Changes In Number Of Days Research Articles

Things You Do: A randomized controlled trial of an unguided ultra-brief intervention to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

The ‘Things You Do’ encompass five types of actions that are strongly associated with good mental health: Healthy Thinking, Meaningful Activities, Goals and Plans, Healthy Habits, and Social Connections. Ultra-brief interventions which increase how often people perform these actions may decrease depression and anxiety. A two-arm randomized controlled trial (N = 349) compared an unguided ultra-brief intervention based on the ‘Things You Do’ against a waitlist control. The intervention included one online module, two practice guides, and four weeks of daily text messages. The primary timepoint was 5-weeks post-baseline. The intervention resulted in moderate reductions in depression (d = 0.51) and anxiety (d = 0.55) alongside moderate increases in the frequency of Things You Do actions (d = 0.54), compared to controls. No significant change in number of days out of role or life satisfaction were observed. Treatment completion was high (92 %), most participants reported being satisfied with the treatment (66 %), and improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. This study demonstrated that an automated ultra-brief ‘Things You Do’ intervention resulted in clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety. Ultra-brief interventions may provide a scalable solution to support individuals who are unlikely to engage in longer forms of psychological treatment.

Erenumab for Treatment of Persistent Erythema and Flushing in Rosacea

Treatment of erythema and flushing in rosacea is challenging. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been associated with the pathogenesis of rosacea, raising the possibility that inhibition of the CGRP pathway might improve certain features of the disease. To examine the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of erenumab, an anti-CGRP-receptor monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of rosacea-associated erythema and flushing. This single-center, open-label, single-group, nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted between June 9, 2020, and May 11, 2021. Eligible participants included adults with rosacea with at least 15 days of either moderate to severe erythema and/or moderate to extreme flushing. No concomitant rosacea treatment was allowed throughout the study period. Visits took place at the Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants received 140 mg of erenumab subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. A safety follow-up visit was performed at week 20. Data analysis occurred from January 2023 to January 2024. 140 mg of erenumab every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was mean change in the number of days with moderate to extreme flushing during weeks 9 through 12, compared with the 4-week run-in period (baseline). The mean change in number of days with moderate to severe erythema was a secondary outcome. Adverse events were recorded for participants who received at least 1 dose of erenumab. Differences in means were calculated with a paired t test. A total of 30 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.8 [13.1] years; 23 female [77%]; 7 male [23%]) were included, of whom 27 completed the 12-week study. The mean (SD) number of days with moderate to extreme flushing was reduced by -6.9 days (95% CI, -10.4 to -3.4 days; P < .001) from 23.6 (5.8) days at baseline. The mean (SD) number of days with moderate to severe erythema was reduced by -8.1 days (95% CI, -12.5 to -3.7 days; P < .001) from 15.2 (9.1) days at baseline. Adverse events included transient mild to moderate constipation (10 participants [33%]), transient worsening of flushing (4 participants [13%]), bloating (3 participants [10%]), and upper respiratory tract infections (3 participants [10%]), consistent with previous data. One participant discontinued the study due to a serious adverse event (hospital admission due to gallstones deemed unrelated to the study), and 2 participants withdrew consent due to lack of time. These findings suggest that erenumab might be effective in reducing rosacea-associated flushing and chronic erythema (participants generally tolerated the treatment well, which was consistent with previous data), and that CGRP-receptor inhibition holds potential in the treatment of erythema and flushing associated with rosacea. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this finding. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04419259.

A206 DUPILUMAB TREATMENT REDUCES THE FREQUENCY OF DYSPHAGIA DAYS AND ACTIONS TO RELIEVE DYSPHAGIA IN PATIENTS WITH EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS (EOE): RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 3 LIBERTY EOE TREET STUDY

Abstract Background Dysphagia is the predominant symptom of EoE in adolescents and adults. Aims To assess change in number of days with dysphagia, number of days with action taken to relieve dysphagia, and change in pain associated with dysphagia in patients receiving dupilumab 300 mg once weekly (qw) vs placebo in LIBERTY EoE TREET. Methods Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) score (range 0–84) was calculated from daily responses over 14 days for Q2 (frequency) and Q3 (severity); Q4 (pain) was separately assessed (range 0–56). Higher scores indicate a worse outcome. Inclusion criteria required patients to have a baseline DSQ score ≥10. Number of days with dysphagia (Q2), action taken to relieve dysphagia (Q3), and pain (Q4) were analyzed at baseline and Week (W) 24 for the placebo-controlled study parts (A and B). P-values are nominal. Results 81 patients enrolled in Part A (dupilumab/placebo: n=42/39) and 159 in Part B (n=80/79). Mean number of days with dysphagia was similar with dupilumab vs placebo at baseline, but lower in the dupilumab group at W24 (Figure). Mean [SD] change from baseline (dupilumab vs placebo) was –6.5 [3.78] vs –3.9 [4.61], Pampersand:003C0.05 in Part A, and –7.8 [4.24] vs –4.7 [4.02], Pampersand:003C0.0001 in Part B. Mean [SD] number of days with any action taken to relieve dysphagia was similar in the dupilumab vs placebo group at baseline (Part A: 7.3 [3.76] vs 8.2 [3.82]; Part B: 9.5 [3.53] vs 8.7 [3.85]) but lower (numerically) in the dupilumab group at W24 (Part A: 3.6 [3.73] vs 5.7 [4.78]; Part B: 3.0 [3.84] vs 5.3 [4.69]). At W24, numerically fewer days with more severe dysphagia (need to cough/gag, vomit, or seek medical attention to relieve dysphagia) occurred with dupilumab vs placebo. Baseline DSQ pain score was similar in dupilumab vs placebo groups. Least squares mean [95% CI] change from baseline at W24 in DSQ pain score was −10.1 [–12.2, –7.9] vs −4.4 [–6.8, –2.0] for dupilumab vs placebo in Part A (difference vs placebo: −5.7 [95% CI −8.67, –2.72]; P=0.0002), and −10.0 [–11.7, –8.1] vs −6.5 [–8.3, –4.6] in Part B (difference vs placebo: −3.5 [95% CI −5.90, −1.03]; P=0.0053). Conclusions At W24, patients in the dupilumab 300 mg qw group experienced fewer days with dysphagia, fewer days with any action taken for dysphagia relief, and less pain associated with dysphagia vs placebo. Funding Agencies Research sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Measuring change in adolescent physical activity: Responsiveness of a single item.

Self-report measures are frequently used to assess change in physical activity (PA) levels. Given the limited data from adolescent populations, the primary objective of this study was to examine the responsiveness of a single item measure (SIM) of PA for adolescents to detect change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometer data as the reference measure. A secondary objective was to provide further data on the validity of the measure at one point in time. The validity of the SIM to determine the number of days ≥60 minutes of MVPA was based on data from 200 participants (62% female; age: 14.0 ± 1.6 years) and analysis of change was based on data from 177 participants (65% female; age: 14.0 ± 1.6 years). Validity of change in days ≥60 minutes of MVPA was examined through agreement in classification of change between the SIM and accelerometry as the reference measurement and Spearman’s correlation. Cohen’s d and standardised response means were used to assess the responsiveness to change of the measure. The responsiveness of the SIM and accelerometer data were comparable and modest (0.27–0.38). The correlation for change in number of days ≥60 minutes MVPA between the SIM and accelerometery was low (r = 0.11) and the accuracy of the SIM for detecting change, using accelerometry as the reference, was only marginally above chance (53%). Therefore, the adolescent version of the SIM is adequate for assessing PA at a single time point but not recommended for assessing change.

Impact Of COVID-19 Stay At Home Public Health Restrictions On Physical Activity

The public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed recreational physical activity behavior. Due to ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions, gyms and indoor exercise facilities were closed by public health orders in many states. PURPOSE: To understand how recreational physical activity behaviors changed based on state-wide COVID-19 Stay at Home restrictions. METHODS: Data on recreational physical activity behavior from three time periods were collected via a retrospective internet survey (n = 144) based on a modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Respondents reported days per week and duration of walking, vigorous, and moderate physical activity before, during, and after Stay at Home restrictions in a Western state (March 26 - May 1, 2020.) Days per week data were analyzed across time periods with a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Friedman’s test was used to analyze minutes per week data across time periods. RESULTS: The one-way ANOVA examining days of vigorous physical activity showed a significant effect (F(2,286) = 4.48, p = .012). Post hoc analysis using the Holm correction revealed a statistically significant decrease in days of vigorous physical activity from before to after restrictions (mean difference = .39 days, p = .014). The analysis of weekly minutes of activity showed a significant difference between time periods for walking (Χ2(2) = 22.44, p < .001). Conover’s post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction indicated minutes of walking were greater during the restrictions (Mdnd = 150) compared to before (Mdnb = 110, p < .001) and after (Mdna = 120, p = .002). Vigorous physical activity was also different across time periods (Χ2(2) = 6.73, p = .035), with median vigorous physical activity being lower after restrictions (Mdna = 90) than before (Mdnb = 120) with p = .039. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 restrictions had an impact on recreational physical activity. Walking minutes per week increased during restrictions and returned to pre-restriction levels afterwards, with no significant change in number of days of walking per week. Vigorous activity decreased across the time periods in days and duration and did not return to initial levels. It may be important to consider and promote alternative physical activity options in public health situations that require restrictions.

Changes in developmental duration of direct-seeded rice in a well-drained paddy field in response to late planting

We investigated changes in the developmental duration of rice cultivars with a wide range of maturities in response to late planting. Elucidating the relationship between cropping season and the progress of growth stages is important for establishing direct-seeded cultivation and creating growth models. Late planting of the intermediate to late maturing cultivars Akidawara and Hoshijirushi decreased the time from emergence to panicle formation and decreased the cumulative effective temperature (CET) and cumulative effective soil temperature (CEST). In the very early maturing cultivars Ichibanboshi and Fusakogane, the changes in number of days, CET, and CEST from emergence to panicle formation with late planting were small. From emergence to heading and maturity, the number of days, CET, and CEST of many cultivars tended to increase until mid-May and then decreased. The changes in the number of days, CET, and CEST caused by late planting were greater for the intermediate to late maturing cultivars than for the very early maturing cultivars. The differences between cultivars were greatest with early May sowing, and then decreased with later planting. Short-day condition revealed significant differences in the duration of vegetative growth and CET among cultivars, but long-day condition erased these differences. These results demonstrate that the photosensitivity and thermosensitivity of cultivars are especially important in crop planning and for creating growth models of direct-seeded rice.

Evaluation of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin protein isolate in subjects with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUNDThere is increased interest in combining nutritional modalities with pharmacological therapies for managing patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).AIMA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the impact of oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) on gastrointestinal symptom scores and quality of life (QoL) in subjects with IBS-D.METHODSStudy subjects previously diagnosed with IBS-D according to ROME II criteria were recruited from London, Ontario, Canada and assigned to receive 5 g/day SBI, 10 g/day SBI, or placebo for 6 weeks. Daily symptom frequency and severity scores and a modified IBS-36 questionnaire assessed the impact of nutritional intervention. Laboratory assessments were performed at screening and end of treatment (EOT) to evaluate safety. Within-group comparisons of changes in number of days per week with symptoms and symptom severity were conducted on the per-protocol population of subjects using a t-test.RESULTSSubjects who received SBI at 10 g/day (N = 15) had statistically significant within-group reductions in abdominal pain (p < 0.01), loose stools (p < 0.01), bloating (p < 0.05), flatulence (p < 0.01), urgency (p < 0.05) and any symptom (p < 0.01) at EOT vs. baseline. Subjects receiving 5 g/day of SBI (N = 15) realized statistically significant within-group reductions in days with flatulence (p < 0.035), incomplete evacuation (p < 0.05), and any symptom (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in QoL scores or in hematology or clinical chemistry among treatment groups.CONCLUSIONSThis pilot study showed that nutritional therapy with either 10 g/day or 5 g/day of SBI in 30 patients was well tolerated and resulted in statistically significant within group improvements in both symptom days and in daily symptom scores in subjects with IBS-D. Additional studies are underway with larger numbers of subjects to validate these findings.

Simulation Study of past Climate Change Effect on Chickpea Phenology at Different Sowing Dates in Gorgan, Iran

This simulation study was mainly aimed to find the probable difference between sowing dates for response of four chickpea cultivars to past climate change. Firstly, the model CYRUS was recoded in QBASIC programming. Then phenology of cultivars Jam, Hashem, Arman and Beauvanij, seeded at day of year 50, 70 and 90, was evaluated during years 1961 to 2003 in Gorgan, Iran. The changes in some climatic variables were also studied. Results revealed that the solar radiation has been decreased for month December. Although the value of maximum temperature appeared to be the same across years 1961 to 2003 for all months, that of minimum temperature tended to show increasing trend for May and August. The increase in number of days with temperature higher than 35 degrees C was considerable for April and October, but negligible for other months. The warming of night temperature was significant only for May and August. It found about 34 mm per 43 years decrease in monthly rainfall for March. The rate of increase in number of days with rainfall was 0.0737 day per year for December. Nearly similar situation was found for number of days with rainfall lower than and/or equal to 10 mm. The change in number of days with rainfall higher than 10 mm and lower and/or equal to 30 mm was in decreasing manner (March, October and December). The length of time from sowing to emergence appeared to be constant across past years. The advance in flowering (R1) was true only for cultivar Jam seeded at day of year 70. The length of period from R1 to pod initiation (R3) has been diminished for sowing at day of year 70 (Jam and Arman). Only cultivar Hashem seeded at day of year 90 tended to have decreasing trend for length of period between R3 and pod filling. It found one day (per 43 years) decreases from pod yellowing to maturity for cultivar Beauvanij seeded at day of year 70. Based on these findings and on the fact that future climate change is predicted using past changes, it seems that the adaptation strategies for future, including agronomy and/or breeding programs, may be not the same for different sowing dates of chickpea.

Selection for Lower Ear Placement in Two Synthetic Populations of Maize1

Selection for lower ear placement in corn (Zea mays L.) was done to obtain synthetics with a high plant to ear height ratio, to maintain maturities at or near the original materials, and to obtain additional information on whether selection for lower ear placement would reduce the number and length of internodes below the ear. An early and a late flowering synthetic was selected for lower ear placement by sib‐mating over a 10‐generation period; then the 10 cycles were compared in performance trials. Ear height was reduced from 67 to 41 cm in 10 cycles of selection in the early synthetic, or an average decrease of 4.3% per cycle. In the late synthetic, the reduction was from 69 to 51 cm, or an average decrease of 2.9% per cycle. Plant heights remained fairly constant in both synthetics. Plant to ear height ratios increased from 2.7 to 4.2 in the early synthetic and from 2.7 to 3.7 in the late synthetic. In both synthetics one less leaf was produced below the ear and one leaf added above the ear, while the total number of leaves remained fairly constant. Average internode lengths below the ear were reduced from 10.1 to 7.3 cm in the early synthetic and from 9.0 to 7.7 cm in the late synthetic after 10 generations. The effect of selection for lower ears was therefore shorter internodes and the ears being borne at a lower node. There was no change in number of days to silking in the early synthetic but there was a 2‐day delay in the late synthetic. Slightly higher grain moistures were obtained in the later cycles of both synthetics. Grain yield decreased in successive cycles of selection with correlations of 0.97 and .87 (both significant at the 0.01 level) between ear height and yield in the early and late synthetics, respectively. Stalk lodging was generally reduced as ear height was lowered but correlations were not significant. Uses of the synthetics in breeding programs are discussed.