Soleymani, Elham

2015-01-01

This study aimed at investigating the impact of mobile learning on EFL learners' listening anxiety and listening comprehension. Fifty students of two intermediate English courses were selected and sampled as the experimental (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. Students' entry level of listening anxiety was assessed by foreign language listening…

Current Status of Biomedical Book Reviewing: Part I. Key Biomedical Reviewing Journals with Quantitative Significance

PubMed Central

Chen, Ching-Chih; Wright, Arthuree M.

1974-01-01

This is the first part of a comprehensive, quantitative study of biomedical book reviewing. The data base of the total project was built from statistics taken from all 1970 issues of biomedical journals held in the Science Library of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Of 285 so-called “life sciences” journals held by that library, fifty-four English journals (excluding Science and Nature) were found to contain bona fide book reviews (as contrasted with mere author-title lists) and were therefore selected for close study. The statistical results reveal that there were 3,347 reviews of 2,067 biomedical books in these fifty-four selected journals in 1970. Part I of the study identifies key biomedical reviewing journals of quantitative significance. The top ten journals, British Medical Journal, Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, Archives of Internal Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine, Quarterly Review of Biology, Bioscience, Canadian Medical Association Journal,* and American Journal of the Medical Sciences, accounted for 63.03% of the total number of reviews in 1970. PMID:4826479

Current status of biomedical book reviewing. I. Key biomedical reviewing journals with quantitative significance.

PubMed

Chen, C C; Wright, A M

1974-04-01

This is the first part of a comprehensive, quantitative study of biomedical book reviewing. The data base of the total project was built from statistics taken from all 1970 issues of biomedical journals held in the Science Library of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Of 285 so-called "life sciences" journals held by that library, fifty-four English journals (excluding Science and Nature) were found to contain bona fide book reviews (as contrasted with mere author-title lists) and were therefore selected for close study. The statistical results reveal that there were 3,347 reviews of 2,067 biomedical books in these fifty-four selected journals in 1970. Part I of the study identifies key biomedical reviewing journals of quantitative significance. The top ten journals, British Medical Journal, Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association, Archives of Internal Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine, Quarterly Review of Biology, Bioscience, Canadian Medical Association Journal,(*) and American Journal of the Medical Sciences, accounted for 63.03% of the total number of reviews in 1970.

Voluntary private health insurance among the over fifties in Europe◊

PubMed Central

Paccagnella, Omar; Rebba, Vincenzo; Weber, Guglielmo

2012-01-01

Using data from SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe), we investigate the determinants of voluntary private health insurance (VPHI) among the over fifties in eleven European countries, and their effects on health care spending. Firstly, we find that the main determinants of VPHI are different in each country, reflecting differences in the underlying health care systems, but in most countries education levels and cognitive abilities have a strong positive effect on holding a VPHI policy. We also analyse the effect of holding a voluntary additional health insurance policy on out-of-pocket (OOP) health care spending. We adopt a simultaneous-equations approach to control for self-selection into VPHI policy holding and find that only in the Netherlands VPHI policyholders have lower OOP spending than the rest of the population while in some countries (Italy, Spain, Denmark and Austria) they spend significantly more. This could be due to increased utilisation but also to cost-sharing measures adopted by the insurers in order both to counter the effects of moral hazard and to keep adverse selection under control. PMID:22315160

Simvastatin as an Adjunct to Conventional Therapy of Non-infectious Uveitis: A Randomized, Open-Label Pilot Study.

PubMed

Shirinsky, Ivan V; Biryukova, Anastasia A; Shirinsky, Valery S

2017-12-01

Statins have been shown to reduce ocular inflammation in animal models of uveitis and to prevent development of uveitis in observational studies. There have been no experimental human studies evaluating statins' efficacy and safety in uveitis. In this study, we aimed to investigate efficacy and safety of simvastatin in patients with uveitis. For this single-center, open-label, randomized study, we enrolled patients with acute non-infectious uveitis. The patients were randomized to receive 40 mg simvastatin per day for 2 months in addition to conventional treatment or conventional treatment alone. The studied outcomes were the rate of steroid-sparing control of ocular inflammation, measures of ocular inflammation, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity. Fifty patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin with conventional treatment and 25 to conventional treatment alone. Simvastatin was associated with significantly higher rates of steroid-sparing ocular inflammation control, decrease in anterior chamber inflammation, and improvement in visual acuity. The treatment was well tolerated, no serious adverse effects were observed. Our findings suggest that statins may have therapeutic potential in uveitis. These results need to be confirmed in double-blind, randomized, controlled studies.

The interactive effect of hunger and impulsivity on food intake and purchase in a virtual supermarket.

PubMed

Nederkoorn, C; Guerrieri, R; Havermans, R C; Roefs, A; Jansen, A

2009-08-01

It has been shown repeatedly that impulsivity, obesity and food intake are related; obese people are more impulsive than lean people and impulsive people eat more than less impulsive people. The relation between impulsivity and food intake might be state dependent; hunger motivates food seeking behaviour and food consumption, especially of high caloric food. Difficulties to overrule automatic behavioural tendencies might make impulsive people more susceptible to the effects of hunger on food selection. Therefore, they are expected to increase their intake more than low impulsive people when feeling hungry. STUDY 1: Fifty-seven female participants were randomly assigned to a hunger or sated condition. Response inhibition (a measure of impulsivity) and food intake were measured. Results show that impulsive participants ate significantly more, but only when feeling hungry. STUDY 2: Ninety-four undergraduate students participated. Hunger, response inhibition and the purchase of food in a virtual supermarket were measured. The same interaction was found: impulsive participants bought most calories, especially from snack food, but only when feeling hungry. Hunger and impulsivity interact in their influence on consumption. These data suggest that reducing hunger during calorie restricting diets is important for successful weight loss, particularly for the impulsive dieters.

Predicting ovarian malignancy: application of artificial neural networks to transvaginal and color Doppler flow US.

PubMed

Biagiotti, R; Desii, C; Vanzi, E; Gacci, G

1999-02-01

To compare the performance of artificial neural networks (ANNs) with that of multiple logistic regression (MLR) models for predicting ovarian malignancy in patients with adnexal masses by using transvaginal B-mode and color Doppler flow ultrasonography (US). A total of 226 adnexal masses were examined before surgery: Fifty-one were malignant and 175 were benign. The data were divided into training and testing subsets by using a "leave n out method." The training subsets were used to compute the optimum MLR equations and to train the ANNs. The cross-validation subsets were used to estimate the performance of each of the two models in predicting ovarian malignancy. At testing, three-layer back-propagation networks, based on the same input variables selected by using MLR (i.e., women's ages, papillary projections, random echogenicity, peak systolic velocity, and resistance index), had a significantly higher sensitivity than did MLR (96% vs 84%; McNemar test, p = .04). The Brier scores for ANNs were significantly lower than those calculated for MLR (Student t test for paired samples, P = .004). ANNs might have potential for categorizing adnexal masses as either malignant or benign on the basis of multiple variables related to demographic and US features.

Comparative assessment of efficacy of two different pretreatment single oral doses of betamethasone on inter-appointment and postoperative discomfort: An in vivo clinical evaluation.

PubMed

Gyanani, Hitesh; Chhabra, Naveen; Parmar, Ghanshyam R

2016-01-01

Study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two different pretreatment single oral doses of betamethasone on the incidence of inter-appointment flare up and postoperative discomfort. Fifty-four patients aged 18-59 years requiring endodontic treatment were selected and randomly assigned to three groups; single pretreatment oral dose of placebo or betamethasone in two different oral doses of 0.5 mg and 1 mg, respectively. Endodontic therapy was completed in two visits using triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medicament. Patients were given a questionnaire to record their pain at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after treatment. In the second visit, obturation was done, and the patients were again instructed to record their pain scores after treatment and discharged. The verbal rating scale was used for recording the pain scores. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and the Friedman test. 0.5 mg betamethasone group showed least mean pain scores among all experimental groups; however, there was no statistically significant difference between any of the groups ( P > 0.05). Pretreatment single oral dose of betamethasone is an effective in managing endodontic flare-ups; however, the results were statistically insignificant.

Intensive Reading Remediation in Grade 2 or 3: Are There Effects a Decade Later?

PubMed Central

Blachman, Benita A.; Schatschneider, Christopher; Fletcher, Jack M.; Murray, Maria S.; Munger, Kristen A.; Vaughn, Michael G.

2014-01-01

Despite data supporting the benefits of early reading interventions, there has been little evaluation of the long-term educational impact of these interventions, with most follow-up studies lasting less than two years (Suggate, 2010). This study evaluated reading outcomes more than a decade after the completion of an 8-month reading intervention using a randomized design with second and third graders selected on the basis of poor word-level skills (Blachman et al., 2004). Fifty-eight (84%) of the original 69 participants took part in the study. The treatment group demonstrated a moderate to small effect size advantage on reading and spelling measures over the comparison group. There were statistically significant differences with moderate effect sizes between treatment and comparison groups on standardized measures of word recognition (i.e., Woodcock Basic Skills Cluster, d = 0.53; Woodcock Word Identification, d = 0.62), the primary, but not exclusive, focus of the intervention. Statistical tests on other reading and spelling measures did not reach thresholds for statistical significance. Patterns in the data related to other educational outcomes, such as high school completion, favored the treatment participants, although differences were not significant. PMID:24578581

[The tortilla subsidy in Mexico: a nutritional or economic program?].

PubMed

Shamah Levy, Teresa; Avila Curiel, Abelardo; Cuevas Nasu, Lucía; Chávez Villasana, Adolfo; Avila Arcos, Marco Antonio; Fernández Mendoza, Carlota

2003-03-01

To evaluate the impact of the tortilla subsidy on the family food consumption, on its economy and on the nutritional condition of women and under five children, from three marginal zones, with the purpose of focus nutritional interventions. Fifty families were randomly selected in each one of three similar low income sectors of the Oaxaca city. One received subsidy, other has never received it and the third received it five years ago but not at present. Anthropometry was performed in all women of reproductive age and children under five years old. In the first BMI was the indicator used and in children weight for age with two standard deviations was the cut-off point. The tortilla represents between 13.6% to 20% of the family expenditure. Anyhow the energy, protein and some nutrient consumption was higher. The malnutrition index was better in the subsidy community as 12.0% of under five children were low weight for age against 19.2% in the other two communities. The tortilla family expenditure represents 45% of their income and the subsidy reduces it 9%, surely this help a better nutrient consumption and improves the nutritional condition of the poor and marginated urban sectors of the society.

Long-term consumption of beef extended with soy protein by men, women and children: II. Effects on iron status.

PubMed

Bodwell, C E; Miles, C W; Morris, E; Prather, E S; Mertz, W; Canary, J J

1987-01-01

The iron status of men, women and children consuming beef extended with soy protein was evaluated by measuring serum ferritin and clinical parameters of iron status during a six-month study. Fifty-two families (245 participants) were randomly assigned to consume, for 180 days, 1 of 7 beef products: all beef, beef extended with either soy isolate, soy concentrate or soy flour (20% reconstituted soy product, 80% beef), or beef extended with each of the three soy products fortified with 60 mg Fe and 25 mg Zn/100 g protein. The beef product was consumed by the subjects as their principal source of protein for 1 meal a day (children 1-18 yr) or 1-2 meals a day (11 per week; adult men and women). A control group consumed their usual self-selected diets. No evidence was found that consumption of beef extended with soy protein deleteriously affected the iron status of men, women or children. Consumption of beef extended with soy protein, at the levels used in this study, by military men and women and by school lunch participants would not appear to impose a risk in these population groups.

Long-term consumption of beef extended with soy protein by men, women and children: I. Study design, nutrient intakes, and serum zinc levels.

PubMed

Miles, C W; Bodwell, C E; Morris, E; Ziyad, J A; Prather, E S; Mertz, W; Canary, J J

1987-01-01

The effect of long-term consumption, under practical conditions, of beef extended with soy protein on serum zinc levels of men, women and children was studied. Fifty-two families were randomly assigned to consume for 180 days 1 of 7 beef products: all beef, beef extended with either soy isolate, soy concentrate or soy flour (20% reconstituted soy product, 80% beef), or beef extended with each of the 3 soy products fortified with 60 mg Fe and 25 mg Zn/100 g protein. The beef product was consumed by the subjects as their principal source of protein for 1 meal a day (children 1-8 yrs) or 1-2 meals a day (11 per week) for adult men and women. A control group consumed their usual self-selected diet. Diet records (4-day) of all foods and beverages consumed by the subjects were obtained pre-study and 63 +/- 7 and 126 +/- 7 days for calculation of nutrient intakes. No deleterious effects were found on the serum zinc levels when subjects consumed beef extended with soy protein for 180 days.

Attitudes and practice of couples regarding sexual relations during the menses and spotting.

PubMed

Barnhart, K; Furman, I; Devoto, L

1995-02-01

To determine attitudes and practices regarding sexual relations during menstruation and vaginal spotting, a cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed at the Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. A total of 287 women and 206 men were randomly selected from an urban population. Attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding sexual relations during vaginal bleeding were surveyed and stratified by educational level and other demographic characteristics. Overall, 70% of women and 72% of men were found to avoid sexual relations during menstruation. Fifty-four percent of women and 60% of men avoided sexual relations during vaginal spotting. Women with higher education (technical or university) were less likely to avoid sexual intercourse compared to those with a lower educational level (basic or secondary education) during menstruation (73% vs. 57%) and vaginal spotting (69% vs. 34%). Men with a higher educational level (university) avoided intercourse less frequently when their partner was spotting (48% vs. 64%). As many methods of contraception affect a woman's menstrual cycle, they therefore may affect the intimacy of a couple. Counseling and education regarding the menstrual cycle and expected alterations by a contraceptive method may reduce any negative impact of a contraceptive device on a couple's sexual life.

[Metallo-beta-lactamase-mediated resistance among carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates].

PubMed

Mereuţă, Ana Irina; Tuchiluş, Cristina; Bădescu, Aida Corina; Iancu, Luminiţa Smaranda

2011-01-01

The aim of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and the presence of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) among carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. A total of 84 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates collected between January 2007- February 2011 from four university hospitals in Iasi (North-East region of Romania) were randomly selected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI 2010 (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines. The isolates were tested for MBLs using EPI (EDTA-phenanthroline-imipenem) phenotypic test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bla(VIM) and bla(IMP). Fifty-eight carbapenem resistant strains were identified, from which 24 (41,3%) were positive for VIM-type MBLs. No IMP - type MBL was detected. All MBL-producing isolates displayed a MDR (multidrug resistant) phenotype, two of them were XDR (extensively drug-resistant). Colistin remained the most effective antibiotic. The high proportion of MBL producing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates urges the need for a better use of antibiotics and for efficient infection control measures to prevent dissemination of MBL producers. This is the first report of VIM-like enzymes in P. aeruginosa isolates from the Iasi area.

Determining host suitability of pecan for stored-product insects.

PubMed

Shufran, A A; Mulder, P G; Payton, M E; Shufran, K A

2013-04-01

A no-choice test was performed to determine survival and reproductive capacity of stored-product insect pests on pecan, Carya illinoensis (Wangenheim) Koch. Insects used were Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae); sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Cucujidae); red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae); lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae); and rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae). Fifty adults of each beetle species or 10 reproductive pairs of P. interpunctella adults were placed in 0.5-liter containers with either whole-shell pecans, cracked-shell pecans, randomly selected in-shell pecans, pecan nutmeats, cracked wheat, or glass beads and held at 28 degrees C, 60-70% relative humidity, and 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod for 2, 4, 6, and 8 wk. Four replications of each insect-diet-interval combination were performed. Larvae of P. interpunctella, O. surinamensis, T. castaneum, C. ferrugineus, and adult P. interpunctella and O. surinamensis developed on cracked and nutmeat pecan diets. R. dominica did not complete reproduction on pecans. Knowledge that these pests can reproduce on stored pecan will assist pecan growers, accumulators, and storage facilities in preventing insect outbreaks on their product.

Resistance to fracture of roots filled with different sealers.

PubMed

Sağsen, Burak; Ustün, Yakup; Pala, Kanşad; Demırbuğa, Sezer

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the fracture resistance of roots filled with gutta percha (GP) and different root canal sealers.Fifty-five human maxillary central incisors were selected and randomly divided into three experimental groups (Groups 1-3) and two control groups (Groups 4 and 5). They were Group 1-15 root canals filled with an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) and GP, Group 2 -15 root canals filled with a calcium silicate-based sealer (iRoot SP) and GP, Group 3: 15 root canals filled with another calcium silicate-based sealer (MTA Fillapex) and GP, Group 4: five roots were instrumented but not filled, and Group 5: five roots were neither instrumented nor filled. Compressive loading was carried out using a universal testing machine until fracture occurred. Force applied at time of fracture was recorded as fracture strength of specimen in Newtons. There were no significant differences in fracture strength among the three experimental groups (p>0.05), whose results were significantly superior to that of Group 4 (p<0.05). In conclusion, all the root canal sealers used in the present study increased the fracture resistance of instrumented root canals.

Promoting psychology to students: embracing the multiplicity of research foci and method

PubMed Central

Rees, Clare S.

2013-01-01

In order for the discipline of psychology to continue to thrive it is imperative that future students are effectively recruited into the field. Research is an important part of the discipline and it is argued that the nature of psychological research is naturally one of multiplicity in topic and methodology and that promoting and highlighting this should be considered as a potentially effective recruitment strategy. In this study, a snap-shot of current research topics and methodologies was collected based on published papers from one typical academic psychology department in Australia. Fifty articles published in the period 2010–2013 were randomly selected and then grouped using content analysis to form topic clusters. Five main clusters were identified and included: Grief and Loss; Psychopathology; Sociocultural Studies; Attachment and Parenting; and Developmental Disorders. The studies spanned the full spectrum of research methodologies from quantitative to qualitative and had implications for assessment practices, diagnosis, prevention and treatment, education, and policy. The findings are discussed in terms of the unique characteristics of psychology as a discipline and how this diversity ought to be utilized as the main selling point of the discipline to future students. PMID:24155737

Practice of Sealants and Preventive Resin Restorations Among Malaysian Dentists.

PubMed

Chin, Zhe W; Chong, Wai S; Mani, Shani A

2016-01-01

To assess the knowledge, attitude and utilisation regarding fissure sealants (FS) and preventive resin restorations (PRR) among Malaysian dentists. A questionnaire consisting of 35 questions was distributed by mail or an online survey to 425 registered dentists selected according to place of work by stratified random sampling. One hundred fifty-three dentists responded to the survey. A positive attitude towards FS and PRR was noted among most Malaysian dentists. About half of the respondents used FS/PRR occasionally (48.4%), while few (13.7%) applied them routinely. The majority of the dentists agreed that minimally invasive dentistry is important and FS are effective in caries prevention, using them on high caries-risk individuals. Most of the dentists used pumice or paste to clean teeth before placing FS/PRR. A significant number of dentists used a bonding agent prior to placing FS. Although only 57.5% dentists were aware of guidelines for FS use, most dentists agreed that guidelines are important. Although there was a positive attitude towards FS/PRR, few dentists applied them routinely. Some of the steps undertaken for placement of FS and PRR were outdated. Updating local guidelines for dentists to ensure uniform practice of FS and PRR is justified.

Gender differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristic and the quality of life of Chinese schizophrenia patients.

PubMed

Xiang, Yu-Tao; Weng, Yong-Zhen; Leung, Chi-Ming; Tang, Wai-Kwong; Chan, Sandra S M; Wang, Chuan-Yue; Han, Bai; Ungvari, Gabor S

2010-05-01

The aim of the present study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of the gender of Chinese schizophrenia outpatients and their impact on patients quality of life (QOL). Two hundred and fifty-five clinically stable schizophrenia outpatients were randomly selected in Hong Kong. Counterparts matched according to gender, age, age at onset, and length of illness were recruited in Beijing, China. All of the subjects at both sites were interviewed by the same investigator using standardized assessment instruments. The combined Beijing-Hong Kong sample contained 251 male and 254 female patients. On univariate analysis more male patients were employed, they had a significantly higher monthly income, and took higher doses of antipsychotic drugs. No difference was found, however, in any of the QOL domains between the genders. On multivariate analysis being employed, taking a higher dose of antipsychotic drugs, having more severe extrapyramidal side-effects, and a higher score on the physical domain of QOL were independently associated with male gender. Female gender is independently associated with lower scores on the physical aspects of QOL, but there is no difference between the genders in the psychological, social and environmental aspects.

New Zealand doctors' attitudes towards the complaints and disciplinary process.

PubMed

Cunningham, Wayne

2004-07-23

To examine attitudes held by doctors in New Zealand towards the complaints and disciplinary process. A questionnaire was sent to New Zealand doctors randomly selected to include vocationally registered general practitioners, vocationally registered hospital-based specialists, and general registrants. 598 respondents (33.6% having ever and 66.4% having never received a medical complaint) indicated that New Zealand doctors strongly support society's right to complain, having lay input, a sense of completion, and appropriate advice provided to the complaints process. Doctors also support society's notions of rights and responsibilities, and believe that the medical profession is capable of self-regulation. Fifty percent of doctors do not believe that complaints are a useful tool to improve medical practice. Doctor's attitudes diverge about how they believe society interacts with the profession through the complaints process. They are divided in their opinion as to whether complaints are warranted, whether complainants are normal people, and whether complaints are judged by appropriate standards. Doctor's attitudes towards the complaints and disciplinary system fall on a continuum between being consistent and divergent. Their attitudes are consistent with notions of professionalism, but suggest that using the complaints system to improve the delivery of medical care may be problematic.

Primary school teachers' knowledge regarding emergency management of avulsed permanent incisors.

PubMed

Touré, B; Benoist, F Léye; Faye, B; Kane, Aw; Kaadioui, S

2011-01-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate primary school teachers' knowledge regarding emergency management of avulsed permanent incisors. The study was conducted in fifty randomly chosen primary schools from Casablanca, Morocco. All teachers of the selected schools were included in the study. The data were collected by self administered questionnaires. The questions focused on the teachers' general characteristics, experience of avulsed teeth and the importance of emergency management. The data were analyzed using chi square test. A total of 501 teachers, of which 23.6% were male and 75.4% were female, answered the questionnaire. The results showed that 44.5 % of the teachers had an experience of avulsed tooth at school, 82.82% of them knew the importance of emergency management and 32.6% would look for a dentist for treatment of the cases. Only 15.8% would reimplant the tooth themselves. Regarding the storage media, 21.95% would keep the avulsed tooth in milk. There was no significant difference between gender and education level (p>0.05). This study shows school teachers' lack of knowledge regarding dental trauma and especially tooth avulsion. Therefore, the results indicated that educational programs are necessary for improvement in their level of knowledge.

Exposure to occupational air pollution and cardiac function in workers of the Esfahan Steel Industry, Iran.

PubMed

Golshahi, Jafar; Sadeghi, Masoumeh; Saqira, Mohammad; Zavar, Reihaneh; Sadeghifar, Mostafa; Roohafza, Hamidreza

2016-06-01

Air pollution is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We investigated association of exposure to occupational air pollution and cardiac function in the workers of the steel industry. Fifty male workers of the agglomeration and coke-making parts of the Esfahan Steel Company were randomly selected (n = 50). Workers in the administrative parts were studied as controls (n = 50). Those with known history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes, and active smokers were not included. Data of age, body mass index, employment duration, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile were gathered. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function. Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in workers of the agglomeration/coke-making parts than in controls (mean difference = 5 to 5.5 %, P < 0.001). Mild right ventricular dilatation and grade I pulmonary hypertension were present in three (12 %) workers of the coke-making part, but none of the controls (P = 0.010). According to these results, occupational air pollution exposure in workers of the steel industry is associated with left heart systolic dysfunction. Possible right heart insults due to air pollution exposure warrant further investigations.

A bolus/basal multiple injection regimen in type I diabetes. A multicentre trial using a new 'fountain-pen' device for short-acting human insulin as well as long-acting human insulin.

PubMed

Distiller, L A; Robertson, L I; Moore, R; Bonnici, F

1987-06-20

A trial was undertaken to ascertain the effect and acceptability of a multiple insulin injection regimen (MII) in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using short-acting monocomponent human soluble insulin (Actrapid HM; Novo) for pre-meal bolus injections with the NovoPen injection device (Novo) and long-acting human insulin (Ultratard HM; Novo) at bedtime. Fifty-four patients, all previously on twice-daily short/intermediate-acting human insulin (Monotard HM; Novo) and Actrapid HM, were randomly selected. There was a significant overall improvement in diabetic control over the 12 weeks of the trial, the glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb A1) dropping from a mean of 9.8 +/- 2.2% to 8.6 +/- 1.7% (P less than 0.05). MII, using the NovoPen, was found to be more convenient than conventional insulin administration by 92% of the subjects. It is concluded that the NovoPen is a useful and convenient means of administering pre-meal boluses in an MII regimen, with a very high rate of acceptance by patients of all ages.

Saddlepoint approximation to the distribution of the total distance of the continuous time random walk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatto, Riccardo

2017-12-01

This article considers the random walk over Rp, with p ≥ 2, where a given particle starts at the origin and moves stepwise with uniformly distributed step directions and step lengths following a common distribution. Step directions and step lengths are independent. The case where the number of steps of the particle is fixed and the more general case where it follows an independent continuous time inhomogeneous counting process are considered. Saddlepoint approximations to the distribution of the distance from the position of the particle to the origin are provided. Despite the p-dimensional nature of the random walk, the computations of the saddlepoint approximations are one-dimensional and thus simple. Explicit formulae are derived with dimension p = 3: for uniformly and exponentially distributed step lengths, for fixed and for Poisson distributed number of steps. In these situations, the high accuracy of the saddlepoint approximations is illustrated by numerical comparisons with Monte Carlo simulation. Contribution to the "Topical Issue: Continuous Time Random Walk Still Trendy: Fifty-year History, Current State and Outlook", edited by Ryszard Kutner and Jaume Masoliver.

Practicing Field Hockey Skills Along the Contextual Interference Continuum: A Comparison of Five Practice Schedules

PubMed Central

Cheong, Jadeera Phaik Geok; Lay, Brendan; Grove, J. Robert; Medic, Nikola; Razman, Rizal

2012-01-01

To overcome the weakness of the contextual interference (CI) effect within applied settings, Brady, 2008 recommended that the amount of interference be manipulated. This study investigated the effect of five practice schedules on the learning of three field hockey skills. Fifty-five pre-university students performed a total of 90 trials for each skill under blocked, mixed or random practice orders. Results showed a significant time effect with all five practice conditions leading to improvements in acquisition and learning of the skills. No significant differences were found between the groups. The findings of the present study did not support the CI effect and suggest that either blocked, mixed, or random practice schedules can be used effectively when structuring practice for beginners. Key pointsThe contextual interference effect did not surface when using sport skills.There appears to be no difference between blocked and random practice schedules in the learning of field hockey skills.Low (blocked), moderate (mixed) or high (random) interference practice schedules can be used effectively when conducting a multiple skill practice session for beginners. PMID:24149204

Practicing field hockey skills along the contextual interference continuum: a comparison of five practice schedules.

PubMed

Cheong, Jadeera Phaik Geok; Lay, Brendan; Grove, J Robert; Medic, Nikola; Razman, Rizal

2012-01-01

To overcome the weakness of the contextual interference (CI) effect within applied settings, Brady, 2008 recommended that the amount of interference be manipulated. This study investigated the effect of five practice schedules on the learning of three field hockey skills. Fifty-five pre-university students performed a total of 90 trials for each skill under blocked, mixed or random practice orders. Results showed a significant time effect with all five practice conditions leading to improvements in acquisition and learning of the skills. No significant differences were found between the groups. The findings of the present study did not support the CI effect and suggest that either blocked, mixed, or random practice schedules can be used effectively when structuring practice for beginners. Key pointsThe contextual interference effect did not surface when using sport skills.There appears to be no difference between blocked and random practice schedules in the learning of field hockey skills.Low (blocked), moderate (mixed) or high (random) interference practice schedules can be used effectively when conducting a multiple skill practice session for beginners.

COMPARISON OF RANDOM AND SYSTEMATIC SITE SELECTION FOR ASSESSING ATTAINMENT OF AQUATIC LIFE USES IN SEGMENTS OF THE OHIO RIVER

EPA Science Inventory

This report is a description of field work and data analysis results comparing a design comparable to systematic site selection with one based on random selection of sites. The report is expected to validate the use of random site selection in the bioassessment program for the O...

Influence of early rising on performance in tasks requiring attention and memory.

PubMed

Kumaran, V Shankar; Raghavendra, Bhat Ramachandra; Manjunath, Nandi Krishnamurthy

2012-01-01

Rising early in the morning has been a prescribed discipline of ancient Indian tradition. While there are no scientific studies comparing early rising volitionally versus circumstantially, selected studies on the latter (rising forcefully) have shown negative impact on an individual's peroformance. Hence the present study was undertaken to assess the influence of early rising (during Brahma-muhurtha) on tasks requiring attention and the ability to recall. Fifty four normal healthy male volunteers, with ages ranging from 16-22 years from a residential school were selected. They were randomly allocated to two groups (Brahma-muhurtha and control). They were assessed on day 1, day 10 and day 20 of the intervention, using a digit letter substitution task and verbal and spatial memory task. The Brahma-muhurtha group were asked to rise before 4:30 am in the morning based on the traditional Indian astrological calculations, while the control group were allowed to wake up just before 7 am which was their regular timing for waking. Brahma-muhurtha group after 20 days showed a significant improvement in the net scores for digit letter substitution task as well as scores for verbal and spatial memory tasks. The control group also showed an improvement in the memory task but not in the task requiring attentional processes. The present study suggests that rising early in the morning as described in ancient Indian tradition influences the process of attention and can improve the ability to recall.

Impact of lossy compression on diagnostic accuracy of radiographs for periapical lesions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eraso, Francisco E.; Analoui, Mostafa; Watson, Andrew B.; Rebeschini, Regina

2002-01-01

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lossy Joint Photographic Experts Group compression for endodontic pretreatment digital radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty clinical charge-coupled device-based, digital radiographs depicting periapical areas were selected. Each image was compressed at 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 compression ratios. One root per image was marked for examination. Images were randomized and viewed by four clinical observers under standardized viewing conditions. Each observer read the image set three times, with at least two weeks between each reading. Three pre-selected sites per image (mesial, distal, apical) were scored on a five-scale score confidence scale. A panel of three examiners scored the uncompressed images, with a consensus score for each site. The consensus score was used as the baseline for assessing the impact of lossy compression on the diagnostic values of images. The mean absolute error between consensus and observer scores was computed for each observer, site, and reading session. RESULTS: Balanced one-way analysis of variance for all observers indicated that for compression ratios 48 and 64, there was significant difference between mean absolute error of uncompressed and compressed images (P <.05). After converting the five-scale score to two-level diagnostic values, the diagnostic accuracy was strongly correlated (R (2) = 0.91) with the compression ratio. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that high compression ratios can have a severe impact on the diagnostic quality of the digital radiographs for detection of periapical lesions.

Impact of Availability of Companion Diagnostics on the Clinical Development of Anticancer Drugs.

PubMed

Tibau, Ariadna; Díez-González, Laura; Navarro, Beatriz; Galán-Moya, Eva M; Templeton, Arnoud J; Seruga, Bostjan; Pandiella, Atanasio; Amir, Eitan; Ocana, Alberto

2017-06-01

Companion diagnostics permit the selection of patients likely to respond to targeted anticancer drugs; however, it is unclear if the drug development process differs between drugs developed with or without companion diagnostics. Identification of differences in study design could help future clinical development. Anticancer drugs approved for use in solid tumors between 28 September 2000 and 4 January 2014 were identified using a search of the US FDA website. Phase III trials supporting registration were extracted from the drug label. Each published study was reviewed to obtain information about the phase I and II trials used for the development of the respective drug. We identified 35 drugs and 59 phase III randomized trials supporting regulatory approval. Fifty-three phase I trials and 47 phase II trials were cited in the studies and were used to support the design of these phase III trials. The approval of drugs using a companion diagnostic has increased over time (p for trend 0.01). Expansion cohorts were more frequently observed with drugs developed with a companion diagnostic (62 vs. 20%; p = 0.005). No differences between drugs developed with or without a companion diagnostic were observed for the design of phase I and II studies. The approval of drugs developed with a companion diagnostic has increased over time. The availability of a companion diagnostic was associated with more frequent use of phase I expansion cohorts comprising patients selected by the companion diagnostic.

Perception on the abortion laws in Sri Lanka: A community based study in the city of Colombo

PubMed

Suranga, M S; Silva, K T; Senanayake, L

2016-12-30

Abortion is legally permitted in Sri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life. However, it is estimated that a large number of induced abortions take place in Sri Lanka. Knowledge and attitudes towards induced abortion in the society are key issues influencing the policy response towards changes in the law. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Six Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) and five to eight housing clusters from each GND were selected from Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division using multi stage stratified random sampling. Fifty households were systematically selected from each GND. An interview was scheduled among 743 residents aged between 19 to 49 years of age after receiving written informed consent. Only 11% of the respondents knew the situations in which abortion was legal in Sri Lanka. Approximately one tenth of the respondents (11%) did not agree with the current law which allows an induced abortion only to save the life of the mother. However, a majority agreed to legalization of abortion for rape (65%), incest (55%) and pregnancies with lethal fetal abnormalities (53%). Less than one tenth of respondents agreed with legalisation of induced abortion for other reasons such as con-traceptive failure (6%), poor economic conditions (7%) and, on request (4%). Although the society rejects abortion on request majority are in favour of allowing abortions for rape, incest and fetuses with lethal abnormalities.

Engaging community businesses in human immunodeficiency virus prevention: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Rovniak, Liza S; Hovell, Melbourne F; Hofstetter, C Richard; Blumberg, Elaine J; Sipan, Carol L; Batista, Marcia F; Martinez-Donate, Ana P; Mulvihill, Mary M; Ayala, Guadalupe X

2010-01-01

To explore the feasibility of engaging community businesses in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. Randomly selected business owners/managers were asked to display discreetly wrapped condoms and brochures, both of which were provided free-of-charge for 3 months. Assessments were conducted at baseline, mid-program, and post-program. Customer feedback was obtained through an online survey. Participants were selected from a San Diego, California neighborhood with a high rate of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Fifty-one business owners/managers who represented 10 retail categories, and 52 customers. Participation rates, descriptive characteristics, number of condoms and brochures distributed, customer feedback, business owners'/managers' program satisfaction, and business owners'/managers' willingness to provide future support for HIV prevention were measured. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact, and McNemar's tests were used to analyze data. The 20 business owners/managers (39%) who agreed to distribute condoms and brochures reported fewer years in business and more employees than those who agreed only to distribute brochures (20%) or who refused to participate (41%; p < .05). Bars were the easiest of ten retail categories to recruit. Businesses with more employees and customers distributed more condoms and brochures (p < .05). More than 90% of customers supported distributing condoms and brochures in businesses, and 96% of business owners/managers described their program experience as positive. Businesses are willing to distribute condoms and brochures to prevent HIV. Policies to increase business participation in HIV prevention should be developed and tested.

Randomizing Roaches: Exploring the "Bugs" of Randomization in Experimental Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagler, Amy; Wagler, Ron

2014-01-01

Understanding the roles of random selection and random assignment in experimental design is a central learning objective in most introductory statistics courses. This article describes an activity, appropriate for a high school or introductory statistics course, designed to teach the concepts, values and pitfalls of random selection and assignment…

The Impact of an Ergonomics Intervention on Psychosocial Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Thai Hospital Orderlies.

PubMed

Chanchai, Withaya; Songkham, Wanpen; Ketsomporn, Pranom; Sappakitchanchai, Punnarat; Siriwong, Wattasit; Robson, Mark Gregory

2016-05-03

(1) BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders have a multifactorial etiology that is not only associated with physical risk factors, but also psychosocial risk factors; (2) OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors; (3) MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study took a participatory ergonomic (PE) approach with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at tertiary care hospitals during July to December 2014. A group of hospital orderlies in Thailand were randomly selected for examination. Fifty orderlies were placed in a case group and another 50 orderlies were placed in the control group. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) were used for data collection before and after the intervention program; (4) RESULTS: The most commonly reported problem among hospital orderlies was found to be lower back symptoms (82%). The study found significant differences in prevalence rates of reported musculoskeletal conditions in the arm, upper back, and lower back regions before and after intervention. Findings showed that psychosocial risk factors were affected by the intervention. COPSOQ psychosocial risk factors were significantly different pre/post intervention. These variables included: work pace, influence at work, meaning of work, predictability, rewards, role conflicts, and social support from supervisors. No other psychosocial risk factors were found to be significant; (5) CONCLUSIONS: Positive results were observed following the intervention in the work environment, particularly in terms of reducing physical work environment risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and increasing promotion factors of the psychosocial work environment.

The Impact of an Ergonomics Intervention on Psychosocial Factors and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Thai Hospital Orderlies

PubMed Central

Chanchai, Withaya; Songkham, Wanpen; Ketsomporn, Pranom; Sappakitchanchai, Punnarat; Siriwong, Wattasit; Robson, Mark Gregory

2016-01-01

(1) Background: Musculoskeletal disorders have a multifactorial etiology that is not only associated with physical risk factors, but also psychosocial risk factors; (2) Objective: This study evaluated the effects of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risk factors; (3) Material and Methods: This study took a participatory ergonomic (PE) approach with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at tertiary care hospitals during July to December 2014. A group of hospital orderlies in Thailand were randomly selected for examination. Fifty orderlies were placed in a case group and another 50 orderlies were placed in the control group. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) were used for data collection before and after the intervention program; (4) Results: The most commonly reported problem among hospital orderlies was found to be lower back symptoms (82%). The study found significant differences in prevalence rates of reported musculoskeletal conditions in the arm, upper back, and lower back regions before and after intervention. Findings showed that psychosocial risk factors were affected by the intervention. COPSOQ psychosocial risk factors were significantly different pre/post intervention. These variables included: work pace, influence at work, meaning of work, predictability, rewards, role conflicts, and social support from supervisors. No other psychosocial risk factors were found to be significant; (5) Conclusions: Positive results were observed following the intervention in the work environment, particularly in terms of reducing physical work environment risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and increasing promotion factors of the psychosocial work environment. PMID:27153076

Comparing Adrenaline with Tranexamic Acid to Control Acute Endobronchial Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Fekri, Mitra Samareh; Hashemi-Bajgani, Seyed Mehdy; Shafahi, Ahmad; Zarshenas, Rozita

2017-01-01

Background: Hemoptysis occurs due to either pulmonary diseases or bronchoscopy interventions. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the endobronchial instillation of adrenaline with that of tranexamic acid. Methods: Fifty patients were randomly selected as 2 double-blinded sample groups (n=25). In these patients, bleeding could not be controlled with cold saline lavage during bronchoscopy and they, therefore, required prescription of another medicine. Adrenaline (1 mg) in one group and tranexamic acid (500 mg) in the other group were diluted in 20 mL of normal saline and instilled through the bronchoscope. This technique was repeated 3 times at 90-second intervals, if necessary. In the case of persistent bleeding, 90 seconds after the last dose, a second medicine was given for bleeding control. Observation of clot through the bronchoscope meant that the bleeding had stopped. The efficacy of tranexamic acid and adrenaline was evaluated and then compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: The time of bleeding control had no significant difference between tranexamic acid and adrenaline (P=0.908). Another analysis was done to evaluate bleeding control with a second medicine; the results showed that 1 (4%) patient in the tranexamic acid and 8 (32%) in the adrenaline group needed the second medicine and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P=0.609). Conclusion: Our results suggested that tranexamic acid by endobronchial instillation was as efficient as adrenaline in controlling hemoptysis and required less frequent use of a second medicine. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2014120220188 PMID:28360438

Comparing Adrenaline with Tranexamic Acid to Control Acute Endobronchial Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Fekri, Mitra Samareh; Hashemi-Bajgani, Seyed Mehdy; Shafahi, Ahmad; Zarshenas, Rozita

2017-03-01

Hemoptysis occurs due to either pulmonary diseases or bronchoscopy interventions. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the endobronchial instillation of adrenaline with that of tranexamic acid. Fifty patients were randomly selected as 2 double-blinded sample groups (n=25). In these patients, bleeding could not be controlled with cold saline lavage during bronchoscopy and they, therefore, required prescription of another medicine. Adrenaline (1 mg) in one group and tranexamic acid (500 mg) in the other group were diluted in 20 mL of normal saline and instilled through the bronchoscope. This technique was repeated 3 times at 90-second intervals, if necessary. In the case of persistent bleeding, 90 seconds after the last dose, a second medicine was given for bleeding control. Observation of clot through the bronchoscope meant that the bleeding had stopped. The efficacy of tranexamic acid and adrenaline was evaluated and then compared using the Mann-Whitney test. The time of bleeding control had no significant difference between tranexamic acid and adrenaline (P=0.908). Another analysis was done to evaluate bleeding control with a second medicine; the results showed that 1 (4%) patient in the tranexamic acid and 8 (32%) in the adrenaline group needed the second medicine and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P=0.609). Our results suggested that tranexamic acid by endobronchial instillation was as efficient as adrenaline in controlling hemoptysis and required less frequent use of a second medicine. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2014120220188.

Serological, molecular detection and potential risk factors associated with camel brucellosis in Pakistan.

PubMed

Fatima, Sana; Khan, Iahtasham; Nasir, Amar; Younus, Muhammad; Saqib, Muhammad; Melzer, Falk; Neubauer, Heinrich; El-Adawy, Hosny

2016-12-01

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonoses in developing countries and was considered the most widespread zoonosis in the world. Brucellosis was reported in camels and has been reported from all camel-keeping countries.The present study was performed in three districts (Jhang, Chiniot, and Bhakkar) of Punjab province of Pakistan. A total of 200 camel (Camelus bactrianus) sera were collected using random and multistage cluster sampling from different areas. Fifty samples were collected from one organized governmental farm. One hundred fifty samples were collected randomly from nomadic/pastoral production systems. All sera were tested with Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and confirmed by ELISA. Genomic DNA was extracted from all serum samples and tested by real-time PCR. Various potential risk factors (season, rearing with other animals, and abortion or orchitis history) recorded through questionnaires were statistically analyzed by Chi-square test.In total, 5 % of investigated sera were positive by RBPT. Only 2 % of the camel sera were CELISA positive. Brucella abortus DNA was detected in 1.5 % of the investigated animals. Season, rearing of camels with other ruminants, abortion, and orchitis history were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) disease for determinants.Camel brucellosis is a zoonotic disease in the Pakistani Punjab with various risk factors maintaining and perpetuating its spread. Therefore, there is a need for implementing control measures and raising public health awareness in prevention of brucellosis in Pakistan.

Adjunctive Non-Surgical Therapy of Inflamed Periodontal Pockets During Maintenance Therapy Using Diode Laser: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Nguyen, Naomi-Trang; Byarlay, Matthew R; Reinhardt, Richard A; Marx, David B; Meinberg, Trudy A; Kaldahl, Wayne B

2015-10-01

Numerous studies have documented the clinical outcomes of laser therapy for untreated periodontitis, but very few have reported on lasers treating inflamed pockets during maintenance therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of scaling and root planing (SRP) plus the adjunctive use of diode laser therapy to SRP alone on changes in the clinical parameters of disease and on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) inflammatory mediator interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in patients receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy. This single-masked and randomized, controlled, prospective study includes 22 patients receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy who had one or more periodontal sites with a probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP). Fifty-six sites were treated with SRP and adjunctive laser therapy (SRP + L). Fifty-eight sites were treated with SRP alone. Clinical parameters, including PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and BOP, and GCF IL-1β levels were measured immediately before treatment (baseline) and 3 months after treatment. Sites treated with SRP + L and SRP alone resulted in statistically significant reductions in PD and BOP and gains in CAL. These changes were not significantly different between the two therapies. Similarly, differences in GCF IL-1β levels between SRP + L and SRP alone were not statistically significant. In periodontal maintenance patients, SRP + L did not enhance clinical outcomes compared to SRP alone in the treatment of inflamed sites with ≥ 5 mm PD.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of controlled release melatonin treatment of delayed sleep phase syndrome and impaired sleep maintenance in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

PubMed

Wasdell, Michael B; Jan, James E; Bomben, Melissa M; Freeman, Roger D; Rietveld, Wop J; Tai, Joseph; Hamilton, Donald; Weiss, Margaret D

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of controlled-release (CR) melatonin in the treatment of delayed sleep phase syndrome and impaired sleep maintenance of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of CR melatonin (5 mg) followed by a 3-month open-label study was conducted during which the dose was gradually increased until the therapy showed optimal beneficial effects. Sleep characteristics were measured by caregiver who completed somnologs and wrist actigraphs. Clinician rating of severity of the sleep disorder and improvement from baseline, along with caregiver ratings of global functioning and family stress were also obtained. Fifty-one children (age range 2-18 years) who did not respond to sleep hygiene intervention were enrolled. Fifty patients completed the crossover trial and 47 completed the open-label phase. Recordings of total night-time sleep and sleep latency showed significant improvement of approximately 30 min. Similarly, significant improvement was observed in clinician and parent ratings. There was additional improvement in the open-label somnolog measures of sleep efficiency and the longest sleep episode in the open-label phase. Overall, the therapy improved the sleep of 47 children and was effective in reducing family stress. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, who had treatment resistant chronic delayed sleep phase syndrome and impaired sleep maintenance, showed improvement in melatonin therapy.

Non-linear continuous time random walk models★

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stage, Helena; Fedotov, Sergei

2017-11-01

A standard assumption of continuous time random walk (CTRW) processes is that there are no interactions between the random walkers, such that we obtain the celebrated linear fractional equation either for the probability density function of the walker at a certain position and time, or the mean number of walkers. The question arises how one can extend this equation to the non-linear case, where the random walkers interact. The aim of this work is to take into account this interaction under a mean-field approximation where the statistical properties of the random walker depend on the mean number of walkers. The implementation of these non-linear effects within the CTRW integral equations or fractional equations poses difficulties, leading to the alternative methodology we present in this work. We are concerned with non-linear effects which may either inhibit anomalous effects or induce them where they otherwise would not arise. Inhibition of these effects corresponds to a decrease in the waiting times of the random walkers, be this due to overcrowding, competition between walkers or an inherent carrying capacity of the system. Conversely, induced anomalous effects present longer waiting times and are consistent with symbiotic, collaborative or social walkers, or indirect pinpointing of favourable regions by their attractiveness. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Continuous Time Random Walk Still Trendy: Fifty-year History, Current State and Outlook", edited by Ryszard Kutner and Jaume Masoliver.

Intravenous augmentative citalopram versus clomipramine in partial/nonresponder depressed patients: a short-term, low dose, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Altamura, Alfredo Carlo; Dell'Osso, Bernardo; Buoli, Massimiliano; Zanoni, Silvia; Mundo, Emanuela

2008-08-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of short-term low-dose intravenous augmentative citalopram (10 mg/d) versus clomipramine (25 mg/d) versus placebo in a sample of patients with MDE and partial or no response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fifty-four patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, MDE and partial or no response to SSRIs per os (21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D21] score reduction, <50% or < or =25%, respectively, compared with pretreatment scores) were selected and randomized to citalopram (n = 18), clomipramine (n = 18), or placebo (n = 18) intravenous augmentation. The augmentation regimen lasted 5 days during which patients were maintained on their previous treatment with oral SSRIs. Analyses of variance with repeated measures on HAM-D(21), collected daily in blind-raters design, were performed to detect any change of depressive symptoms between the 3 groups. In addition, the number of responders and remitters was computed in the 3 groups of treatment. At end point, a significant treatment effect (F= 4.57; P = 0.015) and time-by-treatment effect (F = 11.22; P < 0.0001) were found on HAM-D21 total scores in favor of citalopram and clomipramine versus placebo, with a superiority of citalopram over clomipramine on overall symptoms (P = 0.05) as well as on anxiety-somatization symptoms (P = 0.027). The number of responders was significantly superior in the active treatment groups versus the placebo group ([chi](2)(2) = 16.36; P < 0.0001). The same result was found, considering the number of remitters ([chi](2)(2) = 13.50; P < 0.0001). Present findings suggest that both clomipramine and citalopram intravenous augmentation at low doses and for a short period are well tolerated and superior to placebo in major depressives with partial or no response to oral SSRIs with a possible superiority of citalopram over clomipramine with regard to anxiety-somatization symptoms. The lack of double-blind conditions and the limited sample size may limit the confidence in the reported results, and larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the present findings.

Inflammatory response, growth, and thyroid hormone concentrations are affected by long-term boron supplementation in gilts.

PubMed

Armstrong, T A; Spears, J W; Lloyd, K E

2001-06-01

An experiment was conducted to determine the long-term effects of dietary boron (B) on growth performance, immune function, and plasma and serum characteristics in gilts. Fifty weanling gilts were allotted to 10 pens based on weaning weight and litter origin. Pens were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments. Treatments consisted of a basal diet low in B (control) and the basal diet supplemented with 5 mg B/kg diet as sodium borate. Gilts remained on their respective experimental diets and with their penmates throughout the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. The B concentration of the basal diet was 0.98, 2.1, and 2.2 mg/kg diet during the nursery, growing, and finishing phases, respectively. At the end of each production phase, animals were weighed and feed consumption was determined to assess growth performance variables. In addition, blood samples were obtained from three randomly selected gilts per pen at the completion of each phase. Boron had no affect (P > 0.58) on growth performance during the nursery phase, but gilts receiving supplemental B had increased (P < 0.05) ADG at the end of the finishing phase and over the entire growing-finishing period. Serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) tended (P < 0.07) to be reduced by dietary B at the end of the nursery phase, but serum thyroxine (T4) was not affected (P = 0.46) by B. At the completion of the growing phase, supplemental B decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of T3 and T4 in the serum. In addition, serum concentrations of total cholesterol and the activity of alkaline phosphatase were increased (P < 0.05) by dietary B at the end of the growing phase. Serum concentrations of urea N tended (P < 0.09) to be increased by B at the end of the growing phase. Beginning at d 95 of the experimental period, measures of immune function were assessed in randomly selected gilts. Boron decreased (P < 0.05) the inflammatory response to an intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin. Boron did not affect (P > 0.30) the blastogenic response of isolated lymphocytes to mitogen stimulation or the humoral immune response against a sheep red blood cell suspension. Results indicate that B may affect serum thyroid hormone concentrations, the inflammatory response, and growth in pigs.

Application of random effects to the study of resource selection by animals

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gillies, C.S.; Hebblewhite, M.; Nielsen, S.E.; Krawchuk, M.A.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Frair, J.L.; Saher, D.J.; Stevens, C.E.; Jerde, C.L.

2006-01-01

1. Resource selection estimated by logistic regression is used increasingly in studies to identify critical resources for animal populations and to predict species occurrence.2. Most frequently, individual animals are monitored and pooled to estimate population-level effects without regard to group or individual-level variation. Pooling assumes that both observations and their errors are independent, and resource selection is constant given individual variation in resource availability.3. Although researchers have identified ways to minimize autocorrelation, variation between individuals caused by differences in selection or available resources, including functional responses in resource selection, have not been well addressed.4. Here we review random-effects models and their application to resource selection modelling to overcome these common limitations. We present a simple case study of an analysis of resource selection by grizzly bears in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with and without random effects.5. Both categorical and continuous variables in the grizzly bear model differed in interpretation, both in statistical significance and coefficient sign, depending on how a random effect was included. We used a simulation approach to clarify the application of random effects under three common situations for telemetry studies: (a) discrepancies in sample sizes among individuals; (b) differences among individuals in selection where availability is constant; and (c) differences in availability with and without a functional response in resource selection.6. We found that random intercepts accounted for unbalanced sample designs, and models with random intercepts and coefficients improved model fit given the variation in selection among individuals and functional responses in selection. Our empirical example and simulations demonstrate how including random effects in resource selection models can aid interpretation and address difficult assumptions limiting their generality. This approach will allow researchers to appropriately estimate marginal (population) and conditional (individual) responses, and account for complex grouping, unbalanced sample designs and autocorrelation.

Application of random effects to the study of resource selection by animals.

PubMed

Gillies, Cameron S; Hebblewhite, Mark; Nielsen, Scott E; Krawchuk, Meg A; Aldridge, Cameron L; Frair, Jacqueline L; Saher, D Joanne; Stevens, Cameron E; Jerde, Christopher L

2006-07-01

1. Resource selection estimated by logistic regression is used increasingly in studies to identify critical resources for animal populations and to predict species occurrence. 2. Most frequently, individual animals are monitored and pooled to estimate population-level effects without regard to group or individual-level variation. Pooling assumes that both observations and their errors are independent, and resource selection is constant given individual variation in resource availability. 3. Although researchers have identified ways to minimize autocorrelation, variation between individuals caused by differences in selection or available resources, including functional responses in resource selection, have not been well addressed. 4. Here we review random-effects models and their application to resource selection modelling to overcome these common limitations. We present a simple case study of an analysis of resource selection by grizzly bears in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with and without random effects. 5. Both categorical and continuous variables in the grizzly bear model differed in interpretation, both in statistical significance and coefficient sign, depending on how a random effect was included. We used a simulation approach to clarify the application of random effects under three common situations for telemetry studies: (a) discrepancies in sample sizes among individuals; (b) differences among individuals in selection where availability is constant; and (c) differences in availability with and without a functional response in resource selection. 6. We found that random intercepts accounted for unbalanced sample designs, and models with random intercepts and coefficients improved model fit given the variation in selection among individuals and functional responses in selection. Our empirical example and simulations demonstrate how including random effects in resource selection models can aid interpretation and address difficult assumptions limiting their generality. This approach will allow researchers to appropriately estimate marginal (population) and conditional (individual) responses, and account for complex grouping, unbalanced sample designs and autocorrelation.

Lameness and Claw Lesions of the Norwegian Red Dairy Cattle Housed in Free Stalls in Relation to Environment, Parity and Stage of Lactation

PubMed Central

Sogstad, ÅM; Fjeldaas, T; Østerås, O

2005-01-01

Approximately 88% of Norwegian dairy cattle are housed in tie stalls. Free stall housing for all dairy cattle will be implemented within 20 years. This means that the majority of existing stalls will be rebuilt in the near future. Fifty-seven free stall herds of the Norwegian Red breed were randomly selected and 1547 cows and 403 heifers were trimmed by 13 claw trimmers during the late winter and spring of 2002. The claw trimmers had been taught diagnosing and recording of claw lesions. Environment, management- and feeding routines were also recorded. Fifty-three herds had concrete slatted alleys while 4 had solid concrete. Thirty-five herds had concrete as a stall base, while 17 had rubber mats, 2 had wood and 3 had deep litter straw beds. The prevalence of lameness was 1.6% in hind claws. Models for lameness and claw lesions were designed to estimate the influence of different risk factors and to account for the cluster effects within herd and claw trimmer. Detected risk factors for lameness were: parity three and above and narrow cubicles; for heel horn erosions: lactation stage around 5–7 months after calving and solid concrete alleys; for haemorrhages of the white line: lactation stage around 3–5 months after calving and solid concrete alleys; for haemorrhages of the sole: parity one, lactation stage around 5–7 months after calving and short cubicles, for white line fissures: slatted concrete alleys; for asymmetrical claws: parities two and above and for corkscrewed claws: solid concrete alleys. The prevalence of lameness in heifers was low, however 29% had one or more claw lesions. Heifers that were housed in pens or free stalls had more heel-horn erosions, haemorrhages of the sole and white-line fissures than heifers in tie stalls. As new free stalls are being built, it is important to optimise the conditions for claw health. PMID:16398332

Low protein diets for chronic kidney disease in non diabetic adults.

PubMed

Fouque, D; Laville, M; Boissel, J P

2006-04-19

For more than fifty years, low protein diets have been proposed to patients with kidney failure. However, the effects of these diets in preventing severe renal failure and the need for maintenance dialysis have not been resolved. To determine the efficacy of low protein diets in delaying the need to start maintenance dialysis. Cochrane Renal Group trials register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Congress abstracts (American Society of Nephrology since 1990, European Dialysis Transplant Association since 1985, International Society of Nephrology since 1987). Direct contacts with investigators. Date of most recent search: December 2004. Randomised trials comparing two different levels of protein intake in adult patients suffering from moderate to severe renal failure, followed for at least one year. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. Statistical analyses were performed using the random effects model and the results expressed as relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Collection of the number of "renal deaths" defined as the need for starting dialysis, the death of a patient or a kidney transplant during the trial. Eight trials were identified from over 40 studies. A total of 1524 patients were analysed, 763 had received reduced protein intake and 761 a higher protein intake. Two hundred and fifty one renal deaths were recorded, 103 in the low protein diet and 148 in the higher protein diet group (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86, P = 0.0007). To avoid one renal death, 2 to 56 patients need to be treated with a low protein diet during one year. Reducing protein intake in patients with chronic kidney disease reduces the occurrence of renal death by 31% as compared with higher or unrestricted protein intake. The optimal level of protein intake cannot be confirmed from these studies.

Does being a chief resident predict leadership in pediatric careers?

PubMed

Alpert, J J; Levenson, S M; Osman, C J; James, S

2000-04-01

Many organizations make efforts to identify future pediatric leaders, often focusing on chief residents (CRs). Identifying future leaders is an issue of great importance not only to the ultimate success of the organization but also to the profession. Because little is known regarding whether completing a CR predicts future leadership in medicine, we sought to determine if former pediatric CRs when compared with pediatric residents who were not CRs reported more often that they were leaders in their profession. Twenty-four pediatric training programs stratified by resident size (<18, 18-36, and >36) and geography (East, South, Midwest, and West) were selected randomly from the Graduate Medical Education Directory (American Medical Association, Chicago, IL). Program directors were contacted by mail and telephone and asked to provide their housestaff rosters from 1965-1985. The resulting resident sample was surveyed by questionnaire in 1995. Fifteen of 17 program directors (88%) who possessed the requested data provided 1965-1985 rosters yielding a sample of 963 residents. Fifty-five percent of the resident sample (533) responded. Fifty-eight of the respondents had not completed a pediatric residency, leaving a survey sample of 475. Thirty-four percent (163) were CRs. The sample had a mean age of 47, 67% were male and 87% married. Fellowships were completed by 51%. More former CRs compared with non-CRs (75% vs 64%), more former fellows than non-fellows (75% vs 60%) and more males than females (74% vs 55%) reported they were professional leaders. These associations persisted in a logistic regression that controlled for CR status, gender, marital status, and fellowship status as leadership predictors. Former CRs, former fellows, and men were, respectively, 1.8, 2.3, and 2.3 times more likely to report professional leadership. Pediatric residents who were former CRs and/or fellows, and males were more likely to report professional leadership. Although men were more likely to report professional leadership, with more women entering pediatrics the reported gender differences will likely disappear over time.

Change in Pulmonary Function after Incentive Spirometer Exercise in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Choi, Ja Young; Rha, Dong-wook; Park, Eun Sook

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incentive spirometer exercise (ISE) on pulmonary function and maximal phonation time (MPT) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty children with CP were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Both groups underwent comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. The experimental group underwent additional ISE. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and MPT were assessed as outcome measures before and after 4 weeks of training. There were significant improvements in FVC, FEV₁, PEF, and MPT in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In addition, the improvements in FVC, FEV₁, and MPT were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. The results of this randomized controlled study support the use of ISE for enhancing pulmonary function and breath control for speech production in children with CP.

Designing Websites for ESL Learners: A Usability Testing Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Min; Traphagan, Tomoko; Huh, Jin; Koh, Young Ihn; Choi, Gilok; McGregor, Allison

2008-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to report on a usability study for ESL websites conducted to gain insights from learners of English as a second language (ESL) as they interacted with specific sites. Five carefully selected ESL sites were tested by 10 different users generating a total of fifty testing sessions. Two major research questions guided the…

Hiring and Retaining Direct-Care Staff: After Fifty Years of Research, What Do We Know?.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Philip S.; Hall, Nancy D.

2002-01-01

This literature review finds that efforts since the 1950s to develop research-based selection tools for recruiting direct-care staff to work with people with developmental disabilities have not been successful. However, researchers have identified practices that can reduce staff turnover, such as articulating the mission and improving human…

The Views of Education Social Workers on the Management of Truancy and Other Forms of Non-Attendance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, Ken

2006-01-01

This article focuses on the response from a specially constructed questionnaire which was completed by 431 education social workers/education welfare officers located throughout England and Wales in 2005. The findings are supported by interview data obtained from fifty-nine education social workers/education welfare officers in selected local…

Evaluating the Acceptability and Feasibility of Project ACCEPT: An Intervention for Youth Newly Diagnosed with HIV

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hosek, Sybil G.; Lemos, Diana; Harper, Gary W.; Telander, Kyle

2011-01-01

Given the potential for negative psychosocial and medical outcomes following an HIV diagnosis, Project ACCEPT, a 12-session behavioral intervention, was developed and pilot-tested for youth (aged 16-24) newly diagnosed with HIV. Fifty participants recently diagnosed with HIV were enrolled from 4 sites selected through the Adolescent Medicine…

Home Range, Habitat Selection, and Population Dynamics of Southern Flying Squirrels in Managed Forests in Arkansas

Treesearch

James F. Taulman; Kimberly G. Smith

2004-01-01

Abstract After experimental harvests on 18 mature pine-hardwood stands in 6 replicated groups, flying squirrels changed from uniform pre-harvest patterns of nest box use to concentrating on protected greenbelt (GB) areas on harvested stands. Squirrel densities declined on all harvested stands as densities increased on three control stands. Fifty...

The Effects of Feedback and Selected Personality Variables on Aesthetic Judgment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West, Charles K.; And Others

This study is an attempt to investigate the extent of which knowledge of results in various forms (true, none, and false) may modify aesthetic judgment. Seventy-two graduate students were administered an aesthetic judgment test of fifty items. On half of the test, twenty-four subjects received correct feedback and twenty-four received false…

Military Aptitude Testing: The Past Fifty Years

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

61 Relationship Between the STP and the Joint-Service Program ............. 64 CHAPTER 4 NORMING AND SCALING MILITARY SELECTION...34* Identify the skills and knowledge that underlie performance in an occupational area. "* Develop experimental tests that may predict performance in...and nuclear technicians.) "* Construct experimental tests that measure the skills , knowledge, and aptitudes needed for success in that occupational

National Educational Technology Trends: 2011. Transforming Education to Ensure All Students Are Successful in the 21st Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Rachel; Fox, Christine; Levin, Douglas

2011-01-01

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)--the principal association representing the technology leadership in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs--presents its eighth annual report on select, national, educational technology activities. This…

Alcohol, Sex and Illegal Activities: An Analysis of Selected Facebook Central Photos in Fifty States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watson, Sandy White; Smith, Zachary; Driver, Jennifer

2006-01-01

The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the central photos of 150 students in 50 states participating in Facebook for evidence of alcohol consumption, illegal activities and portrayal of sexually inappropriate behaviors (including nudity or partial nudity). Because the media has frequently reported evidence of these behaviors in…

Reading Comprehension of Sixth Grade, Good and Poor Readers: A Developmental and Methodological Investigation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sawyer, Myrtie L.; And Others

To understand better how readers learn and recall text information, a study examined one prose learning approach--the selective attention strategy (SAS)--in which text elements are processed, given various degrees of attention, and learned according to their perceived importance. Fifty sixth grade students from an inner city school in a large…

Evaluation and Testing of IONSIV IE-911 for the Removal of Cesium-137 from INEEL Tank Waste and Dissolved Calcines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

N. R. Mann; T. A. Todd; K. N. Brewer

1999-04-01

Development of waste treatment processes for the remediation of radioactive wastes is currently underway. A number of experiments were performed at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Environmental Center (INTEC) located at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) with the commercially available sorbent material, IONSIV IE-911, crystalline silicotitanate (CST), manufactured by UOP LLC. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the removal efficiency, sorbent capacity and selectivity of CST for removing Cs-137 from actual and simulated acidic tank waste in addition to dissolved pilot-plant calcine solutions. The scope of this work included batch contact tests performed with non-radioactivemore » dissolved Al and Run-64 pilot plant calcines in addition to simulants representing the average composition of tank waste. Small-scale column tests were performed with actual INEEL tank WM-183 waste, tank waste simulant, dissolved Al and Run-64 pilot plant calcine solutions. Small-scale column experiments using actual WM-183 tank waste resulted in fifty-percent Cs-137 breakthrough at approximately 589 bed volumes. Small-scale column experiments using the tank waste simulant displayed fifty-percent Cs-137 breakthrough at approximately 700 bed volumes. Small-scale column experiments using dissolved Al calcine simulant displayed fifty-percent Cs-137 breakthrough at approximately 795 bed volumes. Column experiments with dissolved Run-64, pilot plant calcine did not reach fifty-percent breakthrough throughout the test.« less

Feasibility of Preoperative Chemotherapy With or Without Radiation Therapy in Localized Soft Tissue Sarcomas of Limbs and Superficial Trunk in the Italian Sarcoma Group/Grupo Español de Investigación en Sarcomas Randomized Clinical Trial: Three Versus Five Cycles of Full-Dose Epirubicin Plus Ifosfamide.

PubMed

Palassini, Elena; Ferrari, Stefano; Verderio, Paolo; De Paoli, Antonino; Martin Broto, Javier; Quagliuolo, Vittorio; Comandone, Alessandro; Sangalli, Claudia; Palmerini, Emanuela; Lopez-Pousa, Antonio; De Sanctis, Rita; Bottelli, Stefano; Libertini, Michela; Picci, Piero; Casali, Paolo G; Gronchi, Alessandro

2015-11-01

We report on feasibility of preoperative chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy (RT) in the context of a phase III randomized clinical trial involving localized, high-risk, soft tissue sarcomas. Of 321 eligible patients, 161 were randomly assigned to three preoperative cycles of epirubicin 120 mg/m(2) plus ifosfamide 9 g/m(2), and 160 were randomly assigned to three preoperative plus two postoperative cycles. Among them, 303 patients were included in this analysis; 169 were male and 134 were female, with a median age of 48 years (range, 15 to 79 years). One hundred fifty-two patients received concurrent RT preoperatively at a total dose of 44 to 50 Gy. Preoperative chemotherapy-related hematologic toxicity and early postoperative complications were reported. The influence of RT, age, and sex on hematologic grade 3 or 4 toxicities and wound complications was analyzed. Chemotherapeutic dose intensity (DI) was analyzed. Among the patients, 61.4%, 22.4%, and 23.8% experienced, grade 4 leucopenia, grade 3 or 4 anemia, and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, respectively. Respective rates were 66.4%, 24.3%, and 31.6% when RT was added preoperatively, and 56.3%, 20.5%, and 15.9% when preoperative chemotherapy was administered alone. Patient age affected grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia. Grade 4 leucopenia and grade 3 or 4 anemia presented 2.5 times more frequently in female patients than in male patients. Wound complications were observed in 13.5% of patients: 17% with preoperative RT and 10% without. Chemotherapeutic DI was greater than 90%, even in patients receiving preoperative RT and in patients age 65 years or older. This preoperative chemotherapy is feasible and can also be proposed for selected elderly patients. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was common, but DI was excellent. Concurrent preoperative RT is safe, although an increased rate of grade 4 thrombocytopenia and limited increase in wound complications may be observed. © 2015 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Maintenance treatment for opioid dependence with slow-release oral morphine: a randomized cross-over, non-inferiority study versus methadone

PubMed Central

Beck, Thilo; Haasen, Christian; Verthein, Uwe; Walcher, Stephan; Schuler, Christoph; Backmund, Markus; Ruckes, Christian; Reimer, Jens

2014-01-01

Aims To compare the efficacy of slow-release oral morphine (SROM) and methadone as maintenance medication for opioid dependence in patients previously treated with methadone. Design Prospective, multiple-dose, open label, randomized, non-inferiority, cross-over study over two 11-week periods. Methadone treatment was switched to SROM with flexible dosing and vice versa according to period and sequence of treatment. Setting Fourteen out-patient addiction treatment centres in Switzerland and Germany. Participants Adults with opioid dependence in methadone maintenance programmes (dose ≥50 mg/day) for ≥26 weeks. Measurements The efficacy end-point was the proportion of heroin-positive urine samples per patient and period of treatment. Each week, two urine samples were collected, randomly selected and analysed for 6-monoacetyl-morphine and 6-acetylcodeine. Non-inferiority was concluded if the two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) in the difference of proportions of positive urine samples was below the predefined boundary of 10%. Findings One hundred and fifty-seven patients fulfilled criteria to form the per protocol population. The proportion of heroin-positive urine samples under SROM treatment (0.20) was non-inferior to the proportion under methadone treatment (0.15) (least-squares mean difference 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.08; P > 0.01). The 95% CI fell within the 10% non-inferiority margin, confirming the non-inferiority of SROM to methadone. A dose-dependent effect was shown for SROM (i.e. decreasing proportions of heroin-positive urine samples with increasing SROM doses). Retention in treatment showed no significant differences between treatments (period 1/period 2: SROM: 88.7%/82.1%, methadone: 91.1%/88.0%; period 1: P = 0.50, period 2: P = 0.19). Overall, safety outcomes were similar between the two groups. Conclusions Slow-release oral morphine appears to be at least as effective as methadone in treating people with opioid use disorder. PMID:24304412

A cluster-based randomized controlled trial promoting community participation in arsenic mitigation efforts in Bangladesh.

PubMed

George, Christine Marie; van Geen, Alexander; Slavkovich, Vesna; Singha, Ashit; Levy, Diane; Islam, Tariqul; Ahmed, Kazi Matin; Moon-Howard, Joyce; Tarozzi, Alessandro; Liu, Xinhua; Factor-Litvak, Pam; Graziano, Joseph

2012-06-19

To reduce arsenic (As) exposure, we evaluated the effectiveness of training community members to perform water arsenic (WAs) testing and provide As education compared to sending representatives from outside communities to conduct these tasks. We conducted a cluster based randomized controlled trial of 20 villages in Singair, Bangladesh. Fifty eligible respondents were randomly selected in each village. In 10 villages, a community member provided As education and WAs testing. In a second set of 10 villages an outside representative performed these tasks. Overall, 53% of respondents using As contaminated wells, relative to the Bangladesh As standard of 50 μg/L, at baseline switched after receiving the intervention. Further, when there was less than 60% arsenic contaminated wells in a village, the classification used by the Bangladeshi and UNICEF, 74% of study households in the community tester villages, and 72% of households in the outside tester villages reported switching to an As safe drinking water source. Switching was more common in the outside-tester (63%) versus community-tester villages (44%). However, after adjusting for the availability of arsenic safe drinking water sources, well switching did not differ significantly by type of As tester (Odds ratio = 0.86[95% confidence interval 0.42-1.77). At follow-up, among those using As contaminated wells who switched to safe wells, average urinary As concentrations significantly decreased. The overall intervention was effective in reducing As exposure provided there were As-safe drinking water sources available. However, there was not a significant difference observed in the ability of the community and outside testers to encourage study households to use As-safe water sources. The findings of this study suggest that As education and WAs testing programs provided by As testers, irrespective of their residence, could be used as an effective, low cost approach to reduce As exposure in many As-affected areas of Bangladesh.

Double-blind trial of recombinant gamma-interferon versus placebo in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 1989.

PubMed

Cannon, Grant W; Pincus, Seth H; Emkey, Ronald D; Denes, Alex; Cohen, Selwyn A; Wolfe, Frederick; Saway, P Anthony; Jaffer, Adrian M; Weaver, Arthur L; Cogen, Lewis; Schindler, John D

2008-02-01

One hundred five patients were enrolled in a 12-week, randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of recombinant human gamma-interferon (rHu gamma-IFN) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty-four patients received rHu gamma-IFN and 51 received placebo. Forty-two patients in each group completed the 12-week trial. Some clinical improvement occurred in both groups of patients. Although the improvement with rHu gamma-IFN was greater than that with placebo, the differences were generally not statistically significant.

Factors Associated With Time to Site Activation, Randomization, and Enrollment Performance in a Stroke Prevention Trial.

PubMed

Demaerschalk, Bart M; Brown, Robert D; Roubin, Gary S; Howard, Virginia J; Cesko, Eldina; Barrett, Kevin M; Longbottom, Mary E; Voeks, Jenifer H; Chaturvedi, Seemant; Brott, Thomas G; Lal, Brajesh K; Meschia, James F; Howard, George

2017-09-01

Multicenter clinical trials attempt to select sites that can move rapidly to randomization and enroll sufficient numbers of patients. However, there are few assessments of the success of site selection. In the CREST-2 (Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trials), we assess factors associated with the time between site selection and authorization to randomize, the time between authorization to randomize and the first randomization, and the average number of randomizations per site per month. Potential factors included characteristics of the site, specialty of the principal investigator, and site type. For 147 sites, the median time between site selection to authorization to randomize was 9.9 months (interquartile range, 7.7, 12.4), and factors associated with early site activation were not identified. The median time between authorization to randomize and a randomization was 4.6 months (interquartile range, 2.6, 10.5). Sites with authorization to randomize in only the carotid endarterectomy study were slower to randomize, and other factors examined were not significantly associated with time-to-randomization. The recruitment rate was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.28) patients per site per month. By univariate analysis, factors associated with faster recruitment were authorization to randomize in both trials, principal investigator specialties of interventional radiology and cardiology, pre-trial reported performance >50 carotid angioplasty and stenting procedures per year, status in the top half of recruitment in the CREST trial, and classification as a private health facility. Participation in StrokeNet was associated with slower recruitment as compared with the non-StrokeNet sites. Overall, selection of sites with high enrollment rates will likely require customization to align the sites selected to the factor under study in the trial. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02089217. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Relations among questionnaire and experience sampling measures of inner speech: a smartphone app study

PubMed Central

Alderson-Day, Ben; Fernyhough, Charles

2015-01-01

Inner speech is often reported to be a common and central part of inner experience, but its true prevalence is unclear. Many questionnaire-based measures appear to lack convergent validity and it has been claimed that they overestimate inner speech in comparison to experience sampling methods (which involve collecting data at random timepoints). The present study compared self-reporting of inner speech collected via a general questionnaire and experience sampling, using data from a custom-made smartphone app (Inner Life). Fifty-one university students completed a generalized self-report measure of inner speech (the Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire, VISQ) and responded to at least seven random alerts to report on incidences of inner speech over a 2-week period. Correlations and pairwise comparisons were used to compare generalized endorsements and randomly sampled scores for each VISQ subscale. Significant correlations were observed between general and randomly sampled measures for only two of the four VISQ subscales, and endorsements of inner speech with evaluative or motivational characteristics did not correlate at all across different measures. Endorsement of inner speech items was significantly lower for random sampling compared to generalized self-report, for all VISQ subscales. Exploratory analysis indicated that specific inner speech characteristics were also related to anxiety and future-oriented thinking. PMID:25964773

Is Electrocautery of Patella Useful in Patella Non-Resurfacing Total Knee Arthroplasty?: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Kwon, Sae Kwang; Nguku, Levis; Han, Chang Dong; Koh, Yong-Gon; Kim, Dong-Wook; Park, Kwan Kyu

2015-12-01

There is controversy over the need for electrocauterization of the patella in non-resurfacing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We investigated whether this procedure is beneficial through a prospective randomized controlled trial. Fifty patients who underwent electrocautery were compared with 50 patients who did not undergo this procedure. We determined cartilage status, preoperative and postoperative American Knee Society (AKS) score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities score (WOMAC) and the Patellofemoral (PF) scores for a minimum of 5 years. The two groups did not differ significantly in demographics, intraoperative cartilage status, or preoperative or postoperative outcomes. No complications were detected in either group. We found no benefits of electrocautery of the patella in patellar non-resurfacing TKA up to 5 years. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment of varicocele: a prospective randomized comparison of laparoscopy versus antegrade sclerotherapy.

PubMed

Sautter, T; Sulser, T; Suter, St; Gretener, H; Hauri, D

2002-04-01

To compare the therapeutic success, the morbidity and the costs of antegrade sclerotherapy versus laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Seventy-six consecutive varicocele patients were randomly assigned to two treatment arms. Preoperative and 3 month postoperative sperm density, motility and morphology were analysed. The diagnosis of the varicocele was established clinically and with Doppler ultrasonography. Fifty-eight patients treated by either of the two methods were followed up. The recurrence rate increased progressively with the size of the varicocele in both groups. The postoperative incidence of complications particularly hydrocele formation was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group. The costs of the disposable material for laparoscopic varicocelectomy was twice as high as for sclerotherapy. Antegrade sclerotherapy is the less invasive treatment method of male varicocele with lower costs and better outcome and should therefore be the preferred treatment method for male varicocele.

An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Projects, Theses, and Dissertations on the American Indian by Arizona State University Students from 1943-1974.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mech, Joyce, Comp.

Fifty-five published projects, theses, and dissertations dealing with the Native American and written by Arizona State University students are listed in this annotated bibliography. Arranged alphabetically according to authors and topics, the publications cover the period from 1943 to 1974. Topics include: (1) attitudes/achievement, (2)…

Effects of Remedial Instruction on Low-SES & Low-Math Students' Mathematics Competence, Interest and Confidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Der-Ching; Lai, Meng-Lung; Yao, Ru-Fen; Huang, Yueh-Chun

2014-01-01

This study aimed to examine the effects of remedial instruction on low-SES & low-math first graders' basic mathematics competence as well as their interest and confidence in mathematics learning. Fourteen participants of low-SES & low-math were selected from two classes totaling fifty-seven first graders at a public elementary school in…

Relative Effects of Programmed Instruction and Demonstration Methods on Students' Academic Performance in Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uhumuavbi, P. O.; Mamudu, J. A.

2009-01-01

This study compared the effects of Programmed Instruction and Demonstration methods on students academic performance in science in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. A sampling technique (balloting) was used in selecting two schools in Esan West local government area for the study. Two intact classes of fifty (50) students each from the…

Home and School Environments as Determinant of Social Skills Deficit among Learners with Intellectual Disability in Lagos State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Isawumi, Oyeyinka David; Oyundoyin, John Olusegun

2016-01-01

The study examined home and school environmental factors as determinant of social skills deficit among learners with intellectual disability in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research method using a sample size of fifty (50) pupils with intellectual disability who were purposively selected from five special primary schools in Lagos…

Between School Factors and Teacher Factors: What Inhibits Malaysian Science Teachers from Using ICT?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmad, Tunku Badariah Tunku

2014-01-01

Despite the Malaysian government's efforts to increase the use of ICT in school, teachers' uptake of the technology remains slow and dismal. In this study, teachers' perceptions of the barriers that inhibited their use of ICT in the science classroom were explored. One hundred and fifty-one (N = 151) science teachers from selected secondary…

Causes of Mortality among American College Students: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, James C.; Leno, E. Victor; Keller, Adrienne

2013-01-01

This pilot study from self-selected institutions of higher education provides an estimate of the causes and rates of mortality among college students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. One hundred fifty-seven 4-year colleges participated in an online survey of student deaths during one academic year. A total of 254 deaths were reported. The…

Effects of polymorphisms in vitamin E-, vitamin C-, and glutathione peroxidase-related genes on serum biomarkers and associations with glaucoma

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

To study the association of selected polymorphism in genes related to vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione peroxidase with these biomarkers and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) risk. A case-control study matched for age, sex, and bodyweight was undertaken. Two hundred fifty POAG cases and 250 con...

Genetic improvement of shortleaf pine on the Mark Twain, Ouachita, and Ozark National Forests

Treesearch

Charly Studyvin; David Gwaze

2007-01-01

A genetic conservation and breeding program for shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) was initiated in the 1960s by the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. Superior trees were selected from natural stands throughout the Forest. Fifty of the top-ranked superior trees were grafted into a first generation seed orchard at the Ouachita National Forest...

Northern Ireland Student Teachers' Changing Attitudes towards Inclusive Education during Initial Teacher Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lambe, Jackie

2007-01-01

With the passing of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act into law alongside the move away from academic selection for post-primary pupils by 2008 and a far reaching review of the curriculum, education in Northern Ireland is about to face its most radical change in fifty years. Issues relating to Inclusive Education are now pressing…

Integrating Information and Communication Technology in English Language Teaching: A Case Study of Selected Junior Secondary Schools in Botswana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mafuraga, Mbizo; Moremi, Mbiganyi

2017-01-01

The paper discusses how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could be integrated in the teaching of English Language in Botswana Junior Secondary Schools. It does so by exploring opportunities and challenges faced by teachers of English Language and the students they teach. Fifty five (55) teachers in eleven (11) Junior Secondary Schools…

Emotion Risk-Factor in Patients With Cardiac Diseases: The Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies, Positive Affect and Negative Affect (A Case-Control Study)

PubMed Central

Bahremand, Mostafa; Alikhani, Mostafa; Zakiei, Ali; Janjani, Parisa; Aghaei, Abbas

2016-01-01

Application of psychological interventions is essential in classic treatments for patient with cardiac diseases. The present study compared cognitive emotion regulation strategies, positive affect, and negative affect for cardiac patients with healthy subjects. This study was a case-control study. Fifty subjects were selected using convenient sampling method from cardiac (coronary artery disease) patients presenting in Imam Ali medical center of Kermanshah, Iran in the spring 2013. Fifty subjects accompanied the patients to the medical center, selected as control group, did not have any history of cardiac diseases. For collecting data, the cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire and positive and negative affect scales were used. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was applied using the SPSS statistical software (ver. 19.0). In all cognitive emotion regulation strategies, there was a significant difference between the two groups. A significant difference was also detected regarding positive affect between the two groups, but no significant difference was found regarding negative affect. We found as a result that, having poor emotion regulation strategies is a risk factor for developing heart diseases. PMID:26234976

Emotion Risk-Factor in Patients with Cardiac Diseases: The Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies, Positive Affect and Negative Affect (A Case-Control Study).

PubMed

Bahremand, Mostafa; Alikhani, Mostafa; Zakiei, Ali; Janjani, Parisa; Aghei, Abbas

2015-05-17

Application of psychological interventions is essential in classic treatments for patient with cardiac diseases. The present study compared cognitive emotion regulation strategies, positive affect, and negative affect for cardiac patients with healthy subjects. This study was a case-control study. Fifty subjects were selected using convenient sampling method from cardiac (coronary artery disease) patients presenting in Imam Ali medical center of Kermanshah, Iran in the spring 2013. Fifty subjects accompanied the patients to the medical center, selected as control group, did not have any history of cardiac diseases. For collecting data, the cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire and positive and negative affect scales were used. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) Was applied using the SPSS statistical software (ver. 19.0). In all cognitive emotion regulation strategies, there was a significant difference between the two groups. A significant difference was also detected regarding positive affect between the two groups, but no significant difference was found regarding negative affect. We found as a result that, having poor emotion regulation strategies is a risk factor for developing heart diseases.

Is there a specific hemodynamic effect in reflexology? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Jones, Jenny; Thomson, Patricia; Irvine, Kathleen; Leslie, Stephen J

2013-04-01

Reflexology claims that the feet are representative of the body and that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to "mapped" organs in the body. This review provides the first systematic evaluation of existing reflexology randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether there is any evidence to suggest the existence of a reflexology treatment-related hemodynamic effect; to examine whether reflexology researchers used study designs that systematically controlled for nonspecific effects in order to isolate this specific component; and to highlight some of the methodological challenges that need to be overcome to demonstrate specific and beneficial hemodynamic effects. Fifty-two RCTs of reflexology published from 1990 to September 2011 were initially retrieved. Cardiorespiratory Department, Highland Heartbeat Centre, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. Adult subjects. Studies using reflexology foot massage techniques as the intervention versus sham reflexology treatment, simple foot massage, conventional treatment, or no treatment as the control were then selected. OUTCOME MEASURES included any hemodynamic parameter potentially involved in the regulation of circulating blood volume and flow, including heart rate and systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure. Seven RCTs suggested that reflexology has an effect on selected cardiovascular parameters; however, five of these delivered the reflexology intervention as a whole complex treatment, with the data collector often delivering the intervention themselves. This systematic review found that although reflexology has been shown to have an effect on selected hemodynamic variables, the lack of methodological control for nonspecific general massage effects means that there is little convincing evidence at this time to suggest the existence of a specific treatment-related hemodynamic effect. Furthermore, the review found that few studies of reflexology controlled for nonspecific effects in order to isolate any specific active component, despite the hemodynamic claim being a key part of the therapeutic value of reflexology. Therefore, further research approaches using more innovative designs and robust methods that can allow a treatment-induced, therapeutically beneficial hemodynamic effect to reveal itself are needed to help reflexology purchasers make a more informed decision about the safety and product quality of the reflexology hemodynamic claim and for reflexologists to be able to guarantee minimum product quality, validity, and safety standards in their practice.

Prediction of residual feed intake for first-lactation dairy cows using orthogonal polynomial random regression.

PubMed

Manafiazar, G; McFadden, T; Goonewardene, L; Okine, E; Basarab, J; Li, P; Wang, Z

2013-01-01

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a measure of energy efficiency. Developing an appropriate model to predict expected energy intake while accounting for multifunctional energy requirements of metabolic body weight (MBW), empty body weight (EBW), milk production energy requirements (MPER), and their nonlinear lactation profiles, is the key to successful prediction of RFI in dairy cattle. Individual daily actual energy intake and monthly body weight of 281 first-lactation dairy cows from 1 to 305 d in milk were recorded at the Dairy Research and Technology Centre of the University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB, Canada); individual monthly milk yield and compositions were obtained from the Dairy Herd Improvement Program. Combinations of different orders (1-5) of fixed (F) and random (R) factors were fitted using Legendre polynomial regression to model the nonlinear lactation profiles of MBW, EBW, and MPER over 301 d. The F5R3, F5R3, and F5R2 (subscripts indicate the order fitted) models were selected, based on the combination of the log-likelihood ratio test and the Bayesian information criterion, as the best prediction equations for MBW, EBW, and MPER, respectively. The selected models were used to predict daily individual values for these traits. To consider the body reserve changes, the differences of predicted EBW between 2 consecutive days were considered as the EBW change between these days. The smoothed total 301-d actual energy intake was then linearly regressed on the total 301-d predicted traits of MBW, EBW change, and MPER to obtain the first-lactation RFI (coefficient of determination=0.68). The mean of predicted daily average lactation RFI was 0 and ranged from -6.58 to 8.64 Mcal of NE(L)/d. Fifty-one percent of the animals had an RFI value below the mean (efficient) and 49% of them had an RFI value above the mean (inefficient). These results indicate that the first-lactation RFI can be predicted from its component traits with a reasonable coefficient of determination. The predicted RFI could be used in the dairy breeding program to increase profitability by selecting animals that are genetically superior in energy efficiency based on RFI, or through routinely measured traits, which are genetically correlated with RFI. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis in children.

PubMed

Wald, Ellen R; Nash, David; Eickhoff, Jens

2009-07-01

The role of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in children is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of high-dose amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate in the treatment of children diagnosed with ABS. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Children 1 to 10 years of age with a clinical presentation compatible with ABS were eligible for participation. Patients were stratified according to age (<6 or >or=6 years) and clinical severity and randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (90 mg/kg) with potassium clavulanate (6.4 mg/kg) or placebo. A symptom survey was performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 30. Patients were examined on day 14. Children's conditions were rated as cured, improved, or failed according to scoring rules. Two thousand one hundred thirty-five children with respiratory complaints were screened for enrollment; 139 (6.5%) had ABS. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, and 56 were randomly assigned. The mean age was 66 +/- 30 months. Fifty (89%) patients presented with persistent symptoms, and 6 (11%) presented with nonpersistent symptoms. In 24 (43%) children, the illness was classified as mild, whereas in the remaining 32 (57%) children it was severe. Of the 28 children who received the antibiotic, 14 (50%) were cured, 4 (14%) were improved, 4 (14%) experienced treatment failure, and 6 (21%) withdrew. Of the 28 children who received placebo, 4 (14%) were cured, 5 (18%) improved, and 19 (68%) experienced treatment failure. Children receiving the antibiotic were more likely to be cured (50% vs 14%) and less likely to have treatment failure (14% vs 68%) than children receiving the placebo. ABS is a common complication of viral upper respiratory infections. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate results in significantly more cures and fewer failures than placebo, according to parental report of time to resolution of clinical symptoms.

47 CFR 1.1604 - Post-selection hearings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Post-selection hearings. 1.1604 Section 1.1604 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Random Selection Procedures for Mass Media Services General Procedures § 1.1604 Post-selection hearings. (a) Following the random...

47 CFR 1.1604 - Post-selection hearings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Post-selection hearings. 1.1604 Section 1.1604 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Random Selection Procedures for Mass Media Services General Procedures § 1.1604 Post-selection hearings. (a) Following the random...

Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate PCV2 infection by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Xue, Hongxia; Gan, Fang; Qian, Gang; Hu, Junfa; Hao, Shu; Xu, Jing; Chen, Xingxiang; Huang, Kehe

2017-01-10

This study explored the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections and its mechanism in vivo and vitro. First, fifty 2-week-old mice were randomly divided into five groups: a group without PCV2 infection and groups with PCV2 infections at 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg APS treatments. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that APS treatments at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced the pathological injury of tissues, inhibited PCV2 infection and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and GADD153/CHOP gene mRNA and protein expression significantly (P < 0.05). Second, a study on endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanism was carried out in PK15 cells. APS treatments at 15 and 45 μg/mL significantly reduced PCV2 infection and GRP78 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05). Tunicamycin supplementation increased GRP78 mRNA and protein expression and significantly attenuated the APS-induced inhibition of PCV2 infection (P < 0.05). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid supplementation decreased GRP78 mRNA and protein expression and significantly inhibited PCV2 infection (P < 0.05). In addition, fifty 2-week-old mice were randomly divided into five groups: Con, PCV2, APS + PCV2, TM + PCV2 and TM + APS + PCV2. The results were similar to those in PK15 cells. Taken together, it could be concluded that APS suppresses PCV2 infection by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate PCV2 infection by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in vivo and in vitro

PubMed Central

Xue, Hongxia; Gan, Fang; Qian, Gang; Hu, Junfa; Hao, Shu; Xu, Jing; Chen, Xingxiang; Huang, Kehe

2017-01-01

This study explored the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections and its mechanism in vivo and vitro. First, fifty 2-week-old mice were randomly divided into five groups: a group without PCV2 infection and groups with PCV2 infections at 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg APS treatments. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that APS treatments at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced the pathological injury of tissues, inhibited PCV2 infection and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and GADD153/CHOP gene mRNA and protein expression significantly (P < 0.05). Second, a study on endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanism was carried out in PK15 cells. APS treatments at 15 and 45 μg/mL significantly reduced PCV2 infection and GRP78 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05). Tunicamycin supplementation increased GRP78 mRNA and protein expression and significantly attenuated the APS-induced inhibition of PCV2 infection (P < 0.05). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid supplementation decreased GRP78 mRNA and protein expression and significantly inhibited PCV2 infection (P < 0.05). In addition, fifty 2-week-old mice were randomly divided into five groups: Con, PCV2, APS + PCV2, TM + PCV2 and TM + APS + PCV2. The results were similar to those in PK15 cells. Taken together, it could be concluded that APS suppresses PCV2 infection by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress. PMID:28071725

Comparison of the neurobiological effects of attribution retraining group therapy with those of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

PubMed Central

Wang, C.; Zhang, N.; Zhang, Y.L.; Zhang, J.; Yang, H.; Timothy, T.C.

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of attribution retraining group therapy (ARGT) with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Subjects were sequentially recruited and randomized into two groups, one receiving ARGT (n = 63) and the other SSRIs (n = 66) for 8 weeks. Fifty-four ARGT outpatients with MDD (n = 19), GAD (n = 19), and OCD (n = 16) and 55 SSRI outpatients with MDD (n = 19), GAD (n = 19), and OCD (n = 17) completed the study. All subjects were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale before and after treatment. The 10-item Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was employed only for OCD subjects. Plasma levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone were also measured at baseline and 8 weeks after completion of treatment. Symptom scores were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in both the ARGT and SSRI groups at the end of treatment. However, MDD, GAD and OCD patients in the ARGT group had significantly lower plasma cortisol concentrations compared to baseline (P < 0.05), whereas MDD and OCD patients receiving SSRIs showed significantly increased plasma levels of serotonin (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that ARGT may modulate plasma cortisol levels and affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis as opposed to SSRIs, which may up-regulate plasma serotonin levels via a different pathway to produce an overall improvement in the clinical condition of the patients. PMID:23558857

Health information needs of professional nurses required at the point of care.

PubMed

Ricks, Esmeralda; ten Ham, Wilma

2015-06-11

Professional nurses work in dynamic environments and need to keep up to date with relevant information for practice in nursing to render quality patient care. Keeping up to date with current information is often challenging because of heavy workload, diverse information needs and the accessibility of the required information at the point of care. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the information needs of professional nurses at the point of care in order to make recommendations to stakeholders to develop a mobile library accessible by means of smart phones when needed. The researcher utilised a quantitative, descriptive survey design to conduct this study. The target population comprised 757 professional nurses employed at a state hospital. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of the wards, units and departments for inclusion in the study. A convenience sample of 250 participants was selected. Two hundred and fifty structured self-administered questionnaires were distributed amongst the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. A total of 136 completed questionnaires were returned. The findings highlighted the types and accessible sources of information. Information needs of professional nurses were identified such as: extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis, multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, HIV, antiretrovirals and all chronic lifestyle diseases. This study has enabled the researcher to identify the information needs required by professional nurses at the point of care to enhance the delivery of patient care. The research results were used to develop a mobile library that could be accessed by professional nurses.

Risk Factors of Domestic Violence in Iran

PubMed Central

Rasoulian, M.; Habib, S.; Bolhari, J.; Hakim Shooshtari, M.; Nojomi, M.; Abedi, Sh.

2014-01-01

Objectives. In this study, we have evaluated the lifetime and past-year prevalence of exposure to physical violence among married women in the city of Tehran and urban and rural areas of Hashtgerd. Methods. The target population were noninstitutionalized female citizens, aged 15 years or older, who have at least one history of marriage and who resided in the capital city of Tehran or Hashtgerd County from the summer of 2008 to fall of 2010. We used a multistage sampling method. Tehran's District Six, a central district in Tehran, was selected as a representative cluster of all municipal districts in Tehran. A total of fifty blocks were randomly selected from this district, from which 1,000 married women aged 15 years or older were interviewed using a cross-sectional design. Data was gathered face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. The lifetime prevalence, past-year prevalence, and related factors of domestic violence were measured. SPSS version 11.5 was used for the analyses. Results. Figures for lifetime prevalence and past-year prevalence were measured to be 38.7% and 6.6%, respectively. The independent effects of marital status and location and type of residency for women, along with education and smoking habits of their spouses, were statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion. Domestic violence is a public health concern in Iran. Based on our findings, we propose that empowering women through education, and improving their ability to find employment and income, along with increasing public awareness of human rights issues through education could lower the prevalence of domestic violence. PMID:24790612

Alcohol's contribution to fatal injuries: a report on public perceptions.

PubMed

Girasek, Deborah C; Gielen, Andrea C; Smith, Gordon S

2002-06-01

We determine whether members of the public understand that alcohol contributes to each of the leading causes of unintentional-injury death in the United States and not just to motor vehicle-related fatalities. Public opinions of selected alcohol control policies were also assessed. We used a national telephone survey of 943 adults, who were selected by random-digit dialing techniques. Respondents' mean estimates of alcohol's involvement in fatal injuries were compared with published data from a meta-analysis of medical examiner data. The study population accurately estimated the proportion of fatal fall, drowning, and poisoning victims who were legally drunk when they died. Respondents overestimated the proportion of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who were intoxicated and underestimated the proportion of fire/burn victims. Fifty-seven percent of participants endorsed the myth that alcohol intoxication is protective against injury in the event of a motor vehicle crash. Participants were divided over whether increasing the legal drinking age to 21 had resulted in fewer injury deaths. Seventy-eight percent of participants did not believe that raising alcohol taxes would reduce fatal injuries. A majority (58%) of respondents supported taking blood alcohol levels on all "seriously injured" patients brought to the hospital. This report suggests that public awareness of alcohol's contribution to the breadth of the injury problem in the United States is high. Conversely, public understanding of whether prevention strategies have proven to be effective is poor. Emergency medicine practitioners can serve as credible sources of more accurate information for patients and the community at large.

Is the school food environment conducive to healthy eating in poorly resourced South African schools?

PubMed

Faber, Mieke; Laurie, Sunette; Maduna, Mamokhele; Magudulela, Thokozile; Muehlhoff, Ellen

2014-06-01

To assess the school food environment in terms of breakfast consumption, school meals, learners' lunch box, school vending and classroom activities related to nutrition. Cross-sectional survey. Ninety purposively selected poorly resourced schools in South Africa. Questionnaires were completed by school principals (n 85), school feeding coordinators (n 77), food handlers (n 84), educators (n 687), randomly selected grade 5 to 7 learners (n 2547) and a convenience sample of parents (n 731). The school menu (n 75), meal served on the survey day, and foods at tuck shops and food vendors (n 74) were recorded. Twenty-two per cent of learners had not eaten breakfast; 24 % brought a lunch box, mostly with bread. Vegetables (61 %) were more often on the school menu than fruit (28 %) and were served in 41 % of schools on the survey day compared with 4 % serving fruit. Fifty-seven per cent of learners brought money to school. Parents advised learners to buy fruit (37 %) and healthy foods (23 %). Tuck shops and vendors sold mostly unhealthy foods. Lack of money/poverty (74 %) and high food prices (68 %) were major challenges for healthy eating. Most (83 %) educators showed interest in nutrition, but only 15 % had received training in nutrition. Eighty-one per cent of educators taught nutrition as part of school subjects. The school food environment has large scope for improvement towards promoting healthy eating. This includes increasing access to vegetables and fruit, encouraging learners to carry a healthy lunch box, and regulating foods sold through tuck shops and food vendors.

The effect of variation in donor platelet function on transfusion outcome: a semirandomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kelly, Anne M; Garner, Stephen F; Foukaneli, Theodora; Godec, Thomas R; Herbert, Nina; Kahan, Brennan C; Deary, Alison; Bakrania, Lekha; Llewelyn, Charlotte; Ouwehand, Willem H; Williamson, Lorna M; Cardigan, Rebecca A

2017-07-13

The effect of variation in platelet function in platelet donors on patient outcome following platelet transfusion is unknown. This trial assessed the hypothesis that platelets collected from donors with highly responsive platelets to agonists in vitro assessed by flow cytometry (high-responder donors) are cleared more quickly from the circulation than those from low-responder donors, resulting in lower platelet count increments following transfusion. This parallel group, semirandomized double-blinded trial was conducted in a single center in the United Kingdom. Eligible patients were those 16 or older with thrombocytopenia secondary to bone marrow failure, requiring prophylactic platelet transfusion. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a platelet donation from a high- or low-responder donor when both were available, or when only 1 type of platelet was available, patients received that. Participants, investigators, and those assessing outcomes were masked to group assignment. The primary end point was the platelet count increment 10 to 90 minutes following transfusion. Analysis was by intention to treat. Fifty-one patients were assigned to receive platelets from low-responder donors, and 49 from high-responder donors (47 of which were randomized and 53 nonrandomized). There was no significant difference in platelet count increment 10 to 90 minutes following transfusion in patients receiving platelets from high-responder (mean, 21.0 × 10 9 /L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-37.2) or low-responder (mean, 23.3 × 10 9 /L; 95% CI, 7.8-38.9) donors (mean difference, 2.3; 95% CI, -1.1 to 5.7; P = .18). These results support the current policy of not selecting platelet donors on the basis of platelet function for prophylactic platelet transfusion. © 2017 by The American Society of Hematology.

Nonpharmacological interventions for ADHD: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of dietary and psychological treatments.

PubMed

Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J S; Brandeis, Daniel; Cortese, Samuele; Daley, David; Ferrin, Maite; Holtmann, Martin; Stevenson, Jim; Danckaerts, Marina; van der Oord, Saskia; Döpfner, Manfred; Dittmann, Ralf W; Simonoff, Emily; Zuddas, Alessandro; Banaschewski, Tobias; Buitelaar, Jan; Coghill, David; Hollis, Chris; Konofal, Eric; Lecendreux, Michel; Wong, Ian C K; Sergeant, Joseph

2013-03-01

Nonpharmacological treatments are available for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although their efficacy remains uncertain. The authors undertook meta-analyses of the efficacy of dietary (restricted elimination diets, artificial food color exclusions, and free fatty acid supplementation) and psychological (cognitive training, neurofeedback, and behavioral interventions) ADHD treatments. Using a common systematic search and a rigorous coding and data extraction strategy across domains, the authors searched electronic databases to identify published randomized controlled trials that involved individuals who were diagnosed with ADHD (or who met a validated cutoff on a recognized rating scale) and that included an ADHD outcome. Fifty-four of the 2,904 nonduplicate screened records were included in the analyses. Two different analyses were performed. When the outcome measure was based on ADHD assessments by raters closest to the therapeutic setting, all dietary (standardized mean differences=0.21-0.48) and psychological (standardized mean differences=0.40-0.64) treatments produced statistically significant effects. However, when the best probably blinded assessment was employed, effects remained significant for free fatty acid supplementation (standardized mean difference=0.16) and artificial food color exclusion (standardized mean difference=0.42) but were substantially attenuated to nonsignificant levels for other treatments. Free fatty acid supplementation produced small but significant reductions in ADHD symptoms even with probably blinded assessments, although the clinical significance of these effects remains to be determined. Artificial food color exclusion produced larger effects but often in individuals selected for food sensitivities. Better evidence for efficacy from blinded assessments is required for behavioral interventions, neurofeedback, cognitive training, and restricted elimination diets before they can be supported as treatments for core ADHD symptoms.

Contamination of Ethiopian paper currency notes from various food handlers with E. coli.

PubMed

Hiko, Adem; Abdata, Kasahun; Muktar, Yimer; Woyesa, Mezene; Mohammed, Abdela

2016-01-01

Contamination rate of Ethiopian paper currency notes handled by various food handlers with Escherichia coli and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was assessed. A total of 384 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) notes were randomly sampled from meat handlers at butchers, bread and the related food handlers at cafeteria, fruit and vegetables handlers at supermarket, and milk sellers both at open market and dairy station. Fifty control new currencies were also sampled from Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Both surfaces of the currency were swabbed using wet sterile cotton. The swab was overnight incubated in buffered peptone water. A loop full was streaked on eosin methylene blue agar and followed by biochemical test on presumptive E. coli colonies. Randomly selected isolates were exposed to chloramphenicol (C-30 µg), neomycin (N-30 µg), oxytetracycline (OT-30 µg), polymyxin-B (PB-300 IU) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT-1.25/23.75/µg) susceptibility using disc diffusion techniques. E. coli was not isolated from currency used as control. A total of 288 (75 %) currency notes were found carrying E. coli. E. coli prevalence was ranges from 67.2 % at open market milk sellers to 87.2 % at dairy station milk sellers; from 64.8 % on ETB 100 to 82.9 % on ETB 1. Differences were not observed in E. coli prevalence on currency notes from among almost all food handlers (P > 0.05). Susceptibility of tested isolates to each chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was 100 %, and to polymyxin-B was 97.3 %. High resistance (83.7 %) was observed to neomycin. The finding indicates, contaminated food can be a source of E. coli for further contamination of currency which again transfer through various foods ready for consumption.

Psychological consequences of child trafficking: An historical cohort study of trafficked children in contact with secondary mental health services

PubMed Central

Smith, Patrick; Shetty, Hitesh; Stahl, Daniel; Oram, Sian

2018-01-01

Background Child trafficking is the recruitment and movement of people aged younger than 18 for the purposes of exploitation. Research on the mental health of trafficked children is limited, and little is known about the use of mental health services by this group. This study aimed to investigate the mental health and service use characteristics of trafficked children in contact with mental health services in England. Methods & findings The study employed an historical cohort design. Electronic health records of over 250,000 patients were searched to identify trafficked children, and a matched cohort of non-trafficked children was randomly selected. Data were extracted on the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, abuse history, and trafficking experiences of the trafficked children. Logistic and linear random effects regression models were fitted to compare trafficked and non-trafficked children on their clinical profiles and service use characteristics. Fifty-one trafficked children were identified, 78% were female. The most commonly recorded diagnoses for trafficked children were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (22%) and affective disorders (22%). Records documented a high prevalence of physical violence (53%) and sexual violence (49%) among trafficked children. Trafficked children had significantly longer duration of contact with mental health services compared to non-trafficked controls (b = 1.66, 95% CI 1.09–2.55, p<0.02). No significant differences were found, however, with regards to pathways into care, prevalence of compulsory psychiatric admission, length of inpatient stays, or changes in global functioning. Conclusions Child trafficking is associated with high levels of physical and sexual abuse and longer duration of contact with mental health services. Research is needed on most effective interventions to promote recovery for this vulnerable group. PMID:29518168

Relationship Between FEV1 and Patient-Reported Outcomes Changes: Results of a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials in Stable COPD.

PubMed

de la Loge, Christine; Tugaut, Béatrice; Fofana, Fatoumata; Lambert, Jérémy; Hennig, Michael; Tschiesner, Uta; Vahdati-Bolouri, Mitra; Segun Ismaila, Afisi; Suresh Punekar, Yogesh

2016-03-15

Background: This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between change from baseline (CFB) in spirometric measurements (trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1 ] and FEV 1 area under the curve [AUC]) and patient-reported outcomes (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score [SGRQ] CFB, Transition Dyspnea Index [TDI] and exacerbation rates) after 6-12 months' follow-up, using study treatment-group level data. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials of ≥24 weeks duration in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies reporting ≥1 spirometric measurement and ≥1 patient-reported outcome (PRO) at baseline and at study endpoint were selected. The relationships between PROs and spirometric endpoints were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient and meta-regression. Results: Fifty-two studies (62,385 patients) were included. Primary weighted analysis conducted at the last assessment showed a large significant negative correlation (r, -0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI); -0.77, -0.57]) between trough FEV 1 and SGRQ. Improvement of 100 mL in trough FEV 1 corresponded to a 5.9 point reduction in SGRQ. Similarly, a reduction of 4 points on SGRQ corresponded to 40 mL improvement in trough FEV 1 ( p <0.001). The weighted correlation coefficients of trough FEV 1 with TDI, exacerbation rate (all) and exacerbation rate (moderate/severe) at last assessment point were 0.57, -0.69 and -0.57, respectively (all p <0.05). For the analyses excluding placebo groups, the correlations of FEV 1 with SGRQ and TDI were lower but significant. Conclusions: A strong association exists between changes in spirometric measurements and changes in PROs.

Preemptive use of etodolac on tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching: a randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Vaez, Savil Costa; Faria-e-Silva, André Luís; Loguércio, Alessandro Dourado; Fernandes, Micaelle Tenório Guedes; Nahsan, Flávia Pardo Salata

2018-01-01

Abstract Purpose This study determined the effectiveness of the preemptive administration of etodolac on risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity and the bleaching effect caused by in-office bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide. Material and methods Fifty patients were selected for this tripleblind, randomized, crossover, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Etodolac (400 mg) or placebo was administrated in a single-dose 1 hour prior to the bleaching procedure. The whitening treatment with 35% hydrogen peroxide was carried out in two sessions with a 7-day interval. Tooth sensitivity was assessed before, during, and 24 hours after the procedure using the analog visual scale and the verbal rating scale. Color alteration was assessed by a bleach guide scale, 7 days after each session. Relative risk of sensitivity was calculated and adjusted by session, while overall risk was compared by the McNemar's test. Data on the sensitivity level of both scales and color shade were subjected to Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively (α=0.05). Results The preemptive administration of etodolac did not affect the risk of tooth sensitivity and the level of sensitivity reported, regardless of the time of evaluation and scale used. The sequence of treatment allocation did not affect bleaching effectiveness, while the second session resulted in additional color modification. The preemptive administration of etodolac in a single dose 1 hour prior to in-office tooth bleaching did not alter tooth color, and the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity reported by patients. Conclusion A single-dose preemptive administration of 400 mg of etodolac did not affect either risk of tooth sensitivity or level of sensitivity reported by patients, during or after the in-office tooth bleaching procedure. PMID:29412363

Preemptive use of etodolac on tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Vaez, Savil Costa; Faria-E-Silva, André Luís; Loguércio, Alessandro Dourado; Fernandes, Micaelle Tenório Guedes; Nahsan, Flávia Pardo Salata

2018-02-01

This study determined the effectiveness of the preemptive administration of etodolac on risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity and the bleaching effect caused by in-office bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide. Fifty patients were selected for this tripleblind, randomized, crossover, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Etodolac (400 mg) or placebo was administrated in a single-dose 1 hour prior to the bleaching procedure. The whitening treatment with 35% hydrogen peroxide was carried out in two sessions with a 7-day interval. Tooth sensitivity was assessed before, during, and 24 hours after the procedure using the analog visual scale and the verbal rating scale. Color alteration was assessed by a bleach guide scale, 7 days after each session. Relative risk of sensitivity was calculated and adjusted by session, while overall risk was compared by the McNemar's test. Data on the sensitivity level of both scales and color shade were subjected to Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively (α=0.05). The preemptive administration of etodolac did not affect the risk of tooth sensitivity and the level of sensitivity reported, regardless of the time of evaluation and scale used. The sequence of treatment allocation did not affect bleaching effectiveness, while the second session resulted in additional color modification. The preemptive administration of etodolac in a single dose 1 hour prior to in-office tooth bleaching did not alter tooth color, and the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity reported by patients. A single-dose preemptive administration of 400 mg of etodolac did not affect either risk of tooth sensitivity or level of sensitivity reported by patients, during or after the in-office tooth bleaching procedure.

Computer and Internet usage by Canadian dentists.

PubMed

Flores-Mir, Carlos; Palmer, Neal G; Northcott, Herbert C; Huston, Carolyn; Major, Paul W

2006-03-01

To determine the frequency of computers in Canadian dental offices and to assess their use; to evaluate Internet access and use in Canadian dental offices; and to compare use of computers and the Internet by Canadian dentists, by the general public and by other dental groups. An anonymous, self-administered survey of Canadian dentists was conducted by mail. A potential mailing list of 14,052 active Canadian dentists was compiled from the 2003 records of provincial regulatory bodies. For each province, 7.8% of the general dentists were randomly selected with the help of computer software. The surveys were mailed to this stratified random sample of 1,096 dentists. The response rate was 28%. Of the 312 respondents, 4 (1%) were in full-time academic positions, 15 (5%) were not practising, and 9 (3%) provided incomplete data. Therefore, 284 survey responses were available for descriptive analysis. Two hundred and fifty-seven (90%) of the respondents had a computer in their primary practice. Computers were used mainly for administrative tasks (accounting, bookkeeping and scheduling) rather than clinical tasks. Internet access was common (185/250 or 74%), and high-speed Internet access (93/250 or 37%) was increasingly common, judging from the results of previous studies on computer use. The main reasons given for not having in-office Internet access were security or privacy concerns and no reported need for or interest in the service. Computer use was high in this sample of Canadian dentists, but a small proportion of dental offices remained without computers. Canadian dentists" use of the Internet was greater than that of American dentists, private enterprise and the North American public in general.

Reducing The Cost of Transport and Increasing Walking Distance After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Fast Locomotor Training Combined With Functional Electrical Stimulation

PubMed Central

Awad, Louis N.; Reisman, Darcy S.; Pohlig, Ryan T.; Binder-Macleod, Stuart A.

2015-01-01

Background Neurorehabilitation efforts have been limited in their ability to restore walking function after stroke. Recent work has demonstrated proof-of-concept for a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-based combination therapy designed to improve poststroke walking by targeting deficits in paretic propulsion. Objectives To determine the effects on the energy cost of walking (EC) and long-distance walking ability of locomotor training that combines fast walking with FES to the paretic ankle musculature (FastFES). Methods Fifty participants >6 months poststroke were randomized to 12 weeks of gait training at self-selected speeds (SS), fast speeds (Fast), or FastFES. Participants’ 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance and EC at comfortable (EC-CWS) and fast (EC-Fast) walking speeds were measured pretraining, posttraining, and at a 3-month follow-up. A reduction in EC-CWS, independent of changes in speed, was the primary outcome. Also evaluated were group differences in the number of 6MWT responders and moderation by baseline speed. Results When compared with SS and Fast, FastFES produced larger reductions in EC (p’s ≤0.03). FastFES produced reductions of 24% and 19% in EC-CWS and EC-Fast (p’s <0.001), whereas neither Fast nor SS influenced EC. Between-group 6MWT differences were not observed; however, 73% of FastFES and 68% of Fast participants were responders, in contrast to 35% of SS participants. Conclusions Combining fast locomotor training with FES is an effective approach to reducing the high EC of persons poststroke. Surprisingly, differences in 6MWT gains were not observed between groups. Closer inspection of the 6MWT and EC relationship and elucidation of how reduced EC may influence walking-related disability is warranted. PMID:26621366

Respiratory muscle impairment in dialysis patients: can minimal dose of exercise limit the damage? A Preliminary study in a sample of patients enrolled in the EXCITE trial.

PubMed

Pomidori, Luca; Lamberti, Nicola; Malagoni, Anna Maria; Manfredini, Fabio; Pozzato, Enrico; Felisatti, Michele; Catizone, Luigi; Barillà, Antonio; Zuccalà, Alessandro; Tripepi, Giovanni; Mallamaci, Francesca; Zoccali, Carmine; Cogo, Annalisa

2016-12-01

Skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction with associated weakness may involve the respiratory muscles of dialysis patients. We evaluated the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on lung function and respiratory muscle strength. Fifty-nine patients (25 F, aged 65 ± 13 years) from two centers participating in the multicenter randomized clinical trial EXerCise Introduction To Enhance Performance in Dialysis (EXCITE) were studied. Subjects were randomized into a prescribed exercise group (E), wherein subjects performed two 10-min walking sessions every second day at an intensity below the self-selected speed, or a control group (C) with usual care. Physical performance was assessed by the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Patient lung function and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated by spirometry and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), respectively. Forty-two patients (14 F) completed the study. At baseline, the groups did not differ in any parameters. In total, 7 patients (4 in E; 3 in C) showed an obstructive pattern. The pulmonary function parameters were significantly correlated with 6MWT but not with any biochemical measurements. Group E safely performed the exercise program. At follow-up, the spirometry parameters did not change in either group. A deterioration of MIP (-7 %; p = 0.008) was observed in group C, but not in group E (+3.3 %, p = ns). In E, an increase of 6MWT was also found (+12 vs. 0 % in C; p = 0.038). In dialysis patients, a minimal dose of structured exercise improved physical capacity and maintained a stable respiratory muscle function, in contrast to the control group where it worsened.

Countrywide Reassessment of Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Burundi Using a Urine-Circulating Cathodic Antigen Rapid Test: Informing the National Control Program

PubMed Central

Ortu, Giuseppina; Ndayishimiye, Onésime; Clements, Michelle; Kayugi, Donatien; Campbell, Carl H.; Lamine, Mariama Sani; Zivieri, Antonio; Magalhaes, Ricardo Soares; Binder, Sue; King, Charles H.; Fenwick, Alan; Colley, Daniel G.; Jourdan, Peter Mark

2017-01-01

Following implementation of the national control program, a reassessment of Schistosoma mansoni prevalence was conducted in Burundi to determine the feasibility of moving toward elimination. A countrywide cluster-randomized cross-sectional study was performed in May 2014. At least 25 schools were sampled from each of five eco-epidemiological risk zones for schistosomiasis. Fifty randomly selected children 13–14 years of age per school were included for a single urine-circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) rapid test and, in a subset of schools, for duplicate Kato-Katz slide preparation from a single stool sample. A total of 17,331 children from 347 schools were tested using CCA. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection, when CCA trace results were considered negative, was 13.5% (zone range [zr] = 4.6–17.8%), and when CCA trace results were considered positive, it was 42.8% (zr = 34.3–49.9%). In 170 schools, prevalence of this infection determined using Kato-Katz method was 1.5% (zr ==0–2.7%). The overall mean intensity of S. mansoni infection determined using Kato-Katz was 0.85 eggs per gram (standard deviation = 10.86). A majority of schools (84%) were classified as non-endemic (prevalence = 0) using Kato-Katz; however, a similar proportion of schools were classified as endemic when CCA trace results were considered negative (85%) and nearly all (98%) were endemic when CCA trace results were considered positive. The findings of this nationwide reassessment using a CCA rapid test indicate that Schistosoma infection is still widespread in Burundi, although its average intensity is probably low. Further evidence is now needed to determine the association between CCA rapid test positivity and low-intensity disease transmission. PMID:28115675

Psychological consequences of child trafficking: An historical cohort study of trafficked children in contact with secondary mental health services.

PubMed

Ottisova, Livia; Smith, Patrick; Shetty, Hitesh; Stahl, Daniel; Downs, Johnny; Oram, Sian

2018-01-01

Child trafficking is the recruitment and movement of people aged younger than 18 for the purposes of exploitation. Research on the mental health of trafficked children is limited, and little is known about the use of mental health services by this group. This study aimed to investigate the mental health and service use characteristics of trafficked children in contact with mental health services in England. The study employed an historical cohort design. Electronic health records of over 250,000 patients were searched to identify trafficked children, and a matched cohort of non-trafficked children was randomly selected. Data were extracted on the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, abuse history, and trafficking experiences of the trafficked children. Logistic and linear random effects regression models were fitted to compare trafficked and non-trafficked children on their clinical profiles and service use characteristics. Fifty-one trafficked children were identified, 78% were female. The most commonly recorded diagnoses for trafficked children were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (22%) and affective disorders (22%). Records documented a high prevalence of physical violence (53%) and sexual violence (49%) among trafficked children. Trafficked children had significantly longer duration of contact with mental health services compared to non-trafficked controls (b = 1.66, 95% CI 1.09-2.55, p<0.02). No significant differences were found, however, with regards to pathways into care, prevalence of compulsory psychiatric admission, length of inpatient stays, or changes in global functioning. Child trafficking is associated with high levels of physical and sexual abuse and longer duration of contact with mental health services. Research is needed on most effective interventions to promote recovery for this vulnerable group.

Reporting clinical outcomes of breast reconstruction: a systematic review.

PubMed

Potter, S; Brigic, A; Whiting, P F; Cawthorn, S J; Avery, K N L; Donovan, J L; Blazeby, J M

2011-01-05

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy for cancer requires accurate evaluation to inform evidence-based participatory decision making, but the standards of outcome reporting after breast reconstruction have not previously been considered. We used extensive searches to identify articles reporting surgical outcomes of breast reconstruction. We extracted data using published criteria for complication reporting modified to reflect reconstructive practice. Study designs included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to critically appraise all study designs. Other criteria used to assess the studies were selection and funding bias, statistical power calculations, and institutional review board approval. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the breadth and frequency of study outcomes, and χ² tests were used to compare the number of studies in each group reporting each of the published criteria. All statistical tests were two-sided. Surgical complications following breast reconstruction in 42,146 women were evaluated in 134 studies. These included 11 (8.2%) randomized trials, 74 (55.2%) cohort studies, and 49 (36.6%) case series. Fifty-three percent of studies demonstrated a disparity between methods and results in the numbers of complications reported. Complications were defined by 87 (64.9%) studies and graded by 78 (58.2%). Details such as the duration of follow-up and risk factors for adverse outcomes were omitted from 47 (35.1%) and 58 (43.3%) studies, respectively. Overall, the studies defined fewer than 20% of the complications they reported, and the definitions were largely inconsistent. The results of this systematic review suggest that outcome reporting in breast reconstruction is inconsistent and lacks methodological rigor. The development of a standardized core outcome set is recommended to improve outcome reporting in breast reconstruction.

Single bolus parecoxib attenuates sore throat after laryngeal microsurgery: a randomized double-blind control study.

PubMed

Huang, Hui-Fang; Chang, Pi-Ying; Chen, Yu-Chun; Tseng, Kuang-Yi; Hsu, Hung-Te; Cheng, Kuang-I; Lu, I-Cheng

2014-11-01

Laryngeal microsurgery is performed to assess disorders of the larynx. Parecoxib is the only parenterally administered selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor widely used in acute pain control. The purpose of this study is to assess the analgesic effects of parecoxib compared with morphine for postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing laryngeal microsurgery. Fifty patients were randomly allocated to receive either parecoxib 0.5 mg/kg or morphine 50 μg/kg prior to anesthesia induction. General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2-4%. Postoperative sore throat and other outcomes were measured at a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) 4 hours and 24 hours postoperatively. The severity of postoperative sore throat was assessed by sore throat score as follows: none (0) = no pharyngeal or laryngeal discomfort; mild (1) = no pain at rest, but swallowing induced mild pain or discomfort; moderate (2) = constant pain without swallowing exacerbation; and severe (3) = constant pain with swallowing or respiratory exacerbation. The incidences of postoperative side effects (nausea, vomiting, itching, dizziness, and somnolence) were also recorded. Demographic data from the parecoxib (n = 25) and morphine (n = 25) groups did not differ significantly. The parecoxib group depicted similar sore throat scores as the morphine group at three measured postoperative time points. Patients requiring postoperative analgesics were comparable between the parecoxib group and morphine group (2/25, 8% vs. 3/25, 12%, p = 0.64). Overall postoperative adverse events were fewer in the parecoxib group than the morphine group (3/25, 12% vs. 9/25, 36%, p = 0.047). Both parecoxib and morphine are effective to attenuate postoperative sore throat after laryngeal microsurgery. Parecoxib may be an effective and well-tolerated injectable analgesic to manage postoperative sore throat after laryngeal microsurgery. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

A survey of contemporary opinions and practices of surgical and intensive care specialists towards peri-operative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in Asia.

PubMed

Lee, L; Liew, N C; Gee, T

2012-12-01

This survey was conducted to determine the opinions and practices of peri-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among surgical and intensive care specialists in Asia. A set of questionnaire was distributed to surgeons and intensivists from different countries in Asia. The specialties included were general surgery and its sub-specialties, orthopaedic surgery, gynaecological surgery and intensive care unit. This survey involved teaching institutions, general hospitals and private hospitals. To gauge if the respondents were from hospitals that would likely encounter VTE cases, the hospital's bed-strength, intensive care facility and sub-specialty services were recorded. Over a period of six months, questionnaires and feedbacks were collected and analyzed. One hundred and ninety-one responses were received from 8 countries throughout Asia. Fifty-six percent of these were from large hospitals (800 bedded or more) and 62% of these hospitals have large intensive care facility (20 or more beds). Only half of the respondents practice routine thromboprophylaxis in moderate and high risk surgeries. Thirty six percent of them practices selective thromboprophylaxis and only 3% do not believe in any thromboprophylaxis. A third prescribed thromboprophylaxis for 3 to 5 days; another third extended it until patient is mobile. About 48.6% of the respondents do not have VTE guidelines in their institutions. Majority of the respondents agreed that more evidence is needed in the form of multi-centre randomized controlled trials to influence their decision on thromboprophylaxis. Despite the availability of strong epidemiological data, randomized controlled trials and multicentre case-controlled studies, perioperative VTE prophylactic practices are still suboptimal in Asia.

Use of social media for sexual health promotion: a scoping review

PubMed Central

Gabarron, Elia; Wynn, Rolf

2016-01-01

Background In order to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the World Health Organization recommends educating people on sexual health. With more than 2 billion active users worldwide, online social media potentially represent powerful channels for health promotion, including sexual health. Objective To review the scientific literature on the use of online social media for sexual health promotion. Design A search was conducted of scientific and medical databases, and grey literature was also included. The selected publications were classified according to their study designs, sexual health promotion main subject, target audience age, and social media use. Results Fifty-one publications were included; 4 publications presenting randomized intervention studies, 39 non-randomized intervention studies, and 8 observational studies. In 29 publications (56.9%), the main subject of the sexual health promotion was ‘general’ or to increase STI testing. Thirty publications (58.8%) specifically focused on youth or young people (aged 11–29 years). Fourteen publications that used social media either as unique channels for sexual health promotion interventions or as a tool supporting the sexual health promotion reported an effect on behavior (27%), and two of those studies found a reduction in the number of positive chlamydia and gonorrhea cases linked to social media intervention. Forty-four publications (86.3%) involved Facebook in some way. Conclusions Although billions of people worldwide actively use social media, we identified only 51 publications on the use of social media for promoting sexual health. About a quarter of the publications have identified promising results, and the evidence for positive effects of social media interventions for promoting sexual health is increasing. There is a need for more studies that explicitly discuss their theoretical framework, and that have strong research designs, in order to further increase the evidence base of the field. PMID:27649758

Relationship Between FEV1 and Patient-Reported Outcomes Changes: Results of a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials in Stable COPD

PubMed Central

de la Loge, Christine; Tugaut, Béatrice; Fofana, Fatoumata; Lambert, Jérémy; Hennig, Michael; Tschiesner, Uta; Vahdati-Bolouri, Mitra; Segun Ismaila, Afisi; Suresh Punekar, Yogesh

2016-01-01

Background: This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between change from baseline (CFB) in spirometric measurements (trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] and FEV1 area under the curve [AUC]) and patient-reported outcomes (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire total score [SGRQ] CFB, Transition Dyspnea Index [TDI] and exacerbation rates) after 6-12 months’ follow-up, using study treatment-group level data. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials of ≥24 weeks duration in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies reporting ≥1 spirometric measurement and ≥1 patient-reported outcome (PRO) at baseline and at study endpoint were selected. The relationships between PROs and spirometric endpoints were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient and meta-regression. Results: Fifty-two studies (62,385 patients) were included. Primary weighted analysis conducted at the last assessment showed a large significant negative correlation (r, −0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI); −0.77, −0.57]) between trough FEV1 and SGRQ. Improvement of 100 mL in trough FEV1 corresponded to a 5.9 point reduction in SGRQ. Similarly, a reduction of 4 points on SGRQ corresponded to 40 mL improvement in trough FEV1 (p<0.001). The weighted correlation coefficients of trough FEV1 with TDI, exacerbation rate (all) and exacerbation rate (moderate/severe) at last assessment point were 0.57, -0.69 and -0.57, respectively (all p<0.05). For the analyses excluding placebo groups, the correlations of FEV1 with SGRQ and TDI were lower but significant. Conclusions: A strong association exists between changes in spirometric measurements and changes in PROs. PMID:28848877

Prospective randomized blinded trial of pulmonary function, pain, and cosmetic results after laparoscopic vs. microlaparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PubMed

Schwenk, W; Neudecker, J; Mall, J; Böhm, B; Müller, J M

2000-04-01

The size of laparoscopic instruments has been reduced for use in abdominal video endoscopic surgery. However, it has yet to be proven that microlaparoscopic surgery will actually result in clinically relevant benefits for patients. Fifty patients were randomized in a blinded fashion to receive either elective laparoscopic (MINI), (n = 25) or microlaparoscopic (MICRO) (n = 25) cholecystectomy. Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV (1)), analgesic consumption during patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), pain perception by visual analogue score (VAS), and the cosmetic result (by the patient's self-assessment) were evaluated postoperatively as clinically relevant end points. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative pulmonary function, pain perception, and operative time were similar for the two groups. At 8:00 PM on the day of surgery, FVC (MINI: 1.96 L [range, 1.48-2.48]; MICRO: 2.13 L) [(range, 1.61.-2.50)] and FEV (1) (MINI: 1.17 L/sec) [range, 0.87-1. 48]; MICRO: 1.34 L/sec [range, 1.05.-2.14] were also similar (each p = 0.5). From surgery to the 3rd postoperative day, cumulative PCA morphine doses were comparable (MINI: 0.15 mg/kg bw [range, 0.09-0. 23]; MICRO: 0.21 mg/kg bw [range, 0.10-0.42]; p = 0.4), but overall VAS scores for pain while coughing were higher in the laparoscopic group (406 [range, 358-514]) than in the microlaparoscopic group (365 [range, 215-427]; p = 0.02). The cosmetic result was judged to be slightly superior by the microlaparoscopic patients (10 [range, 9-10]), as compared to those in the laparoscopic (9 [range, 8-10]) group (p = 0.04). Because microlaparoscopic cholecystectomy has some minor advantages over laparoscopic surgery, it should be considered for use in selected patients.

Comparison of rescue techniques for failed chloral hydrate sedation for magnetic resonance imaging scans--additional chloral hydrate vs intranasal dexmedetomidine.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenhua; Wang, Zixin; Song, Xingrong; Fan, Yanting; Tian, Hang; Li, Bilian

2016-03-01

Chloral hydrate, a commonly used sedative in children during noninvasive diagnostic procedures, is associated with side effects like prolonged sedation, paradoxical excitement, delirium, and unpleasant taste. Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α-2 agonist, has better pharmacokinetic properties than chloral hydrate. We conducted this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine with that of a second oral dose of chloral hydrate for rescue sedation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in infants. One hundred and fifty infants (age group: 1-6 months), who were not adequately sedated after initial oral dose of 50 mg · kg(-1) chloral hydrate, were randomly divided into three groups with the following protocol for each group. Group C: second oral dose chloral hydrate 25 mg · kg(-1); Group L and Group H: intranasal dexmedetomidine in a dosage of 1 and 2 mcg · kg(-1), respectively. Status of sedation, induction time, time to wake up, vital signs, oxygen saturation, and recovery characteristics were recorded. Successful rescue sedation in Groups C, L, and H were achieved in 40 (80%), 47 (94%), and 49 (98%) of infants, respectively, on an intention to treat analysis, and the proportion of infants successfully sedated in Group H was more than that of Group L (P ˂ 0.01). There were no significant differences in sedation induction time; however, the time to wake up was significantly shorter in Group L as compared to that in Group C or H (P < 0.01). No significant adverse hemodynamic or hypoxemic effects were observed in the study. Intranasal dexmedetomidine induced satisfactory rescue sedation in 1- to 6-month-old infants during MRI study, and appears to cause sedation in a dose-dependent manner. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of acidity of in-office bleaching gels on tooth sensitivity and whitening: a two-center double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Loguercio, A D; Servat, F; Stanislawczuk, R; Mena-Serrano, A; Rezende, M; Prieto, M V; Cereño, V; Rojas, M F; Ortega, K; Fernandez, E; Reis, A

2017-12-01

The study aimed to compare the tooth sensitivity (TS) and bleaching efficacy of two hydrogen peroxide gels with different pHs (acid pH [Pola Office, SDI] and the neutral pH [Pola Office+, SDI]) used for in-office bleaching. Fifty-four patients from Brazil and Chile, with right superior incisor darker than A2, were selected for this double-blind, split-mouth randomized trial. Teeth were bleached in two sessions, with 1-week interval. Each session had three applications of 8 min each, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The color changes were evaluated by subjective (Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide) and objective (Easy shade spectrophotometer) methods. Participants recorded TS with 0-10 visual analog scale. Color change in shade guide units (SGU) and ΔE was analyzed by Student's t test (α = 0.05). The absolute risk and intensity of TS were evaluated by McNemar's test and Wilcoxon-paired test, respectively (α = 0.05). All groups achieved the same level of whitening after 30 days of clinical evaluation. The use of a neutral in-office bleaching gel significantly decreases the absolute risk of TS (28%, 95% CI 18-41) and intensity of TS when compared to the acid bleaching gel (absolute risk of 50%, 95% CI 37-63). The use of a neutral in-office bleaching agent gel produced the same whitening degree than an acid bleaching gel but with reduced risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity. Clinicians should opt to use in-office bleaching with a neutral gel than an acid product because the former causes a significant lower risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity.

Use of social media for sexual health promotion: a scoping review.

PubMed

Gabarron, Elia; Wynn, Rolf

2016-01-01

In order to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the World Health Organization recommends educating people on sexual health. With more than 2 billion active users worldwide, online social media potentially represent powerful channels for health promotion, including sexual health. To review the scientific literature on the use of online social media for sexual health promotion. A search was conducted of scientific and medical databases, and grey literature was also included. The selected publications were classified according to their study designs, sexual health promotion main subject, target audience age, and social media use. Fifty-one publications were included; 4 publications presenting randomized intervention studies, 39 non-randomized intervention studies, and 8 observational studies. In 29 publications (56.9%), the main subject of the sexual health promotion was 'general' or to increase STI testing. Thirty publications (58.8%) specifically focused on youth or young people (aged 11-29 years). Fourteen publications that used social media either as unique channels for sexual health promotion interventions or as a tool supporting the sexual health promotion reported an effect on behavior (27%), and two of those studies found a reduction in the number of positive chlamydia and gonorrhea cases linked to social media intervention. Forty-four publications (86.3%) involved Facebook in some way. Although billions of people worldwide actively use social media, we identified only 51 publications on the use of social media for promoting sexual health. About a quarter of the publications have identified promising results, and the evidence for positive effects of social media interventions for promoting sexual health is increasing. There is a need for more studies that explicitly discuss their theoretical framework, and that have strong research designs, in order to further increase the evidence base of the field.

Self-administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE): a brief cognitive assessment Instrument for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia.

PubMed

Scharre, Douglas W; Chang, Shu-Ing; Murden, Robert A; Lamb, James; Beversdorf, David Q; Kataki, Maria; Nagaraja, Haikady N; Bornstein, Robert A

2010-01-01

To develop a self-administered cognitive assessment instrument to facilitate the screening of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia and determine its association with gold standard clinical assessments including neuropsychologic evaluation. Adults aged above 59 years with sufficient vision and English literacy were recruited from geriatric and memory disorder clinics, educational talks, independent living facilities, senior centers, and memory screens. After Self-administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) screening, subjects were randomly selected to complete a clinical evaluation, neurologic examination, neuropsychologic battery, functional assessment, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Subjects were identified as dementia, MCI, or normal based on standard clinical criteria and neuropsychologic testing. Two hundred fifty-four participants took the SAGE screen and 63 subjects completed the extensive evaluation (21 normal, 21 MCI, and 21 dementia subjects). Spearman rank correlation between SAGE and neuropsychologic battery was 0.84 (0.76 for MMSE). SAGE receiver operating characteristics on the basis of clinical diagnosis showed 95% specificity (90% for MMSE) and 79% sensitivity (71% for MMSE) in detecting those with cognitive impairment from normal subjects. This study suggests that SAGE is a reliable instrument for detecting cognitive impairment and compares favorably with the MMSE. The self-administered feature may promote cognitive testing by busy clinicians prompting earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Binge Abstinence is Associated with Reduced Energy Intake After Treatment in Patients with Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity

PubMed Central

Masheb, Robin M.; Dorflinger, Lindsey M.; Rolls, Barbara J.; Mitchell, Diane C.; Grilo, Carlos M.

2016-01-01

Objective Binge eating disorder (BED) is strongly associated with obesity and related medical and psychiatric morbidities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has consistently been shown to reduce binge eating frequency and improve psychological functioning, as well as to produce abstinence rates of roughly 50%. This study examined the relationship between binge abstinence and dietary and psychological outcomes after CBT for BED. Methods Fifty adult patients with BED received 6-month treatments using a combination of CBT and dietary counseling. Trained interviewers conducted two 24-hour dietary recall interviews on randomly selected days at baseline and at 6 months. Results Participants had significant reductions in energy, macronutrient, and sugar intake and an increase in fruit intake. They reported significant reductions in BMI and binge eating frequency (from mean = 14.24 to mean = 1.90 binge eating episodes during the previous 28 days), as well as improvements in psychological functioning. Those who became binge abstinent reported eating roughly 400 fewer calories per day and experienced greater improvements in psychological functioning than those who did not. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that individuals who achieve complete cessation from binge eating have significantly improved dietary and psychological outcomes that could potentially improve weight status, compared with those who continue to binge eat post-treatment. PMID:27797154

Analysis of corneal astigmatism before surgery in Chinese congenital ectopia lentis patients.

PubMed

Zhang, Yichi; Jin, Guangming; Young, Charlotte Aimee; Cao, Qianzhong; Lin, Junxiong; Lin, Jianqiang; Wang, Yiyao; Zheng, Danying

2018-04-26

Purpose This study aims to describe the characteristics of corneal astigmatism before surgery in congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) patients. Methods This retrospective study reviewed 306 CEL patients from 1st January 2006, to 31st December 2015. One eye was randomly selected from each patient when the patient had bilateral EL. The influence of sex, laterality, and Marfan syndrome on corneal astigmatism in different age subgroups was evaluated and compared. The correlation between age and corneal astigmatism was evaluated. Results Two hundred fifty-two eyes were included in this study. The mean corneal astigmatism of CEL patients was 2.00 ± 1.28 D. There was a statistical difference in corneal astigmatism between CEL eyes with and without Marfan syndrome. However, no statistical difference was found between male and female patients, or between the EL-affected eye and the unaffected eye in monocular EL patients. There was a positive correlation between age and corneal astigmatism in CEL eyes. Conclusions This study suggests that CEL patients' corneal astigmatism is higher in patients with Marfan syndrome, and corneal astigmatism of the CEL eye increases with age. Our results are useful for surgeons to make appropriate incision and intraocular lens (IOL) choices for patients, as well as a useful reference for designs of new IOLs.

Guideline-concordant weight-loss programs in an urban area are uncommon and difficult to identify through the Internet

PubMed Central

Bloom, Benjamin; Mehta, Ambereen K.; Clark, Jeanne M.; Gudzune, Kimberly A.

2015-01-01

Objective To determine the reliability of Internet-based information on community-based weight-loss programs and grade their degree of concordance with 2013 American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and The Obesity Society weight management guidelines. Methods We conducted an online search for weight-loss programs in the Maryland-Washington, DC-Virginia corridor. We performed content analysis to abstract program components from their websites, and then randomly selected 80 programs for a telephone survey to verify this information. We determined reliability of Internet information in comparison with telephone interview responses. Results Of the 191 programs, we graded 1% as high, 8% as moderate, and 91% as low with respect to guideline concordance based on website content. Fifty-two programs participated in the telephone survey (65% response rate). Program intensity, diet, physical activity, and use of behavioral strategies were underreported on websites as compared to description of these activities during phone interview. Within our subsample, we graded 6% of programs as high based on website information, whereas we graded 19% as high after telephone interview. Conclusions Most weight-loss programs in an urban, mid-Atlantic region do not currently offer guideline-concordant practices and fail to disclose key information online, which may make clinician referrals challenging. PMID:26861769

Comparative assessment of efficacy of two different pretreatment single oral doses of betamethasone on inter-appointment and postoperative discomfort: An in vivo clinical evaluation

PubMed Central

Gyanani, Hitesh; Chhabra, Naveen; Parmar, Ghanshyam R.

2016-01-01

Aim: Study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two different pretreatment single oral doses of betamethasone on the incidence of inter-appointment flare up and postoperative discomfort. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients aged 18–59 years requiring endodontic treatment were selected and randomly assigned to three groups; single pretreatment oral dose of placebo or betamethasone in two different oral doses of 0.5 mg and 1 mg, respectively. Endodontic therapy was completed in two visits using triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medicament. Patients were given a questionnaire to record their pain at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after treatment. In the second visit, obturation was done, and the patients were again instructed to record their pain scores after treatment and discharged. The verbal rating scale was used for recording the pain scores. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and the Friedman test. Results: 0.5 mg betamethasone group showed least mean pain scores among all experimental groups; however, there was no statistically significant difference between any of the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment single oral dose of betamethasone is an effective in managing endodontic flare-ups; however, the results were statistically insignificant. PMID:27994320

[Study on effects of low frequency pulse plus auricular point magnetic therapy on electrogastrogram and clinical therapeutic effect in the patient of functional dyspepsia].

PubMed

Wang, Yan-Gang; Yao, Shu-Kun

2007-04-01

To compare therapeutic effects of low frequency pulse plus auricular point magnetic therapy and prepulsid on functional dyspepsia (FD). Fifty cases of FD were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group were treated with low frequency pulse stimulation on Zhongwan (CV 12), Weishu (BL 21), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), with Fenglong (ST 40) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) selected according to syndrome differentiation, once a day, 30 min each session. The control group were treated with oral administration of prepulsid. Five days constituted one course. The scores of symptoms and parameters of electrogastrogram (EGG) before and after treatment and the therapeutic effect were investigated. After treatment, the symptom scores significantly decreased (P < 0.01), with a significant difference in the decrease of symptom scores between the two groups (P < 0.05); and EGG parameters were improved (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of 93.3% in the treatment group was better than 75.0% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Low frequency pulse plus auricular point magnetic therapy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and gastric activities in the patient of FD, with a better therapeutic effect than prepulsid.

Research on the optoacoustic communication system for speech transmission by variable laser-pulse repetition rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongyan; Qiu, Hongbing; He, Ning; Liao, Xin

2018-06-01

For the optoacoustic communication from in-air platforms to submerged apparatus, a method based on speech recognition and variable laser-pulse repetition rates is proposed, which realizes character encoding and transmission for speech. Firstly, the theories and spectrum characteristics of the laser-generated underwater sound are analyzed; and moreover character conversion and encoding for speech as well as the pattern of codes for laser modulation is studied; lastly experiments to verify the system design are carried out. Results show that the optoacoustic system, where laser modulation is controlled by speech-to-character baseband codes, is beneficial to improve flexibility in receiving location for underwater targets as well as real-time performance in information transmission. In the overwater transmitter, a pulse laser is controlled to radiate by speech signals with several repetition rates randomly selected in the range of one to fifty Hz, and then in the underwater receiver laser pulse repetition rate and data can be acquired by the preamble and information codes of the corresponding laser-generated sound. When the energy of the laser pulse is appropriate, real-time transmission for speaker-independent speech can be realized in that way, which solves the problem of underwater bandwidth resource and provides a technical approach for the air-sea communication.

Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth: awareness and use in schools.

PubMed

Downs, Shauna M; Farmer, Anna; Quintanilha, Maira; Berry, Tanya R; Mager, Diana R; Willows, Noreen D; McCargar, Linda J

2011-01-01

In June 2008, the Alberta government released the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth. We evaluated the awareness of and intent to use the guidelines in Alberta schools, and sought to determine whether organizational characteristics were a factor in adoption of the guidelines. Randomly selected schools from across Alberta completed a 19-question telephone survey, which included open- and closed-ended questions about the schools' characteristics, the priority given to healthy eating, awareness of the guidelines, and the schools' intent to use the guidelines. Of the 554 schools contacted, 357 (64%) completed the survey. Overall, 76.1% of schools were aware of the guidelines and 65% were in the process of adopting them. Fifty percent of schools identified healthy eating as a high priority and 65.9% reported making changes to improve the nutritional quality of foods offered in the past year. Schools that were larger, public, and urban, and had a school champion and healthy eating as a high priority were more likely to be adopting the guidelines. Most schools were aware of the nutrition guidelines and many had begun the adoption process. Identifying a school champion may be an important first step for schools in terms of adopting health promotion initiatives.

Exploring incentives for RNs to return to practice: a partial solution to the nursing shortage.

PubMed

Langan, Joanne C; Tadych, Rita A; Kao, Chia-Chan

2007-01-01

Although many have suggested strategies to resolve the nursing shortage, few have considered inactive RNs. This pilot study investigated reasons why nurses leave the practice, the type of work environment and resources necessary to entice RNs to return to practice, and the specific skills required to assist RNs in feeling confident and competent to return to practice. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory was used to study motivation and hygiene factors enticing RNs to practice. A screening questionnaire was sent to 1,004 randomly selected RNs in Missouri to determine who were licensed but not practicing. Fifty-two full questionnaires were mailed and 33 (63%) were returned. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, whereas qualitative data were coded and analyzed using manifest content analysis. The lack of motivators such as recognition of one's work and achievements was one reason why RNs left the practice. The hygiene factors of money, improved working conditions, refresher courses, and health insurance would motivate RNs to return to practice. Those wishing to entice inactive nurses to practice will need to offer sign-on bonuses or make the hourly wages and benefits package very competitive. This study indicates that nurses value flexible working hours, part-time opportunities, consideration of family lives, and positive relationships with administrators.

Effects of a powered air-purifying respirator intervention on indium exposure reduction and indium related biomarkers among ITO sputter target manufacturing workers.

PubMed

Liu, Hung-Hsin; Chen, Chang-Yuh; Lan, Cheng-Hang; Chang, Cheng-Ping; Peng, Chiung-Yu

2016-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) worn by the workers, and to investigate the effect of this application on exposure and preclinical effects in terms of workplace measuring and biomarker monitoring in ITO sputter target manufacturing plants and workers, respectively. Fifty-four workers were recruited and investigated from 2010-2012, during which PAPRs were provided to on-site workers in September 2011. Each worker completed questionnaires and provided blood and urine samples for analysis of biomarkers of indium exposure and preclinical effects. Area and personal indium air samples were randomly collected from selected worksites and from participants. The penetration percentage of the respirator (concentration inside respirator divided by concentration outside respirator) was 6.6%. Some biomarkers, such as S-In, SOD, GPx, GST, MDA, and TMOM, reflected the decrease in exposure and showed lower levels, after implementation of PAPRs. This study is the first to investigate the efficacy of PAPRs for reducing indium exposure. The measurement results clearly showed that the implementation of PAPRs reduces levels of indium-related biomarkers. These findings have practical applications for minimizing occupational exposure to indium and for managing the health of workers exposed to indium.

Rapid development of microsatellite markers for the endangered fish Schizothorax biddulphi (Günther) using next generation sequencing and cross-species amplification.

PubMed

Luo, Wei; Nie, Zhulan; Zhan, Fanbin; Wei, Jie; Wang, Weimin; Gao, Zexia

2012-11-14

Tarim schizothoracin (Schizothorax biddulphi) is an endemic fish species native to the Tarim River system of Xinjiang and has been classified as an extremely endangered freshwater fish species in China. Here, we used a next generation sequencing platform (ion torrent PGM™) to obtain a large number of microsatellites for S. biddulphi, for the first time. A total of 40577 contigs were assembled, which contained 1379 SSRs. In these SSRs, the number of dinucleotide repeats were the most frequent (77.08%) and AC repeats were the most frequently occurring microsatellite, followed by AG, AAT and AT. Fifty loci were randomly selected for primer development; of these, 38 loci were successfully amplified and 29 loci were polymorphic across panels of 30 individuals. The H(o) ranged from 0.15 to 0.83, and H(e) ranged from 0.15 to 0.85, with 3.5 alleles per locus on average. Cross-species utility indicated that 20 of these markers were successfully amplified in a related, also an endangered fish species, S. irregularis. This study suggests that PGM™ sequencing is a rapid and cost-effective tool for developing microsatellite markers for non-model species and the developed microsatellite markers in this study would be useful in Schizothorax genetic analysis.

A Telephone-based Physiotherapy Intervention for Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee

PubMed Central

Odole, Adesola C.; Ojo, Oluwatobi D.

2013-01-01

This study assessed the effects of a 6-week telephone based intervention on the pain intensity and physical function of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and compared the results to physiotherapy conducted in the clinic. Fifty randomly selected patients with knee OA were assigned to one of two treatment groups: a clinic group (CG) and a tele-physiotherapy group (TG). The CG received thrice-weekly physiotherapist administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises in the clinic for six weeks. The TG received structured telephone calls thrice-weekly at home, to monitor self-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises. Participants’ pain intensity and physical function were assessed at baseline, two, four, and six weeks, in the clinic environment. Within group comparison showed significant improvements across baseline, and at weeks two, four, and six for both TG and CG’s pain intensity and physical function. Between-group comparison of CG and TG’s pain intensity and physical function at baseline and weeks two, four, and six showed no significant differences. This study demonstrated that a six-week course of structured telephone calls thrice-weekly to patients at their home, to monitor self-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises for patients with knee OA (i.e., tele-physiotherapy) achieved comparable results to physiotherapy conducted in the clinic. PMID:25945214

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish-oil) and depression-related cognition in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Antypa, N; Van der Does, A J W; Smelt, A H M; Rogers, R D

2009-09-01

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation may be beneficial in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders, including depression. A small number of studies have suggested that there may also be cognitive and mood effects in healthy samples. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA on depression-relevant cognitive functioning in healthy individuals. Fifty-four healthy university students were randomized to receive either n-3 PUFA supplements or placebo for 4 weeks in a double-blind design. The test battery included measures of cognitive reactivity, attention, response inhibition, facial emotion recognition, memory and risky decision-making. Results showed few effects of n-3 PUFAs on cognition and mood states. The n-3 PUFA group made fewer risk-averse decisions than the placebo group. This difference appeared only in non-normative trials of the decision-making test, and was not accompanied by increased impulsiveness. N-3 PUFAs improved scores on the control/perfectionism scale of the cognitive reactivity measure. No effects were found on the other cognitive tasks and no consistent effects on mood were observed. The present findings indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation may have a selective effect on risky decision making in healthy volunteers, which is unrelated to impulsiveness.

Reliability of the test of gross motor development second edition (TGMD-2) for Kindergarten children in Myanmar

PubMed Central

Aye, Thanda; Oo, Khin Saw; Khin, Myo Thuzar; Kuramoto-Ahuja, Tsugumi; Maruyama, Hitoshi

2017-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate reliability of the test of gross motor development second edition (TGMD-2) for Kindergarten children in Myanmar. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty healthy Kindergarten children (23 males, 27 females) whose parents/guardians had given written consent were participated. The subjects were explained and demonstrated all 12 gross motor skills of TGMD-2 before the assessment. Each subject individually performed two trials for each gross motor skill and the performance was video recorded. Three raters separately watched the video recordings and rated for inter-rater reliability. The second assessment was done one month later with 25 out of 50 subjects for test-rest reliability. The video recordings of 12 subjects were randomly selected from the first 50 recordings for intra-rater reliability six weeks after the first assessment. The agreement on the locomotor and object control raw scores and the gross motor quotient (GMQ) were calculated. [Results] The findings of all the reliability coefficients for the locomotor and object control raw scores and the GMQ were interpreted as good and excellent reliability. [Conclusion] The results represented that TGMD-2 is a highly reliable and appropriate assessment tool for assessing gross motor skill development of Kindergarten children in Myanmar. PMID:29184278

Reliability of the test of gross motor development second edition (TGMD-2) for Kindergarten children in Myanmar.

PubMed

Aye, Thanda; Oo, Khin Saw; Khin, Myo Thuzar; Kuramoto-Ahuja, Tsugumi; Maruyama, Hitoshi

2017-10-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate reliability of the test of gross motor development second edition (TGMD-2) for Kindergarten children in Myanmar. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty healthy Kindergarten children (23 males, 27 females) whose parents/guardians had given written consent were participated. The subjects were explained and demonstrated all 12 gross motor skills of TGMD-2 before the assessment. Each subject individually performed two trials for each gross motor skill and the performance was video recorded. Three raters separately watched the video recordings and rated for inter-rater reliability. The second assessment was done one month later with 25 out of 50 subjects for test-rest reliability. The video recordings of 12 subjects were randomly selected from the first 50 recordings for intra-rater reliability six weeks after the first assessment. The agreement on the locomotor and object control raw scores and the gross motor quotient (GMQ) were calculated. [Results] The findings of all the reliability coefficients for the locomotor and object control raw scores and the GMQ were interpreted as good and excellent reliability. [Conclusion] The results represented that TGMD-2 is a highly reliable and appropriate assessment tool for assessing gross motor skill development of Kindergarten children in Myanmar.

Effect of atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide in rats with adenine-induced chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Yang, C; Liu, C; Zhou, Q; Xie, Y C; Qiu, X M; Feng, X

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to elucidate the therapeutic effects of Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide on adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided in to 5 groups (n=10 rats per group): The normal control group, the chronic renal failure pathological control group, the dexamethasone treatment group and two Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide treatment groups, treated with two different concentrations of the polysaccharide, the Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide high group and the Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide low group. All the rats, except those in the normal control group were fed adenine-enriched diets, containing 10 g adenine per kg food for 3 weeks. After being fed with adenine, the dexamethasone treatment group, Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide high group and Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide low group rats were administered the drug orally for 2 weeks. On day 35, the kidney coefficient of the rats and the serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein and hemalbumin were determined. Subsequent to experimentation on a model of chronic renal failure in rats, the preparation was proven to be able to reduce serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and hemalbumin levels (P<0.05) and improve renal function. Atracylodes rhizome polysaccharide had reversed the majority of the indices of chronic renal failure in rats.

Scientific Investigations of Elementary School Children

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valanides, Nicos; Papageorgiou, Maria; Angeli, Charoula

2014-02-01

The study provides evidence concerning elementary school children's ability to conduct a scientific investigation. Two hundred and fifty sixth-grade students and 248 fourth-grade students were administered a test, and based on their performance, they were classified into high-ability and low-ability students. The sample of this study was randomly selected and included 80 students, 40 fourth-grade and 40 sixth-grade students of low and high abilities. Students were specifically instructed to investigate the functioning of a device, to think aloud prior and after any experiment with the device, and to keep a record of their experimental results. The results showed that students were inclined to mainly collect evidence from the experimental space and failed to control variables during their investigation. The majority of the students had difficulties with effectively organizing collected data and failed to coordinate hypotheses with evidence. The significant interaction effect that was found between grade level and ability in terms of students' investigation ability indicates that the existing gap between high- and low-ability students becomes bigger as students become older. Undoubtedly, ongoing research efforts for identifying patterns of children's cognitive development will be most valuable as they can have important implications for the design of teaching scenarios and inquiry-based science activities conducive to accelerating students' cognitive growth and scientific investigation abilities.

Clinical characteristics and service use of persons with mental illness living in an intermediate care facility.

PubMed

Anderson, R L; Lewis, D A

1999-10-01

The study examined the characteristics of residents living in a 450-bed intermediate care facility for persons with severe mental illness in Illinois and sought to determine the factors predicting their utilization of mental health services. Data on 100 randomly selected residents with a chart diagnosis of schizophrenia were collected using chart review and interviews. Data for 78 residents whose diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV were included in the analyses. Fifty-three percent of the residents used facility-based specialty mental health services beyond medication management, such as group therapy or a day program. Persons with the least severe psychiatric illnesses and with higher levels of motivation for overall care used the most mental health services. Thirty-five percent of the residents had been discharged to an inpatient psychiatric unit during the previous year. Residents most likely to be discharged to those settings were young men with a history of homelessness who refused facility-based health services. Despite recent policy-driven efforts to improve care in this intermediate care facility for persons with mental illness, the facility continues to have problems addressing the mental health needs of the residents.

Oxytocin modulates human communication by enhancing cognitive exploration.

PubMed

de Boer, Miriam; Kokal, Idil; Blokpoel, Mark; Liu, Rui; Stolk, Arjen; Roelofs, Karin; van Rooij, Iris; Toni, Ivan

2017-12-01

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide known to influence how humans share material resources. Here we explore whether oxytocin influences how we share knowledge. We focus on two distinguishing features of human communication, namely the ability to select communicative signals that disambiguate the many-to-many mappings that exist between a signal's form and meaning, and adjustments of those signals to the presumed cognitive characteristics of the addressee ("audience design"). Fifty-five males participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled experiment involving the intranasal administration of oxytocin. The participants produced novel non-verbal communicative signals towards two different addressees, an adult or a child, in an experimentally-controlled live interactive setting. We found that oxytocin administration drives participants to generate signals of higher referential quality, i.e. signals that disambiguate more communicative problems; and to rapidly adjust those communicative signals to what the addressee understands. The combined effects of oxytocin on referential quality and audience design fit with the notion that oxytocin administration leads participants to explore more pervasively behaviors that can convey their intention, and diverse models of the addressees. These findings suggest that, besides affecting prosocial drive and salience of social cues, oxytocin influences how we share knowledge by promoting cognitive exploration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The prevalence of depression among high school and preuniversity adolescents: Rasht, northern Iran.

PubMed

Modabber-Nia, Mohammad-Jafar; Shodjai-Tehrani, Hossein; Moosavi, Seyed-Roknoddin; Jahanbakhsh-Asli, Nakisa; Fallahi, Mahnaz

2007-04-01

Depression is an important mental health problem, which is quite unknown among adolescents in our community. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of depression among high school and preuniversity students of Rasht, northern Iran. We studied 4,020 randomly-selected individuals out of 41,815 high school and preuniversity students. Beck's self-administered standard questionnaire and a predetermined form containing some demographic variables were applied to measure variables. Two hundred ninety-nine subjects (due to incomplete responses) and 40 subjects (evening-school students) were excluded from our study. One thousand two hundred fifty (34%: CI 95% 32.4 - 35.4%) out of 3,681 subjects suffered from depression. There were significant differences between the prevalence of depression and type of school (P < 0.001), educational field (P < 0.0005), socioeconomic class (P = 0.0002), and gender (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the prevalence of depression and city district, school grade, and age of participants. Our study indicates that depressive symptoms are common in our subjects and they have significant association with low socioeconomic status. We, therefore, recommend the use of psychiatric interview and analytical methods for determination of the prevalence of depressive disorders and its relationship with studied variables.

Factors affecting the technical efficiency of general hospitals in Iran: data envelopment analysis.

PubMed

Kalhor, Rohollah; Amini, Saeed; Sokhanvar, Mobin; Lotfi, Farhad; Sharifi, Marziye; Kakemam, Edris

2016-03-01

Restrictions on resource accessibility and its optimal application is the main challenge in organizations nowadays. The aim of this research was to study the technical efficiency and its related factors in Tehran general hospitals. This descriptive analytical study was conducted retrospectively in 2014. Fifty-four hospitals with private, university, and social security ownerships from the total 110 general hospitals were randomly selected for inclusion into this study on the basis of the share of ownership. Data were collected using a checklist with three sections, including background variables, inputs, and outputs. Seventeen (31.48%) hospitals had an efficiency score of 1 (highest efficiency score). The highest average efficiency score was in social security hospitals (84.32). Private and university hospitals ranked next with an average of 84.29 and 79.64, respectively. Analytical results showed that there was a significant relationship between hospital ownership, hospital type in terms of duty and specialization, educational field of the chief executive officer, and technical efficiency. There was no significant relationship between education level of hospital manager and technical efficiency. Most of the studied hospitals were operating at low efficiency. Therefore, policymakers should plan to improve the hospital operations and promote hospitals to an optimal level of efficiency.

Drug-nutrient interactions in three long-term-care facilities.

PubMed

Lewis, C W; Frongillo, E A; Roe, D A

1995-03-01

To assess the risk of drug-nutrient interactions (DNIs) in three long-term-care facilities. Retrospective audit of charts. Three long-term-care facilities in central New York State. Fifty-three patients selected randomly from each facility. Data were collected from the medical record of each patient for a period of 6 months. A computerized algorithm was used to assess the risk for DNIs. Mean drug use, most frequently consumed drugs, incidence of potential DNIs, and the most commonly observed potential DNIs are reported. In facilities A, B, and C, respectively, patients consumed a mean of 4.86, 4.04, and 5.27 drugs per patient per month and were at risk for a mean of 1.43, 2.69, and 1.43 potential DNIs per patient per month. The most commonly observed potential DNIs were gastrointestinal interactions affecting drug bioavailability and interactions affecting electrolyte status. Patients in long-term-care facilities, who are primarily elderly and chronically ill and who consume multiple medications, are at notable risk for certain DNIs. Efforts need to be made to ensure appropriate pharmacologic and nutrition therapies as well as adequate and timely monitoring of patients in these facilities. Dietitians can play an important role in training other health professionals and in designing policies to prevent DNIs.

Providing choice and/or variety during a meal: Impact on vegetable liking and intake.

PubMed

Parizel, Odile; Labouré, Hélène; Marsset-Baglieri, Agnès; Fromentin, Gilles; Sulmont-Rossé, Claire

2017-01-01

Out-of-home catering services frequently offer consumers the opportunity to choose their foods from among different proposals and/or provide consumers with a variety of food. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of choice and/or variety on food liking and food intake. Fifty-nine normal-weight adults were recruited under the condition that they equally liked three vegetable recipes (green beans with butter, zucchinis with olive oil, spinach with cream). Volunteers participated in four sessions at lunch time. In the no-choice/no-variety condition, volunteers were served one dish randomly selected from among the three. In the no-choice/variety condition, volunteers were served all three dishes. In the choice/no-variety condition, participants chose one dish from among the three dishes. In the choice/variety condition, volunteers chose as many dishes as they desired from among the three dishes. Results showed that providing choice increased vegetable liking and vegetable intake, while offering a variety of vegetables only increased their liking. No synergy effect between choice and variety was observed on vegetable liking and vegetable intake (i.e. the effect in the choice/variety condition was not significantly higher than the effects in no-choice/variety and the choice/no-variety conditions). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Small employer perspectives on the Affordable Care Act's premiums, SHOP exchanges, and self-insurance.

PubMed

Gabel, Jon R; Whitmore, Heidi; Pickreign, Jeremy; Satorius, Jennifer L; Stromberg, Sam

2013-11-01

Beginning January 1, 2014, small businesses having no more than fifty full-time-equivalent workers will be able to obtain health insurance for their employees through Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchanges in every state. Although the Affordable Care Act intended the exchanges to make the purchasing of insurance more attractive and affordable to small businesses, it is not yet known how they will respond to the exchanges. Based on a telephone survey of 604 randomly selected private firms having 3-50 employees, we found that both firms that offered health coverage and those that did not rated most features of SHOP exchanges highly but were also very price sensitive. More than 92 percent of nonoffering small firms said that if they were to offer coverage, it would be "very" or "somewhat" important to them that premium costs be less than they are today. Eighty percent of offering firms use brokers who commonly perform functions of benefit managers--functions that the SHOP exchanges may assume. Twenty-six percent of firms using brokers reported discussing self-insuring with their brokers. An increase in the number of self-insured small employers could pose a threat to SHOP exchanges and other small-group insurance reforms.

Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and vegetarian status among Seventh-Day Adventists in Barbados: preliminary results.

PubMed

Brathwaite, Noel; Fraser, Henry S; Modeste, Naomi; Broome, Hedy; King, Rosaline

2003-01-01

A population-based sample of Seventh-Day Adventists was studied to determine the relationship between vegetarian status, body mass index (BMI), obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension, in order to gain a better understanding of factors influencing chronic diseases in Barbados. A systematic sampling from a random start technique was used to select participants for the study. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and lifestyle characteristics, to record anthropometrics and blood pressure measurements, and to ascertain the hypertension and diabetes status of participants. The sample population consisted of 407 Barbadian Seventh-Day Adventists (SDAs), who ranged in age from 25 to 74 years. One hundred fifty-three (37.6%) participants were male, and 254 (62.4%) were female, and 43.5% were vegetarians. The prevalence rates of diabetes and hypertension were lower among long-term vegetarians, compared to non-vegetarians, and long-term vegetarians were, on average, leaner than non-vegetarians within the same cohort. A significant association was observed between a vegetarian diet and obesity (vegetarian by definition P=.04, self-reported vegetarian P=.009) in this population. Other components of the study population lifestyle should be further analyzed to determine the roles they may plan in lessening the prevalence rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Effects of Dance on Movement Control in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comparison of Argentine Tango and American Ballroom

PubMed Central

Hackney, Madeleine E.; Earhart, Gammon M.

2009-01-01

Objective The basal ganglia may be selectively activated during rhythmic, metered movement like tango dancing, which may improve motor control in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Other partner dances may be suitable and preferable for those with PD. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of tango, waltz/foxtrot and no intervention on functional motor control in individuals with PD. Design This study employed a randomised, between-subject, prospective, repeated measures design. Subjects/Patients Fifty-eight people with mild-moderate PD participated. Methods Participants were randomly assigned to Tango, Waltz/Foxtrot or no intervention (Control). Those in the dance groups attended 1-hour classes 2 times per week, completing 20 lessons within thirteen weeks. Balance, functional mobility, forward and backward walking were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results Both dance groups improved more than the Control group, which did not improve. Tango and Waltz/Foxtrot significantly improved on the Berg Balance Scale, six minute walk distance, and backward stride length. Tango improved as much or more than those in Waltz/Foxtrot on several measures. Conclusions Tango may target deficits associated with PD more than Waltz/Foxtrot, but both dances may benefit balance and locomotion. PMID:19479161

A study on the prevalence of upper extremity repetitive strain injuries among the handloom weavers of West Bengal.

PubMed

Banerjee, Prasun; Gangopadhyay, Somnath

2003-06-01

Handloom is one of the oldest cottage industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considerable number of rural people are engaged in weaving. Purposes of the present investigation were to clarify the prevalence of repetitive strain injuries in upper extremities among the handloom weavers and to identify the risk factors leading to its development. Fifty male handloom weavers were randomly selected from the population. A questionnaire (Kourinka et al., 1987) method including Borg scale assessment of pain, checklist analyses of the work, and time-motion studies for analyzing the repetitiveness/non-repetitiveness of the job were implemented. The time-motion analyses demonstrated that weaving occupied over 50% of the work cycle time for majority of subjects, and thus could be regarded as a repetitive activity. Statistical analyses revealed a highly significant correlation between the intensity of pain feeling and the repetitiveness on one hand, and the year of experience as a weaver on the other. By contrast, no significant relationship was observed between chronological ages of weavers and the pain intensity. These results suggested that highly repetitive works engaged for a long time could increase the intensity of the pain felt and would lead to repetitive strain injuries.

Knowledge and practice of contraception in United Arab Emirates women.

PubMed

Ghazal-Aswad, S; Rizk, D E; Al-Khoori, S M; Shaheen, H; Thomas, L

2001-10-01

To determine the knowledge and practice of contraception among United Arab Emirates (UAE) women. Four hundred and fifty UAE women at risk of pregnancy were randomly selected from the community and primary health care centres and interviewed about knowledge and practice of contraception using a structured questionnaire. Four hundred women (89%) gave consent to participate in the study. One hundred and sixty-six participants (41.5%) were using contraception. All used natural methods backed with other methods. There were significant associations between using contraception and each of age, high level of education and low family income (p < 0.0001 for the three variables). Religious beliefs and low expectation of success of birth control were the reasons given for non-use. Eighty-five percent of subjects did not accept sterilisation without medical indications, nor using contraception before the first pregnancy. Of the women, 42.5% believed that contraceptive methods should not be used after the age of 40, and 78% were unaware that they could be used for treatment of gynaecological diseases. Disturbed bleeding patterns occurred in 48.7% of users, and these were most bothered by the inability to pray (100%) and to have sexual intercourse (97.5%). Contraception is not commonly used by UAE women because of sociocultural traditions, religious beliefs and poor knowledge.

Temperature increases on the external root surface during endodontic treatment using single file systems.

PubMed

Özkocak, I; Taşkan, M M; Gökt Rk, H; Aytac, F; Karaarslan, E Şirin

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate increases in temperature on the external root surface during endodontic treatment with different rotary systems. Fifty human mandibular incisors with a single root canal were selected. All root canals were instrumented using a size 20 Hedstrom file, and the canals were irrigated with 5% sodium hypochlorite solution. The samples were randomly divided into the following three groups of 15 teeth: Group 1: The OneShape Endodontic File no.: 25; Group 2: The Reciproc Endodontic File no.: 25; Group 3: The WaveOne Endodontic File no.: 25. During the preparation, the temperature changes were measured in the middle third of the roots using a noncontact infrared thermometer. The temperature data were transferred from the thermometer to the computer and were observed graphically. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance at a significance level of 0.05. The increases in temperature caused by the OneShape file system were lower than those of the other files (P < 0.05). The WaveOne file showed the highest temperature increases. However, there were no significant differences between the Reciproc and WaveOne files. The single file rotary systems used in this study may be recommended for clinical use.

Binge abstinence is associated with reduced energy intake after treatment in patients with binge eating disorder and obesity.

PubMed

Masheb, Robin M; Dorflinger, Lindsey M; Rolls, Barbara J; Mitchell, Diane C; Grilo, Carlos M

2016-12-01

Binge eating disorder (BED) is strongly associated with obesity and related medical and psychiatric morbidities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has consistently been shown to reduce binge eating frequency and improve psychological functioning, as well as to produce abstinence rates of roughly 50%. This study examined the relationship between binge abstinence and dietary and psychological outcomes after CBT for BED. Fifty adult patients with BED received 6-month treatments using a combination of CBT and dietary counseling. Trained interviewers conducted two 24-hour dietary recall interviews on randomly selected days at baseline and at 6 months. Participants had significant reductions in energy, macronutrient, and sugar intake and an increase in fruit intake. They reported significant reductions in BMI and binge eating frequency (from mean = 14.24 to mean = 1.90 binge eating episodes during the previous 28 days), as well as improvements in psychological functioning. Those who became binge abstinent reported eating roughly 400 fewer calories per day and experienced greater improvements in psychological functioning than those who did not. Findings from this study suggest that individuals who achieve complete cessation from binge eating have significantly improved dietary and psychological outcomes that could potentially improve weight status, compared with those who continue to binge eat post-treatment. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Is presence of bacteria in preoperative microscopic urinalysis of the patients scheduled for cardiac surgery a reason for cancellation of elective operation?

PubMed

Soltanzadeh, Mansoor; Ebadi, Ahmad

2013-01-01

In some hospitals, urinalysis is done routinely for all patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Occasionally pyuria or bacteria is reported in the microscopic urinalysis of these patients that are clinically asymptomatic for urinary tract infections. WE WERE SEEKING ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION: is the presence of a different number of bacteria in preoperative microscopic urinalysis of asymptomatic patients scheduled for cardiac surgery indicative of potential postoperative complications and as a result, a good reason to postpone the operation? We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study based on the review of the medical records of 1165 patients who underwent open-heart surgery. One hundered and fifty one patients were eligible in our established criteria. There were no significant difference between their demographic characteristics and the same number of randomly selected patients with normal urinalysis who had underwent open-heart surgery. In the bacteriuria group, two patients, and in the control group, three patients had an infection at the operation sites in the post-operative period, which was not a significant finding between two groups (P = 0.503). We recommend that in the absence of symptoms of urinary tract infection, urinalysis is not necessary and not cost beneficial in the preoperative evaluation of patients scheduled for open-heart surgery.

Effectiveness of Jigsaw learning compared to lecture-based learning in dental education.

PubMed

Sagsoz, O; Karatas, O; Turel, V; Yildiz, M; Kaya, E

2017-02-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the success levels of students using the Jigsaw learning method in dental education. Fifty students with similar grade point average (GPA) scores were selected and randomly assigned into one of two groups (n = 25). A pretest concerning 'adhesion and bonding agents in dentistry' was administered to all students before classes. The Jigsaw learning method was applied to the experimental group for 3 weeks. At the same time, the control group was taking classes using the lecture-based learning method. At the end of the 3 weeks, all students were retested (post-test) on the subject. A retention test was administered 3 weeks after the post-test. Mean scores were calculated for each test for the experimental and control groups, and the data obtained were analysed using the independent samples t-test. No significant difference was determined between the Jigsaw and lecture-based methods at pretest or post-test. The highest mean test score was observed in the post-test with the Jigsaw method. In the retention test, success with the Jigsaw method was significantly higher than that with the lecture-based method. The Jigsaw method is as effective as the lecture-based method. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Self-Debriefing vs Instructor Debriefing in a Pre-Internship Simulation Curriculum: Night on Call.

PubMed

Oikawa, Sayaka; Berg, Benjamin; Turban, Joseph; Vincent, Dale; Mandai, Yasuhiro; Birkmire-Peters, Deborah

2016-05-01

This study sought to determine if learner self-performance assessment (SPA) and team-performance assessment (TPA) were different when simulation based education (SBE) was supported by self-debriefing (S-DB), compared to traditional facilitator-led debriefing (F-DB). "One-Night-On-Call," an internship preparation curriculum, was selected to provide SBE. Participants worked as team members in 4 sequential bedside acute care problem-solving scenarios. Fifty-seven learners were randomized to 9 F-DB and 10 S-DB Teams. Participants completed SPA and TPA assessment checklist questionnaires immediately following the first and fourth (final) scenarios. Learner SPA and TPA scores improved overall from the first to the fourth scenarios (P <.05). F-DB versus S-DB cohorts did not differ in overall SPA scores. The F-DB average TPA score was 12.8 (SD±2.1) compared to a S-DB score of 14.1 (SD±2.1) (P =.001). F-DB participants' increase in TPA was due to increases in the Patient Assessment and Treatment sub-domains that exceeded corresponding improvements in the S-DB cohort. Self- debriefing strategies are equivalent to facilitator-led debriefing in some situations. Self-debriefing offers opportunities to enable simulation-based education by decreasing the number of required faculty debriefers, and may be uniquely well matched to simulation-based teamwork training.

Reading Habits of Secondary School Teachers: A Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Addis Ababa and Dessie

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hassen, Rukya

2016-01-01

This study is a small-scale study of an exploration of reading habit of high school teachers. Fifty-four teachers from five schools who teach in different schools in Addis Ababa and Dessie participated in this study. Data were collected through questionnaire and in-depth interview. The result of the study shows that reading is poorly developed…

The Effectiveness of an Additional Stretching Exercise Program in Improving Flexibility Level among Preschool Boys

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Wee Akina Sia Seng; Rengasamy, Shabeshan A/L; Raju, Subramaniam A/L

2014-01-01

This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of a two minutes' additional stretching exercise program in a 30 minutes games teaching lesson in improving the flexibility level of 6 year old preschool boys (M = 5.92, SD = 0.27) in a preschool in Malaysia. Fifty (50) preschool boys were selected for the study based on the intact sampling…

The Effects of Paternal Teaching Strategies, Childcare Involvement, and Select Father-Child Variables on the Academic Performance of Mexican-American Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strand, David A.

Fifty-nine Mexican-American families, each with a child between age 5 and 9, participated in a study to determine whether paternal proximal behaviors related to child ability and achievement. Proximal behaviors studied were: (1) teaching strategies; (2) language in literacy related activities; (3) involvement level in childcare; and (4) select…

Alcohol and Cannabis: Young People Talking about How Parents Respond to Their Use of These Two Drugs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Highet, Gill

2005-01-01

In recent years, there has been increasing concern over rising levels of alcohol and cannabis use among young people. This paper reports findings from a qualitative investigation of young people's cannabis-related beliefs and behaviour. Fifty-nine boys and girls aged 13 to 15 years were interviewed, mostly in self-selected friendship pairs, in six…

An Analysis of Subject Matter Content of High School Physics Courses in Selected Schools of Nebraska.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kallemeyn, LeRoy Willard

Determined were the kinds of physics study items used, and the emphasis placed per item, by both the Physical Science Study Committee (PSSC) teachers and the teachers of traditional physics materials in the state of Nebraska. A questionnaire was sent to teachers from the largest 100 schools, ranked by total enrollment, and to fifty other teachers…

Teacher/Counselor Certification and the Felony Conviction: A Survey of Selected Practices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marsh, John J.

Working with the paradox that prison is a place where an inmate frequently is trained to do what he will subsequently be prohibited from doing, this document presents the results of a survey of each of the fifty states regarding the certification as a teacher and/or counselor of a person convicted of a felony. Answers to each question in the…

Seventh BES (Basic Energy Sciences) catalysis and surface chemistry research conference

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1990-03-01

Research programs on catalysis and surface chemistry are presented. A total of fifty-seven topics are included. Areas of research include heterogeneous catalysis; catalysis in hydrogenation, desulfurization, gasification, and redox reactions; studies of surface properties and surface active sites; catalyst supports; chemical activation, deactivation; selectivity, chemical preparation; molecular structure studies; sorption and dissociation. Individual projects are processed separately for the data bases. (CBS)

The Biomechanical Support of Eight Selected Sports Bras for Small, Medium and Large Breasted Women while Jogging.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorentzen, Deana; Lawson, LaJean

This study compared the biomechanical support offered by eight presently marketed sports bras for small-, medium-, and large-breasted women while jogging. Fifty-nine subjects were filmed while jogging on a treadmill in each of the bras and in the nude condition. The vertical displacement of the breast relative to the body during one average…

47 CFR 25.149 - Application requirements for ancillary terrestrial components in the mobile-satellite service...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, i.e., that at least one satellite will be visible.... (i) In the 2 GHz MSS band, MSS ATC is limited to an MSS licensee's selected assignment. MSS ATC... operations shall be limited to certain frequencies: (i) In the 2000-2020 MHz/2180-2200 MHz bands (2 GHz MSS...

The Impact of Symbolic Speech in Public Schools: A Selective Case Analysis from "Tinker" to "Zamecnik"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waggoner, Charles R.

2013-01-01

The freedom to express the self and the right to a free public education sets the American public school experience apart from those of many other nations. The combination of the two often creates tensions and confrontations that become contentious leading to litigation. For the past fifty years the courts have attempted to balance the symbolic…

The correlation of chemical and physical corn kernel traits with production performance in broiler chickens and laying hens.

PubMed

Moore, S M; Stalder, K J; Beitz, D C; Stahl, C H; Fithian, W A; Bregendahl, K

2008-04-01

A study was conducted to determine the influence on broiler chicken growth and laying hen performance of chemical and physical traits of corn kernels from different hybrids. A total of 720 male 1-d-old Ross-308 broiler chicks were allotted to floor pens in 2 replicated experiments with a randomized complete block design. A total of 240 fifty-two-week-old Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were allotted to cages in a randomized complete block design. Corn-soybean meal diets were formulated for 3 broiler growth phases and one 14-wk-long laying hen phase to be marginally deficient in Lys and TSAA to allow for the detection of differences or correlations attributable to corn kernel chemical or physical traits. The broiler chicken diets were also marginally deficient in Ca and nonphytate P. Within a phase, corn- and soybean-based diets containing equal amounts of 1 of 6 different corn hybrids were formulated. The corn hybrids were selected to vary widely in chemical and physical traits. Feed consumption and BW were recorded for broiler chickens every 2 wk from 0 to 6 wk of age. Egg production was recorded daily, and feed consumption and egg weights were recorded weekly for laying hens between 53 and 67 wk of age. Physical and chemical composition of kernels was correlated with performance measures by multivariate ANOVA. Chemical and physical kernel traits were weakly correlated with performance in broiler chickens from 0 to 2 wk of age (P<0.05, | r |<0.42). However, from 4 to 6 wk of age and 0 to 6 wk of age, only kernel chemical traits were correlated with broiler chicken performance (P<0.05, | r |<0.29). From 53 to 67 wk of age, correlations were observed between both kernel physical and chemical traits and laying hen performance (P<0.05, | r |<0.34). In both experiments, the correlations of performance measures with individual kernel chemical and physical traits for any single kernel trait were not large enough to base corn hybrid selection on for feeding poultry.

Randomization in clinical trials in orthodontics: its significance in research design and methods to achieve it.

PubMed

Pandis, Nikolaos; Polychronopoulou, Argy; Eliades, Theodore

2011-12-01

Randomization is a key step in reducing selection bias during the treatment allocation phase in randomized clinical trials. The process of randomization follows specific steps, which include generation of the randomization list, allocation concealment, and implementation of randomization. The phenomenon in the dental and orthodontic literature of characterizing treatment allocation as random is frequent; however, often the randomization procedures followed are not appropriate. Randomization methods assign, at random, treatment to the trial arms without foreknowledge of allocation by either the participants or the investigators thus reducing selection bias. Randomization entails generation of random allocation, allocation concealment, and the actual methodology of implementing treatment allocation randomly and unpredictably. Most popular randomization methods include some form of restricted and/or stratified randomization. This article introduces the reasons, which make randomization an integral part of solid clinical trial methodology, and presents the main randomization schemes applicable to clinical trials in orthodontics.

Change in Pulmonary Function after Incentive Spirometer Exercise in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study

PubMed Central

Choi, Ja Young; Rha, Dong-wook

2016-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incentive spirometer exercise (ISE) on pulmonary function and maximal phonation time (MPT) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and Methods Fifty children with CP were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Both groups underwent comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. The experimental group underwent additional ISE. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and MPT were assessed as outcome measures before and after 4 weeks of training. Results There were significant improvements in FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MPT in the experimental group, but not in the control group. In addition, the improvements in FVC, FEV1, and MPT were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion The results of this randomized controlled study support the use of ISE for enhancing pulmonary function and breath control for speech production in children with CP. PMID:26996580

Evaluation of a smartphone application for self-care performance of patients with chronic hepatitis B: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Jeon, Jae Hee

2016-11-01

To verify the usefulness of a smartphone application (App) for facilitating self-care in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). CHB is a global health problem, and patients with CHB need to routinely perform self-care. Health-related smartphone apps could help users self-manage their disease. Fifty-three CHB patients were assessed in this randomized controlled before-and-after experimental study. The patients were randomly and equally assigned to groups that did (n=26) or did not (n=27) use the smartphone app for 12weeks. The experimental and control groups were analyzed for differences in disease knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-care before and after use of the smartphone app. After intervention, patients who used the app displayed significantly increased disease knowledge compared with the control group (p=.015). Self-efficacy and self-care also significantly increased in the experimental group (p=0.006 and 0.001, respectively). The smartphone app can be useful for increasing self-care in CHB patients. App: application, CHB: chronic hepatitis B, CVI: content validity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Twelve Weeks of Tai Chi Practice on Anxiety in Stressed But Healthy People Compared to Exercise and Wait-List Groups-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Zheng, Shuai; Kim, Christine; Lal, Sara; Meier, Peter; Sibbritt, David; Zaslawski, Chris

2018-01-01

This randomized controlled trial was undertaken to determine whether 12 weeks of Tai Chi (TC) practice can reduce anxiety in healthy but stressed people. Fifty participants were randomized into TC (n=17), exercise (n=17), and wait-list (WL) groups (n=16). Outcome measures used were State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale 14 (PSS14), blood pressure and heart rate variability, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Short Form 36. Significant improvements were observed from baseline for both TC and exercise groups for both state (p <0.01) and trait (p <0.01) anxiety, PSS14 (p <0.01), VAS (p <0.01), mental health domain (p <0.01), and vitality domain (p <0.01). Superior outcomes were also observed for TC when compared with WL for state and trait anxiety (p <0.01) and mental health domain (p <0.05). TC reduces stress levels in healthy individuals and provides a safer, cost effective, and less physically vigorous alternative to exercise. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Safety and Efficacy of Rice Bran Supercritical CO2 Extract for Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia: A 16-Week Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Choi, Jae-Suk; Park, Jae Beom; Moon, Woi-Sook; Moon, Jin-Nam; Son, Sang Wook; Kim, Mi-Ryung

2015-01-01

We conducted a 16-week double-blind randomized controlled single-center trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dermal rice bran supercritical CO2 extract (RB-SCE) in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Fifty alopecia patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received a dermal application of 0.5% RB-SCE (8 mL/d) to the head skin for 16 weeks while the control group received a dermal application of placebo. Changes in hair count, diameter, and density were evaluated with a Folliscope(®). Patient satisfaction was evaluated via questionnaire and clinical photographs were rated by dermatologists. The results showed that RB-SCE significantly increased hair density and hair diameter in male subjects. Patient satisfaction and the evaluation of photographs by dermatologists also confirmed the effectiveness of RB-SCE in the treatment of alopecia. No adverse reactions related to RB-SCE were reported. Therefore, RB-SCE shows promise for use in functional cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Lingual nerve damage after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Gomes, Ana Cláudia Amorim; Vasconcelos, Belmiro Cavalcanti do Egito; de Oliveira e Silva, Emanuel Dias; da Silva, Luiz Carlos Ferreira

2005-10-01

The objective of this study was to clinically evaluate the frequency, type, and risk factors for lingual nerve damage after mandibular third molar surgery with reference to lingual flap retraction. A total of fifty-five patients referred for bilateral mandibular third molar removal were included in this study. Each patient was randomly allotted to have the procedure performed on 1 side (experimental group) with lingual flap retraction. On the opposite side (control group), the same procedure was performed without lingual flap retraction. Lingual nerve damage occurred in 9.1% in the experimental group in which lingual flap retraction was performed. In the control group, damage to the lingual nerve was not observed. The difference was statistically significant (P <.001) as measured by the Cochran test. Lingual nerve retraction represented a risk factor to temporary lingual nerve damage during mandibular third molar surgery.

Randomized pilot study and qualitative evaluation of a clinical decision support system for brain tumour diagnosis based on SV ¹H MRS: evaluation as an additional information procedure for novice radiologists.

PubMed

Sáez, Carlos; Martí-Bonmatí, Luis; Alberich-Bayarri, Angel; Robles, Montserrat; García-Gómez, Juan M

2014-02-01

The results of a randomized pilot study and qualitative evaluation of the clinical decision support system Curiam BT are reported. We evaluated the system's feasibility and potential value as a radiological information procedure complementary to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to assist novice radiologists in diagnosing brain tumours using MR spectroscopy (1.5 and 3.0T). Fifty-five cases were analysed at three hospitals according to four non-exclusive diagnostic questions. Our results show that Curiam BT improved the diagnostic accuracy in all the four questions. Additionally, we discuss the findings of the users' feedback about the system, and the further work to optimize it for real environments and to conduct a large clinical trial. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Carboplatin versus alternating carboplatin and doxorubicin for the adjuvant treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma: a randomized, phase III trial†

PubMed Central

Skorupski, K. A.; Uhl, J. M.; Szivek, A; Allstadt Frazier, S. D.; Rebhun, R. B.; Rodriguez, C. O.

2016-01-01

Despite numerous published studies describing adjuvant chemotherapy for canine appendicular osteosarcoma, there is no consensus as to the optimal chemotherapy protocol. The purpose of this study was to determine whether either of two protocols would be associated with longer disease-free interval (DFI) in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma following amputation. Dogs with histologically confirmed appendicular osteosarcoma that were free of gross metastases and underwent amputation were eligible for enrollment. Dogs were randomized to receive either six doses of carboplatin or three doses each of carboplatin and doxorubicin on an alternating schedule. Fifty dogs were included. Dogs receiving carboplatin alone had a significantly longer DFI (425 versus 135 days) than dogs receiving alternating carboplatin and doxorubicin (P = 0.04). Toxicity was similar between groups. These results suggest that six doses of carboplatin may be associated superior DFI when compared to six total doses of carboplatin and doxorubicin. PMID:24118677

The use of Lactobacillus GG in irritable bowel syndrome in children: a double-blind randomized control trial.

PubMed

Bauserman, Melissa; Bausserman, Melissa; Michail, Sonia

2005-08-01

To determine whether oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus GG under randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled conditions would improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children. Fifty children fulfilling the Rome II criteria for IBS were given Lactobacillus GG or placebo for 6 weeks. Response to therapy was recorded and collected on a weekly basis using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Lactobacillus GG was not superior to placebo in relieving abdominal pain (40.0% response rate in the placebo group vs 44.0% in the Lactobacillus GG group; P=.774). There was no difference in the other gastrointestinal symptoms, except for a lower incidence of perceived abdominal distention (P=.02 favoring Lactobacillus GG). Lactobacillus GG was not superior to placebo in the treatment of abdominal pain in children with IBS but may help relieve such symptoms as perceived abdominal distention.

Autogenic training reduces anxiety after coronary angioplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Kanji, N; White, A R; Ernst, E

2004-03-01

Autogenic training (AT) is a method of autosuggestion with some potential for reducing anxiety. This study tests whether AT lowers anxiety levels experienced by patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Fifty-nine patients were randomly assigned to receive regular AT or no such therapy as an adjunct to standard care for 5 months. The primary outcome measure was State Anxiety at 2 months. Qualitative information was generated by face-to-face interviews. State Anxiety showed a significant intergroup difference both at 2 and 5 months. This finding was corroborated by secondary outcome measures, for example, quality of life, and by qualitative information about patients' experiences. The results do not allow us to determine whether the observed effects are specific to AT or of a nonspecific nature. Our results suggest that AT may have a role in reducing anxiety of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

Cambridge glioma trial of misonidazole and radiation therapy with associated pharmacokinetic studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bleehen, N.M.

Fifty-five patients with grade 3 and 4 supratentorial astrocytomas, were randomized into a three-limb study. At 9 months after the last treatment there were no differences in survival between the treatment groups. No cases of peripheral neuropathy were seen. Investigations into the possible cause of this are presented. It is thought that microsomal enzyme induction by the anticonvulsants phenobarbitone and phenytoin resulted in increased 0-demethylation of the misonidazole. Clinical data to confirm this view are presented. Current MRC protocols of misonidazole studies on gliomas and carcinomas of the cervix and head and neck are summarized.

Fifty years of the integrated control concept: moving the model and implementation forward in Arizona††

PubMed Central

Naranjo, Steven E; Ellsworth, Peter C

2009-01-01

Fifty years ago, Stern, Smith, van den Bosch and Hagen outlined a simple but sophisticated idea of pest control predicated on the complementary action of chemical and biological control. This integrated control concept has since been a driving force and conceptual foundation for all integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The four basic elements include thresholds for determining the need for control, sampling to determine critical densities, understanding and conserving the biological control capacity in the system and the use of selective insecticides or selective application methods, when needed, to augment biological control. Here we detail the development, evolution, validation and implementation of an integrated control (IC) program for whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), in the Arizona cotton system that provides a rare example of the vision of Stern and his colleagues. Economic thresholds derived from research-based economic injury levels were developed and integrated with rapid and accurate sampling plans into validated decision tools widely adopted by consultants and growers. Extensive research that measured the interplay among pest population dynamics, biological control by indigenous natural enemies and selective insecticides using community ordination methods, predator:prey ratios, predator exclusion and demography validated the critical complementary roles played by chemical and biological control. The term ‘bioresidual’ was coined to describe the extended environmental resistance from biological control and other forces possible when selective insecticides are deployed. The tangible benefits have been a 70% reduction in foliar insecticides, a >$200 million saving in control costs and yield, along with enhanced utilization of ecosystem services over the last 14 years. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID:19834884

Evaluation of the streamflow-gaging network of Texas and a proposed core network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slade, Raymond M.; Howard, Teresa; Anaya, Roberto

2001-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey streamflowgaging network in Texas is operated as part of the National Streamgaging Program and is jointly funded by the Geological Survey and Federal, State, and local agencies. This report documents an evaluation of the existing (as of October 1, 1999) network with regard to four major objectives of streamflow data; and on the basis of that evaluation, proposes a core network of streamflowgaging stations that best meets those objectives. The objectives are (1) regionalization (estimate flows or flow characteristics at ungaged sites in 11 hydrologically similar regions), (2) major flow (obtain flow rates and volumes in large streams), (3) outflow from the State (account for streamflow leaving the State), and (4) streamflow conditions assessment (assess current conditions with regard to long-term data, and define temporal trends in flow). The network analysis resulted in a proposed core network of 263 stations. Of those 263 stations, 43 were discontinued as of October 1, 1999, and 15 were partial-record stations. Fifty-five of the proposed core-network stations meet two of the four major objectives, 16 stations meet three objectives, and 1 station meets all four. One-hundred eighty-five stations with a median record length of 33 years were selected to meet the regionalization objective. Ninety-two stations with a median record length of about 62 years were selected to meet the major-flow objective. Twenty-six stations with a median record length of 59 years were selected to meet the outflow from the State objective. Fifty stations with a median record length of 53 years were selected to meet the streamflow conditions assessment objective.

Alzheimer random walk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odagaki, Takashi; Kasuya, Keisuke

2017-09-01

Using the Monte Carlo simulation, we investigate a memory-impaired self-avoiding walk on a square lattice in which a random walker marks each of sites visited with a given probability p and makes a random walk avoiding the marked sites. Namely, p = 0 and p = 1 correspond to the simple random walk and the self-avoiding walk, respectively. When p> 0, there is a finite probability that the walker is trapped. We show that the trap time distribution can well be fitted by Stacy's Weibull distribution b(a/b){a+1}/{b}[Γ({a+1}/{b})]-1x^a\\exp(-a/bx^b)} where a and b are fitting parameters depending on p. We also find that the mean trap time diverges at p = 0 as p- α with α = 1.89. In order to produce sufficient number of long walks, we exploit the pivot algorithm and obtain the mean square displacement and its Flory exponent ν(p) as functions of p. We find that the exponent determined for 1000 step walks interpolates both limits ν(0) for the simple random walk and ν(1) for the self-avoiding walk as [ ν(p) - ν(0) ] / [ ν(1) - ν(0) ] = pβ with β = 0.388 when p ≪ 0.1 and β = 0.0822 when p ≫ 0.1. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Continuous Time Random Walk Still Trendy: Fifty-year History, Current State and Outlook", edited by Ryszard Kutner and Jaume Masoliver.

The reporting characteristics of bovine respiratory disease clinical intervention trials published prior to and following publication of the REFLECT statement.

PubMed

Totton, Sarah C; Cullen, Jonah N; Sargeant, Jan M; O'Connor, Annette M

2018-02-01

The goal of the REFLECT Statement (Reporting guidElines For randomized controLled trials in livEstoCk and food safeTy) (published in 2010) was to provide the veterinary research community with reporting guidelines tailored for randomized controlled trials for livestock and food safety. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of REFLECT Statement reporting of items 1-19 in controlled trials published in journals between 1970 and 2017 examining the comparative efficacy of FDA-registered antimicrobials against naturally acquired BRD (bovine respiratory disease) in weaned beef calves in Canada or the USA, and to compare the prevalence of reporting before and after 2010, when REFLECT was published. We divided REFLECT Statement, items 3, 5, 10, and 11 into subitems, because each dealt with multiple elements requiring separate assessment. As a result, 28 different items or subitems were evaluated independently. We searched MEDLINE ® and CABI (CAB Abstracts ® and Global Health ® ) (Web of Science™) in April 2017 and screened 2327 references. Two reviewers independently assessed the reporting of each item and subitem. Ninety-five references were eligible for the study. The reporting of the REFLECT items showed a point estimate for the prevalence ratio >1 (i.e. a higher proportion of studies published post-2010 reported this item compared to studies published pre-2010), apart from items 10.3, i.e., item 10, subitem 3 (who assigned study units to the interventions), 13 (the flow of study units through the study), 16 (number of study units in analysis), 18 (multiplicity), and 19 (adverse effects). Fifty-three (79%) of 67 studies published before 2010 and all 28 (100%) papers published after 2010 reported using a random allocation method in either the title, abstract, or methods (Prevalence ratio = 1.25; 95% CI (1.09,1.43)). However, 8 studies published prior to 2010 and 7 studies published post-2010 reported the term "systematic randomization" or variations of this term (which is not true randomization) to describe the allocation procedure. Fifty-five percent (37/67) of studies published pre-2010 reported blinding status (blinded/not blinded) of outcome assessors, compared to 24/28 (86%) of studies published post-2010 (Prevalence ratio = 1.5, 95% CI (1.19, 2.02)). The reporting of recommended items in journal articles in this body of work is generally improving; however, there is also evidence of confusion about what constitutes a random allocation procedure, and this suggests an educational need. As this study is observational, this precludes concluding that the publication of the REFLECT Statement was the cause of this trend. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Overview of Randomization and Minimization Programs for Randomized Clinical Trials

PubMed Central

Saghaei, Mahmoud

2011-01-01

Randomization is an essential component of sound clinical trials, which prevents selection biases and helps in blinding the allocations. Randomization is a process by which subsequent subjects are enrolled into trial groups only by chance, which essentially eliminates selection biases. A serious consequence of randomization is severe imbalance among the treatment groups with respect to some prognostic factors, which invalidate the trial results or necessitate complex and usually unreliable secondary analysis to eradicate the source of imbalances. Minimization on the other hand tends to allocate in such a way as to minimize the differences among groups, with respect to prognostic factors. Pure minimization is therefore completely deterministic, that is, one can predict the allocation of the next subject by knowing the factor levels of a previously enrolled subject and having the properties of the next subject. To eliminate the predictability of randomization, it is necessary to include some elements of randomness in the minimization algorithms. In this article brief descriptions of randomization and minimization are presented followed by introducing selected randomization and minimization programs. PMID:22606659

A Study of Nondestructive Testing and Inspection Processes Used In Industry with Implications for Program Planning in the Junior Colleges of Texas.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stokes, Vernon L.

This study, the first of two parts, had two main purposes. The first was to obtain desirable subject matter for an instructional program in nondestructive testing through a survey of selected manufacturing and service companies in Texas, and the second was to determine the degree of emphasis that should be placed on each subject. Fifty-nine…

Properties of wood from ice-storm damaged loblolly pine trees

Treesearch

David W. Patterson; Jonathan Hartly

2007-01-01

Fifty-sex trees were harvested to determine the properties of the wood produced by ice-storm damaged trees. There were 12 trees each for three classes of bend: () to 15. 16 to 30. and more than 30 degrees from the vertical. Also. 10 trees were selected for each of two classes of crown loss: 20 percent or less and more than 20 percent loss. Samples were taken from three...

The RANDOM computer program: A linear congruential random number generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, R. F., Jr.

1986-01-01

The RANDOM Computer Program is a FORTRAN program for generating random number sequences and testing linear congruential random number generators (LCGs). The linear congruential form of random number generator is discussed, and the selection of parameters of an LCG for a microcomputer described. This document describes the following: (1) The RANDOM Computer Program; (2) RANDOM.MOD, the computer code needed to implement an LCG in a FORTRAN program; and (3) The RANCYCLE and the ARITH Computer Programs that provide computational assistance in the selection of parameters for an LCG. The RANDOM, RANCYCLE, and ARITH Computer Programs are written in Microsoft FORTRAN for the IBM PC microcomputer and its compatibles. With only minor modifications, the RANDOM Computer Program and its LCG can be run on most micromputers or mainframe computers.

Analgesic effects of treatments for non-specific low back pain: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials.

PubMed

Machado, L A C; Kamper, S J; Herbert, R D; Maher, C G; McAuley, J H

2009-05-01

Estimates of treatment effects reported in placebo-controlled randomized trials are less subject to bias than those estimates provided by other study designs. The objective of this meta-analysis was to estimate the analgesic effects of treatments for non-specific low back pain reported in placebo-controlled randomized trials. Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsychInfo and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for eligible trials from earliest records to November 2006. Continuous pain outcomes were converted to a common 0-100 scale and pooled using a random effects model. A total of 76 trials reporting on 34 treatments were included. Fifty percent of the investigated treatments had statistically significant effects, but for most the effects were small or moderate: 47% had point estimates of effects of <10 points on the 100-point scale, 38% had point estimates from 10 to 20 points and 15% had point estimates of >20 points. Treatments reported to have large effects (>20 points) had been investigated only in a single trial. This meta-analysis revealed that the analgesic effects of many treatments for non-specific low back pain are small and that they do not differ in populations with acute or chronic symptoms.

Beyond Moore's law: towards competitive quantum devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troyer, Matthias

2015-05-01

A century after the invention of quantum theory and fifty years after Bell's inequality we see the first quantum devices emerge as products that aim to be competitive with the best classical computing devices. While a universal quantum computer of non-trivial size is still out of reach there exist a number commercial and experimental devices: quantum random number generators, quantum simulators and quantum annealers. In this colloquium I will present some of these devices and validation tests we performed on them. Quantum random number generators use the inherent randomness in quantum measurements to produce true random numbers, unlike classical pseudorandom number generators which are inherently deterministic. Optical lattice emulators use ultracold atomic gases in optical lattices to mimic typical models of condensed matter physics. In my talk I will focus especially on the devices built by Canadian company D-Wave systems, which are special purpose quantum simulators for solving hard classical optimization problems. I will review the controversy around the quantum nature of these devices and will compare them to state of the art classical algorithms. I will end with an outlook towards universal quantum computing and end with the question: which important problems that are intractable even for post-exa-scale classical computers could we expect to solve once we have a universal quantum computer?

Effects of prey abundance, distribution, visual contrast and morphology on selection by a pelagic piscivore

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, Adam G.; Beauchamp, David A.

2014-01-01

Most predators eat only a subset of possible prey. However, studies evaluating diet selection rarely measure prey availability in a manner that accounts for temporal–spatial overlap with predators, the sensory mechanisms employed to detect prey, and constraints on prey capture.We evaluated the diet selection of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) feeding on a diverse planktivore assemblage in Lake Washington to test the hypothesis that the diet selection of piscivores would reflect random (opportunistic) as opposed to non-random (targeted) feeding, after accounting for predator–prey overlap, visual detection and capture constraints.Diets of cutthroat trout were sampled in autumn 2005, when the abundance of transparent, age-0 longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) was low, and 2006, when the abundance of smelt was nearly seven times higher. Diet selection was evaluated separately using depth-integrated and depth-specific (accounted for predator–prey overlap) prey abundance. The abundance of different prey was then adjusted for differences in detectability and vulnerability to predation to see whether these factors could explain diet selection.In 2005, cutthroat trout fed non-randomly by selecting against the smaller, transparent age-0 longfin smelt, but for the larger age-1 longfin smelt. After adjusting prey abundance for visual detection and capture, cutthroat trout fed randomly. In 2006, depth-integrated and depth-specific abundance explained the diets of cutthroat trout well, indicating random feeding. Feeding became non-random after adjusting for visual detection and capture. Cutthroat trout selected strongly for age-0 longfin smelt, but against similar sized threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and larger age-1 longfin smelt in 2006. Overlap with juvenile sockeye salmon (O. nerka) was minimal in both years, and sockeye salmon were rare in the diets of cutthroat trout.The direction of the shift between random and non-random selection depended on the presence of a weak versus a strong year class of age-0 longfin smelt. These fish were easy to catch, but hard to see. When their density was low, poor detection could explain their rarity in the diet. When their density was high, poor detection was compensated by higher encounter rates with cutthroat trout, sufficient to elicit a targeted feeding response. The nature of the feeding selectivity of a predator can be highly dependent on fluctuations in the abundance and suitability of key prey.

Group Counseling With Emotionally Disturbed School Children in Taiwan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chiu, Peter

The application of group counseling to emotionally disturbed school children in Chinese culture was examined. Two junior high schools located in Tao-Yuan Province were randomly selected with two eighth-grade classes randomly selected from each school. Ten emotionally disturbed students were chosen from each class and randomly assigned to two…

Sample Selection in Randomized Experiments: A New Method Using Propensity Score Stratified Sampling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tipton, Elizabeth; Hedges, Larry; Vaden-Kiernan, Michael; Borman, Geoffrey; Sullivan, Kate; Caverly, Sarah

2014-01-01

Randomized experiments are often seen as the "gold standard" for causal research. Despite the fact that experiments use random assignment to treatment conditions, units are seldom selected into the experiment using probability sampling. Very little research on experimental design has focused on how to make generalizations to well-defined…

On Measuring and Reducing Selection Bias with a Quasi-Doubly Randomized Preference Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Joyce, Ted; Remler, Dahlia K.; Jaeger, David A.; Altindag, Onur; O'Connell, Stephen D.; Crockett, Sean

2017-01-01

Randomized experiments provide unbiased estimates of treatment effects, but are costly and time consuming. We demonstrate how a randomized experiment can be leveraged to measure selection bias by conducting a subsequent observational study that is identical in every way except that subjects choose their treatment--a quasi-doubly randomized…

Older patients can accurately recall their preoperative health status six weeks following total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Marsh, Jackie; Bryant, Dianne; MacDonald, Steven J

2009-12-01

In clinical trials, use of patient recall data would be beneficial when the collection of baseline data is impossible, such as in trauma situations. We investigated the ability of older patients to accurately recall their preoperative quality of life, function, and general health status at six weeks following total hip arthroplasty. We randomized consecutive patients who were fifty-five years of age or older into two groups. At each assessment, patients completed self-report questionnaires (at four weeks preoperatively, on the day of surgery, and at six weeks and three months postoperatively for Group 1 and at six weeks and three months postoperatively for Group 2). At six weeks postoperatively, all patients completed the questionnaires on the basis of their recollection of their preoperative health status. We evaluated the validity and reliability of recall ratings, the degree of error in recall ratings, and the effects of the use of recall data on power and sample size requirements. A total of 174 patients (mean age, seventy-one years) who were undergoing either primary or revision total hip arthroplasty were randomized and included in the analysis (118 patients were in Group 1 and fifty-six were in Group 2). Agreement between actual and recalled data was excellent for disease-specific questionnaires (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.86, 0.87, and 0.88) and moderate for generic health measures (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.48, 0.58, and 0.60). Increased error associated with recalled ratings compared with actual ratings necessitates minimal increases in sample size or results in small decreases in power. Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty can accurately recall their preoperative health status at six weeks postoperatively.

Patient satisfaction with wait times at an emergency ophthalmology on-call service.

PubMed

Chan, Brian J; Barbosa, Joshua; Moinul, Prima; Sivachandran, Nirojini; Donaldson, Laura; Zhao, Lily; Mullen, Sarah J; McLaughlin, Christopher R; Chaudhary, Varun

2018-04-01

To assess patient satisfaction with emergency ophthalmology care and determine the effect provision of anticipated appointment wait time has on scores. Single-centre, randomized control trial. Fifty patients triaged at the Hamilton Regional Eye Institute (HREI) from November 2015 to July 2016. Fifty patients triaged for next-day appointments at the HREI were randomly assigned to receive standard-of-care preappointment information or standard-of-care information in addition to an estimated appointment wait time. Patient satisfaction with care was assessed postvisit using the modified Judgements of Hospital Quality Questionnaire (JHQQ). In determining how informing patients of typical wait times influenced satisfaction, the Mann-Whitney U test was performed. As secondary study outcomes, we sought to determine patient satisfaction with the intervention material using the Fisher exact test and the effect that wait time, age, sex, education, mobility, and number of health care providers seen had on satisfaction scores using logistic regression analysis. The median JHQQ response was "very good" (4/5) and between "very good" and "excellent" (4.5/5) in the intervention and control arms, respectively. There was no difference in patient satisfaction between the cohorts (Mann-Whitney U = 297.00, p = 0.964). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that wait times influenced patient satisfaction (OR = 0.919, 95% CI 0.864-0.978, p = 0.008). Of the intervention arm patients, 92.0% (N = 23) found the preappointment information useful, whereas only 12.5% (N = 3) of the control cohort patients noted the same (p < 0.001). Provision of anticipated wait time information to patients in an emergency on-call ophthalmology clinic did not influence satisfaction with care as captured by the JHQQ. Copyright © 2018 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does the Use of a "Walking Bleaching" Technique Increase Bone Resorption Markers?

PubMed

Bersezio, C; Vildósola, P; Sáez, M; Sánchez, F; Vernal, R; Oliveira, O B; Jorquera, G; Basualdo, J; Loguercio, A; Fernández, E

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of 35% hydrogen peroxide in comparison with 37% carbamide peroxide in a nonvital bleaching technique of "walking bleaching" (four sessions of treatment) on periodontal markers: nuclear factor kappa B-ligand (RANK-L-process of root resorption marker) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β-inflammatory response marker). Fifty volunteers presenting with discoloration of nonvital teeth and endodontic treatment in good condition participated. Fifty teeth were randomly divided into two study groups according to bleaching gel: HP = 35% hydrogen peroxide (n=25) and 37% carbamide peroxide (n=25). Nonvital bleaching was performed with a walking bleaching technique consisting of four sessions of bleach application. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken in order to quantify the RANK-L and IL-1β levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Samples were obtained from six periodontal sites for each bleached tooth: three vestibular and three palatine (mesial, middle, and distal) at seven time periods: baseline, after each of the four sessions of nonvital bleaching, at one week, and at one month after nonvital bleaching. Tooth color variations were analyzed in each session by VITA Bleachedguide 3D-MASTER (ΔSGU). Significant increments in the RANK-L and IL-1β levels were detected in each evaluated time compared with baseline ( p<0.05); however, no differences were detected between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide on increments of the biomarkers studied. The change of color was effective for both nonvital bleaching therapies ( p<0.05). Nonvital bleaching induced a significant increment in the RANK-L and IL-1β levels in periodontal tissues around bleached, nonvital teeth.

DEVELOPING AN IPAD® APPLICATION FOR DATA COLLECTION IN A RHEUMATOLOGY RESEARCH CLINIC.

PubMed

Kaka, Hussam; Ayearst, Renise; Tran, Maithy; Touma, Zahi; Bagovich, Maria; Vinik, Ophir; Somaily, Mansour; Haddad, Amir; Gladman, Dafna D; Chandran, Vinod

2015-01-01

Clinical research data are often collected on paper and later inputted onto an electronic database. This method is time consuming and potentially introduces errors. Therefore, to make primary data collection more efficient and less error prone we aimed to develop a touch-screen application for data collection in a psoriatic arthritis research clinic and compared it with the pre-existing paper-based system. We developed a Web application using Java and optimized it for the iPad®. It highlights missing fields for physicians in real time, and only permits submission of data collection form after corrections are made. For its evaluation, seven physicians participated, and before each patient visit they were randomly assigned paper or iPad® data entry. Number of errors, length of visit, and time between clinic visit and completion of data entry were measured. A total of 106 patients seen in the clinic who agreed to participate were randomly assigned to be evaluated by clinic physicians using the iPad® (fifty-three patients) or a paper protocol (fifty-three patients). On average, 3.34 omissions were found per paper form, of which 2.24 would have been detected on the iPad®. The iPad® increased the mean patient encounter time from 37.2 minutes to 46.5 minutes, but eliminated delay between a clinic visit and its data entry. Entering data using the iPad® application makes the patient encounter slightly longer, but reduces "missing fields." It also eliminates the delay between clinic visit and data entry thus improving the efficiency of clinical data capture in a research setting.

The 50 million missing women.

PubMed

Allahbadia, Gautam N

2002-09-01

The epidemic of gender selection is ravaging countries like India & China. Approximately fifty million women are "missing" in the Indian population. Generally three principle causes are given: female infanticide, better food and health care for boys and maternal death at childbirth. Prenatal sex determination and the abortion of female fetuses threatens to skew the sex ratio to new highs. Estimates of the number of female fetuses being destroyed every year in India vary from two million to five million. This review from India attempts to summarize all the currently available methods of sex selection and also highlights the current medical practice regards the subject in south-east Asia.

A new method to evaluate the biocontrol potential of single spore isolates of fungal entomopathogens

PubMed Central

Posada, Francisco J.; Vega, Fernando E.

2005-01-01

Fifty Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) strains isolated from the coffee berry borer were used to develop a novel screening method aimed at selecting strains with the highest biocontrol potential. The screening method is based on percent insect mortality, average survival time, mortality distribution, percent spore germination, fungal life cycle duration, and spore production on the insect. Based on these parameters, only 11 strains merited further study. The use of a sound scientific protocol for the selection of promising fungal entomopathogens should lead to more efficient use of time, labor, and financial resources in biological control programs. PMID:17119619

SNP selection and classification of genome-wide SNP data using stratified sampling random forests.

PubMed

Wu, Qingyao; Ye, Yunming; Liu, Yang; Ng, Michael K

2012-09-01

For high dimensional genome-wide association (GWA) case-control data of complex disease, there are usually a large portion of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are irrelevant with the disease. A simple random sampling method in random forest using default mtry parameter to choose feature subspace, will select too many subspaces without informative SNPs. Exhaustive searching an optimal mtry is often required in order to include useful and relevant SNPs and get rid of vast of non-informative SNPs. However, it is too time-consuming and not favorable in GWA for high-dimensional data. The main aim of this paper is to propose a stratified sampling method for feature subspace selection to generate decision trees in a random forest for GWA high-dimensional data. Our idea is to design an equal-width discretization scheme for informativeness to divide SNPs into multiple groups. In feature subspace selection, we randomly select the same number of SNPs from each group and combine them to form a subspace to generate a decision tree. The advantage of this stratified sampling procedure can make sure each subspace contains enough useful SNPs, but can avoid a very high computational cost of exhaustive search of an optimal mtry, and maintain the randomness of a random forest. We employ two genome-wide SNP data sets (Parkinson case-control data comprised of 408 803 SNPs and Alzheimer case-control data comprised of 380 157 SNPs) to demonstrate that the proposed stratified sampling method is effective, and it can generate better random forest with higher accuracy and lower error bound than those by Breiman's random forest generation method. For Parkinson data, we also show some interesting genes identified by the method, which may be associated with neurological disorders for further biological investigations.

Anesthetic Efficacy of 4 % Articaine During Extraction of the Mandibular Posterior Teeth by Using Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block and Buccal Infiltration Techniques.

PubMed

El-Kholey, Khalid E

2017-03-01

The study was designed to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of 4 % articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (A100) in infiltration and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthetic techniques for the pain control during extraction of the mandibular posterior teeth. This prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial included 100 patients needing extraction of at least two mandibular molars. Patients received either infiltration in the buccal vestibule opposite to the first molar supplemented with lingual infiltration or standard IANB with A100. For assessment of depth of anesthesia obtained by the two anaethetic techniques, presence or absence of pain during the extraction were rated using the visual analog scale. Fifty patients received infiltration anesthesia and fifty patients were anesthetized by IANB. The success rate of pain-free extraction after buccal infiltration was 94 %, whereas by using IANB with the same anesthetic it was 92 %. No statistical differences were detected in the success rates between the two anesthetic techniques ( P  = 0.15). Buccal Infiltration can be considered a good option during extraction of the mandibular molar and premolar teeth of course, with supplemental lingual anesthesia.

Does Effectiveness of Adolescent Smoking-Cessation Intervention Endure Into Young Adulthood? 7-Year Follow-Up Results from a Group-Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Peterson, Arthur V; Marek, Patrick M; Kealey, Kathleen A; Bricker, Jonathan B; Ludman, Evette J; Heffner, Jaimee L

2016-01-01

The Hutchinson Study of High School Smoking was the first randomized trial to show effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention on 6-months prolonged smoking abstinence at one year post-intervention in a large population-based sample of adolescent smokers. An important question remains: Do the positive effects from teen smoking cessation interventions seen at up to 12 months post-intervention endure into young adulthood? This study examines for the first time whether such positive early effects from teen smoking cessation intervention can endure into young adulthood in the absence of additional intervention. High school smokers (n = 2,151) were proactively recruited into the trial from fifty randomly selected Washington State high schools randomized to the experimental (Motivational Interviewing + Cognitive Behavioral Skills Training telephone counseling intervention) or control (no intervention) condition. These smokers were followed to 7 years post high school to ascertain rates of six-year prolonged smoking abstinence in young adulthood. All statistical tests are two-sided. No evidence of intervention impact at seven years post high school was observed for the main endpoint of six-year prolonged abstinence, neither among all smokers (14.2% in the experimental condition vs. 13.1% in the control condition, difference = +1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.4 to 5.8, p = .61), nor among the subgroups of daily smokers and less-than-daily smokers, nor among other a priori subgroups. But, observed among males was some evidence of an intervention impact on two endpoints related to progress towards quitting: reduction in number of days smoked in the past month, and increase in the length of the longest quit attempt in the past year. There was no evidence from this trial among adolescent smokers that positive effectiveness of the proactive telephone intervention for smoking abstinence, observed previously at one year post-intervention, was sustained for the long-term into young adulthood. In light of the positive short-term effectiveness consistently observed from this and other trials for teen smokers, together with the lack of evidence from this study that such short-term impact can endure into young adulthood, sustained interventions that continue into young adulthood should be developed and tested for long-term impact. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00115882.

Effect of a Web-Based Guided Self-help Intervention for Prevention of Major Depression in Adults With Subthreshold Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Buntrock, Claudia; Ebert, David Daniel; Lehr, Dirk; Smit, Filip; Riper, Heleen; Berking, Matthias; Cuijpers, Pim

2016-05-03

Evidence-based treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) are not very successful in improving functional and health outcomes. Attention has increasingly been focused on the prevention of MDD. To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based guided self-help intervention for the prevention of MDD. Two-group randomized clinical trial conducted between March 1, 2013, and March 4, 2015. Participants were recruited in Germany from the general population via a large statutory health insurance company (ie, insurance funded by joint employer-employee contributions). Participants included 406 self-selected adults with subthreshold depression (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score ≥16, no current MDD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fourth Edition, Text Revision] criteria). All participants had unrestricted access to usual care (visits to the primary care clinician) and were randomized to either a web-based guided self-help intervention (cognitive-behavioral and problem-solving therapy supported by an online trainer; n = 202) or a web-based psychoeducation program (n = 204). The primary outcome was time to onset of MDD in the intervention group relative to the control group over a 12-month follow-up period as assessed by blinded diagnostic raters using the telephone-administered Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis Disorders at 6- and 12-month follow-up, covering the period to the previous assessment. Among 406 randomized patients (mean age, 45 years; 73.9% women), 335 (82%) completed the telephone follow-up at 12 months. Fifty-five participants (27%) in the intervention group experienced MDD compared with 84 participants (41%) in the control group. Cox regression analyses controlling for baseline depressive symptom severity revealed a hazard ratio of 0.59 (95% CI, 0.42-0.82; P = .002) at 12-month follow-up. The number needed to treat to avoid 1 new case of MDD was 5.9 (95% CI, 3.9-14.6). Among patients with subthreshold depression, the use of a web-based guided self-help intervention compared with enhanced usual care reduced the incidence of MDD over 12 months. Further research is needed to understand whether the effects are generalizable to both first onset of depression and depression recurrence as well as efficacy without the use of an online trainer. German Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: DRKS00004709.

Impact of a Biomarker-Based Strategy on Oncology Drug Development: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Leading to FDA Approval

PubMed Central

Schwaederle, Maria; Wei, Caimiao; Lee, J. Jack; Hong, David S.; Eggermont, Alexander M.; Schilsky, Richard L.; Mendelsohn, John; Lazar, Vladimir

2015-01-01

Background: In order to ascertain the impact of a biomarker-based (personalized) strategy, we compared outcomes between US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved cancer treatments that were studied with and without such a selection rationale. Methods: Anticancer agents newly approved (September 1998 to June 2013) were identified at the Drugs@FDA website. Efficacy, treatment-related mortality, and hazard ratios (HRs) for time-to-event endpoints were analyzed and compared in registration trials for these agents. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Fifty-eight drugs were included (leading to 57 randomized [32% personalized] and 55 nonrandomized trials [47% personalized], n = 38 104 patients). Trials adopting a personalized strategy more often included targeted (100% vs 65%, P < .001), oral (68% vs 35%, P = .001), and single agents (89% vs 71%, P = .04) and more frequently permitted crossover to experimental treatment (67% vs 28%, P = .009). In randomized registration trials (using a random-effects meta-analysis), personalized therapy arms were associated with higher relative response rate ratios (RRRs, compared with their corresponding control arms) (RRRs = 3.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.51 to 5.82, vs RRRs = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.76 to 2.47, adjusted P = .03), longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.51, vs HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.65, adjusted P < .001) and a non-statistically significantly longer OS (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.83, vs HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.77 to 0.85, adjusted P = .07) compared with nonpersonalized trials. Analysis of experimental arms in all 112 registration trials (randomized and nonrandomized) demonstrated that personalized therapy was associated with higher response rate (48%, 95% CI = 42% to 55%, vs 23%, 95% CI = 20% to 27%, P < .001) and longer PFS (median = 8.3, interquartile range [IQR] = 5 vs 5.5 months, IQR = 5, adjusted P = .002) and OS (median = 19.3, IQR = 17 vs 13.5 months, IQR = 8, Adjusted P = .04). A personalized strategy was an independent predictor of better RR, PFS, and OS, as demonstrated by multilinear regression analysis. Treatment-related mortality rate was similar for personalized and nonpersonalized trials. Conclusions: A biomarker-based approach was safe and associated with improved efficacy outcomes in FDA-approved anticancer agents. PMID:26378224

Evolution in fluctuating environments: decomposing selection into additive components of the Robertson-Price equation.

PubMed

Engen, Steinar; Saether, Bernt-Erik

2014-03-01

We analyze the stochastic components of the Robertson-Price equation for the evolution of quantitative characters that enables decomposition of the selection differential into components due to demographic and environmental stochasticity. We show how these two types of stochasticity affect the evolution of multivariate quantitative characters by defining demographic and environmental variances as components of individual fitness. The exact covariance formula for selection is decomposed into three components, the deterministic mean value, as well as stochastic demographic and environmental components. We show that demographic and environmental stochasticity generate random genetic drift and fluctuating selection, respectively. This provides a common theoretical framework for linking ecological and evolutionary processes. Demographic stochasticity can cause random variation in selection differentials independent of fluctuating selection caused by environmental variation. We use this model of selection to illustrate that the effect on the expected selection differential of random variation in individual fitness is dependent on population size, and that the strength of fluctuating selection is affected by how environmental variation affects the covariance in Malthusian fitness between individuals with different phenotypes. Thus, our approach enables us to partition out the effects of fluctuating selection from the effects of selection due to random variation in individual fitness caused by demographic stochasticity. © 2013 The Author(s). Evolution © 2013 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Utility of the American-European Consensus Group and American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Sjögren's syndrome in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases in the clinical setting.

PubMed

Hernández-Molina, Gabriela; Avila-Casado, Carmen; Nuñez-Alvarez, Carlos; Cárdenas-Velázquez, Francisco; Hernández-Hernández, Carlos; Luisa Calderillo, María; Marroquín, Verónica; Recillas-Gispert, Claudia; Romero-Díaz, Juanita; Sánchez-Guerrero, Jorge

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and performance of the American-European Consensus Group (AECG) and ACR Classification Criteria for SS in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Three hundred and fifty patients with primary SS, SLE, RA or scleroderma were randomly selected from our patient registry. Each patient was clinically diagnosed as probable/definitive SS or non-SS following a standardized evaluation including clinical symptoms and manifestations, confirmatory tests, fluorescein staining test, autoantibodies, lip biopsy and medical chart review. Using the clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the degree of agreement with each criteria set and between the criteria sets was estimated. One hundred fifty-four (44%) patients were diagnosed with SS. The AECG criteria were incomplete in 36 patients (10.3%) and the ACR criteria in 96 (27.4%; P < 0.001). Nevertheless, their ability to classify patients was almost identical, with a sensitivity of 61.6 vs 62.3 and a specificity of 94.3 vs 91.3, respectively. Either set of criteria was met by 123 patients (80%); 95 (61.7%) met the AECG criteria and 96 (62.3%) met the ACR criteria, but only 68 (44.2%) patients met both sets. The concordance rate between clinical diagnosis and AECG or ACR criteria was moderate (k statistic 0.58 and 0.55, respectively). Among 99 patients with definitive SS sensitivity was 83.3 vs 77.7 and specificity was 90.8 vs 85.6, respectively. A discrepancy between clinical diagnosis and criteria was seen in 59 patients (17%). The feasibility of the SS AECG criteria is superior to that of the ACR criteria, however, their performance was similar among patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. A subset of SS patients is still missed by both criteria sets. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[MSDs and job security of employees aged 50 years and over: a challenge for occupational health and public health].

PubMed

Chiron, Elise; Roquelaure, Yves; Ha, Catherine; Touranchet, Annie; Chotard, Anne; Bidron, Patrick; Ledenvic, Béatrice; Leroux, François; Mazoyer, Annick; Goldberg, Marcel; Imbernon, Ellen

2008-01-01

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs (MSDs) are the first cause of occupational illness in France, as in Europe. A pilot network for epidemiological surveillance system of MSDs has been implemented in France's Loire Valley region to assess the prevalence of MSDs and their risk factors in the working population, namely the ageing workforce. The surveillance was based on a network of occupational physicians and used the recommendations of a group of European experts ('Saltsa Criteria document' consensus). Between 2002 and 2004, 3710 men and women (aged 20-59) representative of the regional workforce were randomly selected. Exposure to risk factors of MSDs was evaluated by the use of a self-administered questionnaire which aimed to assess bio-mechanical and psychosocial risk factors. With at least one of the six primary MSDs of the upper limbs having been clinically diagnosed using a rigorous protocol, the prevalence of clinically-diagnosed MSDs was high: about 11% of male and 15% of female workers suffered from at least one of the MSDs studied. After age fifty, about 19% of male and 27% of female workers suffered from at least one MSD and 4% of male and 6% of female workers from at least two disorders. Blue-collar workers were the most affected, regardless of age or gender, followed by office employees. Exposure to MSD risk factors of remained high after age fifty: 77% of male and 72% of female blue-collar workers were exposed to at least two MSD risk factors. The implications for the prevention of MSDs and job security of workers are discussed. The high prevalence of specific MSDs of the upper limb combined with a high exposure to risk factors of MSDs in ageing workers emphasizes the need to implement comprehensive prevention programs in most sectors to reduce the exposure to risk, the prevalence of MSDs and ensure the capacity to keep employees suffering from MSDs working, or at least to quickly return to work after recovery.

Analysis of questions about use of drugs in breastfeeding to Norwegian drug information centres.

PubMed

Jahnsen, Jan Anker; Widnes, Sofia Frost; Schjøtt, Jan

2018-01-01

Health professionals may advise women to either stop breastfeeding or drug treatment due to restrictive advice in drug monographs. Regional medicines information and pharmacovigilance centres in Norway (RELIS) provide free and industry-independent answers to questions about drugs and breastfeeding documented in a full-text, searchable database (RELIS database). We used the RELIS database to describe which health care practitioners sought information about medication safety in lactation, most common drugs involved, advice provided and which resources were used to provide the advice. A random selection of 100 question-answer pairs (QAPs) from the RELIS database indexed with "BREASTFEEDING" in the period from January 2011 to December 2015 was analysed. Inclusion criteria were queries from health professionals about drugs. Questions about herbal supplements and other exposures not classified as drugs were excluded. The QAPs were manually analysed for compatibility of one or several drugs with breastfeeding, health care profession and workplace of enquirer in addition to advice and search strategy used. In the 100 QAPs there were enquires about 152 drugs. Seventy-four questions concerned a single drug, but the number of drugs evaluated varied between 1 and 16. Fifty-nine questions were from physicians, 34 from nurses or midwives, two from pharmacists and two from other health professionals. Questions from physicians contained 93 drug evaluations (61%), nurses or midwives 47 (31%) and pharmacists seven (5%). The most frequent categories of drugs were antidepressants, antiepileptics and immunosuppressants. The most asked about drugs were lamotrigine, codeine, quetiapine and escitalopram. Fifty-nine percent of the drugs were deemed safe while breastfeeding, 16% if precautions were taken and 12% not recommended. Thirty-nine percent of the drug evaluations used an advanced literature search strategy, and this was significantly ( p  < 0.05) more likely when the enquirer was a physician. This analysis of questions to Norwegian medicines information centres about medicine use in breastfeeding indicates the need for communication about safety of drugs affecting the nervous system, primarily to medical doctors and midwives. In the majority of cases the medicine information centre can reassure about the safety of breastfeeding while taking a drug.

How wide is the gap in defining quality care? Comparison of patient and nurse perceptions of important aspects of patient care.

PubMed

Young, W B; Minnick, A F; Marcantonio, R

1996-05-01

The authors determine the importance that patients, nurses, and nurse managers place on aspects of care and measure nurses' care values based on their perceptions of their patients and nurse manager care values and their desire to meet these care expectations. The literature has documented gaps in how nurses and patients define quality and value specific care aspects, but little is known about the situation in the current continuous quality improvement and patient-centered care environment, which emphasizes a customer focus. Misunderstanding patients' values and expectations may impede service improvement. Information about any existing gaps could help managers begin to devise patient satisfaction improvement strategies. Two thousand fifty-one medical-surgical patients, 1264 staff members, and 97 nurse managers from 17 randomly selected hospitals participated in study activities related to selected aspects of patient care. Trained interviewers surveyed patients by telephone within 26 days of discharge using a pretested instrument. Staff members and managers completed a coordinated written tool. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used in individual and unit-level analyses. Staff members perceive correctly that patients value differently various aspects of care but do not agree with their managers on patients' value of aspects of care. Unit staff members' and managers' beliefs regarding patients' care values did not match those of their patients (-14 to 0.11 and -0.01 to 0.06 zero order correlations, respectively). A unit's errors in defining patients' values may be self-reinforcing. Strategies to reorient personnel, including adoption of those suggested by the diffusion of innovation literature, may help bridge the gap and change practice.

The fluoride content of drinking water and caries experience in 15-19 year old school children in Ibadan, Nigeria.

PubMed

Ajayi, D M; Denloye, O O; Dosumu, O O

2008-03-01

Fluoride, a trace element with anticariogenic benefit may either occur naturally or be added to drinking water sources. This study aimed at determining the fluoride level of the different drinking water sources in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and to relate this with the caries experience of secondary school children in the city. Sixteen samples of the drinking water sources from various locations in the five local government areas of the city were analysed for fluoride concentration. The locations were selected around the vicinities of the secondary schools used for caries study. Nine hundred and fifty five students aged 15-19 years randomly selected from eleven secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis were examined for dental caries over a period of 4-5 months. Only teeth with obvious cavitations were recorded as being carious using the WHO standard method. Teeth grossly covered with calculus and third molars were excluded. No radiograph was taken. The fluoride level of the different water sources was between 0.02 and 0.03 ppm. Forty-four (4.6%) of the children had dental caries. There was no statistically significant difference between either DMFT and gender (t = 0.67, p = 0.91) or DMFT and age (F = 1.488, p = 0.224). However, females had a slightly higher mean DMFT than males and the highest mean DMFT (2.67 +/- 1.15) was found among the 19-year-old children. Twenty-three (52.3%) of the students with caries had only one carious tooth while only two had four carious teeth each. In conclusion, both the fluoride level and caries prevalence were low.

Meta-analysis of cytomegalovirus seroprevalence in volunteer blood donors and healthy subjects in Iran from 1992 to 2013

PubMed Central

Shaiegan, Mojgan; Rasouli, Mahbobeh; Zadsar, Maryam; Zolfaghari, Sima

2015-01-01

Objective(s): Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a double-strand DNA herpesvirus, can be transmitted via blood transfusion which is especially important for immunocompromised recipients and can cause a fatal infection. CMV seroprevalence in Iran was studied on blood donors, healthy subjects, and some patients. Highly variable rates were detected. The purpose of this study was to review CMV seroprevalence in blood donors and apparently healthy individuals, in Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty-eight electronic and paper-based resources and databases including published articles in internal and external journals, seminars, dissertations, and theses available in the database and different websites were used to be systematically reviewed as a meta-analysis. Less related articles to the issue, papers of specific high risk population, and articles with not enough information, were excluded. Eventually 22 articles that satisfied our selection criteria were systematically reviewed and analyzed. To explore heterogeneity between studies the I square (I2) index was used. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package (STATA) 11. Results: The heterogeneity between selected studies was 97% with an I2 statistic. In this study a random effects model was used for meta-analysis. The prevalence of CMV IgG and CMV IgM antibodies in the country were estimated to be 92% (95% CI: 90-94) and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.7-3.6), respectively. Conclusion: Given high rate of CMV seropositivity in Iran, it seems that CMVAbs screening would not be a reasonable and affordable approach to prevent CMV infection via transfusion especially for immune compromised recipients, so alternative strategies should be considered. PMID:26351551

Cruise ship environmental hygiene and the risk of norovirus infection outbreaks: an objective assessment of 56 vessels over 3 years.

PubMed

Carling, Philip C; Bruno-Murtha, Lou Ann; Griffiths, Jeffrey K

2009-11-01

Norovirus infection outbreaks (NoVOs) occur frequently in closed populations, such as cruise ship passengers. Environmental contamination is believed to play an important role in NoVO propagation. Trained health care professionals covertly evaluated the thoroughness of disinfection cleaning (TDC) of 6 standardized objects (toilet seat, flush handle or button, toilet stall inner handhold, stall inner door handle, restroom inner door handle, and baby changing table surfaces) with high potential for fecal contamination in cruise ship public restrooms, by means of a previously validated novel targeting method. Fifty-six cruise ships (approximately 30% of 180 vessels operated by 9 large cruise lines) were evaluated from July 2005 through August 2008. Overall, 37% (range, 4%-100%; 95% confidence interval, 29.2%-45.4%) of 8344 objects in 273 randomly selected public restrooms were cleaned daily. The TDC did not differ by cruise line and did not correlate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program inspection scores (r(2), .002; P = .75). More than half the vessels had overall TDC scores <30%, although several of these low-scoring ships had near-perfect CDC sanitation scores. The mean TDC of the 3 ships evaluated within 4 months before a NoVO (10.3%) was substantially less than the mean TDC of the 40 ships that did not experience NoVOs (40.4%) (P < .004). An objective evaluation of public restroom environmental hygiene on 56 cruise ships found that only 37% of selected toilet area objects were cleaned on a daily basis. Low TDC scores may predict subsequent NoVO-prone vessels. Enhanced public restroom cleaning may prevent or moderate NoVOs on cruise ships.

New (125)I brachytherapy source IsoSeed I25.S17plus: Monte Carlo dosimetry simulation and comparison to sources of similar design.

PubMed

Pantelis, Evaggelos; Papagiannis, Panagiotis; Anagnostopoulos, Giorgos; Baltas, Dimos

2013-12-01

To determine the relative dose rate distribution around the new (125)I brachytherapy source IsoSeed I25.S17plus and report results in a form suitable for clinical use. Results for the new source are also compared to corresponding results for other commercially available (125)I sources of similar design. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the MCNP5 v.1.6 general purpose code. The model of the new source was prepared from information provided by the manufacturer and verified by imaging a sample of ten non-radioactive sources. Corresponding simulations were also performed for the 6711 (125)I brachytherapy source, using updated geometric information presented recently in the literature. The uncertainty of the dose distribution around the new source, as well as the dosimetric quantities derived from it according to the Task Group 43 formalism, were determined from the standard error of the mean of simulations for a sample of fifty source models. These source models were prepared by randomly selecting values of geometric parameters from uniform distributions defined by manufacturer stated tolerances. Results are presented in the form of the quantities defined in the update of the Task Group 43 report, as well as a relative dose rate table in Cartesian coordinates. The dose rate distribution of the new source is comparable to that of sources of similar design (IsoSeed I25.S17, Oncoseed 6711, SelectSeed 130.002, Advantage IAI-125A, I-Seed AgX100, Thinseed 9011). Noticeable differences were observed only for the IsoSeed I25.S06 and Best 2301 sources.

Do cell phones, iPods/MP3 players, siblings and friends matter? Predictors of child body mass in a U.S. Southern Border City Middle School.

PubMed

Ynalvez, Marcus Antonius; Ynalvez, Ruby; Torregosa, Marivic; Palacios, Horacio; Kilburn, John

2012-01-01

This study examines the association of children's (i) micro-social environment, specifically siblings [kin-friends] and friends from school and neighborhood [non-kin-friends], and (ii) ownership of information and communication technologies (ICT), specifically cell phones and iPod/MP3 players, with body mass index percentile (BMIp). Fifty-five randomly selected 6th graders with a mean age of 12 years, stratified by gender (23 boys and 32 girls), from a Texas middle school located in a city along the U.S. southern border. The linear regression of BMIp on number of siblings and of non-kin-friends, and ownership of cell phone and of iPod/MP3 player was examined using two models: M1 was based on the manual selection of predictors from a pool of potential predictors. M2 was derived from the predictors specified in M1 using backward elimination technique. Because sample size was small, the significance of regression coefficients was evaluated using robust standard errors to calculate t-values. Data for predictors were obtained through a survey. Height and weight were obtained through actual anthropometric measurements. BMIp was calculated using the on-line BMI calculator of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Findings reveal that children's social environment and ICT ownership predict BMIp; specifically, number of siblings (M2: β = -0.34, p-value < .001), and ownership of iPod/MP3 players (M2: β = 0.33, p-value < .001). These results underscore the importance of family in configuring, and of new personal technical devices (that encourage solitary, and oftentimes sedentary, activities) in predicting child body mass. © 2012 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity . Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Targeting dopa-sensitive and dopa-resistant gait dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: selective responses to internal and external cues.

PubMed

Rochester, Lynn; Baker, Katherine; Nieuwboer, Alice; Burn, David

2011-02-15

Independence of certain gait characteristics from dopamine replacement therapies highlights its complex pathophysiology in Parkinson's disease (PD). We explored the effect of two different cue strategies on gait characteristics in relation to their response to dopaminergic medications. Fifty people with PD (age 69.22 ± 6.6 years) were studied. Participants walked with and without cues presented in a randomized order. Cue strategies were: (1) internal cue (attention to increase step length) and (2) external cue (auditory cue with instruction to take large step to the beat). Testing was carried out two times at home (on and off medication). Gait was measured using a Stride Analyzer (B&L Engineering). Gait outcomes were walking speed, stride length, step frequency, and coefficient of variation (CV) of stride time and double limb support duration (DLS). Walking speed, stride length, and stride time CV improved on dopaminergic medications, whereas step frequency and DLS CV did not. Internal and external cues increased stride time and walking speed (on and off dopaminergic medications). Only the external cue significantly improved stride time CV and DLS CV, whereas the internal cue had no effect (on and off dopaminergic medications). Internal and external cues selectively modify gait characteristics in relation to the type of gait disturbance and its dopa-responsiveness. Although internal (attention) and external cues target dopaminergic gait dysfunction (stride length), only external cues target stride to stride fluctuations in gait. Despite an overlap with dopaminergic pathways, external cues may effectively address nondopaminergic gait dysfunction and potentially increase mobility and reduce gait instability and falls. Copyright © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.

Willingness to pay for voluntary community-based health insurance: findings from an exploratory study in the state of Penang, Malaysia.

PubMed

Shafie, A A; Hassali, M A

2013-11-01

Health care in Malaysia is funded primarily through taxation and is no longer sustainable. One funding option is voluntary community-based health insurance (VCHI), which provides insurance coverage for those who are unable to benefit immediately from either a social or private health insurance plan. This study is performed to assess the willingness of Malaysians to participate in a VCHI plan. A cross-sectional study was performed in the state of Penang between August and mid-September 2009 with 472 randomly selected respondents. The respondents were first asked to select their preferred health financing plan from three plans (out-of-pocket payment, compulsory social health insurance and VCHI). The extent of the household's willingness to pay for the described VCHI plan was later assessed using the contingent valuation method in an ex-ante bidding game approach until the maximum amount they would be willing to pay to obtain such a service was agreed upon. Fifty-four per cent of the participants were female, with a mean age of 34 years (SD = 11.9), the majority of whom had a monthly income of Int$1157-2312. The results indicated that more than 63.1% of the respondents were willing to join and contribute an average of Int$114.38 per month per household towards VCHI. This amount was influenced by ethnicity, educational level, household monthly income, the presence of chronic disease and the presence of private insurance coverage (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study findings suggest that most Malaysians are willing to join the proposed VCHI and to pay an average of Int$114.38 per month per household for the plan. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation and selection of security products for authentication of computer software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roenigk, Mark W.

2000-04-01

Software Piracy is estimated to cost software companies over eleven billion dollars per year in lost revenue worldwide. Over fifty three percent of all intellectual property in the form of software is pirated on a global basis. Software piracy has a dramatic effect on the employment figures for the information industry as well. In the US alone, over 130,000 jobs are lost annually as a result of software piracy.

US Army Evaluations: A Study of Inaccurate and Inflated Reporting

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-26

decisions such as promotions directly impacting the careers of tens of thousands of the Anny’s leaders, both officer and NCO, has few equals in the...accurate, and equitable perfonnance ratings throughout the Army.13 Many ofthe revisions were caused by the inability of selection boards to discern a...should be : assigned a numerical percentage; superior equals top ten percent, excellence equals top twenty- five percent, success equals top fifty

Methods for collection and analysis of water samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rainwater, Frank Hays; Thatcher, Leland Lincoln

1960-01-01

This manual contains methods used by the U.S. Geological Survey to collect, preserve, and analyze water samples. Throughout, the emphasis is on obtaining analytical results that accurately describe the chemical composition of the water in situ. Among the topics discussed are selection of sampling sites, frequency of sampling, field equipment, preservatives and fixatives, analytical techniques of water analysis, and instruments. Seventy-seven laboratory and field procedures are given for determining fifty-three water properties.

The Escambia Experimental Forest Marks Fifty Years of Research on the Ecology and Management of Longleaf Pine

Treesearch

William D. Boyer; George A. Ward; John S. Kush

1997-01-01

The Escambia Experimental Forest was formally established on April 1,1947, when the T.R. Miller Mill Company of Brewton, AL, provided land, at no cost, to the USDA Forest Service through a 99 yr lease. This 3000 ac tract in southwest Alabama was selected as typical of second-growth longleaf pine forests that, at the time, covered about 6.2 million ac in south Alabama...

Selection and Classification of United States Military Officers: A fifty-Year Bibliography (1937-1986)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

orientation in Naval aviation cadets. Journal of Educational Psychology , 45, 91-109. 908 Creelman , J.A. (1954). An analysis of the physical fitness index...International Index to Periodicals. (e) Military Testing Association Proceedings, and (f) Psychological Abstracts. The research organizations of the armed...Texas, can trace its beginning to a number of Psychological Research Units of the Medical Division of the United States Army Air Corps. Some of the

Fifty-year impacts of the beech bark disease in the Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire

Treesearch

William B. Leak

2006-01-01

Records from the early 1950s on the Bartlett Experimental Forest in New Hampshire showed that the percentage of American beech trees infected with heavy beech scale and Nectria was up to the 80 to 90% range. An inventory of beech bark disease conditions in three stands in 2004 showed that an older, uneven-aged stand managed by individual tree selection for 50 years had...

The Coalescent Process in Models with Selection

PubMed Central

Kaplan, N. L.; Darden, T.; Hudson, R. R.

1988-01-01

Statistical properties of the process describing the genealogical history of a random sample of genes are obtained for a class of population genetics models with selection. For models with selection, in contrast to models without selection, the distribution of this process, the coalescent process, depends on the distribution of the frequencies of alleles in the ancestral generations. If the ancestral frequency process can be approximated by a diffusion, then the mean and the variance of the number of segregating sites due to selectively neutral mutations in random samples can be numerically calculated. The calculations are greatly simplified if the frequencies of the alleles are tightly regulated. If the mutation rates between alleles maintained by balancing selection are low, then the number of selectively neutral segregating sites in a random sample of genes is expected to substantially exceed the number predicted under a neutral model. PMID:3066685

Suitability of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and artificial sweeteners (ASs) as wastewater indicators in the Pearl River Delta, South China.

PubMed

Yang, Yuan-Yuan; Liu, Wang-Rong; Liu, You-Sheng; Zhao, Jian-Liang; Zhang, Qian-Qian; Zhang, Min; Zhang, Jin-Na; Jiang, Yu-Xia; Zhang, Li-Juan; Ying, Guang-Guo

2017-07-15

Wastewater indicator is a useful tool for evaluating the wastewater impact on natural water, but there is little information about the suitability of wastewater indicators for different regions. This study aimed to select suitable wastewater indicators in the Pearl River Delta region, south China by screening a range of wastewater related organic compounds. The screening campaign was carried out by investigating the occurrence and removal efficiencies of 93 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and 5 artificial sweeteners (ASs) in nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the region, and the occurrence of these target compounds in the contaminated and clean surface water of the Pearl River. An ideal wastewater indicator should be hydrophilic, source-specific for domestic wastewater, ubiquitous in contaminated surface water with detection frequency (DF) >80% and absent in background water samples. For liable indicators, high removal rates (>90%) should be observed in WWTPs and they should be detected in all the influent samples at concentrations fifty times higher than their limits of quantification. For conservative indicators, low removal rates (<50%) should be observed in WWTPs and they should be detected in all the effluent samples at concentrations fifty times higher than their limits of quantification. Based on the above criteria, sucralose and fluconazole were selected as conservative indicators in the region, while cyclamate, saccharin, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, paracetamol, salicylic acid and caffeine were selected as liable indicators. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Selected Meditative Asanas on Kinaesthetic Perception and Speed of Movement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Kanwaljeet; Bal, Baljinder S.; Deol, Nishan S.

2009-01-01

Study aim: To assess the effects of selected meditative "asanas" on kinesthetic perception and movement speed. Material and methods: Thirty randomly selected male students aged 18-24 years volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups: A (medidative) and B (control). The Nelson's movement speed and…

Model Selection with the Linear Mixed Model for Longitudinal Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryoo, Ji Hoon

2011-01-01

Model building or model selection with linear mixed models (LMMs) is complicated by the presence of both fixed effects and random effects. The fixed effects structure and random effects structure are codependent, so selection of one influences the other. Most presentations of LMM in psychology and education are based on a multilevel or…

Random one-of-N selector

DOEpatents

Kronberg, J.W.

1993-04-20

An apparatus for selecting at random one item of N items on the average comprising counter and reset elements for counting repeatedly between zero and N, a number selected by the user, a circuit for activating and deactivating the counter, a comparator to determine if the counter stopped at a count of zero, an output to indicate an item has been selected when the count is zero or not selected if the count is not zero. Randomness is provided by having the counter cycle very often while varying the relatively longer duration between activation and deactivation of the count. The passive circuit components of the activating/deactivating circuit and those of the counter are selected for the sensitivity of their response to variations in temperature and other physical characteristics of the environment so that the response time of the circuitry varies. Additionally, the items themselves, which may be people, may vary in shape or the time they press a pushbutton, so that, for example, an ultrasonic beam broken by the item or person passing through it will add to the duration of the count and thus to the randomness of the selection.

Random one-of-N selector

DOEpatents

Kronberg, James W.

1993-01-01

An apparatus for selecting at random one item of N items on the average comprising counter and reset elements for counting repeatedly between zero and N, a number selected by the user, a circuit for activating and deactivating the counter, a comparator to determine if the counter stopped at a count of zero, an output to indicate an item has been selected when the count is zero or not selected if the count is not zero. Randomness is provided by having the counter cycle very often while varying the relatively longer duration between activation and deactivation of the count. The passive circuit components of the activating/deactivating circuit and those of the counter are selected for the sensitivity of their response to variations in temperature and other physical characteristics of the environment so that the response time of the circuitry varies. Additionally, the items themselves, which may be people, may vary in shape or the time they press a pushbutton, so that, for example, an ultrasonic beam broken by the item or person passing through it will add to the duration of the count and thus to the randomness of the selection.

Faster onset of antidepressant effects of citalopram compared with sertraline in drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder in a Chinese population: a 6-week double-blind, randomized comparative study.

PubMed

Hsu, Ju-Wei; Su, Tung-Ping; Huang, Chen-Ying; Chen, Ying-Sheue; Chou, Yuan-Hwa

2011-10-01

Several previous studies, including a meta-analysis, reported no significant differences between various selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, because of the different chemical structure of SSRIs and the difference in the frequency of serotonin transporter polymorphisms between ethnic groups, a head-to-head comparative study between SSRIs in different populations may be enlightening. We compared the efficacy and adverse effect profiles of citalopram and sertraline in a double-blinded randomized clinical trial in a Chinese population of drug-naïve patients with first-episode major depressive disorder. Fifty-one patients were randomly assigned to citalopram or sertraline treatment. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used as the primary outcome. Efficacy and adverse effects were analyzed in an intent-to-treat population. Efficacy was analyzed using a last-observation-carried-forward method for early terminators. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics at baseline. No significant differences were found in MADRS scores between citalopram and sertraline at baseline (36.6 ± 5.5 vs 38.2 ± 4.9; P = 0.322) or at the end of treatment (week 6; 10.8 ± 10.0 vs 16.7 ± 11.3; P = 0.082). However, MADRS scores in the citalopram group were significantly lower at week 1 (25.2 ± 8.5 vs 30.4 ± 6.1; P = 0.029) and week 3 (15.9 ± 10.0 vs 22.1 ± 8.7; P = 0.037). Overall, treatment-emergent adverse effects were reported by 14.3% and 28.6% of patients in the citalopram and sertraline groups, respectively. In conclusion, citalopram and sertraline were both efficacious and well tolerated. However, citalopram exhibited a significantly faster onset than sertraline during the early weeks of treatment and tended to have a better efficacy in overall treatment, although the statistic was not significant.

A randomized controlled clinical study of the effect of daily intake of Ascophyllum nodosum alga on calculus, plaque, and gingivitis.

PubMed

van Dijken, Jan W V; Koistinen, S; Ramberg, Per

2015-07-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate, in a randomized controlled cross-over study, the effect of daily intake of the alga Ascophyllum nodosum on supragingival calculus, plaque formation, and gingival health over a 6-month period. Sixty-one adults with moderate to heavy calculus formation since their last yearly recall visit participated. In a randomized order over two 6-month periods, they swallowed two capsules daily, comprising a total of 500 mg dried marine alga powder (Ascophyllum nodosum, ProDen PlaqueOff®) or two negative control tablets. During the study, the participants maintained their regular oral habits. Their teeth were professionally cleaned at the start of each period and after the 6-month registrations. A wash out period of 1 month separated the two 6-month periods. Supragingival calculus (Volpe Manhold), gingivitis (Löe and Silness), gingival bleeding (Ainamo and Bay), and plaque (Quigley-Hein) were registered at screening and at the end of the two periods. Differences in oral health between the test and control periods were analyzed using a paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Fifty-five participants completed the study. After the alga intake, the mean calculus reduction was 52% compared to the control (p < 0.0001). Fifty-two participants showed less calculus formation in the alga group than in the control group. Plaque (p = 0.008) and gingival bleeding (p = 0.02) were also significantly less in the alga group. However, no significant difference was found between the groups for gingivitis (p = 0.13). The alga intake significantly reduced the formation of supragingival calculus and plaque and occurrence of gingival bleeding. The alga has a systemic effect on oral health. Daily intake of the alga Ascophyllum nodosum as an adjunct to customary oral hygiene showed a major reduction of supragingival calculus formation and reduced plaque formation. In addition, the calculus in the alga group was characterized by a more porous and less solid structure and was easier to remove than the calculus in the control group.

Population differentiation in Pacific salmon: local adaptation, genetic drift, or the environment?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adkison, Milo D.

1995-01-01

Morphological, behavioral, and life-history differences between Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations are commonly thought to reflect local adaptation, and it is likewise common to assume that salmon populations separated by small distances are locally adapted. Two alternatives to local adaptation exist: random genetic differentiation owing to genetic drift and founder events, and genetic homogeneity among populations, in which differences reflect differential trait expression in differing environments. Population genetics theory and simulations suggest that both alternatives are possible. With selectively neutral alleles, genetic drift can result in random differentiation despite many strays per generation. Even weak selection can prevent genetic drift in stable populations; however, founder effects can result in random differentiation despite selective pressures. Overlapping generations reduce the potential for random differentiation. Genetic homogeneity can occur despite differences in selective regimes when straying rates are high. In sum, localized differences in selection should not always result in local adaptation. Local adaptation is favored when population sizes are large and stable, selection is consistent over large areas, selective diffeentials are large, and straying rates are neither too high nor too low. Consideration of alternatives to local adaptation would improve both biological research and salmon conservation efforts.

Transforming Your Life: An Environmental Modification Approach to Weight Loss

PubMed Central

Carels, Robert A.; Young, Kathleen M.; Koball, Afton; Gumble, Amanda; Darby, Lynn A.; Oehlhof, Marissa Wagner; Wott, Carissa B.; Hinman, Nova

2011-01-01

This investigation compared a traditional behavioral weight loss program with a weight loss intervention emphasizing environmental modification and habit formation and disruption. Fifty-four overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 14-week LEARN or TYL intervention. Forty-two participants completed the six-month follow-up assessment. Treatment outcomes between LEARN and TYL participants were equivalent. During the six-month no-treatment follow-up period, participants evidenced a 3.3 lb (SD = 9.2) weight gain. The TYL intervention appears to represent an attractive option for individuals seeking an alternative to the traditional behavioral approach to weight loss. PMID:20929947

Assessment of Daily and Weekly Fatigue among African American Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Sobel, Rina M.; McSorley, Anna-Michelle M.; Roesch, Scott C.; Malcarne, Vanessa L.; Hawes, Starlyn M.; Sadler, Georgia Robins

2013-01-01

This investigation evaluates two common measures of cancer-related fatigue, one multidimensional/retrospective and one unidimensional/same-day. Fifty-two African American survivors of diverse cancers completed fatigue visual analogue scales once daily, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI) once weekly, for four weeks. Zero-order correlations showed retrospectivefatigue was significantly related to average, peak, and most recent same-dayfatigue. Multilevel random coefficient modeling showed unidimensional fatigue shared the most variance with the MFSI’s General subscale for three weeks, and with the Vigor subscale for one week. Researchers and clinicians may wish to prioritize multidimensional measures when assessing cancer-related fatigue, if appropriate. PMID:23844922

CINAHL and MEDLINE: a comparison of indexing practices.

PubMed

Brenner, S H; McKinin, E J

1989-10-01

A random sample of fifty nursing articles indexed in both MEDLINE and CINAHL (NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH) during 1986 was used for comparing indexing practices. Indexing was analyzed by counting the number of major descriptors, the number of major and minor descriptors, the number of indexing access points, the number of common indexing access points, and the number and type of unique indexing access points. The study results indicate: there are few differences in the number of major descriptors used, MEDLINE uses almost twice as many descriptors, MEDLINE has almost twice as many indexing access points, and MEDLINE and CINAHL provide few common access points.

CINAHL and MEDLINE: a comparison of indexing practices.

PubMed Central

Brenner, S H; McKinin, E J

1989-01-01

A random sample of fifty nursing articles indexed in both MEDLINE and CINAHL (NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH) during 1986 was used for comparing indexing practices. Indexing was analyzed by counting the number of major descriptors, the number of major and minor descriptors, the number of indexing access points, the number of common indexing access points, and the number and type of unique indexing access points. The study results indicate: there are few differences in the number of major descriptors used, MEDLINE uses almost twice as many descriptors, MEDLINE has almost twice as many indexing access points, and MEDLINE and CINAHL provide few common access points. PMID:2676049

Effect of expanding medicaid for parents on children's health insurance coverage: lessons from the Oregon experiment.

PubMed

DeVoe, Jennifer E; Marino, Miguel; Angier, Heather; O'Malley, Jean P; Crawford, Courtney; Nelson, Christine; Tillotson, Carrie J; Bailey, Steffani R; Gallia, Charles; Gold, Rachel

2015-01-01

In the United States, health insurance is not universal. Observational studies show an association between uninsured parents and children. This association persisted even after expansions in child-only public health insurance. Oregon's randomized Medicaid expansion for adults, known as the Oregon Experiment, created a rare opportunity to assess causality between parent and child coverage. To estimate the effect on a child's health insurance coverage status when (1) a parent randomly gains access to health insurance and (2) a parent obtains coverage. Oregon Experiment randomized natural experiment assessing the results of Oregon's 2008 Medicaid expansion. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine the longitudinal effect of a parent randomly selected to apply for Medicaid on their child's Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage (intent-to-treat analyses). We used per-protocol analyses to understand the impact on children's coverage when a parent was randomly selected to apply for and obtained Medicaid. Participants included 14409 children aged 2 to 18 years whose parents participated in the Oregon Experiment. For intent-to-treat analyses, the date a parent was selected to apply for Medicaid was considered the date the child was exposed to the intervention. In per-protocol analyses, exposure was defined as whether a selected parent obtained Medicaid. Children's Medicaid or CHIP coverage, assessed monthly and in 6-month intervals relative to their parent's selection date. In the immediate period after selection, children whose parents were selected to apply significantly increased from 3830 (61.4%) to 4152 (66.6%) compared with a nonsignificant change from 5049 (61.8%) to 5044 (61.7%) for children whose parents were not selected to apply. Children whose parents were randomly selected to apply for Medicaid had 18% higher odds of being covered in the first 6 months after parent's selection compared with children whose parents were not selected (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27). The effect remained significant during months 7 to 12 (AOR=1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.19); months 13 to 18 showed a positive but not significant effect (AOR=1.07; 95% CI, 0.99-1.14). Children whose parents were selected and obtained coverage had more than double the odds of having coverage compared with children whose parents were not selected and did not gain coverage (AOR=2.37; 95% CI, 2.14-2.64). Children's odds of having Medicaid or CHIP coverage increased when their parents were randomly selected to apply for Medicaid. Children whose parents were selected and subsequently obtained coverage benefited most. This study demonstrates a causal link between parents' access to Medicaid coverage and their children's coverage.

Primary versus secondary closure of cutaneous abscesses in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Singer, Adam J; Taira, Breena R; Chale, Stuart; Bhat, Rahul; Kennedy, David; Schmitz, Gillian

2013-01-01

Cutaneous abscesses have traditionally been treated with incision and drainage (I&D) and left to heal by secondary closure. The objective was to compare the healing rates of cutaneous abscesses following I&D after primary or secondary closure. This was a randomized, controlled, trial, balanced by center, with blocked randomization created by a random-number generator. One urban and one suburban academic emergency department (ED) participated. Subjects were randomized to primary or secondary wound closure following I&D of the abscess. Main outcome measures were the percentage of healed wounds (wound was completely closed by visual inspection; a 40% difference in wound healing was sought) and overall failure rate (need for additional intervention including suture removal, additional drainage, antibiotics, or admission within 7 days after drainage). Fifty-six adult patients with simple localized cutaneous abscesses were included; 29 were randomized to primary closure, and 27 were randomized to secondary closure. Healing rates at 7 days were similar between the primary and secondary closure groups (69.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 49.1% to 84.4% vs. 59.3%, 95% CI = 40.7% to 75.5%; difference 10.3%, 95% CI = -15.8% to 34.1%). Overall failure rates at 7 days were also similar between the primary and secondary closure groups (30.4%, 95% CI = 15.6% to 50.9% vs. 28.6%, 95% CI = 15.2% to 47.1%; difference 1.8%, 95% CI = -24.2% to 28.8%). The rates of wound healing and treatment failure following I&D of simple abscesses in the ED are similar after primary or secondary closure. The authors did not detect a difference of at least 40% in healing rates between primary and secondary closure. © 2013 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

EFFECT OF A NOVEL ESSENTIAL OIL MOUTHRINSE WITHOUT ALCOHOL ON GINGIVITIS: A DOUBLE-BLINDED RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

PubMed Central

Botelho, Marco Antonio; Bezerra, José Gomes; Correa, Luciano Lima; Fonseca, Said Gonçalves da Cruz; Montenegro, Danusa; Gapski, Ricardo; Brito, Gerly Anne Castro; Heukelbach, Jörg

2007-01-01

Several different plant extracts have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and for reduction of gingivitis. Given that a large number of these substances have been associated with significant side effects that contraindicate their long-term use, new compounds need to be tested. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term safety and efficacy of a Lippia sidoides ("alecrim pimenta")-based essential oil mouthrinse on gingival inflammation and bacterial plaque. Fifty-five patients were enrolled into a pilot, double-blinded, randomized, parallel-armed study. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a 7-day treatment regimen with either the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The results demonstrated decreased plaque index, gingival index and gingival bleeding index scores at 7 days, as compared to baseline. There was no statistically significance difference (p>0.05) between test and control groups for any of the clinical parameters assessed throughout the study. Adverse events were mild and transient. The findings of this study demonstrated that the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse was safe and efficacious in reducing bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation. PMID:19089126

Using a partially randomized patient preference study design to evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and cupping therapy for fibromyalgia: study protocol for a partially randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Cao, Hui-Juan; Liu, Jian-Ping; Hu, Hui; Wang, Nissi S

2014-07-10

Conducting randomized controlled trials on traditional Chinese non-drug therapies has been limited by factors such as patient preference to specific treatment modality. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of applying a partially randomized patient preference (PRPP) trial model in evaluating the efficacy of two types of traditional Chinese medicine therapies, acupuncture and cupping, for fibromyalgia while accounting for patients' preference of either therapeutic modality. This protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of affiliated Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 2013052104-2). One hundred participants with fibromyalgia will be included in this study. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia will be based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Before treatment, participants will be interviewed for their preference toward acupuncture or cupping therapy. Fifty participants with no preference will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and another 50 participants with strong preference to either acupuncture or cupping will receive what they choose. For acupuncture and cupping therapy, the main acupoints used will be tender points (Ashi). Treatment will be three times a week for 5 consecutive weeks with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Outcome measures will be qualitative (patient expectation and satisfaction) and quantitative (pain intensity, quality of life, depression assessment). NCT01869712 (in clinicaltrials.gov, on 22nd May 2013).

Using a partially randomized patient preference study design to evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and cupping therapy for fibromyalgia: study protocol for a partially randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Conducting randomized controlled trials on traditional Chinese non-drug therapies has been limited by factors such as patient preference to specific treatment modality. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of applying a partially randomized patient preference (PRPP) trial model in evaluating the efficacy of two types of traditional Chinese medicine therapies, acupuncture and cupping, for fibromyalgia while accounting for patients’ preference of either therapeutic modality. Methods This protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of affiliated Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 2013052104-2). One hundred participants with fibromyalgia will be included in this study. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia will be based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Before treatment, participants will be interviewed for their preference toward acupuncture or cupping therapy. Fifty participants with no preference will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and another 50 participants with strong preference to either acupuncture or cupping will receive what they choose. For acupuncture and cupping therapy, the main acupoints used will be tender points (Ashi). Treatment will be three times a week for 5 consecutive weeks with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Outcome measures will be qualitative (patient expectation and satisfaction) and quantitative (pain intensity, quality of life, depression assessment). Trial registration number NCT01869712 (in clinicaltrials.gov, on 22nd May 2013). PMID:25012121

40 CFR 761.355 - Third level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... of sample selection further reduces the size of the subsample to 100 grams which is suitable for the... procedures in § 761.353 of this part into 100 gram portions. (b) Use a random number generator or random number table to select one 100 gram size portion as a sample for a procedure used to simulate leachate...

40 CFR 761.355 - Third level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... of sample selection further reduces the size of the subsample to 100 grams which is suitable for the... procedures in § 761.353 of this part into 100 gram portions. (b) Use a random number generator or random number table to select one 100 gram size portion as a sample for a procedure used to simulate leachate...

40 CFR 761.355 - Third level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... of sample selection further reduces the size of the subsample to 100 grams which is suitable for the... procedures in § 761.353 of this part into 100 gram portions. (b) Use a random number generator or random number table to select one 100 gram size portion as a sample for a procedure used to simulate leachate...

40 CFR 761.355 - Third level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of sample selection further reduces the size of the subsample to 100 grams which is suitable for the... procedures in § 761.353 of this part into 100 gram portions. (b) Use a random number generator or random number table to select one 100 gram size portion as a sample for a procedure used to simulate leachate...

40 CFR 761.355 - Third level of sample selection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... of sample selection further reduces the size of the subsample to 100 grams which is suitable for the... procedures in § 761.353 of this part into 100 gram portions. (b) Use a random number generator or random number table to select one 100 gram size portion as a sample for a procedure used to simulate leachate...

Comparison of content in phenolic compounds, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase in grains of fifty sorghum varieties from burkina faso.

PubMed

Dicko, Mamoudou H; Hilhorst, Riet; Gruppen, Harry; Traore, Alfred S; Laane, Colja; van Berkel, Willem J H; Voragen, Alphons G J

2002-06-19

Analysis of fifty sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties used in Burkina Faso showed that they have different contents of phenolic compounds, peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Most of the varieties (82%) had a tannin content less than 0.25% (w/w). POX specific activity was higher than the monophenolase and o-diphenolase specific activities of PPO. For POX, there was a diversity of isoforms among varieties. No clear correlation could be made between the quantitative composition of the grain in phenolics, PPO, and POX, and resistance of plant to pathogens. In general, varieties good for a thick porridge preparation ("tô") had low phenolic compounds content and a medium POX activity. From the red varieties, those used for local beer ("dolo") had a high content in phenolic compounds and PPO, and a low POX activity. The variety considered good for couscous had a low POX content. The characteristics might be useful as selection markers for breeding for specific applications.

Cross-shift peak expiratory flow changes are unassociated with respirable coal dust exposure among South African coal miners.

PubMed

Naidoo, Rajen N; Robins, Thomas G; Becklake, Margaret; Seixas, Noah; Thompson, Mary Lou

2007-12-01

The objectives of this study were to determine whether cross-shift changes in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were related to respirable dust exposure in South African coalminers. Fifty workers were randomly selected from a cohort of 684 miners from 3 bituminous coalmines in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Peak expiratory efforts were measured prior to the commencement of the shift, and at the end of the shift on at least two occasions separated by at least 2 weeks, with full shift personal dust sampling being conducted on each occasion for each participant. Interviews were conducted, work histories were obtained and cumulative exposure estimates were constructed. Regression models examined the associations of cross-shift changes in PEFR with current and cumulative exposure, controlling for shift, smoking and past history of tuberculosis. There were marginal differences in cross-shift PEFR (ranging from 0.1 to 2 L/min). Linear regression analyses showed no association between cross-shift change in PEFR and current or cumulative exposure. The specific shift worked by participants in the study showed no effect. Our study showed no association between current respirable dust exposure and cross-shift changes in PEFR. There was a non-significant protective effect of cumulative dust exposure on the outcome, suggesting the presence of a "healthy worker survivor effect" in this data.

Knowledge Attitude and Practices Toward Lassa Fever Control and Prevention Among Residents of Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria.

PubMed

Olowookere, S A; Adegbenro, C A; Idowu, A; Omisore, A G; Shabi, O M; Ikem, U R; Ekwere, G A; Oderinde, I F

2017-01-01

Lassa fever had been reported as a cause of death especially in endemic parts of Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward Lassa fever control and prevention among residents of Ile-Ife, southwest Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among consenting randomly selected adults using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 400 questionnaires with completed data were analyzed (response rate 96%). Majority, 207 (51.8%), were males while 193 (48.2%) were females. Most, 234 (58.5%), had tertiary education while 148 (37%) had secondary education. Fifty-nine percent had heard of Lassa fever with radio as their major source of information. About 76% had inadequate knowledge, 54% had negative attitude while 51% had poor practice toward Lassa fever. Determinants of knowledge of Lassa fever include having higher education (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) = 11.49, 95% CI [3.10, 42.69], p = .0001), being in civil service (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI [0.09, 0.51], p = .01), and earning higher income (AOR = 4.23, 95% CI [2.61, 6.84], p = .0001). In conclusion, the knowledge, attitude, as well as preventive practices to Lassa fever were poor. It is necessary to increase public education and improve hygienic practices.

Violence and sexual harassment: impact on registered nurses in the workplace.

PubMed

Williams, M F

1996-02-01

This study sought to determine the prevalence and impact of violence and sexual harassment experienced by registered nurses (RNs) in their workplaces in Illinois. A random sample of 1,130 RNs were selected to participate in the mail survey. The instrument used was the Nurse Assault Survey originally developed by the Nurse Assault Project Team in Ontario, Canada, and modified by the author. Three hundred forty-five subjects completed the survey (response rate: 30%). Fifty-seven percent of those responding reported personal experience with some aspect of sexual harassment, and 26% reported being victimized by physical assault while on the job. About one third of those who indicated they had been sexually harassed also had been physically assaulted. Patients/clients were the most frequent perpetrators of sexual harassment and physical assault, while physicians committed over half of the sexual assaults. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between physical assault and levels of job satisfaction. A significant relationship also was found between sexual harassment and levels of job satisfaction. Results demonstrate that nurses need to take and active role in fostering a work environment free from violence and sexual harassment. They should be knowledgeable about institutional policies and, where none exist, they should work with administrators to develop them. Prevention and intervention programs should be developed for both student and registered nurses.

Using near infrared spectroscopy to classify soybean oil according to expiration date.

PubMed

da Costa, Gean Bezerra; Fernandes, David Douglas Sousa; Gomes, Adriano A; de Almeida, Valber Elias; Veras, Germano

2016-04-01

A rapid and non-destructive methodology is proposed for the screening of edible vegetable oils according to conservation state expiration date employing near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometric tools. A total of fifty samples of soybean vegetable oil, of different brands andlots, were used in this study; these included thirty expired and twenty non-expired samples. The oil oxidation was measured by peroxide index. NIR spectra were employed in raw form and preprocessed by offset baseline correction and Savitzky-Golay derivative procedure, followed by PCA exploratory analysis, which showed that NIR spectra would be suitable for the classification task of soybean oil samples. The classification models were based in SPA-LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis coupled with Successive Projection Algorithm) and PLS-DA (Discriminant Analysis by Partial Least Squares). The set of samples (50) was partitioned into two groups of training (35 samples: 15 non-expired and 20 expired) and test samples (15 samples 5 non-expired and 10 expired) using sample-selection approaches: (i) Kennard-Stone, (ii) Duplex, and (iii) Random, in order to evaluate the robustness of the models. The obtained results for the independent test set (in terms of correct classification rate) were 96% and 98% for SPA-LDA and PLS-DA, respectively, indicating that the NIR spectra can be used as an alternative to evaluate the degree of oxidation of soybean oil samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Psychosocial primary care – what patients expect from their General Practitioners A cross-sectional trial

PubMed Central

Fritzsche, Kurt; Armbruster, Ulrike; Hartmann, Armin; Wirsching, Michael

2002-01-01

Background Psychosocial Primary Care (PPC) is a model of service delivery for patients with mental disorders and psychosocial problems which was established in Germany in 1987. This study was performed as part of the evaluation of a PPC training program. We investigated patients' expectations of the psychosocial treatment offered by GPs trained in PPC. Methods Ten general practitioners trained in PPC were randomly selected. Two hundred and twenty patients were surveyed in the waiting room regarding their expectations concerning psychological treatment. Results Eighty-five per cent of patients could envisage making use of psychosocial treatments. Counselling by the GP was considered most important (65%). Fifty-four per cent of patients indicated that there was sufficient counselling, but further distinctions revealed dissatisfaction with both the extent and content of the counselling. Lack of time was the most frequent reason (53%) cited for insufficient counselling. A willingness to discuss the psychological aspects of illness was exhibited by between 55% (current illness) and 79% of patients. Two-thirds of patients believed that discussing psychological aspects and counselling by the doctor could exert a healing effect or contribute to symptomatic improvement in physical illnesses. Younger patients and patients with experience in psychotherapy expected referral to mental health services. Conclusions Primary care patients desire and accept psychological treatment from their GP. Training in psychosocial competence in primary care should be offered more frequently. PMID:12000687

[Physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors among Chilean young men and women].

PubMed

Arteaga, Antonio; Bustos, Patricia; Soto, Rodrigo; Velasco, Nicolás; Amigo, Hugo

2010-10-01

Physical activity (PA) has a protective role in cardiovascular diseases. To quantify PA in young adults and to correlate it with cardiovascular risk factors. A cross-sectional study was performed employing the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), to measure the PA of 983 randomly selected young adults from Valparaiso region born between 1974 and 1978. Its results were associated with levels of obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP- ATP III) RESULTS: Mean physical activity among men and women was 3731 ± 3923 and 1360 ± 2303 METs-minutes/week, respectively (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of women and 21.5% of men had an insufficient level of physical activity (p < 0.001). Sixty percent of men and 23.4% of women had an intense level of physical activity (p < 0.001). There was an inverse association of physical activity and insulin resistance. A high physical activity was protective, specially among men, against a low HDL cholesterol level and high triglyceride levels with Odds Ratios of 0.59 (confidence interval (CI): 0,35-0.98) and 0.49 (CI: 0,27-0,87) respectively, after adjusting for body mass index and age. In this sample, men had higher levels of physical activity, that was protective against insulin resistance and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

The Effect of Saffron on Depression among Recovered Consumers of Methamphetamine Living with HIV/AIDS.

PubMed

Jalali, Farzad; Hashemi, Seyedeh Fatemeh

2018-03-15

From one hand, depression is one of the symptoms that occur after abstinence from methamphetamine. On the other people living with HIV/AIDS are in isolation due to the nature of their illness and depression is one of the most common mental health problems they experience. This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of saffron on reducing depression among recovered consumers of methamphetamine living with HIV/AIDS. The design of this study was semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test and control (placebo) groups. The statistical population consisted of all recovered consumers of methamphetamine living with HIV/AIDS who were referred to the Positive Club. Fifty-seven (57) recovered consumers of methamphetamine, living with HIV/AIDS, were selected by convenience sampling method. They were randomly assigned to an experimental (saffron) group and a control (placebo) group. The experimental group received 30 ml of saffron per day for 8 weeks, whereas the control (placebo) group received placebo the same way. BDI-II was used in this study as a measurement instrument. ANCOVA models were used for statistical inference. The findings showed that saffron and its ingredients had been effective in reducing depression among this group (P < 0.05). In fact, saffron with its active ingredients (Crusin and Saffranal) by serotonin and dopamine secretion in the brain, help in reducing depression among recovered consumers of methamphetamine living with HIV/AIDS.

Self-Debriefing vs Instructor Debriefing in a Pre-Internship Simulation Curriculum: Night on Call

PubMed Central

Oikawa, Sayaka; Turban, Joseph; Vincent, Dale; Mandai, Yasuhiro; Birkmire-Peters, Deborah

2016-01-01

This study sought to determine if learner self-performance assessment (SPA) and team-performance assessment (TPA) were different when simulation based education (SBE) was supported by self-debriefing (S-DB), compared to traditional facilitator-led debriefing (F-DB). “One-Night-On-Call,” an internship preparation curriculum, was selected to provide SBE. Participants worked as team members in 4 sequential bedside acute care problem-solving scenarios. Fifty-seven learners were randomized to 9 F-DB and 10 S-DB Teams. Participants completed SPA and TPA assessment checklist questionnaires immediately following the first and fourth (final) scenarios. Learner SPA and TPA scores improved overall from the first to the fourth scenarios (P <.05). F-DB versus S-DB cohorts did not differ in overall SPA scores. The F-DB average TPA score was 12.8 (SD±2.1) compared to a S-DB score of 14.1 (SD±2.1) (P =.001). F-DB participants' increase in TPA was due to increases in the Patient Assessment and Treatment sub-domains that exceeded corresponding improvements in the S-DB cohort. Self- debriefing strategies are equivalent to facilitator-led debriefing in some situations. Self-debriefing offers opportunities to enable simulation-based education by decreasing the number of required faculty debriefers, and may be uniquely well matched to simulation-based teamwork training. PMID:27239391

The diagnostic performance of expert dermoscopists vs a computer-vision system on small-diameter melanomas.

PubMed

Friedman, Robert J; Gutkowicz-Krusin, Dina; Farber, Michele J; Warycha, Melanie; Schneider-Kels, Lori; Papastathis, Nicole; Mihm, Martin C; Googe, Paul; King, Roy; Prieto, Victor G; Kopf, Alfred W; Polsky, David; Rabinovitz, Harold; Oliviero, Margaret; Cognetta, Armand; Rigel, Darrell S; Marghoob, Ashfaq; Rivers, Jason; Johr, Robert; Grant-Kels, Jane M; Tsao, Hensin

2008-04-01

To evaluate the performance of dermoscopists in diagnosing small pigmented skin lesions (diameter

Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus in the Republic of Kiribati: a case-control study.

PubMed

Viney, K; Cavanaugh, J; Kienene, T; Harley, D; Kelly, P M; Sleigh, A; O'Connor, J; Mase, S

2015-05-01

To better inform local management of TB-diabetes collaborative activities, we aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes among persons with and without TB and to determine the association between TB and diabetes in Kiribati, a Pacific Island nation. We compared consecutively enrolled TB cases to a group of randomly selected community controls without evidence of TB. Diabetes was diagnosed by HbA1c, and clinical and demographic data were collected. A tuberculin skin test was administered to controls. The chi-square test was used to assess significance in differences between cases and controls. We also calculated an odds ratio, with 95% confidence intervals, for the odds of diabetes among cases relative to controls. Unweighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for the effects of age and sex. A total of 275 TB cases and 499 controls were enrolled. The diabetes prevalence in cases (101, 37%) was significantly greater than in controls (94, 19%) (adjusted odds ratio: 2.8; 95% CI 2.0-4.1). Fifty-five percent (108) of all diabetic diagnoses were new; this proportion was higher among controls (64.8%) than cases (46.5%). Five patients with TB were screened to detect one patient with diabetes. There is a strong association between TB and diabetes in Kiribati and bidirectional screening should be conducted in this setting. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Iron deficiency anaemia in Nigerian infants.

PubMed

Akinkugbe, F M; Ette, S I; Durowoju, T A

1999-01-01

Hematological parameters and the iron status of 50 randomly selected infants who were attending the research infant welfare clinic of the Institute of Child Health, Ibadan (ICHI), for routine immunization were studied. Investigations included estimations of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (Fe), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and total iron-binding Capacity (TIBC). Forty percent of the infants had PCVs below 0.32, 48% had Hbs below 10 g/dl and 27% had mean corpuscular volume (MVC) less that 70fl. Thirty-seven percent of the children had serum Fe below 3.58 mmol/l, but only 4% had UIBC above 320 mmol/l. Fifty-two percent had Transferin Saturation Index (TSI) below 10%. Eighteen percent had MCV below 70fl associated with TSI below 10% and 67% of these had Hbs below 10 g/dl. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in infants as shown in this study is very high. The ill effects of iron deficiency in childhood have been well documented. It is suggested that screening for anaemia should be offered at 9 months as part of a Child Survival Programme and that infants found to be anaemic should be treated. However, for cost-effectiveness and taking into consideration the high prevalence rate of iron deficiency in this age group, it might be preferable to give iron and weekly prophylactic antimalarias routinely to infants aged 9 to 15 months in lieu of screening.

[Survey on avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Panama].

PubMed

López, Maritza; Brea, Ileana; Yee, Rita; Yi, Rodolfo; Carles, Víctor; Broce, Alberto; Limburg, Hans; Silva, Juan Carlos

2014-12-01

Determine prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in adults aged ≥ 50 years in Panama, identify their main causes, and characterize eye health services. Cross-sectional population study using standard Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology. Fifty people aged ≥ 50 years were selected from each of 84 clusters chosen through representative random sampling of the entire country. Visual acuity was assessed using a Snellen chart; lens and posterior pole status were assessed by direct ophthalmoscopy. Cataract surgery coverage was calculated and its quality assessed, along with causes of visual acuity < 20/60 and barriers to access to surgical treatment. A total of 4 125 people were examined (98.2% of the calculated sample). Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness was 3.0% (95% CI: 2.3-3.6). The main cause of blindness was cataract (66.4%), followed by glaucoma (10.2%). Cataract (69.2%) was the main cause of severe visual impairment and uncorrected refractive errors were the main cause of moderate visual impairment (60.7%). Surgical cataract coverage in individuals was 76.3%. Of all eyes operated for cataract, 58.0% achieved visual acuity ≤ 20/60 with available correction. Prevalence of blindness in Panama is in line with average prevalence found in other countries of the Region. This problem can be reduced, since 76.2% of cases of blindness and 85.0% of cases of severe visual impairment result from avoidable causes.

Development and validation of an epidemiologic case definition of epilepsy for use with routinely collected Australian health data.

PubMed

Tan, Michael; Wilson, Ian; Braganza, Vanessa; Ignatiadis, Sophia; Boston, Ray; Sundararajan, Vijaya; Cook, Mark J; D'Souza, Wendyl J

2015-10-01

We report the diagnostic validity of a selection algorithm for identifying epilepsy cases. Retrospective validation study of International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Australian Modification (ICD-10AM)-coded hospital records and pharmaceutical data sampled from 300 consecutive potential epilepsy-coded cases and 300 randomly chosen cases without epilepsy from 3/7/2012 to 10/7/2013. Two epilepsy specialists independently validated the diagnosis of epilepsy. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the optimum coding algorithm for epilepsy and was internally validated. One hundred fifty-eight out of three hundred (52.6%) epilepsy-coded records and 0/300 (0%) nonepilepsy records were confirmed to have epilepsy. The kappa for interrater agreement was 0.89 (95% CI=0.81-0.97). The model utilizing epilepsy (G40), status epilepticus (G41) and ≥1 antiepileptic drug (AED) conferred the highest positive predictive value of 81.4% (95% CI=73.1-87.9) and a specificity of 99.9% (95% CI=99.9-100.0). The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.90 (95% CI=0.88-0.93). When combined with pharmaceutical data, the precision of case identification for epilepsy data linkage design was considerably improved and could provide considerable potential for efficient and reasonably accurate case ascertainment in epidemiological studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An exploratory study of the health harms and utilisation of health services of frequent legal high users under the interim regulated legal high market in central Auckland.

PubMed

Wilkins, Chris; Prasad, Jitesh; Wong, K C; Rychert, Marta; Graydon-Guy, Thomas

2016-03-11

To explore health problems and the accessing of health services by frequent legal high users under an interim regulated legal market in central Auckland. Frequent legal high users (monthly+) were recruited from outside eight randomly-selected, licensed, legal high stores in central Auckland from 23 April-7 May, 2014. Eligible participants were emailed a unique invitation to complete an on-line survey; 105 completed the survey. Twenty-seven percent had suffered mental illness during their lifetimes. Eighty percent used synthetic cannabinoids (SC), and 20% 'party pills'. Forty-seven percent of SC users used daily or more often. Other drugs used included alcohol (80%), cannabis (59%), 'ecstasy' (18%) and methamphetamine (15%). Fifty-eight percent of SC users were classified as SC dependent. The most common problems reported from SC use were: insomnia (29%); 'vomiting/nausea' (25%); 'short temper/agitation' (21%); 'anxiety' (21%); 'strange thoughts' (16%); and 'heart palpitations' (14%). The health services most commonly accessed by SC users were: a 'doctor/GP' (9%); 'counsellor' (9%); 'DrugHelp/MethHelp' websites (7%); 'Alcohol & Drug Helpline' (4%); 'ambulance' (3%); 'A&E' (3%); and hospitalisation (3%). Frequent use of interim licensed SC products was associated with health problems, including dependency. Further research is required to determine the health risks of these products.

Medication use and the risk of motor vehicle collisions among licensed drivers: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Rudisill, Toni M.; Zhu, Motao; Kelley, George A.; Pilkerton, Courtney; Rudisill, Brandon R.

2016-01-01

Objectives Driving under the influence of prescription and over-the-counter medication is a growing public health concern. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate which specific medications were associated with increased risk of motor vehicle collision (MVC). Methods The a priori inclusion criteria were: 1) studies published from English-language sources on or after January 1, 1960, 2) licensed drivers 15 years of age and older, 3) peer-reviewed publications, master's theses, doctoral dissertations, and conference papers, 4) studies limited to randomized control trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, or case-control type studies 5) outcome measure reported for at least one specific medication, 6) outcome measure reported as the odds or risk of a motor vehicle collision. Fourteen databases were examined along with hand-searching. Independent, dual selection of studies and data abstraction was performed. Results Fifty-three medications were investigated by 27 studies included in the review. Fifteen (28.3%) were associated with an increased risk of MVC. These included Buprenorphine, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Methadone, Tramadol, Levocitirizine, Diazepam, Flunitrazepam, Flurazepam, Lorazepam, Temazepam, Triazolam, Carisoprodol, Zolpidem, and Zopiclone. Conclusions Several medications were associated with an increased risk of MVC and decreased driving ability. The associations between specific medication use and the increased risk of MVC and/or affected driving ability are complex. Future research opportunities are plentiful and worthy of such investigation. PMID:27569655

Functional effects of robotic-assisted locomotor treadmill thearapy in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Drużbicki, Mariusz; Rusek, Wojciech; Snela, Slawomir; Dudek, Joanna; Szczepanik, Magdalena; Zak, Ewelina; Durmala, Jacek; Czernuszenko, Anna; Bonikowski, Marcin; Sobota, Grzegorz

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to assess gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy rehabilitated with the use of Lokomat active orthosis. A randomized controlled trial. Fifty-two children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Temporospatial parameters of gait and selected kinematic parameters were assessed. Children from the study group used active orthosis in addition to following a programme of individual exercises. Children in the control group participated only in individual exercises. The difference between the initial and control examinations was statistically insignificant. After the programme was finished, there was a slight improvement in walking speed in both groups. Improvement in the mean walking speed was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.5905). Range of motion decreased slightly in both groups, and the difference between mean amounts of change was not significant (p = 0.8676). There was significant improvement in maximal range of flexion in the hip joint (p = 0.0065) in the study. It was shown that with a decrease in the mean value of adduction in hip joint, the mean walking speed increased (r = -0.53, p = 0.0011). There are several limitations to this study, therefore these results should be regarded as preliminary. Further research consistent with the above indications is needed to investigate the impact of this new treatment option in patients with cerebral palsy.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Decreasing Suicidal Ideation and Hopelessness of the Adolescents with Previous Suicidal Attempts

PubMed Central

Alavi, Ali; Sharifi, Bahare; Ghanizadeh, Ahmad; Dehbozorgi, Gholamreza

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT) for suicide prevention in decreasing suicidal ideation and hopelessness in a sample of depressed 12 to 18 year-old adolescents who had at least one previous suicidal attempt. Methods In a clinical trial, 30 depressed adolescents who attempted suicide in the recent 3 months were selected using simple sampling method and divided randomly into intervention and wait-list control groups. Both groups received psychiatric interventions as routine. The intervention group received a 12 session (once a week) of CBT program according to the package developed by Stanley et al, including psychoeducational interventions and individual and family skills training modules. All of the patients were evaluated by Scale for Suicidal Ideation, Beck's hopelessness Inventory, and Beck's Depression Inventory before the intervention and after 12 weeks. Findings There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the scores of the above mentioned scales after 12 weeks. Fifty-four to 77 percent decreases in the mean scores of the used scales were observed in the invention group. There were no significant changes in the scores of the control wait-list group. The differences between pre- and post-intervention scores in the intervention group were significant. Conclusion CBT is an effective method in reducing suicidal ideation and hopelessness in the depressed adolescents with previous suicidal attempts. PMID:24427502

Evaluation of package inserts of Ayurveda drug formulations from Mumbai city.

PubMed

Shirolkar, Sudatta; Tripathi, Raakhi K; Potey, Anirudha V

2015-01-01

Package insert (PI) is a vital document accompanying a prescribed medication to provide information to the prescriber and end-user at a glance. Studies regarding PIs of Ayurvedic medicines in accordance with standard guidelines are lacking. Present study was undertaken to evaluate PI of Ayurveda drugs. PIs of Ayurveda drugs were obtained from five randomly selected Ayurveda medical shops located in three main zones of Mumbai. From each medical shop, a range of 15-20 PI was planned to be collected for different formulations. It was decided to collect a minimum fifty PIs/group for equitable distribution of various formulations in period of January-June2013. Checklist was prepared, and content validity was achieved. Final validated checklist contained a total of 13 items, and the presence or absence of information pertaining to these items on the PI was evaluated. Any other additional information present on PI was also noted. Each item was analyzed and expressed as percentages. The information on 258 PIs included: Name of ingredients (67%), quantity of ingredients (47.27%), route of administration (86.8%), dosage form (86.8%), indications (18%), dose (18%), contraindications (18%), side effects (9%), shelf life (5.81%), storage conditions (11%), and manufacturers name with contact details (34%). PIs accompanying Ayurveda medicinal products in India are deficient in information required to be furnished by them.

[Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from the city of Maceió (AL)].

PubMed

Mendonça, Maria Roseane Tenorio; Silva, Maria Alayde Mendonça da; Rivera, Ivan Romero; Moura, Adriana Avila

2010-01-01

To establish prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from the city of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, and investigate the association of risk of overweight and obesity with gender, age and type of school. This was a cross-sectional study. Students between 7 and 17 years of age were selected from 396 public and private schools of Maceió. After randomization, data were collected by questionnaire. Weight and height were measured (body mass index = weight:height2). Overweight and obesity were defined, respectively, as body mass index greater than the 85th percentile and equal or greater than the 95th percentile for age and gender. The final sample included 1253 students (706 females). One hundred sixteen students were overweight and fifty six students were obese. Obesity was significantly associated with students between 7 and 9 years of age, when compared to the 10 and 13 year olds (p<0.04) and the 14 and 17 year olds (p<0.02). Private school students were more likely to be overweight (OR=2.2; CI95%:1.36 - 3.32) and more likely to be obese (OR=4.7; CI95%:2.32 - 9.34) than students The prevalence of overweight and obesity were, respectively, 9.3% and 4.5%. Overweight and obesity were significantly more frequent among private school students.

Dietary intake and development of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire for the Barbados National Cancer Study.

PubMed

Sharma, Sangita; Cao, Xia; Harris, Rachel; Hennis, Anselm J M; Leske, M Cristina; Wu, Suh-Yuh

2007-05-01

To develop a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) for the Barbados National Cancer Study (BNCS) that will permit examination of associations of diet with breast and prostate cancer. Population intake data from the year 2000 Barbados Food Consumption and Anthropometric Surveys (BFCAS 2000) were used to derive a list of foods consumed by the population. A 192-item draft QFFQ was developed from this list. Barbados, West Indies provides an ideal environment to understand cancer risk in African-origin populations, with high relevance to African-Americans. The BNCS is a population-based case-control study examining risk factors for breast and prostate cancer in such populations. A total of 1600 persons, 18 years and older, completed a 24-hour recall in the BFCAS 2000. Fifty of 63 randomly selected residents (79% response rate) gave additional updated information on foods consumed. The 50 participants provided a one-time 24-hour recall and completed the draft QFFQ. The final instrument contains 148 items: breads, cakes, cereals = 17; rice, pastas, noodles = 8; dairy = 10; meat, fish, poultry = 42; fruit = 16; vegetables = 26; soft drinks = 14; alcoholic beverages = 5; others = 10. Additional questions include supplement use and food preparation methods such as grilling. The final instrument is concise, complete and the most up-to-date for assessing the food and nutrient intake of African-origin Barbadians and the associations with breast and prostate cancer.

Dental trauma management awareness among primary school teachers in the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Hashim, R

2011-06-01

To assess, by means of self-administered structured questionnaire, the level of knowledge of primary schools teachers in Ajman with regards to the immediate emergency management of dental trauma. The questionnaire was sent to teachers in randomly selected primary schools in Ajman. A total of 161 teachers responded (response rate 84.4%). The questionnaire surveyed teachers' background, knowledge and management of tooth fracture, avulsion, and also investigated teachers' attitudes and self-assessed knowledge. Ninety-one percent of the teachers were females, 51.6% in their thirties and 61.5% had university qualification. Fifty teachers had received formal first aid training, and only thirteen of them recalled that they had received training on the management of dental trauma. Concerning the management of tooth fracture, 138 respondents (85.8%) gave the appropriate management for fractured tooth. One hundred twenty-one (75%) of the respondents indicated that is very urgent to seek professional assistance if a permanent tooth is avulsed, but they had little knowledge on the correct media for transporting the avulsed tooth. Most teaches were unsatisfied with their level of knowledge for dental trauma and the majority were interested in having further education on the topic. The findings revealed that the level of knowledge of management of dental trauma (especially tooth avulsion) among school teachers in Ajman is inadequate, and education campaigns are necessary to improve their emergency management of dental injuries.

(Dis)agreement on Sight-Singing Assessment of Undergraduate Musicians

PubMed Central

Bortz, Graziela; Germano, Nayana G.; Cogo-Moreira, Hugo

2018-01-01

Assessment criteria for sight-singing abilities are similar to those used to judge music performances across music school programs. However, little evidence of agreement among judges has been provided in the literature. Fifty out of 152 participants were randomly selected and blindly assessed by three judges, who evaluated students based on given criteria. Participants were recorded while sight-singing 19 intervals and 10 tonal melodies. Interjudge agreement on melodic sight-singing was tested considering four items in a five-point Likert scale format as follows: (1) Intonation and pitch accuracy; (2) Tonal sense and memory; (3) Rhythmic precision, regularity of pulse and subdivisions; (4) Fluency and music direction. Intervals were scored considering a 3-point Likert scale. Agreement was conducted using weighted kappa. For melodic sight-singing considering the ten tonal melodies, on average, the weighted kappa (κw) were: κ1w = 0.296, κ2w = 0.487, κ3w = 0.224, and κ4w = 0.244, ranging from fair to moderate.. For intervals, the lowest agreement was kappa = 0.406 and the highest was kappa = 0.792 (on average, kappa = 0.637). These findings light up the discussion on the validity and reliability of models that have been taken for granted in assessing music performance in auditions and contests, and illustrate the need to better discuss evaluation criteria. PMID:29896144

Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices among Prison Inmates in Ogbomoso Prison at Oyo State, South West Nigeria

PubMed Central

Saliu, Abdulsalam; Akintunde, Babatunde

2014-01-01

Prisoners are at special risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because of overcrowded prisons, unprotected sex and sexual assault, occurrence of sexual practices that are risky to health, unsafe injecting practices, and inadequate HIV prevention, care, and support services. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices towards HIV/AIDS by male inmates in Ogbomoso Prison at Oyo State, South West Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study. A simple random sampling method was employed to select 167 male participants and data were collected using pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were collated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17. Fifty (29.9%) were in the age group 20–24 years with mean age of 30.99 ± 11.41. About half (50.3%) had been married before incarceration. Family and friends (30%), health care workers (25%), prison staff (20%), and mass media (25%) were the commonest sources of information on HIV/AIDS. Knowledge about HIV was found to be high (94.6%). About 68.9% believed that people with the disease should be avoided. The knowledge about HIV/AIDS among inmates was high, but misconceptions about HIV/AIDS are still rife among the prisoners and educational programs would be required to correct this. PMID:25763397

The effect of massage therapy on blood pressure of women with pre-hypertension

PubMed Central

Moeini, Mahin; Givi, Mahshid; Ghasempour, Zahra; Sadeghi, Masoumeh

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND: Prehypertension is considered as a cardiovascular disease predicator. Management of prehypertension is an appropriate objective for clinicians in a wide range of medical centers. Treatment of prehypertension is primarily non-pharmacological, one of which is massage therapy that is used to control the blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Swedish massage (face, neck, shoulders and chest) on blood pressure (BP) of the women with prehypertension. METHODS: This was a single-blind clinical trial study. Fifty prehypertensive women selected by simple random sampling which divided into control and test groups. The test group (25 patients) received Swedish massage 10-15 min, three times a week for 10 sessions and the control groups (25 patients) also were relaxed at the same environment with receiving no massage. Their BP was measured before and after each session. Analyzing the data was done using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (chi square, Mann-Whitney, paired t-test and student t-test) through SPSS software. RESULTS: The results indicated that mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the massage group was significantly lower in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study indicated that massage therapy was a safe, effective, applicable and cost-effective intervention in controlling BP of the prehypertension women and it can be used in the health care centers and even at home. PMID:22039381

Treatment of facial lipoatrophy with polymethylmethacrylate among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS): impact on the quality of life.

PubMed

Quintas, Rodrigo C S; de França, Emmanuel R; de Petribú, Kátia C L; Ximenes, Ricardo A A; Quintas, Lóren F F M; Cavalcanti, Ernando L F; Kitamura, Marco A P; Magalhães, Kássia A A; Paiva, Késsia C F; Filho, Demócrito B Miranda

2014-04-01

The lipodystrophy syndrome is characterized by selective loss of subcutaneous fat on the face and extremities (lipoatrophy) and/or accumulation of fat around the neck, abdomen, and thorax (lipohypertrophy). The aim of this study has been to assess the impact of polymethylmethacrylate facial treatment on quality of life, self-perceived facial image, and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients living with HIV/AIDS. A non-randomized before and after interventional study was developed. Fifty-one patients underwent facial filling. The self-perceived quality of life, facial image, and degree of depressive symptoms were measured by the Short-Form 36 and HIV/AIDS--Targeted quality of life questionnaires, by a visual analogue scale and by the Beck depression inventory, respectively, before and three months after treatment. Six of the eight domains of Short-Form 36 and eight of the nine dimensions of the HIV/AIDS--Targeted quality of life questionnaires, together with the visual analogue scale and by the Beck depression inventory scores, revealed a statistically significant improvement. The only adverse effects registered were edema and ecchymosis. The treatment of facial lipoatrophy improved the self-perceived quality of life and facial image as well as any depressive symptoms among patients with HIV/AIDS. © 2014 The International Society of Dermatology.

Infusion phlebitis assessment measures: a systematic review

PubMed Central

Ray-Barruel, Gillian; Polit, Denise F; Murfield, Jenny E; Rickard, Claire M

2014-01-01

Rationale, aims and objectives Phlebitis is a common and painful complication of peripheral intravenous cannulation. The aim of this review was to identify the measures used in infusion phlebitis assessment and evaluate evidence regarding their reliability, validity, responsiveness and feasibility. Method We conducted a systematic literature review of the Cochrane library, Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL until September 2013. All English-language studies (randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort and cross-sectional) that used an infusion phlebitis scale were retrieved and analysed to determine which symptoms were included in each scale and how these were measured. We evaluated studies that reported testing the psychometric properties of phlebitis assessment scales using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Results Infusion phlebitis was the primary outcome measure in 233 studies. Fifty-three (23%) of these provided no actual definition of phlebitis. Of the 180 studies that reported measuring phlebitis incidence and/or severity, 101 (56%) used a scale and 79 (44%) used a definition alone. We identified 71 different phlebitis assessment scales. Three scales had undergone some psychometric analyses, but no scale had been rigorously tested. Conclusion Many phlebitis scales exist, but none has been thoroughly validated for use in clinical practice. A lack of consensus on phlebitis measures has likely contributed to disparities in reported phlebitis incidence, precluding meaningful comparison of phlebitis rates. PMID:24401116

Infusion phlebitis assessment measures: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ray-Barruel, Gillian; Polit, Denise F; Murfield, Jenny E; Rickard, Claire M

2014-04-01

Phlebitis is a common and painful complication of peripheral intravenous cannulation. The aim of this review was to identify the measures used in infusion phlebitis assessment and evaluate evidence regarding their reliability, validity, responsiveness and feasibility. We conducted a systematic literature review of the Cochrane library, Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL until September 2013. All English-language studies (randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort and cross-sectional) that used an infusion phlebitis scale were retrieved and analysed to determine which symptoms were included in each scale and how these were measured. We evaluated studies that reported testing the psychometric properties of phlebitis assessment scales using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Infusion phlebitis was the primary outcome measure in 233 studies. Fifty-three (23%) of these provided no actual definition of phlebitis. Of the 180 studies that reported measuring phlebitis incidence and/or severity, 101 (56%) used a scale and 79 (44%) used a definition alone. We identified 71 different phlebitis assessment scales. Three scales had undergone some psychometric analyses, but no scale had been rigorously tested. Many phlebitis scales exist, but none has been thoroughly validated for use in clinical practice. A lack of consensus on phlebitis measures has likely contributed to disparities in reported phlebitis incidence, precluding meaningful comparison of phlebitis rates. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mass and Elite Views on Nuclear Security: US National Security Surveys 1993-1999

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

HERRON,KERRY G.; JENKINS-SMITH,HANK C.; HUGHES,SCOTT D.

This is the fourth report in an ongoing series of studies examining how US perspectives about nuclear security are evolving in the post-Cold War era. In Volume 1 the authors present findings from a nationwide telephone survey of randomly selected members of the US general public conducted from 13 September to 14 October 1999. Results are compared to findings from previous surveys in this series conducted in 1993, 1995, and 1997, and trends are analyzed. Key areas of investigation reported in Volume 1 include evolving perceptions of nuclear weapons risks and benefits, preferences for related policy and spending issues, andmore » views about three emerging issue areas: deterrent utility of precision guided munitions; response options to attacks in which mass casualty weapons are used; and expectations about national missile defenses. In this volume they relate respondent beliefs about nuclear security to perceptions of nuclear risks and benefits and to policy preferences. They develop causal models to partially explain key preferences, and they employ cluster analysis to group respondents into four policy relevant clusters characterized by similar views and preferences about nuclear security within each cluster. Systematic links are found among respondent demographic characteristics, perceptions of nuclear risks and benefits, policy beliefs, and security policy and spending preferences. In Volume 2 they provide analysis of in-depth interviews with fifty members of the US security policy community.« less