Animal Study on Primary Dysmenorrhoea Treatment at Different Administration Times

PubMed Central

Pu, Bao-Chan; Fang, Ling; Gao, Li-Na; Liu, Rui; Li, Ai-zhu

2015-01-01

The new methods of different administration times for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea are more widely used clinically; however, no obvious mechanism has been reported. Therefore, an animal model which is closer to clinical evaluation is indispensable. A novel animal experiment with different administration times, based on the mice oestrous cycle, for primary dysmenorrhoea treatment was explored in this study. Mice were randomly divided into two parts (one-cycle and three-cycle part) and each part includes five groups (12 mice per group), namely, Jingqian Zhitong Fang (JQF) 6-day group, JQF last 3-day group, Yuanhu Zhitong tablet group, model control group, and normal control group. According to the one-way ANOVAs, results (writhing reaction, and PGF2α, PGE2, NO, and calcium ions analysis by ELISA) of the JQF cycle group were in accordance with those of JQF last 3-day group. Similarly, results of three-cycle continuous administration were consistent with those of one-cycle treatment. In conclusion, the consistency of the experimental results illustrated that the novel animal model based on mice oestrous cycle with different administration times is more reasonable and feasible and can be used to explore in-depth mechanism of drugs for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea in future. PMID:25705236

Hypermnesia: a further examination of age differences between young and older adults.

PubMed

Otani, Hajime; Kato, Koichi; Von Glahn, Nicholas R; Nelson, Meghann E; Widner, Robert L; Goernert, Phillip N

2008-05-01

Previous studies that examined age differences in hypermnesia reported inconsistent results. The present experiment investigated whether the different study materials in these studies were responsible for the inconsistency. In particular, the present experiment examined whether the use of a video, as opposed to words and pictures, would eliminate previously reported age differences in hypermnesia. Fifteen college students and 15 older adults viewed a 3-minute video clip followed by two free-recall tests. The results indicated that older adults, as a whole, did not show hypermnesia. However, when older adults were divided into low and high memory groups based on test 1 performance, the high memory group showed hypermnesia whereas the low memory group did not show hypermnesia. The older adults in the low memory group were significantly older than the older adults in the high memory group - indicating that hypermnesia is inversely related to age in older adults. Reminiscence did not show an age-related difference in either the low or high memory group whereas inter-test forgetting did show an age difference in the low memory group. As expected, older adults showed greater inter-test forgetting than young adults in the low memory group. Findings from the present experiment suggest that video produces a pattern of results that is similar to the patterns obtained when words and pictures are used as study material. Thus, it appears that the nature of study material is not the source of inconsistency across the previous studies.

Evidence that Gender Differences in Social Dominance Orientation Result from Gendered Self-Stereotyping and Group-Interested Responses to Patriarchy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmitt, Michael T.; Wirth, James H.

2009-01-01

Numerous studies have found that, compared to women, men express higher levels of social dominance orientation (SDO), an individual difference variable reflecting support for unequal, hierarchical relationships between groups. Recent research suggests that the often-observed gender difference in SDO results from processes related to gender group…

Improving esthetic results in benign parotid surgery: statistical evaluation of facelift approach, sternocleidomastoid flap, and superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap application.

PubMed

Bianchi, Bernardo; Ferri, Andrea; Ferrari, Silvano; Copelli, Chiara; Sesenna, Enrico

2011-04-01

The purpose of this article was to analyze the efficacy of facelift incision, sternocleidomastoid muscle flap, and superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap for improving the esthetic results in patients undergoing partial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumor resection. The usefulness of partial parotidectomy is discussed, and a statistical evaluation of the esthetic results was performed. From January 1, 1996, to January 1, 2007, 274 patients treated for benign parotid tumors were studied. Of these, 172 underwent partial parotidectomy. The 172 patients were divided into 4 groups: partial parotidectomy with classic or modified Blair incision without reconstruction (group 1), partial parotidectomy with facelift incision and without reconstruction (group 2), partial parotidectomy with facelift incision associated with sternocleidomastoid muscle flap (group 3), and partial parotidectomy with facelift incision associated with superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap (group 4). Patients were considered, after a follow-up of at least 18 months, for functional and esthetic evaluation. The functional outcome was assessed considering the facial nerve function, Frey syndrome, and recurrence. The esthetic evaluation was performed by inviting the patients and a blind panel of 1 surgeon and 2 secretaries of the department to give a score of 1 to 10 to assess the final cosmetic outcome. The statistical analysis was finally performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data to compare the different group results. P less than .05 was considered significant. No recurrence developed in any of the 4 groups or in any of the 274 patients during the follow-up period. The statistical analysis, comparing group 1 and the other groups, revealed a highly significant statistical difference (P < .0001) for all groups. Also, when group 2 was compared with groups 3 and 4, the difference was highly significantly different statistically (P = .0018 for group 3 and P = .0005 for group 4). Finally, when groups 3 and 4 were compared, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .3467). Partial parotidectomy is the real key point for improving esthetic results in benign parotid surgery. The evaluation of functional complications and the recurrence rate in this series of patients has confirmed that this technique can be safely used for parotid benign tumor resection. The use of a facelift incision alone led to a high statistically significant improvement in the esthetic outcome. When the facelift incision was used with reconstructive techniques, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap or the superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap, the esthetic results improved further. Finally, no statistically significant difference resulted comparing the use of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Clinical Results, Second-Look Arthroscopic Findings, and MRI Findings Between the Transportal and Outside-In Techniques for Double-Bundle Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

PubMed

Kim, Jae Gyoon; Kang, Seung Hoon; Kim, Jun Ho; Lim, Chae Ouk; Wang, Joon Ho

2018-03-01

Although image analysis has shown that the outside-in (OI) technique is associated with different femoral tunnel geometry than the transportal (TP) technique in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is not known whether clinical results differ between the 2 techniques. To compare clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between the TP and OI techniques in anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. From November 2010 to March 2013, 128 patients were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the TP group (64 patients) or the OI group (64 patients), and DB ACL reconstructions were performed. At the minimum 2-year follow-up (34.9 ± 10.9 months), 111 patients (86.7%) were evaluated with multiple clinical scores and stability tests (KT-2000 arthrometer, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test). Ninety-three knees were evaluated for graft continuity, graft tension, and synovialization by use of second-look arthroscopy. Seventy-eight knees were evaluated on MRI for graft continuity, femoral graft tunnel healing, and graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). The primary outcome was KT-2000 arthrometer results. Results were compared between the TP and OI groups. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of KT-2000 arthrometer results, which was the primary outcome, and other clinical results, with the exception of the postoperative functional test of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score. The ratio of grade A and B on the postoperative functional test of IKDC objective score was significantly larger for the OI group (51/58) than the TP group (36/53) ( P = .005). The second-look arthroscopic findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups in either bundle ( P > .05). In addition, MRI findings did not differ significantly between the 2 groups ( P > .05). With the exception of the functional test of IKDC objective score, we found that clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and MRI findings did not differ significantly between the OI and TP techniques for anatomic ACL reconstruction, although femoral tunnel geometries differed significantly between the 2 techniques.

Exploring asynchronous brainstorming in large groups: a field comparison of serial and parallel subgroups.

PubMed

de Vreede, Gert-Jan; Briggs, Robert O; Reiter-Palmon, Roni

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the results of two different modes of using multiple groups (instead of one large group) to identify problems and develop solutions. Many of the complex problems facing organizations today require the use of very large groups or collaborations of groups from multiple organizations. There are many logistical problems associated with the use of such large groups, including the ability to bring everyone together at the same time and location. A field study involved two different organizations and compared productivity and satisfaction of group. The approaches included (a) multiple small groups, each completing the entire process from start to end and combining the results at the end (parallel mode); and (b) multiple subgroups, each building on the work provided by previous subgroups (serial mode). Groups using the serial mode produced more elaborations compared with parallel groups, whereas parallel groups produced more unique ideas compared with serial groups. No significant differences were found related to satisfaction with process and outcomes between the two modes. Preferred mode depends on the type of task facing the group. Parallel groups are more suited for tasks for which a variety of new ideas are needed, whereas serial groups are best suited when elaboration and in-depth thinking on the solution are required. Results of this research can guide the development of facilitated sessions of large groups or "teams of teams."

Multivariate analysis of meat production traits in Murciano-Granadina goat kids.

PubMed

Zurita-Herrera, P; Delgado, J V; Argüello, A; Camacho, M E

2011-07-01

Growth, carcass quality, and meat quality data from Murciano-Granadina kids (n=61) raised under three different systems were collected. Canonical discriminatory analysis and cluster analysis of the entire meat production process and its stages were performed using the rearing systems as grouping criteria. All comparisons resulted in significant differences and indicated the existence of three products with different quality characteristics as a result of the three rearing systems. Differences among groups were greater when comparing carcass and meat qualities as compared with growth differences. The paired analyses of canonical correlations among groups of variables integrated in growth, carcass and meat quality, resulted in all being statistically significant, pointing out the canonical correlation coefficient between carcass quality and meat quality. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Investigation of Stimulant Effects on the EEG of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Clarke, Adam R; Barry, Robert J; Baker, Iris E; McCarthy, Rory; Selikowitz, Mark

2017-07-01

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). These medications result in a normalization of the EEG. However, past research has found that complete normalization of the EEG is not always achieved. One reason for this may be that studies have used different medications interchangeably, or groups of subjects on different stimulants. This study investigated whether methylphenidate and dexamphetamine produce different levels of normalization of the EEG in children with AD/HD. Three groups of 20 boys participated in this study. There were 2 groups with a diagnosis of AD/HD; one group, good responders to methylphenidate, and the second, good responders to dexamphetamine. The third group was a normal control group. Baseline EEGs were recorded using an eyes-closed resting condition, and analyzed for total power and relative delta, theta, alpha, and beta. Subjects were placed on a 6-month trial of methylphenidate or dexamphetamine, after which a second EEG was recorded. At baseline, the children with AD/HD had elevated relative theta, less relative alpha and beta compared with controls. Baseline differences were found between the two medication groups, with the dexamphetamine group having greater EEG abnormalities than the methylphenidate group. The results indicate that good responders to methylphenidate and dexamphetamine have different EEG profiles when assessed before medication, and these differences may represent different underlying central nervous system deficits. The 2 medications were found to result in substantial normalization of the EEG, with no significant differences in EEG changes occurring between the 2 medications. This indicates that the degree of pretreatment EEG abnormality was the major factor contributing to the degree of normalization of the EEG. As good responders to the 2 medications appear to have different central nervous system abnormalities, it is recommended that stimulant medications be treated independently and not used interchangeably in research and treatment of AD/HD.

Education effects on authoritarian-libertarian values: a question of socialization.

PubMed

Stubager, Rune

2008-06-01

Over the past decades an authoritarian-libertarian value dimension has become increasingly important to electoral behaviour across western countries. Previous analyses have shown that education is the most important social antecedent of individuals' positions on this value dimension; high education groups tend towards the libertarian pole and low education groups tend towards the authoritarian pole. It remains an open question, however, what aspects of education cause this relationship. The article examines a range of explanatory models: a psychodynamic, a cognitive, a socialization, and an allocation effects model. The results strongly favour the socialization model in which the relationship between education and authoritarian-libertarian values is explained as a result of differences in the value sets transferred to students in different educational milieus. The value differences between the educational groups should thus not be seen as reflecting economic differences between the groups but rather as the result of a more fundamental value conflict.

Analysis of corneal endothelial cell density and morphology after laser in situ keratomileusis using two types of femtosecond lasers

PubMed Central

Tomita, Minoru; Waring, George O; Watabe, Miyuki

2012-01-01

Purpose To compare two different femtosecond lasers used for flap creation during laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery in terms of their effects on the corneal endothelium. Methods We performed LASIK surgery on 254 eyes of 131 patients using IntraLase FS60 (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc, Irvine, CA; IntraLase group) and 254 eyes of 136 patients using Femto LDV (Ziemer Group AG, Port, Switzerland; LDV group) for corneal flap creation. The mean cell density, coefficient of variation, and hexagonality of the corneal endothelial cells were determined and the results were statistically compared. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the corneal morphology between pre and post LASIK results in each group, nor were there significant differences between the results of both groups at 3 months post LASIK. Conclusions Both IntraLase FS60 and Ziemer Femto LDV are able to create flaps without significant adverse effects on the corneal endothelial morphology through 3 months after LASIK surgery. PMID:23055680

Altering state policy: interest group effectiveness among state-level advocacy groups.

PubMed

Hoefer, Richard

2005-07-01

Because social policy making continues to devolve to the state level, social workers should understand how advocacy and policy making occur at that level. Interest groups active in the human services arena were surveyed and data were used to test a model of interest group effectiveness in four states. The independent variables were amount of resources invested, strategy used, relationships with key actors, use of coalitions, and policy positions taken. Results indicate that the model explains low to middling amounts of the variation in group effectiveness. Results also show that the model fits different states to different degrees, indicating that social workers need to approach advocacy in different ways to achieve maximum effectiveness in altering state policy. Implications for altering state policy are provided.

Effects of online group exercises for older adults on physical, psychological and social wellbeing: a randomized pilot trial

PubMed Central

Khaghani Far, Iman; Ibarra, Francisco; Ferron, Michela; Didino, Daniele; Casati, Fabio

2017-01-01

Background Intervention programs to promote physical activity in older adults, either in group or home settings, have shown equivalent health outcomes but different results when considering adherence. Group-based interventions seem to achieve higher participation in the long-term. However, there are many factors that can make of group exercises a challenging setting for older adults. A major one, due to the heterogeneity of this particular population, is the difference in the level of skills. In this paper we report on the physical, psychological and social wellbeing outcomes of a technology-based intervention that enable online group exercises in older adults with different levels of skills. Methods A total of 37 older adults between 65 and 87 years old followed a personalized exercise program based on the OTAGO program for fall prevention, for a period of eight weeks. Participants could join online group exercises using a tablet-based application. Participants were assigned either to the Control group, representing the traditional individual home-based training program, or the Social group, representing the online group exercising. Pre- and post- measurements were taken to analyze the physical, psychological and social wellbeing outcomes. Results After the eight-weeks training program there were improvements in both the Social and Control groups in terms of physical outcomes, given the high level of adherence of both groups. Considering the baseline measures, however, the results suggest that while in the Control group fitter individuals tended to adhere more to the training, this was not the case for the Social group, where the initial level had no effect on adherence. For psychological outcomes there were improvements on both groups, regardless of the application used. There was no significant difference between groups in social wellbeing outcomes, both groups seeing a decrease in loneliness despite the presence of social features in the Social group. However, online social interactions have shown to be correlated to the decrease in loneliness in the Social group. Conclusion The results indicate that technology-supported online group-exercising which conceals individual differences in physical skills is effective in motivating and enabling individuals who are less fit to train as much as fitter individuals. This not only indicates the feasibility of training together despite differences in physical skills but also suggests that online exercise might reduce the effect of skills on adherence in a social context. However, results from this pilot are limited to a small sample size and therefore are not conclusive. Longer term interventions with more participants are instead recommended to assess impacts on wellbeing and behavior change. PMID:28392983

Chicago's Two Public School Systems: Standardized Test Results Compared by Racial/Ethnic Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, James H.

Throughout the Chicago Public Schools systematic differences exist between the performance of children of different racial and ethnic groups. In most schools where students of more than one group are found, Asians and Whites test at higher levels than Blacks and Hispanics. When income level and school type are controlled, small differences are…

Behavioral Executive Functions Among Adolescents With Mathematics Difficulties.

PubMed

Holm, Marja E; Aunio, Pirjo; Björn, Piia M; Klenberg, Liisa; Korhonen, Johan; Hannula, Markku S

2017-07-01

This study investigates behavioral executive functions (EFs) in the mathematics classroom context among adolescents with different mathematics performance levels. The EF problems were assessed by teachers using a behavioral rating inventory. Using cutoff scores on a standardized mathematics assessment, groups with mathematics difficulties (MD; n = 124), low mathematics performance (LA; n = 140), and average or higher scores (AC; n = 355) were identified. Results showed that the MD group had more problems with distractibility, directing attention, shifting attention, initiative, execution of action, planning, and evaluation than the LA group, whereas the differences in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sustaining attention were not significant. Compared to the AC group, the MD group showed more problems with all behavioral EFs except hyperactivity and impulsivity, while the LA group showed more problems only with shifting attention. Male adolescents showed more behavioral EF problems than female adolescents, but this gender difference was negligible within the MD group. The practical implications of the results are discussed.

Comparison of owner-reported behavioral characteristics among genetically clustered breeds of dog (Canis familiaris).

PubMed Central

Tonoike, Akiko; Nagasawa, Miho; Mogi, Kazutaka; Serpell, James A.; Ohtsuki, Hisashi; Kikusui, Takefumi

2015-01-01

During the domestication process, dogs were selected for their suitability for multiple purposes, resulting in a variety of behavioral characteristics. In particular, the ancient group of breeds that is genetically closer to wolves may show different behavioral characteristics when compared to other breed groups. Here, we used questionnaire evaluations of dog behavior to investigate whether behavioral characteristics of dogs were different among genetically clustered breed groups. A standardized questionnaire, the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), was used, and breed group differences of privately-owned dogs from Japan (n = 2,951) and the United States (n = 10,389) were analyzed. Results indicated that dogs in the ancient and spitz breed group showed low attachment and attention-seeking behavior. This characteristic distinguished the ancient group from any other breed groups with presumed modern European origins, and may therefore, be an ancestral trait. PMID:26680442

Effects of online group exercises for older adults on physical, psychological and social wellbeing: a randomized pilot trial.

PubMed

Baez, Marcos; Khaghani Far, Iman; Ibarra, Francisco; Ferron, Michela; Didino, Daniele; Casati, Fabio

2017-01-01

Intervention programs to promote physical activity in older adults, either in group or home settings, have shown equivalent health outcomes but different results when considering adherence. Group-based interventions seem to achieve higher participation in the long-term. However, there are many factors that can make of group exercises a challenging setting for older adults. A major one, due to the heterogeneity of this particular population, is the difference in the level of skills. In this paper we report on the physical, psychological and social wellbeing outcomes of a technology-based intervention that enable online group exercises in older adults with different levels of skills. A total of 37 older adults between 65 and 87 years old followed a personalized exercise program based on the OTAGO program for fall prevention, for a period of eight weeks. Participants could join online group exercises using a tablet-based application. Participants were assigned either to the Control group, representing the traditional individual home-based training program, or the Social group, representing the online group exercising. Pre- and post- measurements were taken to analyze the physical, psychological and social wellbeing outcomes. After the eight-weeks training program there were improvements in both the Social and Control groups in terms of physical outcomes, given the high level of adherence of both groups. Considering the baseline measures, however, the results suggest that while in the Control group fitter individuals tended to adhere more to the training, this was not the case for the Social group, where the initial level had no effect on adherence. For psychological outcomes there were improvements on both groups, regardless of the application used. There was no significant difference between groups in social wellbeing outcomes, both groups seeing a decrease in loneliness despite the presence of social features in the Social group. However, online social interactions have shown to be correlated to the decrease in loneliness in the Social group. The results indicate that technology-supported online group-exercising which conceals individual differences in physical skills is effective in motivating and enabling individuals who are less fit to train as much as fitter individuals. This not only indicates the feasibility of training together despite differences in physical skills but also suggests that online exercise might reduce the effect of skills on adherence in a social context. However, results from this pilot are limited to a small sample size and therefore are not conclusive. Longer term interventions with more participants are instead recommended to assess impacts on wellbeing and behavior change.

[Variation of CAG repeats in coding region of ATXN2 gene in different ethnic groups].

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Chen; Sun, Hao; Mi, Dong-Qing; Huang, Xiao-Qin; Lin, Ke-Qin; Yi, Wen; Yu, Liang; Shi, Lei; Shi, Li; Yang, Zhao-Qing; Chu, Jia-You

2011-04-01

Toinvestigate CAG repeats variation of ATXN2 gene coding region in six ethnic groups that live in comparatively different environments, to evaluate whether these variations are under positive selection, and to find factors driving selection effects, 291 unrelated healthy individuals were collected from six ethnic groups and their STR geneotyping was performed. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were counted and thereby Slatkin's linearized Fst values were calculated. The UPGMA tree against this gene was constructed. The MDS analysis among these groups was carried out as well. The results from the linearized Fst values indicated that there were significant evolutionary differences of the STR in ATXN2 gene between Hui and Yi groups, but not among the other 4 groups. Further analysis was performed by combining our data with published data obtained from other groups. These results indicated that there were significant differences between Japanese and other groups including Hui, Hani, Yunnan Mongolian, and Inner Mongolian. Both Hui and Mongolian from Inner Mongolia were significantly different from Han. In conclusion, the six ethnic groups had their own distribution characterizations of allelic frequencies of ATXN2 STR, and the potential cause of frequency changes in rare alleles could be the consequence of positive selection.

SEM evaluation of human gingival fibroblasts growth onto CAD/CAM zirconia and veneering ceramic for zirconia

PubMed Central

Zizzari, Vincenzo; Borelli, Bruna; De Colli, Marianna; Tumedei, Margherita; Di Iorio, Donato; Zara, Susi; Sorrentino, Roberto; Cataldi, Amelia; Gherlone, Enrico Felice; Zarone, Fernando; Tetè, Stefano

2013-01-01

Summary Aim To evaluate the growth of Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured onto sample discs of CAD/CAM zirconia and veneering ceramic for zirconia by means of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis at different experimental times. Methods A total of 26 experimental discs, divided into 2 groups, were used: Group A) CAD/CAM zirconia (3Y-TZP) discs (n=13); Group B) veneering ceramic for zirconia discs (n=13). HGFs were obtained from human gingival biopsies, isolated and placed in culture plates. Subsequently, cells were seeded on experimental discs at 7,5×103/cm2 concentration and cultured for a total of 7 days. Discs were processed for SEM observation at 3h, 24h, 72h and 7 days. Results In Group A, after 3h, HGFs were adherent to the surface and showed a flattened profile. The disc surface covered by HGFs resulted to be wider in Group A than in Group B samples. At SEM observation, after 24h and 72h, differences in cell attachment were slightly noticeable between the groups, with an evident flattening of HGFs on both surfaces. All differences between Group A and group B became less significant after 7 days of culture in vitro. Conclusions SEM analysis of HGFs showed differences in terms of cell adhesion and proliferation, especially in the early hours of culture. Results showed a better adhesion and cell growth in Group A than in Group B, especially up to 72h in vitro. Differences decreased after 7 days, probably because of the rougher surface of CAD/CAM zirconia, promoting better cell adhesion, compared to the smoother surface of veneering ceramic. PMID:24611089

Comprehensive analysis of correlation coefficients estimated from pooling heterogeneous microarray data

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The synthesis of information across microarray studies has been performed by combining statistical results of individual studies (as in a mosaic), or by combining data from multiple studies into a large pool to be analyzed as a single data set (as in a melting pot of data). Specific issues relating to data heterogeneity across microarray studies, such as differences within and between labs or differences among experimental conditions, could lead to equivocal results in a melting pot approach. Results We applied statistical theory to determine the specific effect of different means and heteroskedasticity across 19 groups of microarray data on the sign and magnitude of gene-to-gene Pearson correlation coefficients obtained from the pool of 19 groups. We quantified the biases of the pooled coefficients and compared them to the biases of correlations estimated by an effect-size model. Mean differences across the 19 groups were the main factor determining the magnitude and sign of the pooled coefficients, which showed largest values of bias as they approached ±1. Only heteroskedasticity across the pool of 19 groups resulted in less efficient estimations of correlations than did a classical meta-analysis approach of combining correlation coefficients. These results were corroborated by simulation studies involving either mean differences or heteroskedasticity across a pool of N > 2 groups. Conclusions The combination of statistical results is best suited for synthesizing the correlation between expression profiles of a gene pair across several microarray studies. PMID:23822712

[Serum calcium and phosphorus concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity in healthy children during growth and development].

PubMed

Savić, Ljiljana; Savić, Dejan

2008-01-01

Many changes happen during growth and development in an organism as a result of important hormon changes, especially biohumoral ones. These changes make a problem when interpreting biochemical results in pediatric population. The most important changes are intensive calcium and phosphorus metabolic turnover in bone tissue with changes in alkaline phosphatase activity as a result of osteoblast activity. The aim of this study was to follow the serum calcium and phosphorus concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity in children 1-15 years old in different growth and development period and of different sexes and to fortify the influence of growth and development dynamics on biohumoral status in healthy male and female children. We evaluated 117 healthy children of both sexes from 1-15 years of age and divided them into three age groups: 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years. We followed the serum calcium and phosphorus concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity in different groups and in different sexes. Our investigation found significantly higher values of serum calcium in boys than in girls with no important changes between the age groups and significantly higher values of serum phosphorus in the youngest age group in all children and in different sexes with no important sex differences. Alkaline phosphatase activity followed the growth spurt and was the biggest in 6-10 years group in girls and in 11-15 years group in boys.

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on balance and gait function in patients with stroke: preliminary results

PubMed Central

Chung, EunJung; Park, Sang-In; Jang, Yun-Yung; Lee, Byoung-Hee

2015-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brain-computer interface (BCI)-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) on balance and gait function in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Subjects were randomly allocated to a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a FES group (n=5). [Methods] The BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES according to a BCI-based program for 30 minutes per day for 5 days. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same duration. [Results] Following the intervention, the BCI-FES group showed significant differences in Timed Up and Go test value, cadence, and step length on the affected side. The FES group showed no significant differences after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-based FES training is a more effective exercise for balance and gait function than FES training alone in patients with stroke. PMID:25729205

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on balance and gait function in patients with stroke: preliminary results.

PubMed

Chung, EunJung; Park, Sang-In; Jang, Yun-Yung; Lee, Byoung-Hee

2015-02-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brain-computer interface (BCI)-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) on balance and gait function in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Subjects were randomly allocated to a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a FES group (n=5). [Methods] The BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES according to a BCI-based program for 30 minutes per day for 5 days. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same duration. [Results] Following the intervention, the BCI-FES group showed significant differences in Timed Up and Go test value, cadence, and step length on the affected side. The FES group showed no significant differences after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-based FES training is a more effective exercise for balance and gait function than FES training alone in patients with stroke.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2: Psychometric Properties and Cross-Cultural Comparison

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung-Hyun; Shin, Mi-Yeon; Jo, Hye-Hyeon; Jung, Young-Chul; Kim, Joon-Ki

2012-01-01

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) in Korean patients with eating disorders and healthy controls, and to investigate cultural differences of EDI-2 between a Korean group and a North American standardization sample. Materials and Methods The Korean version of the EDI-2 was prepared after comprehensive clinical assessment of Korean patients with eating disorders (n=327) as well as female undergraduates (n=176). Results were compared between eating disorder subgroups (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified) and those of a North American standardization sample and healthy controls. Results The results showed that the Korean EDI-2 had adequate internal consistency (0.77-0.93) and discriminated well between patients with eating disorders and healthy controls on all subscales. Significant differences in EDI-2 subscale scores between the eating disorder groups and the healthy control group were observed; however, there was no discernible difference among the eating disorder subgroups. When compared with a North American standardization sample, the Korean control group showed significantly higher scores for drive for thinness and asceticism. When patient groups were compared, the Korean group showed significantly lower scores for perfectionism. Conclusion As expected, the results accurately reflected psychometric properties of the Korean version of EDI-2 for eating disorder patients in Korea. These findings also suggest that common characteristics for the eating disorder exist as a whole rather than with significant difference between each subgroup. In addition, significant differences between the Korean and the North American groups for both patients and controls also demonstrated specific cultural differences. PMID:23074108

Comparison of patellofemoral outcomes after TKA using two prostheses with different patellofemoral design features.

PubMed

Bae, Dae Kyung; Baek, Jong Hun; Yoon, Kyung Tack; Son, Hyuck Sung; Song, Sang Jun

2017-12-01

The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results after TKA using two prostheses with different sagittal patellofemoral design features, including outcomes related to compatibility of the patellofemoral joint. The clinical and radiographic results of 81 patients (100 knees) who underwent TKA using the specific prosthesis (group A) were compared with those in a control group who underwent TKA using the other prosthesis (group B). The presence of anterior knee joint pain, patellar crepitation, and patellar clunk syndrome was also checked. The function score and maximum flexion angle at the last follow-up were slightly better in group A than those in group B (92.0 ± 2.3 vs. 90.6 ± 4.2) (133.6° ± 8.4° vs. 129.6° ± 11.4°). Anterior knee pain was observed in 6 knees and patellar crepitation in four knees in group A. In group B, these symptoms were observed in 22 knees and 18 knees, respectively. There was no patellar clunk syndrome in either group. The alignment was corrected with satisfactory positioning of components. The patellar height remained unchanged after TKA in the two groups. The differences between preoperative and postoperative patellar tilt angle and patellar translation were small. When comparing the clinical and radiographic results after TKA using two prostheses with different sagittal patellofemoral design features, TKA using the specific prosthesis provided satisfactory results with less clinical symptoms related to the patellofemoral kinematics with TKA using the other prosthesis. III.

Aviation Medical Examiner 2012 Feedback Survey: Content Analysis of Recommendations

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

not for the purpose of comparison but due to different operational conditions. Results provide a programmatic view of AME-recommended improvements...type of AME, not for purposes of comparison, but due to different operational conditions. Two AME groups were created--a domestic group and a combined...were distinct differences between the groups (Table 22), which likely reflects differences in levels of experience with the various systems /tools

Effect of Non-rigid Registration Algorithms on Deformation Based Morphometry: A Comparative Study with Control and Williams Syndrome Subjects

PubMed Central

Han, Zhaoying; Thornton-Wells, Tricia A.; Dykens, Elisabeth M.; Gore, John C.; Dawant, Benoit M.

2014-01-01

Deformation Based Morphometry (DBM) is a widely used method for characterizing anatomical differences across groups. DBM is based on the analysis of the deformation fields generated by non-rigid registration algorithms, which warp the individual volumes to a DBM atlas. Although several studies have compared non-rigid registration algorithms for segmentation tasks, few studies have compared the effect of the registration algorithms on group differences that may be uncovered through DBM. In this study, we compared group atlas creation and DBM results obtained with five well-established non-rigid registration algorithms using thirteen subjects with Williams Syndrome (WS) and thirteen Normal Control (NC) subjects. The five non-rigid registration algorithms include: (1) The Adaptive Bases Algorithm (ABA); (2) The Image Registration Toolkit (IRTK); (3) The FSL Nonlinear Image Registration Tool (FSL); (4) The Automatic Registration Tool (ART); and (5) the normalization algorithm available in SPM8. Results indicate that the choice of algorithm has little effect on the creation of group atlases. However, regions of differences between groups detected with DBM vary from algorithm to algorithm both qualitatively and quantitatively. The unique nature of the data set used in this study also permits comparison of visible anatomical differences between the groups and regions of difference detected by each algorithm. Results show that the interpretation of DBM results is difficult. Four out of the five algorithms we have evaluated detect bilateral differences between the two groups in the insular cortex, the basal ganglia, orbitofrontal cortex, as well as in the cerebellum. These correspond to differences that have been reported in the literature and that are visible in our samples. But our results also show that some algorithms detect regions that are not detected by the others and that the extent of the detected regions varies from algorithm to algorithm. These results suggest that using more than one algorithm when performing DBM studies would increase confidence in the results. Properties of the algorithms such as the similarity measure they maximize and the regularity of the deformation fields, as well as the location of differences detected with DBM, also need to be taken into account in the interpretation process. PMID:22459439

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

Lin, Yu-Sheng, E-mail: dissertlin@yahoo.com.tw; Yang, Cheng-Hsu, E-mail: yangch@adm.cgmh.org.tw; Chu, Chi-Ming, E-mail: chuchiming@ndmctsgh.edu.tw

Purpose: The severity of residual stenosis (RS) sometimes cannot be accurately measured by angiography during central vein intervention. This study evaluated the role of pullback pressure measurement during central vein stenosis (CVS) intervention. Methods: A retrospective review enrolled 94 consecutive dialysis patients who underwent CVS interventions but not stenting procedures. Patients were classified into 2 groups by either angiography or pressure gradient (PG) criteria, respectively. Groups divided by angiographic result were successful group (RS {<=}30 %) and acceptable group (50 % {>=} RS > 30 %), while groups divided by PG were low PG group (PG {<=}5 mmHg) and highmore » PG group (PG >5 mmHg). Baseline characteristics and 12-month patency rates between the groups were analyzed. Results: The angiography results placed 63 patients in the successful group and 31 patients in the acceptable group. The patency rate at 12 month was not statistically different (P = 0.167). When the patients were reclassified by the postintervention pullback PG, the patency rate at 12 months was significant (P = 0.048). Further analysis in groups redivided by different combinations of RS and PG criteria identified significant differences in the group with both RS {<=}30 % and PG {<=}5 mmHg compared with those with either RS >30 % (P = 0.047) or PG >5 mmHg (P = 0.027). In addition, there was a significant difference between those with both RS {<=}30 % and PG {<=}5 mmHg compared with those with both RS >30 % and PG >5 mmHg (P = 0.027). Conclusion: Postintervention PG can better predict long-term outcomes after angioplasty for CVS in nonstented dialysis patients than angiography.« less

Effects of aquatic PNF lower extremity patterns on balance and ADL of stroke patients.

PubMed

Kim, Eun-Kyung; Lee, Dong-Kyu; Kim, Young-Mi

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of aquatic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns in the lower extremity on balance and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty poststroke participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The experimental group performed lower extremity patterns in an aquatic environment, and the control group performed lower extremity patterns on the ground. Both exercises were conducted for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and One Leg Stand Test (OLST). Activities of daily living were measured with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). A paired t-test was used to measure pre- and post-experiment differences, and an independent t-test was used to measure between-group differences. [Results] The experimental and control groups showed significant differences for all pre- and post-experiment variables. In the between-group comparison, the experimental group was significantly difference from the control group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that performing aquatic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns in the lower extremity enhances balance and ADL in stroke patients.

Effects of aquatic PNF lower extremity patterns on balance and ADL of stroke patients

PubMed Central

Kim, Eun-Kyung; Lee, Dong-Kyu; Kim, Young-Mi

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of aquatic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns in the lower extremity on balance and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty poststroke participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The experimental group performed lower extremity patterns in an aquatic environment, and the control group performed lower extremity patterns on the ground. Both exercises were conducted for 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and One Leg Stand Test (OLST). Activities of daily living were measured with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). A paired t-test was used to measure pre- and post-experiment differences, and an independent t-test was used to measure between-group differences. [Results] The experimental and control groups showed significant differences for all pre- and post-experiment variables. In the between-group comparison, the experimental group was significantly difference from the control group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that performing aquatic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns in the lower extremity enhances balance and ADL in stroke patients. PMID:25642076

Comparison of two different dosage of GnRH agonist as ovulation trigger in oocyte donors: a randomized controled trial

PubMed Central

Zarcos, Sonia Morales; Mejía, Pamela Valdivieso; Stefani, Carla Donado; Martin, Pascual Sánchez; Martin, Fernando Sánchez

2017-01-01

Objective To compare the results obtained with two different GnRH agonist dosages: 0.3mg versus 0.4mg to trigger ovulation in oocyte donor cycles. Methods Experimental controlled randomized trial including 40 patients from a private practice center. The patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received a single dose of Triptorelin 0.3mg (Decapeptyl®) 36hours before pick-up. Group B patients received Triptorelin 0.4mg (Decapeptyl®) before pick-up to final oocyte maturation. We evaluated the total number of oocytes collected, the number of mature oocytes and total days of ovarian stimulation. Results The average of total collected oocytes were 16 (Group A) versus 15 (Group B), and the mean number of mature oocytes were 13 versus 12 respectively. The only variable showing a difference was the percentage of mature oocytes, which was greater in Group A, resulting in 84.6%, in contrast with those treated with 0.4mg of Triptorelin (78.6%), although these differences were not statistical significant (p=0.35). Days of stimulation did not differ between groups. No cases of empty follicle syndrome were reported. Conclusions We found that an increase from 0.3 to 0.4mg of triptorelin in an oocyte donation program might not improve outcomes. Nevertheless, more studies might be necessary, not only in oocyte donors but in sterile women as well, to evaluate how GnRH agonist dosage could affect the results among other factors. PMID:28837025

Comparison of textbook passages, nonfiction trade book passages and fiction trade book passages as instructional tools for learning science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Cynthia

This study examined the impact of different types of text on student achievement in elementary school science. Gender was also examined to see if the type of text passage read had any differential effect on boys' and girls' achievement. This study was a pretest/posttest/retention test design. Eighty-four fourth grade students from a public charter elementary school in South Florida were randomly assigned a passage from a physical science textbook, a physical science nonfiction trade book, a physical science fiction trade book, a biological science textbook or a biological science nonfiction trade book. Results in the physical science content area revealed that students in the textbook passage group had higher posttest and retention test results than students in the nonfiction and fiction trade book passage groups. There was no difference on the posttest results of students in the biological science textbook and nonfiction trade book passage groups. Students in the biological science textbook passage group had higher retention results than students in the biological science nonfiction passage group. Gender results in the physical science content area revealed that boys had a higher retention score than girls in the fiction trade book passage group. There were no gender achievement differences as a result of the text passage read in the biological science content area. It was concluded that no definitive answer as to the efficacy of textbooks versus trade books was possible based upon results of the study. Recommendations for future research include examining the effects of different types of texts in conjunction with other authentic teaching methods.

The effect of mirror therapy integrating functional electrical stimulation on the gait of stroke patients.

PubMed

Ji, Sang-Goo; Cha, Hyun-Gyu; Kim, Myoung-Kwon; Lee, Chang-Ryeol

2014-04-01

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to examine whether mirror therapy in conjunction with FES in stroke patients can improve gait ability. [Subjects] This study was conducted with 30 subjects who were diagnosed with hemiparesis due to stroke. [Methods] Experimental group I contained 10 subjects who received mirror therapy in conjunction with functional electrical stimulation, experimental group II contained 10 subjects who received mirror therapy, and the control group contained 10 subjects who received a sham therapy. A gait analysis was performed using a three-dimensional motion capture system, which was a real-time tracking device that delivers data in an infrared mode via reflective markers using six cameras. [Results] The results showed a significant difference in gait velocity between groups after the experiment, and post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between experimental group I and the control group and between experimental group II and the control group, respectively. There were also significant differences in step length and stride length between the groups after the experiment, and post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between experimental group I and control group. [Conclusion] The present study showed that mirror therapy in conjunction with FES is more effective for improving gait ability than mirror therapy alone.

Effects of Oxygen Element and Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups on Surface Wettability of Coal Dust with Various Metamorphic Degrees Based on XPS Experiment

PubMed Central

Zhou, Gang; Xu, Cuicui; Cheng, Weimin; Zhang, Qi; Nie, Wen

2015-01-01

To investigate the difference of surface oxygen element and oxygen-containing functional groups among coal dusts with different metamorphic degrees and their influence on surface wettability, a series of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on 6 coal samples are carried out. The result demonstrates that the O/C ratio of coal surface shows an overall increasing trend compared with the result of its elements analysis. As the metamorphic degree increases, the O/C ratio on the surface gradually declines and the hydrophilic groups tend to fall off from coal surface. It could be found that different coals show different surface distributions of carboxyl and hydroxyl which are considered as the greatest promoter to the wettability of coal surface. With the change of metamorphic degree, the distribution of ether group is irregular while the carbonyl distribution keeps stable. In general, as the metamorphic degree goes higher, the content of oxygen-containing polar group tends to reduce. According to the measurement results, the contact angle is negatively related to the content of oxygen element, surface oxygen, and polar groups. In addition, compared with surface oxygen content, the content of oxygen-containing polar group serves as a more reasonable indicator of coal dust wettability. PMID:26257980

Developmental Differences between Traditional and Nontraditional Education Students: Implications for Teacher Educators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blois, C. Susan de

1993-01-01

Examines research on developmental differences among groups of older preservice teachers and how those groups differ in relation to more traditional students. Student teachers completed questionnaires about their experiences, attitudes, and expectations. Results indicated differences were minimal, but those that did exist were age-related…

Understanding Children's Self-Regulation within Different Classroom Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Timmons, Kristy; Pelletier, Janette; Corter, Carl

2016-01-01

In this study, children's self-regulation was observed, along with other social and academic activities in kindergarten classrooms during whole group, small group, transition and play contexts. We examined how children's self-regulation and engagement differed among classroom grouping, play and transition contexts. Results showed that students…

Rehabilitation Outcomes: Ischemic versus Hemorrhagic Strokes.

PubMed

Perna, Robert; Temple, Jessica

2015-01-01

Background. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have different pathophysiologies and possibly different long-term cerebral and functional implications. Hemorrhagic strokes expose the brain to irritating effects of blood and ischemic strokes reflect localized or diffuse cerebral vascular pathology. Methods. Participants were individuals who suffered either an ischemic (n = 172) or hemorrhagic stroke (n = 112) within the past six months and were involved in a postacute neurorehabilitation program. Participants completed three months of postacute neurorehabilitation and the Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) at admission and discharge. Admission MPAI-4 scores and level of functioning were comparable. Results. Group ANOVA comparisons show no significant group differences at admission or discharge or difference in change scores. Both groups showed considerably reduced levels of productivity/employment after discharge as compared to preinjury levels. Conclusions. Though the pathophysiology of these types of strokes is different, both ultimately result in ischemic injuries, possibly accounting for lack of findings of differences between groups. In the present study, participants in both groups experienced similar functional levels across all three MPAI-4 domains both at admission and discharge. Limitations of this study include a highly educated sample and few outcome measures.

The Immediate Effect of Neuromuscular Joint Facilitation (NJF) Treatment on Electromechanical Reaction Times of Hip Flexion.

PubMed

Huo, Ming; Wang, Hongzhao; Ge, Meng; Huang, Qiuchen; Li, Desheng; Maruyama, Hitoshi

2013-11-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the change in electromechanical reaction times (EMG-RT) of hip flexion of younger persons after neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) treatment. [Subjects] The subjects were 39 healthy young people, who were divided into two groups: a NJF group and a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) group. The NJF group consisted of 16 subjects (7 males, 9 females), and the PNF group consisted of 23 subjects (10 males, 13 females). [Methods] Participants in the NJF group received NJF treatment. We measured the EMG-RT, the premotor time (PMT) and the motor time (MT) during hip flexion movement before and after the intervention in both groups. [Results] There were no significant differences among the results of the PNF group. For the NJF group, there were significant differences in PMT and EMG-RT after NJF treatment. [Conclusion] These results suggest that there is an immediate effect of NJF intervention on electromechanical reaction times of hip flexion.

The Immediate Effect of Neuromuscular Joint Facilitation (NJF) Treatment on Electromechanical Reaction Times of Hip Flexion

PubMed Central

Huo, Ming; Wang, Hongzhao; Ge, Meng; Huang, Qiuchen; Li, Desheng; Maruyama, Hitoshi

2013-01-01

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the change in electromechanical reaction times (EMG-RT) of hip flexion of younger persons after neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) treatment. [Subjects] The subjects were 39 healthy young people, who were divided into two groups: a NJF group and a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) group. The NJF group consisted of 16 subjects (7 males, 9 females), and the PNF group consisted of 23 subjects (10 males, 13 females). [Methods] Participants in the NJF group received NJF treatment. We measured the EMG-RT, the premotor time (PMT) and the motor time (MT) during hip flexion movement before and after the intervention in both groups. [Results] There were no significant differences among the results of the PNF group. For the NJF group, there were significant differences in PMT and EMG-RT after NJF treatment. [Conclusion] These results suggest that there is an immediate effect of NJF intervention on electromechanical reaction times of hip flexion. PMID:24396211

Attention Modulates Spatio-temporal Grouping

PubMed Central

Aydın, Murat; Herzog, Michael H.; Öğmen, Haluk

2011-01-01

Dynamic stimuli are ubiquitous in natural viewing conditions implying that grouping operations need to operate, not only in space, but also jointly in space and time. Moreover, in natural viewing, attention plays an important role in controlling how resources are allocated. We investigated how attention interacts with spatiotemporal perceptual grouping by using a bistable stimulus, called the Ternus-Pikler display. Ternus-Pikler displays can give rise to two different motion percepts, called Element Motion (EM) and Group Motion (GM), the former dominating at short Inter-Stimulus Intervals (ISIs) and the latter at long ISIs. Our results indicate that GM grouping requires more attentional resources than EM grouping. Different theoretical accounts of perceptual grouping and attention are discussed and evaluated in the light of the current results. PMID:21266181

[Preliminary evaluation on self-developed dentin porcelain color prediction system].

PubMed

Chen, L; Lu, C; Li, X L; Zhu, X M; Zhang, S; Tan, J G

2016-09-01

To apply the self-developed dentin porcelain color prediction system in the fabrication of porcelain-fused-to-metal-crown(PFMC), and to evaluate its accuracy in color-matching. Twenty upper central incisors were recruited according to preset criteria, and three PFMC were made for each tooth using three shade-matching techniques. Group A: PFMC were made according to the result of visual color selection; Group B: an spectrophotometer-based color-matching technique was used; Group C: PFMC were fabricated with dentin porcelain powder calculated by the prediction system according to the L(*), a(*), b(*) value measured by a spectrophotometer. Color differences(ΔE) (measured by spectrophotometer) of three groups of crowns were calculated in the cervical, middle, and incisal regions. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Mean color differences in body regions were: Group A: 3.53±1.80, Group B: 2.86±1.63, Group C: 3.77±1.40(P>0.05), and those in incisal regions were: Group A: 2.70 ± 1.13, Group B: 2.80 ± 0.90, Group C: 3.04 ± 1.03(P>0.05). In cervical region, Group C had greater color difference than Group B(2.78±1.14)(P<0.05). Group A(3.80±2.02) and Group B, Group A and Group C had similar color difference(P>0.05). PFMC fabricated using self-developed dentin porcelain color prediction system had similar color matching compared with conventional and instrument-based methods.

Reflectance confocal microscopy for the evaluation of sensitive skin.

PubMed

Ma, Y-F; Yuan, C; Jiang, W-C; Wang, X-L; Humbert, P

2017-05-01

Nowadays, the diagnosis for sensitive skin relies on subjective assessment or on the combination of subjective and objective evaluation. No quantitative evaluation is available. It could be expected that confocal microscopy imaging could be of interest to better define the condition. Total 166 healthy female subjects were recruited in this study. Firstly, all subjects completed the sensitive questionnaire. Then, the cutaneous structures were measured by the reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) on the face and fossa cubitalia. The lactic acid sting test was conducted finally. According to the results of self-perception sensitive skin questionnaire and lactic acid stinging test to evaluate facial skin sensitivity the both positive subjects were regarded as sensitive skin group and both negative group as healthy control group. The results of RCM indicating that the proportion of 'disarranged honeycomb pattern' and 'spongiform edema' in the sensitive group and healthy control group were statistically different (P < 0.05), respectively; The following report 'damaged dermal papilla rings' was not a distinctive pattern, with no significant statistical difference (P > 0.05). The epidermal thickness was 38.88 ± 6.81 μm, healthy control group was 40.31 ± 9.37 μm in, respectively, sensitive skin group and healthy control group, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The honeycomb structure depth of sensitive group was 20.57 ± 4.86 μm. It was for 23.27 ± 6.38 μm, healthy control group the difference being statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Based on the RCM results, 'epidermal honeycomb structure' and 'spongiform edema' may be used as new skin signs of RCM evaluation of sensitive skin effectively. Indeed, sensitive skin honeycomb structure depth was thinner compared with healthy control group. Such a specific pattern has good clinical and monitoring value for the further exploration. RCM could provide new data and patterns for the evaluation of sensitive skin. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of vital bleaching with solutions containing different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and pineapple extract as an additive on human enamel using reflectance spectrophotometer: An in vitro study

PubMed Central

Vejai Vekaash, Chitra Janardhanan; Kumar Reddy, Tripuravaram Vinay; Venkatesh, Kondas Vijay

2017-01-01

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the color change in human enamel bleached with three different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, containing pineapple extract as an additive in two different timings, using reflectance spectrophotometer. Background: The study aimed to investigate the bleaching efficacy on natural teeth using natural enzymes. Materials and Methods: Baseline color values of 10 randomly selected artificially stained incisors were obtained. The specimens were divided into three groups of 20 teeth each: Group 1 – 30% hydrogen peroxide, Group II – 20% hydrogen peroxide, and Group III – 10% hydrogen peroxide. One half of the tooth was bleached with hydrogen peroxide, and other was bleached with hydrogen peroxide and pineapple extract for 20 min (Subgroup A) and 10 min (Subgroup B). Statistical Analysis: The results were statistically analyzed using student's t-test. Results: The mean ΔE values of Group IA (31.62 ± 0.9), Group IIA (29.85 ± 1.2), and Group IIIA (28.65 ± 1.2) showed statistically significant higher values when compared to the mean Δ E values of Group 1A (25.02 ± 1.2), Group IIA (22.86 ± 1.1), and Group IIIA (16.56 ± 1.1). Identical results were obtained in Subgroup B. Conclusion: The addition of pineapple extract to hydrogen peroxide resulted in effective bleaching. PMID:29386782

Clinical results with two different pharmaceutical preparations of riboflavin in corneal cross-linking: an 18-month follow up.

PubMed

Hashemi, Hassan; Seyedian, Mohammad Amin; Miraftab, Mohammad; Bahrmandy, Hooman; Sabzevari, Araz; Asgari, Soheila

2015-01-24

Comparison of long-term clinical results of two different pharmaceutical formulations used in corneal cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus patients. Sixty eyes of 60 keratoconus patients underwent CXL in two groups. We used riboflavin preparations from Sina Darou, Iran in group A, and Streuli Pharma, Switzerland in group B. Here we made inter-group comparison of changes in vision, refraction, Pentacam indices, corneal biomechanical indices, and endothelial cell count (ECC) 18 months after CXL. Since four patients were lost to follow-up, 56 eyes (28 eyes in each group) were compared. Mean improvement in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.31 ± 0.65 LogMAR (P=0.014) in group A and 0.24 ± 0.62 LogMAR (P=0.082) in group B. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained quite unchanged in both groups (P=0.774). Mean spherical refractive error reduced by 0.45 ± 1.15 diopter (D) (P=0.041) in group A and 0.27 ± 1.73 D (P=0.458) in group B (P=0.655). Cylinder error and spherical equivalent had a similar trend without any change. Max-K (P=0.006) and mean-K (P=0.044) decreased significantly more in group A compared to group B. The reduction in CCT was significantly more in group A than group B (P=0.004). Q-value was quite unchanged in both groups (P=0.704). The inter-group difference in CH reduction was borderline significant statistically (P=0.057). Changes in corneal resistance factor and endothelial cell count were not significantly different between two groups (P=0.117 and P=0.229). Clinical results of CXL with the domestic preparation of riboflavin are similar to that achieved with the Swiss made product in some aspects, and it is the preferred brand in some other aspects. This study will continue to report longer follow-up results. IRCT201212034333N2.

Videotape Self-Confrontation in Human Relations Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Roger D.

1971-01-01

Results indicate that the effects of videotape feedback are not necessarily predictable, and may cause either beneficial or detrimental group behavior change. Videotape feedback also seems to have markedly different effects on different groups. Conclusions are presented regarding the appropriateness of time-series research designs with T groups.…

The effects of trunk stabilization exercise on bone density after menopause.

PubMed

Kang, Jeong-Il; Jeong, Dae-Keun; Choi, Hyun

2015-12-01

[Purpose] This study examined the effect of low intensity exercise on bone density by conducting trunk stabilization exercise on females after menopause for 24 weeks. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty three female subjects over 47 years old and under the age of 53 were selected and 16 for experimental group and 17 for control group were randomly selected. Experimental group had performed spinal and pelvic stabilization exercise 30 minutes a day, 5times a week, for 24 weeks. Except for the daily life, control group did not participate in any characteristic movement. Bone density of every member in experimental group was measured using average value of bone density of 1st-4th lumbar through quantitative computer tomography. [Results] There was a meaningful difference in only control group about measured value of bone density within each group, experimental and control group, but there was no meaningful difference in measured value of bone density between two groups, experimental group and control group. [Conclusion] Through this research, we could see the fact that although trunk stability exercise could not change bone density meaningfully, it could maintain bone density. In the future, it is randomly necessary to study things related this because results of researches can show different results according to exercise intensity, exercise period, age, weight, hormone status and mediation period. It is considered that it will help to prevent and treat patients with osteoporosis a lot.

Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in small- to medium-sized tears.

PubMed

Aydin, Nuri; Kocaoglu, Baris; Guven, Osman

2010-07-01

Double-row rotator cuff repair leads to superior cuff integrity and clinical results compared with single-row repair. The study enrolled 68 patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear who were divided into 2 groups of 34 patients according to repair technique. The patients were followed-up for at least 2 years. The results were evaluated by Constant score. Despite the biomechanical studies and cadaver studies that proved the superiority of double-row fixation over single-row fixation, our clinical results show no difference in functional outcome between the two methods. It is evident that double-row repair is more technically demanding, expensive, and time-consuming than single-row repair, without providing a significant improvement in clinical results. Comparison between groups did not show significant differences. At the final follow-up, the Constant score was 82.2 in the single-row group and 78.8 in the double-row group. Functional outcome was improved in both groups after surgery, but the difference between the 2 groups was not significant. At long-term follow-up, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with the double-row technique showed no significant difference in clinical outcome compared with single-row repair in small to medium tears. 2010 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Short-term memory development: differences in serial position curves between age groups and latent classes.

PubMed

Koppenol-Gonzalez, Gabriela V; Bouwmeester, Samantha; Vermunt, Jeroen K

2014-10-01

In studies on the development of cognitive processes, children are often grouped based on their ages before analyzing the data. After the analysis, the differences between age groups are interpreted as developmental differences. We argue that this approach is problematic because the variance in cognitive performance within an age group is considered to be measurement error. However, if a part of this variance is systematic, it can provide very useful information about the cognitive processes used by some children of a certain age but not others. In the current study, we presented 210 children aged 5 to 12 years with serial order short-term memory tasks. First we analyze our data according to the approach using age groups, and then we apply latent class analysis to form latent classes of children based on their performance instead of their ages. We display the results of the age groups and the latent classes in terms of serial position curves, and we discuss the differences in results. Our findings show that there are considerable differences in performance between the age groups and the latent classes. We interpret our findings as indicating that the latent class analysis yielded a much more meaningful way of grouping children in terms of cognitive processes than the a priori grouping of children based on their ages. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Minimally invasive thyroidectomy (MIT): indications and results.

PubMed

Docimo, Giovanni; Salvatore Tolone, Salvatore; Gili, Simona; d'Alessandro, A; Casalino, G; Brusciano, L; Ruggiero, Roberto; Docimo, Ludovico

2013-01-01

To establish if the indication for different approaches for thyroidectomy and the incision length provided by means of pre-operative assessment of gland volume and size of nodules resulted in safe and effective outcomes and in any notable aesthetic or quality-of-life impact on patients. Ninehundred eightytwo consecutive patients, undergoing total thyroidectomy, were enrolled. The thyroid volume and maximal nodule diameter were measured by means of ultrasounds. Based on ultrasounds findings, patients were divided into three groups: minimally invasive video assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT), minimally invasive thyroidectomy (MIT) and conventional thyroidectomy (CT) groups. The data concerning the following parameters were collected: operative time, postoperative complications, postoperative pain and cosmetic results. The MIVAT group included 179 patients, MIT group included 592 patients and CT group included 211 patients. Incidence of complications did not differ significantly in each group. In MIVAT and MIT group, the perception of postoperative pain was less intense than CT group. The patients in the MIVAT (7±1.5) and MIT (8±2) groups were more satisfied with the cosmetic results than those in CT group (5±1.3) (p= <0.05). The MIT is a technique totally reproducible, and easily convertible to perform surgical procedures in respect of the patient, without additional complications, increased costs, and with better aesthetic results.

Comparison of two different dosage of GnRH agonist as ovulation trigger in oocyte donors: a randomized controled trial.

PubMed

Zarcos, Sonia Morales; Mejía, Pamela Valdivieso; Stefani, Carla Donado; Martin, Pascual Sánchez; Martin, Fernando Sánchez

2017-09-01

To compare the results obtained with two different GnRH agonist dosages: 0.3mg versus 0.4mg to trigger ovulation in oocyte donor cycles. Experimental controlled randomized trial including 40 patients from a private practice center. The patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received a single dose of Triptorelin 0.3mg (Decapeptyl®) 36hours before pick-up. Group B patients received Triptorelin 0.4mg (Decapeptyl®) before pick-up to final oocyte maturation. We evaluated the total number of oocytes collected, the number of mature oocytes and total days of ovarian stimulation. The average of total collected oocytes were 16 (Group A) versus 15 (Group B), and the mean number of mature oocytes were 13 versus 12 respectively. The only variable showing a difference was the percentage of mature oocytes, which was greater in Group A, resulting in 84.6%, in contrast with those treated with 0.4mg of Triptorelin (78.6%), although these differences were not statistical significant (p=0.35). Days of stimulation did not differ between groups. No cases of empty follicle syndrome were reported. We found that an increase from 0.3 to 0.4mg of triptorelin in an oocyte donation program might not improve outcomes. Nevertheless, more studies might be necessary, not only in oocyte donors but in sterile women as well, to evaluate how GnRH agonist dosage could affect the results among other factors.

Distributing and Showing Farmer Learning Videos in Bangladesh

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bentley, Jeffery W.; Van Mele, Paul; Harun-ar-Rashid, Md.; Krupnik, Timothy J.

2016-01-01

Purpose: To describe the results of showing farmer learning videos through different types of volunteers. Design/Methodology/Approach: Semi-structured interviews with volunteers from different occupational groups in Bangladesh, and a phone survey with 227 respondents. Findings: Each occupational group acted differently. Shop keepers, tillage…

Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture Responses According to Sasang Constitution and Gender

PubMed Central

Kim, Chaeweon; Lee, Kwangho

2013-01-01

Objectives: The current study was performed to compare the bee venom pharmacopuncture skin test reactions among groups with different sexes and Sasang constitutions. Methods: Between July 2012 and June 2013, all 76 patients who underwent bee venom pharmacopuncture skin tests and Sasang constitution diagnoses at Oriental Medicine Hospital of Sangji University were included in this study. The skin test was performed on the patient’s forearm intracutaneously with 0.05 ml of sweet bee venom (SBV) on their first visit. If the patients showed a positive response, the test was discontinued. On the other hand, if the patient showed a negative response, the test was performed on the opposite forearm intracutaneously with 0.05 ml of bee venom pharmacopuncture 25% on the next day or the next visit. Three groups were made to compare the differences in the bee venom pharmacopuncture skin tests according to sexual difference and Sasang constitution: group A showed a positive response to SBV, group B showed a positive response to bee venom pharmacopuncture 25%, and group C showed a negative response on all bee venom pharmacopuncture skin tests. Fisher’s exact test was performed to evaluate the differences statistically. Results: The results of the bee venom pharmacopuncture skin tests showed no significant differences according to Sasang constitution (P = 0.300) or sexual difference (P = 0.163). Conclusion: No significant differences on the results of bee venom pharmacopuncture skin tests were observed according to two factors, Sasang constitution and the sexual difference. PMID:25780682

Repeatable group differences in the collective behaviour of stickleback shoals across ecological contexts

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Establishing how collective behaviour emerges is central to our understanding of animal societies. Previous research has highlighted how universal interaction rules shape collective behaviour, and that individual differences can drive group functioning. Groups themselves may also differ considerably in their collective behaviour, but little is known about the consistency of such group variation, especially across different ecological contexts that may alter individuals' behavioural responses. Here, we test if randomly composed groups of sticklebacks differ consistently from one another in both their structure and movement dynamics across an open environment, an environment with food, and an environment with food and shelter. Based on high-resolution tracking data of the free-swimming shoals, we found large context-associated changes in the average behaviour of the groups. But despite these changes and limited social familiarity among group members, substantial and predictable behavioural differences between the groups persisted both within and across the different contexts (group-level repeatability): some groups moved consistently faster, more cohesively, showed stronger alignment and/or clearer leadership than other groups. These results suggest that among-group heterogeneity could be a widespread feature in animal societies. Future work that considers group-level variation in collective behaviour may help understand the selective pressures that shape how animal collectives form and function. PMID:29436496

Physical Fitness Qualities of Professional Rugby League Football Players: Determination of Positional Differences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meir, Rudi; Newton, Robert; Curtis, Edgar; Fardell, Matthew; Butler, Benjamin

2001-01-01

Australian and English professional rugby players completed various physical fitness performance tests to determine differences when grouping players into three different rugby positional categories. Results found minimal differences in test scores on the basis of players' specific positions on a team, however, when players were grouped according…

Does propolis have any effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

PubMed

Kismet, Kemal; Ozcan, Cigdem; Kuru, Serdar; Gencay Celemli, Omur; Celepli, Pinar; Senes, Mehmet; Guclu, Tuncay; Sorkun, Kadriye; Hucumenoglu, Sema; Besler, Tanju

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of propolis on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 as the NAFLD, NAFLD+100 and NAFLD+200 groups. The rats were fed with a fatty diet (25g/kg/day) to provoke NAFLD. Then after the formation of fatty liver, a standard diet (SD) (25g/kg/day) was given to the NAFLD group and the other two groups were fed with SD and 100mg/kg (NAFLD+100 Group) or 200mg/kg propolis (NAFLD+200 Group) for two weeks. At the end of two weeks the animals were sacrificed. Blood and tissue samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. The propolis-treated groups had better results in serum lipids (total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglyceride), ALT, and ALP values. When compared with the NAFLD group, IL-6 and TNF-α values decreased in the NAFLD+100 and NAFLD+200 groups. The administration of propolis to the rats significantly reduced serum and tissue MDA and GPX values and increased SH in serum when compared with the NAFLD group. No difference was determined between the groups treated with two different doses of propolis in respect of biochemical values. When the mean histological scores of the groups were compared, statistically significant differences were found between the NAFLD group and the propolis-treated groups. No difference was determined between the groups treated with the two different doses of propolis in respect of histopathological results. Propolis had positive effects on histopathological and biochemical parameters of NAFLD and these effects were related to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Mineral Levels in Thalassaemia Major Patients Using Different Iron Chelators.

PubMed

Genc, Gizem Esra; Ozturk, Zeynep; Gumuslu, Saadet; Kupesiz, Alphan

2016-03-01

The goal of the present study was to determine the levels of minerals in chronically transfused thalassaemic patients living in Antalya, Turkey and to determine mineral levels in groups using different iron chelators. Three iron chelators deferoxamine, deferiprone and deferasirox have been used to remove iron from patients' tissues. There were contradictory results in the literature about minerals including selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium in thalassaemia major patients. Blood samples from the 60 thalassaemia major patients (the deferoxamine group, n = 19; the deferiprone group, n = 20 and the deferasirox group, n = 21) and the controls (n = 20) were collected. Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, magnesium, and iron were measured, and all of them except iron showed no significant difference between the controls and the patients regardless of chelator type. Serum copper levels in the deferasirox group were lower than those in the control and deferoxamine groups, and serum magnesium levels in the deferasirox group were higher than those in the control, deferoxamine and deferiprone groups. Iron levels in the patient groups were higher than those in the control group, and iron levels showed a significant correlation with selenium and magnesium levels. Different values of minerals in thalassaemia major patients may be the result of different dietary intake, chelator type, or regional differences in where patients live. That is why minerals may be measured in thalassaemia major patients at intervals, and deficient minerals should be replaced. Being careful about levels of copper and magnesium in thalassaemia major patients using deferasirox seems to be beneficial.

Enhancement of holding strength of cannulated screw supported with PMMA: a biomechanical study on femoral head [corrected].

PubMed

Zeynalov, Reşad; Ağır, İsmail; Akgülle, Ahmet Hamdi; Kocaoğlu, Barış; Yalçın, Mithat Selim

2015-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the holding strength of cannulated screw with multiple holes on threaded area, supported with PMMA in femoral head. A total of 48 human femoral heads were divided into two groups after mineral density measurement with Q-CT. Seven-millimeter cannulated screws with multiple holes on threaded area supported with PMMA were used in the study group, while in the control group standard 7-mm cannulated screws were used. Each group was divided into three subgroups with eight femoral heads. Mineral density of each subgroup was equal to the other. Groups were compared in terms of pull-out, maximum extraction torque and cut-out. In pull-out group, maximum holding strength (N) was measured, while axial pull-out of 0.5 mm/sec applied with Instron. Results showed meaningful significant difference (p < 0.011) between two groups. In cut-out group, femoral heads were placed into Instron and loading was started from 5 N at 2 mm per minute at first, and it was continued until a failure, at least 5 mm, of implant was observed. Results showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between two groups. In maximum extraction group, 4° per second reverse torque (Nm) was applied with torque meter. Highest torque value was measured during extraction time, and results showed very significant difference (p < 0. 001) between two groups. The results of our new design of cannulated screw augmented with PMMA provided background data to clinical application.

Perceptual grouping determines haptic contextual modulation.

PubMed

Overvliet, K E; Sayim, B

2016-09-01

Since the early phenomenological demonstrations of Gestalt principles, one of the major challenges of Gestalt psychology has been to quantify these principles. Here, we show that contextual modulation, i.e. the influence of context on target perception, can be used as a tool to quantify perceptual grouping in the haptic domain, similar to the visual domain. We investigated the influence of target-flanker grouping on performance in haptic vernier offset discrimination. We hypothesized that when, despite the apparent differences between vision and haptics, similar grouping principles are operational, a similar pattern of flanker interference would be observed in the haptic as in the visual domain. Participants discriminated the offset of a haptic vernier. The vernier was flanked by different flanker configurations: no flankers, single flanking lines, 10 flanking lines, rectangles and single perpendicular lines, varying the degree to which the vernier grouped with the flankers. Additionally, we used two different flanker widths (same width as and narrower than the target), again to vary target-flanker grouping. Our results show a clear effect of flankers: performance was much better when the vernier was presented alone compared to when it was presented with flankers. In the majority of flanker configurations, grouping between the target and the flankers determined the strength of interference, similar to the visual domain. However, in the same width rectangular flanker condition we found aberrant results. We discuss the results of our study in light of similarities and differences between vision and haptics and the interaction between different grouping principles. We conclude that in haptics, similar organization principles apply as in visual perception and argue that grouping and Gestalt are key organization principles not only of vision, but of the perceptual system in general. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Diode laser (810nm, 980 nm) on color change of teeth after external bleaching

PubMed Central

Kiomars, Nazanin; Azarpour, Pouneh; Mirzaei, Mansooreh; Hashemi kamangar, Sedighe Sadat; Kharazifard, Mohammad Javad

2016-01-01

Subject and aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of diode laser-activated bleaching systems for color change of teeth. Materials & Methods: 40 premolars with intact enamel surfaces were selected for five external bleaching protocols (n=8). Two different wavelengths of diode laser (810 and 980 nm) with two different hydrogen peroxide concentrations (30% and 46%) were selected for laser bleaching. Group 1 received bleaching (Heydent- Germany) with a 810 nm diode laser; Group 2 received bleaching (Heydent- Germany) with a 980 nm diode laser; Group 3 received bleaching (laser white*20- Biolase) with a 810 nm diode laser; Group 4 received bleaching (laser white*20- Biolase) with a 980 nm diode laser, with an output power of 1.5 W, in continuous wave (cw) mode for each irradiation. Group 5 as control group received 40% hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent-USA) with no light activation. The color of teeth was scored at baseline and 1 week after bleaching with spectrophotometer. Color change data on the CIEL*a*b* system were analyzed statistically by the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Results: All the bleaching techniques resulted in shade change. According to ΔE values, all techniques were effective to bleach the teeth (ΔE ≥ 3). Statistically significant differences were detected among bleaching protocols (p=0.06). Regarding shade change values expressed as ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE*, laser bleached groups were no statistically different with each other (p>0.05). Conclusion: Bleaching with different wavelengths of diode laser resulted in the same results. PMID:28765671

Evaluation of the Diode laser (810nm, 980 nm) on color change of teeth after external bleaching.

PubMed

Kiomars, Nazanin; Azarpour, Pouneh; Mirzaei, Mansooreh; Hashemi Kamangar, Sedighe Sadat; Kharazifard, Mohammad Javad; Chiniforush, Nasim

2016-12-30

Subject and aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of diode laser-activated bleaching systems for color change of teeth. Materials & Methods: 40 premolars with intact enamel surfaces were selected for five external bleaching protocols (n=8). Two different wavelengths of diode laser (810 and 980 nm) with two different hydrogen peroxide concentrations (30% and 46%) were selected for laser bleaching. Group 1 received bleaching (Heydent- Germany) with a 810 nm diode laser; Group 2 received bleaching (Heydent- Germany) with a 980 nm diode laser; Group 3 received bleaching (laser white*20- Biolase) with a 810 nm diode laser; Group 4 received bleaching (laser white*20- Biolase) with a 980 nm diode laser, with an output power of 1.5 W, in continuous wave (cw) mode for each irradiation. Group 5 as control group received 40% hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent-USA) with no light activation. The color of teeth was scored at baseline and 1 week after bleaching with spectrophotometer. Color change data on the CIEL*a*b* system were analyzed statistically by the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Results: All the bleaching techniques resulted in shade change. According to ΔE values, all techniques were effective to bleach the teeth (ΔE ≥ 3). Statistically significant differences were detected among bleaching protocols (p=0.06). Regarding shade change values expressed as ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE*, laser bleached groups were no statistically different with each other (p>0.05). Conclusion: Bleaching with different wavelengths of diode laser resulted in the same results.

Pedicle screw cement augmentation. A mechanical pullout study on different cement augmentation techniques.

PubMed

Costa, Francesco; Ortolina, Alessandro; Galbusera, Fabio; Cardia, Andrea; Sala, Giuseppe; Ronchi, Franco; Uccelli, Carlo; Grosso, Rossella; Fornari, Maurizio

2016-02-01

Pedicle screws with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement augmentation have been shown to significantly improve the fixation strength in a severely osteoporotic spine. However, the efficacy of screw fixation for different cement augmentation techniques remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the difference in pullout strength between different cement augmentation techniques. Uniform synthetic bones simulating severe osteoporosis were used to provide a platform for each augmentation technique. In all cases a polyaxial screw and acrylic cement (PMMA) at medium viscosity were used. Five groups were analyzed: I) only screw without PMMA (control group); II) retrograde cement pre-filling of the tapped area; III) cannulated and fenestrate screw with cement injection through perforation; IV) injection using a standard trocar of PMMA (vertebroplasty) and retrograde pre-filling of the tapped area; V) injection through a fenestrated trocar and retrograde pre-filling of the tapped area. Standard X-rays were taken in order to visualize cement distribution in each group. Pedicle screws at full insertion were then tested for axial pullout failure using a mechanical testing machine. A total of 30 screws were tested. The results of pullout analysis revealed better results of all groups with respect to the control group. In particular the statistical analysis showed a difference of Group V (p = 0.001) with respect to all other groups. These results confirm that the cement augmentation grants better results in pullout axial forces. Moreover they suggest better load resistance to axial forces when the distribution of the PMMA is along all the screw combining fenestration and pre-filling augmentation technique. Copyright © 2015 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adult Attachment Affects Neural Response to Preference-Inferring in Ambiguous Scenarios: Evidence From an fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xing; Ran, Guangming; Xu, Wenjian; Ma, Yuanxiao; Chen, Xu

2018-01-01

Humans are highly social animals, and the ability to cater to the preferences of other individuals is encouraged by society. Preference-inferring is an important aspect of the theory of mind (TOM). Many previous studies have shown that attachment style is closely related to TOM ability. However, little is known about the effects of adult attachment style on preferences inferring under different levels of certainty. Here, we investigated how adult attachment style affects neural activity underlying preferences inferred under different levels of certainty by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The fMRI results demonstrated that adult attachment influenced the activation of anterior insula (AI) and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) in response to ambiguous preference-inferring. More specifically, in the ambiguous preference condition, the avoidant attached groups exhibited a significantly enhanced activation than secure and anxious attached groups in left IPL; the anxious attached groups exhibited a significantly reduced activation secure attached group in left IPL. In addition, the anxious attached groups exhibited a significantly reduced activation than secure and avoidant attached groups in left AI. These results were also further confirmed by the subsequent PPI analysis. The results from current study suggest that, under ambiguous situations, the avoidant attached individuals show lower sensitivity to the preference of other individuals and need to invest more cognitive resources for preference-reasoning; while compared with avoidant attached group, the anxious attached individuals express high tolerance for uncertainty and a higher ToM proficiency. Results from the current study imply that differences in preference-inferring under ambiguous conditions associated with different levels of individual attachment may explain the differences in interpersonal interaction. PMID:29559932

In vitro Comparison of Impact of Different Bleaching Agents on the Microhardness of Enamel.

PubMed

Dey, Subhra; Pandey, Vinisha; Kumar, Anuj; Awasthi, Neha; Sahu, Anshu; Pujari, Sudarshan C

2016-03-01

Various agents are used these days for increasing the esthetics. One such procedure is bleaching that offers various advantages, as it is minimal invasive and cheap option to color the teeth and remove stain. The altered enamel after the bleaching process shows surface demineralization and porosities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different bleaching agents on the microhardness of enamel. A total of 100 freshly human extracted maxillary premolar teeth were selected for the study. Teeth with sound tooth structure were included for the study. All the specimens were randomly divided into four groups with 25 specimens in each group depending upon the type of bleaching agent used: Group A, artificial saliva (Control group); Group B, 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP); Group C, 25% HP; Group D, 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). Knoop Hardness Number (KHN) was calculated at 24, 48-hour, and 7-week interval. Results showed no statistical significant differences between the microhardness of enamel of different groups (p < 0.005). A slight fall in the value of KHN was seen in all the groups, except for the control group, although the results were statistically nonsignificant (p > 0.005). Although nonsignificantly, all the bleaching solutions produced some amount of alterations in the microstructure of enamel. More studies with higher study groups and more advanced estimation technologies are required to minimize microstructure alterations and promote for better outcome of bleaching procedures.

Motivational profiles in high school students: Differences in behavioural and emotional homework engagement and academic achievement.

PubMed

Regueiro, Bibiana; Núñez, José C; Valle, Antonio; Piñeiro, Isabel; Rodríguez, Susana; Rosário, Pedro

2016-12-12

This work examined whether combinations of academic and non-academic goals generated different motivational profiles in high school students. Besides, differences in homework behavioural engagement (i.e. amount of homework, time spent in homework, homework time management), homework emotional engagement (i.e. homework anxiety) and academic achievement were analysed. Participants were 714 high school students (43.4% boys and 56.6% girls). The study of potential motivational profiles was conducted by latent profile analysis, and the differences between the motivational profiles regarding homework variables and academic achievement were analysed using multivariate analysis. The results indicate the existence of five groups of motivational profiles: a group of students with multiple goals, a group of unmotivated students, two groups of students with a predominance of learning goals and, finally, a group comprising students with a high fear of failure. Both the group with multiple goals and the learning goals-oriented groups reported to do more homework, spending more time on homework, making better use of that time and having a higher academic achievement than counterparts. The avoidance-failure group and the group with multiple goals showed higher levels of homework anxiety. Globally, these results provide support for a person-centred approach. © 2016 International Union of Psychological Science.

Relationship between sociability toward humans and physiological stress in dogs.

PubMed

Shin, Yoon-Joo; Shin, Nam-Shik

2017-07-28

Sociability is an essential trait for dogs to successfully interact with humans. In this study, the relationship between sociability and physiological stress was examined. Additionally, whether differences exist between companion dogs (C group) and shelter dogs (S group) was examined. Overall, healthy 37 dogs (C group=21 and S group=16) were examined. After 5 min of walking, the dog and the owner (or the chief manager) rested freely in the experimental location for 5 min. The behavioral test with 6 categories was conducted to evaluate sociability over 4 min. The establishment of two groups (H group=dogs with high sociability; L group=dogs with low sociability) was supported by the statistical results of the behavioral tests. Saliva was collected before (P1) and after the test period (P2), and salivary cortisol levels were determined and statistically analyzed. The cortisol concentrations at P2 and the differences in concentrations between P1 and P2 (P2-P1) in the groups with high sociability were significantly lower than those in the groups with low sociability. These results may demonstrate that sociable dogs adapt more comfortably to strangers and unfamiliar situations. Meanwhile, there were significant differences in hormonal results between the C and S groups. For this reason, their sociability should be evaluated using behavioral and physiological assessments before re-adoption to ensure their successful adaptation.

Effect of vital bleaching with solutions containing different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and pineapple extract as an additive on human enamel using reflectance spectrophotometer: An in vitro study.

PubMed

Vejai Vekaash, Chitra Janardhanan; Kumar Reddy, Tripuravaram Vinay; Venkatesh, Kondas Vijay

2017-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the color change in human enamel bleached with three different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, containing pineapple extract as an additive in two different timings, using reflectance spectrophotometer. The study aimed to investigate the bleaching efficacy on natural teeth using natural enzymes. Baseline color values of 10 randomly selected artificially stained incisors were obtained. The specimens were divided into three groups of 20 teeth each: Group 1 - 30% hydrogen peroxide, Group II - 20% hydrogen peroxide, and Group III - 10% hydrogen peroxide. One half of the tooth was bleached with hydrogen peroxide, and other was bleached with hydrogen peroxide and pineapple extract for 20 min (Subgroup A) and 10 min (Subgroup B). The results were statistically analyzed using student's t -test. The mean ΔE values of Group IA (31.62 ± 0.9), Group IIA (29.85 ± 1.2), and Group IIIA (28.65 ± 1.2) showed statistically significant higher values when compared to the mean Δ E values of Group 1A (25.02 ± 1.2), Group IIA (22.86 ± 1.1), and Group IIIA (16.56 ± 1.1). Identical results were obtained in Subgroup B. The addition of pineapple extract to hydrogen peroxide resulted in effective bleaching.

Management of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in patients with extra copies of the MALT1 gene

PubMed Central

Iwamuro, Masaya; Takenaka, Ryuta; Nakagawa, Masahiro; Moritou, Yuki; Saito, Shunsuke; Hori, Shinichiro; Inaba, Tomoki; Kawai, Yoshinari; Toyokawa, Tatsuya; Tanaka, Takehiro; Yoshino, Tadashi; Okada, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

AIM To identify the clinical features of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with extra copies of MALT1. METHODS This is a multi-centered, retrospective study. We reviewed 146 patients with MALT lymphoma in the stomach who underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for t(11;18) translocation. Patients were subdivided into patients without t(11;18) translocation or extra copies of MALT1 (Group A, n = 88), patients with t(11;18) translocation (Group B, n = 27), and patients with extra copies of MALT1 (Group C, n = 31). The clinical background, treatment, and outcomes of each group were investigated. RESULTS Groups A and C showed slight female predominance, whereas Group B showed slight male predominance. Mean ages and clinical stages at lymphoma diagnosis were not different between groups. Complete response was obtained in 61 patients in Group A (69.3%), 22 in Group B (81.5%), and 21 in Group C (67.7%). Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication alone resulted in complete remission in 44 patients in Group A and 13 in Group C. In Group B, 14 patients underwent radiotherapy alone, which resulted in lymphoma disappearance. Although the difference was not statistically significant, event-free survival in Group C tended to be inferior to that in Group A (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION Patients with t(11;18) translocation should be treated differently from others. Patients with extra copies of MALT1 could be initially treated with H. pylori eradication, similar to patients without t(11;18) translocation or extra copies of MALT1. PMID:28970731

[Paying attention to different health needs of different ethnic groups in process health for all program].

PubMed

Li, T G; Wang, M

2017-06-10

In recent years, great effort has been made in the promotion of health for all in China. Articles on column on chronic and non-communicable disease risk factors in Uighur population, analysis based on the investigation results of Uygur population health status in the Kashi area of Xinjiang of China and similar domestic and foreign studies showed that the health data in different countries are different. The differences in health related data exist in different ethnic groups even in same country or same ethnic group in different areas. Only by fully understanding the differences in disease and related factors among different ethnic groups, developing individualized health indicators and conducting targeted intervention, the goal of health for all can be achieved.

Examination of the interaction of different lighting conditions and chronic mild stress in animal model.

PubMed

Muller, A; Gal, N; Betlehem, J; Fuller, N; Acs, P; Kovacs, G L; Fusz, K; Jozsa, R; Olah, A

2015-09-01

We examined the effects of different shift work schedules and chronic mild stress (CMS) on mood using animal model. The most common international shift work schedules in nursing were applied by three groups of Wistar-rats and a control group with normal light-dark cycle. One subgroup from each group was subjected to CMS. Levels of anxiety and emotional life were evaluated in light-dark box. Differences between the groups according to independent and dependent variables were examined with one- and two-way analysis of variance, with a significance level defined at p < 0.05. Interaction of lighting regimen and CMS was proved to be significant according to time spent in the light compartment and the average number of changes between the light and dark compartments. Results of our examination confirm that the changes of lighting conditions evocate anxiety more prominently than CMS. No significant differences were found between the results of the low rotating group and the control group, supposing that this schedule is the least harmful to health. Our results on the association between the use of lighting regimens and the level of CMS provide evidence that the fast rotating shift work schedule puts the heaviest load on the organism of animals.

Fluorescently tuned nitrogen-doped carbon dots from carbon source with different content of carboxyl groups

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

Wang, Hao; Wang, Yun; Dai, Xiao

2015-08-01

In this study, fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were tuned via varying the sources with different number of carboxyl groups. Owing to the interaction between amino and carboxyl, more amino groups conjugate the surface of the NCDs by the source with more carboxyl groups. Fluorescent NCDs were tuned via varying the sources with different content of carboxyl groups. Correspondingly, the nitrogen content, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetime of NCDs increases with the content of carboxyl groups from the source. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assay and cell imaging test indicate that the resultant NCDs possess low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility.

A comparison of two independent measurements and analysis of jet aircraft flyover noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hosier, R. N.

1977-01-01

Flyover noise measurements were made simultaneously by two groups. The measurements were made close to one another for the same flyover conditions and with similar measurement procedures, but with different acoustic equipment and personnel. Each group also independently processed the data in accordance with FAR 36 procedures, indluding corrections to reference meteorological, performance, and flight-path conditions. Measured and corrected data, from 24 controlled flyovers processed by both groups, are compared and the differences in the results obtained by the two groups are discussed. It is observed that the average value of the difference between the groups' measured acoustic descriptors (PNL, PNLTM, and EPNL) was less than or = 0.8 db; the average difference for the corrected descriptors (PNL, PNLTM, and EPNL) was less than or = 1.5 db. Causes of the differences were found to be mainly related to different spectrum extrapolation and preemphasis techniques used by the two groups.

Comparison of Bioabsorbable Interference Screws Composed of Poly-l-lactic Acid and Hydroxyapatite (PLLA-HA) to WasherLoc Tibial Fixation in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee Joint.

PubMed

Patkowski, Mateusz; Królikowska, Aleksandra; Reichert, Paweł

2016-01-01

The reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee joint is a standard in ACL complete rupture treatment in athletes. One of the weakest points of this procedure is tibial fixation of grafts. The aim was, firstly, to evaluate patients 3-4 years after primary ACL reconstruction with the use of autologous ipsilateral STGR grafts and with tibial fixation using a bioabsorbable interference screw composed of PLLA-HA or WasherLoc, comparing the postoperative result to the preoperative condition and, secondly, to compare the results between the two groups of patients with different tibial fixation. Group I consisted of 20 patients with a bioabsorbable interference screw composed of PLLA-HA tibial fixation. In Group II, there were 22 patients after ACL reconstruction with the use of WasherLoc tibial fixation. The Lachman test, pivot-shift test, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee (2000 IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form were used to evaluate the results. The intra-group comparison of the results of the 2000 IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation Form and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale obtained in the groups studied showed statistically significant differences between the evaluation performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The inter-group comparison of the results of the 2000 IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation Form and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale obtained postoperatively showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. An evaluation 3-4 years after ACL reconstruction with the use of autologous ipsilateral STGR grafts demonstrated significant progress from the preoperative condition to the postoperative result in patients with tibial fixation using a bioabsorbable interference screw composed of PLLA-HA as well as in patients with WasherLoc tibial fixation. There were no differences found between the two groups of patients after ACL reconstruction in terms of manual stability testing or a subjective assessment of knee joint outcomes.

Tai Chi and vestibular rehabilitation improve vestibulopathic gait via different neuromuscular mechanisms: Preliminary report

PubMed Central

McGibbon, Chris A; Krebs, David E; Parker, Stephen W; Scarborough, Donna M; Wayne, Peter M; Wolf, Steven L

2005-01-01

Background Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is a well-accepted exercise program intended to remedy balance impairment caused by damage to the peripheral vestibular system. Alternative therapies, such as Tai Chi (TC), have recently gained popularity as a treatment for balance impairment. Although VR and TC can benefit people with vestibulopathy, the degree to which gait improvements may be related to neuromuscular adaptations of the lower extremities for the two different therapies are unknown. Methods We examined the relationship between lower extremity neuromuscular function and trunk control in 36 older adults with vestibulopathy, randomized to 10 weeks of either VR or TC exercise. Time-distance measures (gait speed, step length, stance duration and step width), lower extremity sagittal plane mechanical energy expenditures (MEE), and trunk sagittal and frontal plane kinematics (peak and range of linear and angular velocity), were measured. Results Although gait time-distance measures were improved in both groups following treatment, no significant between-groups differences were observed for the MEE and trunk kinematic measures. Significant within groups changes, however, were observed. The TC group significantly increased ankle MEE contribution and decreased hip MEE contribution to total leg MEE, while no significant changes were found within the VR group. The TC group exhibited a positive relationship between change in leg MEE and change in trunk velocity peak and range, while the VR group exhibited a negative relationship. Conclusion Gait function improved in both groups consistent with expectations of the interventions. Differences in each group's response to therapy appear to suggest that improved gait function may be due to different neuromuscular adaptations resulting from the different interventions. The TC group's improvements were associated with reorganized lower extremity neuromuscular patterns, which appear to promote a faster gait and reduced excessive hip compensation. The VR group's improvements, however, were not the result of lower extremity neuromuscular pattern changes. Lower-extremity MEE increases corresponded to attenuated forward trunk linear and angular movement in the VR group, suggesting better control of upper body motion to minimize loss of balance. These data support a growing body of evidence that Tai Chi may be a valuable complementary treatment for vestibular disorders. PMID:15717934

Peritoneal macrophage and blood monocyte functions after open and laparoscopic-assisted cecectomy in rats.

PubMed

Lee, S W; Feingold, D L; Carter, J J; Zhai, C; Stapleton, G; Gleason, N; Whelan, R L

2003-12-01

It has been well established that open abdominal surgery results in systemic immunosuppression postoperatively; in contrast, laparoscopic surgery is associated with significantly better preserved systemic immune function. However, when intraperitoneal (local) immune function is considered, laparoscopic procedures done under a CO2 pneumoperitoneum (pneumo) have been shown to result in greater immunosuppression compared to that of open surgery. Few studies have simultaneously assessed systemic and local immune function. The purpose of this study was to assess peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and peritoneal macrophage tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, H2O2 production, and MHC class II antigen expression after open and laparoscopically assisted cecectomy in a rat model. A total of 75 Sprague Dawley rats were used for three separate experiments. For each study, rats were randomly divided into three groups: anesthesia alone (AC), laparoscopic-assisted cecectomy (LC), and open cecectomy via full laparotomy (OP). A CO2 pneumo was used for laparoscopic operations. On postoperative day 1 the animals were sacrificed, macrophages were harvested via intraperitoneal lavage, and PBMCs were isolated from whole blood obtained by cardiac puncture. In experiment 1, macrophages and PBMC from each animal were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, after which TNF-alpha levels of the supernatant were determined. In experiment 2, after stimulation with PMA, H2O2 release was assessed by measuring fluorescence. In experiment 3, via flow cytometry, the number of cells with surface MHC class II proteins were determined. Data from the three groups in each experiment were compared using analysis of variance Tukey-Kramer tests. Macrophages and PBMC from rats in the OP group released significantly more TNF-alpha than cells from rats in the LC ( p < 0.05) or AC ( p < 0.05) groups. Macrophages from rats in the OP group released significantly less H2O2 than cells from the AC ( p < 0.01) and LC ( p < 0.05) groups. There was no difference between the AC and LC results. No significant differences in PBMC H2O2 release were noted among any of the groups. OP group macrophages expressed significantly less MHC class II antigen than did AC group macrophages ( p < 0.05). No differences were noted among the LC results and either the OP or AC group's outcomes. No differences were noted in PBMC MHC class II expression among any of the groups. In all instances, the LC group's macrophage results were similar to the AC group's results. OC group macrophages produced significantly more TNF-alpha and less H2O2 than both the AC and LC groups. MHC class II protein expression was less for the OC group than for the AC group. OC group PBMCs produced more TNF-alpha. No differences in PBMC H2O2 release or MHC class II expression were noted. Laparoscopic methods better preserves the baseline values of the parameters studied.

ANCOVA Versus CHANGE From Baseline in Nonrandomized Studies: The Difference.

PubMed

van Breukelen, Gerard J P

2013-11-01

The pretest-posttest control group design can be analyzed with the posttest as dependent variable and the pretest as covariate (ANCOVA) or with the difference between posttest and pretest as dependent variable (CHANGE). These 2 methods can give contradictory results if groups differ at pretest, a phenomenon that is known as Lord's paradox. Literature claims that ANCOVA is preferable if treatment assignment is based on randomization or on the pretest and questionable for preexisting groups. Some literature suggests that Lord's paradox has to do with measurement error in the pretest. This article shows two new things: First, the claims are confirmed by proving the mathematical equivalence of ANCOVA to a repeated measures model without group effect at pretest. Second, correction for measurement error in the pretest is shown to lead back to ANCOVA or to CHANGE, depending on the assumed absence or presence of a true group difference at pretest. These two new theoretical results are illustrated with multilevel (mixed) regression and structural equation modeling of data from two studies.

Personal and Organizational Determinants of Enlisted Attrition

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

percentage of attrites and nonattrites within the two groups who endorsed each item alternative. The difference between percentages was used as an index of...cnmpared, significant differences (p < .01) were found on four of the five job core dimensions: skill variety, task identity, autonomy, and feedback. MPS...did "A" school personnel, group differences were not statistically significant. JDS scores for the two groups were also compared; results showed that

A Multi-Platform Optical Sensor for In Vivo and In Vitro Algae Classification.

PubMed

Ng, Chee-Loon; Chen, Qing-Qing; Chua, Jia-Jing; Hemond, Harold F

2017-04-20

Differentiation among major algal groups is important for the ecological and biogeochemical characterization of water bodies, and for practical management of water resources. It helps to discern the taxonomic groups that are beneficial to aquatic life from the organisms causing harmful algal blooms. An LED-induced fluorescence (LEDIF) instrument capable of fluorescence, absorbance, and scattering measurements; is used for in vivo and in vitro identification and quantification of four algal groups found in freshwater and marine environments. Aqueous solutions of individual and mixed dissolved biological pigments relevant to different algal groups were measured to demonstrate the LEDIF's capabilities in measuring extracted pigments. Different genera of algae were cultivated and the cell counts of the samples were quantified with a hemacytometer and/or cellometer. Dry weight of different algae cells was also measured to determine the cell counts-to-dry weight correlations. Finally, in vivo measurements of different genus of algae at different cell concentrations and mixed algal group in the presence of humic acid were performed with the LEDIF. A field sample from a local reservoir was measured with the LEDIF and the results were verified using hemacytometer, cellometer, and microscope. The results demonstrated the LEDIF's capabilities in classifying and quantifying different groups of live algae.

A Multi-Platform Optical Sensor for In Vivo and In Vitro Algae Classification

PubMed Central

Ng, Chee-Loon; Chen, Qing-Qing; Chua, Jia-Jing; Hemond, Harold F.

2017-01-01

Differentiation among major algal groups is important for the ecological and biogeochemical characterization of water bodies, and for practical management of water resources. It helps to discern the taxonomic groups that are beneficial to aquatic life from the organisms causing harmful algal blooms. An LED-induced fluorescence (LEDIF) instrument capable of fluorescence, absorbance, and scattering measurements; is used for in vivo and in vitro identification and quantification of four algal groups found in freshwater and marine environments. Aqueous solutions of individual and mixed dissolved biological pigments relevant to different algal groups were measured to demonstrate the LEDIF’s capabilities in measuring extracted pigments. Different genera of algae were cultivated and the cell counts of the samples were quantified with a hemacytometer and/or cellometer. Dry weight of different algae cells was also measured to determine the cell counts-to-dry weight correlations. Finally, in vivo measurements of different genus of algae at different cell concentrations and mixed algal group in the presence of humic acid were performed with the LEDIF. A field sample from a local reservoir was measured with the LEDIF and the results were verified using hemacytometer, cellometer, and microscope. The results demonstrated the LEDIF’s capabilities in classifying and quantifying different groups of live algae. PMID:28425963

[Differences in attachment and personality in children from child guidance centers, child psychiatry units, and control families].

PubMed

Zimmermann, Peter; Scheuerer-Englisch, Hermann

2013-01-01

Insecure attachment and deficits in self-regulation as personality traits are risk factors for the development of psychopathological symptoms from infancy on. This study examines differences in attachment and personality in late childhood, comparing children from non-clinical families, from a child guidance center, and child psychiatry units with in-patient care. Children's attachment representations, their attachment behavior strategy, reported distressing parental behavior, their emotional openness, and attachment coherency were assessed with the Late Childhood Attachment Interview (LCAI). Ego-resiliency, ego-undercontrol, field-independence, aggressiveness, and anxiety were assessed by means of the California Child Q-Sort. The results show clear attachment differences, with the child guidance group showing more attachment insecurity in the LCAI compared to the control group, and the psychiatric in-patient group even more attachment insecurity, more distressing parenting from both mother and father, and more attachment disorganization than the other two groups. Whereas children from the child guidance center and the child psychiatry unit did not differ in personality, both groups were significantly different from the control group in all personality dimensions. The results suggest that personality differences may be a risk factor for behaviour problems, however problem severity and the choice of the treatment institution seem to be influenced by attachment security.

Wound complications and clinical results of electrocautery versus a scalpel to create a cutaneous flap in thyroidectomy: a prospective randomized trial.

PubMed

Uludag, Mehmet; Yetkin, Gurkan; Ozel, Alper; Ozguven, M Banu Yilmaz; Yener, Senay; Isgor, Adnan

2011-08-01

The use of electrocautery for tissue dissection is becoming increasingly popular, despite the associated risk of poor wound healing and excessive scarring. We conducted this study to compare the wound complications and early and late clinical results resulting from electrocautery versus the scalpel to create a cutaneous flap during thyroidectomy. The subjects of this study were 100 patients, randomized prospectively to either a scalpel group (group S, n = 50) or an electrocautery group (group E, n = 50). Thickness of tissue damage, postoperative thickness of the flap, discomfort in the neck 7 days after surgery, and hypoesthesia and paresthesia in the neck 3 months after surgery were significantly higher in group E than in group S. There were no significant differences in overall postoperative wound complications, postoperative pain, satisfaction with the cosmetic result, or overall outcome of the operation between the groups. Although the incidence of seroma was higher in group E (20%) than in group S (8%), the difference was not significant. Although electrocautery was associated with increased histological tissue damage, postoperative flap edema, discomfort, and other complications in the early stage, the clinical and cosmetic results of flaps made using electrocautery or a scalpel were similar and satisfactory 6 months after surgery.

The impact of the learning contract on self-directed learning and satisfaction in nursing students in a clinical setting.

PubMed

Sajadi, Mahboobeh; Fayazi, Neda; Fournier, Andrew; Abedi, Ahmad Reza

2017-01-01

Background: The most important responsibilities of an education system are to create self-directed learning opportunities and develop the required skills for taking the responsibility for change. The present study aimed at determining the impact of a learning contract on self-directed learning and satisfaction of nursing students. Methods: A total of 59 nursing students participated in this experimental study. They were divided into six 10-member groups. To control the communications among the groups, the first 3 groups were trained using conventional learning methods and the second 3 groups using learning contract method. In the first session, a pretest was performed based on educational objectives. At the end of the training, the students in each group completed the questionnaires of self-directed learning and satisfaction. The results of descriptive and inferential statistical methods (dependent and independent t tests) were presented using SPSS. Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in gender, grade point average of previous years, and interest toward nursing. However, the results revealed a significant difference between the 2 groups in the total score of self-directed learning (p= 0.019). Although the mean satisfaction score was higher in the intervention group, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study suggested that the use of learning contract method in clinical settings enhances self-directed learning among nursing students. Because this model focuses on individual differences, the researcher highly recommends the application of this new method to educators.

Gender-related difference in the upper airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 6-18 years using cone beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Jiang, Ying-Ying; Xu, Xin; Su, Hong-Li; Liu, Dong-Xu

2015-07-01

To investigate the gender-related differences in upper airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in Chinese Han children and adolescents (6-18 years) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT-scans of 119 boys and 135 girls were selected and divided into four groups (group 1: 6-9 years; group 2: 10-12 years; group 3: 13-15 years; group 4: 16-18 years). The airway dimensions including the cross-sectional area (CSA), anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) width, length (L), mean CSA and volume (VOL) of upper airway segmentations and hyoid bone position including 11 linear and three angular measurements were investigated using Materialism's interactive medical image control system (MIMICS) 16.01 software. Gender-related differences were analyzed by two independent sample t-tests. No gender-related difference was found in values of the facial morphology, airway dimensions and hyoid bone position for group 1 (p > 0.05). The children and adolescents in groups 2, 3 and 4 showed significant gender-related differences in the measurement results of facial morphology, airway dimensions and hyoid bone positions (p < 0.05). What's more, the measurement values of boys were obviously larger than those of girls except some measurements in group 2. The measurements of airway dimensions and hyoid bone positions have gender-related differences in children and adolescents aged 10-18 years. These results could be taken into consideration during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment.

The effect of variations in translucency and background on color differences in CAD/CAM lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

PubMed

Al Ben Ali, Abdulaziz; Kang, Kiho; Finkelman, Matthew D; Zandparsa, Roya; Hirayama, Hiroshi

2014-04-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of variations in translucency and background on color differences (ΔE) for different shades of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) lithium disilicate glass ceramics. A pilot study suggested n = 10 as an appropriate sample size for the number of lithium disilicate glass ceramic cylinders per group. High-transparency (HT) and low-transparency (LT) cylinders (diameter, 12 mm; length, 13 mm) were fabricated in three ceramic shades (BL1, A2, C3) using CAD/CAM technology and were cut into specimen disks (thickness, 1.2 mm; diameter, 12 mm) for placement on Natural Die (ND1 and ND4) backgrounds. Four combinations of translucency and background color were evaluated in terms of color differences for the three ceramic shades: group 1 (HT ND1, reference), group 2 (HT ND4), group 3 (LT ND1), and group 4 (LT ND4). A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color differences. Nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used to evaluate the color differences among the tested groups, and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction were used as post hoc tests. Furthermore, for each ceramic shade, the HT groups were compared to the LT groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Significant differences were present among the tested groups of the same ceramic shade (p < 0.001). The highest ΔE values were observed in the HT ND4 group for BL1, while the lowest ΔE values were found in the LT ND1 group for both A2 and C3. Further, the HT groups and the groups with a darker background (ND4) showed increased ΔE values compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that the translucency and background color significantly influenced the lithium disilicate glass ceramic color among the BL1, A2, and C3 ceramic shades. Changing the underlying color from a lighter background to a darker background resulted in increased color differences. © 2013 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

[Methamphetamine Use in Central Germany: A Qualitative Study on Consumer Groups and Motives from the Experts' Perspective].

PubMed

Hoffmann, Laura; Schumann, Nadine; Richter, Matthias

2017-09-11

Background Methamphetamine is one of the most consumed illegal drugs worldwide. In Germany, Methamphetamine shows the highest rates of growth in comparison to other illegal substances in recent years. Particularly Central Germany has been struck by a high rise in consumption. International studies indicate that there is no specific group of people that can be identified as Methamphetamine users. Different consumption patterns in terms of Methamphetamine use can be identified within various social groups. This qualitative study will explore different consumer groups among methamphetamine users, their motives, and how they differ by drug addiction type. Methods The empirical data collection was carried out in a consecutive 2-stage process. Initially, 39 semi-structured individual interviews with experts from different clinical areas were carried out about their experience and perspectives on Methamphetamine use. The results of the individual interviews were subsequently discussed and validated within 2 interdisciplinary focus groups. All interviews and focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed and analyzed according to the method of Meuser & Nagel. Results Altogether, 3 consumer groups were identified: (1) Young parents, women and pregnant women, (2) young drug users and early adapters and (3) older drug users or late entrants. The guiding motive in terms of Methamphetamine use described by the experts was improved efficiency. Further motives are for instance overcoming stressful situations, enablement and improvement of sexual experiences, self-esteem enhancement, coping with crisis or trauma, curiosity and drug use as leisure time activity. Discussion/conclusion The results in terms of consumer groups and consumption motives are consistent with international findings and we were able to verify and expand them for Central Germany. The outcomes illustrated that there are different consumer groups among methamphetamine users that differ from consumer groups of other drug addiction types. Treatment and consultation have to anticipate these challenges and adapt their strategies to different needs. Finally, further improvement of accessibility for those affected persons is an imperative to the German healthcare system. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Can platelet-rich plasma have a role in Achilles tendon surgical repair?

PubMed

De Carli, Angelo; Lanzetti, Riccardo Maria; Ciompi, Alessandro; Lupariello, Domenico; Vadalà, Antonio; Argento, Giuseppe; Ferretti, Andrea; Vulpiani, M C; Vetrano, M

2016-07-01

Our hypothesis was that the Achilles tendon healing process after surgical treatment would be promoted by PRP with a faster return to sports activities. Thirty patients with Achilles tendon rupture and surgically treated with a combined mini-open and percutaneous technique were prospectively enroled in the study. Patients were alternately case-by-case assigned to Group A (control group; 15 patients) or Group B (study group; 15 patients). In Group B, PRP was locally infiltrated both during surgery and 14 days after surgery. Patients in both groups were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 24 months post-operatively via physical examination, VAS, FAOS and VISA-A scales; ultrasonography (US) and MRI were also conducted at one and 6 months; at the 6-month follow-up, isokinetic and jumping capacity tests were also performed. The VAS, FAOS and VISA-A scale showed no difference between the two groups at 1, 3, 6 and 24 months post-operatively. Isokinetic evaluation showed no differences at both angular speeds. Jumping evaluation showed no difference at 6 months. Also US evaluation showed no differences. MRI data analysis before administration of gadolinium did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. Moreover, after intravenous injection of gadolinium, patients in Group B showed signal enhancement in 30 % of patients compared to 80 % in Group A at 6 months, as indirect evidence of better tendon remodelling (P < 0.05). A substantial equivalence in structural and functional results in Achilles tendon ruptures surgically treated with and without addition of PRP is shown by present study. Clinical results, morphological features and jumping capability were similar in both groups. The addition of PRP to the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture does not appear to offer superior clinical and functional results. IV.

Irrational Beliefs in Employees with an Adjustment, a Depressive, or an Anxiety Disorder: a Prospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Verbeek, Jos H. A. M.; de Boer, Angela G. E. M.; Blonk, Roland W. B.; van Dijk, Frank J. H.

2008-01-01

It remains unclear if patients with different types of common mental disorders, such as adjustment, anxiety and depressive disorders, have the same irrational ideas. The aim of this prospective cohort study (n = 190) is to investigate differences in level and type of irrational beliefs among these groups and to examine whether a change in irrational beliefs is related to symptom recovery. Irrational beliefs (IBI) and symptoms were measured at four points in time: at baseline, after 3, 6 and 12 months. Results showed that diagnostic groups differed in their level of irrational beliefs and this effect remained over time. Highest levels of irrationality were observed in the double diagnosis group, followed by the anxiety disorder group and the depression group. Participants with adjustment disorders showed the lowest levels of irrationality, comparable to a community sample. We did not find differences in the type of irrational beliefs between diagnostic groups. The level of irrationality declined over time for all diagnostic groups. No differences in decrease were observed between diagnostic groups. The magnitude and direction of change in irrational beliefs were related to the magnitude of recovery of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms over time. These results support the application of general cognitive interventions, especially for patients with a depressive or an anxiety disorder. PMID:20445759

Thinking in Categories or along a Continuum: Consequences for Children's Social Judgments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Master, Allison; Markman, Ellen M.; Dweck, Carol S.

2012-01-01

Can young children, forming expectations about the social world, capture differences among people without falling into the pitfalls of categorization? Categorization often leads to exaggerating differences between groups and minimizing differences within groups, resulting in stereotyping. Six studies with 4-year-old children (N = 214)…

Efficacy of peeling during different periods of the menstrual cycle on acne.

PubMed

Bulbul Baskan, Emel; Tilki Günay, Işıl; Saricaoglu, Hayriye

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of 50% glycolic acid peeling performed at different phases of menstruation on acne. This study included 30 patients with mild-to-moderate acne. Those with regular menstrual cycles and no history or laboratory evidence of hormonal pathology, hirsutism were selected. Thirty patients were divided in three groups. The first group received peeling applications in the first 7 days of menstruation; the second group received the peel between 10 and 14 days; and the third group received the peel during the last 10 days of menstruation. The 30 female patients included in study. All patients' menstrual cycles were regular. All groups were homogenous in terms of initial acne severity scores. Acne severity scores decreased in all groups after 3 months of therapy; statistically significant differences were achieved only in the second group. The results of our study suggest that chemical peeling administered during ovulation provides the most significant benefit for acne lesions. Ovulation is the period when estrogen reaches its highest level. Estrogen decreases sebum production through different mechanisms. The beneficial effects of estrogen on acne and healing in combination with those of chemical peeling may cause synergistic therapeutic effects with pronounced results.

Rehabilitation Outcomes: Ischemic versus Hemorrhagic Strokes

PubMed Central

Perna, Robert; Temple, Jessica

2015-01-01

Background. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have different pathophysiologies and possibly different long-term cerebral and functional implications. Hemorrhagic strokes expose the brain to irritating effects of blood and ischemic strokes reflect localized or diffuse cerebral vascular pathology. Methods. Participants were individuals who suffered either an ischemic (n = 172) or hemorrhagic stroke (n = 112) within the past six months and were involved in a postacute neurorehabilitation program. Participants completed three months of postacute neurorehabilitation and the Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) at admission and discharge. Admission MPAI-4 scores and level of functioning were comparable. Results. Group ANOVA comparisons show no significant group differences at admission or discharge or difference in change scores. Both groups showed considerably reduced levels of productivity/employment after discharge as compared to preinjury levels. Conclusions. Though the pathophysiology of these types of strokes is different, both ultimately result in ischemic injuries, possibly accounting for lack of findings of differences between groups. In the present study, participants in both groups experienced similar functional levels across all three MPAI-4 domains both at admission and discharge. Limitations of this study include a highly educated sample and few outcome measures. PMID:26246694

Validation of the Korean version of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2: psychometric properties and cross-cultural comparison.

PubMed

Lee, Jung-Hyun; Shin, Mi-Yeon; Jo, Hye-Hyeon; Jung, Young-Chul; Kim, Joon-Ki; Kim, Kyung Ran

2012-11-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) in Korean patients with eating disorders and healthy controls, and to investigate cultural differences of EDI-2 between a Korean group and a North American standardization sample. The Korean version of the EDI-2 was prepared after comprehensive clinical assessment of Korean patients with eating disorders (n=327) as well as female undergraduates (n=176). Results were compared between eating disorder subgroups (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified) and those of a North American standardization sample and healthy controls. The results showed that the Korean EDI-2 had adequate internal consistency (0.77-0.93) and discriminated well between patients with eating disorders and healthy controls on all subscales. Significant differences in EDI-2 subscale scores between the eating disorder groups and the healthy control group were observed; however, there was no discernible difference among the eating disorder subgroups. When compared with a North American standardization sample, the Korean control group showed significantly higher scores for drive for thinness and asceticism. When patient groups were compared, the Korean group showed significantly lower scores for perfectionism. As expected, the results accurately reflected psychometric properties of the Korean version of EDI-2 for eating disorder patients in Korea. These findings also suggest that common characteristics for the eating disorder exist as a whole rather than with significant difference between each subgroup. In addition, significant differences between the Korean and the North American groups for both patients and controls also demonstrated specific cultural differences.

Visuospatial working memory for locations, colours, and binding in typically developing children and in children with dyslexia and non-verbal learning disability.

PubMed

Garcia, Ricardo Basso; Mammarella, Irene C; Tripodi, Doriana; Cornoldi, Cesare

2014-03-01

This study examined forward and backward recall of locations and colours and the binding of locations and colours, comparing typically developing children - aged between 8 and 10 years - with two different groups of children of the same age with learning disabilities (dyslexia in one group, non-verbal learning disability [NLD] in the other). Results showed that groups with learning disabilities had different visuospatial working memory problems and that children with NLD had particular difficulties in the backward recall of locations. The differences between the groups disappeared, however, when locations and colours were bound together. It was concluded that specific processes may be involved in children in the binding and backward recall of different types of information, as they are not simply the resultant of combining the single processes needed to recall single features. © 2013 The British Psychological Society.

Flexibility responses to different stretching methods in young elite basketball players.

PubMed

Notarnicola, Angela; Perroni, Fabrizio; Campese, Alessio; Maccagnano, Giuseppe; Monno, Antonio; Moretti, Biagio; Tafuri, Silvio

2017-01-01

The aims of study were: 1) to verify the effectiveness of different stretching methods and training; 2) to compare the effects with only training on the flexibility of joints in basketball players. 30 males basketball players (age: 17±1yrs; BMI: 23.4±3.1), divided into 2 groups (15 experimental group - EG - and 15 control group, CG), participated to study. EG performed 5 different stretching method: passive stretching, active stretching, postural protocol, PNF and dynamic stretching. To assess differences (p<0.05) between groups, an ANOVA was applied to anthropometrics characteristic (age; height; weight and BMI) and flexibility performances (leg raise in a supine position; forward trunk bending). ANOVA for repeated measurements was conducted to asses differences in each group with time (i.e., pre-post). Results showed a variation linked to time (F=21.9; p<0.0001) and an effect of the treatment of the leg raise in a supine position test (F=25.1; p<0.0001). Also in flexion test of trunk, the average values could be linked to time of measurement (F=9.96; p<0.0001) and group (F=8.65; p<0.0001). The results suggest that a specific different stretching protocol should be used in different part of body to offer performance benefit and decreasing of the incidents of injuries. IV.

Effects of living environment on the postoperative Scoliosis Research Society-24 results in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Misterska, Ewa; Głowacki, Maciej; Panek, Sławomir; Ignyś-O'Byrne, Anna; Głowacki, Jakub; Ignyś, Iwona; Krauss, Hanna; Piątek, Jacek

2012-08-01

There are many factors influencing postoperative health-related quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, including the degree of the deformity, culture, differences in geography, rural versus urban living environments, and social factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the significance of geographic factors and their differences influencing the postoperative quality of life in females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis residing in urban and rural environments, by use of the Polish version of the SRS-24 questionnaire. Forty urban and 20 rural postoperative patients with adolescent scoliosis with a minimum 2-year follow-up period after surgery were included in the study. The process of cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the IQOLA Project. General results of the Polish SRS-24 equalled 4.1 (SD 0.5) and 4.0 (SD.0.5) in the rural and urban groups of patients, respectively. The 2 groups do not differ in incidence of floor and ceiling effects. The Cronbach's alpha values are excellent for the general result of SRS-24 in urban and rural groups (0.85 and 0.85, respectively). The sub-groups differed significantly in the self-image after surgery domain (p=0.048). Patients from the rural group scored higher in the self-image after surgery domain but reported higher pain levels when compared to urban patients. The associations between SRS-24 results and radiographic parameters in the rural group of patients were strong, compared with moderate relations reported in the urban group.

Comparison of Technical and Clinical Outcome of Transjugular Portosystemic Shunt Placement Between a Bare Metal Stent and a PTFE-Stentgraft Device

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

Lauermann, J., E-mail: jostlauermann@gmail.com; Potthoff, A.; Mc Cavert, M.

PurposeTo analyse technical and clinical success of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with portal hypertension and compare a stent and a stentgraft with regard to clinical and technical outcome and associated costs.Materials and Methods170 patients (56 ± 12 years, 32.9 % females) treated with TIPS due to portal hypertension were reviewed. 80 patients received a stent (group 1) and 83 a stentgraft (group 2), and seven interventions were unsuccessful. Technical data, periprocedural imaging, follow-up ultrasound and clinical data were analysed with focus on technical success, patency, clinical outcome and group differences. Cost analysis was performed.ResultsPortal hypertension was mainly caused by ethyltoxicmore » liver cirrhosis with ascites as dominant symptom (80 %). Technical success was 93.5 % with mean portosystemic gradient decrease from 16.1 ± 4.8 to 5.1 ± 2.1 mmHg. No significant differences in technical success and portosystemic gradient decrease between the groups were observed. Kaplan–Meier analysis yielded significant differences in primary patency after 14 days, 6 months and 2 years in favour of the stentgraft. Both groups showed good clinical results without significant difference in 1-year survival and hepatic encephalopathy rate. Costs to establish TIPS and to manage 2-year follow-up with constant patency and clinical success were 8876 € (group 1) and 9394 € (group 2).ConclusionTIPS is a safe and effective procedure to manage portal hypertension. Stent and stentgraft enabled good technical and clinical results with a low complication rate. Primary patency rates are clearly in favour of the stentgraft, whereas the stent was more cost effective with similar clinical results in both groups.« less

Comparative analysis of different joining techniques to improve the passive fit of cobalt-chromium superstructures.

PubMed

Barbi, Francisco C L; Camarini, Edevaldo T; Silva, Rafael S; Endo, Eliana H; Pereira, Jefferson R

2012-12-01

The influence of different joining techniques on passive fit at the interface structure/abutment of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) superstructures has not yet been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to compare 3 different techniques of joining Co-Cr superstructures by measuring the resulting marginal misfit in a simulated prosthetic assembly. A specially designed metal model was used for casting, sectioning, joining, and measuring marginal misfit. Forty-five cast bar-type superstructures were fabricated in a Co-Cr alloy and randomly assigned by drawing lots to 3 groups (n=15) according to the joining method used: conventional gas-torch brazing (G-TB), laser welding (LW), and tungsten inert gas welding (TIG). Joined specimens were assembled onto abutment analogs in the metal model with the 1-screw method. The resulting marginal misfit was measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 3 different points: distal (D), central (C), and mesial (M) along the buccal aspect of both abutments: A (tightened) and B (without screw). The Levene test was used to evaluate variance homogeneity and then the Welsch ANOVA for heteroscedastic data (α=.05). Significant differences were found on abutment A between groups G-TB and LW (P=.013) measured mesially and between groups G-TB and TIG (P=.037) measured centrally. On abutment B, significant differences were found between groups G-TB and LW (P<.001) and groups LW and TIG (P<.001) measured mesially; groups G-TB and TIG (P=.007) measured distally; and groups G-TB and TIG (P=.001) and LW and TIG (P=.007) measured centrally. The method used for joining Co-Cr prosthetic structures had an influence on the level of resulting passive fit. Structures joined by the tungsten inert gas method produced better mean results than did the brazing or laser method. Copyright © 2012 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenotype definition and development--contributions from Group 7.

PubMed

Wilcox, Marsha A; Paterson, Andrew D

2009-01-01

The papers in Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 Group 7 covered a wide range of topics. The effects of confounder misclassification and selection bias on association results were examined by one group. Another focused on bias introduced by various methods of accounting for treatment effects. Two groups used related methods to derive phenotypic traits. They used different analytic strategies for genetic associations with non-overlapping results (but because they used different sets of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and significance criteria, this is not surprising). Another group relied on the well-characterized definition of type 2 diabetes to show benefits of a novel predictive test. Transmission-ratio distortion was the focus of another paper. The results were extended to show a potential secondary benefit of the test to identify potentially mis-called SNPs. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evaluation of hemostatic and fibrinolytic markers in dogs with ascites attributable to right-sided congestive heart failure.

PubMed

Zoia, Andrea; Augusto, Monica; Drigo, Michele; Caldin, Marco

2012-11-15

To determine whether dogs with ascites secondary to right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) have bleeding disorders associated with hypofibrinogenemia and discordant plasma fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer assay results (ie, a circulating concentration of FDPs higher than the reference range and a circulating concentration of D-dimer within the reference range). Retrospective case-control study. 80 client-owned dogs. Dogs with ascites secondary to right-sided CHF (group 1; n = 20), unhealthy dogs without cardiac disease (group 2; 40), and dogs with left-sided CHF (group 3; 20) were included in the study. Urine bile acids-to-creatinine concentration ratios were calculated as a marker of liver function. Differences among groups regarding coagulation profile analysis results and prevalence of discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results were determined. No significant differences were detected among the 3 groups regarding urine bile acids-to-creatinine concentration ratios. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was significantly lower for group 1 versus groups 2 or 3. Prevalence of discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results was significantly higher for group 1 versus groups 2 or 3. Eighteen group 1 dogs had discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results. Ten of these dogs had concurrent hypofibrinogenemia, 2 of which had clinical signs of bleeding. Only 10 dogs in groups 2 or 3 had discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results; none of these dogs had hypofibrinogenemia or clinical signs of bleeding. Dogs with right-sided CHF and ascites may be at increased risk for primary hyperfibrinogenolysis (ie, hypofibrinogenemia and discordant FDPs and D-dimer assay results).

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy vs cryoultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis. One year follow up study

PubMed Central

Vulpiani, Maria Chiara; Nusca, Sveva Maria; Vetrano, Mario; Ovidi, Serena; Baldini, Rossella; Piermattei, Cristina; Ferretti, Andrea; Saraceni, Vincenzo Maria

2015-01-01

Summary Background the purpose of this study is to compare the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to those of cryoultrasound (Cryo-US) therapy in chronic lateral epicondylitis during a 12-month period. Methods single-blinded, randomized, controlled study of 80 participants treated for chronic LE with 3 ESWT sessions at 48/72-hours intervals (n=40) or 12 Cryo-US therapy sessions (4 sessions per week) (n=40). VAS and satisfactory results, considered as the sum of excellent and good scores in the Roles and Maudsley score, were used as outcome measures at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Results the results show statistically significant differences in VAS between the two groups at 6 (p<0.001) and 12 months (p<0.001) in favour of the ESWT Group. At 12 months, a difference of more than 2 points in the VAS between the two groups is demonstrated in favour of the ESWT Group. Considering satisfactory results, significant differences between the two groups are observed at 6 (p=0.003) and 12 months (p <0.001) in favour of the ESWT Group where patients achieve a satisfactory rate over 50%. Conclusions ESWT has better clinical therapeutic results at 6- and 12-month follow-up as compared to Cryo-US therapy. Level of Evidence 1B. PMID:26605190

The impacts of tracer selection and corrections for organic matter and particle size on the results of quantitative sediment fingerprinting. A case study from the Nene basin, UK.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulley, Simon; Ian, Foster; Paula, Antunes

2014-05-01

In recent years, sediment fingerprinting methodologies have gained widespread adoption when tracing sediment provenance in geomorphological research. A wide variety of tracers have been employed in the published literature, with corrections for particle size and organic matter applied when the researcher judged them necessary. This paper aims to explore the errors associated with tracer use by a comparison of fingerprinting results obtained using fallout and lithogenic radionuclides, geochemical, and mineral magnetic tracers in a range of environments located in the Nene basin, UK. Specifically, fingerprinting was undertaken on lake, reservoir and floodplain sediment cores, on actively transported suspended sediment and on overbank and channel bed sediment deposits. Tracer groups were investigated both alone and in combination to determine the differences between their sediment provenance predictions and potential causes of these differences. Additionally, simple organic and particle size corrections were applied to determine if they improve the agreement between the tracer group predictions. Key results showed that when fingerprinting contributions from channel banks to actively transported or recently deposited sediments the tracer group predictions varied by 24% on average. These differences could not be clearly attributed to changes in the sediment during erosion or transport. Instead, the most likely cause of differences was the pre-existing spatial variability in tracer concentrations within sediment sources, combined with highly localised erosion. This resulted in the collected sediment source samples not being representative of the actual sediment sources. Average differences in provenance predictions between the different tracer groups in lake, reservoir and floodplain sediment cores were lowest in the reservoir core at 19% and highest in some floodplain cores, with differences in predictions in excess of 50%. In these latter samples organic enrichment of the sediment, selective transport of fine particles and post-depositional chemical changes to the sediment were determined to be the likely cause of the differences. It was determined that organic and particle size corrections made the differences between tracer groups larger in most cases, although differences between tracer group predictions were reduced in two of the four floodplain cores.

Initial construct validity evidence of a virtual human application for competency assessment in breaking bad news to a cancer patient

PubMed Central

Guetterman, Timothy C; Kron, Frederick W; Campbell, Toby C; Scerbo, Mark W; Zelenski, Amy B; Cleary, James F; Fetters, Michael D

2017-01-01

Background Despite interest in using virtual humans (VHs) for assessing health care communication, evidence of validity is limited. We evaluated the validity of a VH application, MPathic-VR, for assessing performance-based competence in breaking bad news (BBN) to a VH patient. Methods We used a two-group quasi-experimental design, with residents participating in a 3-hour seminar on BBN. Group A (n=15) completed the VH simulation before and after the seminar, and Group B (n=12) completed the VH simulation only after the BBN seminar to avoid the possibility that testing alone affected performance. Pre- and postseminar differences for Group A were analyzed with a paired t-test, and comparisons between Groups A and B were analyzed with an independent t-test. Results Compared to the preseminar result, Group A’s postseminar scores improved significantly, indicating that the VH program was sensitive to differences in assessing performance-based competence in BBN. Postseminar scores of Group A and Group B were not significantly different, indicating that both groups performed similarly on the VH program. Conclusion Improved pre–post scores demonstrate acquisition of skills in BBN to a VH patient. Pretest sensitization did not appear to influence posttest assessment. These results provide initial construct validity evidence that the VH program is effective for assessing BBN performance-based communication competence. PMID:28794664

CT Examination of Nose and Paranasal Sinuses of Egyptian Mummies and Three Distinct Human Population Groups: Anthropological and Clinical Implications.

PubMed

Márquez, Samuel; Lawson, William; Mowbray, Kenneth; Delman, Bradley N; Laitman, Jeffrey T

2015-06-01

The interaction of nasal morphology and climatic conditions has resulted in diverse hard- and soft-tissue configurations across human population groups. While the processes of skull pneumatization are not fully understood, the invasions of the paranasal sinuses [PNS] into the cranium have contributed to assorted morphologies. Human migratory patterns and the strong association with climatic variables through time and space may explain this diversity. This study examined four multiregional populations of which two are from Egypt but of widely divergent eras. Three Egyptian mummies [EG-M] from the middle kingdom were CT scanned providing a unique opportunity to investigate the status of PNS anatomy within a time frame from 1567 BCE to 600 CE and compare it to a contemporary Egyptian [EG] (n = 12) population. Dry skulls of Inuit [IT] (n = 10) and East African [EA] (n = 8) provide out-group comparisons, as one group represents an isolated geographic environment far different from that of Egypt and the other group inhabiting distinct environmental conditions albeit located within the same continent. Results showed EG-M and EG frontal sinus volumes were diminutive in size with no statistically significant difference between them. Maxillary sinus size values of EG-M and EG clustered together while IT and EA significantly differed from each other (P = 0.002). The multiregional groups exhibited population specific morphologies in their PNS anatomy. Ecogeographic localities revealed anatomical differences among IT and EA, while the potential time span of about 3,500 years produced only a negligible difference between the Egyptian groups. The small sample sizes incorporated into this research requires confirmation of the results by analyses of larger samples from each geographic region and with the integration of a larger group of Egyptian mummified remains. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Motor imagery-induced EEG patterns in individuals with spinal cord injury and their impact on brain-computer interface accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller-Putz, G. R.; Daly, I.; Kaiser, V.

2014-06-01

Objective. Assimilating the diagnosis complete spinal cord injury (SCI) takes time and is not easy, as patients know that there is no ‘cure' at the present time. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can facilitate daily living. However, inter-subject variability demands measurements with potential user groups and an understanding of how they differ to healthy users BCIs are more commonly tested with. Thus, a three-class motor imagery (MI) screening (left hand, right hand, feet) was performed with a group of 10 able-bodied and 16 complete spinal-cord-injured people (paraplegics, tetraplegics) with the objective of determining what differences were present between the user groups and how they would impact upon the ability of these user groups to interact with a BCI. Approach. Electrophysiological differences between patient groups and healthy users are measured in terms of sensorimotor rhythm deflections from baseline during MI, electroencephalogram microstate scalp maps and strengths of inter-channel phase synchronization. Additionally, using a common spatial pattern algorithm and a linear discriminant analysis classifier, the classification accuracy was calculated and compared between groups. Main results. It is seen that both patient groups (tetraplegic and paraplegic) have some significant differences in event-related desynchronization strengths, exhibit significant increases in synchronization and reach significantly lower accuracies (mean (M) = 66.1%) than the group of healthy subjects (M = 85.1%). Significance. The results demonstrate significant differences in electrophysiological correlates of motor control between healthy individuals and those individuals who stand to benefit most from BCI technology (individuals with SCI). They highlight the difficulty in directly translating results from healthy subjects to participants with SCI and the challenges that, therefore, arise in providing BCIs to such individuals.

Twelve-Year Follow-Up of Navigated Computer-Assisted Versus Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Trial.

PubMed

Cip, Johannes; Obwegeser, Florian; Benesch, Thomas; Bach, Christian; Ruckenstuhl, Paul; Martin, Arno

2018-05-01

Navigated computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced to expedite long-term survival based on improved postoperative implantation accuracy. However, long-term outcome data after 10 years or more are rare, even available meta-analyses show controversial study results. In a prospective randomized trial, 100 conventional TKAs (group CONV) were compared with 100 computer-assisted TKAs (group NAV) after a mean follow-up of 12 years postoperatively. A long-leg weight-bearing X-ray was performed for measuring mechanical axis of the limb, lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle. Tibial slope, patella alpha angle, and radiolucent lines were also observed. Clinical investigation included evaluation of 4 different scores: Insall Knee Score, Western Ontario and MacMaster University Index score, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score, and visual analog scale. Based on a follow-up rate of at least 75%, no difference in TKA survival was found 12 years postoperatively: 91.5% in group CONV vs 98.2% in group NAV (P = .181). Since 5-year follow-up, no additional TKA revision had been performed in both groups. Group CONV showed a nonsignificant higher inaccuracy of neutral lower limb axis (1.8° ± 1.4°) compared to group NAV (1.6° ± 1.7°, P = .700). All X-ray assessments were not significant different within both study groups (P ≥ .068). Clinical examination showed no differences in evaluations (P ≥ .204). All collected outcome score results were similar (P ≥ .222). Twelve years postoperatively, no differences were found in terms of long-term survival, implantation accuracy, clinical outcome or score results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ubiquity of Polynucleobacter necessarius subspecies asymbioticus results from ecological diversification

PubMed Central

Jezbera, Jan; Jezberová, Jitka; Brandt, Ulrike; Hahn, Martin W

2011-01-01

The subspecies Polynucleobacter necessarius asymbioticus (> 99% 16S rRNA similarity) has a cosmopolitan distribution and a ubiquitous occurrence in lentic freshwater habitats. We tested if the observed ubiquity of these free-living planktonic freshwater bacteria results from a euryoecious (generalist) adaptation of P. n. asymbioticus strains, or from ecological diversification within the subspecies. We developed a reverse line blot hybridization assay enabling the cultivation-independent detection of 13 groups within the subspecies in environmental samples. A set of 121 lentic freshwater habitats, spanning a broad variety of habitat types (e.g. pH levels ranging from 3.8 to 8.5) was investigated for the presence of these 13 P. n. asymbioticus groups. Statistical analyses of the reverse line blot hybridization detections revealed pronounced differences in habitat preferences of several of the groups. Their preferences differed regarding pH, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and oxygen concentration of habitats. For some groups, differences in environmental preferences resulted even in complete niche separation between them. The revealed differences in habitat preferences suggest that the previously reported ubiquity of P. n. asymbioticus results from ecological diversification within the taxon and not from generalist adaptation of strains. PMID:21208356

Does age matter? The influence of age on response rates in a mixed-mode survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gigliotti, Larry M.; Dietsch, Alia

2014-01-01

The appeal of cost savings and faster results has fish and wildlife management agencies considering the use of Internet surveys instead of traditional mail surveys to collect information from their constituents. Internet surveys, however, may suffer from differential age-related response rates, potentially producing biased results if certain age groups respond to Internet surveys differently than they do to mail surveys. We examined this concern using data from a mixed-mode angler survey conducted in South Dakota following the 2011 fishing season. Results indicated that young anglers (16–18) had the lowest return rates and senior anglers (65+) had the highest, regardless of survey mode. Despite this consistency in response rates, we note two concerns: (a) lower Internet response rates and (b) different age groups represented by the Internet and mail survey samples differed dramatically. Findings indicate that constituent groups may be represented differently with the use of various survey modes.

The currently used commercial DNA-extraction methods give different results of clostridial and actinobacterial populations derived from human fecal samples.

PubMed

Maukonen, Johanna; Simões, Catarina; Saarela, Maria

2012-03-01

Recently several human health-related microbiota studies have had partly contradictory results. As some differences may be explained by methodologies applied, we evaluated how different storage conditions and commonly used DNA-extraction kits affect bacterial composition, diversity, and numbers of human fecal microbiota. According to our results, the DNA-extraction did not affect the diversity, composition, or quantity of Bacteroides spp., whereas after a week's storage at -20 °C, the numbers of Bacteroides spp. were 1.6-2.5 log units lower (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the numbers of predominant bacteria, Eubacterium rectale (Erec)-group, Clostridium leptum group, bifidobacteria, and Atopobium group were 0.5-4 log units higher (P < 0.05) after mechanical DNA-extraction as detected with qPCR, regardless of storage. Furthermore, the bacterial composition of Erec-group differed significantly after different DNA-extractions; after enzymatic DNA-extraction, the most prevalent genera detected were Roseburia (39% of clones) and Coprococcus (10%), whereas after mechanical DNA-extraction, the most prevalent genera were Blautia (30%), Coprococcus (13%), and Dorea (10%). According to our results, rigorous mechanical lysis enables detection of higher bacterial numbers and diversity from human fecal samples. As it was shown that the results of clostridial and actinobacterial populations are highly dependent on the DNA-extraction methods applied, the use of different DNA-extraction protocols may explain the contradictory results previously obtained. © 2011 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of different environmental factors on force degradation of three common systems of orthodontic space closure

PubMed Central

Oshagh, Morteza; Khajeh, Farzaneh; Heidari, Somayeh; Torkan, Sepideh; Fattahi, Hamid Reza

2015-01-01

Background: Different environmental conditions, such as high temperature or exposure to some chemical agents, may affect the force decay of different methods of space closure during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the force decay pattern in the presence of tea as a popular drink in some parts of the world and two mouthwashes that are usually prescribed by the orthodontist once the treatment is in progress. Materials and Methods: Elastic chain (EC), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) closed coil spring and tie-back (TB) method were used as the means of space closure. The specimens were placed in five different media: Hot tea, hot water (65°), chlorhexidine mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash and the control group (water at 37°). The specimens were stretched 25 mm and the elastic force of three systems was measured at the beginning of the study, after 24 h, after 1 week and after 3 weeks. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the results between the groups and Duncan test was carried out to compare the sets of means in different groups (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Tea increases the force decay in the EC and TB groups. Oral mouthwashes also resulted in more rapid force decay than the control group. EC and Ni-Ti groups were not much affected in the presence of oral mouthwashes. Conclusion: Regarding the immersion media, TB method showed the biggest variation in different media and Ni-Ti coil spring was least affected by the type of media. PMID:25709675

[Comparison of the color difference between teeth underwent cold light whitening and two kinds of shade guides].

PubMed

Xu, Y X

2018-06-18

To investigate which shade guide, Vitapan Classical or Vita Bleachedguide 3DMaster, is better matched with the color of teeth in judging whitening effect, by comparing the color difference between shade tabs and corresponding teeth underwent cold light tooth whitening. A total of 60 patients underwent Beyond cold light tooth whitening from May 2014 to April 2016. The patients were divided into two experimental groups according to the shade guide used. Vitapan Classical shade guide was used to judge whitening effect in one group, and Vita Bleachedguide 3DMaster shade guide was used in another. Shade matching was carried out before and after whitening in both the two groups, and the results were recorded by digital photographs. Shade matching procedures were carried out by two doctors independently. If they chose the same tab, it would be seen as the shade matching result; While if they chose different tabs, another doctor would be invited to make a decision. Photographs were taken in preset conditions: intraoral photos of the full dentition in the front, and the proportion of shooting was 1:3; aperture was F22; shutter speed was 1/200; intensity of flash was M/8; ISO value was 200. The photographs were analyzed by Photoshop software. Chromatic values were measured, and color difference values were calculated. Measuring of chromatic values was carried out by three doctors independently, and all the photos were measured twice by each doctor. Six measure results of each photo were recorded, and the maximum and the minimum were excluded, then the mean was seen as the final result. The color difference values were compared by independent-sample t test. Besides, changes of shade tabs after whitening in the two groups were recorded. Color difference value was 5.06±1.71 in Vitapan Classical group, and 3.39±1.36 in Vita Bleachedguide 3D-Master group. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups (t=4.68,P<0.001). Change of shade tabs was 3.63±1.75 in Vitapan Classical group, and 2.23±1.01 in Vita Bleachedguide 3DMaster group. Vita Bleachedguide 3D-Master is better matched with the color of teeth, so it is preferred in judging the effect of cold light tooth whitening.

Assessment of Lecture Strategy with Different Teaching Aids

PubMed Central

Kumar, Manoj; Kumar, Jayballabh; Kumar, Gaurav; Kapoor, Sangeeta

2015-01-01

Background and Objectives: Medical/dental colleges in Northern India cater to students with diverse backgrounds, mother tongues, levels of comprehending English, and intelligence levels. This study was conducted to identify lecture strategy and teaching aid best suited for North Indian dental and medical students. It was conducted in two parts – 1. Survey of teachers’ and students’ opinion to obtain their preferences in teaching-learning practices followed in a conventional lecture, and 2. Comparison of students’ performances after a single trial lecture with different groups of students, using different teaching aids (TAs). Materials and Methods: Opinions of 33 faculty teaching first year dental/ medical students and 506 volunteer students (320 female) were compiled. Students were divided into four groups. A single trial lecture was held with each group (on the same topic, using identical lesson plan, by the same teacher) using a different teaching aid with each group. Lecture strategy was designed according to students’ preferences (as obtained from opinion survey) regarding language of instruction and the number of mental breaks. TAs used with different groups were chalk and board (C&B), PowerPoint (PPT), overhead projector (OHP), and a combination of C&B and PPT. Pre- and post-tests using multiple choice questions were conducted with each group. Results of post-test questionnaire and feedback from faculty attending the lecture were assessed for students’ satisfaction and attentiveness in all four groups. Results: Survey results indicated that although 97.6% students believed they had good/fair proficiency in English, 83.6% preferred being taught in a combination of English and Hindi; 44.3% students preferred C&B, 40.1% preferred PPT and 15.6% preferred the use of OHP as TA. After conducting a trial lecture with different TAs with each group, more than 90% students expressed satisfaction with the TA used for that group. Significantly better performance was observed in the post-lecture test when C&B was used. Conclusion: The needs of students in India are different from those of their Western counterparts, and should be considered during didactic lectures to improve the students’ understanding. Post-test results were better when C&B was used, as more students were attentive and/or took notes. PMID:25737979

Validation of Shared and Specific Independent Component Analysis (SSICA) for Between-Group Comparisons in fMRI

PubMed Central

Maneshi, Mona; Vahdat, Shahabeddin; Gotman, Jean; Grova, Christophe

2016-01-01

Independent component analysis (ICA) has been widely used to study functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity. However, the application of ICA in multi-group designs is not straightforward. We have recently developed a new method named “shared and specific independent component analysis” (SSICA) to perform between-group comparisons in the ICA framework. SSICA is sensitive to extract those components which represent a significant difference in functional connectivity between groups or conditions, i.e., components that could be considered “specific” for a group or condition. Here, we investigated the performance of SSICA on realistic simulations, and task fMRI data and compared the results with one of the state-of-the-art group ICA approaches to infer between-group differences. We examined SSICA robustness with respect to the number of allowable extracted specific components and between-group orthogonality assumptions. Furthermore, we proposed a modified formulation of the back-reconstruction method to generate group-level t-statistics maps based on SSICA results. We also evaluated the consistency and specificity of the extracted specific components by SSICA. The results on realistic simulated and real fMRI data showed that SSICA outperforms the regular group ICA approach in terms of reconstruction and classification performance. We demonstrated that SSICA is a powerful data-driven approach to detect patterns of differences in functional connectivity across groups/conditions, particularly in model-free designs such as resting-state fMRI. Our findings in task fMRI show that SSICA confirms results of the general linear model (GLM) analysis and when combined with clustering analysis, it complements GLM findings by providing additional information regarding the reliability and specificity of networks. PMID:27729843

Importance of Delphian Lymph Node Evaluation in Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Fact or Fiction?

PubMed Central

Ormeci, Tugrul; Çolakoğulları, Mukaddes; Orhan, İsrafil

2016-01-01

Summary Background Our main objective was to evaluate the association between autoimmune thyroiditis and the Delphian lymph node during different stages of thyroiditis. Material/Methods The relationships between the ultrasonography (US) results of thyroiditis and characteristics of the Delphian lymph node in different stages of AT were evaluated. Thyroid hormone and antibody levels were assessed. A total of 126 patients were divided into four groups according to the thyroid US findings: Group 1: control cases; Group 2: indeterminate cases; Group 3: established thyroiditis cases; Group 4: advanced-late stage thyroiditis cases. Indeterminate cases attended a 1-year follow-up, and the cases with a sonographic finding matching thyroiditis formed Group 2. Results The rate of Delphian lymph node presence in Group 4 was significantly higher than in Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.01). In addition, its presence was significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p<0.05). Although there was a difference in Delphian lymph node presence between Groups 2 and 3, it was not significant (p=0.052), nor was there a significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (p>0.05). Both the long and short axis measurements were significantly higher in Groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to those in the control group. However, the same increase was not observed in the long/short axis ratio. Conclusions Both the presence and dimensions of the Delphian lymph node were highly correlated with the progress of autoimmune thyroiditis. Evaluating the Delphian lymph nodes might prevent missing a diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis. PMID:26985243

Strategic groups and performance in the nursing home industry: a reexamination.

PubMed

Marlin, D; Sun, M; Huonker, J W

1999-06-01

This study further examines the relationship between strategic group membership and performance in the nursing home industry. The results indicate seven strategic groups in the industry with significant between-group differences in operating margin, average profit per patient day, catheterization rate, health deficiencies, life and safety deficiencies, and efficiency in the provision of services. The authors did not, however, find significant between-group differences in pressure sore rate, the use of restraints, or in the percentage of patients with significant unplanned weight changes. The group with the highest private-pay utilization combined with high Medicare utilization generally performed the best along all indicators. Results also suggest that strategic group membership and rural/urban location have a greater impact on performance than do ownership, chain membership, or possession of a dedicated specialty care unit.

[The study of assessing methods for velopharyngeal function in patients with operated cleft palate

PubMed

Zhang, Z Y; Yuan, W H; Xia, J; Liu, H

1994-03-01

This paper describes the study and quantitative analysis of velopharyngeal function in 103 patients with operated cleft palate using NPF,vedio-camera system and computer.The percentange of semi-circluar and circular closure patterns after surgery was distinct higher in VPI group than in VPC group,but coronary closure pattern was significant lower in VPI group than in VPC group(P<0.05).We compared the results of different operative age by VPI after surgery.The results showed that postoperative RVPI was in direct proportion to operated age.VPI in the group less than 3 years of age.VPI in the group less than 3 years of age was 28.57%,but in the group of over 7 years of age was 96.43%.Both showed significant difference(P<0.01).

Basic echocardiography for undergraduate students: a comparison of different peer-teaching approaches.

PubMed

Gradl-Dietsch, G; Menon, A K; Gürsel, A; Götzenich, A; Hatam, N; Aljalloud, A; Schrading, S; Hölzl, F; Knobe, M

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different teaching interventions in a peer-teaching environment on basic echocardiography skills and to examine the influence of gender on learning outcomes. We randomly assigned 79 s year medical students (55 women, 24 men) to one of four groups: peer teaching (PT), peer teaching using Peyton's four-step approach (PPT), team based learning (TBL) and video-based learning (VBL). All groups received theoretical and practical hands-on training according to the different approaches. Using a pre-post-design we assessed differences in theoretical knowledge [multiple choice (MC) exam], practical skills (Objective Structured Practical Examination, OSPE) and evaluation results with respect to gender. There was a significant gain in theoretical knowledge for all students. There were no relevant differences between the four groups regarding the MC exam and OSPE results. The majority of students achieved good or very good results. Acceptance of the peer-teaching concept was moderate and all students preferred medical experts to peer tutors even though the overall rating of the instructors was fairly good. Students in the Video group would have preferred a different training method. There was no significant effect of gender on evaluation results. Using different peer-teaching concepts proved to be effective in teaching basic echocardiography. Gender does not seem to have an impact on effectiveness of the instructional approach. Qualitative analysis revealed limited acceptance of peer teaching and especially of video-based instruction.

International normalized ratio (INR) testing in Europe: between-laboratory comparability of test results obtained by Quick and Owren reagents.

PubMed

Meijer, Piet; Kynde, Karin; van den Besselaar, Antonius M H P; Van Blerk, Marjan; Woods, Timothy A L

2018-04-12

This study was designed to obtain an overview of the analytical quality of the prothrombin time, reported as international normalized ratio (INR) and to assess the variation of INR results between European laboratories, the difference between Quick-type and Owren-type methods and the effect of using local INR calibration or not. In addition, we assessed the variation in INR results obtained for a single donation in comparison with a pool of several plasmas. A set of four different lyophilized plasma samples were distributed via national EQA organizations to participating laboratories for INR measurement. Between-laboratory variation was lower in the Owren group than in the Quick group (on average: 6.7% vs. 8.1%, respectively). Differences in the mean INR value between the Owren and Quick group were relatively small (<0.20 INR). Between-laboratory variation was lower after local INR calibration (CV: 6.7% vs. 8.6%). For laboratories performing local calibration, the between-laboratory variation was quite similar for the Owren and Quick group (on average: 6.5% and 6.7%, respectively). Clinically significant differences in INR results (difference in INR>0.5) were observed between different reagents. No systematic significant differences in the between-laboratory variation for a single-plasma sample and a pooled plasma sample were observed. The comparability for laboratories using local calibration of their thromboplastin reagent is better than for laboratories not performing local calibration. Implementing local calibration is strongly recommended for the measurement of INR.

Consistent inter-individual differences in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in Boldness-Shyness, Stress-Activity, and Exploration-Avoidance.

PubMed

Šlipogor, Vedrana; Gunhold-de Oliveira, Tina; Tadić, Zoran; Massen, Jorg J M; Bugnyar, Thomas

2016-09-01

The study of animal personality, defined as consistent inter-individual differences in correlated behavioral traits stable throughout time and/or contexts, has recently become one of the fastest growing areas in animal biology, with study species ranging from insects to non-human primates. The latter have, however, only occasionally been tested with standardized experiments. Instead their personality has usually been assessed using questionnaires. Therefore, this study aimed to test 21 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) living in three family groups, in five different experiments, and their corresponding controls. We found that behavioral differences between our animals were not only consistent over time, but also across different contexts. Moreover, the consistent behaviors formed a construct of four major non-social personality components: Boldness-Shyness in Foraging, Boldness-Shyness in Predation, Stress-Activity, and Exploration-Avoidance. We found no sex or age differences in these components, but our results did reveal differences in Exploration-Avoidance between the three family groups. As social environment can have a large influence on behavior of individuals, our results may suggest group-level similarity in personality (i.e., "group personality") in common marmosets, a species living in highly cohesive social groups. Am. J. Primatol. 78:961-973, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Examination of the Difference in Medical Treatment Contents According to Major Diagnostic Category of Hospital Group I and Group II Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination Survey Data].

PubMed

Nakajima, Hisato; Yano, Kouya; Nagasawa, Kaoko; Kobayashi, Eiji; Yokota, Kuninobu

2015-01-01

A difference in the medical treatment situation between the first group and the second group of the hospital group in the DPC system was clarified using Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) survey data according to Major Diagnostic Category (MDC). Furthermore, the division between the first group and the second group was examined. DPC survey data collected in 2012 was used. According to MDC, significant differences in the patient ratio of hospitalization, the number of planned hospitalizations, the number of emergency hospitalizations, the number of ambulance conveyances, and the number of treatments were considered. Then, by the Mahalanobis-Taguchi method, distributions of the Mahalanobis distance and item choice according to MDC were considered. Many items according to MDC showed significant differences between the first group and the second group. The Mahalanobis distance was increased by MDC 16 disease when divided by the Mahalanobis distance of 1.0 between the first group and the second group. The item, which contributed to the calculation of the Mahalanobis distance by item choice, varied and showed a difference between the first group and the second group. The second group was authorized by the hospital followed by the first group. However, the results showed significant differences in the number of DPC survey data and the Mahalanobis distance of many items.

A Study Demonstrating the Quantitative Relationship Between Internal Thoracic Artery Length and Free Flow.

PubMed

Gode, Safa; Sen, Onur; Kadirogulları, Ersin; Reyhancan, Adem; Kyaruzi, Mugisha; Satılmısoglu, Muhammet Hulusi; Erkanlı, Korhan

2017-08-09

The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) is the most commonly used arterial bypass conduit in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients and inadequate LITA flow can result in an increase in morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the effect of excision of the distal spasmodic segment of the LITA on the free flow in CABG patients. This study consisted of 47 patients who underwent elective CABG performed with or without other cardiac surgery, between July 2015 and December 2015. Excised LITA length was shorter than 15mm in group 1, between 15mm and 30mm in group 2 and longer than 30mm in group 3. Left ITA free flow was measured for 60seconds into a container before and after the distal LITA excision. The inter-measurement differences were calculated for the three groups. Thereafter, the comparison was performed in terms of free flow difference amongst the three groups. The mean difference of LITA free flow was 27.6±22.7ml/minute in group 1, 35.4±26.7ml/minute in group 2, and 52.6±26.1ml/minute in group 3. There were significant differences in terms of free flow difference between the groups (p=0.008). Also, differences were statistically significant in group 1 versus group 3 (p=0.003) and group 2 versus group 3 (p=0.038) in the intergroup comparisons. The distal part of the LITA has more spasmodic potential than other segments. This spasm may result in low flow of LITA grafts. Therefore, an as long as possible excision of the distal LITA segment may be required to avoid the spasmodic effect. Copyright © 2017 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Voice change in end-stage renal disease patients after hemodialysis: correlation of subjective hoarseness and objective acoustic parameters.

PubMed

Jung, Soo Yeon; Ryu, Jung-Hwa; Park, Hae Sang; Chung, Sung Min; Ryu, Dong-Ryeol; Kim, Han Su

2014-03-01

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are treated with hemodialysis (HD) frequently complain about hoarseness after completion of each HD session. The HD treatment affects laryngeal volume and muscle function. This study attempted to evaluate the vocal effect of HD by acoustic and aerodynamic analysis and to determine the difference between voice change group (VCG) and nonvoice change group (NVCG). A total of 55 patients (34 females and 21 males) diagnosed with ESRD and undergoing outpatient HD were enrolled. The subjects were divided into the VCG (n=13) and NVCG (n=42) by the change of the Korean Voice Handicap Index score. Patients underwent weighing and acoustic, aerodynamic analysis before and after the HD. Fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonics ratio (NHR), pitch range, habitual pitch, voice energy, and maximal phonation time (MPT) were obtained. The pre- and post-HD data were compared using paired t test. The results were compared after dividing the total group into the VCG and NVCG categories. Correlation between the change of the weight and change of the voice analysis result was certified by Pearson correlation coefficient. The F0 and habitual pitch increased in all subjects. The NHR and MPT parameters significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the NVCG group, all the results were same as the total group. In the VCG group, the NHR result differed from the total group. All acoustic parameters showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. There was no correlation between the weight change (%) and the change of acoustic parameter results. The NVCG group of patient displayed improvement in NHR, whereas the VCG group showed no change. Weight change did not significantly correlate with the voice analysis results. Copyright © 2014 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Perceptual grouping and attention: not all groupings are equal.

PubMed

Kimchi, Ruth; Razpurker-Apfeld, Irene

2004-08-01

We examined grouping under inattention using Driver, Davis, Russell, Turatto, & Freeman's (2001) method. On each trial, two successive displays were briefly presented, each comprising a central target square surrounded by elements. The task was to judge whether the two targets were the same or different. The organization of the background elements stayed the same or changed, independently of the targets. In different conditions, background elements grouped into columns/rows by color similarity, a shape (a triangle/arrow, a square/cross, or a vertical/horizontal line) by color similarity, and a shape with no other elements in the background. We measured the influence of the background on the target same-different judgments. The results imply that background elements grouped into columns/rows by color similarity and into a shape when no segregation from other elements was involved and the shape was relatively "good." In contrast, no background grouping was observed when resolving figure-ground relations for segregated units was required, as in grouping into a shape by color similarity. These results suggest that grouping is a multiplicity of processes that vary in their attentional demands. Regardless of attentional demands, the products of grouping are not available to awareness without attention.

Different pain responses to chronic and acute pain in various ethnic/racial groups.

PubMed

Rahavard, Behnoosh B; Candido, Kenneth D; Knezevic, Nebojsa Nick

2017-09-01

Our goal in this study was to review the similarities and differences among ethnic groups and their respective responses to acute and chronic clinically related and experimentally induced pain. In this review, the PUBMED and Google-Scholar databases were searched to analyze articles that have assessed the variations in both acute and chronic pain responses among different ethnic/racial groups. According to the results from 42 reviewed articles, significant differences exist among ethnic-racial groups for pain prevalence as well as responses to acute and chronic pain. Compared with Caucasians, other ethnic groups are more susceptible to acute pain responses to nociceptive stimulation and to the development of long-term chronic pain. These differences need to be addressed and assessed more extensively in the future in order to minimize the pain management disparities among various ethnic-racial groups and also to improve the relationship between pain management providers and their patients.

Investigation of the influence of emotions on working memory capacity using ERP and ERSP.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Gaoyan; Liu, Baolin

2017-08-15

Recent studies have reported that there are individual differences in working memory (WM), and that WM may be affected by emotions. To date, it remains controversial whether emotions impair or facilitate WM and whether there are individual differences in their effect on WM. In this study, three emotions (negative, neutral, and positive) were induced by a video database that was established according to the emotional stimuli habit of Chinese people. A change detection paradigm was used to examine the effect of emotions on the visual WM. Participants were divided into high- and low-capacity groups according to their WM capacity. The behavioral results revealed that both negative and positive emotions may enhance WM capacity in the high-capacity group compared with the neutral emotion. In contrast, an opposite effect was observed in the low-capacity group. Analysis of the contralateral delay activity and P300 components demonstrated significantly higher amplitudes in the high-capacity group following positive and negative emotions; the effects were opposite in the low-capacity group. The event-related spectral perturbation results demonstrated a more powerful event-related synchronization in the alpha-band (300-400ms) in the low-capacity group in positive and negative emotions; opposite results were observed in the high-capacity group. The consistence of the behavioral and electrophysiological results suggests interindividual differences in the impact of emotions on the WM capacity. Moreover, both positive and negative emotions can facilitate WM capacity in the high-capacity group, while they impair WM capacity in the low-capacity group. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of Biofeedback in Optimizing Psychomotor Performance in Sports

PubMed Central

Paul, Maman; Garg, Kanupriya; Singh Sandhu, Jaspal

2012-01-01

Purpose Biofeedback is an emerging tool to acquire and facilitate physiological and psychological domains of the human body like response time and concentration. Thus, the present study aims at determining the reconstitution of psychomotor and performance skills in basketball players through biofeedback training. Methods Basketball players (N=30) with different levels of expertise (university, state and national) aged 18-28 years (both male and female) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups - Experimental group, Placebo group and Control group. The experimental group received Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback training for 10 consecutive days for 20 minutes that included breathing at individual's resonant frequency through a pacing stimulus; Placebo group was shown motivational video clips for 10 consecutive days for 10 minutes, whereas Control group was not given any intervention. At session 1, 10 and 1month follow up, heart rate variability, respiration rate, response time (reaction and movement time), concentration and shooting performance were assessed. Results Two way repeated measure ANOVA was used to simultaneously compare within and between group differences. Response time, concentration, heart rate variability, respiration rate and shooting differences were statistically significant in each group along with interaction of group and time (P<0.001). Also, all the measures showed statistically significant inter group difference (P<0.05). Conclusion The results of the study suggest that biofeedback training may help to train stressed athletes to acquire a control over their psychophysiological processes, thus helping an athlete to perform maximally. PMID:22461963

The Role Of Neuropeptide Y (Npy) in Uncontrolled Alcohol Drinking and Relapse Behavior Resulting from Exposure to Stressful Events

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

as the pair-feeding procedure equated the volume of diet consumption between CD and ED groups, and because the CD and ED were calorically equated...there were no differences in caloric intake between groups given access to liquid diet . These observations reinforce the con- clusion the differences...group that received the CD versus the groups that received ED, and because caloric intake between diet groups were matched, reductions of a-MSH

Using Anchoring Vignettes to Assess Group Differences in General Self-Rated Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grol-Prokopczyk, Hanna; Freese, Jeremy; Hauser, Robert M.

2011-01-01

This article addresses a potentially serious problem with the widely used self-rated health (SRH) survey item: that different groups have systematically different ways of using the item's response categories. Analyses based on unadjusted SRH may thus yield misleading results. The authors evaluate anchoring vignettes as a possible solution to this…

Assessment of lecture strategy with different teaching AIDS.

PubMed

Kumar, Manoj; Saxena, Indu; Kumar, Jayballabh; Kumar, Gaurav; Kapoor, Sangeeta

2015-01-01

Medical/dental colleges in Northern India cater to students with diverse backgrounds, mother tongues, levels of comprehending English, and intelligence levels. This study was conducted to identify lecture strategy and teaching aid best suited for North Indian dental and medical students. It was conducted in two parts - 1. Survey of teachers' and students' opinion to obtain their preferences in teaching-learning practices followed in a conventional lecture, and 2. Comparison of students' performances after a single trial lecture with different groups of students, using different teaching aids (TAs). Opinions of 33 faculty teaching first year dental/ medical students and 506 volunteer students (320 female) were compiled. Students were divided into four groups. A single trial lecture was held with each group (on the same topic, using identical lesson plan, by the same teacher) using a different teaching aid with each group. Lecture strategy was designed according to students' preferences (as obtained from opinion survey) regarding language of instruction and the number of mental breaks. TAs used with different groups were chalk and board (C&B), PowerPoint (PPT), overhead projector (OHP), and a combination of C&B and PPT. Pre- and post-tests using multiple choice questions were conducted with each group. RESULTS of post-test questionnaire and feedback from faculty attending the lecture were assessed for students' satisfaction and attentiveness in all four groups. Survey results indicated that although 97.6% students believed they had good/fair proficiency in English, 83.6% preferred being taught in a combination of English and Hindi; 44.3% students preferred C&B, 40.1% preferred PPT and 15.6% preferred the use of OHP as TA. After conducting a trial lecture with different TAs with each group, more than 90% students expressed satisfaction with the TA used for that group. Significantly better performance was observed in the post-lecture test when C&B was used. The needs of students in India are different from those of their Western counterparts, and should be considered during didactic lectures to improve the students' understanding. Post-test results were better when C&B was used, as more students were attentive and/or took notes.

Effect of Inner Membrane Tearing in the Treatment of Adult Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

KAYACI, Selim; KANAT, Ayhan; KOKSAL, Vaner; OZDEMIR, Bulent

2014-01-01

The postoperative results of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) procedures using catheterization and tearing of inner membrane (CTIM) technique have not previously been discussed in the literature. This article compares the effects of CTIM technique on brain re-expansion and re-accumulation with cases operated on with a burr-hole craniotomy and outer membrane incision (BCOMI) technique. The study involved operations on 144 patients (Group 1) using the CTIM technique and 108 patients (Group 2) using the BCOMI technique. In the operations using the CTIM technique in Group 1, the mean effusion measured in the subdural space (SDS) was 10.0 ± 0.2 mm, and for Group 2, 14.3 ± 0.6 mm in the postoperative period on the first and third days and this difference was found to be significant (p < 0.05). The means were 6.6 ± 0.2 mm for Group 1 and 10.3 ± 0.5 mm for Group 2 on the seventh day (p < 0.05). Recurrence rate was 8.3% in Group 2 and 0 in Group 1. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0001). The length of hospital stay was 7.0 ± 0.1 days for the Group 1 and 8.8 ± 0.2 days for Group 2 and this difference was significant (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the CTIM technique is preferable because it results in earlier re-expansion, lower recurrence, less subdural effusion and pneumocephalus, and shorter hospital stays. PMID:24477064

Effect of inner membrane tearing in the treatment of adult chronic subdural hematoma: a comparative study.

PubMed

Kayaci, Selim; Kanat, Ayhan; Koksal, Vaner; Ozdemir, Bulent

2014-01-01

The postoperative results of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) procedures using catheterization and tearing of inner membrane (CTIM) technique have not previously been discussed in the literature. This article compares the effects of CTIM technique on brain re-expansion and re-accumulation with cases operated on with a burr-hole craniotomy and outer membrane incision (BCOMI) technique. The study involved operations on 144 patients (Group 1) using the CTIM technique and 108 patients (Group 2) using the BCOMI technique. In the operations using the CTIM technique in Group 1, the mean effusion measured in the subdural space (SDS) was 10.0 ± 0.2 mm, and for Group 2, 14.3 ± 0.6 mm in the postoperative period on the first and third days and this difference was found to be significant (p < 0.05). The means were 6.6 ± 0.2 mm for Group 1 and 10.3 ± 0.5 mm for Group 2 on the seventh day (p < 0.05). Recurrence rate was 8.3% in Group 2 and 0 in Group 1. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0001). The length of hospital stay was 7.0 ± 0.1 days for the Group 1 and 8.8 ± 0.2 days for Group 2 and this difference was significant (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the CTIM technique is preferable because it results in earlier re-expansion, lower recurrence, less subdural effusion and pneumocephalus, and shorter hospital stays.

Effects of motor imagery and action observation on hand grip strength, electromyographic activity and intramuscular oxygenation in the hand gripping gesture: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Losana-Ferrer, Alejandro; Manzanas-López, Sergio; Cuenca-Martínez, Ferran; Paris-Alemany, Alba; La Touche, Roy

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of motor imagery and action observation combined with a hand grip strength program on the forearm muscles. Sixty subjects were selected and randomized into three groups: motor imagery (n = 20), action observation (n = 20), or a control group (n = 20). Outcome measures included hand grip strength, electromyographical activity and intramuscular oxygenation. The hand grip strength significantly increased in the motor imagery (p < .001) and action observation (p < .001) groups compared with the control group, although there were no differences between the both groups (p = .30). In the electromyographical activity, intra-group significant differences were found in motor imagery (p = .002) and action observation (p = .003) groups, although there were no differences between the both groups (p = 1.00) Intramuscular oxygenation results did not show any statistically significant differences between any of the study groups (p > .05). Our results suggest that both motor imagery and action observation training, combined with a hand grip strength program, present a significant strength gain and significant change in the strength and electromyographical activity of the forearm muscles, however no change was found in intramuscular oxygenation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mobile Romberg test assessment (mRomberg).

PubMed

Galán-Mercant, Alejandro; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I

2014-09-12

The diagnosis of frailty is based on physical impairments and clinicians have indicated that early detection is one of the most effective methods for reducing the severity of physical frailty. Maybe, an alternative to the classical diagnosis could be the instrumentalization of classical functional testing, as Romberg test or Timed Get Up and Go Test. The aim of this study was (I) to measure and describe the magnitude of accelerometry values in the Romberg test in two groups of frail and non-frail elderly people through instrumentation with the iPhone 4®, (II) to analyse the performances and differences between the study groups, and (III) to analyse the performances and differences within study groups to characterise accelerometer responses to increasingly difficult challenges to balance. This is a cross-sectional study of 18 subjects over 70 years old, 9 frail subjects and 9 non-frail subjects. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons in means values derived from different tasks. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to analyse differences between different variants of the test in both independent study groups. The highest difference between groups was found in the accelerometer values with eyes closed and feet parallel: maximum peak acceleration in the lateral axis (p < 0.01), minimum peak acceleration in the lateral axis (p < 0.01) and minimum peak acceleration from the resultant vector (p < 0.01). Subjects with eyes open and feet parallel, greatest differences found between the groups were in the maximum peak acceleration in the lateral axis (p < 0.01), minimum peak acceleration in the lateral axis (p < 0.01) and minimum peak acceleration from the resultant vector (p < 0.001). With eyes closed and feet in tandem, the greatest differences found between the groups were in the minimum peak acceleration in the lateral axis (p < 0.01). The accelerometer fitted in the iPhone 4® is able to study and analyse the kinematics of the Romberg test between frail and non-frail elderly people. In addition, the results indicate that the accelerometry values also were significantly different between the frail and non-frail groups, and that values from the accelerometer accelerometer increased as the test was made more complicated.

Rural women, technology, and self-management of chronic illness.

PubMed

Weinert, Clarann; Cudney, Shirley; Hill, Wade G

2008-09-01

The objective of this study was to determine the differences in the psychosocial status of 3 groups of chronically ill rural women participating in a computer intervention. The 3 groups were: intense intervention, less-intense intervention, and control. At baseline and following the intervention, measures were taken for social support, self-esteem, empowerment, self-efficacy, depression, stress, and loneliness. ANCOVA results showed group differences for social support and self-efficacy among the overall group. The findings differed for a vulnerable subgroup, with significant between-group differences for social support and loneliness. It was concluded that a computer-delivered intervention can improve social support and self-efficacy and reduce loneliness in rural women, enhancing their ability to self-manage and adapt to chronic illness.

Effectiveness of Group Supervision versus Combined Group and Individual Supervision.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ray, Dee; Altekruse, Michael

2000-01-01

Investigates the effectiveness of different types of supervision (large group, small group, combined group, individual supervision) with counseling students (N=64). Analyses revealed that all supervision formats resulted in similar progress in counselor effectiveness and counselor development. Participants voiced a preference for individual…

Performance improvements from imagery: evidence that internal visual imagery is superior to external visual imagery for slalom performance

PubMed Central

Callow, Nichola; Roberts, Ross; Hardy, Lew; Jiang, Dan; Edwards, Martin Gareth

2013-01-01

We report three experiments investigating the hypothesis that use of internal visual imagery (IVI) would be superior to external visual imagery (EVI) for the performance of different slalom-based motor tasks. In Experiment 1, three groups of participants (IVI, EVI, and a control group) performed a driving-simulation slalom task. The IVI group achieved significantly quicker lap times than EVI and the control group. In Experiment 2, participants performed a downhill running slalom task under both IVI and EVI conditions. Performance was again quickest in the IVI compared to EVI condition, with no differences in accuracy. Experiment 3 used the same group design as Experiment 1, but with participants performing a downhill ski-slalom task. Results revealed the IVI group to be significantly more accurate than the control group, with no significant differences in time taken to complete the task. These results support the beneficial effects of IVI for slalom-based tasks, and significantly advances our knowledge related to the differential effects of visual imagery perspectives on motor performance. PMID:24155710

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on brain activation in stroke patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Chung, EunJung; Kim, Jung-Hee; Park, Dae-Sung; Lee, Byoung-Hee

2015-03-01

[Purpose] This study sought to determine the effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation (BCI-FES) on brain activation in patients with stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were randomized to in a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) group (n=5). [Methods] Patients in the BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for 30 minutes per day, 5 times under the brain-computer interface-based program. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same amount of time. [Results] The BCI-FES group demonstrated significant differences in the frontopolar regions 1 and 2 attention indexes, and frontopolar 1 activation index. The FES group demonstrated no significant differences. There were significant differences in the frontopolar 1 region activation index between the two groups after the interventions. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-FES training may be more effective in stimulating brain activation than only FES training in patients recovering from stroke.

Effects of Lordotic Angle of a Cage on Sagittal Alignment and Clinical Outcome in One Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Pedicle Screw Fixation

PubMed Central

Lee, Ji-Ho; Lee, Dong-Oh; Lee, Jae Hyup; Shim, Hee Jong

2015-01-01

This study aims to assess the differences in the radiological and clinical results depending on the lordotic angles of the cage in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). We reviewed 185 segments which underwent PLIF using two different lordotic angles of 4° and 8° of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage. The segmental lordosis and total lumbar lordosis of the 4° and 8° cage groups were compared preoperatively, as well as on the first postoperative day, 6th and 12th months postoperatively. Clinical assessment was performed using the ODI and the VAS of low back pain. The pre- and immediate postoperative segmental lordosis angles were 12.9° and 12.6° in the 4° group and 12° and 12.0° in the 8° group. Both groups exhibited no significant different segmental lordosis angle and total lumbar lordosis over period and time. However, the total lumbar lordosis significantly increased from six months postoperatively compared with the immediate postoperative day in the 8° group. The ODI and the VAS in both groups had no differences. Cages with different lordotic angles of 4° and 8° showed insignificant results clinically and radiologically in short-level PLIF surgery. Clinical improvements and sagittal alignment recovery were significantly observed in both groups. PMID:25685795

Comparison of surgical outcomes after pneumonectomy and pulmonary function-preserving surgery for non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Higuchi, Mitsunori; Takagi, Hironori; Ozaki, Yuki; Inoue, Takuya; Watanabe, Yuzuru; Yamaura, Takumi; Fukuhara, Mitsuro; Muto, Satoshi; Okabe, Naoyuki; Matsumura, Yuki; Hasegawa, Takeo; Osugi, Jun; Hoshino, Mika; Shio, Yutaka; Suzuki, Hiroyuki

2018-04-17

According to previous reports, lobectomy with bronchoplasty or angioplasty is a more feasible surgery than pneumonectomy for central-type non-small cell lung cancer. However, few studies have compared both the short- and long-term outcomes between pneumonectomy and pulmonary function-preserving surgery. From January 2004 to December 2015, 18 patients underwent pneumonectomy (Group PN) and 12 patients underwent pulmonary function-preserving surgery (group PS) at Fukushima Medical University Hospital. Clinicopathological factors were statistically compared between the two groups. The operation times in Group PN and Group PS were 285.9±27.9 and 271.3±99.2 min, respectively (p=0.613), while the amounts of intraoperative bleeding were 324.8±248.9 and 164.5±116.6 g, respectively (p=0.020). The duration of chest drainage and hospitalization after surgery in both groups were not significantly different but there was a tendency toward shorter periods of these durations in Group PS. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate in Group PN and PS was 51.4% and 74.1%, respectively, without a significant difference (p=0.298). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate in Group PN and PS was 52.5% and 56.6%, respectively, also without a significant difference (p=0.748). The 5-year OS rate was inferior to the 5-year DFS rate in Group PS, and the 5-year OS rate was not better than the 5-year DFS rate in Group PN. The short-term results were better in Group PS than PN. However, the long-term results in both groups were similar. Other causes of death influenced OS in both groups; this result might have been affected by the surgical procedures.

Metabolic Analysis of Various Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars from Saudi Arabia to Assess Their Nutritional Quality.

PubMed

Hamad, Ismail; AbdElgawad, Hamada; Al Jaouni, Soad; Zinta, Gaurav; Asard, Han; Hassan, Sherif; Hegab, Momtaz; Hagagy, Nashwa; Selim, Samy

2015-07-27

Date palm is an important crop, especially in the hot-arid regions of the world. Date palm fruits have high nutritional and therapeutic value and possess significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. In this study, we performed bioactivity analyses and metabolic profiling of date fruits of 12 cultivars from Saudi Arabia to assess their nutritional value. Our results showed that the date extracts from different cultivars have different free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities. Moreover, the cultivars showed significant differences in their chemical composition, e.g., the phenolic content (10.4-22.1 mg/100 g DW), amino acids (37-108 μmol·g-1 FW) and minerals (237-969 mg/100 g DW). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear separation of the cultivars into four different groups. The first group consisted of the Sokary, Nabtit Ali cultivars, the second group of Khlas Al Kharj, Khla Al Qassim, Mabroom, Khlas Al Ahsa, the third group of Khals Elshiokh, Nabot Saif, Khodry, and the fourth group consisted of Ajwa Al Madinah, Saffawy, Rashodia, cultivars. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed clustering of date cultivars into two groups. The first cluster consisted of the Sokary, Rashodia and Nabtit Ali cultivars, and the second cluster contained all the other tested cultivars. These results indicate that date fruits have high nutritive value, and different cultivars have different chemical composition.

Online depression communities: members' interests and perceived benefits.

PubMed

Nimrod, Galit

2013-01-01

Most previous studies on online communities (peer-to-peer support groups) dedicated to people with depression related to members as a homogeneous group, and none examined differences between segments based on psychographic measures. Such segmentation may be most helpful in understanding members' participation patterns and explaining the benefits members gain from participation. This study aimed to explore whether members of online depression communities vary in their interests in issues discussed in the communities, and if so, whether groups with different interests also differ with regard to the benefits gained from participation. The study was based on an online survey of 793 members of 16 online depression communities. Results identified four member groups: concerned about daily living, information seekers, interested in all topics, and relatively less involved. There were very few differences between the groups in background characteristics, participation patterns, and level of depression. However, results indicated significant differences between the groups in perceived benefits, as the interested in all topics reported more "online support" and "offline improvement" than the information seekers and the relatively less involved, and more "offline improvement" than the concerned about daily living. Assuming that the reported interests reflected actual involvement in discussions of different issues, the findings suggest that combining supportive and informative discussions is more beneficial than attending to only one type of discussion, and stress the importance of informative discussions.

The effectiveness of digital microscopy as a teaching tool in medical laboratory science curriculum.

PubMed

Castillo, Demetra

2012-01-01

A fundamental component to the practice of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is the microscope. While traditional microscopy (TM) is gold standard, the high cost of maintenance has led to an increased demand for alternative methods, such as digital microscopy (DM). Slides embedded with blood specimens are converted into a digital form that can be run with computer driven software. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of digital microscopy as a teaching tool in the field of Medical Laboratory Science. Participants reviewed known study slides using both traditional and digital microscopy methods and were assessed using both methods. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 performed TM as the primary method and DM as the alternate. Group 2 performed DM as the primary and TM as the alternate. Participants performed differentials with their primary method, were assessed with both methods, and then performed differentials with their alternate method. A detailed assessment rubric was created to determine the accuracy of student responses through comparison of clinical laboratory and instructor results. Student scores were reflected as a percentage correct from these methods. This assessment was done over two different classes. When comparing results between methods for each, independent of the primary method used, results were not statistically different. However, when comparing methods between groups, Group 1 (n = 11) (TM = 73.79% +/- 9.19, DM = 81.43% +/- 8.30; paired t10 = 0.182, p < 0.001) showed a significant difference from Group 2 (n = 14) (TM = 85.64% +/- 5.30, DM = 85.91% +/- 7.62; paired t13 = 3.647, p = 0.860). In the subsequent class, results between both groups (n = 13, n = 16, respectively) did not show any significant difference between groups (Group 1 TM = 86.38% +/- 8.17, Group 1 DM = 88.69% +/- 3.86; paired t12 = 1.253, p = 0.234; Group 2 TM = 86.75% +/- 5.37, Group 2 DM = 86.25% +/- 7.01, paired t15 = 0.280, p = 0.784). The data suggest that DM is comparable to TM. DM could be used as an enhancement model after foundational information was provided using TM.

Who we were and who we will be: the temporal context of women's in-group stereotype content.

PubMed

Morton, Thomas A; Rabinovich, Anna; Postmes, Tom

2012-06-01

Research has elaborated considerably on the dimensions of out-group stereotype content and on the origins and functions of different content combinations. Less attention has been given to the origins and functions of in-group stereotype content. We argue that in-group stereotypes are likely to serve different social identity functions, and thus attract different content, dependent on individual differences in in-group identification and on the temporal perspective of the perceiver. Two studies (Ns = 43 and 93) found that women's in-group stereotype content varied as a function of gender group identification and temporal perspective. When the past was primed, highly identified women generated stereotypes that emphasized the warmth (but not competence) of their group. When the future was primed, highly identified women generated stereotypes that emphasized the competence (as well as warmth) of their group. These results are discussed in terms of the use of stereotypes for social creativity versus social change. © 2012 The British Psychological Society.

Comparison of effectiveness of Calendula officinalis extract gel with lycopene gel for treatment of tobacco-induced homogeneous leukoplakia: A randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Singh, Manisha; Bagewadi, Anjana

2017-01-01

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of Calendula officinalis gel as cost-effective treatment modality in comparison to lycopene gel in the treatment of leukoplakia. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of sixty patients of clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of homogeneous leukoplakia which were divided into Group I and Group II with thirty patients each. Group I patients were dispensed C. officinalis extract gel whereas Group II patients were given lycopene gel. The therapy was instituted for 1 month to assess the change in the size of the lesion at the baseline and posttreatment. Results: The results revealed a statistically significant difference in both Group I and Group II when the pre- and post-treatment results were compared in the same group. The mean difference in the reduction in size before and after treatment for Group I was 2.0% ±1.0 cm while for the Group II, it was 1.57% ±0.87 cm. The intergroup comparison for the evaluation of reduction in the size of the lesion did not reveal statistically significant results. Conclusion: C. officinalis extract gel can be effectively used as an alternative to conventional treatment modality. PMID:28929051

The protective effect of intratympanic dexamethasone on streptomycin ototoxicity in rats.

PubMed

Gül, Aylin; Şengül, Engin; Yılmaz, Beyhan; Özkurt, Fazıl Emre; Akdağ, Mehmet; Keleş, Ayşenur; Topçu, İsmail

2017-06-01

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the protective role of intratympanically administered dexamethasone on the inner ears of rats that were exposed to streptomycin ototoxicity. Twenty-four adult Wistar albino rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1 (only streptomycin), Group 2 (only intratympanic dexamethasone), Group 3 (streptomycin and intratympanic dexamethasone), and Group 4 (streptomycin and intratympanic saline). All rats were evaluated with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) tests before the start of treatment and on the day it ended. On the 45th day, after the final DPOAE tests, animals of all groups were sacrificed under general anesthesia. The differences between the amplitudes of DPOAE results were determined, and hearing results were statistically analyzed. Also, the cochleas of each rat were histopathologically evaluated under a light microscope with hematoxylin and eosin staining. In the intratympanic dexamethasone group it was observed that cochlear hair cells were mostly protected. No significant difference was seen between the DPOAE results before and after treatment (p >0.05). On the other hand, loss was observed in the hearing functions and hair cells of the rats that received streptomycin and streptomycin plus intratympanic saline (p <0.05). In the streptomycin plus intratympanic dexamethasone group, the cochlear hair cells were partially protected. A significant difference was observed when the DPOAE results (DP-grams) of the streptomycin plus intratypmanic dexamethasone group were compared to those of the streptomycin plus intratympanic saline group (p <0.05). After the experimental study, ototoxic effects of the administration of streptomycin and intratympanic dexamethasone were observed on the rats' cochlear hair cells. We conclude that intratympanic dexamethasone has protective effects against this cochlear damage in rats.

Factors inducing falling in schizophrenia patients

PubMed Central

Tsuji, Yoko; Akezaki, Yoshiteru; Mori, Kohei; Yuri, Yoshimi; Katsumura, Hitomi; Hara, Tomihiro; Usui, Yuki; Fujino, Yoritaka; Nomura, Takuo; Hirao, Fumio

2017-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors causing falling among patients with schizophrenia hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were divided into either those having experienced a fall within the past one year (Fall group, 12 patients) and those not having experienced a fall (Non-fall group, 7 patients), and we examined differences between the two groups. Assessment items measured included muscle strength, balance ability, flexibility, body composition assessment, Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF), the antipsychotic drug intake, and Drug Induced Extra-Pyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS). [Results] As a result, significant differences were observed in regard to One leg standing time with eyes open, Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), and DIEPSS Sialorrhea between the Fall group and the Non-fall group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that a decrease in balance ability was significantly correlated with falling in schizophrenia patients. PMID:28356628

Erythrocyte enzymes in groups of Rattus norvegicus with genetic differences in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels.

PubMed

Noble, N A; Tanaka, K R

1979-01-01

1. A major locus with two alleles is responsible for large differences in erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) levels in Rattus norvegicus. Blood from homozygous High-DPG, homozygous Low-DPG and heterozygous animals was used to measure blood indices and red cell enzyme activities. 2. Significant differences between groups were found in DPG levels, white blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. 3. The results suggest that none of the red cell enzymes assayed is structurally or quantitatively different in the three groups.

Reputation Management in Children on the Autism Spectrum.

PubMed

Cage, Eilidh; Bird, Geoffrey; Pellicano, Elizabeth

2016-12-01

Being able to manage reputation is an important social skill, but it is unclear whether autistic children can manage reputation. This study investigated whether 33 autistic children matched to 33 typical children could implicitly or explicitly manage reputation. Further, we examined whether cognitive processes-theory of mind, social motivation, inhibitory control and reciprocity-contribute to reputation management. Results showed that neither group implicitly managed reputation, and there was no group difference in explicit reputation management. Results suggested different mechanisms contribute to reputation management in these groups-social motivation in typical children and reciprocity in autistic children. Explicit reputation management is achievable for autistic children, and there are individual differences in its relationship to underlying cognitive processes.

Effects of repetitive subconcussive head trauma on the neuropsychological test performance of high school athletes: A comparison of high, moderate, and low contact sports.

PubMed

Tsushima, William T; Ahn, Hyeong Jun; Siu, Andrea M; Yoshinaga, Kara; Choi, So Yung; Murata, Nathan M

2018-02-02

The aim of this study was to examine the neuropsychological test results of non-concussed high school athletes playing at three different levels of contact sports. Based on the concussion risk data of 12 different sports, a High Contact group (n=2819; wrestling/martial arts, cheerleading, track and field, football), a Moderate Contact group (n=2323; softball, basketball, soccer), and a Low Contact group (n=1580; baseball, volleyball, water polo, tennis, cross-country) were formed and compared in terms of their scores on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). The results revealed that the High Contact group obtained small but statistically poorer performances in ImPACT Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed, Impulse Control, and Total Symptom scores compared to the Moderate and Low Contact groups. The High Contact group also had poorer Reaction Time scores compared to the Low Contact group. No differences between the Moderate and Low Contact groups were noted. The findings, along with prior similar results, tentatively raise concerns that participant in high contact sports, exposed to repetitive subconcussive head trauma, may be at greater risk for lowered neuropsychological functioning and increased symptoms, compared to other high school athletes. In view of the preliminary nature of this investigation, more research into the effects of frequent head impacts in high school sports is strongly recommended.

Evaluation of the surface roughness of three heat-cured acrylic denture base resins with different conventional lathe polishing techniques: A comparative study.

PubMed

Rao, Duggineni Chalapathi; Kalavathy, N; Mohammad, H S; Hariprasad, A; Kumar, C Ravi

2015-01-01

Surface roughness promotes adhesion and colonization of denture plaque. Therefore, it is important to know the effects of polishing and finishing on the surface roughness of various acrylic resin materials. To evaluate and compare the effects of different conventional lathe polishing techniques on heat cured acrylic resins in producing surface roughness. Three different commercially available heat-cured acrylic resin materials namely DPI, Meliodent and Trevalon Hi were selected. 30 Specimens of each acrylic material (30 x 3 = 90, 10 x 60 x 2mm) were prepared and divided into 5 groups, each group consisted of 6 Nos. of specimens per material(6x3=18) and were grouped as Group A(unfinished), Group B (finished), Group C (Polishing Paste), Group D (Polishing Cake) and Group E (Pumice and Gold rouge). The resulted surface roughness (μm) was measured using Perthometer and observed under Scanning Electron Microscope. The values obtained were subjected statistical analyses. Among the materials tested, better results were obtained with Trevalon Hi followed by Meliodent and DPI. Among the polishing methods used, superior results were obtained with universal polishing paste followed by polishing cake; Pumice and Gold rouge. Although Pumice and Gold rouge values produced greater roughness value, they were well within the threshold value of 0.2 mm.

The assessment of the impact of socio-economic factors in accepting cancer using the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS).

PubMed

Czerw, Aleksandra I; Bilińska, Magdalena; Deptała, Andrzej

2016-01-01

The paper presents the results of examining the level of acceptance of the illness in cancer patients using the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). The study involved cancer patients treated at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry the Interior in Warsaw in 2014. The questionnaire comprised basic demographic questions (socio-economic factors) and the AIS test estimating the level of illness acceptance in patients. For the group of patients in the research group, the arithmetic mean amounted to 27.56 points. The period of time that elapsed between the first cancer diagnosis and the start of the study did not influence the score of accepting illness. The acceptance of illness in patients diagnosed with metastases differed from the acceptance of illness by patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Females obtained the average of 29.59 in the AIS test, whereas the average in male patients was 26.17. The patients' age did not impact the AIS test. There were no differences in the AIS test results between a group of people with secondary education and a group of people with higher education. There were no differences in the AIS test results between employed individuals versus pensioners. The inhabitants of cities were characterized by the highest degree of acceptance of their health condition. The lowest degree of acceptance of illness was observed in the group with the lowest average incomes. In the group of married individuals the average degree of acceptance of illness amounted to 27.37 points. The average degree of acceptance of illness in patients that declared themselves as single amounted to 25.75. The average degree of acceptance of illness in the study group was 27.56 points, which is a relatively high level of acceptance of cancer. The main socio-economic factor, which influenced the AIS test results was whether metastases were diagnosed or not. There were no differences between patients in groups where the time that elapsed from the first diagnosis of cancer varied. There were no statistical differences between female and male patients as well as patients of different age. Additionally, the level of education and patients' professional status did not impact in the AIS test results.

Comparative evaluation of canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness between WaveOne and ProTaper rotary by using cone beam computed tomography: An in vitro study

PubMed Central

Jain, Aditi; Asrani, Hemant; Singhal, Abhinav Chand; Bhatia, Taranjeet Kaur; Sharma, Vaibhav; Jaiswal, Pragya

2016-01-01

Aims: To compare the canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness of WaveOne and ProTaper systems using cone beam computed tomography. Subjects and Methods: Forty extracted human single-rooted premolars were used in the present study. Preinstrumentation scanning of all teeth was taken; canal curvatures were calculated, and the samples were randomly divided into two groups, with twenty samples in each group; one group was instrumented with WaveOne system and the other group with ProTaper rotary system. Postinstrumentation scans were performed, and the two scans were compared to determine canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the root apex. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's unpaired t-test. Results: Using Student's unpaired t-test, results were as follows: for canal transportation, Group 1 showed significant difference at 3 mm and 6 mm and insignificant difference at 9 mm while Group 2 showed insignificant difference in all the three regions. For centering ability and remaining dentin thickness, Group 1 showed insignificant difference at 3 mm and 9 mm while significant difference at 6 mm was obtained. When comparison of remaining dentin thickness was done at three levels using two groups WaveOne and ProTaper, there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusions: (1) WaveOne single reciprocation file system respected better canal anatomy better than ProTaper. (2) Individually, centering ability of WaveOne was better at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm levels. (3) However, ProTaper individually was better centered at 3 mm (apical third) and 9 mm (coronal 3rd) levels than 6 mm level (middle third). PMID:27656063

[Technique of thulium laser in managing bladder cuff in nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelium carcinoma].

PubMed

Pang, Kun; Sun, Xiao-Wen; Liu, Shi-Bo; Li, Wei-Guo; Shao, Yi; Zhuo, Jian; Wei, Hai-Bin; Xia, Shu-Jie

2012-11-13

To explore the application of thulium laser (2 µm laser) in managing bladder cuff in nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelium carcinoma (UUT-UC). The medical records of 56 patients undergoing nephroureterectomy at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The operative indicators, oncologic outcomes and clinicopathologic data were compared among the groups of open surgery (Group A), electric coagulation (Group B) and thulium laser technique (Group C). Furthermore a model of burst pressure measurement was built to measure the different burst pressures of sealing distal ureter. The follow-up results: when the indicators of operative duration, intraoperative blood loss volume, removal time of drainage tube, removal time of catheter and hospital stays were compared among three groups, Group A had no statistical differences with Group B/C in terms of removal time of drainage tube and removal time of catheter. But significant statistical differences existed in terms of operative duration, intraoperative blood loss volume and hospital stays ((232 ± 52) vs (148 ± 47) and (130 ± 49) min, (358 ± 81) vs (136 ± 74) and (145 ± 70) ml, (13 ± 3) vs (11 ± 4) and (10 ± 3) d, all P < 0.05). No statistical differences existed between Groups B and C in terms of all the above indicators. Burst pressure measurement results: no statistical differences existed between Group C and B ((116 ± 21) vs (139 ± 32) cm H2O, P > 0.05). For the surgical treatment of UUT-UC, thulium laser technique has no difference in operation indicators and oncologic outcomes compared to open surgery. Besides, it has the advantages of improved spatial beam quality and more precise tissue incision.

Comparative Evaluation of the Auditory Responsiveness of Normal Infants and Profoundly Multihandicapped Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flexer, Carol; Gans, Donald P.

1985-01-01

Responses to sound were observed in two groups of children (one developmentally normal, the other older but profoundly multihandicapped). Results showed no significant differences between groups. In both groups, however, responsiveness was dependent on hearing level and bandwidth but not on meaningfulness. Results support the practice of…

Esophageal foreign bodies in adults with different durations of time from ingestion to effective treatment

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaowen; Jiang, Yan; Fu, Tao; Zhang, Xiaoheng; Tu, Chunmei

2017-01-01

Objective This study was performed to identify the differences in clinical characteristics, operative methods, complications, and postoperative hospitalization stays for adults with esophageal foreign bodies with different durations of time from ingestion to effective treatment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 221 patients with a diagnosis of a foreign body in the esophagus, confirmed by rigid esophagoscopy, flexible esophagoscopy, or surgery. The differences between the two groups (Group A, ≤24 hours from ingestion to effective treatment; Group B, >24 hours from ingestion to effective treatment) were analyzed. Results Sharp foreign bodies comprised the majority of objects in the two groups, including jujube pits, bones (excluding fish bones), fish bones, dentures, and seafood shells. Foreign bodies located in the upper esophagus were more commonly observed in Group A than B. Significant differences were observed in the complication rate and length of postoperative hospitalization stays. Adults with esophageal foreign bodies had a high complication rate. Conclusions Rigid esophagoscopy can be used to remove sharp and bulky foreign bodies if more effective methods are unavailable. Effective treatment within 24 hours resulted in fewer complications and shorter postoperative hospitalization stays. PMID:28606025

[Study on effects of bioelectric parameters of rats in electromagnetic radiation of HV transmission line].

PubMed

Zhang, Anying; Pang, Xiaofeng; Yuan, Ping

2007-02-01

With the development of economy and coming of information era, the chance of exposure to electromagnetic fields with various frequencies has been increased for every human. The effects of electromagnetic radiattion on human being's health are versatile. To study the effects of bioelctronic parameters of rats in the electromagnetic radiations of HV transmission line, EEG, ECG and CMAP were measured in rats exposed to simulating high-voltage transmission line electromagnetic radiation for over one year. Brain tissues were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that no significant difference between exposed group and control group in EEG; however the FT-infrared spectra of brain tissues were different; the ECG of the exposed animals was considerably altered. Significant slowing of heart rate was observed in those rates exposed to EMFs; the latent period of CMAP in exposed group were not different compared with those of control group however there was a significant difference in wave amplitude of CMAP between the exposed group and control group. All results indicated that there must be some effects on bioelectric parameters of rats exposed to electromagnetic radiation of high-voltage transmission line for a long time.

High-impact strength acrylic denture base material processed by autoclave.

PubMed

Abdulwahhab, Salwan Sami

2013-10-01

To investigate the effect of two different cycles of autoclave processing on the transverse strength, impact strength, surface hardness and the porosity of high-impact strength acrylic denture base material. High Impact Acryl was the heat-cured acrylic denture base material included in the study. A total of 120 specimens were prepared, the specimens were grouped into: control groups in which high-impact strength acrylic resins processed by conventional water-bath processing technique (74°C for 1.5 h then boil for 30 min) and experimental groups in which high-impact strength acrylic resins processed by autoclave at 121°C, 210 kPa .The experimental groups were divided into (fast) groups for 15 min, and (slow) groups for 30 min. To study the effect of the autoclave processing (Tuttnauer 2540EA), four tests were conducted transverse strength (Instron universal testing machine), impact strength (Charpy tester), surface hardness (shore D), and porosity test. The results were analyzed to ANOVA and LSD test. In ANOVA test, there were highly significant differences between the results of the processing techniques in transverse, impact, hardness, and porosity test. The LSD test showed a significant difference between control and fast groups in transverse and hardness tests and a non-significant difference in impact test and a highly significant difference in porosity test; while, there were a highly significant differences between control and slow groups in all examined tests; finally, there were a non-significant difference between fast and slow groups in transverse and porosity tests and a highly significant difference in impact and hardness tests. In the autoclave processing technique, the slow (long) curing cycle improved the tested physical and mechanical properties as compared with the fast (short) curing cycle. The autoclave processing technique improved the tested physical and mechanical properties of High Impact Acryl. Copyright © 2013 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Spanish medical and psycho-technical model within the context of the second directive (91/439/EEC). Results when conducted on a specific group of drivers (45-70 age range)].

PubMed

Montoro González, Luis; Mirabet Lis, Enrique

2003-01-01

Directive 91/439/EEC marked the start of what the European Economic Community driver's license is going to be like at some time in the future. However, differences currently exist with regard to the driver license eligibility requirements and renewal periods. This study provides the results of the physical and psychotechnical exam conducted on 606 drivers of the following characteristics: both males and females, aged between 45-70, revising the group 1 (B) license, and with a renewal period of less than 5 years. Five years later some of these qualified drivers were examined again in order to check changes with regard to previous exam results. Results show that 86.47% were qualified the same; 12.21% were qualified with some restriction and 1.65% was unqualified. By age groups, it was found that the older the applicants, the lower the percentage of those qualified and the higher the percentage of those qualified with some restriction (in the 45-49 age range, 93.19% are qualified, while the percentage qualified in the 65-69 age group is 67.35%). Within five years time, 11.13% of the qualified drivers had made some change in their status (9.98% qualified with some restriction, 1.15% unqualified), significant differences also having been found by age groups (in the 45-49 age group, 6.8% had change in status compared to 18.1% in the 65-69 age group). Therefore, differences can be said to exist between the different ages and the qualifications obtained to keep a driver's license, and a significant percentage of qualified drivers undergo some change in their eligibility within a minimum five-year period.

Targeting Functional Decline: Results from the Alzheimer’s Disease Multiple Intervention Trial

PubMed Central

Callahan, Christopher M.; Boustani, Malaz A.; Schmid, Arlene A.; LaMantia, Michael A.; Austrom, Mary G.; Miller, Douglas K.; Gao, Sujuan; Ferguson, Denisha Y.; Lane, Kathleen A.; Hendrie, Hugh C.

2017-01-01

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) results in progressive functional decline leading to loss of independence Objective To determine whether collaborative care plus two years of home-based occupational therapy delays functional decline Design Randomized controlled clinical trial Setting Urban public health system Patients 180 community-dwelling subjects who were diagnosed with AD and their informal caregivers Interventions All subjects received collaborative care for dementia. Intervention patients also received in-home occupational therapy delivered in 24 sessions over 2 years. Measurements The primary outcome measures was the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Studies Group Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS ADL); performance based measures included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Short Portable Sarcopenia Measure (SPSM) Results At baseline, there were no significant between group differences in clinical characteristics; the mean MMSE for both groups was 19 (SD=7). The intervention group received a median of 18 home visits from the study occupational therapists. Both groups declined in ADCS ADL scores over 24 months. At the primary endpoint of 24 months, there were no between group differences in ADCS ADL scores (mean difference 2.34, 95% CI −5.27, 9.96). We were also unable to definitively demonstrate between-group differences in the mean SPPB or SPSM. Limitations The results of this trial are indeterminate and do not rule out potentially clinically important effects of the intervention. Conclusions We were unable to definitively demonstrate whether the addition of two years of in-home occupational therapy to a collaborative care management model slows the rate of functional decline among persons with AD. This trial underscores the burden undertaken by family caregivers as they provide care for persons with AD and the difficulty in slowing functional decline. PMID:27893087

Double-layer versus single-layer bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized study with 3-year follow-up.

PubMed

Mei, Xiaoliang; Zhang, Zhenxiang; Yang, Jingwen

2016-12-01

To evaluate the clinical results of a randomized controlled trial of single-layer versus double-layer bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Fifty-eight subjects who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with a BPTB allograft were prospectively randomized into two groups: single-layer reconstruction (n = 31) and double-layer reconstruction (n = 27). The following evaluation methods were used: clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurement, muscle strength, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, subjective rating scale regarding patient satisfaction and sports performance level, graft retear, contralateral ACL tear, and additional meniscus surgery. Forty-eight subjects (24 in single-layer group and 24 in double-layer group) who were followed up for 3 years were evaluated. Preoperatively, there were no differences between the groups. At 3-year follow-up, the Lachman and pivot-shift test results were better in the double-layer group (P = 0.019 and P < 0.0001, respectively). KT measurements were better in the double-layer group (mean 2.9 versus 1.5 mm; P = 0.0025). The Tegner score was also better in the double-layer group (P = 0.024). There were no significant differences in range of motion, muscle strength, Lysholm score, subjective rating scale, graft retear, and secondary meniscal tear. In ACL reconstruction, double-layer BPTB reconstruction was significantly better than single-layer reconstruction regarding anterior and rotational stability at 3-year follow-up. The results of KT measurements and the Lachman and pivot-shift tests were significantly better in the double-layer group, whereas there was no difference in the anterior drawer test results. The Tegner score was also better in the double-layer group; however, there were no differences in the other subjective findings.

Dynamical signatures of isometric force control as a function of age, expertise, and task constraints.

PubMed

Vieluf, Solveig; Sleimen-Malkoun, Rita; Voelcker-Rehage, Claudia; Jirsa, Viktor; Reuter, Eva-Maria; Godde, Ben; Temprado, Jean-Jacques; Huys, Raoul

2017-07-01

From the conceptual and methodological framework of the dynamical systems approach, force control results from complex interactions of various subsystems yielding observable behavioral fluctuations, which comprise both deterministic (predictable) and stochastic (noise-like) dynamical components. Here, we investigated these components contributing to the observed variability in force control in groups of participants differing in age and expertise level. To this aim, young (18-25 yr) as well as late middle-aged (55-65 yr) novices and experts (precision mechanics) performed a force maintenance and a force modulation task. Results showed that whereas the amplitude of force variability did not differ across groups in the maintenance tasks, in the modulation task it was higher for late middle-aged novices than for experts and higher for both these groups than for young participants. Within both tasks and for all groups, stochastic fluctuations were lowest where the deterministic influence was smallest. However, although all groups showed similar dynamics underlying force control in the maintenance task, a group effect was found for deterministic and stochastic fluctuations in the modulation task. The latter findings imply that both components were involved in the observed group differences in the variability of force fluctuations in the modulation task. These findings suggest that between groups the general characteristics of the dynamics do not differ in either task and that force control is more affected by age than by expertise. However, expertise seems to counteract some of the age effects. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Stochastic and deterministic dynamical components contribute to force production. Dynamical signatures differ between force maintenance and cyclic force modulation tasks but hardly between age and expertise groups. Differences in both stochastic and deterministic components are associated with group differences in behavioral variability, and observed behavioral variability is more strongly task dependent than person dependent. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

The effects of impairments on employment and wages: estimates from the 1984 and 1990 SIPP.

PubMed

Baldwin, M L

1999-01-01

Unlike the minority groups covered by civil rights laws in the past, the disabled population is a heterogeneous group. Because of differences in the nature and onset of health conditions, it is important to study the labor market experiences of different impairment groups separately, rather than treating "disabled workers" as a single group. This article uses data from the 1984 and the 1990 panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation to analyze trends in the employment and wages of six impairment groups in the years immediately preceding the ADA. The results confirm the diversity of labor market experiences within the disabled population and suggest that policies designed to improve labor market outcomes for workers with disabilities in response to the ADA should be targeted to the different needs of different impairment groups.

Differential reporting of discriminatory experiences in Brazil and the United States.

PubMed

Burgard, Sarah; Castiglione, Debora de Pina; Lin, Katherine Y; Nobre, Aline A; Aquino, Estela M L; Pereira, Alexandre C; Bensenor, Isabela J Martins; Barreto, Sandhi M; Chor, Dora

2017-05-08

There has been little cross-national comparison of perceived discrimination, and few studies have considered how intersectional identities shape perception of discriminatory treatment in different societies. Using data from the ELSA-Brasil, a study of Brazilian civil servants, and the Americans' Changing Lives Study, a nationally-representative sample of U.S. adults, we compare reports of lifetime discrimination among race-by-gender groups in each society. We also consider whether educational attainment explains any group differences, or if differences across groups vary by level of education. Results reveal higher lifetime discrimination experiences among Black respondents in both countries, especially Black men, than among Whites, and lower reports among White women than White men. Brown men and women also reported higher levels than White men in Brazil. For all race-by-gender groups in both countries, except Brazilian White men, reports of discrimination were higher among the more educated, though adjusting for educational differences across groups did not explain group differences. In Brazil, we found the greatest racial disparities among the college educated, while U.S. Black men were more likely to report discrimination than White men at all levels of education. Results reveal broad similarities across countries, despite important differences in their histories, and an intersectional approach contributed to identification of these similarities and some differences in discrimination experiences. These findings have implications for social and public health surveillance and intervention to address the harmful consequences of discrimination.

Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of Ceramic Veneer with three different incisal design preparations - An In-vitro Study.

PubMed

Jankar, Ajit S; Kale, Yogesh; Kangane, Suresh; Ambekar, Anand; Sinha, Manish; Chaware, Sachin

2014-02-01

Ceramic veneer fracture has occurred mainly at the incisal edge of the veneer because of greater stress. This study compares and evaluates the fracture resistance ceramic veneers with three different incisal preparations. 15 human permanent maxillary central incisor extracted were selected which were divided into three groups of 5 each having a different Incial design Preparation. Group 1: No Incisal reduction with facio- incisal bevel, Group 2 : 1 mm incisal reduction with butt joint, Group 3 : 1 mm incisal reduction with 1 mm height of Palatal chamfer. It was found that Group III had greater fracture resistance as compared to Group I and Group II. Group I had least fracture resistance as compared to Group II and III. Group II had greater fracture resistance as compared to Group I but less than Group III. Ceramic veneer with 1mm incisal reduction with 1mm height of palatal chamfer showed highest fracture resistance as compared to 1mm incisal reduction with butt joint and no incisal reduction with facial-incisal bevel, in order to achieve better esthetic and functional results. The palatal chamfer margin results in preservation of some peripheral enamel layer, which eliminates the micro leakage at the palatal margin-restoration interface and also effectively counteracting shear stress. This design provides a definite seat for cementation. How to cite the article: Jankar AS, Kale Y, Kangane S, Ambekar A, Sinha M, Chaware S. Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of Ceramic Veneer with three different incisal design preparations - An In-vitro Study. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):48-54.

Pretests or advance organizers for Web-based allergy-immunology medical education? A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Rank, Matthew A; Volcheck, Gerald W; Swagger, Timothy; Cook, David A

2012-01-01

Web-based modules may facilitate instruction on core topics in allergy and immunology (AI). Pretests (PTs) have been shown to improve learning in Web-based courses, but their effectiveness in comparison with advance organizers (AOs) is unknown. We performed a randomized controlled trial of a Web-based educational intervention for teaching the practical aspects of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). AI Fellows-in-Training were randomly assigned to receive the introduction to the modules in an AO outline (AO group) or as PT questions (PT group). The primary outcome was the difference in posttest scores between groups. The secondary outcome was the difference in PT and posttest scores in the PT group. Thirty participants in the AO group and 35 in the PT group completed the modules and the posttest. The mean (SD) posttest score for the AO group was 74% (14%) compared with 73% (9%) for the PT group, a mean difference of -1% (95% CI, -7%, 5%; p = 0.67). A multivariate analysis controlling for year-in-training and total time spent on the modules revealed virtually identical results. The mean (SD) PT score for the PT group increased from 49 (10%) to 73% (9%), a mean difference of 24% (95% CI, 19%, 28%; p < 0.0001). Introducing Web-based allergy education with PT questions or an AO resulted in similar posttest scores. Posttest scores in the PT group improved significantly compared with PT scores.

Cultural differences are not always reducible to individual differences.

PubMed

Na, Jinkyung; Grossmann, Igor; Varnum, Michael E W; Kitayama, Shinobu; Gonzalez, Richard; Nisbett, Richard E

2010-04-06

We show that differences in social orientation and in cognition that exist between cultures and social classes do not necessarily have counterparts in individual differences within those groups. Evidence comes from a large-scale study conducted with 10 measures of independent vs. interdependent social orientation and 10 measures of analytic vs. holistic cognitive style. The social measures successfully distinguish between interdependence (viewing oneself as embedded in relations with others) and independence (viewing oneself as disconnected from others) at the group level. However, the correlations among the measures were negligible. Similar results were obtained for the cognitive measures, for which there are no coherent individual differences despite the validity of the construct at the group level. We conclude that behavioral constructs that distinguish among groups need not be valid as measures of individual differences.

Effects of a selected exercise programon executive function of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Memarmoghaddam, M; Torbati, H T; Sohrabi, M; Mashhadi, A; Kashi, A

2016-01-01

Introduction. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a Selected exercise program on the executive function of children with ADHD. Method. The participants were 40 male students, aged 7-11 years. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control). The experimental group participated in an exercise program for 24 sessions, 90 minutes per session. The control group did not receive any intervention. Before and after the exercise period, all the participants were assessed with Stroop and Go-No-Go tests, and the resulting data were analyzed by using MANCOVA. Result. The results showed that the cognitive inhibition of the children in the experimental group was significantly different compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the behavioral inhibition (p < 0.05). Conclusion. An organized physical activity helps to improve the executive function in children with ADHD.

Does the medium matter? The interaction of task type and technology on group performance and member reactions.

PubMed

Straus, S G; McGrath, J E

1994-02-01

The authors investigated the hypothesis that as group tasks pose greater requirements for member interdependence, communication media that transmit more social context cues will foster group performance and satisfaction. Seventy-two 3-person groups of undergraduate students worked in either computer-mediated or face-to-face meetings on 3 tasks with increasing levels of interdependence: an idea-generation task, an intellective task, and a judgment task. Results showed few differences between computer-mediated and face-to-face groups in the quality of the work completed but large differences in productivity favoring face-to-face groups. Analysis of productivity and of members' reactions supported the predicted interaction of tasks and media, with greater discrepancies between media conditions for tasks requiring higher levels of coordination. Results are discussed in terms of the implications of using computer-mediated communications systems for group work.

"Multi Light and Drugs": a new technique to treat face photoaging. Comparative study with photorejuvenation.

PubMed

Mezzana, Paolo

2008-04-01

Nonablative skin rejuvenation using laser, intense pulsed lights (IPLs), or radiofrequency techniques are becoming increasingly popular. In this paper, a novel protocol that integrates IPL sessions, low intense light and vitamin C, low-weight hyaluronic acid, betaglucan dermal injection versus IPL photorejuvenation as monotherapy is compared. A group of 100 patients, all women, with ages ranging from 35 to 65 years old (median age 56.3) with different degrees of photodamage was considered. A blinded control study was done. The patients were divided not randomly into two groups. These groups are similar for ages, skin types, and degrees of photoaging distribution. A first group of 40 patients had monotherapy consisting of seven sessions of IPL only. A second group of 60 patients had triple therapy consisting of seven sessions of IPL as well as nine sessions of low intense diode light and also biostimulation by drugs. Considering only the improvement in hyperpigmentations and teleangectasias, the monotherapy and the triple therapy show good results with no significant statistical difference between the two groups. Considering the improvement in skin texture and firmness in the group treated only with monotherapy, 30% (12 patients) had positive results, and 70% (28 patients) had poor results. In the group treated with triple therapy, 70% (42 patients) had positive results, and 30% (18 patients) had poor results, with the main differences in skin silicone negative imprints. On the basis of the data presented, the new technique of IPL, low intensity diode light, and multidrugs biostimulation seems to be a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation and upgrades the effects of IPL in the fibroblasts' stimulation.

Standardization of a spinal cord lesion model and neurologic evaluation using mice

PubMed Central

Borges, Paulo Alvim; Cristante, Alexandre Fogaça; de Barros-Filho, Tarcísio Eloy Pessoa; Natalino, Renato Jose Mendonça; dos Santos, Gustavo Bispo; Marcon, Raphael Marcus

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To standardize a spinal cord lesion mouse model. METHODS: Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: four experimental groups and one control group (sham). The experimental groups were subjected to spinal cord lesion by a weight drop from different heights after laminectomy whereas the sham group only underwent laminectomy. Mice were observed for six weeks, and functional behavior scales were applied. The mice were then euthanized, and histological investigations were performed to confirm and score spinal cord lesion. The findings were evaluated to prove whether the method of administering spinal cord lesion was effective and different among the groups. Additionally, we correlated the results of the functional scales with the results from the histology evaluations to identify which scale is more reliable. RESULTS: One mouse presented autophagia, and six mice died during the experiment. Because four of the mice that died were in Group 5, Group 5 was excluded from the study. All the functional scales assessed proved to be significantly different from each other, and mice presented functional evolution during the experiment. Spinal cord lesion was confirmed by histology, and the results showed a high correlation between the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale and the Basso Mouse Scale. The mouse function scale showed a moderate to high correlation with the histological findings, and the horizontal ladder test had a high correlation with neurologic degeneration but no correlation with the other histological parameters evaluated. CONCLUSION: This spinal cord lesion mouse model proved to be effective and reliable with exception of lesions caused by a 10-g drop from 50 mm, which resulted in unacceptable mortality. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale and Basso Mouse Scale are the most reliable functional assessments, and but the horizontal ladder test is not recommended. PMID:29561931

Differences in Brain Metabolic Impairment between Chronic Mild/Moderate TBI Patients with and without Visible Brain Lesions Based on MRI.

PubMed

Ito, Keiichi; Asano, Yoshitaka; Ikegame, Yuka; Shinoda, Jun

2016-01-01

Introduction. Many patients with mild/moderate traumatic brain injury (m/mTBI) in the chronic stage suffer from executive brain function impairment. Analyzing brain metabolism is important for elucidating the pathological mechanisms associated with their symptoms. This study aimed to determine the differences in brain glucose metabolism between m/mTBI patients with and without visible traumatic brain lesions based on MRI. Methods. Ninety patients with chronic m/mTBI due to traffic accidents were enrolled and divided into two groups based on their MRI findings. Group A comprised 50 patients with visible lesions. Group B comprised 40 patients without visible lesions. Patients underwent FDG-PET scans following cognitive tests. FDG-PET images were analyzed using voxel-by-voxel univariate statistical tests. Results. There were no significant differences in the cognitive tests between Group A and Group B. Based on FDG-PET findings, brain metabolism significantly decreased in the orbital gyrus, cingulate gyrus, and medial thalamus but increased in the parietal and occipital convexity in Group A compared with that in the control. Compared with the control, patients in Group B exhibited no significant changes. Conclusions. These results suggest that different pathological mechanisms may underlie cognitive impairment in m/mTBI patients with and without organic brain damage.

Comparative Modelling of the Spectra of Cool Giants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebzelter, T.; Heiter, U.; Abia, C.; Eriksson, K.; Ireland, M.; Neilson, H.; Nowotny, W; Maldonado, J; Merle, T.; Peterson, R.;

The rise of the day visitor in wilderness: should managers be concerned?

Treesearch

Meghan K. Papenfuse; Joseph W. Roggenbuck; Troy E. Hall

2000-01-01

Results of research in Shenandoah National Park Wilderness on the differences between day and overnight visitors to the park’s wilderness showed that the two user groups are not as different as originally thought. While the two groups differed somewhat in their level of support for traditional wilderness values, these differences are largely a matter of degree....

The Power to Detect Sex Differences in IQ Test Scores Using Multi-Group Covariance and Means Structure Analyses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molenaar, Dylan; Dolan, Conor V.; Wicherts, Jelle M.

2009-01-01

Research into sex differences in general intelligence, g, has resulted in two opposite views. In the first view, a g-difference is nonexistent, while in the second view, g is associated with a male advantage. Past research using Multi-Group Covariance and Mean Structure Analysis (MG-CMSA) found no sex difference in g. This failure raised the…

Evaluation of neck pain by using a visual analog scale before and after laminoplasty in patients with cervical myelopathy: relationship with clinical results.

PubMed

Ara, Tsuyoshi; Iizuka, Haku; Sorimachi, Yasunori; Iizuka, Yoichi; Nakajima, Takashi; Nishinome, Masahiro; Tsutsumi, Satoshi; Takagishi, Kenji

2010-06-01

In this study the authors investigated the neck pain of patients with cervical myelopathy by using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after laminoplasty, and they analyzed the association of amount of neck pain with the clinical results. A retrospective review was conducted in 41 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent cervical laminoplasty. The patients were assessed using questionnaires to evaluate the neck pain intensity before surgery, and 2 years after surgery, the outcome was assessed using a VAS. The degree of cervical lordosis and range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine were evaluated before and after laminoplasty. The neurological status was also evaluated before and after surgery. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to their preoperative neck pain: 1) the pain (PA) group, which included patients whose preoperative VAS score was more than 1 mm; and 2) the no pain (NP) group, which included patients whose preoperative VAS score was 0 mm. Inclusion in the PA group indicated a restriction of the cervical ROM before laminoplasty; however, the improvement of neck pain in this group and the deterioration of pain status in the NP group eliminated this difference after laminoplasty. Thereafter, the PA group was classified into 2 subgroups according to the improvement of the preoperative neck pain: 1) the improved group, which included patients whose postoperative VAS score decreased; and 2) the no improvement group, which included patients who were not in the improved group. No significant differences were observed in the average recovery and radiographic results between these 2 subgroups. Neck pain before surgery in the PA group indicated a restriction of the cervical ROM; however, the improvement of neck pain in this group and the deterioration of pain status in the NP group indicated the disappearance of this difference postoperatively. Moreover, improvement of preoperative neck pain was not associated with the radiographic results and the neurological recovery rate.

[Efficacy of Coflex in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis].

PubMed

Hai, Y; Meng, X L; Li, D Y; Zhang, X N; Wang, Y S

2017-03-01

Objective: To study the clinical results of Coflex and lumbar posterior decompression and fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis at L(4-5). Methods: Thirty-eight patients with Grade Ⅰ degenerative spondylolisthesis, from January 2008 to December 2011 in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University were reviewed, and patients were divided into two groups by randomness. Group A was treated with Coflex and group B with pedicle instrumentation and interbody fusion. Fifteen patients were included in group A, and 23 patients were included in group B. In group A, the average age was (56.3±9.1) years. In group B, the average age was (58.2±11.2) years. The clinical results were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Slip distance (SD) was measured before and after surgery, and the changes of intervertebral angle at index level and adjacent level were also recorded. Results: The follow-up period was 36 to 68 months, with the average of (39±14) months in the both groups. The operation time and bleeding volume of patients in group A were significantly less than that of group B ( P <0.05). In both groups, the difference of ODI and VAS before operation and postoperative follow-up were statistically significant ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference between lumbar intervertebral angle and the sliding distance in group A at all time points. In the group B, there was a significant increase in the intervertebral angle and the sliding distance at L(3-4) and L(5)-S(1 )level after surgery, the difference at upper and below adjacent segment before and after surgery were statistically significant. Conclusions: Coflex interspinous dynamic stabilization system has same excellent clinical results as pedicle screw instrumentation and fusion surgery for the treatment of L(4-5) degenerative spondylolisthesis; no significant progression of spondylolisthesis been observed during more than 3 years follow-up, and no obvious adjacent segment degeneration has been found.

Different Bleeding Patterns with the Use of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System: Are They Associated with Changes in Uterine Artery Blood Flow?

PubMed Central

Bastianelli, Carlo; Rapiti, Stefania; Bruno Vecchio, Roberta; Benagiano, Giuseppe

2014-01-01

Objective. Evaluate if different bleeding patterns associated with the use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) are associated with different uterine and endometrial vascularization patterns, as evidenced by ultrasound power Doppler analysis. Methodology. A longitudinal study, with each subject acting as its own control was conducted between January 2010 and December 2012. Healthy volunteers with a history of heavy but cyclic and regular menstrual cycles were enrolled in the study. Ultrasonographic examination was performed before and after six months of LNG-IUS placement: uterine volume, endometrial thickness, and subendometrial and myometrial Doppler blood flow patterns have been evaluated. Results. A total of 32 women were enrolled out of 186 initially screened. At six months of follow-up, all subjects showed a reduction in menstrual blood loss; for analysis, they were retrospectively divided into 3 groups: normal cycling women (Group I), amenorrheic women (Group II), and women with prolonged bleedings (Group III). Intergroup analysis documented a statistically significant difference in endometrial thickness among the three groups; in addition, mean pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) in the spiral arteries were significantly lower in Group I and Group III compared to Group II. This difference persisted also when comparing—within subjects of Group III—mean PI and RI mean values before and after insertion. Conclusions. The LNG-IUS not only altered endometrial thickness, but—in women with prolonged bleedings—also significantly changed uterine artery blood flow. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and enable gynecologists to properly counsel women, improving initial continuation rates. PMID:24868549

The effect of boldness on decision-making in barnacle geese is group-size-dependent

PubMed Central

Kurvers, Ralf H. J. M.; Adamczyk, Vena M. A. P.; van Wieren, Sipke E.; Prins, Herbert H. T.

2011-01-01

In group-living species, decisions made by individuals may result in collective behaviours. A central question in understanding collective behaviours is how individual variation in phenotype affects collective behaviours. However, how the personality of individuals affects collective decisions in groups remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of boldness on the decision-making process in different-sized groups of barnacle geese. Naive barnacle geese, differing in boldness score, were introduced in a labyrinth in groups with either one or three informed demonstrators. The demonstrators possessed information about the route through the labyrinth. In pairs, the probability of choosing a route prior to the informed demonstrator increased with increasing boldness score: bolder individuals decided more often for themselves where to go compared with shyer individuals, whereas shyer individuals waited more often for the demonstrators to decide and followed this information. In groups of four individuals, however, there was no effect of boldness on decision-making, suggesting that individual differences were less important with increasing group size. Our experimental results show that personality is important in collective decisions in pairs of barnacle geese, and suggest that bolder individuals have a greater influence over the outcome of decisions in groups. PMID:21123271

The effect of boldness on decision-making in barnacle geese is group-size-dependent.

PubMed

Kurvers, Ralf H J M; Adamczyk, Vena M A P; van Wieren, Sipke E; Prins, Herbert H T

2011-07-07

In group-living species, decisions made by individuals may result in collective behaviours. A central question in understanding collective behaviours is how individual variation in phenotype affects collective behaviours. However, how the personality of individuals affects collective decisions in groups remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of boldness on the decision-making process in different-sized groups of barnacle geese. Naive barnacle geese, differing in boldness score, were introduced in a labyrinth in groups with either one or three informed demonstrators. The demonstrators possessed information about the route through the labyrinth. In pairs, the probability of choosing a route prior to the informed demonstrator increased with increasing boldness score: bolder individuals decided more often for themselves where to go compared with shyer individuals, whereas shyer individuals waited more often for the demonstrators to decide and followed this information. In groups of four individuals, however, there was no effect of boldness on decision-making, suggesting that individual differences were less important with increasing group size. Our experimental results show that personality is important in collective decisions in pairs of barnacle geese, and suggest that bolder individuals have a greater influence over the outcome of decisions in groups.

Flow Cytometry of Human Primary Epidermal and Follicular Keratinocytes

PubMed Central

Gragnani, Alfredo; Ipolito, Michelle Zampieri; Sobral, Christiane S; Brunialti, Milena Karina Coló; Salomão, Reinaldo; Ferreira, Lydia Masako

2008-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize using flow cytometry cultured human primary keratinocytes isolated from the epidermis and hair follicles by different methods. Methods: Human keratinocytes derived from discarded fragments of total skin and scalp hair follicles from patients who underwent plastic surgery in the Plastic Surgery Division at UNIFESP were used. The epidermal keratinocytes were isolated by using 3 different methods: the standard method, upon exposure to trypsin for 30 minutes; the second, by treatment with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 10 minutes; and the third, by treatment with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 30 minutes. Follicular keratinocytes were isolated using the standard method. Results: On comparing the group treated with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 10 minutes with the group treated with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 30 minutes, it was observed that the first group presented the largest number of viable cells, the smallest number of cells in late apoptosis and necrosis with statistical significance, and no difference in apoptosis. When we compared the group treated with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 10 minutes with the group treated with trypsin, the first group presented the largest number of viable cells, the smallest number of cells in apoptosis with statistical significance, and no difference in late apoptosis and necrosis. When we compared the results of the group treated with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 10 minutes with the results for follical isolation, there was a statistical difference in apoptosis and viable cells. Conclusion: The isolation method of treatment with dispase for 18 hours and with trypsin for 10 minutes produced the largest number of viable cells and the smallest number of cells in apoptosis/necrosis. PMID:18350110

ACCEPTANCE OF FUNCTIONAL FOOD AMONG CHILEAN CONSUMERS: APPLE LEATHER.

PubMed

van Vliet, Maya; Adasme-Berrios, Cristian; Schnettler, Berta

2015-10-01

the aim of this study is to measure acceptance of a specific functional food: apple (fruit) leather, based on organoleptic characteristics and to identify consumer types and preferences for natural additives which increase the product's functionality and meet current nutritional needs. a sample of 800 consumers provided an evaluation of apple leather in terms of acceptance (liking). A sensorial panel was carried out using a 9-point hedonic scale. Cluster analysis was used to identify different acceptance-based consumer types. In addition, a conjoint analysis was carried out to determine preference for different additives. the cluster analysis resulted in four groups with significant differences in the average likings obtained from the sensory panel. Results indicate that the sweetness of the tested apple leather was evaluated best among all groups and, on average, color was rated as the worst attribute. However, overall likings differ significantly between groups. Results from the conjoint analysis indicate that, in general, consumers prefer natural additives included in the product which enhance functionality. although there is a "global acceptance" of the product, there are significant differences between groups. The results of the conjoint analysis indicate that, in general, consumers prefer the aggregation of natural additives which increase the product's functionality. Apple leather with natural additives, such as anticariogenics and antioxidants, can be considered a functional substitute of unhealthy snacks and/or sweets. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Influence of coping design on the cervical color of ceramic crowns.

PubMed

Paniz, Gianluca; Kang, Ki-Ho; Kim, Yongjeong; Kumagai, Naota; Hirayama, Hiroshi

2013-12-01

The replication of natural teeth, especially with single-tooth restorations, represents a challenge. Similar to metal ceramic crowns, different designs of zirconia substructures have been suggested to improve the esthetic results of zirconia ceramic crowns. The purpose of the study was to analyze the color of the cervical portion of single zirconia ceramic crowns fabricated with different zirconia coping designs. The color, measured on the CIELAB color scale, of 3 different groups of restorations (n=10) fabricated with zirconia coping (Lava) and feldspathic porcelain (Noritake Super Porcelain) was analyzed with a spectrophotometer. Conventional zirconia crowns with zirconia facial margins were compared with ceramic crowns with porcelain facial margins and either a horizontal reduction of the zirconia coping (1.0 mm reduction) or an additional vertical reduction (1.0 mm additional reduction). The 3 groups, each with a different coping extension, were examined with a 1-way ANOVA and the Fisher exact test, and the differences of the groups were evaluated by applying ΔE thresholds (α=.05). The mean color difference among all the groups was not clinically significant (ΔE<3.7). Reduced color differences were present between the 2 porcelain butt margin groups of crowns (ΔE=1.06, between group H and V). Increased differences were present between the zirconia margin group and the porcelain butt margin group (ΔE=2.54 between group C and H; ΔE=2.41 between group C and V). Lab* values were examined in all the groups of crowns to determine the clinical implications. Within the limitation of the study, no significant differences were present among the tested groups of crowns. Nevertheless, although some differences were present between the zirconia margin group and the porcelain butt margin group, reduced differences were present between the 2 different cutback designs. Copyright © 2013 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Quantitative Review of Ethnic Group Differences in Experimental Pain Response: Do Biology, Psychology and Culture Matter?

PubMed Central

Riley, Joseph L.; Williams, Ameenah K.K.; Fillingim, Roger B.

2012-01-01

Objective Pain is a subjectively complex and universal experience. We examine research investigating ethnic group differences in experimental pain response, and factors contributing to group differences. Method We conducted a systematic literature review and analysis of studies using experimental pain stimuli to assess pain sensitivity across multiple ethnic groups. Our search covered the period from 1944-2011, and utilized the PUBMED bibliographic database; a reference source containing over 17 million citations. We calculated effect sizes, identified ethnic/racial group categories, pain stimuli and measures, and examined findings regarding biopsychosociocultural factors contributing to ethnic/racial group differences. Results We found 472 studies investigating ethnic group differences and pain. Twenty-six of these met our review inclusion criteria of investigating ethnic group differences in experimental pain. The majority of studies included comparisons between African Americans (AA) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). There were consistently moderate to large effect sizes for pain tolerance across multiple stimulus modalities; African Americans demonstrated lower pain tolerance. For pain threshold, findings were generally in the same direction, but effect sizes were small to moderate across ethnic groups. Limited data were available for suprathreshold pain ratings. A subset of studies comparing NHW and other ethnic groups showed a variable range of effect sizes for pain threshold and tolerance. Conclusion There are potentially important ethnic/racial group differences in experimental pain perception. Elucidating ethnic group differences, has translational merit for culturally-competent clinical care and for addressing and reducing pain treatment disparities among ethnically/racially diverse groups. PMID:22390201

Parturition induction in ewes by a progesterone receptor blocker, aglepristone, and subsequent neonatal survival: Preliminary results.

PubMed

Özalp, R G; Yavuz, A; Orman, A; Seker, I; Udum Küçükşen, D; Rişvanlı, A; Demiral, Ö O; Wehrend, A

2017-01-01

The clinical effects of aglepristone treatment to induce parturition in ewes and their newborns were reported. Three experimental groups were defined: group AG5 (n = 5), group AG10 (n = 5), and group CG (n = 5) in which ewes were injected twice with 5, 10 mg/kg of aglepristone, and saline solution of ewes, respectively. Different parameters associated with parturition in ewes and their newborns were investigated. Serum progesterone, oxytocin, and free and conjugated total estrogens were measured after treatments until parturition. No statistical difference was found from first aglepristone administration to onset of lambing between AG5 and AG10 (23.90 ± 6.20, 40.00 ± 6.71 hours). Parturition induction in two groups shortened the gestational length significantly compared with the control group (P = 0.003). Dystocia was observed in two ewes in group AG10. The placental weight showed statistically significant difference only between the AG10 and CG (P = 0.039), but no difference was observed in the placental expulsion period between the groups. Decrease in food consumption 24 to 36 hours after parturition in all ewes and skin necrosis in an ewe in group AG5 were observed. Progesterone concentration was significantly lower in AG5 than that in ewes in group AG10 and CG (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in concentrations of free total estrogens and oxytocin between groups. The body temperature of lambs was significantly different between AG10 and CG groups both right after (P = 0.011) and 12 hours after parturition (P = 0.014). The lambs in CG had the highest mean birth weight (4.29 ± 0.28 kg), which was significantly different from the induced groups. No significant difference of blood pH and blood gases values between groups was identified both at birth and 12 hours after parturition for lambs. Significant differences could clearly be observed in total protein and blood urea nitrogen and total protein findings 12 hours after parturition (P < 0.05), whereas no difference was found in blood glucose, albumin, inorganic phosphor, triglyceride, or total cholesterol parameters. The results of this study show that the administration of aglepristone to induce parturition can precisely control lambing time without any side effects in either mothers or lambs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cultural and age differences of three groups of Taiwanese young children's creativity and drawing.

PubMed

Wei, Mei-Hue; Dzeng, Annie

2013-06-01

This study investigated the cultural and age effects on children's overall creativity and drawing. 1,055 children ages 6 to 8 from three groups--urban and rural Taiwanese children and Taiwanese children of immigrant mothers, all in public schools--were given a creativity test, a people-drawing test, and a free-drawing test. The results showed that the older Taiwanese children scored higher than the young Taiwanese children on people-drawing and free-drawing, but not overall creativity. Drawing and creativity scores increased in accordance with age. In the six-year-old group, a group difference was found only on the scale of people-drawing. Urban Taiwanese children in the eight-year-old group scored higher than the other two groups of children on creativity and free-drawing. Results are discussed in terms of educational opportunities.

Impact of support groups on well-being of older women.

PubMed

Segrist, Kathleen A

2008-01-01

The goal of this study was to determine whether differences in incidence of depression and level of well-being are manifested between older women, aged 60 and older, who attend either (a) a peer-run support group, (b) a staff-run support group, or (c) a comparison group (i.e., who do not attend a support group). Thirty-six women participating in peer-run and staff-run support groups and 9 women receiving nongroup support were administered the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Separate analyses of variance were employed on each scale to determine the significance of differences in scores according to facilitator type (i.e., peer-run vs. staff-run vs. comparison group). Analysis of scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale indicated significant differences between women in the peer-run groups and women in the comparison group, but no significant differences between women in the peer-run groups and women in the staff-run groups or between women in the staff-run groups and women in the comparison group. Analysis of scores on the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale did not indicate any significant differences between women based on facilitator type. Results of this study have implications for those who run face-to-face support groups for older adults, for those who train peer group facilitators, and for community agencies that desire to initiate a support group system for their clientele.

Comparison of the Effects of Two Auditory Methods by Mother and Fetus on the Results of Non-Stress Test (Baseline Fetal Heart Rate and Number of Accelerations) in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Khoshkholgh, Roghaie; Keshavarz, Tahereh; Moshfeghy, Zeinab; Akbarzadeh, Marzieh; Asadi, Nasrin; Zare, Najaf

2016-01-01

Objective: To compare the effects of two auditory methods by mother and fetus on the results of NST in 2011-2012. Materials and methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 213 pregnant women with gestational age of 37-41 weeks who had no pregnancy complications were randomly divided into 3 groups (auditory intervention for mother, auditory intervention for fetus, and control) each containing 71 subjects. In the intervention groups, music was played through the second 10 minutes of NST. The three groups were compared regarding baseline fetal heart rate and number of accelerations in the first and second 10 minutes of NST. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and paired T-test. Results: The results showed no significant difference among the three groups regarding baseline fetal heart rate in the first (p = 0.945) and second (p = 0.763) 10 minutes. However, a significant difference was found among the three groups concerning the number of accelerations in the second 10 minutes. Also, a significant difference was observed in the number of accelerations in the auditory intervention for mother (p = 0.013) and auditory intervention for fetus groups (p < 0.001). The difference between the number of accelerations in the first and second 10 minutes was also statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Music intervention was effective in the number of accelerations which is the indicator of fetal health. Yet, further studies are required to be conducted on the issue. PMID:27385971

Improving the Ability of Mathematic Representation Capabilities and Students Skills in Importing Square Forms to Square Using Variation Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nirawati, R.

2018-04-01

This research was conducted to see whether the variation of the solution is acceptable and easy to understand by students with different level of ability so that it can be seen the difference of students ability in facilitating the quadratic form in the upper, middle and lower groups. This research used experimental method with factorial design. Based on the result of final test analysis, there were differences of students ability in upper group, medium group, and lower group in putting squared form based on the use certain variation of solution.

A Comparison of Intellectual Structure in Deaf and Hearing Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zwiebel, Abraham; Mertens, Donna M.

1985-01-01

Results of Snijders-Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test for 251 deaf and 101 hearing children in Israel included that (1) factor structure for total deaf group differs from that of hearing group; (2) differences in cognitive structure were evident by age level for deaf; and (3) differences exist between cognitive structures of hearing and deaf…

Isolating Age-Group Differences in Working Memory Load-Related Neural Activity: Assessing the Contribution of Working Memory Capacity Using a Partial-Trial fMRI Method

PubMed Central

Bennett, Ilana J.; Rivera, Hannah G.; Rypma, Bart

2013-01-01

Previous studies examining age-group differences in working memory load-related neural activity have yielded mixed results. When present, age-group differences in working memory capacity are frequently proposed to underlie these neural effects. However, direct relationships between working memory capacity and working memory load-related activity have only been observed in younger adults. These relationships remain untested in healthy aging. Therefore, the present study examined patterns of working memory load-related activity in 22 younger and 20 older adults and assessed the contribution of working memory capacity to these load-related effects. Participants performed a partial-trial delayed response item recognition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. In this task, participants encoded either 2 or 6 letters, maintained them during a delay, and then indicated whether a probe was present in the memory set. Behavioral results revealed faster and more accurate responses to load 2 versus 6, with age-group differences in this load condition effect for the accuracy measure. Neuroimaging results revealed one region (medial superior frontal gyrus) that showed age-group differences in load-related activity during the retrieval period, with less (greater) neural activity for the low versus high load condition in younger (older) adults. Furthermore, for older adults, load-related activity did not vary as a function of working memory capacity. Thus, working memory-related activity varies with healthy aging, but these patterns are not due solely to working memory capacity. Neurocognitive aging theories that feature capacity will need to account for these results. PMID:23357076

Differences between immigrant and non-immigrant groups in the use of primary medical care; a systematic review

PubMed Central

Uiters, Ellen; Devillé, Walter; Foets, Marleen; Spreeuwenberg, Peter; Groenewegen, Peter P

2009-01-01

Background Studies on differences between immigrant and non-immigrant groups in health care utilization vary with respect to the extent and direction of differences in use. Therefore, our study aimed to provide a systematic overview of the existing research on differences in primary care utilization between immigrant groups and the majority population. Methods For this review PubMed, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Sociofile, Web of Science and Current Contents were consulted. Study selection and quality assessment was performed using a predefined protocol by 2 reviewers independently of each other. Only original, quantitative, peer-reviewed papers were taken into account. To account for this hierarchical structure, logistic multilevel analyses were performed to examine the extent to which differences are found across countries and immigrant groups. Differences in primary care use were related to study characteristics, strength of the primary care system and methodological quality. Results A total of 37 studies from 7 countries met all inclusion criteria. Remarkably, studies performed within the US more often reported a significant lower use among immigrant groups as compared to the majority population than the other countries. As studies scored higher on methodological quality, the likelihood of reporting significant differences increased. Adjustment for health status and use of culture-/language-adjusted procedures during the data collection were negatively related to reporting significant differences in the studies. Conclusion Our review underlined the need for careful design in studies of differences in health care use between immigrant groups and the majority population. The results from studies concerning differences between immigrant and the majority population in primary health care use performed within the US might be interpreted as a reflection of a weaker primary care system in the US compared to Europe and Canada. PMID:19426567

[Clinical characters of culture-negative prosthetic joint infection].

PubMed

Li, Heng; Yang, Rui; Geng, Lei; Yang, Yunjian; Zhang, Zhendong; Chen, Jiying

2014-01-01

To explore the clinical characters and histopathologic differences between patients with culture-positive and culture-negative prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Between January 2012 and July 2013, 66 PJI patients in accord with diagnostic criteria were enrolled. According to the results of preoperative aspiration and intraoperative cultures, the patients were divided into culture-negative group (CN group, n = 21) and culture-positive group (CP group, n = 45). There was no significant difference in gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index between 2 groups (P > 0.05). Preoperative C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and prosthesis survival time were compared between 2 groups. Intraoperative frozen sections and paraffin sections were both performed to identify infections, and histological typing was performed according to Morawietz's methods. The preoperative CRP was (1.29 +/- 1.84) mg/dL in CN group and (5.08 +/- 9.57) mg/dL in CP group, showing significant difference (t = 2.094, P = 0.038). The preoperative ESR was (22.86 +/- 28.42) mm/1 h in CN group and (36.74 +/- 31.26) mm/1 h in CP group, showing significant difference (t = 7.761, P = 0.000). The median survival time of prosthesis was 72 months (range, 8-504 months) in CN group and 25 months (range, 15 days-300 months) in CP group, showing significant difference (U = 2.231, P = 0.026). Morawietz's histological typing results showed that 2 cases were rated as type I, 7 cases as type II, and 12 cases as type III in CN group; 6 cases were rated as type I, 25 cases as type II, 13 cases as type III, and 1 case as type IV in CP group. The positive culture rate was 68.18% (45/66), and pathogenic bacteria was dominated by Staphylococcus, accounting for 68.89%. The patients with culture-negative PJI have slow onset and mild inflammatory response, so comprehensive diagnosis should be made based on pathological detection, laboratory examination, and intraoperative cultures.

Comparison of the Regenerative Effects of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors on Injured Peripheral Nerve: An Experimental Study.

PubMed

Torul, Damla; Bereket, Mehmet Cihan; Onger, Mehmet Emin; Altun, Gamze

2018-04-20

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on peripheral nerve injury in the early period of healing. Thirty Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into control (C), damaged (D), PRF, and PRGF groups. The left sciatic nerves of each group were identified as group C. Crush-type injury was performed on the right sciatic nerves of the D, PRF, and PRGF groups. In the PRF and PRGF groups, blood 2 mL was obtained to prepare the PRF and PRGF and the biomaterials were applied to the injured nerve area. After 8 weeks, functional, electrophysiologic, and stereological evaluations were performed. For the electrophysiologic evaluation, the latency and amplitude values in the D, PRF, and PRGF groups were significantly lower than those in the C group (P > .05). According to the sciatic functional index result, there were significant differences between groups D and PRF and between groups D and PRGF (P = .000). For the stereological evaluations, although no significant difference was observed between the PRGF and C groups (P > .05), a significant difference was observed among the D, PRF, and PRGF groups for myelinated axon number. There were significant differences between groups D and PRF and between groups D and PRGF for axon area (P = .021 and .001, respectively). No significant difference was observed among the D, PRF, and PRGF groups for myelin sheath thickness and ratio of axon area to myelin sheath thickness (P > .05). The results of this study suggest that PRGF increases nerve regeneration in the early period of healing and that the limited early action of PRF should be re-evaluated in the late period. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of anterior knee pain in a PS total knee arthroplasty: the role of patella-friendly femoral component and patellar size.

PubMed

Atzori, F; Sabatini, L; Deledda, D; Schirò, M; Lo Baido, R; Baido, R L; Massè, A

2015-04-01

Total knee arthroplasty gives excellent objective results. Nevertheless, the subjective findings do not match the normal knee perception: Often, it depends on patellar pain onset. In this study, we analyzed clinical and radiological items that can affect resurfaced patellar tracking, and role of a patella-friendly femoral component and patellar size on patellar pain onset. Thirty consecutive patients were implanted using the same-cemented posterior-stabilized TKA associated with patella resurfacing. Fifteen patients were implanted using a classical femoral component, while another 15 patients were implanted using a patella-friendly femoral component. The statistical analysis was set to detect a significant difference (p < 0.05) in clinical and radiological outcomes related to several surgical parameters. Clinical and functional outcomes were recorded using the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) and patellar pain with the Burnett questionnaire. Mean follow-up was 25 months. KSS results were excellent in both groups. Group 2 (patella-friendly femoral model) reached a higher percentage of 100 points in the clinical and functional KSS, but there was no statistical difference. Also, no statistical differences for Burnett Questionnaire results were recorded. We had one case of patellar clunk syndrome in the standard femoral component group and one poor result in the second group. Postoperative radiographic measurements evidenced no statistical differences in both groups. In group 1 (classical femoral component), better significant result (p < 0.05) war recorded at clinical evaluation according to the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) in case of wider patellar component resurfaced. The present study reveals no statistically significant difference in the incidence of anterior knee pain between classical and "patella-friendly" femoral components. With the particular type of implant design utilized in this study, when the classical femoral component is used, bigger patellar implant sizes (38 and 41 mm) showed superior clinical outcome.

The Geographic Origins of Ethnic Groups in the Indian Subcontinent: Exploring Ancient Footprints with Y-DNA Haplogroups.

PubMed

Mahal, David G; Matsoukas, Ianis G

2018-01-01

Several studies have evaluated the movements of large populations to the Indian subcontinent; however, the ancient geographic origins of smaller ethnic communities are not clear. Although historians have attempted to identify the origins of some ethnic groups, the evidence is typically anecdotal and based upon what others have written before. In this study, recent developments in DNA science were assessed to provide a contemporary perspective by analyzing the Y chromosome haplogroups of some key ethnic groups and tracing their ancient geographical origins from genetic markers on the Y-DNA haplogroup tree. A total of 2,504 Y-DNA haplotypes, representing 50 different ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent, were analyzed. The results identified 14 different haplogroups with 14 geographic origins for these people. Moreover, every ethnic group had representation in more than one haplogroup, indicating multiple geographic origins for these communities. The results also showed that despite their varied languages and cultural differences, most ethnic groups shared some common ancestors because of admixture in the past. These findings provide new insights into the ancient geographic origins of ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent. With about 2,000 other ethnic groups and tribes in the region, it is expected that more scientific discoveries will follow, providing insights into how, from where, and when the ancestors of these people arrived in the subcontinent to create so many different communities.

The Geographic Origins of Ethnic Groups in the Indian Subcontinent: Exploring Ancient Footprints with Y-DNA Haplogroups

PubMed Central

Mahal, David G.; Matsoukas, Ianis G.

2018-01-01

Several studies have evaluated the movements of large populations to the Indian subcontinent; however, the ancient geographic origins of smaller ethnic communities are not clear. Although historians have attempted to identify the origins of some ethnic groups, the evidence is typically anecdotal and based upon what others have written before. In this study, recent developments in DNA science were assessed to provide a contemporary perspective by analyzing the Y chromosome haplogroups of some key ethnic groups and tracing their ancient geographical origins from genetic markers on the Y-DNA haplogroup tree. A total of 2,504 Y-DNA haplotypes, representing 50 different ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent, were analyzed. The results identified 14 different haplogroups with 14 geographic origins for these people. Moreover, every ethnic group had representation in more than one haplogroup, indicating multiple geographic origins for these communities. The results also showed that despite their varied languages and cultural differences, most ethnic groups shared some common ancestors because of admixture in the past. These findings provide new insights into the ancient geographic origins of ethnic groups in the Indian subcontinent. With about 2,000 other ethnic groups and tribes in the region, it is expected that more scientific discoveries will follow, providing insights into how, from where, and when the ancestors of these people arrived in the subcontinent to create so many different communities. PMID:29410676

Differences of Tooth Colorimetric Parameters L*a*b* Depended on Age

PubMed Central

Krasniqi, Teuta Pustina; Lila-Krasniqi, Zana; Ajeti, Nexhmije; Shala, Kujtim; Bicaj, Teuta; Dula, Linda

2017-01-01

AIM: The study aimed to analyse differences in colourimetric parameters L*a*b*, depended on age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study were included 255 subjects with age interval from 20 to 49 years. The subjects were divided into three groups, as follows: in the younger group were 20 to 29 years of age, those in the middle group 30 to 39 years and older group 40 to 49 years. The overall number of analysed teeth in the intercanine sector of the maxilla was 2295. The colour of the teeth was measured using the spectrophotometer VITA Easyshade. RESULTS: The results for differences in the colourimetric parameters in relation with age were tested with Pearson Chi-square (χ2). For χ2 = 572, 87 and df = 124 there was a statistical significant difference between the ages P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was concluded that the parameter L* - Lightness was decreasing when age increased. In the age group, 20 to 29 years L* was 83.2, whereas in the older group of this investigation; 40 to 49 years was 79.4. In the youngest group, the parameter a* was - 0.7, whereas with increasing of age this parameter was -0.5. The values for parameter b* from the youngest to the older group were from 21.7 to 23.9. PMID:29104689

Comparative evaluation of nickel discharge from brackets in artificial saliva at different time intervals

PubMed Central

Jithesh, C.; Venkataramana, V.; Penumatsa, Narendravarma; Reddy, S. N.; Poornima, K. Y.; Rajasigamani, K.

2015-01-01

Objectives: To determine and compare the potential difference of nickel release from three different orthodontic brackets, in different artificial pH, in different time intervals. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven samples of three different orthodontic brackets were selected and grouped as 1, 2, and 3. Each group was divided into three subgroups depending on the type of orthodontic brackets, salivary pH and the time interval. The Nickel release from each subgroup were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer, Optima 2100 DV, USA) model. Quantitative analysis of nickel was performed three times, and the mean value was used as result. ANOVA (F-test) was used to test the significant difference among the groups at 0.05 level of significance (P < 0.05). The descriptive method of statistics was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum. SPSS 18 software ((SPSS.Ltd, Quarry bay, Hong Kong, PASW-statistics 18) was used to analyze the study. Result: The analysis shows a significant difference between three groups. The study shows that the nickel releases from the recycled stainless steel brackets have the highest at all 4.2 pH except in 120 h. Conclusion: The study result shows that the nickel release from the recycled stainless steel brackets is highest. Metal slot ceramic bracket release significantly less nickel. So, recycled stainless steel brackets should not be used for nickel allergic patients. Metal slot ceramic brackets are advisable. PMID:26538924

Epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Poland: part II. What are the causes of the different epidemiological situation in various regions of Poland?

PubMed

Rowińska-Zakrzewska, Ewa; Korzeniewska-Koseła, Maria; Roszkowski-Śliż, Kazimierz

2014-01-01

The different epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in various regions of Poland (higher and lower notification rates) was described previously by our group. The patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in the higher notification rate areas were younger and there were more cases of primary tuberculosis (tuberculous pleurisy and tuberculosis of chest lymph nodes) than in the patients diagnosed in the lower notification areas. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible causes of the different epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in various regions of Poland. Analysis was done at the same regions as in the previous paper. A comparison was made between two groups: Group I, which included three voivodeships with higher rates of notification, from 23.7 to 32.3/100,000 (mean rates in the analysed period of time); and Group II, which included five voivodeships with lower notification rates (mean rates from 12.2 to 18.6/100,000). The wealth of the regions (GDP, gross domestic product per capita), the level of unemployment, and social status of the patients were analysed. We compared the population density in both regions. The results of treatment in both regions were also analysed. We did not find any differences in GDP and unemployment rates between the compared regions. The results of treatment were different in particular regions, but there was no clear tendency for worse results in voivodeships in Group I compared to voivodeships in Group II. However, the number of patients lost from observation was significantly higher in the regions from Group I than in those from Group II. There was also a significantly higher death rate from tuberculosis in younger patients (£ 59 years) from Group I than from Group II. This is additional proof that the epidemiological situation in the two regions was different. Finally, we found that the mean density of population in the regions from Group I was higher than that from Group II. The density of population may influence transmission of tuberculosis. There is also the possibility that the differences in the epidemiological situation in various regions of Poland are caused by historical events. In the past the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis was much worse in the east of Europe than in the west. Just after the Second World War, according to the changes of the Polish territory, many Polish citizens (mainly ancestors of those from Group I) were displaced from the east to the west. In conclusion, the greater number of patients lost from observation, together with the higher density of population in the regions from Group I in comparison with those from Group II, seems to be partly responsible for the difference in the epidemiological situation in the two regions. It is also possible that some patients from Group I are more susceptible to infection and disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis due to their ancestors, who lived in the east of Europe.

Color vision but not visual attention is altered in migraine.

PubMed

Shepherd, Alex J

2006-04-01

To examine visual search performance in migraine and headache-free control groups and to determine whether reports of selective color vision deficits in migraine occur preattentively. Visual search is a classic technique to measure certain components of visual attention. The technique can be manipulated to measure both preattentive (automatic) and attentive processes. Here, visual search for colored targets was employed to extend earlier reports that the detection or discrimination of colors selective for the short-wavelength sensitive cone photoreceptors in the retina (S or "blue" cones) is impaired in migraine. Visual search performance for small and large color differences was measured in 34 migraine and 34 control participants. Small and large color differences were included to assess attentive and preattentive processing, respectively. In separate conditions, colored stimuli were chosen that would be detected selectively by either the S-, or by the long- (L or "red") and middle (M or "green")-wavelength sensitive cone photoreceptors. The results showed no preattentive differences between the migraine and control groups. For active, or attentive, search, differences between the migraine and control groups occurred for colors detected by the S-cones only, there were no differences for colors detected by the L- and M-cones. The migraine group responded significantly more slowly than the control group for the S-cone colors. The pattern of results indicates that there are no overall differences in search performance between migraine and control groups. The differences found for the S-cone colors are attributed to impaired discrimination of these colors in migraine and not to differences in attention.

Accuracy and speed of orthographic processing in persons with developmental dyslexia.

PubMed

King, Wayne M; Lombardino, Linda L; Ahmed, Sarah

2005-08-01

A group of 39 persons (20 male and 19 female, 11.0 to 32.5 yr.) with developmental dyslexia and 42 controls (21 male and 21 female, 11.2 to 32.3 years) were compared on computerized tests of sight word reading, nonword decoding, and spelling recognition. The subjects with developmental dyslexia performed significantly slower and less accurately than controls on all tasks. Further, the effect size of the group differences was larger for the older group. Within-group analyses showed a significant difference by age group on accuracy. Only the control group showed a significant age difference between groups on response time. Mean accuracy and response times for the reading-disabled subjects resembled shifted versions of the control group means. These results agree with previous reports that phonological deficits persist for reading-disabled adults and suggest a test of whether the discrepancy between reading-disabled and typically achieving readers may actually increase across age groups.

[Psychological results of mental performance in sleep deprivation].

PubMed

Dahms, P; Schaad, G; Gorges, W; von Restorff, W

1996-01-01

To quantify the effects of sleep periods that have different lengths of time during continuous operations (CONOPS) 2 independent groups of subjects performed several cognitive tasks for 3 days. The 72 h trial period contained three 60-min sleep periods for the 10 subjects of the experimental group and three sleep periods of 4 h each for the 14 subjects of the control group. With the exception of only one subtest the statistical analyses of the test results of the 2 groups show no significant differences in cognitive performance. It is suggested that high motivation is responsible for comparable performance of the subjects, which was essentially obtained by a monetary pay system for successful test performance.

Effects of laser photherapy on bone defects grafted with mineral trioxide aggregate, bone morphogenetic proteins, and guided bone regeneration: a Raman spectroscopic study.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Antonio L B; Aciole, Gilberth T S; Cangussú, Maria Cristina T; Pacheco, Marcos T T; Silveira, Landulfo

2010-12-15

We have used Raman analysis to assess bone healing on different models. Benefits on the isolated or combined use of mineral trioxide aggregate, bone morphogenetic proteins, guided bone regeneration and laser on bone repair have been reported, but not their combination. We studied peaks of hydroxyapatite and CH groups on defects grafted with MTA, treated or not with laser, BMPs, and GBR. Ninety rats were divided in 10 groups each, subdivided into three subgroups. Laser (λ850 nm) was applied at every other day for 2 weeks. Raman readings were taken at the surface of the defect. Statistical analysis (CHA) showed significant differences between all groups (p = 0.001) and between Group II and all other (p < 0.001), but not with Group X (p = 0.09). At day 21 differences were seen between all groups (p = 0.031) and between Groups VIII and X when compared with Groups VI (p = 0.03), V (p < 0.001), IV (p < 0.001), and IX (p = 0.04). At the end of the experimental period no significant differences were seen. On regards CH, significant differences were seen at the 15(th) day (p = 0.002) and between Group II and all other groups (p < 0.0001) but not with control. Advanced maturation on irradiated bone is because of increased secretion of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA) that is indicative of greater calcification and resistance of the bone. We conclude that the association of the MTA with laser phototherapy (LPT) and/or not with GBR resulted in a better bone repair. The use of the MTA associated to IR LPT resulted in a more advanced and quality bone repair. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Analysis of different health status based on characteristics of the facial spectrum photometric color].

PubMed

Xu, Jiatuo; Wu, Hongjin; Lu, Luming; Tu, Liping; Zhang, Zhifeng; Chen, Xiao

2012-12-01

This paper is aimed to observe the difference of facial color of people with different health status by spectral photometric color measuring technique according to the theory of facial color diagnosis in Internal Classic. We gathered the facial color information about the health status of persons in healthy group (183), sub-healthy group (287) and disease group (370) respectively. The information included L, a, b, C values and reflection of different wavelengths in 400-700nm with CM-2600D spectral photometric color measuring instrument on 8 points. The results indicated that overall complexion color values of the people in the three groups were significantly different. The persons in the disease group looked deep dark in features. The people in the sub-healthy group looked pale in features. The loci L, a, b, C values were with varying degrees of significant differences (P < 0.05) at 6 points among the groups, and the central position of the face in all the groups was the position with most significant differences. Comparing the facial color information at the same point of the people in the three groups, we obtained each group's diagnostic special point. There existed diagnostic values in distinguishing disease status and various status of health in some degree by spectral photometric color measuring technique. The present method provides a prosperous quantitative basis for Chinese medical inspection of the complexion diagnosis.

Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on the growth, carcass quality and gene expression of beef during the finishing period.

PubMed

Guifen, Liu; Fachun, Wan; Enliang, Song; Xiaomu, Liu; Xiuwen, Tan; Zhenshan, Liu

2011-10-01

Four groups of 12 young beef, as similar as possible with respect to age and weight, were fed a basic diet. The addition fed to four groups was 0, 200, 600, and 1,200 mg of organic chromium (chromium picolinate CrPic) per kg concentrated feed. The results showed that there was no effect on overall growth performance and dressing percentage and pure meat percentage when adding different CrPic content, but significant difference was found between 0 group and other three groups in percentage of high grade cuts (P < 0.05). The Cr content in Kidney, Musculus diaphragm, Semitendinosus muscles and Longissimusdorsi tissues have no difference in four groups (P > 0.05), but there was significant difference in liver tissues between 0, 200, 600 groups and 1200 group (P < 0.05). Gene expression analysis indicated that there were no differences in five genes expression in liver and muscle tissues in four groups (P > 0.05), but mRNA expression amount of FOX1, FSTL and MATR3 always had same trends whatever in liver or muscle tissues. However the RPLOP gene expression amount has large difference between liver and muscle.

Single-fiber Electromyography in the Extensor Digitorum Communis for the Predictive Prognosis of Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Retrospective Study of 102 Cases

PubMed Central

Guan, Yu-Zhou; Cui, Li-Ying; Liu, Ming-Sheng; Niu, Jing-Wen

2015-01-01

Background: Single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG) abnormality in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) was reported in ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG), which indicated subclinical involvement beyond extraocular muscles in OMG patients. The relationship between the abnormal findings of SFEMG in EDC and the probability for OMG to develop generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) is unknown. This retrospective study aimed to determine the predictive value of abnormality of SFEMG in EDC of OMG patients. Methods: One-hundred and two OMG patients underwent standard clinical diagnosis process and SFEMG test in EDC muscle when diagnosed and were clinically followed up for 5 years. The SFEMG data were compared between different clinical groups according to thymus status, onset age, and different outcome of OMG developing. Chances of progressing to GMG were compared between two different groups according to SFEMG and repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) results, acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchRAb) titer, thymus status, and onset age. Results: Abnormal SFEMG results were observed in 84 (82.4%) patients. The mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs (%), and blocking were higher in OMG patients than in healthy volunteers. There were no statistical differences in jitter analysis between thymoma group and non-thymoma group (P = 0.65), or between the later OMG group and the later GMG group (P = 0.31), including mean jitter, percentage of jitter >55 μs (%), and blocking. Elderly group (≥45 years old) had a higher mean jitter than younger group (t = 2.235, P = 0.028). Total 55 OMG developed GMG, including 47 in abnormal SFEMG group while 8 in normal SFEMG group. There was no statistical difference in the conversion rates between the two groups (χ2 = 0.790, P = 0.140). RNS abnormality, AchRab titer, or onset age had no correlation with OMG prognosis (P = 0.150, 0.070, 0.120, respectively) while thymoma did (χ2 = 0.510, P = 0.020). Conclusion: SFEMG test in the EDC showed high abnormality in OMG, suggesting subclinical involvement other than extraocular muscles. Nevertheless, the abnormal jitter analysis did not predict the prognosis of OMG according to clinical follow-up. PMID:26481746

Evaluation of an alternative treatment protocol by aglepristone to induce parturition in ewes with an experimental model of early pregnancy toxemia.

PubMed

Özalp, G R; Yavuz, A; Seker, I; Udum-Küçükşen, D; Rişvanlı, A; Korlu, Y

2018-05-04

A new protocol with aglepristone to induce parturition in ewes with pregnancy toxemia has been reported in the present manuscript. Four experimental groups were defined: Group AG5 (n = 10), Group DEX (n = 10), Group NC (n = 5) and Group PT (n = 5) in which ewes were injected twice with 10 mg/kg of aglepristone and 5 ml dexamethasone in first two groups, respectively; whereas negative control and pregnancy toxemia groups received no treatment for parturition induction. Different clinical parameters associated with parturition in ewes and their newborns were investigated. Blood hematology and biochemical measurements were carried out both in ewes and lambs. Blood pH values of lambs were recorded during the study. The injection time-lambing time, injection time-vaginal discharge intervals, placental expulsion periods, placental weight and vaginal delivery interval between lambs, hematological and biochemical results were not statistically different among the groups (p > 0,05). Increased NEFA and β-HBA concentrations accompanied the disease and all ewes in AG, DEX and PT Groups developed clinical pregnancy toxemia (NEFA; P = 0,009) and β-HBA; (P = 0,039). The differences in rectal body temperature of lambs were not significant (p > 0,05), whereas birth weight was found statistically significant among groups (p < 0,05). Blood pH, biochemical and hematologic measurements of lambs had also significant differences depending on different time points. Parturition pathology by means of incomplete cervical dilatation was severely observed in DEX Group. The results of this study show that aglepristone application in pregnancy toxemia to induce parturition could precisely control lambing time without any side effects in either mothers or lambs. Apart from these, it could be speculated that dexamethasone seems to induce parturition causing crucial pathologies, which results in important and risky changes in newborns' life. Incomplete cervical dilatation and continued ineffective uterine contractions could be a major factor of newborn losses because of placental separation and cessation of blood supply. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Imitating actions on objects in early-onset and regressive autism: Effects and implications of task characteristics on performance

PubMed Central

Rogers, Sally J.; Young, Gregory S.; Cook, Ian; Giolzetti, Angelo; Ozonoff, Sally

2010-01-01

This study was designed to examine the nature of object imitation performance in early autism. We hypothesized that imitation would be relatively preserved when behaviors on objects resulted in salient instrumental effects. We designed tasks in which, in one condition, the motor action resulted in a salient, meaningful effect on an object, whereas in the other condition, the same action resulted in a less salient effect because of differing object characteristics. The motor aspects of the tasks did not vary across conditions. Four participant groups of 2- to 5-year-olds were examined: 17 children with early-onset autism, 24 children with regressive onset autism, 22 children with developmental delays, and 22 children with typical development. Groups were matched on nonverbal skills, and differences in verbal development were examined as a moderator of imitative ability. Results revealed an interaction of group by condition, with the combined autism group failing more tasks than the combined comparison groups, and failing more tasks in the less salient condition than in the more salient condition, as hypothesized. Analyses of autism subgroups revealed these effects were primarily because of the regression onset group. Accuracy of motor performance was examined by analyzing errors. Among children passing imitative acts, there were no group differences and no condition effects in the number, type, or pattern of performance errors. Among children passing the tasks, the group with autism did not demonstrate more emulation errors (imitating the goal but not the means) than other groups. There was no evidence that either motor or attentional aspects of the tasks contributed to the poorer imitative performance of the children with autism. PMID:20102648

Experiential training for enhancing intercultural sensitivity.

PubMed

Jain, Sachin

2013-01-01

This project aims to enhance intercultural sensitivity using cross-cultural movies and focused group discussions with invited guests. Both treatment and control groups consisted of 9 Caucasian participants. The researcher conducted 8 group sessions with the participants of treatment group. Pre and post intervention data were collected on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. Results show that there was a significant increase in the participants' scores in the treatment group and not a significant difference in participants' pre and post scores in the control group. Further analysis on the five different dimensions of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale was also conducted.

Effect of Photodynamic Therapy with Posterior Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone Acetonide on Predominantly Classic Choroidal Neovascularization: One-Year Results

PubMed Central

Sertoz, Ayzin Deniz; Ates, Orhan; Keles, Sadullah; Kocer, Ibrahim; Kulacoglu, Destan Nil; Baykal, Orhan

2008-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the results of monotherapy (photodynamic therapy) and combined therapy (photo-dynamic therapy with posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods: Forty eyes from forty patients with diagnosed neovascular AMD were enrolled in this study during March-2005 – October-2008. All patients were grouped in either the study or the control group. Both the study and control groups consisted of 20 eyes from 20 patients. The study group was treated with posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) along with their initial photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment. The control group members were treated with PDT alone. All patients were examined at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Visual acuity (VA), lesion size and number of treatment sessions were recorded during each examination. Results: The mean difference between pre- and post-treatment VA using the Snellen chart was +0.6 ± 1.7 in study group and −1.4 ± 1.7 in control. The difference for VA was significant in the study group as compared to control (p<0.05). The decrease in lesion size in the study group was 680±1195.2 µm, and the decrease was 32.75 ± 809.9 µm in the control. The difference with regard to the decrease in lesion sizes was significant in the study group as compared to the control (p<0.05). Total PDT treatment sessions were applied 1.2 times per patient in the study group and 1.9 times per patient in the control group. The difference was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that PSTA with PDT significantly reduces CNV growth, and improves VA at the 12-month follow-up in patients with AMD. PMID:25610041

Self-reflection, gender and science achievement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoop, Kathleen A.

Drawing on socio-cognitive learning theory, this study compared achievement scores of 134 male and female high school biology students randomly assigned to groups which either used self-reflection, used self-reflection and received feedback, or did not self-reflect. Following a pretest, the teacher provided self-reflection strategy instruction to students in the two intervention groups and then subsequently provided in-class self-reflection time for these groups. The posttest concluded the unit; the retention measure was five weeks later. A quasi-experimental 3 x 3 x 2 (time x intervention x gender) factorial repeated-measures control group design was used for this study; a repeated measures ANOVA and several one-way ANOVA's were used to answer the research questions. Results from the repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant results for Time and Time x Intervention, with the reflection group demonstrating significantly lower gains from pretest to posttest than the other two groups. The ANOVA examining differences between those who reflected and those who reflected and received feedback provided significant results with similar results for the difference between the control group and the reflection group. For teachers and students this study provides several areas of practical significance. Primarily, teachers may find lower student achievement if students regularly self-reflect but do not receive feedback for their reflection.

Macroscopically detected female genital injury after consensual and non-consensual vaginal penetration: a prospective comparison study.

PubMed

Lincoln, Catherine; Perera, Rafael; Jacobs, Ian; Ward, Alison

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence, type and pattern of macroscopically detected female genital injury after consensual and non-consensual vaginal penetration to further an understanding of the forensic significance of genital injury in women reporting sexual assault. A secondary aim was to identify any effect of a range of possible variables upon the likelihood of genital injury resulting from vaginal penetrative sexual intercourse. Two groups of reproductive age women (aged 18-45 years) were prospectively recruited within 72 h of a single episode of vaginal penetrative sex, and macroscopically examined for the presence of bruises, abrasions and lacerations at twelve external and internal genital sites. Forty one women who presented for forensic examination after reporting a sexual assault to police were recruited to the non-consensual group and 81 women who presented for routine cervical screening or with sexual health concerns to a primary health care service to the consensual group. Each group was examined by a different group of doctors, all of whom were experienced in both forensic genital examination and gynaecological examination of healthy and diseased sexually active women. Data collection and examination protocols were the same for both groups. The key finding was a statistically significant difference in genital injury prevalence between women who were vaginally penetrated non-consensually and consensually; 53.7% of the non-consensual group (22/41) and 9.9% of the consensual group (8/81) were found to have at least one genital injury [OR 10.57, CI (4.07, 27.42), p < 0.00001]. Penetration with finger/s and possible pre-existing genital 'infection' were found to be significantly associated with the presence of injury in the univariate analysis after adjusting for consent. Logistic regression demonstrated that women penetrated without consent were 19.5 times more likely to sustain at least one genital injury, than those penetrated consensually [OR 19.53, CI (6.03, 63.24)] and that a penetration scenario that included finger/s was 4.2 times more likely to result in at least one genital injury than penetration without finger involvement [OR 4.25, CI (1.42, 12.78)], when controlling for other variables in the model. Whilst a comparatively low injury prevalence in the consensual group limited interpretation, results revealed possible differences in genital injury typology and pattern resulting from non-consensual and consensual vaginal penetration. Lacerations were seen after both consensual and non-consensual vaginal penetration, while abrasions and bruises were seen exclusively in the non-consensual group. This study demonstrated a significant consent group difference in genital injury prevalence and the highest macroscopically detected genital injury prevalence rate resulting from non-consensual vaginal penetration identified to date. Results also indicate that vaginal penetration with finger/s increases the likelihood of sex-related injury. The difference in type of injury sustained as a result of non-consensual and consensual vaginal penetration was an unexpected finding, and warrants further investigation. These results highlight the importance of a standardised means of detecting genital injury based on consistent injury definitions, examination protocols, and examiner experience and suggest that macroscopic genital examination may be uniquely placed to detect consent group differences in injury typology and pattern if they exist. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

Characterization of volatile profile from ten different varieties of Chinese jujubes by HS-SPME/GC-MS coupled with E-nose.

PubMed

Chen, Qinqin; Song, Jianxin; Bi, Jinfeng; Meng, Xianjun; Wu, Xinye

2018-03-01

Volatile profile of ten different varieties of fresh jujubes was characterized by HS-SPME/GC-MS (headspace solid phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and E-nose (electronic nose). GC-MS results showed that a total of 51 aroma compounds were identified in jujubes, hexanoic acid, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-2-heptenal, benzaldehyde and (E)-2-nonenal were the main aroma components with contributions that over 70%. Differentiation of jujube varieties was conducted by cluster analysis of GC-MS data and principal component analysis & linear discriminant analysis of E-nose data. Both results showed that jujubes could be mainly divided into two groups: group A (JZ, PDDZ, JSXZ and LWZZ) and group B (BZ, YZ, MZ, XZ and DZ). There were significant differences in contents of alcohols, acids and aromatic compounds between group A and B. GC-MS coupled with E-nose could be a fast and accurate method to identify the general flavor difference in different varieties of jujubes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Study the impacts of diagnosis on occupational noise-induced deafness after bring into the different high frequency hearing threshold weighted value].

PubMed

Xue, L J; Yang, A C; Chen, H; Huang, W X; Guo, J J; Liang, X Y; Chen, Z Q; Zheng, Q L

2017-11-20

Objective: Study of the results and the degree on occupational noise-induced deafness in-to the different high frequency hearing threshold weighted value, in order to provide theoretical basis for the re-vision of diagnostic criteria on occupational noise-induced deafness. Methods: A retrospective study was con-ducted to investigate the cases on the diagnosis of occupational noise-induced deafness in Guangdong province hospital for occupational disease prevention and treatment from January 2016 to January 2017. Based on the re-sults of the 3 hearing test for each test interval greater than 3 days in the hospital, the best threshold of each frequency was obtained, and based on the diagnostic criteria of occupational noise deafness in 2007 edition, Chi square test, t test and variance analysis were used to measure SPSS21.0 data, their differences are tested among the means of speech frequency and the high frequency weighted value into different age group, noise ex-posure group, and diagnostic classification between different dimensions. Results: 1. There were totally 168 cases in accordance with the study plan, male 154 cases, female 14 cases, the average age was 41.18 ±6.07 years old. 2. The diagnosis rate was increased into the weighted value of different high frequency than the mean value of pure speech frequency, the weighted 4 kHz frequency increased by 13.69% (χ(2)=9.880, P =0.002) , 6 kHz increased by 15.47% (χ(2)=9.985, P =0.002) and 4 kHz+6 kHz increased by15.47% (χ(2)=9.985, P =0.002) , the difference was statistically significant. The diagnostic rate of different high threshold had no obvious differ-ence between the genders. 3. The age groups were divided into less than or equal to 40years old group (A group) and 40-50 years old group (group B) , there were higher the diagnostic rate between high frequency weighted 4 kHz (A group χ(2)=3.380, P =0.050; B group χ(2)=4.054, P =0.032) , weighted 6 kHz (A group χ(2)=6.362, P =0.012; B group χ(2)=4.054, P =0.032) , high frequency weighted 4 kHz+6 kHz (A group χ(2)=6.362, P =0.012; B group χ(2)=4.054, P =0.032) than those of speech frequency average value in the same group on oc-cupational noise-induced deafness diagnosis rate, the difference was statistically significant. There was no sig-nificant difference between age groups (χ(2)=2.265, P =0.944) . 4. The better ear's mean value of pure speech fre-quency and the weighted values into different high frequency of working years on each group were compared, working years more than 10 years group was significantly higher than that of average thresholds of each frequen-cy band in 3-5 group ( F =2.271, P =0.001) , 6-10 group ( F =1.563, P =0.046) , the difference was statistically significant. The different high frequency weighted values were higher than those of the mean value of pure speech frequency, and the high frequency weighted 4 kHz+6 kHz had the highest frequency difference, with an average increase of 2.83 dB. 5. The diagnostic rate into weighted different high frequency was higher in the mild, moderate and severe grades than in the pure speech frequency. In the comparison of diagnosis for mild occupational noise-induced deafness, in addition to the weighted 3 kHz high frequency (χ(2)=3.117, P =0.077) had no significant difference, the weighted 4 kHz (χ(2)=10.835, P =0.001) , 6 kHz (χ(2)=9.985, P =0.002) , 3 kHz+4 kHz (χ(2)=6.315, P =0.012) , 3 kHz+6 kHz (χ(2)=6.315, P =0.012) , 4 kHz+6 kHz (χ(2)=9.985, P =0.002) , 3 kHz+4 kHz+6 kHz (χ(2)=7.667, P =0.002) were significantly higher than the diagnosis rate of the mean value of pure speech frequency. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the moderate and se-vere grades ( P >0.05) . Conclusion: Bring into different high frequency hearing threshold weighted value in-creases the diagnostic rate of occupational noise-induced deafness, the weighted 4 kHz, 6 kHz and 4 kHz+ 6 kHz high frequency value affects the result greatly, and the weighted 4 kHz+6 kHz high frequency hearing threshold value is maximum the effect on occupational noise-induced deafness diagnosis.

[Cost variation in care groups?

PubMed

Mohnen, S M; Molema, C C M; Steenbeek, W; van den Berg, M J; de Bruin, S R; Baan, C A; Struijs, J N

2017-01-01

Is the simple mean of the costs per diabetes patient a suitable tool with which to compare care groups? Do the total costs of care per diabetes patient really give the best insight into care group performance? Cross-sectional, multi-level study. The 2009 insurance claims of 104,544 diabetes patients managed by care groups in the Netherlands were analysed. The data were obtained from Vektis care information centre. For each care group we determined the mean costs per patient of all the curative care and diabetes-specific hospital care using the simple mean method, then repeated it using the 'generalized linear mixed model'. We also calculated for which proportion the differences found could be attributed to the care groups themselves. The mean costs of the total curative care per patient were €3,092 - €6,546; there were no significant differences between care groups. The mixed model method resulted in less variation (€2,884 - €3,511), and there were a few significant differences. We found a similar result for diabetes-specific hospital care and the ranking position of the care groups proved to be dependent on the method used. The care group effect was limited, although it was greater in the diabetes-specific hospital costs than in the total costs of curative care (6.7% vs. 0.4%). The method used to benchmark care groups carries considerable weight. Simply stated, determining the mean costs of care (still often done) leads to an overestimation of the differences between care groups. The generalized linear mixed model is more accurate and yields better comparisons. However, the fact remains that 'total costs of care' is a faulty indicator since care groups have little impact on them. A more informative indicator is 'costs of diabetes-specific hospital care' as these costs are more influenced by care groups.

Do conceptualisations of health differ across social strata? A concept mapping study among lay people

PubMed Central

Stronks, Karien; Hoeymans, Nancy; Haverkamp, Beatrijs; den Hertog, Frank R J; van Bon-Martens, Marja J H; Galenkamp, Henrike; Verweij, Marcel; van Oers, Hans A M

2018-01-01

Objectives The legitimacy of policies that aim at tackling socioeconomic inequalities in health can be challenged if they do not reflect the conceptualisations of health that are valued in all strata. Therefore, this study analyses how different socioeconomic groups formulate their own answers regarding: what does health mean to you? Design Concept mapping procedures were performed in three groups that differ in educational level. All procedures followed exactly the same design. Setting Area of the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands. Participants Lay persons with a lower, intermediate and higher educational level (±15/group). Results The concept maps for the three groups consisted of nine, eight and seven clusters each, respectively. Four clusters occurred in all groups: absence of disease/disabilities, health-related behaviours, social life, attitude towards life. The content of some of these differed between groups, for example, behaviours were interpreted as having opportunities to behave healthily in the lower education group, and in terms of their impact on health in the higher education group. Other clusters appeared to be specific for particular groups, such as autonomy (intermediate/higher education group). Finally, ranking ranged from a higher ranking of the positively formulated aspects in the higher education group (eg, lust for life) to that of the negatively formulated aspects in the lower education group (eg, having no chronic disease). Conclusion Our results provide indications to suggest that people in lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to show a conceptualisation of health that refers to (1) the absence of health threats (vs positive aspects), (2) a person within his/her circumstances (vs quality of own body/mind), (3) the value of functional (vs hedonistic) notions and (4) an accepting (vs active) attitude towards life. PMID:29674369

[Application of pylorus-vagus-preserving gastrectomy in early gastric cancer in middle third of stomach].

PubMed

Hu, Junfeng; Shao, Qinshu; Sun, Yuanshui; Xu, Xiaodong; Xu, Ji

2015-04-14

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of pylorus-vagus-preserving partial gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in middle third of stomach. Between January 2004 and June 2009, 46 patients with early gastric cancer in middle third of stomach underwent pylorus-vagus-preserving partial gastrectomy (PPG) while another 85 patients had conventional distal gastrectomy (DG). Clinicopathologic data and follow-up results of two groups were analyzed retrospectively, including the results of subjective nutritional assessments, laboratory blood biochemical data, endoscopic findings of remnant stomach and total 5-year survival rates. Postprandial dumping syndrome occurred in 7 patients (8.2%) in DG group while no syndrome occurred in PPG group. The incidence of gallbladder stones at 18 months after operation in DG group was higher than that in PPG group. Significant difference existed between two groups (P<0.05). Even though no significant difference existed in laboratory blood biochemical data and endoscopic findings, PPG group recovered better and regurgitation was frequently found in DG group. Food residue in gastric remnant was frequently observed in PPG (31.1%) than in DG (10.8%, P<0.05) by endoscopic findings. At 2 years post-operation, the postoperative 5-year recurrence rate was 6.5% (2/46) in PPG group versus 8.2% (7/85) in DG group. However no significant difference existed between 2 groups (P=0.724). No significant difference existed between PPG group (91.3%) and DG group (90.6%) in overall 5-year survival rate. For early gastric cancer in middle third of stomach, pylorus-vagus-preserving partial gastrectomy is effective in maintaining postoperative function. And it has the same postoperative survival rate as conventional distal gastrectomy.

Race Essentialism and Social Contextual Differences in Children’s Racial Stereotyping

PubMed Central

Pauker, Kristin; Xu, Yiyuan; Williams, Amanda; Biddle, Ashley Morris

2016-01-01

The authors explored the differential emergence and correlates of racial stereotyping in 136 children ages 4–11 years across two broad social contexts: Hawai‘i and Massachusetts. Children completed measures assessing race salience, race essentialism, and in-group and out-group stereotyping. Results indicated that the type of racial stereotypes emerging with age was context dependent. In both contexts in-group stereotyping increased with age. By contrast, there was only an age-related increase in out-group stereotyping in Massachusetts. Older children in Massachusetts reported more essentialist thinking (i.e., believing that race cannot change) than their counterparts in Hawai’i, which explained their higher out-group stereotyping. These results provide insight into the factors that may shape contextual differences in racial stereotyping. PMID:27684395

Family Cohesion and its Relationship to Psychological Distress among Latino Groups

PubMed Central

Rivera, Fernando I.; Guarnaccia, Peter J.; Mulvaney-Day, Norah; Lin, Julia Y.; Torres, Maria; Alegria, Margarita

2009-01-01

This paper presents analyses of a representative sample of US Latinos (N=2540) to investigate whether family cohesion moderates the effects of cultural conflict on psychological distress. The results for the aggregated Latino group suggests a significant association between family cohesion and lower psychological distress and the combination of strong family cohesion with presence of family cultural conflict was associated with higher psychological distress. However, this association differed by Latino groups. We found no association for Puerto Ricans, Cuban results were similar to the aggregate group, family cultural conflict in Mexicans was associated with higher psychological distress, while family cohesion in Other Latinos was associated with higher psychological distress. Implications of these findings are discussed to unravel the differences in family dynamics across Latino subethnic groups. PMID:19444326

Removing the effect of response time on brain activity reveals developmental differences in conflict processing in the posterior medial prefrontal cortex.

PubMed

Carp, Joshua; Fitzgerald, Kate Dimond; Taylor, Stephan F; Weissman, Daniel H

2012-01-02

In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, researchers often attempt to ensure that group differences in brain activity are not confounded with group differences in mean reaction time (RT). However, even when groups are matched for performance, they may differ in terms of the RT-BOLD relationship: the degree to which brain activity varies with RT on a trial-by-trial basis. Group activation differences might therefore be influenced by group differences in the relationship between brain activity and time on task. Here, we investigated whether correcting for this potential confound alters group differences in brain activity. Specifically, we reanalyzed data from a functional MRI study of response conflict in children and adults, in which conventional analyses indicated that conflict-related activity did not differ between groups. We found that the RT-BOLD relationship was weaker in children than in adults. Consequently, after removing the effect of RT on brain activity, children exhibited greater conflict-related activity than adults in both the posterior medial prefrontal cortex and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These results identify the RT-BOLD relationship as an important potential confound in fMRI studies of group differences. They also suggest that the magnitude of the RT-BOLD relationship may be a useful biomarker of brain maturity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effectiveness of Hypnosis Intervention for Labor: An Experimental Study.

PubMed

Beevi, Zuhrah; Low, Wah Yun; Hassan, Jamiyah

2017-10-01

Hypnosis has been shown to help pregnant women experience improved labor and postpartum periods. The present study compares the differences between experimental (n = 23) and control groups (n = 22) on specific variables measured both during labor and 24 hr postpartum. The participants in the experimental group received the hypnosis intervention at weeks 16, 20, 28, and 36 of pregnancy, while those in the control group received only routine antenatal care. The data collected at the labor stage describe the length of the labor stage, pain relief used during labor, the method of delivery, and the type of assisted vaginal delivery. Within 24 hr of delivery, data on neonatal birth weight, neonatal Apgar scores, and self-reported pain were obtained. The labor stage results showed no significant differences in the length of the second and third stages of labor. Although the participants in the experimental group reported higher pain levels immediately prior to, during, and immediately after delivery, their use of pethidine during labor was significantly lower than the control group participants. None of the experimental group participants opted for an epidural, and they had a greater number of assisted vaginal deliveries than the control group participants. The 24 hr postpartum results showed that the neonates of the experimental group participants had nonsignificantly higher Apgar scores than those of the women in the control group. Group differences in neonatal weight were not significant. The results of the present study indicate that hypnosis is useful for assisting pregnant women during labor and the postpartum period.

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

Minchin, Robert F., E-mail: rminchin@naic.edu

I investigate whether it is possible to reconcile the recent Arecibo Legacy Fast Arecibo L-band Feed Array (ALFALFA) observation that the neutral hydrogen mass function (HIMF) across different galactic densities has the same, non-flat, faint-end slope, with observations of isolated galaxies and many galaxy groups that show their HIMFs to have flat faint-end slopes. I find that a fairly simple model in which the position of the knee in the mass function of each individual group is allowed to vary is able to account for both of these observations. If this model reflects reality, the ALFALFA results point to anmore » interesting “conspiracy” whereby the differing group HIMFs always sum up to form global HIMFs with the same faint-end slope in different environments. More generally, this result implies that global environmental HIMFs do not necessarily reflect the HIMFs in individual groups belonging to that environment and cannot be used to directly measure variations in group-specific HIMFs with environment.« less

Effects of different computer typing speeds on acceleration and peak contact pressure of the fingertips during computer typing.

PubMed

Yoo, Won-Gyu

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study showed the effects of different computer typing speeds on acceleration and peak contact pressure of the fingertips during computer typing. [Subjects] Twenty-one male computer workers voluntarily consented to participate in this study. They consisted of 7 workers who could type 200-300 characteristics/minute, 7 workers who could type 300-400 characteristics/minute, and 7 workers who could type 400-500 chracteristics/minute. [Methods] This study was used to measure the acceleration and peak contact pressure of the fingertips for different typing speed groups using an accelerometer and CONFORMat system. [Results] The fingertip contact pressure was increased in the high typing speed group compared with the low and medium typing speed groups. The fingertip acceleration was increased in the high typing speed group compared with the low and medium typing speed groups. [Conclusion] The results of the present study indicate that a fast typing speed cause continuous pressure stress to be applied to the fingers, thereby creating pain in the fingers.

Effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease, and YOU Can Break the Pain Cycle

PubMed Central

Bruno, Michelle; Cummins, Susan; Gaudiano, Lisha; Stoos, Johanna; Blanpied, Peter

2006-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of two Arthritis Foundation programs: Walk With Ease (WWE) and YOU Can Break The Pain Cycle (PC). Design: Quasi-experimental, repeated measures design. Retested at six weeks and four months. Setting: Community based intervention. Participants: Volunteer sample of 163 adults with arthritis recruited through mailings, newspapers, and flyers. Interventions: Subjects participated in a 90 minute seminar (PC, Group A), a six-week walking program (WWE, Group B), or both programs (Group C). Main outcome measures: Survey assessment of arthritis knowledge, general health, self-management activities, confidence, physical abilities, depression, health distress, and how arthritis affects their life. A Squat Test, a Six Minute Walk test, and a Timed Functional Walk Test were also administered. Results: Subjects in Group B were more confident, less depressed, had less health distress, and less pain than subjects in Group A. Scores of Group C were between Group A and B scores. Differences in groups over time indicated that the WWE resulted in increased confidence, physical abilities, time spent in self-management activities and decreased pain and fatigue. All groups increased in walking endurance at six weeks, and increased in health distress at four months. Conclusion: Subjects in different programs differed on impact of arthritis. These programs provide effective arthritis management opportunities. PMID:18046884

Population genetic study of 34 X-Chromosome markers in 5 main ethnic groups of China.

PubMed

Zhang, Suhua; Bian, Yingnan; Li, Li; Sun, Kuan; Wang, Zheng; Zhao, Qi; Zha, Lagabaiyila; Cai, Jifeng; Gao, Yuzhen; Ji, Chaoneng; Li, Chengtao

2015-12-04

As a multi-ethnic country, China has some indigenous population groups which vary in culture and social customs, perhaps as a result of geographic isolation and different traditions. However, upon close interactions and intermarriage, admixture of different gene pools among these ethnic groups may occur. In order to gain more insight on the genetic background of X-Chromosome from these ethnic groups, a set of X-markers (18 X-STRs and 16 X-Indels) was genotyped in 5 main ethnic groups of China (HAN, HUI, Uygur, Mongolian, Tibetan). Twenty-three private alleles were detected in HAN, Uygur, Tibetan and Mongolian. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were all observed for the 3 parameters of heterozygosity (Ho, He and UHe) among the 5 ethnic groups. Highest values of Nei genetic distance were always observed at HUI-Uygur pairwise when analyzed with X-STRs or X-Indels separately and combined. Phylogenetic tree and PCA analyses revealed a clear pattern of population differentiation of HUI and Uygur. However, the HAN, Tibetan and Mongolian ethnic groups were closely clustered. Eighteen X-Indels exhibited in general congruent phylogenetic signal and similar cluster among the 5 ethnic groups compared with 16 X-STRs. Aforementioned results proved the genetic polymorphism and potential of the 34 X-markers in the 5 ethnic groups.

Intraarticular Ankaferd blood stopper application increases cartilagedegeneration: an experimental study.

PubMed

Kaya, İbrahim; Gülabi, Deniz; Yilmaz, Murat; Baş, Ali; Çeçen, Gültekin Sıtkı Çeçen; Şener, Nurullah

2016-01-05

Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) is a mixture of certain ratios of 5 different plant roots (Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica). The aim of this study is to evaluate the histopathological effects of ABS on articular cartilage in vitro. Twenty-one albino Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 3 groups: 0.1 mL of saline was injected in the first group, 0.1 mL of ABS was injected in the second group, and 0.1 mL of blood and 0.1 mL of ABS were injected in the third group. One month later all rats were sacrificed. Specimens were obtained for histopathological evaluation. Significant results were detected in the groups with respect to International Cartilage Repair Society and synovial proliferation scores (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). According to inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrin formation scores, there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 (P < 0.01), although there was significant difference between group 3 and the other groups (P > 0.05). ABS and hemarthrosis had toxic effects on knee cartilage. The side effects were increased with the combination of hemarthrosis and ABS. As a result, ABS had unexpected effects on experimental hemarthrosis.

The Effectiveness of an Educational Game for Teaching Optometry Students Basic and Applied Science

PubMed Central

Trevino, Richard; Majcher, Carolyn; Rabin, Jeff; Kent, Theresa; Maki, Yutaka; Wingert, Timothy

2016-01-01

Purpose To compare the effectiveness of an educational board game with interactive didactic instruction for teaching optometry students elements of the core optometric curriculum. Methods Forty-two optometry students were divided into two GPA-matched groups and assigned to either 12 hours of game play (game group) or 12 hours of interactive didactic instruction (lecture group). The same material from the core optometric curriculum was delivered to both groups. Game play was accomplished via an original board game. Written examinations assessed change in knowledge level. A post-intervention opinion survey assessed student attitudes. Results There was no significant difference in pre- or post-intervention test scores between the lecture and game groups (Pre-test: p = 0.9; Post-test: p = 0.5). Post-intervention test scores increased significantly from baseline (Game group: 29.3% gain, Didactic group: 31.5% gain; p<0.001 for each). The score increase difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.6). The post-intervention attitude survey did not reveal any significant between group differences (p = 0.5). Conclusions Our results indicate that an educational game and interactive didactic instruction can be equally effective in teaching optometry students basic and applied science. Furthermore, both modes of instruction have the potential to be equally engaging and enjoyable experiences. PMID:27233041

[Cell-mediated immunity in mice infected with Acanthamoeba culbertsoni].

PubMed

Kim, M J; Shin, C O; Im, K I

1990-09-01

Observations were made on the differences of cell-mediated responses in mice of three infection groups differently scheduled in their severity with pathogenic Acanthamoeba culbertsoni. Infections were done by dropping 5 microliters saline suspension containing 3 x 10(3), 1 x 10(4), or 1 x 10(5) trophozoites, respectively. Amoebae were cultured axenically in CGV medium and inoculated into the right nasal cavity of C3H/HeJ mice aging around 6-8 weeks, under the anesthesia by intraperitoneal injection of secobarbital. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in footpad and blastogenic responses of mouse spleen cells using (3H)-thymidine and the serum antibody titer were measured up to day 14 after infection, and natural killer cell activities were measured up to day 5 after infection. The results obtained in this study were as follows: 1. The mice infected with 3 x 10(3) trophozoites showed mortality rate of 17%, and 34% in the mice infected with 1 x 10(4) trophozoites and 65% with 1 x 10(5) trophozoites. 2. In regard to DTH responses in all experimental groups, the level increased on day 7 and declined on day 14 after infection, but their differences could not be noted between infected and control groups. 3. The blastogenic responses of splenocytes treated with amoeba lysates and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) showed no difference from the control group. The blastogenic responses of splenocytes treated with concanavalin A were declined significantly in the experimental group as compared with the control group, but the blastogenic responses of splenocytes treated with polyinosinic acid were not different from the control group. There was also no difference among three infected groups. 4. The cytotoxic activity of the natural killer cells was activated on day 1 after infection and declined to the level of control group on day 2 in all experimental groups. On day 5 after infection, the natural killer cell cytotoxicity was significantly suppressed as compared with the control groups. 5. The serum antibody titers of the infected mice increased after day 7, but there was no statistical difference between the three infected groups. In summary of the results, there was no difference in cell-mediated immune responses of three experimental groups scheduled with different infection intensities. But there was a significant difference in cell-mediated immune responses between infected and control mice. It is considered that cell-mediated immune responses should be involved in murine model infected with A. culbertsoni.

On the Relationship between Cosmic Ray Exposure Ages and Petrography of CM Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takenouchi, A.; Zolensky, M. E.; Nishiizumi, K.; Caffee, M.; Velbel, M. A.; Ross, K.; Zolensky, A.; Lee, L.; Imae, N.; Yamaguchi, A.;

Effects of a vitamin pool (vitamins A, E, and C) on the tissue necrosis process: experimental study on rats.

PubMed

Porto da Rocha, Rogério; Lucio, Daniela Pettinato; Souza, Thiago de Lima; Pereira, Sérgio Tavolaro; Fernandes, Geraldo José Medeiros

2002-01-01

During surgical procedures on the epidermis, either aesthetic or reconstructive, the medical literature shows that certain technical standards and skin flap proportions should be followed, unless the risk of necrosis increases, in different degrees, directly related to the trauma. This study evaluates the evolution of skin flaps on the dorsum of rats treated with a vitamin pool (VP) (vitamins A, E, and C). Twenty-six rats, divided into two groups, were used: (A) the treated group (13 specimens), in which we performed a dorsal skin flap and applied the VP, and (B) the control group (13 specimens), in which we performed a flap on the dorsum without application of the VP. Our results demonstrate that, at the macroscopic level, the group treated with the VP had more tissue sufferance, whereas at the microscopic level, small statistical differences were observed between the groups and also between the vertex and the middle of the flap. Despite these small differences, better results were obtained in group A, showing that in this study the clinical aspect did not correspond to the histological features.

A Preliminary Study of the Effectiveness of Different Recitation Teaching Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endorf, Robert J.; Koenig, Kathleen M.; Braun, Gregory A.

2006-02-01

We present preliminary results from a comparative study of student understanding for students who attended recitation classes which used different teaching methods. Student volunteers from our introductory calculus-based physics course attended a special recitation class that was taught using one of four different teaching methods. A total of 272 students were divided into approximately equal groups for each method. Students in each class were taught the same topic, "Changes in energy and momentum," from Tutorials in Introductory Physics. The different teaching methods varied in the amount of student and teacher engagement. Student understanding was evaluated through pretests and posttests given at the recitation class. Our results demonstrate the importance of the instructor's role in teaching recitation classes. The most effective teaching method was for students working in cooperative learning groups with the instructors questioning the groups using Socratic dialogue. These results provide guidance and evidence for the teaching methods which should be emphasized in training future teachers and faculty members.

Assessing production characteristics, influential factors and administrative policies in a multicenter dental organization.

PubMed

Patterson, Charles W

2012-06-01

In multicenter service organizations, managers often make centralized decisions without considering the effects of differing production characteristics and influential factors on each center. In this study, the author examines differences in production characteristics and factors that influence production, as well as their likely effect on policy formulation, in a large, six-center dental group in the Chicago area. The results of the study show that the six centers (in two groups) exhibited two distinct production patterns, with three having logarithmic distributions and three having normal distributions. Production differences between the groups likely resulted from differences in managed care, staffing and dental procedures performed. Instead of being monolithic, the organization exhibited two types of centers, each with its own production characteristics and factors that influenced production. The study results suggest that large service corporations and }partnerships would benefit from conducting analyses of production characteristics and factors that influence production before making policy decisions that affect the entire organization.

Effects of LED or laser phototherapy on bone defects grafted with MTA and irradiated with laser or LED light: a comparative Raman spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinheiro, Antonio L. B.; Soares, Luiz G. P.; Barbosa, Artur Felipe S.; Silveira, Landulfo, Jr.

2012-03-01

We studied peaks of calcium hydroxyapatite - CHA on defects grafted with MTA, treated or not with Light Emitting Diode - LED or IR Laser. 54 rats were divided in 6 groups each subdivided into 3 subgroups (15,21,30d). LED (λ850 +/- 10nm) or IR Laser (λ850 nm) was applied over (LED) or in 4 points around the defect at 48 h intervals for 15 days. Raman readings were taken at the surface of the defect. The smaller overall intensity of the peak was found in Group MTA + Laser (1510.2 +/- 274.1) and the highest on Group LED (2322 +/- 715). There were no statistically significant differences between non-irradiated subjects on regards the CHA peaks. On the other hand, there were statistically significant differences between the Group Clot and LED, Clot and Laser, and Clot and MTA + Laser (p =0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences between Group MTA and MTA + LED (p=0.2) but significant differences were seen between Groups MTA and MTA + Laser (p=0.01). Significant differences were also observed between Groups LED and Laser (p <0.001) and between Groups MTA + LED and MTA + Laser (p=0.009). MTA, due to its characteristics, seemed to be directly affected by the light. However, the use of either phototherapy positively affected bone healing similarly as observed on different studies using other biomaterials. The overall analysis of our results indicated that the use of either light source resulted in a better, more advanced, and of quality bone repair.

Different reference frames can lead to different hand transplantation decisions by patients and physicians.

PubMed

Edgell, S E; McCabe, S J; Breidenbach, W C; Neace, W P; LaJoie, A S; Abell, T D

2001-03-01

Different frames of reference can affect one's assessment of the value of hand transplantation. This can result in different yet rational decisions by different groups of individuals, especially patients and physicians. In addition, factors other than frames of reference can affect one's evaluation of hand transplantation, which can result in different decisions.

Neural correlates of accelerated auditory processing in children engaged in music training.

PubMed

Habibi, Assal; Cahn, B Rael; Damasio, Antonio; Damasio, Hanna

2016-10-01

Several studies comparing adult musicians and non-musicians have shown that music training is associated with brain differences. It is unknown, however, whether these differences result from lengthy musical training, from pre-existing biological traits, or from social factors favoring musicality. As part of an ongoing 5-year longitudinal study, we investigated the effects of a music training program on the auditory development of children, over the course of two years, beginning at age 6-7. The training was group-based and inspired by El-Sistema. We compared the children in the music group with two comparison groups of children of the same socio-economic background, one involved in sports training, another not involved in any systematic training. Prior to participating, children who began training in music did not differ from those in the comparison groups in any of the assessed measures. After two years, we now observe that children in the music group, but not in the two comparison groups, show an enhanced ability to detect changes in tonal environment and an accelerated maturity of auditory processing as measured by cortical auditory evoked potentials to musical notes. Our results suggest that music training may result in stimulus specific brain changes in school aged children. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Individual differences and subjective workload assessment - Comparing pilots to nonpilots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vidulich, Michael A.; Pandit, Parimal

1987-01-01

Results by two groups of subjects, pilots and nonpilots, for two subjective workload assessment techniques (the SWAT and NASA-TLX tests) intended to evaluate individual differences in the perception and reporting of subjective workload are compared with results obtained for several traditional personality tests. The personality tests were found to discriminate between the groups while the workload tests did not. It is concluded that although the workload tests may provide useful information with respect to the interaction between tasks and personality, they are not effective as pure tests of individual differences.

Irrational ideas. Older vs. younger inpatients.

PubMed

Hyer, L A; Jacobsen, R; Harrison, W R

1985-04-01

The relationship to age of irrational beliefs among psychiatric inpatients has not been explored using the rational-emotive model. This study addressed the following two questions: 1) Do older and younger psychiatric inpatients differ in irrational beliefs? 2) Do older depressives differ from older nondepressives in irrational beliefs? Upon admission to a large medical center, 58 younger (less than 45 years old) and 54 older (greater than 55 years old) subjects were assessed on a battery of psychological tests, including the Idea Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results showed that older and younger inpatients did not differ on irrational beliefs. Results also showed that older and younger groups of depressives did not differ on the irrationality scores. When a correlational analysis was used, depression was related to irrationality within the older group but not within the younger group.

Can effective teaching and learning strategies help student nurses to retain drug calculation skills?

PubMed

Wright, Kerri

2008-10-01

Student nurses need to develop and retain drug calculation skills in order accurately to calculate drug dosages in clinical practice. If student nurses are to qualify and be fit to practise accurate drug calculation skills, then educational strategies need to not only show that the skills of student nurses have improved but that these skills have been retained over a period of time. A quasi-experimental approach was used to test the effectiveness of a range of strategies in improving retention of drug calculation skills. The results from an IV additive drug calculation test were used to compare the drug calculation skills of student nurses between two groups of students who had received different approaches to teaching drug calculation skills. The sample group received specific teaching and learning strategies in relation to drug calculation skills and the second group received only lectures on drug calculation skills. All test results for students were anonymous. The results from the test for both groups were statistically analysed using the Mann Whitney test to ascertain whether the range of strategies improved the results for the IV additive test. The results were further analysed and compared to ascertain the types and numbers of errors made in each of the sample groups. The results showed that there is a highly significant difference between the two samples using a two-tailed test (U=39.5, p<0.001). The strategies implemented therefore did make a difference to the retention of drug calculation skills in the students in the intervention group. Further research is required into the retention of drug calculation skills by students and nurses, but there does appears to be evidence to suggest that sound teaching and learning strategies do result in better retention of drug calculation skills.

Brain dynamics of post-task resting state are influenced by expertise: Insights from baseball players.

PubMed

Muraskin, Jordan; Dodhia, Sonam; Lieberman, Gregory; Garcia, Javier O; Verstynen, Timothy; Vettel, Jean M; Sherwin, Jason; Sajda, Paul

2016-12-01

Post-task resting state dynamics can be viewed as a task-driven state where behavioral performance is improved through endogenous, non-explicit learning. Tasks that have intrinsic value for individuals are hypothesized to produce post-task resting state dynamics that promote learning. We measured simultaneous fMRI/EEG and DTI in Division-1 collegiate baseball players and compared to a group of controls, examining differences in both functional and structural connectivity. Participants performed a surrogate baseball pitch Go/No-Go task before a resting state scan, and we compared post-task resting state connectivity using a seed-based analysis from the supplementary motor area (SMA), an area whose activity discriminated players and controls in our previous results using this task. Although both groups were equally trained on the task, the experts showed differential activity in their post-task resting state consistent with motor learning. Specifically, we found (1) differences in bilateral SMA-L Insula functional connectivity between experts and controls that may reflect group differences in motor learning, (2) differences in BOLD-alpha oscillation correlations between groups suggests variability in modulatory attention in the post-task state, and (3) group differences between BOLD-beta oscillations that may indicate cognitive processing of motor inhibition. Structural connectivity analysis identified group differences in portions of the functionally derived network, suggesting that functional differences may also partially arise from variability in the underlying white matter pathways. Generally, we find that brain dynamics in the post-task resting state differ as a function of subject expertise and potentially result from differences in both functional and structural connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4454-4471, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The color and texture of hope: some preliminary findings and implications for hope theory and counseling among diverse racial/ethnic groups.

PubMed

Chang, Edward C; Banks, Kira Hudson

2007-04-01

To clarify and extend Snyder's (1994, 2002) hope theory to a more diverse population, this study examined variations in agentic and pathways thinking, and their relations with social problem solving, affect, and with life satisfaction across a college student sample of 46 European Americans, 30 African Americans, 33 Latinos, and 46 Asian Americans. Although comparative results indicated variations in levels of hope components across the 4 racial/ethnic groups, correlational results indicated that the manner in which hope components related to measures of behavior and adjustment were similar across groups. Regression results indicated similarities and differences in predictors of hope components across the different racial/ethnic groups. Potential implications for promoting hope in working with diverse college students are discussed. (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved.

Effects of parenteral infusion with fish-oil or safflower-oil emulsion on hepatic lipids, plasma amino acids, and inflammatory mediators in septic rats.

PubMed

Chao, C Y; Yeh, S L; Lin, M T; Chen, W J

2000-04-01

This study was designed to investigate the effects of preinfusion with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) using fish-oil (FO) versus safflower-oil (SO) emulsion as fat sources on hepatic lipids, plasma amino-acid profiles, and inflammatory-related mediators in septic rats. Normal rats, with internal jugular catheters, were assigned to two different groups and received TPN. TPN provided 300 kcal. kg(-1). d(-1), with 40% of the non-protein energy as fat. All TPN solutions were isonitrogenous and identical in nutrient composition except for the fat emulsion, which was made of SO or FO. After receiving TPN for 6 d, each group of rats was further divided into control and sepsis subgroups. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture; control rats received sham operation. All rats were classified into four groups as follows: FO control group (FOC; n = 7), FO sepsis group (FOS; n = 8), SO control group (SOC; n = 8), and SO sepsis group (SOS; n = 9). The results of the study demonstrated that plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acids did not differ between the FO and SO groups, regardless of whether the animals were septic. SOS had significantly higher total lipids and cholesterol content in the liver than did the SOC group. The FOS group, however, showed no difference from the FOC group. Plasma leucine and isoleucine levels were significantly lower in the SOS group than in the SOC group, whereas no difference in these two amino acids was observed between the FOC and FOS groups. Plasma arginine levels were significantly lower in both septic groups than in the groups without sepsis when either FO or SO was infused. Plasma glutamine levels, however, did not differ across groups. No differences in interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or leukotriene B(4) concentrations in peritoneal lavage fluid were observed between the two septic groups. These results suggest that catabolic reaction in septic rats preinfused with FO is not as obvious as those preinfused with SO. Compared with SO emulsion, TPN with FO emulsion prevents liver fat accumulation associated with sepsis. However, parenterally administered FO had no beneficial effect in lowering cytokines and LTB(4) levels in peritoneal lavage fluid in septic rats induced by cecal ligation and puncture.

Comparison of Technical and Clinical Outcome of Transjugular Portosystemic Shunt Placement Between a Bare Metal Stent and a PTFE-Stentgraft Device.

PubMed

Lauermann, J; Potthoff, A; Mc Cavert, M; Marquardt, S; Vaske, B; Rosenthal, H; von Hahn, T; Wacker, F; Meyer, B C; Rodt, Thomas

2016-04-01

To analyse technical and clinical success of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with portal hypertension and compare a stent and a stentgraft with regard to clinical and technical outcome and associated costs. 170 patients (56 ± 12 years, 32.9% females) treated with TIPS due to portal hypertension were reviewed. 80 patients received a stent (group 1) and 83 a stentgraft (group 2), and seven interventions were unsuccessful. Technical data, periprocedural imaging, follow-up ultrasound and clinical data were analysed with focus on technical success, patency, clinical outcome and group differences. Cost analysis was performed. Portal hypertension was mainly caused by ethyltoxic liver cirrhosis with ascites as dominant symptom (80%). Technical success was 93.5% with mean portosystemic gradient decrease from 16.1 ± 4.8 to 5.1 ± 2.1 mmHg. No significant differences in technical success and portosystemic gradient decrease between the groups were observed. Kaplan-Meier analysis yielded significant differences in primary patency after 14 days, 6 months and 2 years in favour of the stentgraft. Both groups showed good clinical results without significant difference in 1-year survival and hepatic encephalopathy rate. Costs to establish TIPS and to manage 2-year follow-up with constant patency and clinical success were 8876 € (group 1) and 9394 € (group 2). TIPS is a safe and effective procedure to manage portal hypertension. Stent and stentgraft enabled good technical and clinical results with a low complication rate. Primary patency rates are clearly in favour of the stentgraft, whereas the stent was more cost effective with similar clinical results in both groups.

[Binocular status of dyslexics--are there differences to a healthy comparison group?].

PubMed

Riebeling, P; Brunner, E; Grossjohann, R; Clemens, S

2009-10-01

Despite numerous studies dealing with the question of a possible relation of visual problems and dyslexia, which is negated by most ophthalmologists, some opticians still favour the treatment of dyslexia by correction of the "Winkelfehlsichtigkeit" following MCH. Our aim was by also including the Pola test to check the usefulness of this treatment. In a 2-year prospective study we examined the 4th grade elementary school students in our city who had dyslexia as an assured diagnosis (n = 21). The results were compared to those of an age-matched group without pathological findings regarding their reading and spelling ability (n = 21). Examinations included visual acuity, eye position by cover test, Maddox cylinder and Pola test for near distance, binocular vision (Bagolini and Worth test, Lang test I and II, Titmus test, amplitude of fusion), amplitude of accommodation, refraction in cycloplegia and organic status. A significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the amplitude of divergence in near (p = 0.009) and far distance (p = 0.019) which were both smaller for the dyslexia group, as well as the binocular near visual acuity (p = 0.04). Using the SAS procedure STEPDISC we discriminated the normal and dyslexia group by amplitude of divergence, near visual acuity and alternating near prism cover test with a sensitivity of 81 % and a specifity of 75 %. The results of the Pola test did not show any significant difference between the groups. No differences were found between the groups regarding the eye position. Therefore a treatment of dyslexia using prisms does not appear reasonable. However because of the group sizes the significance of the results is limited. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.New York.

The self-adjusting file instrumentation results in less debris extrusion apically when compared to WaveOne and ProTaper NEXT

PubMed Central

Pawar, Ajinkya M.; Pawar, Mansing G.; Metzger, Zvi; Kokate, Sharad R.

2015-01-01

Aim: The present ex vivo study aimed to evaluate the debris extrusion after instrumenting the root canals by three different files systems. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human mandibular premolars with single canals were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) for instrumentation with three different files. Group 1: WaveOne (primary) single reciprocating file (WO; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) (25/08), Group 2: Self-adjusting file (SAF; ReDent-Nova, Ra’anana, Israel) (1.5 mm), and Group 3: ProTaper NEXT X1 and X2 (PTN; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK) (25/06). Debris extruding by instrumentation were collected into pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. These tubes were then stored in an incubator at 70°C for 5 days. The tubes were then weighed to obtain the final weight, with the extruded debris. Statistical analysis for the debris extruded apically was performed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's test. Results: The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between all the three groups tested (P < 0.01). The following post hoc Tukey's test confirmed that Group 2 (SAF) exhibited significantly least (P < 0.01) debris extrusion between the three groups tested. Conclusions: The SAF resulted in significantly less extrusion of debris when compared to reciprocating WO and rotary PTN. PMID:25829683

Dietary cation and anion difference: Effects on milk production and body fluid distribution in lactating dairy goats under tropical conditions.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thiet; Chaiyabutr, Narongsak; Chanpongsang, Somchai; Thammacharoen, Sumpun

2018-01-01

This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) on milk production and body fluid distribution in lactating dairy goats. Ten dairy goats were selected and divided into two groups, five animals each. Animals received either control DCAD (control, 22.81 mEq/100 g dry matter (DM)) or high DCAD (DCAD, 39.08 mEq/100 g DM). The results indicated that rectal temperature (Tr), respiration rate, milk yield and compositions did not differ between groups. But the percentage change of Tr from the DCAD group was lower than the control group between 09.00 and 13.00 hours. DM intake tended to increase in the DCAD group. Dairy goats in the DCAD group drank more water, but urinary excretion and plasma antidiuretic hormone concentration remained unchanged. Apparent water balance was higher from the DCAD group over 24 h. There was no effect of DCAD on plasma and blood volumes, but tended to increase in extracellular fluid and thereby increased total body water. The present results indicate that animals supplemented with high DCAD increase their total body water and apparent water balance. These results have contributed to the process of adaptation for evaporative cooling and would be useful in slowing down the elevation in Tr. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Cell-Free DNA Analysis in Maternal Blood: Differences in Estimates between Laboratories with Different Methodologies Using a Propensity Score Approach.

PubMed

Bevilacqua, Elisa; Jani, Jacques C; Letourneau, Alexandra; Duiella, Silvia F; Kleinfinger, Pascale; Lohmann, Laurence; Resta, Serena; Cos Sanchez, Teresa; Fils, Jean-François; Mirra, Marilyn; Benachi, Alexandra; Costa, Jean-Marc

2018-06-13

To evaluate the failure rate and performance of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, mainly in terms of detection rates for trisomy 21, performed by 2 laboratories using different analytical methods. cfDNA testing was performed on 2,870 pregnancies with the HarmonyTM Prenatal Test using the targeted digital analysis of selected regions (DANSR) method, and on 2,635 pregnancies with the "Cerba test" using the genome-wide massively parallel sequencing (GW-MPS) method, with available outcomes. Propensity score analysis was used to match patients between the 2 groups. A comparison of the detection rates for trisomy 21 between the 2 laboratories was made. In all, 2,811 patients in the Harmony group and 2,530 patients in the Cerba group had no trisomy 21, 18, or 13. Postmatched comparisons of the patient characteristics indicated a higher no-result rate in the Harmony group (1.30%) than in the Cerba group (0.75%; p = 0.039). All 41 cases of trisomy 21 in the Harmony group and 93 cases in the Cerba group were detected. Both methods of cfDNA testing showed low no-result rates and a comparable performance in detecting trisomy 21; yet GW-MPS had a slightly lower no-result rate than the DANSR method. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

What is Grouping during Binocular Rivalry?

PubMed Central

Stuit, Sjoerd M.; Paffen, Chris L. E.; van der Smagt, Maarten J.; Verstraten, Frans A. J.

2011-01-01

During binocular rivalry, perception alternates between dissimilar images presented dichoptically. Although perception during rivalry is believed to originate from competition at a local level, different rivalry zones are not independent: rival targets that are spaced apart but have similar features tend to be dominant at the same time. We investigated grouping of spatially separated rival targets presented to the same or to different eyes and presented in the same or in different hemifields. We found eye-of-origin to be the strongest cue for grouping during binocular rivalry. Grouping was additionally affected by orientation: identical orientations were grouped longer than dissimilar orientations, even when presented to different eyes. Our results suggest that eye-based and orientation-based grouping is independent and additive in nature. Grouping effects were further modulated by the distribution of the targets across the visual field. That is, grouping within the same hemifield can be stronger or weaker than between hemifields, depending on the eye-of-origin of the grouped targets. We also quantified the contribution of the previous cues to grouping of two images during binocular rivalry. These quantifications can be successfully used to predict the dominance durations of different studies. Incorporating the relative contribution of different cues to grouping, and the dependency on hemifield, into future models of binocular rivalry will prove useful in our understanding of the functional and anatomical basis of the phenomenon of binocular rivalry. PMID:22022312

Various tomato extract dose effect on lipid profile of hypercholesterolemia Rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purwantoyo, E.; Marwoto, P.; Iswari, R. S.

2018-03-01

The influence of tomato lycopene on hypercholesterolemia has been studied many times. Post Test Randomized Control Group Design is used as the research design. A total of 24 white rats were made hypercholesterolemia before treatment, then they were divided into 4 groups randomly, i.e. K1 (control group), K2, K3, and K4 (Treatment groups 1, 2 and 3). Treatment groups were administered with tomato extract. K2 (given 6 mg / head / day), K3 (12 mg / head / day), K4 (24mg / head / day). The result of ANOVA test showed significant difference (p <0,05) among control group (K) and treatment group (K2, K3 and K4). The results of LSD testing showed a significant difference in the group (p <0.05), on triglyceride levels, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. So it can be concluded that tomato extract can decline the status of lipid profile in terms of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

Interaction dynamics between grouping principles in touch: phenomenological and psychophysical evidence.

PubMed

Prieto, Antonio; Mayas, Julia; Ballesteros, Soledad

2018-05-24

In two experiments, we investigated the interactions between the grouping principles of spatial proximity and texture similarity in touch. For that purpose, we adapted to touch two paradigms widely employed in vision. In Experiment 1, we used an experimental phenomenological task consisting of rating the strength of grouping in both acting alone and conjoined cooperative and competitive conditions. In Experiment 2, participants performed a psychophysical task in which an objective (in)correct response was defined by selectively attending to one grouping cue in different blocks of trials. The results showed that spatial proximity dominated over texture similarity when the two principles were conjoined in competition. In addition, the present results are compatible with an additive model of grouping effects as indicated by the greater grouping effect in the cooperative condition and the smaller grouping effect in the competitive condition relative to a.0cting alone grouping principles. The similarities and differences between vision and touch are discussed.

Laterality for music perception in musicians, mathematicians, and dancers: jumping to conclusions.

PubMed

Gordon, H W

1993-06-01

Group differences for ear asymmetries for a melodies task were reported for talented music, mathematics, and dance students. Evidence is presented that it is premature to conclude that these group differences were the result of specialized training in their areas of expertise.

Focus on the success of others leads to selfish behavior

PubMed Central

van den Berg, Pieter; Molleman, Lucas; Weissing, Franz J.

2015-01-01

It has often been argued that the spectacular cognitive capacities of humans are the result of selection for the ability to gather, process, and use information about other people. Recent studies show that humans strongly and consistently differ in what type of social information they are interested in. Although some individuals mainly attend to what the majority is doing (frequency-based learning), others focus on the success that their peers achieve with their behavior (success-based learning). Here, we show that such differences in social learning have important consequences for the outcome of social interactions. We report on a decision-making experiment in which individuals were first classified as frequency- and success-based learners and subsequently grouped according to their learning strategy. When confronted with a social dilemma situation, groups of frequency-based learners cooperated considerably more than groups of success-based learners. A detailed analysis of the decision-making process reveals that these differences in cooperation are a direct result of the differences in information use. Our results show that individual differences in social learning strategies are crucial for understanding social behavior. PMID:25730855

Affective reactivity to cry sounds predicts young women's reactivity and behavior in a simulated caregiving task.

PubMed

Gustafson, Gwen E; Bisson, Jennifer B; MacDonald, Jillian M; Green, James A

2017-09-13

Different populations of adults (experienced vs. inexperienced caregivers, men vs. women, abusive vs. nonabusive parents, etc.) have been reported to differ in their affective reactions to the sounds of infant crying. These differences are thought to impact caregiving behavior and, in some instances, to affect long-term outcomes for infants. There can be great intra-group variation, however, even when group differences are significant; modeling developmental process will require a finer grained approach. We have undertaken a pair of studies intended to validate the Negative Affect Scale (NA) from the PANAS as a measure of individuals' affective reactivity to cry sounds. In Study 1, 306 young women who were not yet mothers listened either to infant crying or to birdsong. The results supported the NA as a measure of reactivity to crying. In Study 2, a new sample of 301 young women listened to crying in a screening task; a group of "high reactors" (n=21) and a group of "low reactors" (n=22) then participated in a simulated caregiving situation. Individuals' affective reactivity to the caregiving simulation mirrored their affective reactivity in the screening task, and rates and overall organization of caregiving behavior differed between the groups. Changes in negative affect, then, appear to be both a result of infant crying and a determinant of some aspects of caregiving behavior. Further studies will extend these laboratory results to real infants and their caregivers, and further validate the NA as a measure of individual differences in reactivity to cry sounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Individual Differences in Optimization Problem Solving: Reconciling Conflicting Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chronicle, Edward P.; MacGregor, James N.; Lee, Michael; Ormerod, Thomas C.; Hughes, Peter

2008-01-01

Results on human performance on the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) from different laboratories show high consistency. However, one exception is in the area of individual differences. While one research group has consistently failed to find systematic individual differences across instances of TSPs (Chronicle, MacGregor and Ormerod), another…

Transient effects of methyltestosterone injection on different reproductive parameters of the hermaphrodite fish Kryptolebias marmoratus.

PubMed

Park, Chang-Beom; Soyano, Kiyoshi; Kiros, Solomon; Kitamura, Tomokazu; Minamiyama, Mizuhiko; Suzuki, Yutaka

2013-09-01

To elucidate the action mechanism of environmental androgenic chemicals on fish reproductive activity by transient stimulation in heavily polluted areas, individuals of the hermaphrodite fish Kryptolebias marmoratus were injected once with six concentrations of methyltestosterone (MT) (0.1, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μg/g BW) intraperitoneally. The fish were sampled at intervals of 7, 15, and 30 days after a single injection. At 7 days after injection, mature oocytes were not observed in the MT-exposed groups except for the group exposed to 0.1 μg MT, while testicular development was not remarkably different between any of the groups. Also, at 7 days after injection, hepatic estrogen receptor α (ERα) and vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA abundance decreased significantly in the MT-exposed groups despite no significant difference in plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) levels between any of the groups. This significant difference in VTG mRNA between the control and the MT-exposed groups persisted until 30 days after injection, although ERα mRNA abundance was not statistically different between any groups at 30 days after injection. Our results clearly show that a single injection of MT inhibits ovarian development rather than testicular development in the hermaphroditic gonad of K. marmoratus. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that a single injection of MT interfered with hepatic VTG mRNA synthesis mediated by the suppression of hepatic ERα mRNA transcription.

Ethnic group differences in police notification about intimate partner violence.

PubMed

Ackerman, Jeffrey; Love, Tony P

2014-02-01

We analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Survey to test whether individuals from different ethnic groups differentially notify the police after incidents of partner violence. After finding that minority groups notified the police about intimate partner violence (IPV) events more than non-minorities, we found that socioeconomic status differences between minorities and non-minorities explained a statistically significant proportion of the reasons underlying the differences in notification. We suggest that the pattern of our results supports a structural perspective and has potential implications about the subjective and objective efficacy of police involvement in IPV.

Hospitalization Costs for Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery Treated With Intravenous Acetaminophen (IV-APAP) Plus Other IV Analgesics or IV Opioid Monotherapy for Postoperative Pain.

PubMed

Maiese, Brett A; Pham, An T; Shah, Manasee V; Eaddy, Michael T; Lunacsek, Orsolya E; Wan, George J

2017-02-01

To assess the impact on hospitalization costs of multimodal analgesia (MMA), including intravenous acetaminophen (IV-APAP), versus IV opioid monotherapy for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Utilizing the Truven Health MarketScan ® Hospital Drug Database (HDD), patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), or surgical repair of hip fracture between 1/1/2011 and 8/31/2014 were separated into postoperative pain management groups: MMA with IV-APAP plus other IV analgesics (IV-APAP group) or an IV opioid monotherapy group. All patients could have received oral analgesics. Baseline characteristics and total hospitalization costs were compared. Additionally, an inverse probability treatment weighting [IPTW] with propensity scores analysis further assessed hospitalization cost differences. The IV-APAP group (n = 33,954) and IV opioid monotherapy group (n = 110,300) differed significantly (P < 0.0001) across baseline characteristics, though the differences may not have been clinically meaningful. Total hospitalization costs (mean ± standard deviation) were significantly lower for the IV-APAP group than the IV opioid monotherapy group (US$12,540 ± $9564 vs. $13,242 ± $35,825; P < 0.0001). Medical costs accounted for $701 of the $702 between-group difference. Pharmacy costs were similar between groups. Results of the IPTW-adjusted analysis further supported the statistically significant cost difference. Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery who received MMA for postoperative pain management, including IV-APAP, had significantly lower total costs than patients who received IV opioid monotherapy. This difference was driven by medical costs; importantly, there was no difference in pharmacy costs. Generalizability of the results may be limited to patients admitted to hospitals similar to those included in HDD. Dosing could not be determined, so it was not possible to quantify utilization of IV-APAP or ascertain differences in opioid consumption between the 2 groups. This study did not account for healthcare utilization post-discharge.

Is the attribution of cultural differences to minorities an expression of racial prejudice?

PubMed

Vala, Jorge; Pereira, Cícero; Costa-Lopes, Rui

2009-02-01

The social psychological literature considers two main perspectives on the study of perceived cultural differences between majorities and minorities: one proposes that perception of cultural differences is an antecedent of prejudice and another states that the attribution of cultural differences to minorities is already a hidden expression of racial prejudice. This paper offers further support to this latter perspective. One hundred and ninety-four participants answered a questionnaire measuring (1) general racist belief; (2) cultural differences attributed to Black people (hetero-ethnicization); (3) the asymmetric attribution of secondary and primary emotions to the in-group and to Black people (infra-humanization); (4) the asymmetric attribution of natural and cultural traits to in-group members and to Black people (ontologization); and (5) negative evaluation of this social category. The general racist belief scale was not anchored in a specific group and measured the belief in the inferiority of certain social groups or peoples based on biological or cultural factors. Relationships between the scales were analysed through a set of Structural Equation Models. According to the predictions, results showed that the attribution of cultural differences is a dimension of prejudice. Results also showed that attribution of cultural differences, negative evaluation of Black people, ontologization, and infra-humanization were different dimensions of a common latent factor that can be identified as racial prejudice; and that prejudice was predicted by general racist belief. Results are discussed in the light of the study of the impact of perceived cultural differences on intergroup relations and in the light of the "new racism" approaches.

Hemodynamic and morphological characteristics of unruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms with oculomotor nerve palsy.

PubMed

Lv, Nan; Yu, Ying; Xu, Jinyu; Karmonik, Christof; Liu, Jianmin; Huang, Qinghai

2016-08-01

OBJECT Unruptured posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) have a very high risk of rupture. This study investigated the hemodynamic and morphological characteristics of intracranial aneurysms with high rupture risk by analyzing PCoA aneurysms with ONP. METHODS Fourteen unruptured PCoA aneurysms with ONP, 33 ruptured PCoA aneurysms, and 21 asymptomatic unruptured PCoA aneurysms were included in this study. The clinical, morphological, and hemodynamic characteristics were compared among the different groups. RESULTS The clinical characteristics did not differ among the 3 groups (p > 0.05), whereas the morphological and hemodynamic analyses showed that size, aspect ratio, size ratio, undulation index, nonsphericity index, ellipticity index, normalized wall shear stress (WSS), and percentage of low WSS area differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the 3 groups. Furthermore, multiple comparisons revealed that these parameters differed significantly between the ONP group and the asymptomatic unruptured group and between the ruptured group and the asymptomatic unruptured group, except for size, which differed significantly only between the ONP group and the asymptomatic unruptured group (p = 0.0005). No morphological or hemodynamic parameters differed between the ONP group and the ruptured group. CONCLUSIONS Unruptured PCoA aneurysms with ONP demonstrated a distinctive morphological-hemodynamic pattern that was significantly different compared with asymptomatic unruptured PCoA aneurysms and was similar to ruptured PCoA aneurysms. The larger size, more irregular shape, and lower WSS might be related to the high rupture risk of PCoA aneurysms.

Therapeutic Vaccines: Hope Therapy and Its Effects on Psychiatric Symptoms among Infertile Women

PubMed Central

Mosalanejad, Leili; Abdolahifard, Khadije; Jahromi, Masoumeh Golestan

2014-01-01

Infertility is a life crisis which leads to serious psychological problems. The present study aims to investigate the effects of hope therapy as a psychological intervention on psychological distresses among infertile women. The present study was an experimental one. The study population included infertile women referring to gynecology clinics. Women who lived in Jahrom and could take part in psychotherapy sessions, had no chronic physical or mental disorders, suffered from primary infertility, had infertility unknown causes and had no history of miscarriage and stillbirth were selected through convenience sampling method and were divided into control and intervention groups (n=61). Women in the intervention group participated in eight 2-hour sessions for a period of 2 months. Study results revealed that there was a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention. Besides, there was a significant difference between the two groups through paired T-test (p<0.05). Furthermore, results of ANCOVA showed that after eliminating demographic variables, the intervention was effective in the total mean difference of the study groups. It means that the difference between the two groups was resulted from intervention. Hope therapy as a positive psychological approach can improve infertile women’s general health and subsequently improve family’s health. Therefore, in addition to assisted reproductive techniques, hope therapy is recommended to be presented to infertile people in order to improve the quality of their life and help them adapt with their problems. PMID:24373279

Fracture Resistance of Retreated Roots Using Different Retreatment Systems

PubMed Central

Er, Kursat; Tasdemir, Tamer; Siso, Seyda Herguner; Celik, Davut; Cora, Sabri

2011-01-01

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the fracture resistance of retreated roots using different rotary retreatment systems. Methods: Forty eight freshly extracted human canine teeth with single straight root canals were instrumented sequentially increasing from size 30 to a size 55 using K-files whit a stepback technique. The teeth were randomly divided into three experimental and one control groups of 12 specimens each. The root canals were filled using cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha and AH Plus (Dentsply Detrey, Konstanz, Germany) sealer in experimental groups. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), R-Endo (Micro-Mega, Besançon, France), and Mtwo (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy) rotary retreatment systems. Control group specimens were only instrumented, not filled or retreated. The specimens were then mounted in copper rings, were filled with a self-curing polymethylmethacrylate resin, and the force required to cause vertical root fracture was measured using a universal testing device. The force of fracture of the roots was recorded and the results in the various groups were compared. Statistical analysis was accomplished by one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey tests. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups (P<.05). However, there were no significant differences among the experimental groups. Conclusions: Based on the results, all rotary retreatment techniques used in this in vitro study produced similar root weakness. PMID:21912497

A New Strategy to Evaluate Technical Efficiency in Hospitals Using Homogeneous Groups of Casemix : How to Evaluate When There is Not DRGs?

PubMed

Villalobos-Cid, Manuel; Chacón, Max; Zitko, Pedro; Instroza-Ponta, Mario

2016-04-01

The public health system has restricted economic resources. Because of that, it is necessary to know how the resources are being used and if they are properly distributed. Several works have applied classical approaches based in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) for this purpose. However, if we have hospitals with different casemix, this is not the best approach. In order to avoid biases in the comparisons, other works have recommended the use of hospital production data corrected by the weights from Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs), to adjust the casemix of hospitals. However, not all countries have this tool fully implemented, which limits the efficiency evaluation. This paper proposes a new approach for evaluating the efficiency of hospitals. It uses a graph-based clustering algorithm to find groups of hospitals that have similar production profiles. Then, DEA is used to evaluate the technical efficiency of each group. The proposed approach is tested using the production data from 2014 of 193 Chilean public hospitals. The results allowed to identify different performance profiles of each group, that differs from other studies that employs data from partially implemented DRGs. Our results are able to deliver a better description of the resource management of the different groups of hospitals. We have created a website with the results ( bioinformatic.diinf.usach.cl/publichealth ). Data can be requested to the authors.

Task-related functional connectivity in autism spectrum conditions: an EEG study using wavelet transform coherence

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a set of pervasive neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by a wide range of lifelong signs and symptoms. Recent explanatory models of autism propose abnormal neural connectivity and are supported by studies showing decreased interhemispheric coherence in individuals with ASC. The first aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of reduced interhemispheric coherence in ASC, and secondly to investigate specific effects of task performance on interhemispheric coherence in ASC. Methods We analyzed electroencephalography (EEG) data from 15 participants with ASC and 15 typical controls, using Wavelet Transform Coherence (WTC) to calculate interhemispheric coherence during face and chair matching tasks, for EEG frequencies from 5 to 40 Hz and during the first 400 ms post-stimulus onset. Results Results demonstrate a reduction of interhemispheric coherence in the ASC group, relative to the control group, in both tasks and for all electrode pairs studied. For both tasks, group differences were generally observed after around 150 ms and at frequencies lower than 13 Hz. Regarding within-group task comparisons, while the control group presented differences in interhemispheric coherence between faces and chairs tasks at various electrode pairs (FT7-FT8, TP7-TP8, P7-P8), such differences were only seen for one electrode pair in the ASC group (T7-T8). No significant differences in EEG power spectra were observed between groups. Conclusions Interhemispheric coherence is reduced in people with ASC, in a time and frequency specific manner, during visual perception and categorization of both social and inanimate stimuli and this reduction in coherence is widely dispersed across the brain. Results of within-group task comparisons may reflect an impairment in task differentiation in people with ASC relative to typically developing individuals. Overall, the results of this research support the value of WTC in examining the time-frequency microstructure of task-related interhemispheric EEG coherence in people with ASC. PMID:23311570

QLF monitoring of therapies for early secondary caries arrestment and remineralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fontana, Margherita; Gonzalez-Cabezas, Carlos; Stookey, George K.

2000-03-01

Secondary caries (SC) is the most common reason for restoration failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) method for monitoring therapies to inhibit SC progression. Forty-eight human teeth with resin restorations were demineralized for 4 days in a microbial caries model. Half of each specimen was then covered with an acid-resistant varnish to maintain the baseline lesion, and treated (group 1: non-treated control; group 2: chlorhexidine varnish for 24 h; group 3: fluoride varnish for 24 h; group 4: APF topical fluoride gel for 4 min), prior to being demineralized for 4 more days. Specimens were analyzed by QLF, sectioned, stained with Rhodamine B, and analyzed with a confocal microscope (CLSM) for lesion depth. The QLF results indicated that the control group was significantly (p less than 0.05) different (i.e., lesions progressed) from groups treated with fluoride (groups 3 and 4; lesions remineralized). All other group comparisons were not significantly different. Results obtained from CLSM analysis were similar to the ones obtained with QLF, except that lesions in group 2 were significantly deeper than the ones in the fluoride groups. Results suggest that the QLF method has a clear potential for monitoring remineralizing therapies for SC.

Uncontrolled Hemorrhage Differs From Volume- or Pressure-Matched Controlled Hemorrhage in Swine

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

differences between these models, we evaluated the relationship between blood volume loss and blood pressure in controlled versus uncontrolled hemorrhage...aortotomy; (2) group P, controlled hemorrhage matched to the blood pressure profile of group U; or (3) group V, controlled hemorrhage matched to the...hemorrhage and received no fluid resuscitation. Group U resulted in a blood loss of 17.6 T 0.7 mL kgj1 and a reduction in blood pressure to 28 T 3 mmHg at

Head repositioning accuracy to neutral: a comparative study of error calculation.

PubMed

Hill, Robert; Jensen, Pål; Baardsen, Tor; Kulvik, Kristian; Jull, Gwendolen; Treleaven, Julia

2009-02-01

Deficits in cervical proprioception have been identified in subjects with neck pain through the measure of head repositioning accuracy (HRA). Nevertheless there appears to be no general consensus regarding the construct of measurement of error used for calculating HRA. This study investigated four different mathematical methods of measurement of error to determine if there were any differences in their ability to discriminate between a control group and subjects with a whiplash associated disorder. The four methods for measuring cervical joint position error were calculated using a previous data set consisting of 50 subjects with whiplash complaining of dizziness (WAD D), 50 subjects with whiplash not complaining of dizziness (WAD ND) and 50 control subjects. The results indicated that no one measure of HRA uniquely detected or defined the differences between the whiplash and control groups. Constant error (CE) was significantly different between the whiplash and control groups from extension (p<0.05). Absolute errors (AEs) and root mean square errors (RMSEs) demonstrated differences between the two WAD groups in rotation trials (p<0.05). No differences were seen with variable error (VE). The results suggest that a combination of AE (or RMSE) and CE are probably the most suitable measures for analysis of HRA.

THE EFFECTS OF BODY MASS, PHYLOGENY, HABITAT, AND TROPHIC LEVEL ON MAMMALIAN AGE AT FIRST REPRODUCTION.

PubMed

Wootton, J Timothy

1987-07-01

I examined age at first reproduction of 547 mammalian species to determine the influence of diet and habitat on the evolution of life-history traits. Body mass correlated positively with age at first reproduction, explaining 56% of the variance. Habitat and trophic groups deviated significantly from the allometric curve in a pattern generally consistent with predictions from r/K selection theory and its modifications. However, mammalian orders also deviated significantly from the allometric curve, and different habitat and diet groups contained different ratios of mammalian orders. When the effects of orders were removed, residual deviations did not differ among ecological groups. Adjusting for ecological differences did not eliminate the differences between orders. These results suggest that body mass (or some correlated factor) and phylogeny strongly constrain age at first reproduction. Ecological factors appear to have little effect on the evolution of age at first reproduction. Apparent differences in weight-specific ages at first reproduction within habitats and trophic groups may be the result of ecological selection of order composition in the present, rather than ecologically driven evolution of life history in the past. © 1987 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

A multi-criteria assessment of fishing gear impacts in demersal fisheries.

PubMed

Innes, James P; Pascoe, Sean

2010-01-01

Fishing gears have multiple impacts on the marine environment, and policies to reduce these impacts through modifying fishing gears are becoming common place. Different modifications result in different changes in the set of environmental impacts, and imply different sets of costs and benefits for different stakeholder groups. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to quantify the relative importance of the environmental impacts of fishing to different stakeholder groups. Forty eight individuals representing six different stakeholder groups (ecologists, biologists, economists, gear technologists, fishers and fisheries managers) were surveyed. As expected, fishers and gear technologists placed substantially greater importance on reducing discarding of commercial fish species than on habitat damage. Priorities of other stakeholder groups varied, but all placed greater priority on habitats than the commercial sector. The results suggest that management aimed at reducing environmental impacts of fishing broader than just discarding is appropriate, but such moves are likely to be opposed by the fishing industry. The derived weights also have a direct application to fisheries management, as they allow otherwise non-commensurate impacts to be aggregated into an overall impact to compare environmental benefits from alternative modifications of fishing gear. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Outcomes of different Class II treatments : Comparisons using the American Board of Orthodontics Model Grading System.

PubMed

Akinci Cansunar, Hatice; Uysal, Tancan

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of three different Class II treatment modalities followed by fixed orthodontic therapy, using the American Board of Orthodontics Model Grading System (ABO-MGS). As a retrospective study, files of patients treated at postgraduate orthodontic  clinics in different cities in Turkey was randomly selected. From 1684 posttreatment records, 669 patients were divided into three groups: 269 patients treated with extraction of two upper premolars, 198 patients treated with cervical headgear, and 202 patients treated with functional appliances. All the cases were evaluated by one researcher using ABO-MGS. The χ (2), Z test, and multivariate analysis of variance were used for statistical evaluation (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the groups in buccolingual inclination, overjet, occlusal relationship, and root angulation. However, there were significant differences in alignment, marginal ridge height, occlusal contact, interproximal contact measurements, and overall MGS average scores. The mean treatment time between the extraction and functional appliance groups was significantly different (p = 0.017). According to total ABO-MGS scores, headgear treatment had better results than functional appliances. The headgear group had better tooth alignment than the extraction group. Headgear treatment resulted in better occlusal contacts than the functional appliances and had lower average scores for interproximal contact measurements. Functional appliances had the worst average scores for marginal ridge height. Finally, the functional appliance group had the longest treatment times.

Fluorescence imaging spectroscopy (FIS) for comparing spectra from corn ears naturally and artificially infected with aflatoxin producing fungus.

PubMed

Hruska, Zuzana; Yao, Haibo; Kincaid, Russell; Darlington, Dawn; Brown, Robert L; Bhatnagar, Deepak; Cleveland, Thomas E

2013-08-01

In an effort to address the problem of rapid detection of aflatoxin in grain, particularly oilseeds, the current study assessed the spectral differences of aflatoxin production in kernels from a cornfield inoculated with spores from 2 different strains of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin production in corn from the same field due to natural infestation was also assessed. A small corn plot in Baton Rouge, La., U.S.A., was used during the 2008-growing season. Two groups of 400 plants were inoculated with 2 different inocula and 1 group of 400 plants was designated as controls. Any contamination detected in the controls was attributed to natural infestation. A subset of each group was imaged with a visible near infra red (VNIR) hyperspectral system under ultra violet (UV) excitation and subsequently analyzed for aflatoxin using affinity column fluorometry. Group differences were statistically analyzed. Results indicate that when all the spectral data across all groups were averaged, any potential differences between groups (treated and untreated) were obscured. However, spectral analysis based on contaminated "hot" pixel classification showed a distinct spectral shift/separation between contaminated and clean ears with fluorescence peaks at 501 and 478 nm, respectively. All inoculated and naturally infected control ears had fluorescence peaks at 501 nm that differed from uninfected corn ears. Results from this study may be useful in evaluating rapid, noninvasive instrumentation and/or methodology for aflatoxin detection in grain. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Perceptual-cognitive expertise of handball coaches in their young and middle adult years.

PubMed

Fischer, Lennart; Baker, Joseph; Rienhoff, Rebecca; Strauß, Bernd; Tirp, Judith; Büsch, Dirk; Schorer, Jörg

2016-09-01

There is little research investigating the maintenance of perceptual-cognitive expertise in general and even less comparing coaches of different ages. The aim of this study was to test for perceptual-cognitive differences between age groups, licence levels, and their interaction. This study investigated differences in skilled performance between young and middle-aged coaches of three different skill levels. Participants performed an accuracy-oriented pattern recall (mean distance in pixel) and a time-oriented flicker test (mean detection time in ms). There were some significant differences between age groups and between skill groups for both tests, but no interactions. For the pattern recall test, the effect sizes were larger for skill level differences, while for the flicker test effects were larger for ageing. These results suggest coaches are able to maintain accuracy skills better than reaction timed tasks. This is in line with findings on speeded performance in general populations, which show declines with age. Moreover, results also support findings on perceptual expertise in skills where accuracy was important.

Incidence and survival differences in esophageal cancer among ethnic groups in the United States

PubMed Central

Chen, Zheling; Ren, Yinghong; Du, Xianglin L; Yang, Jiao; Shen, Yanwei; Li, Shuting; Wu, Yunying; Lv, Meng; Dong, Danfeng; Li, Enxiao; Li, Wei; Liu, Peijun; Yang, Jin; Yi, Min

2017-01-01

Objectives This study was performed to identify the differences in incidence, clinicopathological features, and survival in esophageal cancer among ethnic groups in the United States and to determine the reasons for the differences. Result A total of 49,766 patients were included. Black and Asian groups had a higher proportion of squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (85.5% and 75.4%, respectively) and mid-esophagus tumor (43.2% and 37.7% respectively) than the non-Hispanic white and Hispanic white groups. The incidences of ESCC in all ethnic groups declined since 1973, especially in black males. At the same time, incidences of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) dramatically increased in white males since 1973. And incidences of ESCC and EAC were the lowest and stable in Asian female. Multivariable models showed that patients who were male, or black, or had larger tumors, or positive lymph nodes had an increased risk of death from esophageal cancer, while patients with ESCC or diagnosed after 2005 or treated with surgery had a lower likelihood of death. For ESCC, the black patients had the lowest DSS, while for EAC there were no significant differences in DSS among the ethnic/racial groups. Materials and Method From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database, patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer from 1998-2013 were identified. Differences in incidences, clinicopathological features, treatments, and disease-specific survival (DSS) in four broad racial/ethnic groups were compared. Conclusion Histological type distribution between racial groups could be an important consideration in the incidence and the survival trend but other factors could also have an effect. PMID:28410201

Early-Stage Estimated Value of Blend Sign on the Prognosis of Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Zhou, Ningquan; Wang, Chao

2018-01-01

Background and Purpose This study aimed to explore the relationship between blend sign and prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods Between January 2014 and December 2016, the results of cranial computed tomography imaging within 24 h after the onset of symptoms from 275 patients with ICH were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with or without blend sign were compared to observe and analyze the difference in coagulation function abnormality, rebleeding, mortality, and bad prognosis rates in the early stages. Results Of the 275 patients with ICH, 47 patients had Blend Sign I (17.09%) and 17 patients had Blend Sign II (6.18%). The coagulation function abnormality rate had no statistical difference among Blend Sign I, Blend Sign II, and conventional groups (P > 0.05). In the Blend Sign I group, the rebleeding rate was 4.26%, bad prognosis rate was 25.53%, and mortality rate was 6.38%, which were not statistically significantly different compared with those in the conventional group (P > 0.05). The rebleeding rate in the Blend Sign II group was 47.06%, bad prognosis rate was 82.35%, and mortality rate was 47.06%, which were statistically significantly different compared with those in the conventional and Blend Sign I groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions For the patients associated with Blend Sign I, the prognosis was equivalent to that in the conventional group, with no statistically significant difference. The rebleeding, bad prognosis, and mortality rates were higher in the Blend Sign II group than in the conventional group and deserved more attention.

Comparative evaluation of border molding using two different techniques in maxillary edentulous arches: A clinical study

PubMed Central

Qanungo, Anchal; Aras, Meena Ajay; Chitre, Vidya; Coutinho, Ivy; Rajagopal, Praveen; Mysore, Ashwin

2016-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the single-step border molding technique using injectable heavy viscosity addition silicone with sectional border molding technique using low fusing impression compound by evaluating the retention of heat cure trial denture bases. Materials and Methods: Ten completely edentulous patients in need of prostheses were included in this study. Two border molding techniques, single-step (Group 1) and sectional (Group 2), were compared for retention. Both border molding techniques were performed in each patient. In both techniques, definitive wash impression was made with light viscosity addition silicone. The final results were analyzed using paired t-test to determine whether significant differences existed between the groups. Results: The t-value (3.031) infers that there was a significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (P = 0.014). The retention obtained in Group 2 (mean = 9.05 kgf) was significantly higher than that of Group 1 (mean = 8.26 kgf). Conclusion: Sectional border molding technique proved to be more retentive as compared to single-step border molding although clinically the retention appeared comparable. PMID:27746597

The development of perceptual grouping biases in infancy: a Japanese-English cross-linguistic study.

PubMed

Yoshida, Katherine A; Iversen, John R; Patel, Aniruddh D; Mazuka, Reiko; Nito, Hiromi; Gervain, Judit; Werker, Janet F

2010-05-01

Perceptual grouping has traditionally been thought to be governed by innate, universal principles. However, recent work has found differences in Japanese and English speakers' non-linguistic perceptual grouping, implicating language in non-linguistic perceptual processes (Iversen, Patel, & Ohgushi, 2008). Two experiments test Japanese- and English-learning infants of 5-6 and 7-8 months of age to explore the development of grouping preferences. At 5-6 months, neither the Japanese nor the English infants revealed any systematic perceptual biases. However, by 7-8 months, the same age as when linguistic phrasal grouping develops, infants developed non-linguistic grouping preferences consistent with their language's structure (and the grouping biases found in adulthood). These results reveal an early difference in non-linguistic perception between infants growing up in different language environments. The possibility that infants' linguistic phrasal grouping is bootstrapped by abstract perceptual principles is discussed. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved simulation of group averaged CO2 surface concentrations using GEOS-Chem and fluxes from VEGAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Z. H.; Zhu, J.; Zeng, N.

2013-01-01

CO2 measurements have been combined with simulated CO2 distributions from a transport model in order to produce the optimal estimates of CO2 surface fluxes in inverse modeling. However one persistent problem in using model-observation comparisons for this goal relates to the issue of compatibility. Observations at a single site reflect all underlying processes of various scales that usually cannot be fully resolved by model simulations at the grid points nearest the site due to lack of spatial or temporal resolution or missing processes in models. In this article we group site observations of multiple stations according to atmospheric mixing regimes and surface characteristics. The group averaged values of CO2 concentration from model simulations and observations are used to evaluate the regional model results. Using the group averaged measurements of CO2 reduces the noise of individual stations. The difference of group averaged values between observation and modeled results reflects the uncertainties of the large scale flux in the region where the grouped stations are. We compared the group averaged values between model results with two biospheric fluxes from the model Carnegie-Ames-Stanford-Approach (CASA) and VEgetation-Global-Atmosphere-Soil (VEGAS) and observations to evaluate the regional model results. Results show that the modeling group averaged values of CO2 concentrations in all regions with fluxes from VEGAS have significant improvements for most regions. There is still large difference between two model results and observations for grouped average values in North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South Pacific Tropics. This implies possible large uncertainties in the fluxes there.

Effect of Different Anti-Oxidants on Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resins to Bleached Human Enamel

PubMed Central

Saladi, Hari Krishna; Bollu, Indira Priyadarshini; Burla, Devipriya; Ballullaya, Srinidhi Vishnu; Devalla, Srihari; Maroli, Sohani; Jayaprakash, Thumu

2015-01-01

Introduction The bond strength of the composite to the bleached enamel plays a very important role in the success and longevity of an aesthetic restoration. Aim The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effect of Aloe Vera with 10% Sodium Ascorbate on the Shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached human enamel. Materials and Methods Fifty freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into 5 groups. Group I and V are unbleached and bleached controls groups respectively. Group II, III, IV served as experimental groups. The labial surfaces of groups II, III, IV, V were treated with 35% Carbamide Peroxide for 30mins. Group II specimens were subjected to delayed composite bonding. Group III and IV specimens were subjected to application of 10% Sodium Ascorbate and leaf extract of Aloe Vera following the Carbamide Peroxide bleaching respectively. Specimens were subjected to shear bond strength using universal testing machine and the results were statistically analysed using ANOVA test. Tukey (HSD) Honest Significant Difference test was used to comparatively analyse statistical differences between the groups. A p-value <0.05 is taken as statistically significant. Results The mean shear bond strength values of Group V showed significantly lower bond strengths than Groups I, II, III, IV (p-value <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the shear bond strength values of groups I, II, III, IV. Conclusion Treatment of the bleached enamel surface with Aloe Vera and 10% Sodium Ascorbate provided consistently better bond strength. Aloe Vera may be used as an alternative to 10% Sodium Ascorbate. PMID:26674656

Comparative evaluation of microleakage in Class II restorations using open vs. closed centripetal build-up techniques with different lining materials

PubMed Central

Sawani, Shefali; Arora, Vipin; Jaiswal, Shikha; Nikhil, Vineeta

2014-01-01

Background: Evaluation of microleakage is important for assessing the success of new restorative materials and methods. Aim and Objectives: Comparative evaluation of microleakage in Class II restorations using open vs. closed centripetal build-up techniques with different lining materials. Materials and Methods: Standardized mesi-occlusal (MO) and distoocclusal (DO) Class II tooth preparations were preparedon 53 molars and samples were randomly divided into six experimental groups and one control group for restorations. Group 1: Open-Sandwich technique (OST) with flowable composite at the gingival seat. Group 2: OST with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) at the gingival seat. Group 3: Closed-Sandwich technique (CST) with flowable composite at the pulpal floor and axial wall. Group 4: CST with RMGIC at the pulpal floor and axial wall. Group 5: OST with flowable composite at the pulpal floor, axial wall, and gingival seat. Group 6: OST with RMGIC at the pulpal floor, axial wall, and gingival seat. Group 7: Control — no lining material, centripetal technique only. After restorations and thermocycling, apices were sealed and samples were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye. Sectioning was followed by stereomicroscopic evaluation. Results: Results were analyzed using Post Hoc Bonferroni test (statistics is not a form of tabulation). Cervical scores of control were more than the exprimental groups (P < 0.05). Less microleakage was observed in CST than OST in all experimental groups (P < 0.05). However, insignificant differences were observed among occlusal scores of different groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Class II composite restorations with centripetal build-up alone or when placed with CST reduces the cervical microleakage when compared to OST. PMID:25125847

ABO blood groups and malaria related clinical outcome.

PubMed

Deepa; Alwar, Vanamala A; Rameshkumar, Karuna; Ross, Cecil

2011-03-01

The study was undertaken to correlate the blood groups and clinical presentations in malaria patients and to understand the differential host susceptibility in malaria. From October 2007 to September 2008, malaria positive patients' samples were evaluated in this study. Hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, and platelet count of each patient were done on an automated cell counter. After determining the blood groups, malarial species and the severity of clinical course were correlated. A total of 100 patients were included in the study, of which 63 cases were positive for Plasmodium falciparum and 37 cases were positive for P. vivax infection and 11 patients had mixed infection. The results of the blood groups showed 22 - 'A' group, 42 - 'B' group, 35 - 'O' group and 1 was 'AB' group. When the clinical courses between different groups were compared using the following parameters for severe infection--a parasitic load of >10/1000 RBCs, severe anemia with hemoglobin < 6 g%, platelet count of <10,000/mm3, hepato or splenomegaly or clinical signs of severe malaria such as fever >101°F and other organ involvement, it was observed that 'O' group had an advantage over other the groups. The difference in rosetting ability between red blood cells of different 'ABO' blood groups with a diminished rosetting potential in blood group 'O' red blood cells was due to the differential host susceptibility. 'O' group had an advantage over the other three blood groups. Based on literature and the results of this study, the diminished rosetting potential in blood group 'O' red blood cells is suggested as the basis for the differential host susceptibility.

Colorectal cancer lymph node staining by activated carbon nanoparticles suspension in vivo or methylene blue in vitro

PubMed Central

Cai, Hong-Ke; He, Hai-Fei; Tian, Wei; Zhou, Mei-Qi; Hu, Yue; Deng, Yong-Chuan

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate whether activated carbon nanoparticles suspension (ACNS) or methylene blue (MB) can increase the detected number of lymph nodes in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Sixty-seven of 72 colorectal cancer patients treated at our hospital fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study which was conducted from December 2010 to February 2012. Seven patients refused to participate. Eventually, 60 patients were included, and randomly assigned to three groups (20 in each group): ACNS group (group A), MB group (group B) and non-stained conventional surgical group (group C). In group A, patients received subserosal injection of 1 mL ACNS in a 4-quadrant region around the mass. In group B, the main artery of specimen was identified and isolated after the specimen was removed, and 2 mL MB was slowly injected into the isolated, stretched and fixed vessel. In group C, no ACNS and MB were injected. All the mesentery lymph nodes were isolated and removed systematically by visually inspecting and palpating the adipose tissue. RESULTS: No difference was observed among the three groups in age, gender, tumor location, tumor diameter, T-stage, degree of differentiation, postoperative complications and peritoneal drainage retention time. The total number of detected lymph nodes was 535, 476 and 223 in the three groups, respectively. The mean number of detected lymph nodes per patient was significantly higher in group A than in group C (26.8 ± 8.4 vs 12.2 ± 3.2, P < 0.001). Similarly, there were significantly more lymph nodes detected in group B than in group C (23.8 ± 6.9 vs 12.2 ± 3.2, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between group A and group B. There were 50, 46 and 32 metastatic lymph nodes dissected in 13 patients of group A, 10 patients of group B and 11 patients of group C, without significant differences among the three groups. Eleven of the 60 patients had insufficient number of detected lymph nodes (< 12). Only one patient with T4a rectal cancer had 10 lymph nodes detected in group B, the other 10 patients were all from group C. Based on the different diameter categories, the number of detected lymph nodes in groups A and B was significantly higher than in group C. However, there was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B. The metastatic lymph nodes were not significant different among the three groups. Similarly, tumor location, T stage and tumor differentiation did not affect the staining results. Body mass index was a minor influencing factor in the two different staining methods. The stained lymph nodes can easily be identified from the mesenteric adipose tissues, and the staining time for lymph nodes was not significantly different compared with unstained group. None of the patients in groups A and B had drug-related complications. CONCLUSION: Both activated carbon nanoparticles suspension in vivo and methylene blue in vitro can be used as tracers to increase the detected number of lymph nodes in colorectal cancer. PMID:23155345

[Echocardiographic indices of the right heart in patients with coronary artery disease in different age groups].

PubMed

Gajfulin, R A; Sumin, A N; Arhipov, O G

2016-01-01

The aim of study was to examine echocardiographic indices of right heart chambers in patients with coronary artery disease in different age groups. On 678 patients aged 38-85 years, who underwent echocardiography, are including with the use of spectral tissue Doppler. Obtained 2 age groups: 1st - patients up to 60 years (n=282) and group 2nd - patients 60 years and older (n=396). In the analysis the obtained results in patients with coronary heart disease in older age groups showed an increase in right ventricular wall thickness, systolic and average pressure in the pulmonary artery. These changes were accompanied by deterioration in left ventricular diastolic function, while the systolic function of the left and right ventricle were independent of age. Thus, the results can be recommended for assessment of right ventricular dysfunction in patients of older age groups.

Actors, observers, and causal attributions of homelessness: Differences in attribution for the causes of homelessness among domiciled and homeless people in Madrid (Spain).

PubMed

Vázquez, José Juan; Panadero, Sonia; Zúñiga, Claudia

2017-01-01

The study analyzes the differences in causal attributions of homelessness and attributions of responsibility among the members of 3 groups: homeless group, consisting of a representative sample of homeless people in Madrid, Spain (n = 188); domiciled service-users group, consisting of people at risk of homelessness (n = 164); and domiciled nonservice-users group, consisting of people at no imminent risk of homelessness (n = 180). The domiciled service-users group and domiciled nonservice-users group were matched to the homeless group or sex, age, and nationality. The article also analyzes homeless people's causal attributions as regards their own situation. The results show that compared with the domiciled nonservice-users group, a higher percentage of members of the homeless group and domiciled service-users group attributed homelessness to individualistic causes and they blamed homeless people for their situation to a greater extent. The results also show that there was no "actor-observer bias" in causal attributions for homelessness in Madrid. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

The effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients.

PubMed

Choi, Eon-Tak; Kim, Yong-Nam; Cho, Woon-Soo; Lee, Dong-Kyu

2016-11-01

[Purpose] This study aims to verify the effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 22 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups; 11 to the experimental group and 11 to the control group. Both groups received 30 minutes of Neuro-developmental treatment 5 times per week for 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally performed 10 minutes of visual control whole body vibration exercise 5 times per week during the 4 weeks. Balance was measured using the Functional Reach Test. Gait was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test. [Results] An in-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test. In comparing the groups, the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test of the experimental group were more significantly different compared to the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that visual control whole body vibration exercise has a positive effect on the balance and gait function of stroke patients.

Perineal Body Length Among Different Racial Groups in the First Stage of Labor

PubMed Central

Tsai, Pai-Jong Stacy; Oyama, Ian A.; Hiraoka, Mark; Minaglia, Steven; Thomas, Jennifer; Kaneshiro, Bliss

2018-01-01

Objective Anatomic differences among racial groups may contribute to observed differences in the occurrence of severe perineal lacerations at the time of vaginal delivery. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in perineal body length between racial groups. Methods Perineal body length was measured in primigravid women aged 18 to 45 years who were admitted in labor. Women were classified into 1 of 6 racial groups: White, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Native Hawaiian, or Micronesian. The primary outcome, perineal body length, was compared using analysis of variance. Results A total of 200 women were recruited. There were no significant differences in perineal body length (P = 0.42) and severe perineal lacerations (P = 0.82) between the different racial groups. The mean (SD) perineal body length of women who had a severe laceration was 3.9 (0.5) versus 3.9 (0.6) cm in women who did not have a severe laceration (P = 0.98). Conclusion Perineal body length does not seem to differ among the different racial groups studied and therefore an unlikely cause of racial variation in rates of severe perineal lacerations. PMID:22543769

Longitudinal development of thalamic and internal capsule microstructure in autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Kristine; Travers, Brittany G; Dadalko, Olga I; Dean, Douglas C; Tromp, Do; Adluru, Nagesh; Destiche, Daniel; Freeman, Abigail; Prigge, Molly D; Froehlich, Alyson; Duffield, Tyler C; Zielinski, Brandon A; Bigler, Erin D; Lange, Nicholas; Anderson, Jeff S; Alexander, Andrew L; Lainhart, Janet E

2018-03-01

The thalamus is a key sensorimotor relay area that is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is unknown how the thalamus and white-matter structures that contain thalamo-cortical fiber connections (e.g., the internal capsule) develop from childhood into adulthood and whether this microstructure relates to basic motor challenges in ASD. We used diffusion weighted imaging in a cohort-sequential design to assess longitudinal development of the thalamus, and posterior- and anterior-limbs of the internal capsule (PLIC and ALIC, respectively) in 89 males with ASD and 56 males with typical development (3-41 years; all verbal). Our results showed that the group with ASD exhibited different developmental trajectories of microstructure in all regions, demonstrating childhood group differences that appeared to approach and, in some cases, surpass the typically developing group in adolescence and adulthood. The PLIC (but not ALIC nor thalamus) mediated the relation between age and finger-tapping speed in both groups. Yet, the gap in finger-tapping speed appeared to widen at the same time that the between-group gap in the PLIC appeared to narrow. Overall, these results suggest that childhood group differences in microstructure of the thalamus and PLIC become less robust in adolescence and adulthood. Further, finger-tapping speed appears to be mediated by the PLIC in both groups, but group differences in motor speed that widen during adolescence and adulthood suggest that factors beyond the microstructure of the thalamus and internal capsule may contribute to atypical motor profiles in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 450-462. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microstructure of the thalamus, a key sensory and motor brain area, appears to develop differently in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microstructure is important because it informs us of the density and organization of different brain tissues. During childhood, thalamic microstructure was distinct in the ASD group compared to the typically developing group. However, these group differences appeared to narrow with age, suggesting that the thalamus continues to dynamically change in ASD into adulthood. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of an off-season conditioning program on the physical characteristics of adolescent rugby union players.

PubMed

Smart, Daniel J; Gill, Nicholas D

2013-03-01

The aims of the study were to determine if a supervised off-season conditioning program enhanced gains in physical characteristics compared with the same program performed in an unsupervised manner and to establish the persistence of the physical changes after a 6-month unsupervised competition period. Forty-four provincial representative adolescent rugby union players (age, mean ± SD, 15.3 ± 1.3 years) participated in a 15-week off-season conditioning program either under supervision from an experienced strength and conditioning coach or unsupervised. Measures of body composition, strength, vertical jump, speed, and anaerobic and aerobic running performance were taken, before, immediately after, and 6 months after the conditioning. Post conditioning program the supervised group had greater improvements in all strength measures than the unsupervised group, with small, moderate and large differences between the groups\\x{2019} changes for chin-ups (9.1%; ± 11.6%), bench-press (16.9%; ± 11.7%) and box-squat (50.4%; ± 20.9%) estimated 1RM respectively. Both groups showed trivial increases in mass; however increases in fat free mass were small and trivial for supervised and unsupervised players respectively. Strength declined in the supervised group while the unsupervised group had small increases during the competition phase, resulting in only a small difference between the long-term changes in box-squat 1RM (15.9%; ± 13.2%). The supervised group had further small increases in fat free mass resulting in a small difference (2.4%; ± 2.7%) in the long-term changes. The postconditioning differences between the 2 groups may have been a result of increased adherence and the attainment of higher training loads during supervised training. The lack of differences in strength after the competition period indicates that supervision should be maintained to reduce substantial decrements in performance.

Performance of tests for latent tuberculosis in different groups of immunocompromised patients.

PubMed

Richeldi, Luca; Losi, Monica; D'Amico, Roberto; Luppi, Mario; Ferrari, Angela; Mussini, Cristina; Codeluppi, Mauro; Cocchi, Stefania; Prati, Francesca; Paci, Valentina; Meacci, Marisa; Meccugni, Barbara; Rumpianesi, Fabio; Roversi, Pietro; Cerri, Stefania; Luppi, Fabrizio; Ferrara, Giovanni; Latorre, Irene; Gerunda, Giorgio E; Torelli, Giuseppe; Esposito, Roberto; Fabbri, Leonardo M

2009-07-01

Immunocompromised persons infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) have increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation, but their management is hampered by the occurrence of false-negative results of the tuberculin skin test (TST). The T-cell interferon (IFN)-gamma release blood assays T-SPOT.TB (TS.TB) [Oxford Immunotec; Abingdon, UK] and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) [Cellestis Ltd; Carnegie, VIC, Australia] might improve diagnostic accuracy for latent TB infection (LTBI) in high-risk persons, although their performance in different groups of immunocompromised patients is largely unknown. Over a 1-year period, we prospectively enrolled patients in three different immunosuppressed groups, as follows: 120 liver transplantation candidates (LTCs); 116 chronically HIV-infected persons; and 95 patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). TST, TS.TB, and QFT-IT were simultaneously performed, their results were compared, and intertest agreement was evaluated. Overall, TST provided fewer positive results (10.9%) than TS.TB (18.4%; p < 0.001) and QFT-IT (15.1%; p = 0.033). Significantly fewer HIV-infected individuals had at least one positive test (9.5%) compared with LTCs (35.8%; p < 0.001) and patients with HMs (29.5%; p < 0.001). Diagnostic agreement between tests was moderate (kappa = 0.40 to 0.65) and decreased in the HIV-infected group when the results of the TS.TB were compared with either TST (kappa = 0.16) or QFT-IT (kappa = 0.19). Indeterminate blood test results due to low positive control values were significantly more frequent with QFT-IT (7.2%) than with TS.TB (0.6%; p < 0.001). Blood tests identified significantly more patients as being infected with MTB than TST, although diagnostic agreement varied across groups. Based on these results, we recommend tailoring application of the new blood IFN-gamma assays for LTBI in different high-risk groups and advise caution in their current use in immunosuppressed patients.

Gastrointestinal nematode infection in beef cattle of different genetic groups in Brazil.

PubMed

Oliveira, M C S; Alencar, M M; Chagas, A C S; Giglioti, R; Oliveira, H N

2009-12-23

Resistance to natural infection by gastrointestinal nematodes was compared in 67 female calves of the following genetic groups: Nelore (NX); 1/2 Senepol+1/2 Nelore (SN); and 1/2 Aberdeen Angus+1/2 Nelore (AN). The NX (n=26), SN (n=23) and AN (n=18) animals were monitored for 14 months, during which they remained without treatment, allowed to graze in a tropical environment. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG), coprocultures and packed cell volume (PCV) were carried out monthly. No significant effects of the interaction between the genetic groups and month/year of collection and the genetic group on the EPG were found, but there was a significant influence of the month of collection (P<0.01). The monthly PCV measurements did not differ for the animals of the three genetic groups and there was no association found between the EPG and PCV. The animals of the SN and NX groups showed similar numbers of EPG with results zero, while for the AN group these numbers were significantly lower (P<0.05). Although the NX group had a large number of EPG with results zero, it also contained many animals with high counts, meaning this group had higher averages during the entire study period. The following nematode genera were found in the coprocultures: Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus, the latter in smallest proportion. There was no significant difference between the genetic groups for averages of all parasites identified, except Cooperia, which were present in higher numbers in the animals of the NX group (P<0.05). The results obtained in this experiment suggest that the use of Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbreeds can be a good strategy to reduce the use of chemical control in Brazil.

[Effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on expression of Bad, NF-κB, caspase-9, Survivin, and mTOR in nude mice with A549/DDP transplantation tumors].

PubMed

Liu, Ya-Li; Yi, Jia-Li; Liu, Chun-Ying

2017-02-01

This study was aimed to explore the effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on the expression levels of Bad, NF-κB, caspase-9, Survivin, and mTOR in nude mice with A549/DDP transplantation tumors.Sixty BALB/C mice were randomly divided into blank control group, tumor-bearing control group, cisplatin group and Buzhong Yiqi decoction of high, medium and low doses+cisplatin groups (hereinafter referred to as the high,medium and low combined groups). A549/DDP cells (concentration of 5×106 cells/mL)were cultured and inoculated in various groups, then the tumor-forming situations were observed. Corresponding treatment was given in all groups. Fourteen days later, immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR methods were used to detect the expression levels of Bad, NF-κB, caspase-9, Survivin, mTOR protein and mRNA in tumors.Results showed that Buzhong Yiqi decoction combined with cisplatin could reduce the volume of transplanted tumors, and there was significant difference between medium combined group and high combined group(P<0.05). As compared with the tumor-bearing control group, the expression levels of Bad, NF-κB, Survivin and mTOR were significantly reduced in medium and high combined groups(P<0.05); the protein and mRNA expression levels of caspase-9 were gradually increased in medium combined and high combined groups(P<0.05), with statistical difference with tumor-bearing control group(P<0.05). There were statistical difference in mRNA expression of Bad, NF-κB and caspase-9 between medium combined group, high combined group and cisplatin group, low-combined group, tumor-bearing control group(P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference between cisplatin group, low-combined group, and tumor-bearing control group. In addition, there was no statistical difference between medium combined group and high combined group in protein and mRNA expression levels of various factors. Experimental results showed that Buzhong Yiqi decoction combined with cisplatin can inhibit the growth of A549/DDP transplanted tumors, and the mechanism may be associated with regulating Bad, NF-κB, caspase-9, Survivin, and mTOR levels as well as promoting apoptosis. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Risk Profiles for Endometriosis in Japanese Women: Results From a Repeated Survey of Self-Reports

PubMed Central

Yasui, Toshiyuki; Hayashi, Kunihiko; Nagai, Kazue; Mizunuma, Hideki; Kubota, Toshiro; Lee, Jung-Su; Suzuki, Shosuke

2015-01-01

Background The prevalence and risk factors for endometriosis may differ according to diagnosis methodologies, such as study populations and diagnostic accuracy. We examined risk profiles in imaging-diagnosed endometriosis with and without surgical confirmation in a large population of Japanese women, as well as the differences in risk profiles of endometriosis based on history of infertility. Methods Questionnaires that included items on sites of endometriosis determined by imaging techniques and surgical procedure were mailed to 1025 women who self-reported endometriosis in a baseline survey of the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (n = 15 019). Results Two hundred and ten women had surgically confirmed endometriosis (Group A), 120 had imaging-diagnosed endometriosis without a surgical procedure (Group B), and 264 had adenomyosis (Group C). A short menstrual cycle at 18–22 years of age and cigarette smoking at 30 years of age were associated with significantly increased risk of endometriosis (Group A plus Group B), while older age was associated with risk of adenomyosis (Group C). In women with a history of infertility, a short menstrual cycle was associated with a significantly increased risk of endometriosis in both Group A and Group B, but risk profiles of endometriosis were different between Group A and Group B in women without a history of infertility. Conclusions Women with surgically confirmed endometriosis and those with imaging-diagnosed endometriosis without surgery have basically common risk profiles, but these risk profiles are different from those with adenomyosis. The presence of a history of infertility should be taken into consideration for evaluation of risk profiles. PMID:25716280

Partial repair in irreparable rotator cuff tear: our experience in long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Di Benedetto, E D; Di Benedetto, Paolo; Fiocchi, Andrea; Beltrame, Alessandro; Causero, Araldo

2017-10-18

Massive rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction, especially in middle age patient; these lesions represent about 20% of all rotator cuff tears and 80% of recurrent tears. Some lesions are not repairable or should not be repaired: in this case, a rotator cuff partial repair should be recommended. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of rotator cuff partial repair in irreparable rotator cuff massive tear at medium and long-term follow-up. We have evaluated 74 consecutive patients treated with functional repair of rotator cuff by the same surgeon between 2006 and 2014. We divided patients into 2 groups, obtaining 2 average follow-up: at about 6,5 (group A) and 3 years (group B). In December 2015, we evaluated in every patient ROM and Constant Score. We analyzed difference between pre-operatory data and the 2 groups.  Results: We found statistical significant difference in ROM and in Constant Score between pre-operatory data and group A and group B. Between group A and group B there is relevant difference in Constant Score but not in ROM. Partial repair can give good results in a medium follow-up, in terms of pain relief and improvement of ROM, as well as in quality of life. Difference in ROM and Constant Score between group A and group B may indicate the begin of partial repair failure; according to our data, 6-7 years may be the time limit for this surgery technique.

Inference With Difference-in-Differences With a Small Number of Groups: A Review, Simulation Study, and Empirical Application Using SHARE Data.

PubMed

Rokicki, Slawa; Cohen, Jessica; Fink, Günther; Salomon, Joshua A; Landrum, Mary Beth

2018-01-01

Difference-in-differences (DID) estimation has become increasingly popular as an approach to evaluate the effect of a group-level policy on individual-level outcomes. Several statistical methodologies have been proposed to correct for the within-group correlation of model errors resulting from the clustering of data. Little is known about how well these corrections perform with the often small number of groups observed in health research using longitudinal data. First, we review the most commonly used modeling solutions in DID estimation for panel data, including generalized estimating equations (GEE), permutation tests, clustered standard errors (CSE), wild cluster bootstrapping, and aggregation. Second, we compare the empirical coverage rates and power of these methods using a Monte Carlo simulation study in scenarios in which we vary the degree of error correlation, the group size balance, and the proportion of treated groups. Third, we provide an empirical example using the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. When the number of groups is small, CSE are systematically biased downwards in scenarios when data are unbalanced or when there is a low proportion of treated groups. This can result in over-rejection of the null even when data are composed of up to 50 groups. Aggregation, permutation tests, bias-adjusted GEE, and wild cluster bootstrap produce coverage rates close to the nominal rate for almost all scenarios, though GEE may suffer from low power. In DID estimation with a small number of groups, analysis using aggregation, permutation tests, wild cluster bootstrap, or bias-adjusted GEE is recommended.

Agility and change of direction in soccer: differences according to the player ages.

PubMed

Fiorilli, Giovanni; Mitrotasios, Michalis; Iuliano, Enzo; Pistone, Eugenio M; Aquino, Giovanna; Calcagno, Giuseppe; DI Cagno, Alessandra

2017-12-01

The goal of this study was to compare the changes of direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA) in soccer players of different ages, in order to optimize the best training of these skills. One hundred eighty-seven players, divided into bi-annual age-groups, U12, U14, U16 and U18, performed two tests: Y-Agility Test, carried out in planned and reactive mode (Y-PLAN and Y-REAC) and Illinois for Change of Direction Test (ICODT). Difference between Y-REAC minus Y-PLAN represents the index of reactivity (REAC-INDEX). MANOVA showed significant differences among groups (F3,182=14.591; P<0.01; η2p=0.244). Y-PLAN showed significant differences only between U12 and the other groups (P<0.01). ICODT results were significantly different between the groups U12 and U14 and the other groups (P<0.01). Significant Pearson's correlations between Y-TEST and ICODT, for the three categories of young players (0.398 P<0.05; 0.615 P<0.01; 0.608 P<0.01 respectively), were found, whereas no significant correlation was found in U18 group. The best performance of Y-PLAN and ICODT, through age, depends on physical skill level, whereas the best RA results depend on technique and experience that help the players to use anticipatory skill. The high correlations between CODS and RA performances, differently than adult athletes, suggest that an effective work program for young players may include RA and CODS training at the same time.

The effect of hydroxyzine on treating bruxism of 2- to 14-year-old children admitted to the clinic of Bandar Abbas Children Hospital in 2013-2014.

PubMed

Rahmati, M; Moayedi, A; Zakery Shahvari, S; Golmirzaei, J; Zahirinea, M; Abbasi, B

2015-01-01

Introduction. Bruxism is to press or grind teeth against each other in non-physiologic cases, when an individual does not swallow or chew. If not treated, teeth problems, stress, mental disorders, frequent night waking, and headache is expected. This research aimed to study the effect of hydroxyzine on treating bruxism of 2- to 14-year-old children admitted to the clinic of Bandar Abbas Children Hospital. Methodology. In this clinical trial, 143 children with the ages between 4-12 years were admitted to the Children Hospital and were divided randomly into test and control groups. The test group consisted of 88 hydroxyzine-treated children and the control group consisted of 55 children who used hot towels. Both groups were examined in some stages including the pre-test stages or the stage before starting treatments at two, four, and six weeks and four months after stopping the treatment. The effects of each treatment on reducing bruxism symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using SPSS in descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA. Results. As far as bruxism severity was concerned, the results showed a significant difference between the test group members who received hydroxyzine and the control group members who received no medication. T-test results showed a statistically significant difference between the test and the control groups in the second post-test (four weeks later) (p. value ≤ 0.05). Mean of the scores of bruxism severity in the test group has changed significantly in the post-test (at two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks later) as compared to the pre-test. Whereas, as far as the response to the treatment, no significant difference was recorded between the control group and the test group 4 weeks after the treatment. Discussion. The results showed that prescribing hydroxyzine for 4 weeks had a considerable effect in diminishing bruxism severity between the test groups.

Ocular findings in coal miners diagnosed with pneumoconiosis.

PubMed

Ayar, Orhan; Orcun Akdemir, Mehmet; Erboy, Fatma; Yazgan, Serpil; Hayri Ugurbas, Suat

2017-06-01

Our study aimed at evaluating ocular findings and structural changes in coal mine workers who were chronically exposed to coal mine dust and diagnosed with pneumoconiosis. Ocular findings of 161 eyes of 81 patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis who had previously worked or are currently working in coal mines were analyzed. Forty-six coal mine workers and sex matched healthy people (n = 20) participated in the study. Workers who had early changes of pneumoconiosis were included in Group 1 (n = 17), workers diagnosed with pneumoconiosis were included in Group 2 (n = 29), and healthy subjects were included in Group 3 (n = 20). Outcome measures were the difference in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, choroidal thickness (CT), central macular thickness (CMT) and tear function tests between the groups. RNFL thickness values in Group 1 and 2 were lower than in Group 3, the control group, in all quadrants except the temporal quadrant. However, there was no statistically significant difference in peripapillary RNFL thickness values in any quadrants among the three groups (p > 0.05). Central subfoveal choroidal thickness and CMT measurements were thinner in Group 1 and 2 than in the control group. However, this difference among groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean schirmer's test result was 8.8 ± 1.6 mm in group 1, 7.1 ± 1.8 mm in Group 2 and 11.5 ± 3.6 mm in the control group. Mean tear break up time (BUT) test result was 7.1 ± 1.3 seconds (sec) in Group 1, 6.5 ± 1.8 sec in Group 2 and 10.4 ± 2.9 s in the control group. The Schirmer's test and BUT test results were both statistically significantly lower in coal mine workers (Group 1 and 2) compared to the control group. Group 1 and Group 2 did not show statistically significant difference in terms of Schirmer's test and BUT test results. The association between pneumoconiosis and coal mine dust contiguity is thought to be due to the effect of coal dust by producing chronic inflammation. In addition, there are several trace elements in coal dust which are toxic to vital tissues. In this study, ocular findings suggest that systemic levels of trace elements and chronic inflammation may not reach to a level that influences ocular structures. Nonetheless, tear functions seem to be affected in coal mine workers. This study suggests that the systemic effect of coal mine dust in ocular structures is not evident. However, direct contact with coal mine and fume leads to a decrease in tear function tests.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiologic Results of Mini-Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Indirect Decompression for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

PubMed Central

Gen, Hogaku; Sakuma, Yoshio; Koshika, Yasuhide

2018-01-01

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose In this study, we compared the postoperative outcomes of extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) indirect decompression with that of mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. Overview of Literature There are very few reports examining postoperative results of XLIF and minimally invasive TLIF for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and no reports comparing XLIF and mini-open TLIF. Methods Forty patients who underwent 1-level spinal fusion, either by XLIF indirect decompression (X group, 20 patients) or by mini-open TLIF (T group, 20 patients), for treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis were included in this study. Invasiveness of surgery was evaluated on the basis of surgery time, blood loss, hospitalization period, and perioperative complications. The Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), disc angle (DA), disc height (DH), and slipping length (SL) were evaluated before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at 12 months after surgery. Cross-sectional spinal canal area (CSA) was also measured before surgery and at 1 month after surgery. Results There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of surgery time or hospitalization period; however, X group showed a significant decrease in blood loss (p<0.001). Serious complications were not observed in either group. In clinical assessment, no significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the JOABPEQ results. The change in DH at 12 months after surgery increased significantly in the X group (p<0.05), and the changes in DA and SL were not significantly different between the two groups. The change in CSA was significantly greater in the T group (p<0.001). Conclusions Postoperative clinical results were equally favorable for both procedures; however, in comparison with mini-open TLIF, less blood loss and greater correction of DH were observed in XLIF. PMID:29713419

Application of different markers and data-analysis tools to the examination of biodiversity can lead to different results: a case study with Starmerella bacillaris (synonym Candida zemplinina) strains.

PubMed

Csoma, Hajnalka; Ács-Szabó, Lajos; Papp, László Attila; Sipiczki, Matthias

2018-08-01

Starmerella bacillaris (Candida zemplinina) is a genetically heterogeneous species. In this work, the diversity of 41 strains of various origins is examined and compared by the analysis of the length polymorphism of nuclear microsatellites and the RFLP of mitochondrial genomes. The band patterns are analysed with UPGMA, neighbor joining, neighbor net, minimum spanning tree and non-metric MDS algorithms. The results and their comparison to previous analyses demonstrate that different markers and different clustering methods can result in very different groupings of the same strains. The observed differences between the topologies of the dendrograms also indicate that the positions of the strains do not necessarily reflect their real genetic relationships and origins. The possibilities that the differences might be partially due to different sensitivity of the markers to environmental factors (selection pressure) and partially to the different grouping criteria of the algorithms are also discussed.

Judgmental and Statistical DIF Analyses of the PISA-2003 Mathematics Literacy Items

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yildirim, Huseyin Husnu; Berberoglu, Giray

2009-01-01

Comparisons of human characteristics across different language groups and cultures become more important in today's educational assessment practices as evidenced by the increasing interest in international comparative studies. Within this context, the fairness of the results across different language and cultural groups draws the attention of…

Stereotype Formation: Biased by Association

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Le Pelley, Mike E.; Reimers, Stian J.; Calvini, Guglielmo; Spears, Russell; Beesley, Tom; Murphy, Robin A.

2010-01-01

We propose that biases in attitude and stereotype formation might arise as a result of learned differences in the extent to which social groups have previously been predictive of behavioral or physical properties. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrate that differences in the experienced predictiveness of groups with respect to evaluatively neutral…

Test Bias and the Culturally Different Early Adolescent.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Eileen; DeBlassie, Richard R.

1983-01-01

Defines test bias as a phenomenon in which test scores result in negative outcomes for certain groups, often lower socioeconomic groups and minorities. Discusses three manifestations of test bias including content, atmosphere, and use bias and presents recommendations for remedying bias problems in testing the culturally different. (JAC)

Group Matching: Is This a Research Technique to Be Avoided?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Donald C.; Klein, Donald F.

1988-01-01

The variance of the sample difference and the power of the "F" test for mean differences were studied under group matching on covariates and also under random assignment. Results shed light on systematic assignment procedures advocated to provide more precise estimates of treatment effects than simple random assignment. (TJH)

The intravascular low level laser irradiation (ILLLI) in treatment of psoriasis clinically

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jing; Nie, Fan; Shi, Hong-Min

2005-07-01

Objective: The title is research curative effect of intravascular low level laser irradiation (ILLLI) in treatment of psoriasis. Method: 478 patients with psoriasis from five groups to observe their efficacy. Group1 were treated by He-Ne laser combined with drug. Group 2 were treated by semi-conductor laser combined with drug. Group 3 were treated only by He-He laser. Group 4 were treated by semi-conductor laser. Group 5 were treated only by drug. The Ridit statistical analysis was applied to all of these data. The treatment of intravascular low level laser irradiation is as follow: laser power:4-5mw, 1 hour per day and 10 days as a period combined with vit C 2.0 g iv and inhalation of O2. Results: The clinical results: the near efficient rate was 100%, in group1-4, if combined with drugs it would be better. Ridit statistical analysis showed no significant difference between group1-4, p>0.05. The efficient rate 72.97% in group5.There were showed very significant difference with group1-4, p<0.01. 2.There were no significant differences between He-Ne laser (632.8nm) and semiconductor laser(650nm); 3.The efficacy of ILLLI in psoriasis was positive correlation to the ILLLI times. Conclusions: It can improve curative effect of intravascular low levellaser irradiation (ILLLI) in treatment of psoriasis.

[Influence of different surgeries on growth and development of alar cartilage in young-rabbit].

PubMed

Jiang, Lian; Dong, Xiqian; Song, Qinggao; Chen, Shang; Zou, Sihai

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study is to observe the affection of different clinical surgeries on alar nasal cartilages' growth and development. The experimental results can provide some theory basis for clinical surgeries. Twenty-eight New Zealand immature rabbits were used in this study, and divided into normal control group, hidden dissection group and cutting off alar nasal cartilages group randomly, which included 4,12 and 12 rabbits, separately. Arc incision were made on the mucous membrane of nasal cavity,and then dissect the alar nasal cartilages hidden or cut off the alar nasal cartilages, separately. The growth and development of the alar cartilage were observed at different stages after the surgery using histological and immuno-histochemical methods. Four weeks, eight weeks, twelve weeks and sixteen weeks after surgery, there were no significant differences in the indexes of chondrocytes between hidden dissection group and control group. In cutting off alar nasal cartilages group, fiber tissue were observed in the vacancy left after being cut off cartilages, and even mucous membrane tissue could be seen in some slices. There is no adverse influence on the growth and development of the alar cartilage after being hidden dissected. Contrarily, the restoring capability of transparent cartilage cannot counteract the injury resulted form the surgery after the alar nasal cartilages being cut off.

Growth Comparison of Israeli Carp (Cyprinus carpio) to Different Breeding Combination

PubMed Central

Hwang, Ju-ae; Goo, In Bon; Kim, Jung Eun; Kim, Myung Hun; Kim, Do Hee; Im, Jae Hyun; Choi, Hye-Sung; Lee, Jeong-Ho

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement of growth in Israeli carp (Cyprinus carpio), and the cross experiment was carried out with two strains of Israeli carp. Four combinations of Israeli carp from Jeonbuk fisheries farm and Songpu mirror carp from Heilong Jiang, China (KK; Jeonbuk ♀ × Jeonbuk ♂, KC; Jeonbuk ♀ × China ♂, CC; China ♀ × China ♂ and CK; China ♀ × Jeonbuk ♂) were developed and reared. Body length, body weight and condition factor were determined at 20, 40, 60 and 170 days post-hatch (DPH). The results showed that there were differences in growth rate of the four groups. Body length of four groups were CK > CC > KC > KK and body weight were CC > CK > KC > KK at 170 DPH. The growth perfomance of four groups were statistically significant difference (P<0.05). During the rearing, CC group had longer length and higher weight at 170 DPH compared to other three groups and also condition factor was highest in the CC group, but there was no significant difference in a survival rate. These results indicated that the growth performance mainly depended upon brooder combination but survival rate could not significantly affect brooder. PMID:28144632

Clinical and Radiographic Comparative Evaluation of Buccal and Palatal Corticotomy with Buccal Corticotomy in Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics with Surgical Bur

PubMed Central

Addanki, Pavankumar; Gooty, Jagadish Reddy; Palaparthy, Rajababu

2017-01-01

Background: Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics is a clinical procedure that combines selective corticotomy, particulate grafting, and application of orthodontics. It reduces treatment time, increases stability of teeth, and prevents relapse of orthodontic tooth moment. The present study was aimed to explore the clinical and radiographic comparison of bone density changes, retraction time differences in buccal and palatal corticotomy with buccal corticotomy which was done by surgical bur. Materials and Methods: A split-mouth was designed in 16 patients and divided into right (buccal and palatal corticotomy) (Group I), left (buccal corticotomy) (Group II) sides. In both groups, decortication was done with surgical bur. Clinical parameters such as gingival bleeding index and probing pocket depth were recorded at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Bone density changes were measured by computed tomography at baseline and after 6 months after surgery and also used for evaluating differences in bone density changes between two groups. Retraction time differences were also measured in both groups. Results: In both groups, there was significant difference between bone density changes at baseline and 6 months after surgery. However, the difference between two groups was not significant. The difference in clinical parameters between two groups was not significant. The difference in retraction time differences was not significant. Conclusion: Within limits of the study, it may be concluded that there was difference between bone density changes before and 6 months after surgery. Difference in total treatment time found to be no significant between two groups. PMID:28839422

Effect of induced body condition score differences on physiological response, productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes kept in a hot, semi-arid environment.

PubMed

Sejian, V; Maurya, V P; Naqvi, S M K; Kumar, D; Joshi, A

2010-04-01

This study was undertaken to study the influence of induced body condition score (BCS) differences on physiological response, productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes to optimise BCS for these ewes for maximising production making it economically viable. The study was conducted for a period of 1 year using thirty healthy Malpura ewes (2-4 year old). The animals were randomly divided and different BCS was induced within three groups named Group I (BCS 2.5; n = 10), Group II (BCS 3.0-3.5; n = 10) and Group III (BCS 4.0; n = 10). The parameters included in the study were allometric measurements, physiological response, wool yield and reproductive performance. BCS had a significant influence on allometric measurements, respiration rate and different reproductive parameters studied, while wool production differed significantly during spring and non-significantly during autumn. The results revealed that the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes with a BCS of 3.0-3.5 was better in comparison with the groups with lower and higher BCS. It may be concluded from this study that an active management of breeding sheep flock to achieve a BCS of 3.0-3.5 may prove to result in an economically viable return from these flocks.

Personal Well-being and Stress Symptoms in Wives of Iranian Martyrs, Prisoners of wars and Disabled Veterans

PubMed Central

Sharif, Nasim

2010-01-01

Objective This study was conducted to compare the personal well-being among the wives of Iranian veterans living in the city of Qom. Method A sample of 300 was randomly selected from a database containing the addresses of veteran's families at Iran's Veterans Foundation in Qom (Bonyad-e-Shahid va Omoore Isargaran). The veterans' wives were divided into three groups: wives of martyrs (killed veterans), wives of prisoners of war, and wives of disabled veterans. The Persian translation of Personal Well-being Index and Stress Symptoms Checklist (SSC) were administered for data collection. Four women chose not to respond to Personal Well-being Index. Data were then analyzed using linear multivariate regression (stepwise method), analysis of variance, and by computing the correlation between variables. Results Results showed a negative correlation between well-being and stress symptoms. However, each group demonstrated different levels of stress symptoms. Furthermore, multivariate linear regression in the 3 groups showed that overall satisfaction of life and personal well-being (total score and its domains) could be predicted by different symptoms. Conclusion Each group experienced different challenges and thus different stress symptoms. Therefore, although they all need help, each group needs to be helped in a different way. PMID:22952487

Jejunal Infusion of Glucose Decreases Energy Intake to a Greater Extent than Fructose in Adult Male Rats12

PubMed Central

Moghadam, Alexander A; Moran, Timothy H; Dailey, Megan J

2016-01-01

Background: Intestinal nutrient infusions result in variable decreases in energy intake and body weight based on nutrient type and specific intestinal infusion site. Objective: The objective was to test whether an intrajejunal fructose infusion (FRU) would lower energy intake and body weight and induce similar increases in gut hormones as those found after intrajejunal glucose infusions (GLU). Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received an intrajejunal infusion of either an equal kilocalorie load of glucose or fructose (11.4 kcal) or saline (SAL) for 5 d while intake of a standard rodent diet was continuously recorded; body weight was measured daily. Immediately after the infusion on the final day, rats were killed and plasma was collected to measure hormones. Results: Daily energy intake was significantly lower in the GLU group than in the SAL group, but the FRU group did not differ from the GLU or SAL groups when the 11.4 kcal of the infusate was included as energy intake. Lower energy intake was due to smaller meal sizes during the infusion period in the GLU group than in the FRU and SAL groups; the FRU and SAL groups did not differ. The percentage of change in body weight was lower in the GLU group than in the FRU and SAL groups. Plasma glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) concentrations were greater in the GLU group than in the SAL group; the FRU group did not differ from the GLU or SAL groups. The plasma insulin concentration was greater in the FRU group than in both the GLU and SAL groups. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that glucose induces a greater decrease in energy intake and increase in GLP-1 at distal intestinal sites than fructose in rats, which may explain differential effects of these monosaccharides between studies when delivered orally or along the proximal to distal axis of the intestine. PMID:27581579

Development of Gold Standard Ion-Selective Electrode-Based Methods for Fluoride Analysis

PubMed Central

Martínez-Mier, E.A.; Cury, J.A.; Heilman, J.R.; Katz, B.P.; Levy, S.M.; Li, Y.; Maguire, A.; Margineda, J.; O’Mullane, D.; Phantumvanit, P.; Soto-Rojas, A.E.; Stookey, G.K.; Villa, A.; Wefel, J.S.; Whelton, H.; Whitford, G.M.; Zero, D.T.; Zhang, W.; Zohouri, V.

2011-01-01

Background/Aims: Currently available techniques for fluoride analysis are not standardized. Therefore, this study was designed to develop standardized methods for analyzing fluoride in biological and nonbiological samples used for dental research. Methods A group of nine laboratories analyzed a set of standardized samples for fluoride concentration using their own methods. The group then reviewed existing analytical techniques for fluoride analysis, identified inconsistencies in the use of these techniques and conducted testing to resolve differences. Based on the results of the testing undertaken to define the best approaches for the analysis, the group developed recommendations for direct and microdiffusion methods using the fluoride ion-selective electrode. Results Initial results demonstrated that there was no consensus regarding the choice of analytical techniques for different types of samples. Although for several types of samples, the results of the fluoride analyses were similar among some laboratories, greater differences were observed for saliva, food and beverage samples. In spite of these initial differences, precise and true values of fluoride concentration, as well as smaller differences between laboratories, were obtained once the standardized methodologies were used. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.90 to 0.93, for the analysis of a certified reference material, using the standardized methodologies. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that the development and use of standardized protocols for F analysis significantly decreased differences among laboratories and resulted in more precise and true values. PMID:21160184

The Implementation of PAIKEM (Active, Innovative, Creative, Effective, and Exciting Learning) and Conventional Learning Method to Improve Student Learning Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Priyono

2018-01-01

The research aims to find the differences in students' learning results by implementing both PAIKEM (Active, Innovative, Creative, Effective, and Exciting Learning) and conventional learning methods for students with high and low motivation. This research used experimental design on two groups, a group of high motivation students and a group of…

Preparation of Calcium Phosphate Cement and Polymethyl Methacrylate for Biological Composite Bone Cements

PubMed Central

Yang, Jun; Zhang, Kairui; Zhang, Sheng; Fan, Jiping; Guo, Xinhui; Dong, Weiqiang; Wang, Shengnan; Chen, Yirong; Yu, Bin

2015-01-01

Background We studied the biological safety, biomechanics, and tissue compatibility of calcium phosphate cement and Polymethyl Methacrylate composite bone cement mixed in different ratios. Material/Methods CPC and PMMA were mixed in different ratios (3: 1, 2: 1, 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 5, 1: 10, 1: 15, and 1: 20). PMMA solvent is a general solvent containing a dissolved preparation of the composite bone cement specific to a given specimen to determine biological safety, biomechanics, and tissue compatibility. Results The CPC/PMMA (33%) group, CPC/PMMA (50%) group, CPC/PMMA (67%) group, and CPC/PMMA (75%) group were more in line with the composite bone cement without cytotoxicity requirements. The compressive strength of the CPC/PMMA (67%) group and CPC/PMMA (75%) group was 20Mpa–30Mpa, while that of the CPC/PMMA (4.8%) group, CPC/PMMA (6.25%) group, CPC/PMMA (9.1%) group, CPC/PMMA (16.7%) group, CPC/PMMA (33%) group, and CPC/PMMA (50%) group was 40Mpa–70Mpa. Curing time was longer in the CPC group (more than 11 min) and shorter in the PMMA group (less than 2 min). The results of weight loss rate showed that there were no significant differences between the CPC/PMMA group (4.8%, 6.25%, 9.1%, 16.7%, 33%) and PMMA control group (p>0.05). With the decrease of CPC content, the rate of weight loss gradually decreased. Conclusions The CPC/PMMA (50%) group, CPC/PMMA (67%) group, and CPC/PMMA (75%) group provide greater variability and selectivity for the composite bone cement in obtaining better application. PMID:25904398

Analysis of vertical marginal discrepancy in feldspathic porcelain crowns manufactured with different CAD/CAM systems: Closed and open.

PubMed

Kricheldorf, Fabio; Bueno, Cleuber Rodrigo de Souza; Amaral, Wilson da Silva; Junior, Joel Ferreira Santiago; Filho, Hugo Nary

2018-01-01

The objective of this study is to compare the marginal adaptation of feldspathic porcelain crowns using two computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing systems, one of them is open and the other is closed. Twenty identical titanium abutments were divided into two groups: open system (OS), where ceramic crowns were created using varied equipment and software, and closed system (CS), where ceramic crowns were created using the CEREC system. Through optical microscopy analysis, we assess the marginal adaptation of the prosthetic interfaces. The data were subjected to the distribution of normality and variance. The t -test was used for the analysis of the comparison factor between the groups, and the one-way ANOVA was used to compare the variance of crown analysis regions within the group. A significance level of 5% was considered for the analyses. There was a significant difference between the systems ( P = 0.007), with the CS group having the higher mean (23.75 μm ± 3.05) of marginal discrepancy when compared to the open group (17.94 μm ± 4.77). Furthermore, there were no differences in marginal discrepancy between the different points between the groups ( P ≥ 0.05). The studied groups presented results within the requirements set out in the literature. However, the OS used presented better results in marginal adaptation.

Shear Bond Strength of Superficial, Intermediate and Deep Dentin In Vitro with Recent Generation Self-etching Primers and Single Nano Composite Resin.

PubMed

Singh, Kulshrest; Naik, Rajaram; Hegde, Srinidhi; Damda, Aftab

2015-01-01

This in vitro study is intended to compare the shear bond strength of recent self-etching primers to superficial, intermediate, and deep dentin levels. All teeth were sectioned at various levels and grouped randomly into two experimental groups and two control groups having three subgroups. The experimental groups consisted of two different dentin bonding system. The positive control group consisted of All Bond 2 and the negative control group was without the bonding agent. Finally, the specimens were subjected to shear bond strength study under Instron machine. The maximum shear bond strengths were noted at the time of fracture. The results were statistically analyzed. Comparing the shear bond strength values, All Bond 2 (Group III) demonstrated fairly higher bond strength values at different levels of dentin. Generally comparing All Bond 2 with the other two experimental groups revealed highly significant statistical results. In the present investigation with the fourth generation, higher mean shear bond strength values were recorded compared with the self-etching primers. When intermediate dentin shear bond strength was compared with deep dentin shear bond strength statistically significant results were found with Clearfil Liner Bond 2V, All Bond 2 and the negative control. There was a statistically significant difference in shear bond strength values both with self-etching primers and control groups (fourth generation bonding system and without bonding system) at superficial, intermediate, and deep dentin. There was a significant fall in bond strength values as one reaches deeper levels of dentin from superficial to intermediate to deep.

Management of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in patients with extra copies of the MALT1 gene.

PubMed

Iwamuro, Masaya; Takenaka, Ryuta; Nakagawa, Masahiro; Moritou, Yuki; Saito, Shunsuke; Hori, Shinichiro; Inaba, Tomoki; Kawai, Yoshinari; Toyokawa, Tatsuya; Tanaka, Takehiro; Yoshino, Tadashi; Okada, Hiroyuki

2017-09-07

To identify the clinical features of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with extra copies of MALT1. This is a multi-centered, retrospective study. We reviewed 146 patients with MALT lymphoma in the stomach who underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for t(11;18) translocation. Patients were subdivided into patients without t(11;18) translocation or extra copies of MALT1 (Group A, n = 88), patients with t(11;18) translocation (Group B, n = 27), and patients with extra copies of MALT1 (Group C, n = 31). The clinical background, treatment, and outcomes of each group were investigated. Groups A and C showed slight female predominance, whereas Group B showed slight male predominance. Mean ages and clinical stages at lymphoma diagnosis were not different between groups. Complete response was obtained in 61 patients in Group A (69.3%), 22 in Group B (81.5%), and 21 in Group C (67.7%). Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication alone resulted in complete remission in 44 patients in Group A and 13 in Group C. In Group B, 14 patients underwent radiotherapy alone, which resulted in lymphoma disappearance. Although the difference was not statistically significant, event-free survival in Group C tended to be inferior to that in Group A (P = 0.10). Patients with t(11;18) translocation should be treated differently from others. Patients with extra copies of MALT1 could be initially treated with H. pylori eradication, similar to patients without t(11;18) translocation or extra copies of MALT1.

Effect of different high-palladium metal-ceramic alloys on the color of opaque and dentin porcelain.

PubMed

Stavridakis, Minos M; Papazoglou, Efstratios; Seghi, Robert R; Johnston, William M; Brantley, William A

2004-08-01

The color of dental porcelain depends on the type of metal substrate. Little research has been done to document the effects of different types of high-palladium alloys on the color of dental porcelain. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different high-palladium alloys on the resulting color of dentin porcelain, as well as on that of opaque porcelain after simulated dentin and glazing firing cycles. Three Pd-Cu-Ga alloys, Spartan Plus (S), Liberty (B), and Freedom Plus (F), and 5 Pd-Ga alloys, Legacy (L), IS 85 (I), Protocol (P), Legacy XT (X), and Jelenko No.1 (N), were examined. A Pd-Ag alloy, Super Star (T), was included for comparison to the high-palladium alloys, and the Au-Pd alloy, Olympia (O), served as the control. Six cast discs (16 x 1 mm) were prepared from each of the alloys. Shade B1 opaque porcelain (Vita-Omega) was applied at a final thickness of 0.1 mm. After 2 opaque porcelain firing cycles, the surfaces were airborne-particle abraded, and the specimens were divided into 2 groups. In the first group, 0.9 mm of B1 dentin porcelain was applied. The other group of specimens with only opaque porcelain underwent the same dentin porcelain and glazing firing cycles. Color differences (DeltaE) were determined with a colorimeter between the control and each experimental group, after the second opaque porcelain, second dentin porcelain, and glazing firing cycles. One-way analysis of variance and Dunnett's multiple range test were performed on the DeltaE data (alpha=.05). After the application of dentin porcelain, the 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys showed significantly different (P<.05) DeltaE values (S=2.3 +/- 0.5, B=1.4 +/- 0.3, and F=1.3 +/- 0.7) than the control group. After the glazing cycle of this group, the 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys and the Pd-Ag alloy exhibited significantly different (P<.05) DeltaE values (S=2.8 +/- 0.8, B=2.2 +/- 0.3, F=1.9 +/- 1.0, and T=1.4 +/- 0.5) than the control group. After the simulated dentin porcelain firing cycles, the specimens with only opaque porcelain exhibited significantly different (P<.05) DeltaE values (S=5.2 +/- 1.4, B=5.4 +/- 0.6, and F=3.9 +/- 0.2) than the control group. The color difference between the 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys with only opaque porcelain and the control group increased more after the simulated glazing cycle (S=6.6 +/- 1.5, B=6.3 +/- 0.5, and F=4.6 +/- 0.1). The observed color differences between the Pd-Ga alloys and the control group were not statistically significant at any point. The Pd-Cu-Ga alloys with only opaque porcelain, after the simulated dentin porcelain and glazing firing cycles, exhibited clinically unacceptable color differences. The application of dentin porcelain to the Pd-Cu-Ga alloys resulted in clinically acceptable color differences. The application of dentin porcelain to the Pd-Ag alloy, after the glazing firing cycle, resulted in clinically acceptable color differences (approximately 2.8 to 3.7 DeltaE CIELAB units). The Pd-Ag alloy specimens with only opaque porcelain did not exhibit significant color differences from the control group, whereas significant color differences from the control group after the dentin porcelain and glazing firing cycles were still clinically acceptable.

Report of the first Nimbus-7 SMMR Experiment Team Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, W. J.; Gloersen, P.

1983-01-01

Preliminary results of sea ice and techniques for calculating sea ice concentration and multiyear fraction from the microwave radiances obtained from the Nimbus-7 SMMR were presented. From these results, it is evident that these groups used different and independent approaches in deriving sea ice emissivities and algorithms. This precluded precise comparisons of their results. A common set of sea ice emissivities were defined for all groups to use for subsequent more careful comparison of the results from the various sea ice parameter algorithms. To this end, three different geographical areas in two different time intervals were defined as typifying SMMR beam-filling conditions for first year sea ice, multiyear sea ice, and open water and to be used for determining the required microwave emissivities.

Is There an Association between Keloids and Blood Groups?

PubMed

Mouhari-Toure, Abas; Saka, Bayaki; Kombaté, Koussaké; Akakpo, Sefako; Egbohou, Palakiyem; Tchangaï-Walla, Kissem; Pitche, Palokinam

2012-01-01

Objective. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible associations between the blood groups ABO and Rhesus systems and the presence of keloids in patients with black skin. Method. This case-control study was conducted between September 2007 and August 2011 comparing dermatologic outpatients with keloids to matched controls recruited in preanesthetic consultation at Tokoin Teaching Hospital of Lomé (Togo). Results. The distribution of different ABO blood groups and Rhesus blood groups in both groups (cases versus controls) was not significantly different. This distribution of different blood groups was superimposed on the general population of blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center of Lomé. Univariate analysis between each blood group and the presence of keloid does not yield any statistically significant association between blood groups and presence of keloids in the subjects. Conclusion. The study shows no significant association between blood groups and the presence of keloids in our patients. Further investigation needs to be conducted to elucidate this hypothesis further by conducting multicenter studies of several ethnic groups.

Efficacy of surfactant at different gestational ages for infants with respiratory distress syndrome

PubMed Central

Wang, Li; Chen, Long; Li, Renjun; Zhao, Jinning; Wu, Xiushuang; Li, Xue; Shi, Yuan

2015-01-01

Since exogenous surfactant replacement therapy was first used to prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), it has become the main method for treatment of RDS. However, in some infants, death is inevitable despite intensive care and surfactant replacement therapy, especially in near-term and term infants. The main purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effect of pulmonary surfactant for infants at different gestational ages and to investigate whether exogenous surfactant replacement therapy is effective for all newborns with RDS. Data on surfactant replacement therapy, including blood gas, oxygenation function parameters and therapy results, were collected from 135 infants who were diagnosed with RDS during three years at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. According to gestational age, the subjects were classified into three groups as follows: group 1: gestational age <35 weeks (n=54); group 2: 35 weeks ≤ gestational age <37 weeks (n=35); group 3: gestational age ≥37 weeks (n=46). Six hours after surfactant was given, there were significantly better blood gas results in group 1 and worse results in groups 2 and 3. Similar oxygenation function parameter results were observed in the three groups. In addition, there was a trend toward an increased rate of repeated surfactant administration with increasing gestational age. For near-term and term infants, the efficacy of surfactant therapy was not as good as it was for preterm infants. The causes of RDS in near-term and term infants might be different from those in preterm infants and should be studied further. PMID:26550326

Isolating age-group differences in working memory load-related neural activity: assessing the contribution of working memory capacity using a partial-trial fMRI method.

PubMed

Bennett, Ilana J; Rivera, Hannah G; Rypma, Bart

2013-05-15

Previous studies examining age-group differences in working memory load-related neural activity have yielded mixed results. When present, age-group differences in working memory capacity are frequently proposed to underlie these neural effects. However, direct relationships between working memory capacity and working memory load-related activity have only been observed in younger adults. These relationships remain untested in healthy aging. Therefore, the present study examined patterns of working memory load-related activity in 22 younger and 20 older adults and assessed the contribution of working memory capacity to these load-related effects. Participants performed a partial-trial delayed response item recognition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. In this task, participants encoded either 2 or 6 letters, maintained them during a delay, and then indicated whether a probe was present in the memory set. Behavioral results revealed faster and more accurate responses to load 2 versus 6, with age-group differences in this load condition effect for the accuracy measure. Neuroimaging results revealed one region (medial superior frontal gyrus) that showed age-group differences in load-related activity during the retrieval period, with less (greater) neural activity for the low versus high load condition in younger (older) adults. Furthermore, for older adults, load-related activity did not vary as a function of working memory capacity. Thus, working memory-related activity varies with healthy aging, but these patterns are not due solely to working memory capacity. Neurocognitive aging theories that feature capacity will need to account for these results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Motivation and performance in physical education: an experimental test.

PubMed

Moreno, Juan A; González-Cutre, David; Martín-Albo, José; Cervelló, Eduardo

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyse, experimentally, the relationships between motivation and performance in a lateral movement test in physical education. The study group consisted of 363 students (227 boys and 136 girls), aged between 12 and 16, who were randomly divided into three groups: an experimental group in which an incremental ability belief was induced, another experimental group in which an entity ability belief was induced, and a control group where there was no intervention. Measurements were made of situational intrinsic motivation, perceived competence in executing the task and performance. The results revealed that the incremental group reported higher scores on the situational intrinsic motivation scale. The entity group demonstrated better performance in the first test attempt than the incremental group but, in the second attempt, the performance was similar in the different groups. Perhaps the initial differences in performance disappeared because the incremental group counted on improving in the second attempt. These results are discussed in relation to the intensity with which the teacher conveys information relating to incremental ability belief of the pupil to increase intrinsic motivation and performance. Key pointsThe incremental group showed more situational intrinsic motivation.The entity group showed higher performance in the first test attempt, but significant differences disappeared in the second attempt.It seems that this incremental belief and greater intrinsic motivation made the students trust they would improve their performance in the second attempt at the lateral movement test.

Physical fitness of overweight and underweight preschool children from southern Poland.

PubMed

Kryst, Łukasz; Woronkowicz, Agnieszka; Jankowicz-Szymańska, Agnieszka; Pociecha, Mariusz; Kowal, Małgorzata; Sobiecki, Jan; Brudecki, Janusz; Żarów, Ryszard

The main aim of this study was to assess differences in the level of physical fitness between children of preschool age with different BMI, as overweight and obesity are an increasing problem even in this age group. The study group consisted of 3,945 children aged 4 to 6 years living in southern Poland. Analysis included the results of body height and weight measurements (from which BMI was calculated) and motor skills tests: sit-and-reach test, standing broad jump and handgrip strength. Children were grouped according to the Obesity Task Force categories. Significant differences in body height were visible (i) between overweight and normal children and (ii) between overweight and underweight children. In terms of body weight and BMI, significant differences existed between all groups. With regard to fitness tests, the greatest differences were observed for handgrip strength and standing broad jump. The sit-and-reach test did not reveal any differences between the groups. The results showed that overall physical fitness was negatively correlated with relative weight; general fitness in overweight children was lower than in normal or underweight children. As it is obvious that physical activity is indispensable even for preschool children, any increase in physical activity could at least partially alleviate the problem of excessive weight and improve the general fitness of children. In the future this would reduce the incidence of diseases related to obesity and a lack of exercise.

Effect of Humeral Component Version on Outcomes in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Aleem, Alexander W; Feeley, Brian T; Austin, Luke S; Ma, C Benjamin; Krupp, Ryan J; Ramsey, Matthew L; Getz, Charles L

2017-05-01

Although reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides excellent clinical results in appropriately selected patients, loss of external and internal rotation may occur. Component selection, design, and placement affect postoperative results. Recent studies considered the effect of humeral component version on functional results. The current study investigated whether humeral stem retroversion affects the outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a retrospective review of a multisurgeon, industry-sponsored, prospectively gathered database of a single reverse shoulder arthroplasty implant. All patients had at least 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale pain score, Short Form-12 Mental and Physical Component scores, range of motion, and internal rotation function, were compared between patients with humeral retroversion of 10° or less (group A) and those with humeral retroversion of 20° or greater (group B). Radiographic outcomes were compared. The analysis included 64 patients (group A, 29 patients; group B, 35 patients). No clinical or statistically significant difference was found in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Both groups showed statistical and clinical improvement vs preoperative scores, with group A averaging 77.8 and group B averaging 79.2 at final follow-up. No differences were found between groups in range of motion or ability to perform tasks that require shoulder internal rotation. Patients can expect good clinical improvement after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. No difference was found in clinical or radiologic outcomes based on humeral component retroversion. Despite the theoretical increase in external rotation when the humeral component is placed closer to native retroversion, the results did not show this effect. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):179-186.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

Crowdsourcing: It Matters Who the Crowd Are. The Impacts of between Group Variations in Recording Land Cover

PubMed Central

Mooney, Peter; Purves, Ross S.; Rocchini, Duccio; Walz, Ariane

2016-01-01

Volunteered geographical information (VGI) and citizen science have become important sources data for much scientific research. In the domain of land cover, crowdsourcing can provide a high temporal resolution data to support different analyses of landscape processes. However, the scientists may have little control over what gets recorded by the crowd, providing a potential source of error and uncertainty. This study compared analyses of crowdsourced land cover data that were contributed by different groups, based on nationality (labelled Gondor and Non-Gondor) and on domain experience (labelled Expert and Non-Expert). The analyses used a geographically weighted model to generate maps of land cover and compared the maps generated by the different groups. The results highlight the differences between the maps how specific land cover classes were under- and over-estimated. As crowdsourced data and citizen science are increasingly used to replace data collected under the designed experiment, this paper highlights the importance of considering between group variations and their impacts on the results of analyses. Critically, differences in the way that landscape features are conceptualised by different groups of contributors need to be considered when using crowdsourced data in formal scientific analyses. The discussion considers the potential for variation in crowdsourced data, the relativist nature of land cover and suggests a number of areas for future research. The key finding is that the veracity of citizen science data is not the critical issue per se. Rather, it is important to consider the impacts of differences in the semantics, affordances and functions associated with landscape features held by different groups of crowdsourced data contributors. PMID:27458924

Rodent Biocompatibility Test Using the NASA Foodbar and Epoxy EP21LV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tillman, J.; Steele, M.; Dumars, P.; Vasques, M.; Girten, B.; Sun, S. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Epoxy has been used successfully to affix NASA foodbars to the inner walls of the Animal Enclosure Module for past space flight experiments utilizing rodents. The epoxy used on past missions was discontinued, making it necessary to identify a new epoxy for use on the STS-108 and STS-107 missions. This experiment was designed to test the basic biocompatibility of epoxy EP21LV with male rats (Sprague Dawley) and mice (Swiss Webster) when applied to NASA foodbars. For each species, the test was conducted with a control group fed untreated foodbars and an experimental group fed foodbars applied with EP21LV. For each species, there were no group differences in animal health and no statistical differences (P<0.05) in body weights throughout the study. In mice, there was a 16% increase in heart weight in the epoxy group; this result was not found in rats. For both species, there were no statistical differences found in other organ weights measured. In rats, blood glucose levels were 15% higher and both total protein and globulin were 10% lower in the epoxy group. Statistical differences in these parameters were not found in mice. For both species, no statistical differences were found in other blood parameters tested. Food consumption was not different in rats but water consumption was significantly decreased 10 to 15% in the epoxy group. The difference in water consumption is likely due to an increased water content of the epoxy-treated foodbars. Finally, both species avoided consumption of the epoxy material. Based on the global analysis of the results, the few parameters found to be statistically different do not appear to be a physiologically relevant effect of the epoxy material, We conclude that the EP21LV epoxy is biocompatible with rodents.

The relationship between different exercise modes and visuospatial working memory in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Guo, Wei; Wang, Biye; Lu, Yue; Zhu, Qin; Shi, Zhihao; Ren, Jie

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between different exercise modes and visuospatial working memory in healthy older adults. A cross-sectional design was adopted. A total of 111 healthy older adults were enrolled in the study. They were classified by the exercise-related questionnaire to be in an open-skill group, closed-skill group or sedentary group. In experiment 1, the participants performed a visuospatial working memory task. The results indicated that both closed-skill (p < 0.05) and open-skill (p < 0.01) groups reached a higher accuracy than the sedentary group. Experiment 2 examined whether the exercise-induced benefit of working memory was manifested in passive maintenance or active manipulation of working memory which was assessed by visuospatial short-term memory task and visuospatial mental rotation task, respectively. The results showed that the open-skill (p < 0.01) group was more accurate than the sedentary group in the visuospatial short-term memory task, whereas the group difference in the visuospatial mental rotation task was not significant. These findings combined to suggest that physical exercise was associated with better visuospatial working memory in older adults. Furthermore, open-skill exercises that demand higher cognitive processing showed selective benefit for passive maintenance of working memory.

Does the Relative Strength of Grouping Principles Modulate the Interactions between them?

PubMed

Montoro, Pedro R; Luna, Dolores

2015-06-05

This study examines the influence of the relative strength of grouping principles on interactions between the intrinsic principle of proximity and the extrinsic principle of common region in the process of perceptual organization. Cooperation and competition between intrinsic and extrinsic principles were examined by presenting the principle either alone or conjoined with another principle. The relative grouping strength of the principles operating alone was varied in two different groups of participants so that it was similar for one group and very different for the other group. Results showed that, when principles acting alone had different strengths, the grouping effect of the strongest principle was similar to that of the cooperation condition, and the effect of the weakest principle was similar to that of competing conjoined principles. In contrast, when the strength of principles acting alone was similar, the effect of conjoined cooperating principles was greater than that of either principle acting alone. Moreover, the effect of conjoined competing principles was smaller than that of either principle operating alone. Results show that cooperation and competition between intrinsic and extrinsic principles are modulated by the relative grouping strength of principles acting alone. Furthermore, performance in these conditions could be predicted on the basis of performance in single-principle conditions.

Differential contribution of soil biota groups to plant litter decomposition as mediated by soil use

PubMed Central

Falco, Liliana B.; Sandler, Rosana V.; Coviella, Carlos E.

2015-01-01

Plant decomposition is dependant on the activity of the soil biota and its interactions with climate, soil properties, and plant residue inputs. This work assessed the roles of different groups of the soil biota on litter decomposition, and the way they are modulated by soil use. Litterbags of different mesh sizes for the selective exclusion of soil fauna by size (macro, meso, and microfauna) were filled with standardized dried leaves and placed on the same soil under different use intensities: naturalized grasslands, recent agriculture, and intensive agriculture fields. During five months, litterbags of each mesh size were collected once a month per system with five replicates. The remaining mass was measured and decomposition rates calculated. Differences were found for the different biota groups, and they were dependant on soil use. Within systems, the results show that in the naturalized grasslands, the macrofauna had the highest contribution to decomposition. In the recent agricultural system it was the combined activity of the macro- and mesofauna, and in the intensive agricultural use it was the mesofauna activity. These results underscore the relative importance and activity of the different groups of the edaphic biota and the effects of different soil uses on soil biota activity. PMID:25780777

[Correlation between the thresholds acquired with ASSR and sbjective thresholds in cochlear implants in prelingually deaf children].

PubMed

Wang, Z; Gu, J; Jiang, X J

2017-04-20

Objective: To learn the relationship between the auditory steady state responses(ASSR)threshold and C-level and behavior T-level in cochlear implants in prelingually deaf children. Method: One hundred and twelve children with Nucleus CI24R(CA) cochlear implants were divided into residual hearing group and no residual hearing group on the basis of the results of ASSR before operation in this study.Compare the difference between the two groups in C-level and behavior T-level one year after operation. Result: There was difference in C-level and behavior T-level between residual hearing group and no residual hearing group( P <0.05 or P <0.01). Conclusion: According to the results of ASSR before operation,we can estimate the effect of cochlear implants,providing reference for the selection of choosing operating ears,and providing a reasonable expectation for physicians and parents of the patients. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

ELUCIDATING THE MECHANISMS BEHIND SUCCESSFUL INDICATORS OF BIODIVERSITY

EPA Science Inventory

Groups of species have been proposed as indicators of biodiversity for use in conservation planning. Different tests of indicator groups have produced divergent results varying with taxonomy, methodology, scale, and location. At large scales, successful indicator groups should b...

The effect of the inspiratory muscle training on functional ability in stroke patients.

PubMed

Jung, Nam-Jin; Na, Sang-Su; Kim, Seung-Kyu; Hwangbo, Gak

2017-11-01

[Purpose] This study was to find out an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program therapeutic effects on stroke patients' functional ability. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients were assigned to one of two groups: inspiratory muscle training (n=10), and control (n=10), randomization. The inspiratory muscle training participants undertook an exercise program for 30 minute per times, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The investigator measured the patients' trunk impairment scale (TIS) and 6 minute walking test (6MW) for functional ability before and after IMT. [Results] The TIS appeared some significant differences in both groups before and after the training. The 6MW test showed some significant differences in the inspiratory muscle training group, but didn't show any significant difference in the control group. And the differences in both groups after depending the inspiratory muscle training were significantly found in the tests of TIS and 6MW test [Conclusion] The results showed that the inspiratory muscle training in stroke patients are correlated with the trunk stability and locomotion ability, suggesting that physical therapist must take into consideration the inspiratory muscle training, as well as functional training to improve physical function in stroke patients.

Effect of fasting on 24-h blood pressure values of individuals with no previous history of hypertension.

PubMed

Seker, Ayse; Demirci, Hakan; Ocakoglu, Gokhan; Aydin, Ufuk; Ucar, Hakan; Yildiz, Gursel; Yaman, Ozen

2017-10-01

We aimed to analyze the difference in 24-h blood pressure values during Ramadan of fasting and nonfasting individuals with no previous history of hypertension. This study was planned as a multicenter research study in the cities of Izmit, Zonguldak, Sivas, and Adana. The percentage changes in the blood pressure of the patients were calculated from their blood pressure measurements at 0 h while they were resting. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was filled out by all participants. Forty patients were included in the fasting group and 55 patients were included in the nonfasting group in the study. There was a difference between the two groups in percent changes of systolic measurements performed at the 4th (5% difference and P=0.020), 13th (6% difference and P=0.015), 14th (10% difference and P=0.017), 18th (9% difference and P=0.027), 19th (9% difference and P=0.020), and 20th (6% difference and P=0.014) hours with respect to the baseline measurement at the 0 h. There was a difference between the fasting and nonfasting groups in the Fasting Food Questionnaire results. Meat consumption was significantly higher in the fasting group. A systolic blood pressure increase in fasting patients was observed in measurements at 18:00, 19:00, and 20:00 h. We believe that an increase of more than 10% in blood pressure at the time of iftar is an important result of our study in terms of the meal preferences of the individuals under risk.

A Method for Accurate Group Difference Detection by Constraining the Mixing Coefficients in an ICA Framework

PubMed Central

Sui, Jing; Adali, Tülay; Pearlson, Godfrey D.; Clark, Vincent P.; Calhoun, Vince D.

2009-01-01

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a promising method that is increasingly used to analyze brain imaging data such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural MRI, and electroencephalography and has also proved useful for group comparison, e.g., differentiating healthy controls from patients. An advantage of ICA is its ability to identify components that are mixed in an unknown manner. However, ICA is not necessarily robust and optimal in identifying between-group effects, especially in highly noisy situations. Here, we propose a modified ICA framework for multi-group data analysis that incorporates prior information regarding group membership as a constraint into the mixing coefficients. Our approach, called coefficient-constrained ICA (CC-ICA), prioritizes identification of components that show a significant group difference. The performance of CC-ICA via synthetic and hybrid data simulations is evaluated under different hypothesis testing assumptions and signal to noise ratios (SNRs). Group analysis is also conducted on real multitask fMRI data. Results show that CC-ICA improves the estimation accuracy of the independent components greatly, especially those that have different patterns for different groups (e.g., patients vs. controls); In addition, it enhances the data extraction sensitivity to group differences by ranking components with P value or J-divergence more consistently with the ground truth. The proposed algorithm performs quite well for both group-difference detection and multitask fMRI data fusion, which may prove especially important for the identification of relevant disease biomarkers. PMID:19172631

Timing considerations on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after topical fluoride varnish applications

PubMed Central

Cossellu, Gianguido; Lanteri, Valentina; Butera, Andrea; Laffi, Nicola; Merlini, Alberto; Farronato, Giampietro

2017-01-01

Objectives: To assess the best temporal association between the application of a fluoride varnish on enamel and bonding procedures. Materials and Methods: Eighty mandibular bovine incisors were used. Teeth were divided into 4 groups (20 per group); Groups 1–3 were treated with fluoride varnish (Fluor Protector, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), and Group 4 served as control with no pretreatment. Tooth were stored in deionized water (37°C) and subjected to thermal cycling for 400 (Group 1), 800 (Group 2), and 2500 (Group 3) cycles corresponding, respectively, to 15, 30, and 90 days in order to simulate the three different timing of bracket bonding. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured using an Instron Universal Testing machine. Tooth surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope at 10× magnification to assess the amount of adhesive remnant index (ARI). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honestly significant difference post-hoc test were used for the comparison of SBS values between groups (P < 0.05). The Chi-square test was used to examine differences among ARI scores. (P < 0.05). Results: One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test showed that the SBS of different groups were significantly different and was impacted by different timing of bonding (P < 0.05). The main differences were between the control group (17.02 ± 6.38 MPa) and Group 1 (6.93 ± 4.3 MPa). The ARI scores showed that there were no significant differences between the four tested groups. Conclusions: The SBS of the brackets bonded 15 days after the application of the fluoride was set back to an optimal value. PMID:28197397

Testing Group Mean Differences of Latent Variables in Multilevel Data Using Multiple-Group Multilevel CFA and Multilevel MIMIC Modeling.

PubMed

Kim, Eun Sook; Cao, Chunhua

2015-01-01

Considering that group comparisons are common in social science, we examined two latent group mean testing methods when groups of interest were either at the between or within level of multilevel data: multiple-group multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (MG ML CFA) and multilevel multiple-indicators multiple-causes modeling (ML MIMIC). The performance of these methods were investigated through three Monte Carlo studies. In Studies 1 and 2, either factor variances or residual variances were manipulated to be heterogeneous between groups. In Study 3, which focused on within-level multiple-group analysis, six different model specifications were considered depending on how to model the intra-class group correlation (i.e., correlation between random effect factors for groups within cluster). The results of simulations generally supported the adequacy of MG ML CFA and ML MIMIC for multiple-group analysis with multilevel data. The two methods did not show any notable difference in the latent group mean testing across three studies. Finally, a demonstration with real data and guidelines in selecting an appropriate approach to multilevel multiple-group analysis are provided.

EFFICACY OF THE ANTERIOR RESECTION IN MANAGMENT OF ACUTE COLONIC OBSTRUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH RECTAL CANCER.

PubMed

Minasyan, A; Sargsyan, R

2016-10-01

The aim of this study is to improve the results of surgical treatment of acute bowel obstruction caused by rectal cancer and to reduce the period of full recovery of patients. The presented research included 73 patients (study group) with rectal cancer who underwent emergent anterior resection of rectum with loop ileostomy and intra-operative decompression of colon. Patients of this group were compared to a group of 68 patients (control group) with the same diagnosis who underwent Hartmann's procedure. There was no essential difference between the two groups in the quantity of postoperative complications. However the results indicate significant difference in reversal rates and time to reversal. Thus, the technique of low anterior resection with intraoperative decompression and ileostomy that we used improves outcomes, significantly reduces the period of full recovery.

Race Essentialism and Social Contextual Differences in Children's Racial Stereotyping.

PubMed

Pauker, Kristin; Xu, Yiyuan; Williams, Amanda; Biddle, Ashley M

2016-09-01

The authors explored the differential emergence and correlates of racial stereotyping in 136 children ages 4-11 years across two broad social contexts: Hawai'i and Massachusetts. Children completed measures assessing race salience, race essentialism, and in-group and out-group stereotyping. Results indicated that the type of racial stereotypes emerging with age was context dependent. In both contexts in-group stereotyping increased with age. In contrast, there was only an age-related increase in out-group stereotyping in Massachusetts. Older children in Massachusetts reported more essentialist thinking (i.e., believing that race cannot change) than their counterparts in Hawai'i, which explained their higher out-group stereotyping. These results provide insight into the factors that may shape contextual differences in racial stereotyping. © 2016 The Authors. Child Development © 2016 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

Right- and left-sided colon cancer – clinical and pathological differences of the disease entity in one organ

PubMed Central

Berut, Maciej; Dziki, Lukasz; Trzcinski, Radzislaw; Dziki, Adam

2016-01-01

Introduction Some researchers suggest that cancers located in the right vs. the left side of the colon are different and they can be regarded as distinct disease entities. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of patients with right-sided (RCC) and left-sided (LCC) colon cancer. Material and methods One thousand two hundred and twenty-four patients were operated on due to colorectal cancer. A group of 477 patients (254 women, mean age 65.5 ±11 for the whole group) with colon cancer was included (212 RCC vs. 265 LCC). Results Right colon cancer patients were older (67.8 ±11.3 vs. 63.2 ±11.2; p = 0.0087). Left colon cancer patients underwent surgery for urgent indications more often (17.0% vs. 8.5%; p = 0006). Tumor diameter was greater in the RCC group (55 ±60 mm vs. 38 ±21 mm; p = 0.0003). Total number of removed lymph nodes was higher in the RCC group (11.7 ±6 vs. 8.3 ±5; p = 0.0001). Lymph node ratio was higher in the LCC group (0.45 ±0.28 vs. 0.30 ±0.25; p = 0.0063). We found a strong positive correlation between tumor diameter and the number of removed lymph nodes in the LCC group (r = 0.531). Conclusions These differences may result from the fact that RCC patients are diagnosed at an older age. The smaller number of removed lymph nodes in LCC patients may result in incorrect staging. It is still necessary to find other biological dissimilarities of adenocarcinoma located on different sides of the colon. PMID:28144267

Is the -174 C/G polymorphism of the IL6 gene associated with elite power performance? A replication study with two different Caucasian cohorts.

PubMed

Eynon, Nir; Ruiz, Jonatan R; Meckel, Yoav; Santiago, Catalina; Fiuza-Luces, Carmen; Gómez-Gallego, Félix; Oliveira, José; Lucia, Alejandro

2011-02-01

A functional -174 C/G polymorphism in the interleukin-6 gene (IL6) is a candidate to explain individual variations in exercise-related phenotypes. To replicate recent findings showing an association between the G allele and GG genotype of elite power sports performance in European (Spanish) Caucasian males, we compared allelic and genotypic frequencies of the IL6 -174 C/G polymorphism among elite endurance athletes (n = 74) and power athletes (n = 81) and non-athletic control subjects (n = 205) of both sexes from Israel. All subjects were Israeli Caucasians (with an equivalent ratio of non-Ashkenazi and Ashkenazi descent in each group; 2:1). We found no differences in the genotype or allele frequencies among groups (all P > 0.3). We further compared the genotype and allele frequencies between national- (n = 109) and international-level Israeli athletes (n = 46) in the endurance and power group, and found no significant genotype or allele differences after adjusting for multiple comparisons. We repeated all the analyses after pooling the Israeli and Spanish control subjects, endurance and power elite athletes, and found no genotypic and allelic differences among groups. The results did not change when the analyses were repeated including only the best Israeli athletes (i.e. the international-level group) together with the group of elite Spanish athletes (P > 0.2). In conclusion, the results of the present study did not show an association between the G allele of the IL6 -174 G/C polymorphism and power sports performance in the Israeli (Caucasian) population. Our findings support the need to replicate association results between genetic polymorphisms and athletic status in populations of different ethnic backgrounds with the largest possible population samples.

Laparoscopic and open subtotal colectomies have similar short-term results.

PubMed

Hoogenboom, Froukje J; Bosker, Robbert J I; Groen, Henk; Meijerink, Wilhelmus J H J; Lamme, Bas; Pierie, Jean Pierre E N

2013-01-01

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC) is a complex procedure. It is possible that short-term benefits for segmental resections cannot be attributed to this complex procedure. This study aims to assess differences in short-term results for laparoscopic versus open STC during a 15-year single-institute experience. We reviewed consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or open elective or subacute STC from January 1997 to December 2012. Fifty-six laparoscopic and 50 open STCs were performed. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group, median 266 min (range 121-420 min), compared to 153 min (range 90-408 min) in the open group (p < 0.001). Median hospital stay showed no statistical difference, 14 days (range 1-129 days) in the laparoscopic and 13 days (range 1-85 days) in the open group. Between-group postoperative complications were not statistically different. Laparoscopic STC has short-term results similar to the open procedure, except for a longer operation time. The laparoscopic approach for STC is therefore only advisable in selected patients combined with extensive preoperative counseling. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Is Time an Important Problem in Management of Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia by Using an Amlodipine-Atorvastatin Single Pill Combination?

PubMed

Zeng, Rui; Wang, Mian; Zhang, Li

2016-07-26

BACKGROUND Is the timing of dosing for amlodipine and atorvastatin important with regard to therapeutic efficacy? To answer this question, we designed an outpatient, practice-based, case-control study lasting 8 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two hundred patients were divided into 2 groups: in Group I, patients were provided with a single pill containing amlodipine/atorvastatin (5/20 mg) to be taken each night at 10 pm, and in Group II, patients were taking amlodipine (5 mg) and atorvastatin (20 mg) each morning at 7 am. RESULTS Our results indicated no obvious difference in blood pressure control between the 2 groups. Taking amlodipine at night not only lowered blood pressure, but it also provided better control during the peak blood pressure in the morning. Hypercholesterolemia control in the 2 groups was also not significantly different, taking atorvastatin in the morning was as effective as dosing at night in patients with hypercholesterolemia. While the carotid IMT, hs-CRP, and LVMI were significantly lower after treatment, no differences were found between the 2 groups. Although no obvious difference was found in adverse drug reactions between the 2 groups, compliance was much better in the single-pill group than in patients taking the 2 medications separately. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, single-pill amlodipine-atorvastatin taken at night can lower blood pressure and reduce the morning peak blood pressure levels the next day. Additionally, this dosing method could improve patient adherence to the therapy.

Multispectral iris recognition based on group selection and game theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Foysal; Roy, Kaushik

2017-05-01

A commercially available iris recognition system uses only a narrow band of the near infrared spectrum (700-900 nm) while iris images captured in the wide range of 405 nm to 1550 nm offer potential benefits to enhance recognition performance of an iris biometric system. The novelty of this research is that a group selection algorithm based on coalition game theory is explored to select the best patch subsets. In this algorithm, patches are divided into several groups based on their maximum contribution in different groups. Shapley values are used to evaluate the contribution of patches in different groups. Results show that this group selection based iris recognition

Validating a work group climate assessment tool for improving the performance of public health organizations

PubMed Central

Perry, Cary; LeMay, Nancy; Rodway, Greg; Tracy, Allison; Galer, Joan

2005-01-01

Background This article describes the validation of an instrument to measure work group climate in public health organizations in developing countries. The instrument, the Work Group Climate Assessment Tool (WCA), was applied in Brazil, Mozambique, and Guinea to assess the intermediate outcomes of a program to develop leadership for performance improvement. Data were collected from 305 individuals in 42 work groups, who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Methods The WCA was initially validated using Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient and exploratory factor analysis. This article presents the results of a second validation study to refine the initial analyses to account for nested data, to provide item-level psychometrics, and to establish construct validity. Analyses included eigenvalue decomposition analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and validity and reliability analyses. Results This study confirmed the validity and reliability of the WCA across work groups with different demographic characteristics (gender, education, management level, and geographical location). The study showed that there is agreement between the theoretical construct of work climate and the items in the WCA tool across different populations. The WCA captures a single perception of climate rather than individual sub-scales of clarity, support, and challenge. Conclusion The WCA is useful for comparing the climates of different work groups, tracking the changes in climate in a single work group over time, or examining differences among individuals' perceptions of their work group climate. Application of the WCA before and after a leadership development process can help work groups hold a discussion about current climate and select a target for improvement. The WCA provides work groups with a tool to take ownership of their own group climate through a process that is simple and objective and that protects individual confidentiality. PMID:16223447

Biomechanical comparison of suture anchor versus margin convergence plus suture anchor for rotator cuff repair.

PubMed

Chen, Shi-yi; Malcarney, Hilary L; Murrell, George A C

2009-02-01

To evaluate results of margin convergence versus suture anchors in rotator cuff repair, and to determine which method is mechanically superior. Eighteen kangaroo shoulders were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6). A full thickness tendon defect 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm in size was created in the supraspinatus tendon at humeral insertion, simulating a massive rotator cuff tear. Three different techniques were employed for rotator cuff repair: (i) Mitek GII suture anchor alone (Group 1); (ii) margin convergence alone (Group 2); and (iii) margin convergence plus Mitek GII suture anchor (Group 3). Combined loads were applied to each specimen. After completion of cyclic loading, the construct was loaded to failure. ANOVA and LSD (Least Significant Difference) multiple comparisons of the means were applied to results. Cyclic load testing showed progressive gap formation in each repaired specimen with increasing cycles. Group 1 reached 50% failure at an average of 34 cycles, Group 2 at 75 cycles and Group 3 at 73 cycles. There were significant difference between Groups 1 and 2, and Groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.001). After 100 loading cycles, the average gap size was 6.8 mm, 6.1 mm and 4.7 mm in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.015). All specimens eventually reached failure. Rotator cuff repairs with margin convergence +/- suture anchor were far stronger than suture anchor alone, both in gap formation and ultimate failure load. However, progressive gap formation with cyclic loading seems inevitable after cuff repair, which may facilitate clinical understanding of the phenomena of re-tear or residual defect. © 2009 Tianjin Hospital and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength of nanofilled composite repairs

PubMed Central

Ahmadizenouz, Ghazaleh; Esmaeili, Behnaz; Taghvaei, Arnica; Jamali, Zahra; Jafari, Toloo; Amiri Daneshvar, Farshid; Khafri, Soraya

2016-01-01

Background. Repairing aged composite resin is a challenging process. Many surface treatment options have been proposed to this end. This study evaluated the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of nano-filled composite resin repairs. Methods. Seventy-five cylindrical specimens of a Filtek Z350XT composite resin were fabricated and stored in 37°C distilled water for 24 hours. After thermocycling, the specimens were divided into 5 groups according to the following surface treatments: no treatment (group 1); air abrasion with 50-μm aluminum oxide particles (group 2); irradiation with Er:YAG laser beams (group 3); roughening with coarse-grit diamond bur + 35% phosphoric acid (group 4); and etching with 9% hydrofluoric acid for 120 s (group 5). Another group of Filtek Z350XT composite resin samples (4×6 mm) was fabricated for the measurement of cohesive strength (group 6). A silane coupling agent and an adhesive system were applied after each surface treatment. The specimens were restored with the same composite resin and thermocycled again. A shearing force was applied to the interface in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (P < 0.05). Results. One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences between the groups (P < 0.05). SBS of controls was significantly lower than the other groups; differences between groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were not significant. Surface treatment with diamond bur + 35% phosphoric acid resulted in the highest bond strength. Conclusion. All the surface treatments used in this study improved the shear bond strength of nanofilled composite resin used. PMID:27092209

Behavioral Treatment and Normal Educational and Intellectual Functioning in Young Autistic Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lovaas, O. Ivar

1987-01-01

Reports the results of behavior modification treatment for two groups of similarly constituted, young autistic children. Pretreatment measures revealed no significant differences between the intensively treated experimental group and the minimally treated control groups. At follow-up, experimental group subjects (N=19) did significantly better…

Group Processes in Helping Groups: Toward a Developmental Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lakin, Martin; And Others

1984-01-01

Analyzed 10 interaction dimensions of group behavior and three emotional atmosphere categories among old and young participants in 12 "support-discussion" groups. Results showed significant differences with respect to frequencies of boundary, self-disclosure, and support behaviors. In addition, the young showed signs of boredom more frequently.…

ANTIPLAQUE AND ANTIGINGIVITIS EFFECT OF LIPPIA SIDOIDES. A DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL STUDY IN HUMANS

PubMed Central

Rodrigues, Ítalo Sarto Carvalho; Tavares, Vinícius Nascimento; Pereira, Sérgio Luís da Silva; da Costa, Flávio Nogueira

2009-01-01

Objectives: The antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of Lippia Sidoides (LS) was evaluated in this in vivo investigation. Material and Methods: Twenty-three subjects participated in a cross-over, double-blind clinical study, using 21-day partial-mouth experimental model of gingivitis. A toothshield was constructed for each volunteer, avoiding the brushing of the 4 experimental posterior teeth in the lower left quadrant. The subjects were randomly assigned initially to use either the placebo gel (control group) or the test gel, containing 10% LS (test group). Results: The clinical results showed statistically significant differences for plaque index (PLI) (p<0.01) between days 0 and 21 in both groups, however only the control group showed statistically significant difference (p<0.01) for the bleeding (IB) and gingival (GI) index within the experimental period of 21 days. On day 21, the test group presented significantly better results than the control group with regard to the GI (p<0.05). Conclusions: The test gel containing 10% LS was effective in the control of gingivitis. PMID:19936516

Effect of energy drink dose on exercise capacity, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability after high-intensity exercise.

PubMed

An, Sang Min; Park, Jong Suk; Kim, Sang Ho

2014-03-01

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of exercise capacity, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability after high-intensity exercise on caffeine concentration of energy drink. The volunteers for this study were 15 male university student. 15 subjects were taken basic physical examinations such as height, weight and BMI before the experiment. Primary tests were examined of VO2max per weight of each subjects by graded exercise test using Bruce protocol. Each of five subject was divided 3 groups (CON, ECGⅠ, ECGⅡ) by matched method based on weight and VO2max per weight what gained of primary test for minimize the differences of exercise capacity and ingestion of each groups. For the secondary tests, the groups of subjects were taken their materials before and after exercise as a blind test. After the ingestion, subjects were experimented on exercise test of VO2max 80% by treadmill until the all-out. Heart rate was measured by 1minute interval, and respiratory variables were analyzed VO2, VE, VT, RR and so on by automatic respiratory analyzer. And exercise exhaustion time was determined by stopwatch. Moreover, HRV was measured after exercise and recovery 3 min. Among the intake groups, ECGⅡ was showed the longest of exercise exhaustion time more than CON group (p = .05). Result of heart rate during exercise according to intake groups, there was significant differences of each time (p < .001), however, not significant differences of each groups and group verse time (p > .05). Result of RPE during exercise according to intake groups, there was significant differences of each time (p < .001), however, not significant differences of each groups and group verse time (p > .05). In conclusion, EDGⅡ showed the significant increase of exercise exhaustion time more than CON group (p=.05) and not significant differences in HR, RPE, RER, HRV, HRR, blood pressure (p > .05). Therefore, 2.5 mg/kg(-1) ingestion of energy drink might be positive effect to increase exercise performance capacity without side-effect in cardiovascular disease.

Audiological manifestations in HIV-positive adults.

PubMed

Matas, Carla Gentile; Angrisani, Rosanna Giaffredo; Magliaro, Fernanda Cristina Leite; Segurado, Aluisio Augusto Cotrim

2014-07-01

To characterize the findings of behavioral hearing assessment in HIV-positive individuals who received and did not receive antiretroviral treatment. This research was a cross-sectional study. The participants were 45 HIV-positive individuals (18 not exposed and 27 exposed to antiretroviral treatment) and 30 control-group individuals. All subjects completed an audiological evaluation through pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and high-frequency audiometry. The hearing thresholds obtained by pure-tone audiometry were different between groups. The group that had received antiretroviral treatment had higher thresholds for the frequencies ranging from 250 to 3000 Hz compared with the control group and the group not exposed to treatment. In the range of frequencies from 4000 through 8000 Hz, the HIV-positive groups presented with higher thresholds than did the control group. The hearing thresholds determined by high-frequency audiometry were different between groups, with higher thresholds in the HIV-positive groups. HIV-positive individuals presented poorer results in pure-tone and high-frequency audiometry, suggesting impairment of the peripheral auditory pathway. Individuals who received antiretroviral treatment presented poorer results on both tests compared with individuals not exposed to antiretroviral treatment.

Comparing responses to horticultural-based and traditional activities in dementia care programs.

PubMed

Jarrott, Shannon E; Gigliotti, Christina M

2010-12-01

Engaging persons with dementia in meaningful activities supports well-being; however, care staff are challenged to implement age- and ability-appropriate activities in a group setting. We compared a randomly assigned treatment group, who received horticultural therapy-based (HT-based) programming to a comparison group, who engaged in traditional activities (TA) programming, on engagement and affect. Horticultural therapy-based programming was implemented twice weekly at 4 treatment sites for 6 weeks, while regular TA were observed at comparison sites. Results revealed no differences between groups on affective domains. Levels of adaptive behavior differed between the groups, with the treatment group demonstrating higher levels of active, passive, and other engagement and the comparison group demonstrating higher levels of self-engagement. Our results highlight the value of HT-based programs and the importance of simultaneously capturing participants' affective and behavioral responses. Theoretical and practical considerations about the facilitation of and context in which the programming occurs are discussed.

Testing the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder through measures of dissociation, absorption, hypnotizability and PTSD: a Norwegian pilot study.

PubMed

Dale, Karl Yngvar; Berg, Renate; Elden, Ake; Ødegård, Atle; Holte, Arne

2009-01-01

A total of 14 women meeting criteria for dissociative identity disorder (DID) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]) were compared to a group of women (n = 10) with other dissociative diagnoses and a group of normal controls (n = 14) with regard to dissociativity, absorption, trauma related symptoms and hypnotizability. Both of the clinical groups reported histories of childhood trauma and attained high PTSD scores. The DID group differed significantly from the group with other dissociative diagnoses and the non-diagnosed comparison group with regard to hypnotizability, the variety of dissociative symptomatology, and the magnitude of dissociative symptomatology. However, no significant differences between the two clinical groups were detected with regard to absorption, general dissociative level, or symptoms related to traumatic stress. Results support the notion that DID can be regarded as a clinical entity which is separable from other dissociative disorders. Results also indicated that hypnotizability is the most important clinical feature of DID.

Threatening joy: approach and avoidance reactions to emotions are influenced by the group membership of the expresser.

PubMed

Paulus, Andrea; Wentura, Dirk

2014-01-01

It has been repeatedly stated that approach and avoidance reactions to emotional faces are triggered by the intention signalled by the emotion. This line of thought suggests that each emotion signals a specific intention triggering a specific behavioural reaction. However, empirical results examining this assumption are inconsistent, suggesting that it might be too short-sighted. We hypothesise that the same emotional expression can signal different social messages and, therefore, trigger different reactions; which social message is signalled by an emotional expression should be influenced by moderating variables, such as the group membership of the expresser. In two experiments, we show that group membership influences approach and avoidance reactions to emotional expressions: Emotions (fear and happiness) expressed by in-group members elicited concordant behaviour, whereas emotions expressed by out-group members activated the reverse pattern. A third experiment, in which participants directly evaluated smiling and fearful individuals resembling in-group and out-group members supported this result.

Brain morphometry in blind and sighted subjects.

PubMed

Maller, Jerome J; Thomson, Richard H; Ng, Amanda; Mann, Collette; Eager, Michael; Ackland, Helen; Fitzgerald, Paul B; Egan, Gary; Rosenfeld, Jeffrey V

2016-11-01

Previous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated structural brain alterations in blind subjects, but most have focused on primary open angle glaucoma or retinopathy of prematurity, used low-field scanners, a limited number of receive channels, or have presented uncorrected results. We recruited 10 blind and 10 age and sex-matched controls to undergo high-resolution MRI using a 3T scanner and a 32-channel receive coil. We evaluated whole-brain morphological differences between the groups as well as manual segmentation of regional hippocampal volumes. There were no hippocampal volume differences between the groups. Whole-brain morphometry showed white matter volume differences between blind and sighted groups including localised larger regions in the visual cortex (occipital gyral volume and thickness) among those with blindness early in life compared to those with blindness later in life. Hence, in our patients, blindness resulted in brain volumetric differences that depend upon duration of blindness. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Functional Limitations in Female Soccer Players and Their Relationship with Sports Level – A Cross Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Grygorowicz, Monika; Piontek, Tomasz; Dudzinski, Witold

2013-01-01

The main objective(s) of the study The aim of this study was to analyze: a) abnormalities in the length of lower limb muscles, b) the correctness of movement patterns, and c) the impact of functional limitations of muscles on the correctness of fundamental movement patterns in a group of female soccer players, in relation to their skill level. Materials and Methods 21 female soccer players from Polish Ekstraklasa and 22 players from the 1st Division were tested for lower limb muscle length restrictions and level of fundamental movement skills (with the Fundamental Movement Screen™ test concept by Gray Cook). Chi-square test was used for categorical unrelated variables. Differences between groups in absolute point values were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Statistically significant higher number of measurements indicating an abnormal length of rectus femoris was observed in the 1st Division group (p = 0.0433). In the group of Ekstraklasa the authors obtained a significantly higher number of abnormal hamstring test results (p = 0.0006). Ekstraklasa players scored higher in the rotational stability test of the trunk (p = 0.0008), whereas the 1st Division players scored higher in the following tests: deep squat (p = 0.0220), in-line lunge (p = 0.0042) and active straight leg raise (p = 0.0125). The results suggest that there are different functional reasons affecting point values obtained in the FMS™ tests in both analyzed groups. Conclusions The differences in the flexibility of rectus femoris and hamstring muscle observed between female soccer players with different levels of training, may result from a long-term impact of soccer training on the muscle-tendon system and articular structures. Different causes of abnormalities in fundamental movement patterns in both analyzed groups suggest the need for tailoring prevention programs to the level of sport skills represented by the players. PMID:23825579

Racial and ethnic differences in cognitive function among older adults in the USA

PubMed Central

Díaz-Venegas, Carlos; Downer, Brian; Langa, Kenneth M.; Wong, Rebeca

2016-01-01

Objective Examine differences in cognition between Hispanic, non-Hispanic black (NHB), and non-Hispanic white (NHW) older adults in the United States. Data/Methods The final sample includes 18 982 participants aged 51 or older who received a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status during the 2010 Health and Retirement Study follow-up. Ordinary least squares will be used to examine differences in overall cognition according to race/ethnicity. Results Hispanics and NHB had lower cognition than NHW for all age groups (51–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80+). Hispanics had higher cognition than NHB for all age groups but these differences were all within one point. The lower cognition among NHB compared to NHW remained significant after controlling for age, gender, and education, whereas the differences in cognition between Hispanics and NHW were no longer significant after controlling for these covariates. Cognitive scores increased with greater educational attainment for all race/ethnic groups, but Hispanics exhibited the least benefit. Discussion Our results highlight the role of education in race/ethnic differences in cognitive function during old age. Education seems beneficial for cognition in old age for all race/ethnic groups, but Hispanics appear to receive a lower benefit compared to other race/ethnic groups. Further research is needed on the racial and ethnic differences in the pathways of the benefits of educational attainment for late-life cognitive function. PMID:26766788

A Pilot Study To Explore How Low-Income Mothers of Different Ethnic/Racial Backgrounds Perceive and Implement Recommended Childhood Obesity Prevention Messages

PubMed Central

Vollmer, Rachel L.

2013-01-01

Abstract Background Mothers often serve as the “gatekeepers” of food and the eating experience for young children in the home. Children of different ethnic/racial groups have different obesity prevalence rates, but little is known about how mothers of these groups interpret or implement common childhood obesity prevention messages. The purpose of this mixed methods pilot study was to explore comprehension and implementation of common childhood obesity prevention messages and to identify feeding styles among low-income mothers of young children. Methods White, black, and Hispanic low-income mothers (n=30) of children ages 3–10 were recruited from Indiana. Mothers were interviewed individually regarding the perception and implementation of eight commonly used nutrition and/or physical activity messages. Other outcomes included the results of the Caregiver Feeding Styles Questionnaire and self-reported weight of mothers and child(ren). Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to find common themes among the different ethnic/racial groups. Results Childhood obesity prevention messages were often interpreted or implemented differently among the different ethnic/racial groups. For example, white mothers cited control as a means to manage a child's weight more often compared to the other racial/ethnic groups, whereas black and Hispanic mothers reported catering to a child's preference more frequently compared to white mothers. Conclusion The pilot study provides evidence that it may be prudent to tailor nutrition messages to mothers of different ethnic/racial backgrounds during nutrition education. PMID:23679199

Functional recovery differences after stroke rehabilitation in patients with uni- or bilateral hemiparesis

PubMed Central

Bindawas, Saad M.; Mawajdeh, Hussam M.; Vennu, Vishal S.; Alhaidary, Hisham M.

2017-01-01

Objective: To examine the functional recovery differences after stroke rehabilitation in patients with uni- or bilateral hemiparesis. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included data from the medical record of all 383 patients with uni- or bilateral hemiparesis after stroke who were admitted to King Fahad Medical City-Rehabilitation Hospital between 2008 and 2014 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the site of hemiparesis, we classified patients into 3 groups: right hemiparesis (n=208), left hemiparesis (n=157), and bilateral hemipareses (n=18). The patients (n=49) who did not have either site of hemiparesis were excluded. The Functional Independence Measures (FIM) instrument was used to assess the score at admission and discharge. A post hoc test was conducted to examine the functional recovery differences between groups. Multiple regression analyses were used to confirm the findings. Results: Amongst the three groups, there were significant (p<0.05) differences in the total-FIM score as well as motor- and cognitive-FIM sub-scores between admission and discharge of stroke rehabilitation. The differences were significantly greater in the bilateral hemipareses group than in either unilateral hemiparesis group. Multiple regression analyses also confirmed that the site of hemiparesis significantly (p<0.05) differs in the total-FIM score as well as motor-FIM and cognitive-FIM sub-scores. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that differences in functional recovery after stroke rehabilitation may be influenced by the site of hemiparesis after stroke. PMID:28678212

Comparative clinical evaluation of gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser and potassium nitrate in treating dentinal hypersensitivity

PubMed Central

Tevatia, Siddharth; Khatri, Vivek; Sharma, Nikhil; Dodwad, Vidya

2017-01-01

Context: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a chronic disorder in which patients report sharp and acute pain to a variety of stimuli. Till date, a standardized procedure to treat DH is missing, though several alternative treatment strategies have been designed, including laser therapies. Aim: The aim of the study was to treat DH with minimum chemical concentration and least laser energy level with longer follow-up period. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients were randomly divided into four groups: (i) Group 1-5% potassium nitrate (KNO3); (ii) Group 2 - gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser (62.2 J/cm2, wavelength - 980 nm, noncontact pulse mode, and power wattage - 0.5 W); (iii) Group 3 - combined 5% KNO3 and the diode laser; and (iv) Group 4 - placebo (control). The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded, analyzed, and compared to tactile stimuli, cold water, and air blast tests at different intervals for 6 weeks. Results: Synergistic use of 5% KNO3 and diode laser (Group 3) significantly reduced the DH pain, which was almost negligible after 6th week (97%–99% of the pain was reported to be relieved) and showed promising results than any other studied groups. Further, the diode laser (Group 2) showed better results than 5% KNO3 (Group 1). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction post hoc test revealed the combination of groups with significant differences in the mean VAS scores at the different interval of time (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Convincingly, the combined application of 5% KNO3 with the diode laser can be recommended for treating DH patients. PMID:29491586

Misclassification due to age grouping in measures of child development.

PubMed

Veldhuizen, Scott; Rodriguez, Christine; Wade, Terrance J; Cairney, John

2015-03-01

Screens for developmental delay generally provide a set of norms for different age groups. Development varies continuously with age, however, and applying a single criterion for an age range will inevitably produce misclassifications. In this report, we estimate the resulting error rate for one example: the cognitive subscale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III). Data come from a general population sample of 594 children (305 male) aged 1 month to 42.5 months who received the BSID-III as part of a validation study. We used regression models to estimate the mean and variance of the cognitive subscale as a function of age. We then used these results to generate a dataset of one million simulated participants and compared their status before and after division into age groups. Finally, we applied broader age bands used in two other instruments and explored likely validity limitations when different instruments are compared. When BSID-III age groups are used, 15% of cases are missed and 15% of apparent cases are false positives. Wider age groups produced error rates from 27% to 46%. Comparison of different age groups suggests that sensitivity in validation studies would be limited, under certain assumptions, to 70% or less. The use of age groups produces a large number of misclassifications. Although affected children will usually be close to the threshold, this may lead to misreferrals. Results may help to explain the poor measured agreement of development screens. Scoring methods that treat child age as continuous would improve instrument accuracy. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Effect of Ability Grouping in Reciprocal Teaching Technique of Collaborative Learning on Individual Achievements and Social Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sumadi; Degeng, I Nyoman S.; Sulthon; Waras

2017-01-01

This research focused on effects of ability grouping in reciprocal teaching technique of collaborative learning on individual achievements dan social skills. The results research showed that (1) there are differences in individual achievement significantly between high group of homogeneous, middle group of homogeneous, low group of homogeneous,…

[Intestinal microecology of the adult population of Mongolia, Switzerland, and Russia].

PubMed

Korshunov, V M; Potashnik, L V; Efimov, B A; Korshunova, O V; Smeianov, V V; Gyr, K; Frei, R; Ierendorzh, D

2001-01-01

The study of intestinal microflora was made in clinically healthy young adults living in rural areas of Mongolia, in Russia (Moscow) and in Switzerland, as well as in Swiss citizens of elderly age groups (55-68 and 87-94 years). Essential differences in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of intestinal microflora both in the inhabitants of different countries as well as in people belonging to different age groups in the same country were established. The results of the study demonstrated the expediency of working out the criteria of the norm for intestinal microflora both for the population of different countries and for people living in the same country, but belonging to different age groups.

Accuracy of impressions with different impression materials in angulated implants.

PubMed

Reddy, S; Prasad, K; Vakil, H; Jain, A; Chowdhary, R

2013-01-01

To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of the resultant (duplicative) casts made from two different impression materials (polyvinyl siloxane and polyether) in parallel and angulated implants. Three definitive master casts (control groups) were fabricated in dental stone with three implants, placed at equi-distance. In first group (control), all three implants were placed parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane of the cast. In the second and third group (control), all three implants were placed at 10° and 15 o angulation respectively to the long axis of the cast, tilting towards the centre. Impressions were made with polyvinyl siloxane and polyether impression materials in a special tray, using a open tray impression technique from the master casts. These impressions were poured to obtain test casts. Three reference distances were evaluated on each test cast by using a profile projector and compared with control groups to determine the effect of combined interaction of implant angulation and impression materials on the accuracy of implant resultant cast. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in dimensional accuracy of the resultant casts made from two different impression materials (polyvinyl siloxane and polyether) by closed tray impression technique in parallel and angulated implants. On the basis of the results of this study, the use of both the impression materials i.e., polyether and polyvinyl siloxane impression is recommended for impression making in parallel as well as angulated implants.

Does flexibility in perceptual organization compete with automatic grouping?

PubMed

van Assche, Mitsouko; Gos, Pierre; Giersch, Anne

2012-02-06

Segregated objects can be sought simultaneously, i.e., mentally "re-grouped." Although the mechanisms underlying such "re-grouping" clearly differ from automatic grouping, it is unclear whether or not the end products of "re-grouping" and automatic grouping are the same. If they are, they would have similar impact on visual organization but would be in conflict. We compared the consequences of grouping and re-grouping on the performance cost induced by stimuli presented across hemifields. Two identical and contiguous target figures had to be identified within a display of circles and squares alternating around a fixation point. Eye tracking was used to check central fixation. The target pair could be located in the same or separate hemifields. A large cost of presenting targets across hemifields was observed. Grouping by connectedness yielded two types of target pair, connected and unconnected. Subjects prioritized unconnected pairs efficiently when prompted to do so, suggesting "re-grouping." However, unlike automatic grouping, this did not affect the cost of across-hemifield presentation. The suggestion is that re-grouping yields different outputs to automatic grouping, such that a fresh representation resulting from re-grouping complements the one resulting from automatic grouping but does not replace it. This is one step toward understanding how our mental exploration of the world ties in and coexists with ongoing perception.

Comparison of OVD and BSS for Maintaining the Anterior Chamber during IOL Implantation

PubMed Central

Lee, Ho Young; Choy, Yoon Jung

2011-01-01

Purpose To compare surgical results between conventional intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) and IOL implantation using a balanced salt solution (BSS) after irrigation/aspiration (I/A) of the lens cortex. Methods A randomized prospective study was conducted on 62 patients who underwent cataract surgery. Following completion of conventional I/A of the lens cortex, we divided patients into two groups according to whether or not BSS was used. In group A (n = 31), the anterior chamber and the capsular bag were completely filled with an OVD before IOL implantation. On the other hand, in group B (n = 31), BSS was irrigated into the anterior chamber through a previous side port during IOL implantation. Surgical results were compared between the two groups. Results In both groups, IOP peaked six hours after surgery. The occurrence of an IOP spike by postoperative day one was observed in six cases (6 / 31) in group A and in no cases (0 / 31) in group B, a difference that was statistically significant (p = 0.024). The values of endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber inflammation, myopic shift, and posterior capsule opacification were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Compared with the use of OVD for IOL implantation, use of BSS during IOL implantation resulted in reductions in postoperative IOP spike and OVD removal time. PMID:21350689

A hybrid approach for integrated healthcare cooperative purchasing and supply chain configuration.

PubMed

Rego, Nazaré; Claro, João; Pinho de Sousa, Jorge

2014-12-01

This paper presents an innovative and flexible approach for recommending the number, size and composition of purchasing groups, for a set of hospitals willing to cooperate, while minimising their shared supply chain costs. This approach makes the financial impact of the various cooperation alternatives transparent to the group and the individual participants, opening way to a negotiation process concerning the allocation of the cooperation costs and gains. The approach was developed around a hybrid Variable Neighbourhood Search (VNS)/Tabu Search metaheuristic, resulting in a flexible tool that can be applied to purchasing groups with different characteristics, namely different operative and market circumstances, and to supply chains with different topologies and atypical cost characteristics. Preliminary computational results show the potential of the approach in solving a broad range of problems.

Impact of dietary oils and fats on lipid peroxidation in liver and blood of albino rats.

PubMed

Haggag, Mohammad El-Sayed Yassin El-Sayed; Elsanhoty, Rafaat Mohamed; Ramadan, Mohamed Fawzy

2014-01-01

To investigate the effects of different dietary fat and oils (differing in their degree of saturation and unsaturation) on lipid peroxidation in liver and blood of rats. The study was conducted on 50 albino rats that were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 animals. The groups were fed on dietary butter (Group I), margarine (Group II), olive oil (Group III), sunflower oil (Group IV) and corn oil (Group V) for 7 weeks. After 12 h of diet removal, livers were excised and blood was collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the supernatant of liver homogenate and in blood. Blood superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), serum vitamin E and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were also measured to determine the effects of fats and oils on lipid peroxidation. The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in SOD activity, vitamin E and TAC levels between the five groups. However, there was significant decrease of GPx activity in groups IV and V when compared with other groups. The results indicated that feeding corn oil caused significant increases in liver and blood MDA levels as compared with other oils and fats. There were positive correlations between SOD and GPx, vitamin E and TAC as well as between GPx and TAC (r: 0.743; P<0.001) and between blood MDA and liver MDA (r: 0.897; P<0.001). The results showed also negative correlations between blood MDA on one hand and SOD, GPx, vitamin E and TAC on the other hand. The results demonstrated that feeding oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increases lipid peroxidation significantly and may raise the susceptibility of tissues to free radical oxidative damage. Copyright © 2014 Asian Pacific Tropical Biomedical Magazine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Working Memory Profiles in HIV-Exposed, Uninfected and HIV-Infected Children: A Comparison with Neurotypical Controls

PubMed Central

Milligan, Robyn; Cockcroft, Kate

2017-01-01

This study compared the working memory profiles of three groups of children, namely HIV-infected (HIV-I; n = 95), HIV-exposed, uninfected (HIV-EU; n = 86) and an HIV-unexposed, uninfected, (HIV-UU; n = 92) neurotypical control group. Working memory, an executive function, plays an important role in frontal lobe-controlled behaviors, such as motivation, planning, decision making, and social interaction, and is a strong predictor of academic success in school children. Memory impairments have been identified in HIV-I children, particularly in visuospatial processing. Verbal working memory has not been commonly investigated in this population, while it is unknown how the working memory profiles of HIV-EU children compare to their HIV-I and HIV-UU peers. Of interest was whether the working memory profiles of the HIV-EU children would be more similar to the HIV-I group or to the uninfected control group. The results revealed no significant differences in working memory performance between the HIV-I and HIV-EU groups. However, this does not mean that the etiology of the working memory deficits is the same in the two groups, as these groups showed important differences when compared to the control group. In comparison to the controls, the HIV-I group experienced difficulties with processing tasks irrespective of whether they drew on a verbal or visuospatial modality. This appears to stem from a generalized executive function deficit that also interferes with working memory. In the HIV-EU group, difficulties occurred with verbally based tasks, irrespective of whether they required storage or processing. For this group, the dual demands of complex processing and using a second language seem to result in demand exceeding capacity on verbal tasks. Both groups experienced the greatest difficulties with verbal processing tasks for these different reasons. Thus, disruption of different cognitive abilities could result in similar working memory profiles, as evidenced in this study. This has implications for the underlying developmental neurobiology of HIV-I and HIV-EU children, as well the choice of appropriate measures to assist affected children. PMID:28729828

Vulnerability to unhealthy behaviours across different age groups in Swedish Adolescents: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Paulsson Do, Ulrica; Edlund, Birgitta; Stenhammar, Christina; Westerling, Ragnar

2014-01-01

Purpose: There is lack of evidence on the effects of health-promoting programmes among adolescents. Health behaviour models and studies seldom compare the underlying factors of unhealthy behaviours between different adolescent age groups. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors including sociodemographic parameters that were associated with vulnerability to health-damaging behaviours and non-adoption of health-enhancing behaviours in different adolescent age groups. Methods: A survey was conducted among 10,590 pupils in the age groups of 13–14, 15–16 and 17–18 years. Structural equation modelling was performed to determine whether health-damaging behaviours (smoking and alcohol consumption) and non-adoption of health-enhancing behaviours (regular meal habits and physical activity) shared an underlying vulnerability. This method was also used to determine whether gender and socio-economic status were associated with an underlying vulnerability to unhealthy behaviours. Results: The findings gave rise to three models, which may reflect the underlying vulnerability to health-damaging behaviours and non-adoption of health-enhancing behaviours at different ages during adolescence. The four behaviours shared what was interpreted as an underlying vulnerability in the 15–16-year-old age group. In the youngest group, all behaviours except for non-participation in physical activity shared an underlying vulnerability. Similarly, alcohol consumption did not form part of the underlying vulnerability in the oldest group. Lower socio-economic status was associated with an underlying vulnerability in all the age groups; female gender was associated with vulnerability in the youngest adolescents and male gender among the oldest adolescents. Conclusions: These results suggest that intervention studies should investigate the benefits of health-promoting programmes designed to prevent health-damaging behaviours and promote health-enhancing behaviours in adolescents of different ages. Future studies should examine other factors that may contribute to the underlying vulnerability in different age groups. PMID:25750783

Effects of selenium on short-term control of hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease treated with methimazole: results of a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Leo, M; Bartalena, L; Rotondo Dottore, G; Piantanida, E; Premoli, P; Ionni, I; Di Cera, M; Masiello, E; Sassi, L; Tanda, M L; Latrofa, F; Vitti, P; Marcocci, C; Marinò, M

2017-03-01

In spite of previous conflicting results, an adjuvant role of selenium in the treatment of Graves' disease (GD) hyperthyroidism has been proposed. To address this issue, a randomized clinical trial was carried out aimed at investigating whether selenium is beneficial on the short-term control of GD hyperthyroidism treated with methimazole (MMI). Thirty newly diagnosed hyperthyroid GD patients were randomly assigned to treatment with: (i) MMI or (ii) MMI plus selenium. Primary outcomes were: control of hyperthyroidism and clinical and biochemical manifestations of hyperthyroidism [heart rate, cholesterol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), hyperthyroidism symptoms] at 90 days. Baseline features of the two groups did not differ. Serum selenium at baseline was similar in the two groups and within the recommended range to define selenium sufficiency. Selenium increased with treatment in the MMI-selenium group and became significantly higher than in the MMI group. Serum malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, was similar in the two groups and decreased significantly with treatment, with no difference between groups. Administration of MMI was followed by a reduction of FT 3 and FT 4 , with no difference between groups. Heart rate, SHBG and symptoms of hyperthyroidism decreased, whereas total cholesterol increased in both groups with no difference between groups. Our study, carried out in a selenium-sufficient cohort of GD patients, failed to show an adjuvant role of selenium in the short-term control of hyperthyroidism. However, selenium might be beneficial in patients from selenium-deficient areas, as well as in the long-term outcome of antithyroid treatment.

Comparison of Early-period Results of Nasal Splint and Merocel Nasal Packs in Septoplasty

PubMed Central

Bingöl, Fatih; Budak, Ali; Şimşek, Eda; Kılıç, Korhan; Bingöl, Buket Özel

2017-01-01

Objective Several types of nasal packs are used postoperatively in septoplasty. In this study, we compared two commonly used nasal packing materials, the intranasal septal splint with airway and Merocel tampon, in terms of pain, bleeding, nasal obstruction, eating difficulties, discomfort in sleep, and pain and bleeding during removal of packing in the early period. Methods The study group included 60 patients undergoing septoplasty. Patients were divided into two groups (n=30 in each group). An intranasal splint with airway was used for the patients in the first group after septoplasty, while Merocel nasal packing was used for the second group. Patients were investigated in terms of seven different factors - pain, bleeding while the tampon was in place, nasal obstruction, eating difficulties, night sleep, pain during removal of the nasal packing, and bleeding after removal of packing. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pain 24 hours after operation (p=0.05), while visual analog scale (VAS) scores for nasal obstruction, night sleep, eating difficulties, and pain during packing removal were lower in the nasal splint group with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative bleeding (p=0.23). Significantly less bleeding occurred during removal of the packing in the nasal splint group (p<0.05). Conclusion Our study indicates that the nasal splint was more comfortable and effective in terms of causing lesser bleeding and pain during removal of packing. PMID:29392071

Quasi-experimental nonequivalent (pretest and posttest) control-group study of the effects of microcomputer-based laboratory systems on academic achievement in high school chemistry students at two South Carolina high schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venables, Jeffrey M.

The literature on microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) lacks quantitative studies that measure the effect of MBL on student achievement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MBL systems on the achievement of high school chemistry students. The first research question examined the effect of MBL systems on student achievement in high school chemistry laboratories. The second question analyzed the effect of MBL systems on the academic achievement of students of different genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This quasi-experimental quantitative research study evaluated the effects of MBL on student achievement in high school chemistry. The sample consisted of 124 college preparatory chemistry students at two high schools in a South Carolina school district. There were 42 participants in the experimental group and 82 participants in the control group. Both experimental and groups completed a pre- and post-test with MBL being the independent variable. The mean difference score for the experimental group was compared to that of the control group using an independent-measures t test and an analysis of variance. For the second research question, results were analyzed using a two-factor analysis of variance. Participant scores were broken down by gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in order to identify potential differences. The results revealed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups, and no significant differences in effects of MBL on different segments of the population. Future studies should examine students using MBL for longer durations than one unit of study. As society continues to make technological advances, the effective assessment and implementation of technology resources for the classroom are becoming increasingly important.

Efficacy of combination of ozonated water with oil for treatment of tinea pedis.

PubMed

Lu, Jianyun; Guo, Min; Ligui, Hongfa; Wu, Kathy; Xiang, Yaping; Huang, Jinhua; Gao, Lihua

2018-02-28

To evaluate efficacy of combined therapy with ozonated water and oil on patients with tinea pedis.
 Methods: A total of 60 patients with tinea pedis were divided into 2 groups in a randomized and blinded test. Patients in a control group were treated with naftinfine hydrochloride and ketoconazole cream once a day. Patients in an ozone group were treated with ozonated water bath and then ozonated oil topical application once a day. Patients in the 2 groups were treated for 4 weeks. Clinical and laboratory data were collected for both groups at the end of the 1st week, the 2nd week, and the 4th week. The Pearson chi-square was performed to compare scores of the clinical signs and symptoms (CSS) and the mycological result between the 2 groups. Independent samples T-test was performed to compare the curative effect between the 2 groups.
 Results: After 4 weeks' treatment, 6 patients were positive in the control group determined by mycological examination while 1 patient was positive in the ozone group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Changes in CSS at the end of the 1st week, 2nd week, and 4th week were obtained and showed no significant difference between the 2 groups at the 3 different time points (P>0.05). No side effects were observed.
 Conclusion: Combination of ozonated water with oil is effective on treatment of tinea pedis and it shows no side effects.

Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Comparison of Two Methods in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.

PubMed

Ozan, Fırat; Koyuncu, Şemmi; Gürbüz, Kaan; Öncel, Eyyüp Sabri; Altay, Taşkın

2017-06-01

We compared the results of radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. This prospective study included 56 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis who had complaints for ≥6 months: 40 (group 1) underwent ESWT and 16 (group 2) underwent RTL. The presence of calcaneal spurs was investigated with imaging studies. All patients were followed up clinically at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Clinical evaluations were performed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and the modified Roles-Maudsley (RM) scoring system. There was no significant difference in the age, sex, body mass index, and side of involvement between the groups (all P > .05). Radiographic evaluation showed calcaneal spurs in 22 patients (55%) in group 1 and 7 patients (43%) in group 2. There was no significant difference in the baseline and posttreatment values between the groups; however, group 2 had significantly different RM values at 1 month than group 1 ( P < .05). In both groups, the VAS scores significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment ( P < .05). The RM scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment significantly decreased in both groups, except for the RM values at 1 month after treatment in group 1 ( P < .05). Our study results suggest that RTL and ESWT are safe and effective treatments in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Level II: Therapeutic study.

Cognitive Stimulation of Elderly Residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014.

PubMed

Melguizo Herrera, Estela; Bertel De La Hoz, Anyel; Paternina Osorio, Diego; Felfle Fuentes, Yurani; Porto Osorio, Leidy

To determine the effectiveness of a program of cognitive stimulation of the elderly residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014. Quasi-experimental study with pre and post tests in control and experimental groups. A sample of 37 elderly residents in Social Protection Centers participated: 23 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. A survey and a mental evaluation test (Pfeiffer) were applied. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of cognitive stimulation. The paired t-test showed statistically significant differences in the Pfeiffer test, pre and post intervention, compared to the experimental group (P=.0005). The unpaired t-test showed statistically significant differences in Pfeiffer test results to the experimental and control groups (P=.0450). The analysis of the main components showed that more interrelated variables were: age, diseases, number of errors and test results; which were grouped around the disease variable, with a negative association. The intervention demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in cognitive functionality of the elderly. Nursing can lead this type of intervention. It should be studied further to strengthen and clarify these results. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Internet Interventions for Hearing Loss.

PubMed

Thorén, Elisabet Sundewall; Öberg, Marie; Andersson, Gerhard; Lunner, Thomas

2015-09-01

The purpose of the two studies presented in this research forum article was to develop audiological rehabilitation programs for experienced hearing aid users and evaluate them in online versions. In this research forum article, the differences between the two studies are discussed. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed evaluating the efficacy of online rehabilitation, including professional guidance by an audiologist. In each RCT, the effects of the online programs were compared with the effects measured in a control group. The results from the first RCT showed a significant increase in activity and participation for both groups with participants in the intervention group improving more than those in the control group. At the 6-month follow-up, after the study, the significant increase was maintained; however, amounts of increase in the two groups were no longer significantly different. The results from the second RCT showed significant increase in activity and participation for the intervention group, although the control group did not improve. The results from the RCTs provide evidence that the Internet can be used to deliver rehabilitation to hearing-aid users and that their problems are reduced by the intervention; however, the content of the online rehabilitation program requires further investigation.

Comparative analysis of endothelial cell loss following phacoemulsification in pupils of different sizes.

PubMed

Maggon, Rakesh; Bhattacharjee, Raghudev; Shankar, Sandeep; Kar, Rajesh Chandra; Sharma, Vivek; Roy, Shyamal

2017-12-01

To compare Endothelial cell(EC) loss following Phacoemulsification (PKE) in pupils of different sizes. A prospective double masked observational study in which a total of 150 eyes of 150 patients between 50 & 70 years of age with senile cataract of nuclear sclerosis grade II were enrolled. Patients were allocated into three groups of 50 eyes each in Group A (pupil size <5 mm), Group B (pupil size 5-7 mm) and Group C (pupil size >7 mm). Pupillary size was measured by determining the height of slit on slit-lamp biomicroscope examination. PKE was done by the same expert surgeon using vertical chop technique and a foldable intraocular lens was implanted in the capsular bag. Corneal EC count and pachymetry were performed twice and average of 2 readings was taken for the purpose of this study. Measurements were taken preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1, day 7 and day 30. The mean EC count loss on postoperative day 1 in Group A was 19.45%, Group B 14.89%, Group C 10.19% with statistical significant difference between Group A and Group B, as also Group A and Group C. The difference was not significant between Group B and Group C, though there was a fall in EC count in Group C as well. Increase in corneal thickness on postoperative day 1 in group A was 5.43%, Group B 3.55%, Group C 2.14% with statistical significant difference between Group A and Group B, as also Group A and Group C with no difference in Group B and Group C. PKE done in eyes with maximal pupillary dilatation of <5 mm causes a greater EC loss and results in thicker corneas postoperatively as compared to eyes with pupillary dilatation of >5 mm at the end of one month.

The effects of cervical traction, cranial rhythmic impulse, and Mckenzie exercise on headache and cervical muscle stiffness in episodic tension-type headache patients.

PubMed

Choi, Sung-Yong; Choi, Jung-Hyun

2016-03-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cervical traction treatment, cranial rhythmic impulse treatment, a manual therapy, and McKenzie exercise, a dynamic strengthening exercise, on patients who have the neck muscle stiffness of the infrequent episodic tension-type (IETTH) headache and frequent episodic tension-type headache(FETTH), as well as to provide the basic materials for clinical interventions. [Subjects] Twenty-seven subjects (males: 15, females: 12) who were diagnosed with IETTH and FETTH after treatment by a neurologist were divided into three groups: (a cervical traction group (CTG, n=9), a cranial rhythmic contractiongroup (CRIG, n=9), and a McKenzie exercise group (MEG, n=9). An intervention was conducted for each group and the differences in their degrees of neck pain and changes in muscle tone were observed. [Results] In the within-group comparison of each group, headache significantly decreased in CTG. According to the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the upper trapezius, there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. According to the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. [Conclusion] In the comparison of the splenius capitis muscle between the groups, there was a statistically significant difference on the right side. Hence, compared to the other methods, cervical traction is concluded to be more effective at reducing headaches in IETTH and FETTH patients.

Evaluating causes of foreign accent in English sentences spoken by native speakers of Italian differing in age of arrival (AOA) in Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flege, James; Mackay, Ian; Imai, Satomi

2003-04-01

This study evaluated potential causes of foreign accent (FA) by including native Italian (NI) speakers with a later age of arrival (AOA) in Canada than in previous studies. Three NI groups (n=18 each) differing in AOA (means=10, 18, and 26 years) participated. Listeners used a 9-point scale to rate sentences produced by the three NI groups and native English controls. The ratings obtained for all four groups differed significantly. The stronger foreign accents of the AOA-18 than AOA-10 group might be attributed to the passing of a critical period, or to stronger cross-language interference by more robust Italian phonetic categories. The difference might also be attributed to differences in language use. This is because the AOA-10 and AOA-18 groups (but not the AOA-18 and AOA-26 groups) differed significantly in percentage of English and Italian use, length of residence in Canada, and years of education in Canada. None of these explanations will apparently explain the stronger FAs of the AOA-26 than AOA-18 group. The difference between these groups might be attributed to cognitive aging [Hakuta et al., Appl. Psycholinguistics (in press)], which results in gradually less successful second-language acquisition across the adult life span. [Work supported by NIH.

Initial construct validity evidence of a virtual human application for competency assessment in breaking bad news to a cancer patient.

PubMed

Guetterman, Timothy C; Kron, Frederick W; Campbell, Toby C; Scerbo, Mark W; Zelenski, Amy B; Cleary, James F; Fetters, Michael D

2017-01-01

Despite interest in using virtual humans (VHs) for assessing health care communication, evidence of validity is limited. We evaluated the validity of a VH application, MPathic-VR, for assessing performance-based competence in breaking bad news (BBN) to a VH patient. We used a two-group quasi-experimental design, with residents participating in a 3-hour seminar on BBN. Group A (n=15) completed the VH simulation before and after the seminar, and Group B (n=12) completed the VH simulation only after the BBN seminar to avoid the possibility that testing alone affected performance. Pre- and postseminar differences for Group A were analyzed with a paired t -test, and comparisons between Groups A and B were analyzed with an independent t -test. Compared to the preseminar result, Group A's postseminar scores improved significantly, indicating that the VH program was sensitive to differences in assessing performance-based competence in BBN. Postseminar scores of Group A and Group B were not significantly different, indicating that both groups performed similarly on the VH program. Improved pre-post scores demonstrate acquisition of skills in BBN to a VH patient. Pretest sensitization did not appear to influence posttest assessment. These results provide initial construct validity evidence that the VH program is effective for assessing BBN performance-based communication competence.

Population genetic study of 34 X-Chromosome markers in 5 main ethnic groups of China

PubMed Central

Zhang, Suhua; Bian, Yingnan; Li, Li; Sun, Kuan; wang, Zheng; Zhao, Qi; Zha, Lagabaiyila; Cai, Jifeng; Gao, Yuzhen; Ji, Chaoneng; Li, Chengtao

2015-01-01

As a multi-ethnic country, China has some indigenous population groups which vary in culture and social customs, perhaps as a result of geographic isolation and different traditions. However, upon close interactions and intermarriage, admixture of different gene pools among these ethnic groups may occur. In order to gain more insight on the genetic background of X-Chromosome from these ethnic groups, a set of X-markers (18 X-STRs and 16 X-Indels) was genotyped in 5 main ethnic groups of China (HAN, HUI, Uygur, Mongolian, Tibetan). Twenty-three private alleles were detected in HAN, Uygur, Tibetan and Mongolian. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were all observed for the 3 parameters of heterozygosity (Ho, He and UHe) among the 5 ethnic groups. Highest values of Nei genetic distance were always observed at HUI-Uygur pairwise when analyzed with X-STRs or X-Indels separately and combined. Phylogenetic tree and PCA analyses revealed a clear pattern of population differentiation of HUI and Uygur. However, the HAN, Tibetan and Mongolian ethnic groups were closely clustered. Eighteen X-Indels exhibited in general congruent phylogenetic signal and similar cluster among the 5 ethnic groups compared with 16 X-STRs. Aforementioned results proved the genetic polymorphism and potential of the 34 X-markers in the 5 ethnic groups. PMID:26634331

Neurophysiology of speech differences in childhood apraxia of speech.

PubMed

Preston, Jonathan L; Molfese, Peter J; Gumkowski, Nina; Sorcinelli, Andrea; Harwood, Vanessa; Irwin, Julia R; Landi, Nicole

2014-01-01

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during a picture naming task of simple and complex words in children with typical speech and with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Results reveal reduced amplitude prior to speaking complex (multisyllabic) words relative to simple (monosyllabic) words for the CAS group over the right hemisphere during a time window thought to reflect phonological encoding of word forms. Group differences were also observed prior to production of spoken tokens regardless of word complexity during a time window just prior to speech onset (thought to reflect motor planning/programming). Results suggest differences in pre-speech neurolinguistic processes.

[Description of musical expression and initial results of the Lübeck music therapy model].

PubMed

Maler, T; von Wietersheim, J; Schurbohm, E; Nagel, A; Feiereis, H; Jantschek, G

1994-01-01

In the Medical University of Lübeck (Germany), T. Maler developed a music group therapy, which was based on psychoanalytic theories. In the years from 1984-1991, the behavior of 200 patients in the music therapy was assessed by means of new constructed rating scales. The patients had different kinds of psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders. The results show significant changes in the music playing behavior after 10 sessions of music therapy. The patients playing was louder, more free in the improvisation and showed more plasticity. There were no differences between the different diagnostic groups in the study.

Significant association between renal function and area of amyloid deposition in kidney biopsy specimens in both AA amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis and AL amyloidosis.

PubMed

Kuroda, Takeshi; Tanabe, Naohito; Hasegawa, Eriko; Wakamatsu, Ayako; Nozawa, Yukiko; Sato, Hiroe; Nakatsue, Takeshi; Wada, Yoko; Ito, Yumi; Imai, Naofumi; Ueno, Mitsuhiro; Nakano, Masaaki; Narita, Ichiei

2017-06-01

The kidney is a major target organ for systemic amyloidosis, which results in proteinuria and an elevated serum creatinine level. The clinical manifestations and precursor proteins of amyloid A (AA) and light-chain (AL) amyloidosis are different, and the renal damage due to amyloid deposition also seems to differ. The purpose of this study was to clarify haw the difference in clinical features between AA and AL amyloidosis are explained by the difference in the amount and distribution of amyloid deposition in the renal tissues. A total of 119 patients participated: 58 patients with an established diagnosis of AA amyloidosis (AA group) and 61 with AL amyloidosis (AL group). We retrospectively investigated the correlation between clinical data, pathological manifestations, and the area occupied by amyloid in renal biopsy specimens. In most of the renal specimens the percentage area occupied by amyloid was less than 10%. For statistical analyses, the percentage area of amyloid deposition was transformed to a common logarithmic value (Log 10 %amyloid). The results of sex-, age-, and Log 10 %amyloid-adjusted analyses showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher in the AA group. In terms of renal function parameters, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) indicated significant renal impairment in the AA group, whereas urinary protein indicated significant renal impairment in the AL group. Pathological examinations revealed amyloid was predominantly deposited at glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and easily transferred to the mesangial area in the AA group, and it was predominantly deposited at in the AL group. The degree of amyloid deposition in the glomerular capillary was significantly more severe in AL group. The frequency of amyloid deposits in extraglomerular mesangium was not significantly different between the two groups, but in AA group, the degree amyloid deposition was significantly more severe, and the deposition pattern in the glomerulus was nodular. Nodular deposition in extraglomerular mesangium leads to renal impairment in AA group. There are significant differences between AA and AL amyloidosis with regard to the renal function, especially in terms of Ccr, eGFR and urinary protein, even after Log10%amyloid was adjusted; showing that these inter-group differences in renal function would not be depend on the amount of renal amyloid deposits. These differences could be explained by the difference in distribution and morphological pattern of amyloid deposition in the renal tissue.

[Benefits of Decumanum Phlebodium intake on the muscle damage in the response to intense physical exercise in sedentary subjects].

PubMed

Vargas Corzo, M C; Aguilar Cordero, M J; de Teresa Galván, C; Segura Millán, D; Miranda Leon, M T; Castillo Rueda, G; Guisado Barrilao, R

2014-06-01

Intense physical exercise provoke muscle damage, that in sedentary people can increase cardiovascular risk. Phlebodium decumanum (PD) has shown to have immunomodulator effects in models of moderate intense physical activities in well conditioned groups. To evaluate the PD effects during eccentric exercise, as a model of muscle inflammation protocol, on a sedentary population with cardiovascular risk. This is an experimental, double-blind, multigroup randomized study. Experimental Group 1 (n = 17)received PD, 9 doses of 400 mg (total amount 3.6 g) every 8 hours during 3 days, and Control Group 2 (n = 16)received a placebo. All the subjects performed two treadmill ergoespirometry tests: first, a modified Bruce protocol to discard ischemic responses during exercise and to evaluate VO2max before the experimental phase;and second, with an eccentric protocol (14% descending ramp test) during 10 minutes in stable state at 70-80%VO2max, as experimental inflammatory protocol.We compared intra and inter groups to evaluate differences in the pre and post-test differences results on blood muscle damage variables. The study shown statistically significant differences in all pre-post intra-groups results in muscle damage variables (CK, LDH and Myoglobin, but not in Cardiac Troponin), and in functional lower-limb test (SJand CMJ). The comparison of inter-group results shown less muscle damage and less functional lower-limb deterioration in Group 1 compared with Control group, with statistical significance in both cases. Differences in handgrip dynamometry were no statistically significant. The eccentric exercise protocol in that study has proven to be a good model to induce muscle and functional damage in sedentary people. Short PD treatment has shown to reduce muscle and functional acute damages compared with placebo control group in this specific population. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Twelve years evolution of skin as seen by electrical impedance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicander, Ingrid; Emtestam, Lennart; Åberg, Peter; Ollmar, Stig

2010-04-01

Twelve years ago we reported an electrical impedance baseline study related to age, sex and body locations. The results showed significant differences between different anatomical locations and ages. In this study, the same participants were recalled to explore how the skin had evolved at the individual level over time. A total of 50 subjects, divided into an older and a younger group, were recalled for measurements of electrical impedance at eight anatomical locations. Readings were taken with an electrical impedance spectrometer. Information was extracted from the impedance spectra using indices based on magnitude and phase at two frequencies as in the earlier study. All included body sites had undergone alterations over time, and the size of the changes varied at different locations. The results also showed that changes in the younger group were different over time compared with the older group. In conclusion: Electrical impedance can be used to monitor skin evolution over time and baseline characteristics differ between various locations.

Age and Gender Differences in Relationships Among Emotion Regulation, Mood, and Mental Health.

PubMed

Masumoto, Kouhei; Taishi, Nozomi; Shiozaki, Mariko

2016-01-01

Objective: We investigated the effects of age on mood and mental health-mediated emotion regulation, such as cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, and examined whether these relationships differ according to gender. Method: We recruited 936 Japanese participants. They comprised six age groups ranging from 20 to 70 years old, with 156 participants in each age group and equal numbers of men and women. Results: Structural equation model analysis showed that older participants were more likely to use cognitive reappraisal, further enhancing positive mood and reducing negative mood, whereas, age did not affect expressive suppression. Moreover, expressive suppression had a smaller impact on mood than cognitive reappraisal. A multi-group analysis showed significant gender differences. In men, cognitive reappraisal increased with age and influenced mood more positively than in women. Discussion: Our findings indicated gender differences in aging effects on emotion regulation. We discussed about these results from the cognitive process, motivation to emotion regulation, and cultural differences.

Different visuomotor processes maturation rates in children support dual visuomotor learning systems.

PubMed

Gómez-Moya, Rosinna; Díaz, Rosalinda; Fernandez-Ruiz, Juan

2016-04-01

Different processes are involved during visuomotor learning, including an error-based procedural and a strategy based cognitive mechanism. Our objective was to analyze if the changes in the adaptation or the aftereffect components of visuomotor learning measured across development, reflected different maturation rates of the aforementioned mechanisms. Ninety-five healthy children aged 4-12years and a group of young adults participated in a wedge prism and a dove prism throwing task, which laterally displace or horizontally reverse the visual field respectively. The results show that despite the age-related differences in motor control, all children groups adapted in the error-based wedge prisms condition. However, when removing the prism, small children showed a slower aftereffects extinction rate. On the strategy-based visual reversing task only the older children group reached adult-like levels. These results are consistent with the idea of different mechanisms with asynchronous maturation rates participating during visuomotor learning. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Enhancing Cognitive Process Involved in Entrepreneurship Abilities among Primary School Students in District No. 3 Tehran.

PubMed

Rahmati, Narges; Rostami, Reza; Zali, Mohammad Reza; Nowicki, Stephen; Zarei, Jamilah

2014-10-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the entrepreneurial traits of school children in the city of Tehran. For this purpose, 48 students were selected with an average IQ between 90 and 119. Ranging from 7th to 12th grades, all the subjects were assessed using Nowicki-Strickland's Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCS), Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), and Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method (HKSD). The obtained results were then organized and categorized into three groups. One of the groups was randomly chosen as experimental and the other as the control group and the last play group. In this empirical study, the students received Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) and Beta neurofeedback for 20 sessions. The play group was assigned to play mind games for 20 sessions. At the same time, the control group received no experiments. After the end of the experiments, all the students in three groups were reassessed by Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method, and Nowicki-Strickland's Locus of Control Scale. The results from MANOVA showed that the neurofeedback group had demonstrated a meaningful change in creativity and locus of control while the adaptability of risk-taking was on a meaningful level for the experimental group. The results also indicate an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.02 meaningful level. Similarly, the results suggest an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group on a 0.000 meaningful level in comparison with the control group. This is while the play group and the control group do not show any meaningful difference. The results also show an improvement in the internal locus of control for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.032 meaningful level; while, it is meaningful on a 0.01 level for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the control group. The findings for the play group and control group do not show any meaningful difference. The paper concludes that neurofeedback training can be used for increasing the level of entrepreneurial traits in students.

The Influence of Social Comparison and Peer Group Size on Risky Decision-Making.

PubMed

Wang, Dawei; Zhu, Liping; Maguire, Phil; Liu, Yixin; Pang, Kaiyuan; Li, Zhenying; Hu, Yixin

2016-01-01

This study explores the influence of different social reference points and different comparison group sizes on risky decision-making. Participants were presented with a scenario describing an exam, and presented with the opportunity of making a risky decision in the context of different information provided about the performance of their peers. We found that behavior was influenced, not only by comparison with peers, but also by the size of the comparison group. Specifically, the larger the reference group, the more polarized the behavior it prompted. In situations describing social loss, participants were led to make riskier decisions after comparing themselves against larger groups, while in situations describing social gain, they become more risk averse. These results indicate that decision making is influenced both by social comparison and the number of people making up the social reference group.

Age Related Differences in the Surface EMG Signals on Adolescent's Muscle during Contraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uddin Ahamed, Nizam; Taha, Zahari; Alqahtani, Mahdi; Altwijri, Omar; Rahman, Matiur; Deboucha, Abdelhakim

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the amplitude of the EMG signal among five different age groups of adolescent's muscle. Fifteen healthy adolescents participated in this study and they were divided into five age groups (13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 years). Subjects were performed dynamic contraction during lifting a standard weight (3-kg dumbbell) and EMG signals were recorded from their Biceps Brachii (BB) muscle. Two common EMG analysis techniques namely root mean square (RMS) and mean absolute values (MAV) were used to find the differences. The statistical analysis was included: linear regression to examine the relationships between EMG amplitude and age, repeated measures ANOVA to assess differences among the variables, and finally Coefficient of Variation (CoV) for signal steadiness among the groups of subjects during contraction. The result from RMS and MAV analysis shows that the 17-years age groups exhibited higher activity (0.28 and 0.19 mV respectively) compare to other groups (13-Years: 0.26 and 0.17 mV, 14-years: 0.25 and 0.23 mV, 15-Years: 0.23 and 0.16 mV, 16-years: 0.23 and 0.16 mV respectively). Also, this study shows modest correlation between age and signal activities among all age group's muscle. The experiential results can play a pivotal role for developing EMG prosthetic hand controller, neuromuscular system, EMG based rehabilitation aid and movement biomechanics, which may help to separate age groups among the adolescents.

The correlation between preoperative volumetry and real graft weight: comparison of two volumetry programs

PubMed Central

Mussin, Nadiar; Sumo, Marco; Choi, YoungRok; Choi, Jin Yong; Ahn, Sung-Woo; Yoon, Kyung Chul; Kim, Hyo-Sin; Hong, Suk Kyun; Yi, Nam-Joon; Suh, Kyung-Suk

2017-01-01

Purpose Liver volumetry is a vital component in living donor liver transplantation to determine an adequate graft volume that meets the metabolic demands of the recipient and at the same time ensures donor safety. Most institutions use preoperative contrast-enhanced CT image-based software programs to estimate graft volume. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 2 liver volumetry programs (Rapidia vs. Dr. Liver) in preoperative right liver graft estimation compared with real graft weight. Methods Data from 215 consecutive right lobe living donors between October 2013 and August 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred seven patients were enrolled in Rapidia group and 108 patients were included in the Dr. Liver group. Estimated graft volumes generated by both software programs were compared with real graft weight measured during surgery, and further classified into minimal difference (≤15%) and big difference (>15%). Correlation coefficients and degree of difference were determined. Linear regressions were calculated and results depicted as scatterplots. Results Minimal difference was observed in 69.4% of cases from Dr. Liver group and big difference was seen in 44.9% of cases from Rapidia group (P = 0.035). Linear regression analysis showed positive correlation in both groups (P < 0.01). However, the correlation coefficient was better for the Dr. Liver group (R2 = 0.719), than for the Rapidia group (R2 = 0.688). Conclusion Dr. Liver can accurately predict right liver graft size better and faster than Rapidia, and can facilitate preoperative planning in living donor liver transplantation. PMID:28382294

Effects of obesity on gait pattern in young individuals with Down syndrome.

PubMed

Galli, Manuela; Cimolin, Veronica; Rigoldi, Chiara; Condoluci, Claudia; Albertini, Giorgio

2015-03-01

In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the prevalence of obesity is widespread; despite this, there are no experimental studies on the effect of obesity on gait strategy in DS individuals. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical gait analysis of a group of obese individuals with DS and a group of nonobese individuals with DS to determine whether obesity produces a different gait pattern in these participants. In addition, although females and males share a similar mass, they are characterized by different fat distribution and/or accumulation; thus, the presence of differences between females and males within the two DS groups was investigated. Gait analysis data of a group of 78 young individuals with DS and 20 normal-weight participants in the 5-18-year age range were considered. Among DS individuals, 40 were classified as obese (obese DS group), whereas 38 were classified as normal weight (nonobese groups). A three-dimensional gait analysis was carried out using an optoelectronic system, force platforms and video recording. Spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters were identified and calculated for each participant. Our results show that most of the parameters were similar in the two groups of DS participants; the only differences were in terms of stance duration, longer in the obese DS group and dorsiflexion ability during the swing phase, which was limited in the obese DS group. The two DS groups were significantly different in terms of ankle stiffness (Ka index): both groups were characterized by reduced values compared with the control group, but the obese group presented lower values with respect to nonobese participants. The data showed that females were characterized by significant modifications of gait pattern compared with males in both groups, in particular, at proximal levels, such as the hip and the pelvis. Our findings indicate that the presence of obesity exerts effects on gait pattern in DS individuals and in particular on ankle joint stiffness. These results may have special clinical relevance; the biomechanical comparison of gait in young obese and nonobese DS individuals may provide a basis for developing either specific or common rehabilitative strategies.

Effect of different dosages of nitroglycerin infusion on arterial blood gas tensions in patients undergoing on- pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

PubMed

Masoumi, Gholamreza; Pour, Evaz Hidar; Sadeghpour, Ali; Ziayeefard, Mohsen; Alavi, Mostapha; Anbardan, Sanam Javid; Shirani, Shahin

2012-02-01

On-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery impairs gas exchange in the early postoperative period. The main object on this study was evaluation of changes in arterial blood gas values in patients underwent on pump CABG surgery receiving different dose of intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG). sixty-seven consecutive patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG randomly enrolled into three groups receiving NTG 50 μg/min (Group N1, n =67), 100 μg/min (Group N2, n = 67), and 150 μg/min (Group N3, n = 67). Arterial blood gas (ABG) tensions were evaluated just before induction of anesthesia, during anesthesia, at the end of warming up period, and 6 h after admission to the intensive care unit. Pao2 and PH had the highest value during surgery in Group N1, Group N2, and Group N3. No significant difference was noted in mean values of Pao2 and PH during surgery between three groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in HCO3 values in different time intervals among three groups (P > 0.05). our results showed that infusing three different dosage of NTG (50, 100, and 150 μg/min) had no significant effect on ABG tensions in patients underwent on-pump CABG surgery.

Is there a relationship between complaints of impaired balance and postural control disorder in community-dwelling elderly women? A cross-sectional study with the use of posturography

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Erika H.; Santos, Paulo F.; Reis, Júlia G.; Rodrigues, Natalia C.; Moraes, Renato; Abreu, Daniela C. C.

2015-01-01

Background: Risk of falls increases as age advances. Complaints of impaired balance are very common in the elderly age group. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the subjective perception of impaired balance was associated with deficits in postural control (objective analysis) in elderly community-dwelling women. Method: Static posturography was used in two groups: elderly women with (WC group) and without (NC group) complaints of impaired balance. The area, mean sway amplitude and mean speed of the center of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions were analyzed in three stances: single-leg stance, double-leg stance and tandem stance, with eyes open or closed on two different surfaces: stable (firm) and unstable (foam). A digital chronometer was activated to measure the time limit (Tlimit) in the single-leg stance. Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by Mann-Whitney tests, Friedman analyses followed by post hoc Wilcoxon tests and Bonferroni corrections, and Spearman statistical tests were used in the data analysis. Differences of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of posturography variables revealed no differences between groups. The timed single-leg stance test revealed a shorter Tlimit in the left single-leg stance (p=0.01) in WC group compared to NC group. A negative correlation between posturography variables and Tlimit was detected. Conclusions: Posturography did not show any differences between the groups; however, the timed single-leg stance allowed the authors to observe differences in postural control performance between elderly women with and those without complaints of impaired balance. PMID:26083602

Effects of a food enriched with probiotics on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. salivary counts in preschool children: a cluster randomized trial.

PubMed

Villavicencio, Judy; Villegas, Lina Maria; Arango, Maria Cristina; Arias, Susana; Triana, Francia

2018-05-14

Probiotics have provided benefits to general health, but they are still insufficient to dental health. This study aimed to evaluate milk supplemented with probiotic bacteria and standard milk, measured by levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., in 3-4-year-old children after 9 months of intervention. The study was a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. The sample was composed of 363 preschoolers attending five child development centers in Cali, Colombia. They were randomized to two groups: children in the intervention group drank 200 mL of milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus 5x106 and Bifidobacteruim longum 3x106, and children in the control group drank 200 mL of standard milk. Interventions occurred on weekdays and information was gathered through scheduled clinical examination. The primary result was the number of colony forming units (CFU) of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. in the saliva. Secondary results were dental caries, rated by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), dental plaque, pH, and salivary buffer capacity. The proportion of S. mutans was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after 9 months; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0.173); on the other hand, statistically significant differences between groups were found in the CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. (p=0.002). There was not statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries for both groups (p=0.767). Differences between groups were found in the salivary buffering capacity (p=0.000); neither salivary pH nor dental plaque were significantly different. Regular consumption of milk containing probiotics bacteria reduced CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. and increased salivary buffering capacity at 9 months of consumption.

A Comparison of Therapeutic Factors in Two Group Treatment Modalities: Verbal and Art Therapy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shechtman, Zipora; Perl-Dekel, Ofra

2000-01-01

Compares therapeutic factors in verbal and art group psychotherapy in a psychiatric day-treatment clinic in Israel. Results only partly support the differences between modalities, but do reveal significant differences between participants with only a few interactions between participants and modalities. All therapeutic factors appear in both…

Effect Size Indices for Analyses of Measurement Equivalence: Understanding the Practical Importance of Differences between Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nye, Christopher D.; Drasgow, Fritz

2011-01-01

Because of the practical, theoretical, and legal implications of differential item functioning (DIF) for organizational assessments, studies of measurement equivalence are a necessary first step before scores can be compared across individuals from different groups. However, commonly recommended criteria for evaluating results from these analyses…

College Students' Interpretation of Research Reports on Group Differences: The Tall-Tale Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hogan, Thomas P.; Zaboski, Brian A.; Perry, Tiffany R.

2015-01-01

How does the student untrained in advanced statistics interpret results of research that reports a group difference? In two studies, statistically untrained college students were presented with abstracts or professional associations' reports and asked for estimates of scores obtained by the original participants in the studies. These estimates…

Role of chemical functional groups on thermal and electrical properties of various graphene oxide derivatives: a comparative x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaji Mohan, Velram; Jakisch, Lothar; Jayaraman, Krishnan; Bhattacharyya, Debes

2018-03-01

In recent years, graphene and its derivatives have become prominent subject matter due to their fascinating combination of properties and potential applications in a number application. While several fundamental studies have been progressed, there is a particular need to understand how different graphene derivatives are influenced in terms of their electrical and thermal conductivities by different functional groups they end up with through their manufacturing and functionalisation methods. This article addresses of the role of different functional groups present of different of reduced graphene oxides (rGO) concerning their electrical and thermal properties, and the results were compared with elemental analyses of functionalised reduced graphene oxide (frGO) and graphene. The results showed that electrical and thermal conductivities of the rGO samples, highly dependent on the presence of residual functional groups from oxidation, reduction and functionalisation processes. The increase in reduction of oxygen, hydroxyl, carboxylic, epoxide moieties and heterocyclic compounds increase the specific surface area of the samples through which the mean electron path has increased. This improved both electrical and thermal conductivities together in all the samples which were highly dependent on the efficiency of different reductant used in this study.

Difference of Self-identity Levels between Strabismus Patients and Normal Controls

PubMed Central

Kim, Youngjun; Kim, Cheron; Kim, Seongjae; Han, Yongseop; Chung, Inyoung; Seo, Seongwook; Park, Jongmoon

2016-01-01

Purpose To evaluate differences in self-identity in patients diagnosed with strabismus, patients who underwent strabismus surgery, and healthy control individuals. Methods Self-identity testing was done during a military service physical examination. There were three subject groups: subjects with strabismus (group 1), subjects who had undergone corrective strabismus surgery (group 2), and subjects free of strabismus (group 3). The self-identity test was comprised of six sub-sections (subjectivity, self-acceptance, future confidence, goal orientation, initiative, and familiarity). Statistical significance of the sub-sections was compared across the three groups. Correlations in age at the time of surgery and across the six sub-sections were investigated in group 2. Results A total of 351 subjects were enrolled in the study; 96 subjects were in group 1, 108 subjects were in group 2, and 147 subjects were in group 3. Significant differences were evident in subjectivity, self-acceptance, initiative and familiarity between groups 1 and 3. No significant differences were found between groups 2 and 3. In group 2, statistical significance was evident between age at surgery and initiative and familiarity (r = −0.333, p < 0.001; r = −0.433, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Self-identity is greater in non-strabismus subjects than strabismus subjects. Correction of strabismus may increase self-identity levels. PMID:27980359

Masculinities and ethnicities: Ethnic differences in drive for muscularity in British men and the negotiation of masculinity hierarchies.

PubMed

Swami, Viren

2016-08-01

Although relatively little is known about ethnic differences in men's drive for muscularity, recent theoretical developments suggest that ethnic minority men may desire greater muscularity to contest their positions of relative subordinate masculinity. This study tested this hypothesis in a sample of 185 White, 180 Black British, and 182 South Asian British men. Participants completed self-report measures of drive for muscularity, need for power, adherence to traditional cultural values, and ethnic group affiliation. Taking into account between-group differences in body mass index, results indicated that White men had significantly lower drive for muscularity than Black and South Asian men, who were not significantly different from each other. In addition, greater need for power was significantly associated with higher drive for muscularity in ethnic minority, but not White, men. Greater adherence to traditional cultural values, but not ethnic group affiliation, was associated with lower drive for muscularity in all ethnic groups. These results suggest that ethnic minority men may desire greater muscularity as a means of negotiating masculinity and attendant ideals of appearance. © 2015 The British Psychological Society.

Identifying Differences Between Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and Non-OHV User Groups for Recreation Resource Planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kil, Namyun; Holland, Stephen M.; Stein, Taylor V.

2012-09-01

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding is among the fastest growing recreational activities in the United States. However, little research exists about the central components of outcomes-focused management (OFM) as it relates to motorized recreation. Utilizing a two-activity dichotomy, OHV and non-OHV centric user groups were compared on several key concepts associated with OFM, including desired experiences, perceived and desired recreation opportunity spectrum-type settings, and intentional behaviors (i.e., place-protective behavior, spending-time intentions) toward potential changes in settings. Results indicated that the two groups were different in terms of intensity and relative rankings of their perceived experiences and settings. Although both groups preferred social bonding, stress relief, nostalgia and learning experiences, the OHV user group ranked using equipment and achieving physical fitness experiences as more important than the non-OHV group. The non-OHV user group preferred enjoying nature and solitude/tranquility experiences more strongly than the OHV user group. Further analysis found that both groups perceived settings that they recreated in to be pristine and preferred such conditions, and both groups preferred moderate levels of rules and regulations. Finally, the OHV user group was more reactive to rules and regulations, while the non-OHV user group expressed stronger intentions to protect the environmental quality of recreation areas. The results suggest that planners and managers who understand OHV user's perceptions and behaviors could provide enhanced recreation opportunities potentially providing additional beneficial outcomes for motorized and non-motorized groups in spatially different zones. Additional implications for planners and managers and future studies are discussed.

Study of the boron levels in serum after implantation of different ratios nano-hexagonal boron nitride-hydroxy apatite in rat femurs.

PubMed

Atila, Alptug; Halici, Zekai; Cadirci, Elif; Karakus, Emre; Palabiyik, Saziye Sezin; Ay, Nuran; Bakan, Feray; Yilmaz, Sahin

2016-01-01

Boron and its derivatives are effective in bone recovery and osteointegration. However, increasing the boron levels in body liquids may cause toxicity. The aim of our study is to investigate serum boron levels using ICP-MS after implantation of different ratios of nano-hBN-HA composites in rat femurs. All rats were (n=126) divided into five experimental groups (n=24) and one healthy group (6 rats); healthy (Group1), femoral defect + %100 HA (Group2), femoral defect + %2.5 hBN + %97.5 HA (Group3), femoral defect + %5 hBN + %95 HA (Group4), femoral defect + %10 hBN + %90 HA (Group5), femoral defect + %100 hBN (Group6). The femoral defect was created in the distal femur (3mm drill-bit). Each implant group was divided into four different groups (n=24) also 6 rats sacrificed for each groups in one week intervals during four weeks. In our results; at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after implantation near bone tissue, serum levels of boron were evaluated using ICP-MS. We demonstrated that neither short-term nor long-term implantation of hBN-HA composite resulted in statistically increased serum boron levels in experimental groups compared to healthy group. In conclusion, this study investigated the implant material produced form hBN-HA for the first time. Our data suggest that hBN is a new promising target for biomaterial and implant bioengineers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Understanding how animal groups achieve coordinated movement

PubMed Central

Herbert-Read, J. E.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Moving animal groups display remarkable feats of coordination. This coordination is largely achieved when individuals adjust their movement in response to their neighbours' movements and positions. Recent advancements in automated tracking technologies, including computer vision and GPS, now allow researchers to gather large amounts of data on the movements and positions of individuals in groups. Furthermore, analytical techniques from fields such as statistical physics now allow us to identify the precise interaction rules used by animals on the move. These interaction rules differ not only between species, but also between individuals in the same group. These differences have wide-ranging implications, affecting how groups make collective decisions and driving the evolution of collective motion. Here, I describe how trajectory data can be used to infer how animals interact in moving groups. I give examples of the similarities and differences in the spatial and directional organisations of animal groups between species, and discuss the rules that animals use to achieve this organisation. I then explore how groups of the same species can exhibit different structures, and ask whether this results from individuals adapting their interaction rules. I then examine how the interaction rules between individuals in the same groups can also differ, and discuss how this can affect ecological and evolutionary processes. Finally, I suggest areas of future research. PMID:27707862

The effect of different environmental factors on force degradation of three common systems of orthodontic space closure.

PubMed

Oshagh, Morteza; Khajeh, Farzaneh; Heidari, Somayeh; Torkan, Sepideh; Fattahi, Hamid Reza

2015-01-01

Different environmental conditions, such as high temperature or exposure to some chemical agents, may affect the force decay of different methods of space closure during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the force decay pattern in the presence of tea as a popular drink in some parts of the world and two mouthwashes that are usually prescribed by the orthodontist once the treatment is in progress. Elastic chain (EC), nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) closed coil spring and tie-back (TB) method were used as the means of space closure. The specimens were placed in five different media: Hot tea, hot water (65°), chlorhexidine mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash and the control group (water at 37°). The specimens were stretched 25 mm and the elastic force of three systems was measured at the beginning of the study, after 24 h, after 1 week and after 3 weeks. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the results between the groups and Duncan test was carried out to compare the sets of means in different groups (P ≤ 0.05). Tea increases the force decay in the EC and TB groups. Oral mouthwashes also resulted in more rapid force decay than the control group. EC and Ni-Ti groups were not much affected in the presence of oral mouthwashes. Regarding the immersion media, TB method showed the biggest variation in different media and Ni-Ti coil spring was least affected by the type of media.

The development of integrated diabetes care in the Netherlands: a multiplayer self-assessment analysis.

PubMed

Zonneveld, Nick; Vat, Lidewij E; Vlek, Hans; Minkman, Mirella M N

2017-03-21

Since recent years Dutch diabetes care has increasingly focused on improving the quality of care by introducing the concept of care groups (in Dutch: 'zorggroepen'), care pathways and improving cooperation with involved care professionals and patients. This study examined how participating actors in care groups assess the development of their diabetes services and the differences and similarities between different stakeholder groups. A self-evaluation study was performed within 36 diabetes care groups in the Netherlands. A web-based self-assessment instrument, based on the Development Model for Integrated Care (DMIC), was used to collect data among stakeholders of each care group. The DMIC defines nine clusters of integrated care and four phases of development. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the data. Respondents indicated that the diabetes care groups work together in well-organized multidisciplinary teams and there is clarity about one another's expertise, roles and tasks. The care groups can still develop on elements related to the management and monitoring of performance, quality of care and patient-centeredness. The results show differences (p < 0.01) between three stakeholders groups in how they assess their integrated care services; (1) core players, (2) managers/directors/coordinators and (3) players at a distance. Managers, directors and coordinators assessed more implemented integrated care activities than the other two stakeholder groups. This stakeholder group also placed their care groups in a further phase of development. Players at a distance assessed significantly less present elements and assessed their care group as less developed. The results show a significant difference between stakeholder groups in the assessment of diabetes care practices. This reflects that the professional disciplines and the roles of stakeholders influence the way they asses the development of their integrated care setting, or that certain stakeholder groups could be less involved or informed.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results according to Glenosphere Position in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Short-term Follow-up Study.

PubMed

Choi, Chang Hyuk; Kim, Sung Guk; Lee, Jae Jun; Kwack, Byung Hoon

2017-03-01

In a previous biomechanical study, eccentric glenospheres with more inferior position of the center of rotation were shown to improve range of motion and reduce the incidence of scapular notching after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of RSA using an eccentric glenosphere to those using a concentric glenosphere and to determine the usefulness of the eccentric glenosphere. From 2009 to 2015, we performed a retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients who underwent RSA using a deltopectoral approach. Nine patients underwent RSA using a concentric glenosphere (group A) while 11 had an eccentric glenosphere (group B). The average follow-up period was 13.9 months (range, 12 to 18 months). All glenoid components were placed with 15° of inferior tilt. Clinical results were assessed using the visual analog pain scale score (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, the Korean shoulder scoring system (KSS), and the Constant score. On radiological evaluation, prosthesisscapular neck angle (PSNA), peg-glenoid rim distance (PGRD), scapular neck-inferior glenoshere rim distance (inferior glenoshpere overhang), acromion-greater tuberosity (AT) distance, glenoid-greater tuberosity (GT) distance, and severity of notching according to the Nerot-Sirveaux classification were assessed. The clinical results improved significantly in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. A significant intergroup difference was observed with regard to PGRD (24.8 ± 1.6 mm for group A vs. 22.2 ± 1.9 mm for group B; p = 0.002) and inferior glenosphere overhang (2.0 ± 1.7 mm for group A vs. 5.8 ± 1.6 mm for group B; p = 0.000). Seven of 9 patients in group A developed notching compared with 2 of 11 patients in group B ( p = 0.022). The other radiological parameters such as inferior tilt and AT and GT distances were not significantly different between two groups. Complications such as loosening and scapular fractures did not occur. The eccentric glenosphere in RSA was more effective in reducing the rate of notching than the concentric glenosphere although clinical outcomes were not significantly different in the short-term follow-up.

Comparison of the Effects of Two Auditory Methods by Mother and Fetus on the Results of Non-Stress Test (Baseline Fetal Heart Rate and Number of Accelerations) in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Khoshkholgh, Roghaie; Keshavarz, Tahereh; Moshfeghy, Zeinab; Akbarzadeh, Marzieh; Asadi, Nasrin; Zare, Najaf

2016-03-01

To compare the effects of two auditory methods by mother and fetus on the results of NST in 2011-2012. In this single-blind clinical trial, 213 pregnant women with gestational age of 37-41 weeks who had no pregnancy complications were randomly divided into 3 groups (auditory intervention for mother, auditory intervention for fetus, and control) each containing 71 subjects. In the intervention groups, music was played through the second 10 minutes of NST. The three groups were compared regarding baseline fetal heart rate and number of accelerations in the first and second 10 minutes of NST. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and paired T-test. The results showed no significant difference among the three groups regarding baseline fetal heart rate in the first (p = 0.945) and second (p = 0.763) 10 minutes. However, a significant difference was found among the three groups concerning the number of accelerations in the second 10 minutes. Also, a significant difference was observed in the number of accelerations in the auditory intervention for mother (p = 0.013) and auditory intervention for fetus groups (p < 0.001). The difference between the number of accelerations in the first and second 10 minutes was also statistically significant (p = 0.002). Music intervention was effective in the number of accelerations which is the indicator of fetal health. Yet, further studies are required to be conducted on the issue.

Working memory and intraindividual variability in processing speed: A lifespan developmental and individual-differences study.

PubMed

Mella, Nathalie; Fagot, Delphine; Lecerf, Thierry; de Ribaupierre, Anik

2015-04-01

Working memory (WM) and intraindividual variability (IIV) in processing speed are both hypothesized to reflect general attentional processes. In the present study, we aimed at exploring the relationship between WM capacity and IIV in reaction times (RTs) and its possible variation with development across the lifespan. Two WM tasks and six RT tasks of varying complexity were analyzed in a sample of 539 participants, consisting of five age groups: two groups of children (9-10 and 11-12 years of age), one group of young adults, and two groups of older adults (59-69 and 70-89 years of age). Two approaches were adopted. First, low-span and high-span individuals were identified, and analyses of variance were conducted comparing these two groups within each age group and for each RT task. The results consistently showed a span effect in the youngest children and oldest adults: High-span individuals were significantly faster and less variable than low-span individuals. In contrast, in young adults no difference was observed between high- and low-span individuals, whether in terms of their means or IIV. Second, multivariate analyses were conducted on the entire set of tasks, to determine whether IIV in RTs brought different information than the mean RT. The results showed that, although very strongly correlated, the mean and IIV in speed should be kept separate in terms of how they account for individual differences in WM. Overall, our results support the assumption of a link between WM capacity and IIV in RT, more strongly so in childhood and older adulthood.

When neuroscience met clinical pathology: partitioning experimental variation to aid data interpretation in neuroscience.

PubMed

Jeffery, Nick D; Bate, Simon T; Safayi, Sina; Howard, Matthew A; Moon, Lawrence; Jeffery, Unity

2018-03-01

In animal experiments, neuroscientists typically assess the effectiveness of interventions by comparing the average response of groups of treated and untreated animals. While providing useful insights, focusing only on group effects risks overemphasis of small, statistically significant but physiologically unimportant, differences. Such differences can be created by analytical variability or physiological within-individual variation, especially if the number of animals in each group is small enough that one or two outlier values can have considerable impact on the summary measures for the group. Physicians face a similar dilemma when comparing two results from the same patient. To determine whether the change between two values reflects disease progression or known analytical and physiological variation, the magnitude of the difference between two results is compared to the reference change value. These values are generated by quantifying analytical and within-individual variation, and differences between two results from the same patient are considered clinically meaningful only if they exceed the combined effect of these two sources of 'noise'. In this article, we describe how the reference change interval can be applied within neuroscience. This form of analysis provides a measure of outcome at an individual level that complements traditional group-level comparisons, and therefore, introduction of this technique into neuroscience can enrich interpretation of experimental data. It can also safeguard against some of the possible misinterpretations that may occur during analysis of the small experimental groups that are common in neuroscience and, by illuminating analytical error, may aid in design of more efficient experimental methods. © 2018 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hispanic American Health

MedlinePlus

... racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from Genetics Environmental factors Access to care Cultural factors On this page, you'll find links ...

Asian American Health

MedlinePlus

... racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from Genetics Environmental factors Access to care Cultural factors On this page, you'll find links ...

Native American Health

MedlinePlus

... racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from: Genetics Environmental factors Access to care Cultural factors On this page, you'll find links ...

African American Health

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... racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from Genetics Environmental factors Access to care Cultural factors On this page, you'll find links ...

Constraints of recreational sport participation: measurement invariance and latent mean differences across sex and physical activity status.

PubMed

Liu, Jing Dong; Chung, Pak Kwong; Chen, Wing Ping

2014-10-01

The purpose of the current study was to (a) examine the measurement invariance of the Constraint Scale of Sport Participation across sex and physical activity status among the undergraduate students (N = 630) in Hong Kong and (b) compare the latent mean differences across groups. Measurement invariance of the Constraint Scale of Sport Participation across sex of and physical activity status of the participants was examined first. With receiving support on the measurement invariance across groups, latent mean differences of the scores across groups were examined. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the configural, metric, scalar, and structural invariance of the scale was supported across groups. The results of latent mean differences suggested that the women reported significantly higher constraints on time, partner, psychology, knowledge, and interest than the men. The physically inactive participants reported significantly higher scores on all constraints except for accessibility than the physically active participants.

The Antinociceptive Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Borago Officinalis Flower in Male Rats Using Formalin Test.

PubMed

Shahraki, Mohammad Reza; Ahmadimoghadm, Mahdieh; Shahraki, Ahmad Reza

2015-10-01

Borago officinalis flower (borage) is a known sedative in herbal medicine; the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of borage hydroalcoholic extract in formalin test male rats. Fifty-six adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Control groups of A (intact), B (saline), and C (Positive control) plus test groups of D, E, F, and G (n=8). The groups D, E, and F received 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg, Borago officinalis flower hydroalcholic extract before the test, respectively but group G received 25 mg/kg borage extract and aspirin before the test. A biphasic pain was induced by injection of formalin 1%. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software ver. 17 employing statistical tests of Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. The results were expressed as mean±SD. Statistical differences were considered significant at P<0.05. The results revealed that the acute and chronic pain behavior score in test groups of D, E, F, and G significantly decreased compared to groups A and B, but this score did not show any difference compared to group C. Moreover, chronic pain behavior score in group G was significantly lower than all other groups. The results indicated that Borago officinalis hydroalcoholic extract affects the acute and chronic pain behavior response in formaline test male rats.

Effects of eliminating tension by means of epineural stitches: a comparative electrophysiological and histomorphometrical study using different suture techniques in an animal model.

PubMed

Bustamante, Jorge; Socolovsky, Mariano; Martins, Roberto S; Emmerich, Juan; Pennini, Maria Gabriela; Lausada, Natalia; Domitrovic, Luis

2011-01-01

Epineural stitches are a means to avoid tension in a nerve suture. We evaluate this technique, relative to interposed grafts and simple neurorraphy, in a rat model. Twenty rats were allocated to four groups. For Group 1, sectioning of the sciatic nerve was performed, a segment 4 mm long discarded, and epineural suture with distal anchoring stitches were placed resulting in slight tension neurorraphy. For Group 2, a simple neurorraphy was performed. For Group 3, a 4 mm long graft was employed and Group 4 served as control. Ninety days after, reoperation, latency of motor action potentials recording and axonal counts were performed. Inter-group comparison was done by means of ANOVA and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. The mean motor latency for the simple suture (2.27±0.77 ms) was lower than for the other two surgical groups, but lower than among controls (1.69±0.56 ms). Similar values were founding in both group 1 (2.66±0.71 ms) and group 3 (2.64±0.6 ms). When fibers diameters were compared a significant difference was identified between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.048). Good results can be obtained when suturing a nerve employ with epineural anchoring stitches. However, more studies are needed before extrapolating results to human nerve sutures.

Diversities of interaction of murine macrophages with three strains of Candida albicans represented by MyD88, CARD9 gene expressions and ROS, IL-10 and TNF-α secretion

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaohuan; Ge, Yanping; Li, Wenqing; Hu, Yan

2014-01-01

Aim: To explore the mechanisms underlying the different responses of macrophages to distinct Candida albicans strains. Methods: Bone marrow was collected from mice. Macrophages were independently incubated with 3 Candida albicans strains. Results: MyD88 expression in Candida albicans 3683 group was significantly higher than that in Candida albicans 3630 group and Candida albicans SC5314 group, and marked difference was also observed between later two groups (P<0.05). CARD9 expression in Candida albicans 3630 group was higher than that in Candida albicans 3683 group and Candida albicans SC5314 group. Fluorescence intensity was 46.78±0.79 in Candida albicans 3630 group, 32.60±1.31 in Candida albicans 3683 group and 19.40±0.58 in Candida albicans SC5314, and significant difference was observed between any two groups (P<0.05). TNF-α and IL-10 were 18.9843±0.7081 pg/ml and 11.6690±0.3167 pg/ml, respectively, in Candida albicans 3683 group, which were markedly higher than those in Candida albicans 3630 group and Candida albicans SC5314 group (P<0.05 and 0.01). Conclusion: Different Candida albicans strains may induce CARD9 expression and alter the production of ROS, TNF-α and IL-10 in macrophages, which may be one of mechanisms underlying the different killing effects of macrophages on distinct Candida albicans strains. PMID:25664026

Effect of a novel sterilization method on biomechanical properties of soft tissue allografts.

PubMed

Baldini, T; Caperton, K; Hawkins, M; McCarty, E

2016-12-01

Evaluate allograft tissue commonly used in soft tissue reconstruction to determine whether stiffness and strength were significantly altered after grafts were treated with different sterilization methods. Unprocessed, irradiated, and grafts treated with supercritical CO 2 were compared. Thirty-eight anterior or posterior tibialis tendons were obtained from a tissue bank (Allograft Innovations, Gainesville, FL). Group I was unprocessed, group II was sterilized with gamma irradiation (20-28 kGy), and group III was sterilized with supercritical CO 2 . The grafts were pretensioned to 89 N for 300 s. Specimens were then loaded from 50 to 300 N at 0.5 Hz for 250 cycles before being loaded to failure at 50 mm/min. Dependent variables were compared between sterilization groups with one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05) and equivalence trial. There was no significant difference in load to failure or failure stress among groups I, II, and III. Group III resulted in 27-36 % lower stiffness than group I and II. This difference was significant at 1, 10, 50, 100, and 250 cycles. There was no significant difference in stiffness between group I and group II. The two sterilization methods tested in this study do not affect allograft strength. The supercritical CO 2 sterilization method resulted in significantly lower stiffness than unprocessed and irradiated allografts. However, the stiffness and strength of all groups tested were greater than that of published values of the native intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This study provides previously unpublished mechanical test data on a new sterilization technique that will assist surgeons to decide which allograft to use in ACL reconstruction surgery. III.

The effect of a positive reappraisal coping intervention and problem-solving skills training on coping strategies during waiting period of IUI treatment: An RCT

PubMed Central

Ghasemi, Marzieh; Kordi, Masoumeh; Asgharipour, Negar; Esmaeili, Habibollah; Amirian, Maliheh

2017-01-01

Background: Waiting period of fertility treatment is stressful, therefore it is necessary to use effective coping strategies to cope with waiting period of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was comparing the effect of the positive reappraisal coping intervention (PRCI) with the problem-solving skills training (PSS) on the coping strategies of IUI waiting period, in infertile women referred to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 108 women were evaluated into three groups. The control group received the routine care, but in PRCI group, two training sessions were held and they were asked to review the coping thoughts cards and fill out the daily monitoring forms during the waiting period, and in PSS group problem-solving skill were taught during 3 sessions. The coping strategies were compared between three groups on the 10th day of IUI waiting period. Results: Results showed that the mean score for problem-focused were significantly different between the control (28.54±9.70), PSS (33.71±9.31), and PRCI (30.74±10.96) (p=0.025) groups. There were significant differences between the PSS group and others groups, and mean emotion-focused were significantly different between the control (32.09±11.65), PSS (29.20±9.88), and PRCI (28.74±7.96) (p=0.036) groups. There were significant differences between the PRCI and the control group (p=0.047). Conclusion: PSS was more effective to increase problem-focused coping strategies than PRCI, therefore it is recommended that this intervention should be used in infertility treatment centers. PMID:29404530

The effects of high resistance-few repetitions and low resistance-high repetitions resistance training on climbing performance.

PubMed

Hermans, Espen; Andersen, Vidar; Saeterbakken, Atle Hole

2017-05-01

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of different strength training intensities on climbing performance, climbing-specific tests and a general strength test. Thirty lower grade and intermediate-level climbers participated in a 10-week training programme. The participants were randomized into three groups: high resistance-few repetitions training groups (HR-FR), low resistance-high repetitions training groups (LR-HR) and a control group (CON) which continued climbing/training as usual. Post-testing results demonstrated statistical tendencies for climbing performance improvements in the HR-FR and LR-HR (p = 0.088-0.090, effect size = 0.55-0.73), but no differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.950). For the climbing-specific tests, no differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.507-1.000), but the HR-FR and LR-HR improved their time in both Dead-hang (p = 0.004-0.026) and Bent-arm hang (p < 0.001-0.002). The HR-FR and LR-HR improved their 12RM strength in pull-down (p ≤ 0.001), but not the CON group (p = 0.250). No differences were observed in the CON group in any of the tests (p = 0.190-0.596) with the exception of improvement in Bent-arm Hang (p = 0.018). The training groups reduced their climbing sessions during the intervention compared to the CON group (p = 0.057-0.074). In conclusion, HR-FR and LR-HR training programmes demonstrated an 11% and 12% non-significant improvement in climbing performance despite a 50% reduction in climbing sessions, but improved the results in strength and climbing-specific tests. None of the training intensities was superior compared to the others.

Different oxidative status and expression of calcium channel components in stress-induced dysfunctional chicken muscle.

PubMed

Xing, T; Zhao, X; Wang, P; Chen, H; Xu, X; Zhou, G

2017-04-01

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of transport stress at high ambient temperatures on the oxidation status and the expression of essential elements responsible for the Ca transport (sarco- (endo-) plasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA1) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in (PM) muscles of broilers. Briefly, Arbor Acres broiler chickens ( = 112) were randomly categorized into 2 treatments: unstressed control (C) and 0.5 h transport (T). Each treatment consisted of 8 replicates of 7 birds each. Birds were transported according to a designed protocol. PM muscle samples in T group were collected and classified as normal (T-NOR) or pale, soft, and exudative-like (T-PSE) using meat quality parameters. The results indicated that production of corticosterone (CORT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly after transportation ( < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values and carbonyl contents increased significantly in the T group ( < 0.05). Moreover, the extent of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation was more severe in the T-PSE group compared to the T-NOR group ( < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of SERCA1 and αRyR increased in the T-NOR group but decreased significantly in the T-PSE group compared to the CON group ( < 0.05). The mRNA expression of βRyR was found to be enhanced in the T-NOR group compared to the CON group, whereas there was no difference in the T-PSE group ( < 0.05). The results indicate that short-distance transport of broilers affects their physiological responses and biochemical changes which may lead to different oxidative states and, importantly, to different expressions of SERCA and RyR. These induced changes in abnormal sarcoplasmic Ca homeostasis have significant implications for the development of PSE-like meat.

Electroencephalographic coherences discriminate between children with different pedagogical evaluation.

PubMed

Marosi, E; Harmony, T; Becker, J; Reyes, A; Bernal, J; Fernández, T; Rodríguez, M; Silva, J; Guerrero, V

1995-02-01

The relationship of reading-writing ability and EEG coherences was studied in 84 subjects from two age groups 7.0-8.9 and 9-11.2 years old. All children were divided into three groups according to their performance on a pedagogical test: ped1, normal children; ped2, children with mild problems; ped3, children with reading-writing disability. The following results were obtained: in general, children showed higher coherences in groups with poor performance in the delta, theta and beta bands. In the alpha band, higher coherence values were related to better performance. The exceptions to this general pattern were rare. Group ped2 had higher coherences in delta, theta and alpha bands than ped1 and ped3, in left temporal leads. In older children the same tendency was observed, but group differences in the theta, alpha and beta bands were few. In this age range, the significant group differences were almost all interhemispheric coherences. The discriminant analysis that classified subjects by their coherence values gave very good results, fact that demonstrates, that EEG coherence is a highly sensitive measurement indicating not only the existence of a reading-writing problem, but also the degree of its severity.

Joint Moment-Angle Properties of the Hip Extensors in Subjects With and Without Patellofemoral Pain.

PubMed

Kindel, Curtis; Challis, John

2018-04-01

Strength deficits of hip extension in individuals with patellofemoral syndrome are commonly reported in literature. No literature to date has examined these deficits with variable positions of the knee and hip; altering knee angle alters the length and therefore potentially the force produced by the biarticular muscles. Beyond strength, neuromuscular control can also be assessed through the analysis of isometric joint moment steadiness. Subjects consisted of a group of individuals with patellofemoral syndrome (n = 9), and a group of age- and size-matched controls with no symptoms (n = 9). Maximum isometric joint moments for hip extension were measured at 4 points within the joint's range of motion, at 2 different knee positions (0° and 90°) for each group. The joint moment signals were analyzed by computing signal Coefficient of Variation (CV). The results indicate that no significant differences were found between the groups of subjects for the hip extension moments when the knee was extended. However, there was a significant difference between the groups for the joint moments of hip extension with the knee flexed at all 4 hip positions. Results also showed hip extension CV values to be significantly higher in the patellofemoral group compared with the control group, indicating greater signal noise and therefore poorer neuromuscular control of the hip extensor musculature. This study demonstrated that individuals with patellofemoral syndrome have reduced hip extension strength and reduced neuromuscular control with the knee flexed compared with a control group. These results have implications for the etiology of patellofemoral syndrome and its rehabilitation.

Can the Discrepancy between Locally and Globally Derived Neutral Hydrogen Mass Functions be Explained by a Varying Value of M ⋆?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minchin, Robert F.

2017-09-01

I investigate whether it is possible to reconcile the recent Arecibo Legacy Fast Arecibo L-band Feed Array (ALFALFA) observation that the neutral hydrogen mass function (HIMF) across different galactic densities has the same, non-flat, faint-end slope, with observations of isolated galaxies and many galaxy groups that show their HIMFs to have flat faint-end slopes. I find that a fairly simple model in which the position of the knee in the mass function of each individual group is allowed to vary is able to account for both of these observations. If this model reflects reality, the ALFALFA results point to an interesting “conspiracy” whereby the differing group HIMFs always sum up to form global HIMFs with the same faint-end slope in different environments. More generally, this result implies that global environmental HIMFs do not necessarily reflect the HIMFs in individual groups belonging to that environment and cannot be used to directly measure variations in group-specific HIMFs with environment.

Effectiveness of different tutorial recitation teaching methods and its implications for TA training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endorf, Robert

2008-04-01

We present results from a comparative study of student understanding for students who attended recitation classes that used different teaching methods. The purpose of the study was to evaluate which teaching methods would be the most effective for recitation classes associated with large lectures in introductory physics courses. Student volunteers from our introductory calculus-based physics course at the University of Cincinnati attended a special recitation class that was taught using one of four different teaching methods. A total of 272 students were divided into approximately equal groups for each method. Students in each class were taught the same topic, ``Changes in Energy and Momentum,'' from ``Tutorials in Introductory Physics'' by Lillian McDermott, Peter Shaffer and the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington. The different teaching methods varied in the amount of student and teacher engagement. Student understanding was evaluated through pretests and posttests. Our results demonstrate the importance of the instructor's role in teaching recitation classes. The most effective teaching method was for students working in cooperative learning groups with the instructors questioning the groups using Socratic dialogue. In addition, we investigated student preferences of modes of instruction through an open-ended survey. Our results provide guidance and evidence for the teaching methods which should be emphasized in training course instructors.

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Four-Task Training Model: Construct Validity

PubMed Central

Otaño, Natalia; Rodríguez, Omaira; Sánchez, Renata; Benítez, Gustavo; Schweitzer, Michael

2012-01-01

Background: Training models in laparoscopic surgery allow the surgical team to practice procedures in a safe environment. We have proposed the use of a 4-task, low-cost inert model to practice critical steps of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Methods: The performance of 3 groups with different levels of expertise in laparoscopic surgery, novices (A), intermediates (B), and experts (C), was evaluated using a low-cost inert model in the following tasks: (1) intraoperative cholangiography catheter insertion, (2) transcystic exploration, (3) T-tube placement, and (4) choledochoscope management. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to identify differences among the groups. Results: A total of 14 individuals were evaluated: 5 novices (A), 5 intermediates (B), and 4 experts (C). The results involving intraoperative cholangiography catheter insertion were similar among the 3 groups. As for the other tasks, the expert had better results than the other 2, in which no significant differences occurred. The proposed model is able to discriminate among individuals with different levels of expertise, indicating that the abilities that the model evaluates are relevant in the surgeon's performance in CBD exploration. Conclusions: Construct validity for tasks 2 and 3 was demonstrated. However, task 1 was no capable of distinguishing between groups, and task 4 was not statistically validated. PMID:22906323

Speech-evoked brainstem frequency-following responses during verbal transformations due to word repetition.

PubMed

Galbraith, G C; Jhaveri, S P; Kuo, J

1997-01-01

Speech-evoked brainstem frequency-following responses (FFRs) were recorded to repeated presentations of the same stimulus word. Word repetition results in illusory verbal transformations (VTs) in which word perceptions can differ markedly from the actual stimulus. Previous behavioral studies support an explanation of VTs based on changes in arousal or attention. Horizontal and vertical dipole FFRs were recorded to assess responses with putative origins in the auditory nerve and central brainstem, respectively. FFRs were recorded from 18 subjects when they correctly heard the stimulus and when they reported VTs. Although horizontal and vertical dipole FFRs showed different frequency response patterns, dipoles did not differentiate between perceptual conditions. However, when subjects were divided into low- and high-VT groups (based on percentage of VT trials), a significant Condition x Group interaction resulted. This interaction showed the largest difference in FFR amplitudes during VT trials, with the low-VT group showing increased amplitudes, and the high-VT group showing decreased amplitudes, relative to trials in which the stimulus was correctly perceived. These results demonstrate measurable subject differences in the early processing of complex signals, due to possible effects of attention on the brainstem FFR. The present research shows that the FFR is useful in understanding human language as it is coded and processed in the brainstem auditory pathway.

Making Olympic lizards: the effects of specialised exercise training on performance.

PubMed

Husak, Jerry F; Keith, Allison R; Wittry, Beth N

2015-03-01

Exercise training is well known to affect a suite of physiological and performance traits in mammals, but effects of training in other vertebrate tetrapod groups have been inconsistent. We examined performance and physiological differences among green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) that were trained for sprinting or endurance, using an increasingly rigorous training regimen over 8 weeks. Lizards trained for endurance had significantly higher post-training endurance capacity compared with the other treatment groups, but groups did not show post-training differences in sprint speed. Although acclimation to the laboratory environment and training explain some of our results, mechanistic explanations for these results correspond with the observed performance differences. After training, endurance-trained lizards had higher haematocrit and larger fast glycolytic muscle fibres. Despite no detectable change in maximal performance of sprint-trained lizards, we detected that they had significantly larger slow oxidative muscle fibre areas compared with the other treatments. Treatment groups did not differ in the proportion of number of fibre types, nor in the mass of most limb muscles or the heart. Our results offer some caveats for investigators conducting training research on non-model organisms and they reveal that muscle plasticity in response to training may be widespread phylogenetically. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Image-Based Grouping during Binocular Rivalry Is Dictated by Eye-Of-Origin

PubMed Central

Stuit, Sjoerd M.; Paffen, Chris L. E.; van der Smagt, Maarten J.; Verstraten, Frans A. J.

2014-01-01

Prolonged viewing of dichoptically presented images with different content results in perceptual alternations known as binocular rivalry. This phenomenon is thought to be the result of competition at a local level, where local rivalry zones interact to give rise to a single, global dominant percept. Certain perceived combinations that result from this local competition are known to last longer than others, which is referred to as grouping during binocular rivalry. In recent years, the phenomenon has been suggested to be the result of competition at both eye- and image-based processing levels, although the exact contribution from each level remains elusive. Here we use a paradigm designed specifically to quantify the contribution of eye- and image-based processing to grouping during rivalry. In this paradigm we used sine-wave gratings as well as upright and inverted faces, with and without binocular disparity-based occlusion. These stimuli and conditions were used because they are known to result in processing at different stages throughout the visual processing hierarchy. Specifically, more complex images were included in order to maximize the potential contribution of image-based grouping. In spite of this, our results show that increasing image complexity did not lead to an increase in the contribution of image-based processing to grouping during rivalry. In fact, the results show that grouping was primarily affected by the eye-of-origin of the image parts, irrespective of stimulus type. We suggest that image content affects grouping during binocular rivalry at low-level processing stages, where it is intertwined with eye-of-origin information. PMID:24987847

Vergence variability: a key to understanding oculomotor adaptability?

PubMed

Petrock, Annie Marie; Reisman, S; Alvarez, T

2006-01-01

Vergence eye movements were recorded from three different populations: healthy young (ages 18-35 years), adaptive presbyopic and non-adaptive presbyopic(the presbyopic groups aged above 45 years) to determine how the variability of the eye movements made by the populations differs. The variability was determined using Shannon Entropy calculations of Wavelet transform coefficients, to yield a non-linear analysis of the vergence movement variability. The data were then fed through a k-means clustering algorithm to classify each subject, with no a priori knowledge of true subject classification. The results indicate a highly significant difference in the total entropy values between the three groups, indicating a difference in the level of information content, and thus hypothetically the oculomotor adaptability, between the three groups.Further, the frequency distribution of the entropy varied across groups.

Seeking psychological help: a comparison of individual and group treatment.

PubMed

Shechtman, Zipora; Vogel, David; Maman, Neta

2010-01-01

The study examined public and self-stigma and their association with attitudes and intentions to seek psychological help in regard to both individual and group treatment as well as to various subgroups, including gender, ethnicity, educational orientation, level of religion, and age. Undergraduate students (N=307) in three universities in Israel participated in the study. Results partly confirmed the model for both individual and group therapy: Self-stigma was related to attitudes and intentions to seek help. However, public stigma was not related to self-stigma. Importantly, some differences were also found among the various subgroups, and the model, which takes into account the different subgroups, looks somewhat different for individual and group therapy.

Royal jelly and bee pollen decrease bone loss due to osteoporosis in an oophorectomized rat model.

PubMed

Kafadar, Ibrahim Halil; Güney, Ahmet; Türk, Cemil Yildirim; Oner, Mithat; Silici, Sibel

2012-01-01

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether royal jelly and bee pollen reduce the bone loss due to osteoporosis in oophorectomized rat model. Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley mature rats at six-month-old, weighing 180-260 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham-operation group, only oophorectomy group, oophorectomy in combination with royal jelly group, and oophorectomy and bee pollen group. The rats were sacrified within 12 weeks following surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis before sacrification. Following sacrification, uterine weights were measured and tissue samples were taken to determine bone calcium and phosphate level with imaging through scanning electron microscope. The uterine weights of the rats were found higher in Sham-operation group than the other groups. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Total body BMD results were similar in all groups and there was not statistically significant difference (p=0.19). The lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD results were statistically significantly higher in the royal jelly and bee pollen groups, compared to only oophorectomy group (p=0.001). Bone tissue calcium and phosphate levels were higher in royal jelly and bee pollen groups. Royal jelly and bee pollen decrease the bone loss due to osteoporosis in oophorectomized rat model. These results may contribute to the clinical practice.

Group versus Individual Assertion Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linehan, Marsha M.; And Others

1979-01-01

Compared effectiveness of group assertion therapy with individual assertion therapy. Results indicated no significant differences between group v individual assertion training. Pre-, post-, and follow-up measures demonstrated that both treatments were effective in increasing assertive behavior skills and in reducing hostility and anger. Treatment…

Peer Group, Educational Distinction and Educational Biographies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kruger, Heinz-Hermann; Kohler, Sina-Mareen; Pfaff, Nicolle; Zschach, Maren

2011-01-01

The article presents selected results of a reconstructive study on the significance of the peer group for children's educational biography. Based on the analysis of qualitative interviews and group discussions with c. 11-year-old children from different educational milieus in Germany it is first shown how, in general, groups of friends in…

Effects of Adult Learner Participation in Course Planning on Achievement and Satisfaction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenblum, Sandra; Darkenwald, Gordon G.

1983-01-01

Hypothesizing that participation in course planning would result in higher achievement and satisfaction, researchers used a posttest-only control group design with continuing education students in two separate experiments. The control group completed the course as planned by the experimental group. No differences were found between the groups in…

Effect of Online Learning on Struggling ESL College Writers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Jarf, Reima Sado

Two groups of freshman students participated in the experiment. They were enrolled in their first ESL writing course. Before instruction, both groups were pre-tested. They wrote an essay. T-test results showed significant differences between both groups in writing ability. The experimental group made too many errors and had many writing problems.…

A comparison of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy for the correction of moderate hallux valgus deformity.

PubMed

Park, C-H; Jang, J-H; Lee, S-H; Lee, W-C

2013-05-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in patients with moderate hallux valgus. We retrospectively reviewed 34 proximal chevron osteotomies without lateral release (PCO group) and 33 distal chevron osteotomies (DCO group) performed sequentially by a single surgeon. There were no differences between the groups with regard to age, length of follow-up, demographic or radiological parameters. The clinical results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and the radiological results were compared between the groups. At a mean follow-up of 14.6 months (14 to 32) there were no significant differences in the mean AOFAS scores between the DCO and PCO groups (93.9 (82 to 100) and 91.8 (77 to 100), respectively; p = 0.176). The mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position were the same in both groups. The metatarsal declination angle decreased significantly in the PCO group (p = 0.005) and the mean shortening of the first metatarsal was significantly greater in the DCO group (p < 0.001). We conclude that the clinical and radiological outcome after a DCO is comparable with that after a PCO; longer follow-up would be needed to assess the risk of avascular necrosis.

Is thought-action fusion related to religiosity? Differences between Christians and Jews.

PubMed

Siev, Jedidiah; Cohen, Adam B

2007-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between thought-action fusion (TAF) and religiosity in Christians and Jews (Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform). There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that religiosity is related to obsessive cognitions in Christian samples, but conceptual and empirical ambiguities complicate the interpretation of that literature and its application to non-Christian groups. As predicted on the basis of previous research, Christians scored higher than Jews on moral TAF. This effect was large and not explained by differences in self-reported religiosity. The Jewish groups did not differ from each other. Furthermore, religiosity was significantly associated with TAF only within the Christian group. These results qualify the presumed association between religiosity and obsessive cognitions. General religiosity is not associated with TAF; it rather depends on what religious group. Moreover, large group differences in a supposed maladaptive construct without evidence of corresponding differences in prevalence rates call into question the assumption that TAF is always a marker of pathology.

The Marley hypothesis: denial of racism reflects ignorance of history.

PubMed

Nelson, Jessica C; Adams, Glenn; Salter, Phia S

2013-02-01

This study used a signal detection paradigm to explore the Marley hypothesis--that group differences in perception of racism reflect dominant-group denial of and ignorance about the extent of past racism. White American students from a midwestern university and Black American students from two historically Black universities completed surveys about their historical knowledge and perception of racism. Relative to Black participants, White participants perceived less racism in both isolated incidents and systemic manifestations of racism. They also performed worse on a measure of historical knowledge (i.e., they did not discriminate historical fact from fiction), and this group difference in historical knowledge mediated the differences in perception of racism. Racial identity relevance moderated group differences in perception of systemic manifestations of racism (but not isolated incidents), such that group differences were stronger among participants who scored higher on a measure of racial identity relevance. The results help illuminate the importance of epistemologies of ignorance: cultural-psychological tools that afford denial of and inaction about injustice.

Differences in health insurance and health service utilization among Asian Americans: method for using the NHIS to identify unique patterns between ethnic groups.

PubMed

Ruy, Hosihn; Young, Wendy B; Kwak, Hoil

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study is to outline a method to identify the characteristics of socioeconomic variables in determining the differences in health insurance coverage and health services utilization patterns for different ethnic groups, using the behavioural model of health service utilization. A sample drawn from Asian American adult respondents to the 1992, 1993, and 1994 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) in the USA formed the data set. The results showed Asian Americans as not being homogeneous. There were distinctly different demographic and socioeconomic characteristics between six Asian American ethnic groups that affect health insurance coverage and health service utilization. The study method is useful for constructing health policy and services to address the general public need without adversely affecting smaller minority groups. Secondary analysis of well-constructed national data sets such as the specific Asian ethnic groups in NHIS, offers a rich method for predicting the differential impact of specific health policies on various ethnic groups.

The effect of oral honey and pollen on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

PubMed

Celeplı, Salih; Kismet, Kemal; Kaptanoğlu, Buğra; Erel, Serap; Ozer, Saadet; Celeplı, Pınar; Kaygusuz, Gülşah; Devrım, Erdinç; Gencay, Omür; Sorkun, Kadriye; Durak, Ilker; Akkuş, Mehmet Ali

2011-02-01

We evaluated the effect of oral usage of honey and pollen, either separately or together, on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions. Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups of 10 rats each. Abrasion was performed on the cecum, and a patch of peritoneum located opposite to the cecal abrasion was completely dissected. Group 1 rats received no treatment; Group 2 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey; Group 3 rats received 4 g/kg/day pollen; and Group 4 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey and pollen mixed in equal amounts, in addition to the standard feeding for postoperative 21 days. All the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day. Following the adhesion scoring, tissue specimens of the peritoneum and bowel were subjected to histopathological investigation. The tissue and blood specimens were also taken for biochemical analysis to investigate the antioxidant capacity. Adhesion scores were significantly different between the control and other groups. No dense adhesion was observed in the treatment groups. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly different between the control and honey and honey+pollen groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase levels were significantly different between the control and other groups. Catalase levels were different between the control and honey groups. Plasma antioxidant levels were different between the control and other groups. The pathological scores for fibrosis and inflammation were significantly different between the control and other groups. Honey and pollen were found to be effective in preventing postoperative intraabdominal adhesions, and these effects were thought to be a result of their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Effectiveness of different tutorial recitation teaching methods and its implications for TA training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenig, Kathleen M.; Endorf, Robert J.; Braun, Gregory A.

2007-06-01

We present results from a comparative study of student understanding for students who attended recitation classes that used different teaching methods. Student volunteers from our introductory calculus-based physics course attended a special recitation class that was taught using one of four different teaching methods. A total of 272 students were divided into approximately equal groups for each method. Students in each class were taught the same topic, “Changes in Energy and Momentum,” from Tutorials in Introductory Physics. The different teaching methods varied in the amount of student and teacher engagement. Student understanding was evaluated through pre- and post-tests. Our results demonstrate the importance of the instructor’s role in teaching recitation classes. The most effective teaching method was for students working in cooperative learning groups with the instructors questioning the groups using Socratic dialogue. In addition, we investigated student preferences for modes of instruction through an open-ended survey. Our results provide guidance and evidence for the teaching methods that should be emphasized in training course instructors.

Estimation of Tooth Size Discrepancies among Different Malocclusion Groups.

PubMed

Hasija, Narender; Bala, Madhu; Goyal, Virender

2014-05-01

Regards and Tribute: Late Dr Narender Hasija was a mentor and visionary in the light of knowledge and experience. We pay our regards with deepest gratitude to the departed soul to rest in peace. Bolton's ratios help in estimating overbite, overjet relationships, the effects of contemplated extractions on posterior occlusion, incisor relationships and identification of occlusal misfit produced by tooth size discrepancies. To determine any difference in tooth size discrepancy in anterior as well as overall ratio in different malocclusions and comparison with Bolton's study. After measuring the teeth on all 100 patients, Bolton's analysis was performed. Results were compared with Bolton's means and standard deviations. The results were also subjected to statistical analysis. Results show that the mean and standard deviations of ideal occlusion cases are comparable with those Bolton but, when the mean and standard deviation of malocclusion groups are compared with those of Bolton, the values of standard deviation are higher, though the mean is comparable. How to cite this article: Hasija N, Bala M, Goyal V. Estimation of Tooth Size Discrepancies among Different Malocclusion Groups. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(2):82-85.

[Comparison of the effect of different diagnostic criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism and positive TPO-Ab on pregnancy outcomes].

PubMed

He, Yiping; He, Tongqiang; Wang, Yanxia; Xu, Zhao; Xu, Yehong; Wu, Yiqing; Ji, Jing; Mi, Yang

2014-11-01

To explore the effect of different diagnositic criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism using thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) on the pregnancy outcomes. 3 244 pregnant women who had their antenatal care and delivered in Child and Maternity Health Hospital of Shannxi Province August from 2011 to February 2013 were recruited prospectively. According to the standard of American Thyroid Association (ATA), pregnant women with normal serum free thyroxine (FT4) whose serum TSH level> 2.50 mU/L were diagnosed as subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy (foreign standard group). According to the Guideline of Diagnosis and Therapy of Prenatal and Postpartum Thyroid Disease made by Chinese Society of Endocrinology and Chinese Society of Perinatal Medicine in 2012, pregnant women with serum TSH level> 5.76 mU/L, and normal FT4 were diagnosed as subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy(national standard group). Pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism whose serum TSH levels were between 2.50-5.76 mU/L were referred as the study observed group; and pregnant women with serum TSH level< 2.50 mU/L and negative TPO- Ab were referred as the control group. Positive TPO-Ab results and the pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. (1) There were 635 cases in the foreign standard group, with the incidence of 19.57% (635/3 244). And there were 70 cases in the national standard group, with the incidence of 2.16% (70/3 244). There were statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). There were 565 cases in the study observed group, with the incidence of 17.42% (565/3 244). There was statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) when compared with the national standard group; while there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) when compared with the foreign standard group. (2) Among the 3 244 cases, 402 cases had positive TPO-Ab. 318 positive cases were in the foreign standard group, and the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 79.10% (318/402). There were 317 negative cases in the foreign standard group, with the incidence of 11.15% (317/2 842). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01) between them. In the national standard group, 46 cases had positive TPO-Ab, with the incidence of 11.44% (46/402), and 24 cases had negative result, with the incidence of 0.84% (24/2 842). There were statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between them. In the study observed group, 272 cases were TPO-Ab positive, with the incidence of 67.66% (272/402), and 293 cases were negative, with the incidence of 10.31% (293/2 842), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). (3) The incidence of miscarriage, premature delivery, gestational hypertension disease, gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in the foreign standard group had statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group, respectively. While there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the incidence of placental abruption or fetal distress. And the incidence of miscarriage, premature delivery, gestational hypertension disease, GDM in the national standard group had statistical significant difference (P < 0.05) compared with the control group, respectively. While there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the incidence of placental abruption or fetal distress. This study observed group of pregnant women's abortion, gestational hypertension disease, GDM incidence respectively compared with control group, the difference had statistical significance (P < 0.05); but in preterm labor, placental abruption, and fetal distress incidence, there were no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). (4) The incidence of miscarriage, premature delivery, gestational hypertension disease, GDM, placental abruption, fetal distress in the TPO-Ab positive cases of the national standard group showed an increase trend when compared with TPO-Ab negative cases, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The incidence of gestational hypertension disease and GDM in the TPO-Ab positive cases of the study observed group had statistical significance difference (P < 0.05) when compared with TPO-Ab negative cases; while the incidence of miscarriage, premature birth, placental abruption, fetal distress had no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The incidence of gestational hypertension disease and GDM in the TPO-Ab positive cases had statistically significance difference when compared with TPO-Ab negtive cases of foreign standard group (P < 0.05). (1) The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism is rather high during early pregnancy and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcome. (2) Positive TPO-Ab result has important predictive value of the thyroid dysfunction and GDM. (3) Relatively, the ATA standard of diagnosis (serum TSH level> 2.50 mU/L) is safer for the antenatal care; the national standard (serum TSH level> 5.76 mU/L) is not conducive to pregnancy management.

The Effects of Hypergravity and Adrenalectomy on Bone Mineral Content, Urine Calcium and Body Mass in Rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lau, A.; Ramirez, J.; Melson, E.; Moran, M.; Baer, L.; Arnaud, S.; Wade, C.; Girten, B.; Dalton, Bonnie (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The effects of 14 days of increased gravitational load, and the absence of adrenal stress hormones on total body bone mineral content (BMC) were examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Centrifugation at 2 Gs (2G) was used to increase the gravitational load, and bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) was used to eliminate the production of adrenal stress hormones. Stationary groups at 1 G (1G) and sham operated (SHAM) animals served as controls. Thirty rats (n=6 or 8) made up the four experimental groups (1G SHAM, 1G ADX, 2G SHAM and 2G ADX). BMC was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) which was performed to determine the total body bone mineral content, and also through bone ashing of the left femur and the left humerus. Activity was determined through biotelemetry, also body mass and food intake were measured. Multi-factorial analysis of variance (MANCOVA) and Newman Keuls post hoc tests were used to analyze significant effects (p is less than 0.05) for the primary variables. Results from both DXA and the ashed femur indicated that BMC decreased significantly with increased G for both the SHAM and ADX groups. The BMC determined by DXA for the 1G ADX group was also significantly lower than the 1G SHAM group, however the 2G SHAM and 2G ADX groups were not significantly different. However, the bone ashing results showed the femur differed significantly only between the rates of centrifugation and not between the ADX and SHAM. The humerus showed no significant difference between any of the groups. There was a significant decrease in body mass with increased G and there was no ADX effect on body mass. When DXA BMC was normalized for body mass changes, there were no significant group differences. However, with bone ashing, the femur BMC/BW still showed significant difference between rates of centrifugation, with the 2G group being lower. Activity level decreased with body mass, and food intake data showed there was significant hypophagia during the first few days of centrifugation. Urine calcium was measured and was found decrease at the start of centrifugation for the 2G groups and rise to a level higher than that of the stationary groups. Finally, the correlation between BW and BMC was determined to be highly correlated (r = .71). These results suggest that the decrease in total body BMC seen with hypergravity may be based to a large extent on the differences in body mass induced by the 2G load.

Disentangling the Impact of Social Groups on Response Times and Movement Dynamics in Evacuations

PubMed Central

Bode, Nikolai W. F.; Holl, Stefan; Mehner, Wolfgang; Seyfried, Armin

2015-01-01

Crowd evacuations are paradigmatic examples for collective behaviour, as interactions between individuals lead to the overall movement dynamics. Approaches assuming that all individuals interact in the same way have significantly improved our understanding of pedestrian crowd evacuations. However, this scenario is unlikely, as many pedestrians move in social groups that are based on friendship or kinship. We test how the presence of social groups affects the egress time of individuals and crowds in a representative crowd evacuation experiment. Our results suggest that the presence of social groups increases egress times and that this is largely due to differences at two stages of evacuations. First, individuals in social groups take longer to show a movement response at the start of evacuations, and, second, they take longer to move into the vicinity of the exits once they have started to move towards them. Surprisingly, there are no discernible time differences between the movement of independent individuals and individuals in groups directly in front of the exits. We explain these results and discuss their implications. Our findings elucidate behavioural differences between independent individuals and social groups in evacuations. Such insights are crucial for the control of crowd evacuations and for planning mass events. PMID:25785603

Clinical observation of biomimetic mineralized collagen artificial bone putty for bone reconstruction of calcaneus fracture

PubMed Central

Pan, Yong-Xiong; Yang, Guang-Gang; Li, Zhong-Wan; Shi, Zhong-Min; Sun, Zhan-Dong

2018-01-01

Abstract This study investigated clinical outcomes of biomimetic mineralized collagen artificial bone putty for bone reconstruction in the treatment of calcaneus fracture. Sixty cases of calcaneal fractures surgically treated with open reduction and internal fixation in our hospital from June 2014–2015 were chosen and randomly divided into two groups, including 30 cases treated with biomimetic mineralized collagen artificial bone putty as treatment group, and 30 cases treated with autogenous ilia as control group. The average follow-up time was 17.2 ± 3.0 months. The results showed that the surgery duration and postoperative drainage volume of treatment group were significantly lower than control group; there were no statistically significant differences in the fracture healing time, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores at 3 and 12 months after surgery, Böhler’s angle, Gissane’s angle and height of calcaneus between the two groups. There were no significant differences in wound complication and reject reaction between the two groups, while significant difference in donor site complication. As a conclusion, the implantation of biomimetic mineralized collagen artificial bone putty in the open reduction of calcaneal fracture resulted in reliable effect and less complications, which is suitable for clinical applications in the treatment of bone defect in calcaneal fractures. PMID:29644087

Physiological assessment of tongue function in dysarthria following traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Goozée, J V; Murdoch, B E; Theodoros, D G

2001-01-01

A tongue pressure transducer system was used to assess tongue strength, endurance, fine pressure control and rate of repetitive movement in a group of 20 individuals, aged 17 to 60 years, with dysarthria following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Comparison of the TBI group's results against data obtained from a group of 20 age and sex matched control subjects revealed reductions in tongue endurance and rate of repetitive movement. Tongue strength and fine pressure control, however, were found not to differ significantly from the control group. Pearson's product-moment correlations indicated there to be only weak correlations between the physiological nonspeech tongue parameters and the deviant perceptual articulatory features exhibited by the TBI group. Further analysis of the results on an individual subject basis revealed no clear relationships between the physiological and perceptual parameters suggesting that the TBI subjects may have been compensating in different ways for the physiological impairments.

Admixture into and within sub-Saharan Africa.

PubMed

Busby, George Bj; Band, Gavin; Si Le, Quang; Jallow, Muminatou; Bougama, Edith; Mangano, Valentina D; Amenga-Etego, Lucas N; Enimil, Anthony; Apinjoh, Tobias; Ndila, Carolyne M; Manjurano, Alphaxard; Nyirongo, Vysaul; Doumba, Ogobara; Rockett, Kirk A; Kwiatkowski, Dominic P; Spencer, Chris Ca

2016-06-21

Similarity between two individuals in the combination of genetic markers along their chromosomes indicates shared ancestry and can be used to identify historical connections between different population groups due to admixture. We use a genome-wide, haplotype-based, analysis to characterise the structure of genetic diversity and gene-flow in a collection of 48 sub-Saharan African groups. We show that coastal populations experienced an influx of Eurasian haplotypes over the last 7000 years, and that Eastern and Southern Niger-Congo speaking groups share ancestry with Central West Africans as a result of recent population expansions. In fact, most sub-Saharan populations share ancestry with groups from outside of their current geographic region as a result of gene-flow within the last 4000 years. Our in-depth analysis provides insight into haplotype sharing across different ethno-linguistic groups and the recent movement of alleles into new environments, both of which are relevant to studies of genetic epidemiology.

Comparing the Information and Support Needs of Different Population Groups in Preparation for 2015 Government Approval for HIV Self-testing in France

PubMed Central

Greacen, Tim; Kersaudy-Rahib, Delphine; Le Gall, Jean-Marie; Lydié, Nathalie; Ghosn, Jade; Champenois, Karen

2016-01-01

Context HIV self-tests are currently being introduced in France with the aim of promoting screening both for the general population and for high-risk populations. Objective The current study aimed to identify and compare the information and support needs of the different target population groups. Methods The Delphi process was used to synthesize expert opinions for each population group. Experts were chosen for their experience and expertise in the area of HIV and HIV screening for each population. Each group developed recommendations for a specific population: six high HIV prevalence populations (men who have sex with men; transgender people; substance users; migrants from sub-Saharan Africa; French West Indies; French Guiana) and two low prevalence populations (the general population; people under 25). Each group included expertise from four areas: research, screening and care, policy-making, and community groups. Results A final total of 263 recommendations were grouped into eight main themes: Communicating at both national and community levels about self-test arrival (24% of all recommendations); Providing information adapted to the different community groups’ needs (23%); Providing counselling on self-test use and access to care (15%); Making self-tests available to all in terms of accessibility and cost (13%); Preparing community healthcare and screening systems for the arrival of the self-test (11%); Approving only high quality self-tests (6%); Defending self-test users’ legal rights (5%); Evaluating self-test use (3%). Although a large number of recommendations were common to several groups of experts, the study highlighted a certain number of recommendations specific to each different population group, particularly with regard to information content and access both to information and to the self-tests themselves. Conclusion Results from the current study should make a significant contribution to policy decisions concerning catering for the specific access, information and support needs of different potential HIV self-test user groups in France. PMID:27031234

[EFFECTIVENESS OF SHARP TEETH HOOK PLATE FOR TREATMENT OF OLECRANON FRACTURES].

PubMed

Yin, Qudong; Gu, Sanjun; Liu, Jun; Wu, Yongwei; Lu, Yao; Ma, Yunhong; Sheng, Youyin

2016-09-08

To investigate the effectiveness of sharp teeth hook plate by cutting for the treatment of olecranon fractures by comparison with Kirschner wire tension belt and locking plate. Between January 2011 and April 2015, 32 cases of olecranon fractures were treated. Fracture was fixed with sharp teeth hook plate by cutting in 12 cases (trial group) and with Kirschner wire tension belt or locking plate in 20 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side and type of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The healing time of fractures and complications were recorded. At 1 year after operation, the subjective function results were evaluated according to Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and objective function results by Mayo Elbow Score (MEPS); visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for elbow joint pain, and range of motion of flexion and extension of elbow joint was measured. All incisions healed by first intention, with no vascular and nerve injuries. All patients were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 18 months. All fractures healed, and there was no significant difference in the healing time between 2 groups ( P >0.05). Loosening of Kirschner wire occurred in 2 cases of control group, but no loosening of internal fixation was observed in trial group after operation. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between 2 groups ( P >0.05). The DASH, MEPS, VAS score, and range of motion of flexion in trial group were superior to those in control group, showing significant differences ( P <0.05) at 1 year after operation. There was no significant difference in range of motion of extension between 2 groups ( P >0.05). Sharp teeth hook plate for treatment of olecranon fractures overcomes the shortcomings that Kirschner wire tension is easy to slide and locking plate has a compression effect on triceps tendon, so it has good effectiveness.

Different alpha crystallin expression in human age-related and congenital cataract lens epithelium.

PubMed

Yang, Jing; Zhou, Sheng; Guo, Minfei; Li, Yuting; Gu, Jianjun

2016-05-28

The purpose of this study was to investigate the different expressions of αA-crystallin and αB-crystallin in human lens epithelium of age-related and congenital cataracts. The central part of the human anterior lens capsule approximately 5 mm in diameter together with the adhering epithelial cells, were harvested and processed within 6 hours after cataract surgery from age-related and congenital cataract patients or from normal eyes of fresh cadavers. The mRNA and soluble protein levels of αA-crystallin and αB-crystallin in the human lens epithelium were detected by real-time PCR and western blots, respectively. The mRNA and soluble protein expressions of αA-crystallin and αB-crystallin in the lens epithelium were both reduced in age-related and congenital cataract groups when compared with the normal control group. However, the degree of α-crystallin loss in the lens epithelium was highly correlated with different cataract types. The α-crystallin expression of the lens epithelium was greatly reduced in the congenital cataract group but only moderately decreased in the age-related cataract group. The reduction of αA-crystallin soluble protein levels in the congenital cataract group was approximately 2.4 fold decrease compared with that of the age-related cataract group, while an mRNA fold change of 1.67 decrease was observed for the age-related cataract group. Similarly, the reduction of soluble protein levels of αB-crystallin in the congenital cataract group was approximately a 1.57 fold change compared with that of the age-related cataract group. A 1.75 fold change for mRNA levels compared with that of the age-related cataract group was observed. The results suggest that the differential loss of α-crystallin in the human lens epithelium could be associated with the different mechanisms of cataractogenesis in age-related versus congenital cataracts, subsequently resulting in different clinical presentations.

Soft Tissue Response to Titanium Abutments with Different Surface Treatment: Preliminary Histologic Report of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Canullo, Luigi; Dehner, Jan Friedrich; Penarrocha, David; Checchi, Vittorio; Mazzoni, Annalisa; Breschi, Lorenzo

2016-01-01

The aim of this preliminary prospective RCT was to histologically evaluate peri-implant soft tissues around titanium abutments treated using different cleaning methods. Sixteen patients were randomized into three groups: laboratory customized abutments underwent Plasma of Argon treatment (Plasma Group), laboratory customized abutments underwent cleaning by steam (Steam Group), and abutments were used as they came from industry (Control Group). Seven days after the second surgery, soft tissues around abutments were harvested. Samples were histologically analyzed. Soft tissues surrounding Plasma Group abutments predominantly showed diffuse chronic infiltrate, almost no acute infiltrate, with presence of few polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes, and a diffuse presence of collagenization bands. Similarly, in Steam Group, the histological analysis showed a high variability of inflammatory expression factors. Tissues harvested from Control Group showed presence of few neutrophil granulocytes, moderate presence of lymphocytes, and diffuse collagenization bands in some sections, while they showed absence of acute infiltrate in 40% of sections. However, no statistical difference was found among the tested groups for each parameter (p > 0.05). Within the limit of the present study, results showed no statistically significant difference concerning inflammation and healing tendency between test and control groups.

Effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on verbal memory revealed with fMRI

PubMed Central

Lu, Lisa H.; Johnson, Arianne; O’Hare, Elizabeth D.; Bookheimer, Susan Y.; Smith, Lynne M.; O’Connor, Mary J.; Sowell, Elizabeth R.

2009-01-01

Objective Efforts to understand specific effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on cognitive processing are hampered by high rates of concomitant alcohol use during pregnancy. We examined whether neurocognitive systems differed among children with differing prenatal teratogenic exposures when they engaged in a verbal memory task. Patients and Methods Participants (7-15 years old) engaged in a verbal paired associate learning task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. The MA group included 14 children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure, 12 of whom had concomitant alcohol exposure. They were compared to 9 children with prenatal alcohol but not methamphetamine exposure (ALC) and 20 unexposed controls (CON). Groups did not differ in age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Participants’ IQ and verbal learning performance were measured using standardized instruments. Results The MA group activated more diffuse brain regions, including bilateral medial temporal structures known to be important for memory, than both the ALC and the CON groups. These group differences remained after IQ was covaried. More activation in medial temporal structures by the MA group compared to the ALC group cannot be explained by performance differences because both groups performed at similar levels on the verbal memory task. Conclusions More diffuse activation in the MA group during verbal memory may reflect recruitment of compensatory systems to support a weak verbal memory network. Differences in activation patterns between the MA and ALC groups suggest that prenatal MA exposure influences the development of the verbal memory system above and beyond effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. PMID:19525715

Measures of Cortical Grey Matter Structure and Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mak-Fan, Kathleen M.; Taylor, Margot J.; Roberts, Wendy; Lerch, Jason P.

2012-01-01

The current study examined group differences in cortical volume, surface area, and thickness with age, in a group of typically developing children and a group of children with ASD aged 6-15 years. Results showed evidence of age by group interactions, suggesting atypicalities in the relation between these measures and age in the ASD group.…

Comparison of reproductive protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus provided by multivalent viral vaccines containing inactivated fractions of bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and 2.

PubMed

Walz, Paul H; Riddell, Kay P; Newcomer, Benjamin W; Neill, John D; Falkenberg, Shollie M; Cortese, Victor S; Scruggs, Daniel W; Short, Thomas H

2018-04-23

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important viral cause of reproductive disease, immune suppression and clinical disease in cattle. The objective of this study was to compare reproductive protection in cattle against the impacts of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) provided by three different multivalent vaccines containing inactivated BVDV. BVDV negative beef heifers and cows (n = 122) were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Groups A-C (n = 34/group) received two pre-breeding doses of one of three commercially available multivalent vaccines containing inactivated fractions of BVDV 1 and BVDV 2, and Group D (n = 20) served as negative control and received two doses of saline prior to breeding. Animals were bred, and following pregnancy diagnosis, 110 cattle [Group A (n = 31); Group B (n = 32); Group C (n = 31); Group D (n = 16)] were subjected to a 28-day exposure to cattle persistently infected (PI) with BVDV (1a, 1b and 2a). Of the 110 pregnancies, 6 pregnancies resulted in fetal resorption with no material for testing. From the resultant 104 pregnancies, BVDV transplacental infections were demonstrated in 73 pregnancies. The BVDV fetal infection rate (FI) was calculated at 13/30 (43%) for Group A cows, 27/29 (93%) for Group B cows, 18/30 (60%) for Group C cows, and 15/15 (100%) for Group D cows. Statistical differences were observed between groups with respect to post-vaccination antibody titers, presence and duration of viremia in pregnant cattle, and fetal infection rates in offspring from BVDV-exposed cows. Group A vaccination resulted in significant protection against BVDV infection as compared to all other groups based upon outcome measurements, while Group B vaccination did not differ in protection against BVDV infection from control Group D. Ability of inactivated BVDV vaccines to provide protection against BVDV fetal infection varies significantly among commercially available products; however, in this challenge model, the inactivated vaccines provided unacceptable levels of BVDV FI protection. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Impact of current video game playing on robotic simulation skills among medical students

PubMed Central

Öge, Tufan; Borahay, Mostafa A.; Achjian, Tamar; Kılıç, Sami Gökhan

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the impact of current and prior video game playing on initial robotic simulation skill acquisition. Material and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-1) was conducted at a medical university training center. The study subjects were medical students who currently played video games (Group I) and those who had not played video games in the last 2 years (Group II). The robotic skills of both groups were assessed using simulation. Results Twenty-two students enrolled in this study; however, only 21 completed it. The median age of the participants was 23 (22–24) years and 24 (23–26) years in Groups I and II, respectively. Among the participants, 15 (71.4%) were male and 6 (28.5%) were female, and 90.4% of the students started playing video games in primary school. When the 2 groups were compared according to the completion time of each exercise, Group I finished more quickly than Group II in the Peg Board-1 exercise (p>0.05), whereas Group II had better results in 3 exercises including Pick and Place, Ring and Rail, and Thread the Rings-1. However, none of the differences were found to be statistically significant (p>.05), and according to the overall scores based on the time to complete exercises, economy of motion, instrument collision, use of excessive instrument force, instruments out of view, and master workspace range, the scores were not statistically different between Groups I and II (p>.05). Conclusion According to the basic robotic simulation exercise results, there was no difference between medical students who used to play video games and those who still played video games. Studies evaluating baseline visuospatial skills with larger sample sizes are needed. PMID:25788841

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Enhancing Cognitive Process Involved in Entrepreneurship Abilities among Primary School Students in District No. 3 Tehran

PubMed Central

Rahmati, Narges; Rostami, Reza; Zali, Mohammad Reza; Nowicki, Stephen; Zarei, Jamilah

2014-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the entrepreneurial traits of school children in the city of Tehran. Methods: For this purpose, 48 students were selected with an average IQ between 90 and 119. Ranging from 7th to 12th grades, all the subjects were assessed using Nowicki-Strickland’s Locus of Control Scale (N-SLCS), Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), and Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method (HKSD). The obtained results were then organized and categorized into three groups. One of the groups was randomly chosen as experimental and the other as the control group and the last play group. In this empirical study, the students received Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) and Beta neurofeedback for 20 sessions. The play group was assigned to play mind games for 20 sessions. At the same time, the control group received no experiments. After the end of the experiments, all the students in three groups were reassessed by Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, Hyperkinetic Syndrome Assessment Method, and Nowicki-Strickland’s Locus of Control Scale. Results: The results from MANOVA showed that the neurofeedback group had demonstrated a meaningful change in creativity and locus of control while the adaptability of risk-taking was on a meaningful level for the experimental group. The results also indicate an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.02 meaningful level. Similarly, the results suggest an improvement in creativity for the neurofeedback group on a 0.000 meaningful level in comparison with the control group. This is while the play group and the control group do not show any meaningful difference. The results also show an improvement in the internal locus of control for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the play group on a 0.032 meaningful level; while, it is meaningful on a 0.01 level for the neurofeedback group in comparison with the control group. Discussion: The findings for the play group and control group do not show any meaningful difference. The paper concludes that neurofeedback training can be used for increasing the level of entrepreneurial traits in students. PMID:27284392

Implant Design and Effects on Patellofemoral Crepitus.

PubMed

McNabb, David Clinton; Dennis, Douglas A; Jennings, Jason M; Daines, Brian; Laz, Peter; Kim, Raymond H

2017-11-01

Background  Patellofemoral crepitus is a known complication of posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study compared the incidence of patellofemoral crepitus between two femoral components designs. Materials and Methods  Between January 2005 and August 2010, 1,120 patients with complete 2-year follow-up had a PS TKA with two different prosthetic designs (group A, 553 patients; group B, 567 patients). Records were reviewed to identify the incidence of total, symptomatic, and operative patellofemoral crepitus. Results  No statistical differences were observed in the incidence of total patellofemoral crepitus (group A 14.1%, group B 14.5%; p  = 0.932) or symptomatic patellofemoral crepitus (group A 5.6%, group B 4.2%; p  = 0.334). The incidence of operative crepitus was greater in group A (3.3%) than in group B (1.3%; p  = 0.026). Analysis of mobile versus fixed bearing designs showed a higher incidence of total patellofemoral crepitus in mobile bearing TKA (16.04 vs. 4.93%; p  = 0.006) within group B only. Conclusion  Femoral component design with a smoother intercondylar box transition zone resulted in a lower incidence of operative patellofemoral crepitus. No statistical differences were noted regarding the incidence of total and symptomatic patellofemoral crepitus. Mobile bearing TKA exhibited greater total crepitus within group B. Level of Evidence  Level III. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Effect of proprioceptive training on foot posture, lower limb alignment, and knee adduction moment in patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Cho, Yumi; Kim, Minkyu; Lee, Wanhee

2015-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive training on foot progression angle, weight-bearing ratio, and knee adduction moment in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee. [Subjects] The subjects were 37 patients diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3 degenerative knee osteoarthritis. They were randomly allocated to three groups: a proprioceptive training group (PT group), quadriceps strengthening group (QS group), and control group. [Methods] The study parameters of the three groups were compared before and after a 12-week training period. Therapeutic exercises were performed twice per week for 12 weeks. Outcomes included the foot progression angle, weight-bearing ratio, and knee adduction moment. [Results] First, a significant difference in the foot progression angle was observed among the groups, significantly increasing in the PTG compared with the CG. Second, a significant difference in the weight-bearing ratio was observed among the groups, significantly increasing in the PTG compared with the CG. Third, a significant difference in the first peak knee adduction moment was observed among the groups, significantly decreasing in the PTG compared with the CG. [Conclusion] The results of the present study indicate that proprioceptive training increased the foot progression angle and weight-bearing ratio and decreased the first peak knee adduction moment. Moreover, incorporating proprioceptive training into a physical therapy exercise program could improve functional ability and delay the progression of degenerative osteoarthritis. PMID:25729170

An in vitro evaluation of various irrigation techniques for the removal of double antibiotic paste from root canal surfaces

PubMed Central

GOKTURK, Hakan; OZKOCAK, Ismail; BUYUKGEBİZ, Fevzi; DEMİR, Osman

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of conventional syringe irrigations, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Vibringe, CanalBrush, XP-endo Finisher, and laser-activated irrigation (LAI) systems in removing double antibiotic paste (DAP) from root canals. Material and Methods One hundred five extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented. The roots were split longitudinally. Three standard grooves were created and covered with DAP. The roots were distributed into seven groups: Group 1, beveled needle irrigation; Group 2, double side-vented needle irrigation; Group 3, CanalBrush; Group 4, XP-endo Finisher; Group 5, Vibringe; Group 6, PUI; Group 7, LAI. The amount of remaining DAP was scored under a stereomicroscope. Results Group 4, Group 6, and Group 7 removed significantly more DAP than the other protocols in the coronal region. Group 7 was more efficient in the middle region; however, no significant difference was found between Group 7 and Group 6. No differences were found between groups in the apical region either, except for the comparisons between groups 7 and 2, and groups 2 and 3. Conclusions None of the investigated protocols were able to completely remove the DAP from the grooves. The Vibringe and XP-endo Finisher systems showed results similar to those of conventional needle irrigation. PMID:28076461

Efficacy and Safety of 3 Different Anesthesia Techniques Used in Total Hip Arthroplasty

PubMed Central

Liang, Chengwei; Wei, Jionglin; Cai, Xiaoxi; Lin, Weilong; Fan, Yongqian; Yang, Fengjian

2017-01-01

Background This study compared the efficacy and safety of 3 different anesthesia techniques used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Material/Methods We allocated 198 patients preparing to undertake THA into 3 groups: general anesthesia group (GA group, n=66), caudal epidural anesthesia group (CEA group, n=66), and spinal-epidural anesthesia group (SEA group, n=66). We compared postoperative adverse effects occurring in patients of the 3 anesthesia groups. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Minimum Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and β-amyloid (Aβ) expression were calculated to determine the effects of different anesthesia on the postoperative pain and cognitive dysfunction of patients. Results The CEA and SEA groups had lower rates of perioperative adverse effects than in the GA group. Patients in the GA group required significantly higher administration of analgesics after the surgery than those in CEA and SEA groups. Higher Aβ expression levels and VAS scores, as well as lower MMSE scores, were also seen in the GA group compared with the other 2 groups. Conclusions CEA and SEA were more effective than GA in THA, and CEA seemed to be a better anesthesia technique than SEA. PMID:28767640

Effects of tacrolimus and erythropoietin in experimental spinal cord lesion in rats: functional and histological evaluation

PubMed Central

de Mesquita Coutinho, P R; Cristante, A F; de Barros Filho, T E P; Ferreira, R; dos Santos, G B

2016-01-01

Study design: Experimental study with rats. Objective: To evaluate functional and histological effects of tacrolimus (FK 506) and erythropoietin (EPO) after experimental spinal cord contusion injury (SCI). Setting: Brazil. Methods: Wistar rats (n=60) were submitted to SCI with the NYU Impactor system. The control group received saline; the EPO group received EPO; the group EPO+FK 506 received EPO associated with tacrolimus and the group FK 506 received tacrolimus only. The Sham group underwent SCI, but did not receive any drug. Locomotor function was evaluated after SCI by BBB (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan) weekly and by the motor-evoked potential test in 42 days. The spinal cord was histologically evaluated. Results: There was a significant difference between treated and the control groups from the seventh day on for BBB scores, with no difference between the groups EPO and EPO+FK 506 by the end of the study. There were significant differences between groups for necrosis and bleeding, but not for hiperemia, degeneration and cellular infiltrate. Axon neuron count was different between all groups (P=0.001), between EPO+FK 506 and FK 506 (P=0.011) and between EPO+FK 506 and Sham (P=0.002). Amplitude was significantly different between all groups except between control and sham. For latency, there was no difference. Conclusions: This study did not reveal significant differences in the recovery of locomotor function, or in the histological and electrophysiological analysis in animals treated with EPO and tacrolimus after thoracic SCI. PMID:26481712

Is Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy a Feasible Technique for the Treatment of Staghorn Calculi?

PubMed Central

Lee, Sang Cheol; Kim, Chang Hee; Kim, Kwang Taek; Kim, Tae Beom; Kim, Khae Hawn; Jung, Han; Yoon, Sang Jin

2013-01-01

Purpose Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) remains a challenging technique for the surgical treatment of staghorn renal calculi. Our study was designed to compare surgical outcomes between conventional and tubeless PNL. Materials and Methods We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients who underwent conventional or tubeless PNL under general anesthesia performed by a single surgeon (H.J.) for the treatment of staghorn calculi between 2003 and 2012. All patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included patients who underwent conventional PNL and group 2 included patients who were managed by tubeless PNL for the treatment of staghorn calculi. Preoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed between the two groups, including age, stone burden, complications, any interventions, and duration of hospital stay. Results A total of 165 patients (group 1, 106; group 2, 59) were enrolled in the study. No significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, or stone laterality were observed between the two groups. The mean stone burdens (±standard deviation) of group 1 and group 2 were 633.6 (±667.4) and 529.9 (±362.8), respectively (p=0.271). The postoperative stone-free clearance rate was higher in group 2 (78.0%) than in group 1 (69.8%); however, the difference was not clinically significant (p=0.127). In addition, no significant differences in postoperative complications, including fever, bleeding, infection, or additional interventions, were observed between the two groups. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that tubeless PNL has the same effectiveness and safety as conventional PNL in the treatment of staghorn calculi. Tubeless PNL may be feasible for managing renal staghorn calculi. PMID:24175044

Cognitive Vulnerability in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder and Normal Individuals.

PubMed

Al-Ghorabaie, Fateme Moin; Noferesti, Azam; Fadaee, Mahdi; Ganji, Nima

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study was to assess cognitive vulnerability and response style in clinical and normal individuals. A sample of 90 individuals was selected for each of the 3 groups of Generalized Anxiety disorder, Dysthymic disorder and normal individuals. They completed MCQ and RSQ. Results analyzed by MANOVA and post hoc showed significant differences among groups. Dysthymic group and GAD reported higher scores on cognitive confidence compared to the normal group. Individuals with GAD showed highly negative beliefs about need to control thought, compared to the other groups, but in cognitive self-consciousness they have no differences with the normal group. In regard to uncontrollability, danger and positive beliefs, GAD group had higher levels than the other groups. Although normal and GAD group didn't show any significant differences in response style, there was a significant difference between Dysthymic group and other groups in all response styles.  Beliefs and meta-cognitive strategies can be distinguished between clinical and non clinical individuals. Also, findings support the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model. ary committee was effective in recognizing, designing and implementing tailored interventions for reduction of medication errors. A systematic approach is urgently needed to decrease organizational susceptibility to errors, through providing required resources to monitor, analyze and implement effective interventions.

Comparison of Stability of the Results of Orthodontic Treatment and Gingival Health between Hawley and Vacuum-formed Retainers.

PubMed

Moslemzadeh, Seyed H; Sohrabi, Aydin; Rafighi, Ali; Farshidnia, Somaieh

2018-04-01

Aim: Retention is one of the stages of orthodontic treatment, which is an attempt to retain teeth in their corrected positions after active treatment with the use of fixed orthodontic appliances. The aim of the present study was to compare the stability of the results of orthodontic treatment and the gingival health between Hawley retainer (HR) and vacuum-formed retainer (VFR) with two different thicknesses. Materials and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 66 patients undergoing comprehensive orthodontic treatment in a private office were evaluated after completion of treatment. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups. At the end of orthodontic treatment, the subjects in all the groups received a fixed bonded retainer in the mandible; in the maxilla, group I received an HR, group II received a VFR with a thickness of 1.5 mm, and group III received a VFR with a thickness of 1 mm. The American Board of Orthodontics objective grading system (ABO-OGS) index was used at the end of treatment (before the delivery of the retainers) and 6 months after the use of retainers to evaluate the stability of the results of orthodontic treatment. Gingival index (GI) was used at the two above-mentioned intervals to evaluate gingival health. The ABO-OGS measurements were carried out on dental casts by a clinician who was blinded to the types of retainers the patients wore. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, using proper statistical analyses. Results: Six months after the delivery of retainers, ABO-OGS and GI scores with the 1.5 mm VFR were higher than those in the two other groups, with no significant differences between the three groups. There were no significant differences between the ABO-OGS scores before the delivery of retainers and 6 months after the use of retainers in any of the study groups. In the HR and 1.5 mm VFR groups, there were significant differences in GI scores between the period before the delivery of the retainers and 6 months after their delivery; however, in the 1 mm VFR group, no significant differences were observed in GI scores between the two time intervals. Conclusion: Hawley retainer and 1 mm thick and 1.5 mm thick VFRs were equally effective in preserving and stabilizing the results of orthodontic treatment during the 6-month interval after the completion of orthodontic treatment. In addition, there were no significant differences between the three retainers in relation to gingival health. Clinical significance: The VFR might be a good alternative for HR due to its better esthetic appearance and greater popularity with orthodontic patients. Keywords: American Board of Orthodontics model grading system, American Board of Orthodontics objective frading system, Gingival index, Hawley retainers, Vacuum-formed retainers.

DNA methylation and methylation polymorphism in ecotypes of Jatropha curcas L. using methylation-sensitive AFLP markers.

PubMed

Mastan, Shaik G; Rathore, Mangal S; Bhatt, Vacha D; Chikara, J; Ghosh, A

2014-12-01

We investigated DNA methylation and polymorphism in the methylated DNA using AFLP based methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MS-AFLP) markers in ecotypes of Jatropha curcas L. growing in similar and different geo-ecological conditions. Three ecotypes growing in different geo-ecological conditions with environmental heterogeneity (Group-1) and five ecotypes growing in similar environmental conditions (Group-2) were assessed. In ecotypes growing in group-1, 44.32 % DNA was methylated and of which 93.59 % DNA was polymorphic. While in group-2, 32.27 % DNA was methylated, of which 51.64 % DNA was polymorphic. In site 1 and site 2 of group-1, overall methylation was 18.94 and 22.44 % respectively with difference of 3.5 %, while overall polymorphism was 41.14 and 39.23 % with a difference of 1.91 %. In site 1 and site 2 of group-2, overall methylation was 24.68 and 24.18 % respectively with difference of 0.5 %, while overall polymorphism was 12.19 and 12.65 % with a difference of 0.46 %. The difference of methylation percentage and percentage of methylation polymorphism throughout the genome of J. curcas at site 1 and 2 of group-1 is higher than that of J. curcas at site 1 and 2 of group-2. These results correlated the physico-chemical properties of soil at these sites. The variations of physico-chemical properties of soil at Chorwadla (site 1 in group-1 and site 2 in group-2) compared to the soil at Brahmapur (site 2 in group-1) is higher than that of soil at Neswad (site 1 in group-2). The study suggests that these homologous nucleotide sequences probably play important role in ecotype adaptation to environmental heterogeneity by creating epiallelic variations hence in evolution of ecotypes/clines or forms of species showing phenotypic/genotypic differences in different geographical areas.

Pirogow's Amputation: A Modification of the Operation Method

PubMed Central

Bueschges, M.; Muehlberger, T.; Mauss, K. L.; Bruck, J. C.; Ottomann, C.

2013-01-01

Introduction. Pirogow's amputation at the ankle presents a valuable alternative to lower leg amputation for patients with the corresponding indications. Although this method offers the ability to stay mobile without the use of a prosthesis, it is rarely performed. This paper proposes a modification regarding the operation method of the Pirogow amputation. The results of the modified operation method on ten patients were objectified 12 months after the operation using a patient questionnaire (Ankle Score). Material and Methods. We modified the original method by rotating the calcaneus. To fix the calcaneus to the tibia, Kirschner wire and a 3/0 spongiosa tension screw as well as a Fixateur externe were used. Results. 70% of those questioned who were amputated following the modified Pirogow method indicated an excellent or very good result in total points whereas in the control group (original Pirogow's amputation) only 40% reported excellent or very good result. In addition, the level of pain experienced one year after the completed operation showed different results in favour of the group being operated with the modified way. Furthermore, patients in both groups showed differences in radiological results, postoperative leg length difference, and postoperative mobility. Conclusion. The modified Pirogow amputation presents a valuable alternative to the original amputation method for patients with the corresponding indications. The benefits are found in the significantly reduced pain, difference in reduced radiological complications, the increase in mobility without a prosthesis, and the reduction of postoperative leg length difference. PMID:23606976

Are groups of galaxies virialized systems?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diaferio, Antonaldo; Ramella, Massimo; Geller, Margaret J.; Ferrari, Attilio

1993-01-01

Groups are systems of galaxies with crossing times t(cr) much smaller than the Hubble time. Most of them have t(cr) less than 0.1/H0. The usual interpretation is that they are in virial equilibrium. We compare the data of the group catalog selected from the CfA redshift survey extension with different N-body models. We show that the distributions of kinematic and dynamical quantities of the groups in the CfA catalog can be reproduced by a single collapsing group observed along different line of sights. This result shows that (1) projection effects dominate the statistics of these systems, and (2) observed groups of galaxies are probably still in the collapse phase.

Effects of phonophoresis with Arnica montana onto acute inflammatory process in rat skeletal muscles: an experimental study.

PubMed

Alfredo, Patrícia P; Anaruma, Carlos A; Pião, Antônio C S; João, Silvia M A; Casarotto, Raquel A

2009-05-01

This study aimed at verifying the effects of phonophoresis associated with Arnica montana on the acute phase of an inflammatory muscle lesion. Forty Wistar male rats (300+/-50 g), of which the Tibialis Anterior muscle was surgically lesioned, were divided into four groups (n=10 each): control group received no treatment; the ultrasound group (US) was treated in pulsed mode with 1-MHz frequency, 0.5 W/cm(2) intensity (spatial and temporal average - SATA), duty cycle of 1:2 (2 ms on, 4 ms off, 50%), time of application 3 min per session, one session per day, for 3 days; the phonophoresis or ultrasound plus arnica (US+A) group was treated with arnica with the same US parameters plus arnica gel; and the arnica group (A) was submitted to massage with arnica gel, also for 3 min, once a day, for 3 days. Treatment started 24h after the surgical lesion. On the 4th day after lesion creation, animals were sacrificed and sections of the lesioned, inflamed muscle were removed for quantitative (mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cell count) and qualitative histological analysis. Collected data from the 4 groups were statistically analyzed and the significance level set at p<0.05. Results show higher mononuclear cell density in all three treated groups with no significant difference between them, but values were significantly different (p<0.0001) when compared to control group's. As to polymorphonuclear cell density, significant differences were found between control group (p=0.0134) and US, US+A and A groups; the arnica group presented lesser density of polymorphonuclear cells when compared (p=0.0134) to the other groups. No significant difference was found between US and US+A groups. While the massage with arnica gel proved to be an effective anti-inflammatory on acute muscle lesion in topic use, these results point to ineffectiveness of Arnica montana phonophoresis, US having seemingly checked or minimized its anti-inflammatory effect.

Is Double Metatarsal Osteotomy Superior to Proximal Chevron Osteotomy in Treatment of Hallux Valgus With Increased Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle?

PubMed

Park, Chul Hyun; Lee, Woo-Chun

We compared the results of proximal chevron osteotomy and double metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). From October 2008 to December 2012, first metatarsal osteotomies were performed in 64 patients (69 feet) with symptomatic hallux valgus associated with an increased DMAA. Proximal chevron with Akin osteotomy and lateral soft tissue release was performed in 46 feet (PCO group); double metatarsal osteotomy and Akin osteotomy without lateral soft tissue release was performed in 23 feet (DMO group). Clinical assessments were performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and visual analog scale (VAS). The hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, sesamoid positions, metatarsus adductus angles, and DMAAs were compared at different postoperative times. Postoperative shortening of first the metatarsal and complications were compared. The mean AOFAS scale and VAS scores showed significant improvement in both groups after surgery; however, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. The immediate postoperative hallux valgus angle and sesamoid position were significantly larger in DMO group; however, no intergroup difference was observed at the last follow-up visit, with the hallux valgus angle gradually increasing in the PCO group. The postoperative DMAA was significantly smaller in the DMO group. The mean shortening of the first metatarsal after surgery was significantly larger in the DMO group than in the PCO group. Transfer metatarsalgia developed in 1 foot (2.2%) in the PCO group and 2 feet (8.7%) in the DMO group. Partial avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head with advanced arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint developed in 1 foot (4.3%) in the DMO group. In conclusion, no differences in the clinical and radiographic results were observed between the 2 groups for hallux valgus deformity with an increased DMAA. Copyright © 2017 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment of lateral epicondilitis using three different local injection modalities: a randomized prospective clinical trial.

PubMed

Dogramaci, Yunus; Kalaci, Aydiner; Savaş, Nazan; Duman, I Gokhan; Yanat, A Nedim

2009-10-01

To determine the effectiveness of three different local injection modalities in the treatment of lateral epicondilitis. In a prospective randomized study on lateral epicondilitis, 75 patients were divided into three equal groups A, B and C (n = 25) and were treated using three different method of local injection. The patients in group A were treated with local injection of a steroid (1 mL triamcinolone) combined with local anaesthetic (1 mL lidocaine), those in group B were treated with injection of local anaesthetic (1 mL lidocaine) combined with peppering technique and those in group C with local injection of a steroid (1 mL triamcinolone) combined with local anaesthetic (1 mL lidocaine) and peppering technique. The outcome was defined by measuring the elbow pain during the activity using a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) and satisfaction with the treatment using a scoring system based on the criteria of the Verhaar et al. at 3 weeks and 6 months after the injection and compared with the pre-treatment condition. There were significant (P = 0.006) differences in the successful outcomes between the three groups at 6 months. In group C in which local steroid + peppering injection technique were used; excellent results were obtained in 84% of patients comparing to 36% and 48% for patients in groups A and B, respectively. The successful outcomes were statistically higher in group C comparing to group A (P = 0.002) and group B (P = 0.011). In all groups, there was a significantly lower pain (VAS) at the 3-week and 6-month follow-ups comparing to the pre-treatment condition. VAS measured at 6-month follow-up were significantly lower in group C comparing to other groups (P = 0.002). In the treatment of lateral epicondilitis, combination of corticosteroid injections with peppering is more effective than corticosteroid injections or peppering injections alone and produces better clinical results.

Two-year results of femtosecond assisted LASIK versus PRK for different severity of astigmatism.

PubMed

Miraftab, Mohammad; Hashemi, Hassan; Asgari, Soheila

2018-03-01

To compare two-year results of femtosecond laser assisted LASIK (femto-LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in terms of astigmatism correction in patients with less than 2.0 diopters (D) of spherical error and more than 2.0 D of cylinder error. In this retrospective study, data were extracted from 100 patient charts. The two study groups were matched by age, gender, and baseline uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and refractive astigmatism (RA). Preoperative astigmatism was categorized as mild: 2.00 to <3.00 D, moderate: 3.00 to <4.00 D, and severe: ≥4.00 D. Mean RA in the femto-LASIK and PRK groups was respectively -3.15 ± 0.94 D (-7.00 to -2.00 D) and -3.29 ± 0.95 D (-6.25 to -2.00 D) at baseline ( P  = 0.284), and -0.61 ± 0.40 D and -0.62 ± 0.60 D one year after surgery ( P  = 0.674), but significantly lower in the femto-LASIK group (-0.61 ± 0.39 vs. -0.83 ± 0.56 D, P  = 0.021) at 2 years when the rate of residual astigmatism more than 1.0 D was 6.3% in the femto-LASIK and 19.6% in the PRK group ( P  = 0.046). Mean UDVA in the femto-LASIK group (0.02 ± 0.05 logMAR) was better than the PRK group (0.06 ± 0.10 logMAR) ( P  = 0.025). Mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was not significantly different between groups (0.01 ± 0.03 vs. 0.01 ± 0.04 logMAR, P  = 0.714). Both groups had 1-4 Snellen lines CDVA improvement. The three subgroups of baseline astigmatism did not differ significantly in terms of residual astigmatism (all P  > 0.05). However, in subgroups with ≥4.00 D cylinder, there was less astigmatic regression at 1 year in the femto-LASIK group (0.28 ± 0.43 D) than the PRK group (0.54 ± 0.68 D) ( P  = 0.007). Our results pointed to better two-year results with femto-LASIK in the treatment of different degrees of astigmatism. UDVA improvement was superior with femto-LASIK, but the two methods did not significantly differ in terms of CDVA improvement.

Ultrastructural analysis of root canal dentine irradiated with 980-nm diode laser energy at different parameters.

PubMed

Marchesan, Melissa Andréia; Brugnera-Junior, Aldo; Souza-Gabriel, Aline Evangelista; Correa-Silva, Silvio Rocha; Sousa-Neto, Manoel D

2008-06-01

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) the ultrastructural morphological changes of the radicular dentine surface after irradiation with 980-nm diode laser energy at different parameters and angles of incidence. There have been limited reports on the effects of diode laser irradiation at 980 nm on radicular dentin morphology. Seventy-two maxillary canines were sectioned and roots were biomechanically prepared using K3 rotary instruments. The teeth were irrigated with 2 mL of distilled water between files and final irrigation was performed with 10 mL of distilled water. The teeth were then randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 each) according to their diode laser parameters: Group 1: no irradiation (control); group 2: 1.5 W/continuous wave (CW) emission (the manufacturer's parameters); group 3: 1.5 W/100 Hz; group 4: 3 W/CW; and group 5: 3 W/100 Hz. Laser energy was applied with helicoid movements (parallel to the canal walls) for 20 sec. Eight additional teeth for each group were endodontically prepared and split longitudinally and irradiation was applied perpendicularly to the root surface. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the root canal thirds irradiated with the 980-nm diode laser, and similar results between the parameters 1.5 W/CW and 3 W/100 Hz (p > 0.05). When considering different output powers and delivery modes our results showed that changes varied from smear layer removal to dentine fusion.

Nursing students' opinions about acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

PubMed

Weber, J P

1975-01-01

Eighty senior nursing students at the University of San Francisco (USF) were divided at random into four groups of 20. Two groups were pretested on their knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. One week later a 50-minute class in acupuncture and Chinese medicine was given in a community health class to one of the two pretexted groups and one of the two untested groups. Following the class, the test was given to all four groups. Using the Solomon Four-Group design to measure effects of pretesting and the class content, significant differences were found between the groups on questions seeking differences, to confirm the first hypothesis that an increase in knowledge about acupuncture and Chinese medicine will accompany an increase in its acceptance as a healing tool and the desire to learn more about it. A t-test on the results of pre- and post- tests confirmed the second hypothesis that there will be no difference between groups in history or maturation from one week to the next.

Context of the beginning of tobacco use in different social groups

PubMed Central

Panaino, Edina Ferreira; Soares, Cássia Baldini; Campos, Célia Maria Sivalli

2014-01-01

Objective analyze contextual aspects of the beginning of tobacco use in different social groups, from everyday representations about the act of smoking. Methods five focus groups were conducted to promote discussion about the context of beginning of tobacco use, with groups of people who represented different patterns of social reproduction. The data analysis was based on the theory of social representations, which contextualizes how each group presents the tobacco consumption. Results the contexts of the beginning of tobacco use were diverse, according to patterns of social reproduction; there were common representations to all groups, but there were also unique representations of each social group. Tobacco is represented as indispensable for groups in unstable social reproduction situations, and as an instrument of pleasure and stress relief for those who can access other material assets. Conclusions the study contributed to exposing the concepts on tobacco consumption that are socially disseminated, which can serve as an instrument to planning programs and health actions. PMID:25029047

Evaluation of the hemodynamics and right ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension by echocardiography compared with right-sided heart catheterization

PubMed Central

Li, Yidan; Wang, Yidan; Li, Hong; Zhu, Weiwei; Meng, Xiangli; Lu, Xiuzhang

2017-01-01

The present study aimed to evaluate hemodynamics and right ventricular function in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) using transthoracic echocardiography and to compare these results with measurements obtained using right-sided heart catheterization (RHC). A total of 75 patients with PH were examined using echocardiography and RHC. Patients were divided into the following two groups according to their difference between SPAPecho and SPAPRHC measurement: The overestimated group and underestimated group. The overestimated group included the subgroups groupover-A (difference <20 mmHg) and groupover-B (difference ≥20 mmHg), and the underestimated group included groupunder-A (absolute value of the difference <20 mmHg) and groupunder-B (absolute value of the difference ≥20 mmHg). SPAPecho measurements were revealed to be significantly positively correlated with SPAPRHC measurements (r=0.794; P<0.01). Among all echocardiographic measurements, only tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was significantly different between groups; it was increased in groupover-A and groupunder-A compared with groupover-B (P<0.01). Although SPAP measurements obtained using echocardiography were significantly positively correlated with those obtained using RHC, a high proportion of overestimation or underestimation of SPAP by echocardiography remained. PMID:29042956

Scanning for satisfaction or digging for dismay? Comparing findings from a postal survey with those from a focus group-study.

PubMed

Carlsen, Benedicte; Glenton, Claire

2012-09-03

Despite growing support for mixed methods approaches we still have little systematic knowledge about the consequences of combining surveys and focus groups. While the methodological aspects of questionnaire surveys have been researched extensively, the characteristics of focus group methodology are understudied. We suggest and discuss whether the focus group setting, as compared to questionnaire surveys, encourages participants to exaggerate views in a negative direction. Based on an example from our own research, where we conducted a survey as a follow up of a focus group study, and with reference to theoretical approaches and empirical evidence from the literature concerning survey respondent behaviour and small group dynamics, we discuss the possibility that a discrepancy in findings between the focus groups and the questionnaire reflects characteristics of the two different research methods. In contrast to the survey, the focus group study indicated that doctors were generally negative to clinical guidelines. We were not convinced that this difference in results was due to methodological flaws in either of the studies, and discuss instead how this difference may have been the result of a general methodological phenomenon. Based on studies of how survey questionnaires influence responses, it appears reasonable to claim that surveys are more likely to find exaggerated positive views. Conversely, there are some indications in the literature that focus groups may result in complaints and overly negative attitudes, but this is still an open question. We suggest that while problematic issues tend to be under-communicated in questionnaire surveys, they may be overstated in focus groups.We argue for the importance of increasing our understanding of focus group methodology, for example by reporting interesting discrepancies in mixed methods studies. In addition, more experimental research on focus groups should be conducted to advance the methodology and to test our hypothesis.

Scanning for satisfaction or digging for dismay? Comparing findings from a postal survey with those from a focus group-study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Despite growing support for mixed methods approaches we still have little systematic knowledge about the consequences of combining surveys and focus groups. While the methodological aspects of questionnaire surveys have been researched extensively, the characteristics of focus group methodology are understudied. We suggest and discuss whether the focus group setting, as compared to questionnaire surveys, encourages participants to exaggerate views in a negative direction. Discussion Based on an example from our own research, where we conducted a survey as a follow up of a focus group study, and with reference to theoretical approaches and empirical evidence from the literature concerning survey respondent behaviour and small group dynamics, we discuss the possibility that a discrepancy in findings between the focus groups and the questionnaire reflects characteristics of the two different research methods. In contrast to the survey, the focus group study indicated that doctors were generally negative to clinical guidelines. We were not convinced that this difference in results was due to methodological flaws in either of the studies, and discuss instead how this difference may have been the result of a general methodological phenomenon. Summary Based on studies of how survey questionnaires influence responses, it appears reasonable to claim that surveys are more likely to find exaggerated positive views. Conversely, there are some indications in the literature that focus groups may result in complaints and overly negative attitudes, but this is still an open question. We suggest that while problematic issues tend to be under-communicated in questionnaire surveys, they may be overstated in focus groups. We argue for the importance of increasing our understanding of focus group methodology, for example by reporting interesting discrepancies in mixed methods studies. In addition, more experimental research on focus groups should be conducted to advance the methodology and to test our hypothesis. PMID:22943658

Clinical competency evaluation of Brazilian chiropractic interns

PubMed Central

Facchinato, Ana Paula A.; Benedicto, Camila C.; Mora, Aline G.; Cabral, Dayane M.C.; Fagundes, Djalma J.

2015-01-01

Objective This study compares the results of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) between 2 groups of students before an internship and after 6 months of clinical practice in an internship. Methods Seventy-two students participated, with 36 students in each cohort. The OSCEs were performed in the simulation laboratory before the participants' clinical practice internship and after 6 months of the internship. Students were tested in 9 stations for clinical skills and knowledge. The same procedures were repeated for both cohorts. The t test was used for unpaired parametric samples and Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of proportions. Results There was no difference in the mean final score between the 2 groups (p = .34 for test 1; p = .08 for test 2). The performance of the students in group 1 was not significantly different when performed before and after 6 months of clinical practice, but in group 2 there was a significant decrease in the average score after 6 months of clinical practice. Conclusions There was no difference in the cumulative average score for the 2 groups before and after 6 months of clinical practice in the internship. There were differences within the cohorts, however, with a significant decrease in the average score in group 2. Issues pertaining to test standardization and student motivation for test 2 may have influenced the scores. PMID:25588200

Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer Genetic Testing in Five Special Population Groups

PubMed Central

Ramirez, Amelie G.; Chalela, Patricia; Gallion, Kipling J.; Muñoz, Edgar; Holden, Alan E.; Burhansstipanov, Linda; Smith, Selina A.; Wong-Kim, Evaon; Wyatt, Stephen W.; Suarez, Lucina

2016-01-01

Purpose This study examined interest in and attitudes toward genetic testing in 5 different population groups. Methods The survey included African American, Asian American, Latina, Native American, and Appalachian women with varying familial histories of breast cancer. A total of 49 women were interviewed in person. Descriptive and nonparametric statistical techniques were used to assess ethnic group differences. Results Overall, interest in testing was high. All groups endorsed more benefits than risks. There were group differences regarding endorsement of specific benefits and risks: testing to “follow doctor recommendations” (p=0.017), “concern for effects on family” (p=0.044), “distrust of modern medicine” (p=0.036), “cost” (p=0.025), and “concerns about communication of results to others” (p=0.032). There was a significant inverse relationship between interest and genetic testing cost (p<0.050), with the exception of Latinas, who showed the highest level of interest regardless of increasing cost. Conclusion Cost may be an important barrier to obtaining genetic testing services, and participants would benefit by genetic counseling that incorporates the unique cultural values and beliefs of each group to create an individualized, culturally competent program. Further research about attitudes toward genetic testing is needed among Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Appalachians for whom data are severely lacking. Future study of the different Latina perceptions toward genetic testing are encouraged. PMID:26855846

Fracture resistance of retreated roots using different retreatment systems.

PubMed

Er, Kursat; Tasdemir, Tamer; Siso, Seyda Herguner; Celik, Davut; Cora, Sabri

2011-08-01

This study was designed to evaluate the fracture resistance of retreated roots using different rotary retreatment systems. Forty eight freshly extracted human canine teeth with single straight root canals were instrumented sequentially increasing from size 30 to a size 55 using K-files whit a stepback technique. The teeth were randomly divided into three experimental and one control groups of 12 specimens each. The root canals were filled using cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha and AH Plus (Dentsply Detrey, Konstanz, Germany) sealer in experimental groups. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), R-Endo (Micro-Mega, Besançon, France), and Mtwo (Sweden & Martina, Padova, Italy) rotary retreatment systems. Control group specimens were only instrumented, not filled or retreated. The specimens were then mounted in copper rings, were filled with a self-curing polymethylmethacrylate resin, and the force required to cause vertical root fracture was measured using a universal testing device. The force of fracture of the roots was recorded and the results in the various groups were compared. Statistical analysis was accomplished by one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey tests. There were statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups (P<.05). However, there were no significant differences among the experimental groups. Based on the results, all rotary retreatment techniques used in this in vitro study produced similar root weakness.

Effects of equal-volume resistance training with different training frequencies in muscle size and strength in trained men

PubMed Central

Fisher, James; Steele, James; Campos, Mario H.; Silva, Marcelo H.; Paoli, Antonio; Giessing, Jurgen; Bottaro, Martim

2018-01-01

Background The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of equal-volume resistance training (RT) performed with different training frequencies on muscle size and strength in trained young men. Methods Sixteen men with at least one year of RT experience were divided into two groups, G1 and G2, that trained each muscle group once and twice a week, respectively, for 10 weeks. Elbow flexor muscle thickness (MT) was measured using a B-Mode ultrasound and concentric peak torque of elbow extensors and flexors were assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer. Results ANOVA did not reveal group by time interactions for any variable, indicating no difference between groups for the changes in MT or PT of elbow flexors and extensors. Notwithstanding, MT of elbow flexors increased significantly (3.1%, P < 0.05) only in G1. PT of elbow flexors and extensors did not increase significantly for any group. Discussion The present study suggest that there were no differences in the results promoted by equal-volume resistance training performed once or twice a week on upper body muscle strength in trained men. Only the group performing one session per week significantly increased the MT of their elbow flexors. However, with either once or twice a week training, adaptations appear largely minimal in previously trained males.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiologic Results of Mini-Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Indirect Decompression for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

PubMed

Kono, Yutaka; Gen, Hogaku; Sakuma, Yoshio; Koshika, Yasuhide

2018-04-01

Retrospective study. In this study, we compared the postoperative outcomes of extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) indirect decompression with that of mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. There are very few reports examining postoperative results of XLIF and minimally invasive TLIF for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, and no reports comparing XLIF and mini-open TLIF. Forty patients who underwent 1-level spinal fusion, either by XLIF indirect decompression (X group, 20 patients) or by mini-open TLIF (T group, 20 patients), for treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis were included in this study. Invasiveness of surgery was evaluated on the basis of surgery time, blood loss, hospitalization period, and perioperative complications. The Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), disc angle (DA), disc height (DH), and slipping length (SL) were evaluated before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at 12 months after surgery. Cross-sectional spinal canal area (CSA) was also measured before surgery and at 1 month after surgery. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of surgery time or hospitalization period; however, X group showed a significant decrease in blood loss ( p <0.001). Serious complications were not observed in either group. In clinical assessment, no significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the JOABPEQ results. The change in DH at 12 months after surgery increased significantly in the X group ( p <0.05), and the changes in DA and SL were not significantly different between the two groups. The change in CSA was significantly greater in the T group ( p <0.001). Postoperative clinical results were equally favorable for both procedures; however, in comparison with mini-open TLIF, less blood loss and greater correction of DH were observed in XLIF.