Comparison Of Mean Differences Research Articles

Effects of Combined L-Carnitine Supplementation and Moderate-Intensity Exercises on Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Responses in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been associated to persistent oxidative stress and inflammation that could lead to chronic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty[1]eight overweight and obese participants aged 29.03 ± 6.02 years old were randomly assigned, with 17 participants per group, into sedentary control (C), L-carnitine supplement alone (S), exercise alone (E), and combined L-carnitine supplementation and exercise (SE) groups. The participants in S and SE groups took one tablet of 1000 mg of L-carnitine every day. The E and SE groups performed brisk walking exercise for 30 minutes at 50% HRmax followed by Tabata exercise for 10 to 20 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week. During pre- and post-tests, blood markers of participants were assessed to determine their reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. All the observed parameters were analysed using two-way mixed ANOVA for repeated measures to determine significant differences within and between the groups and comparisons of mean differences were performed using one way ANOVA. RESULTS: Results showed that there were significant decreases in ROS and MDA in the S, E, and SE groups at post-test after 12 weeks of intervention. The greatest reduction of these parameters were observed in SE group among all groups. At the post-test, both CAT and SOD levels increased in the S, E, and SE groups. Regarding IL-6, it was found to be increased in C and E groups. In contrast, there were significant decreases in S and SE groups following the intervention. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of L-carnitine supplementation and engagement in brisk walking and Tabata exercise had significant improvement on oxidative stress, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses in overweight and obese individuals.

온라인 수업에서 학습몰입과 수업유용성이 학습지속의향 및 수업만족도에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between variables and the difference of learning flow, lecture usefulness, learning persistence intention and lecture satisfaction depending on online lecture types. And it is to analyze the effect of learning flow and lecture usefulness on learning persistence intention and lecture satisfaction.
 Methods An online survey was conducted and data were collected from 279 students in an C college located in Chungnam. Results from descriptive statistic, t-test, correlation and regression analysis are as follows.
 Results First, the comparisons of mean differences indicated that real-time video lecture had higher scores on learning flow and lecture usefulness, lecture satisfaction than video recorded lecture. And there are no significant difference of learning persistence intention depending on online lecture types. Second, in case of real-time video lecture, learning flow correlated positively with lecture usefulness, lecture satisfaction. Also in case of video recorded lecture, learning flow correlated positively with lecture usefulness, lecture satisfaction. Third, as a result of regression analysis, the factors affecting learning persistence intention were lecture usefulness and cognitive flow in the case of real-time video lecture. And it was lecture usefulness in the case of video recorded lecture. The factors affecting lecture satisfaction were cognitive flow and emotional flow in the case of real-time video lecture. And they were lecture usefulness, emotional flow and behavioral flow in the case of video recorded lecture.
 Conclusions For effective online classes for college students, it is necessary to design a teaching that identifies the characteristics and differences of each online lecture type and increases learning flow and lecture usefulness.

ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETER COMPARISON BETWEEN AUTISTIC AND NORMAL HEALTHY CHILDREN

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the differences in anthropometric measures between autistic and healthy children. The differences in anthropometric measures between autistic males and females were also assessed and compare. Method: Purposive/deliberate or snowball sampling method was used due to limited availability of autism centers and obtain-ability of the consent of caregivers, parent and directors of these centers. This study was carried out in autism centers, primary and secondary schools across Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria with a total number of 100 subjects (children and adolescents); 50 normal healthy subjects (comprised of 37 males and 13 females) and 50 subjects with autism (comprised of 37 males and 13 females) within the ages of 5 to 18 years. The measured parameters include; height, weight, body mass index (BMI), craniofacial circumference (CFC) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample T-test with p-value at 0.05. Result: A statistical difference in BMI and MUAC between normal and autistic female children was obtained (t-value = -4.390 and -9.875 and at p-value =0.012 and 0.001 respectively), no statistical difference in CFC between normal and autistic female children with a t-value of 0.544 at a p-value of 0.615. Also, there was a statistical difference in BMI and MUAC between normal and autistic female adolescents (t-value = 3.361 and -2.965 and at p-value =0.003 and 0.008 respectively). There were significant differences in both parameters at p<0.05 significance level whilst there was no significant differences in the craniofacial circumference (CFC). This is the same for the female adolescents with autism. In comparison of mean differences in body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and craniofacial circumference (CFC) of male and female children with autism, there was a significant difference in MUAC between male and female children with autism with a t-value of -2.597 at p-values of 0.02 respectively and for male and female adolescents with autism, there was a significant difference in BMI between male and female children with autism with a t-value of -2.136 at p-values of 0.041 respectively. Conclusion: The increase in fat component which is more predominant in females is a factor responsible for the increase in MUAC and BMI in the study, due to increased carbohydrate and fat intake as well as sedentary life style. The crainofacial circumference and its variance significantly increased especially in male adolescents, suggesting the relative overgrowth of the brain in a substantial percentage of adolescents in Port Harcourt with autism. KEYWORDS: Autism, Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Craniofacial Circumference, Children, Adolescents

Accuracy of Weight Estimation Using the Broselow Tape in a Peruvian Pediatric Population.

IntroductionThe Broselow tape (BT) is a useful pediatric tool for weight estimation and dosing reference during emergency care. Many accuracy studies have been performed for various countries and regions of the world but there is very little information for Latin American countries. The primary objective of the study was to assess the accuracy of the BT in a Peruvian pediatric population.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 1,160 children aged two to 19 years from three outpatient clinics in La Libertad, Lima, and Iquitos, Peru. Patient height and weight were measured and compared with the weight and color zone generated by the 2017 edition of the BT. Accuracy was estimated by statistical comparison of mean absolute percent differences, error within 10% (EW10), and color zone agreement.ResultsComparison of mean differences between measured weight (MW) and estimated BT weight shows that the BT underestimates actual weight for all color zones in this population. Likewise, the Bland-Altman plot of agreement between estimated and measured weights shows an overall underestimation, or bias, equal to 1.60 kg. The overall percent difference was -7.84% with differences gradually increasing for weights over 10 kg. In terms of accuracy, the overall error within 10% was 62.8%.ConclusionThe BT underestimates the actual weight of Peruvian pediatric patients in all color categories, particularly in children with higher body mass indexes. Underestimation of weight may lead to the use of non-therapeutic medication doses or incorrect equipment sizes and, subsequently, ineffective resuscitation.

Early Growth Response of Irvingia gabonensis Seedlings to Cowdung and NPK Fertilizer Application

Plants, unlike animals are naturally able to synthesize whatever compounds they need, require more than a dozen different elements [majorly Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK)] as such. This study investigated the effect(s) of application of cow dung (CD) and NPK fertilizer on the early growth response of Irvingia gabonensis. Top soil samples of between 0 – 15 cm depth (control group I), top soil + NPK (Group II), top soil + cow dung (Group III) and top soil + NPK + cow dung (Group IV) were collected at varying combinations. The soils were then taken to the laboratory for physio-chemical analysis of key components [pH, N, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, Org. C, sand, silt and clay]. Prior to and after actual experimentation, the N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, pH constituents of the cow dung were also analysed. For every two weeks (in twenty weeks duration) after application, plant heights, leaf area, number of leaf, stem girth were obtained and noted. By way of a sensitive weighing machine, 20 WAP destructive sampling was conducted to determine the weights of the shoot and root after oven-drying for three days in an oven sets at 75°C. In any case, these samples were then analysed for the nutrient content of the stem, root and leaf. Following data collection, comparisons of mean differences was performed using the Fishers protected least significant test and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Upon careful observation of result, study found that Irvingia gabonensis seedlings grown with cow-dung and NPK combination (Group IV) performed better in growth (height, diameter and leaf area) than seedlings grown in only top soil medium (TS) with single fertilizer use (Group II). However, NPK 3 CD 3, NPK 3 CD 2 and NPK 2 CD 3 best support the early growth phase of Irvingia gabonensis seedlings as compared to others. Study therefore showed Cow dung to contain substantial amount of essential elements that may be beneficial for the physio-chemical growth of Irvingia wombolu seedlings and combating reports of deforestations across the globe. It is recommended that for better results, cow-dung and NPK mixtures should be used than single use of the either treatments. Further studies aimed at corroborating this research are also recommended.

Türk Öğrencilerin Matematiksel Değer ve Tercihlerini Değerlendirmek İçin Bir Ölçeğin Geliştirilmesi

The aim of this study was to construct a questionnaire: the mathematics values questionnaire (MVQ). Because a little is known about students’ mathematics values and no assessment tool is available to measure students’ mathematics values to obtain more insight into their perspectives. For this, the proportional stratified random sample of the study consisted of Grade 5 (11-12 years old) and Grade 9 (14-15 years old) students attending schools in Turkey. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses by using a recently developed and validated survey instrument. The questionnaire’s structural and predictive validities were investigated using a Principal component analysis (PCA) and an item analysis (item-total correlations and comparison of differences in means for distinctly different groups). Six components were extracted: relevance (C1), practice (C2), information and communications technology (ICT) (C3), feedback (C4), learning approach (C5), and consolidating (C6). Our results showed that Grade 5 students placed more importance than Grade 9 students for all the six value components.

The effect of red pomegranate provision on malondialdehyde and blood lactic acid level in rats with maximum physical activity

The primary objective of this research was to examine the effect of provision of red pomegranate juice on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood lactic acid in Wistar rats with maximum physical activity. The study employed a true experiment design. The pretest-posttest with control group design was done on 35 rats given maximum physical activity and treatment for 28 days. The rats were divided into 5 groups: the control group, group with treatment of multivitamin, group with treatment of red pomegranate 2 ml, 4 ml, and 6 ml. The MDA level was measured by TBARS method and lactic acid levels were analysed using ELISA. Comparison statistical analysis was done using paired t-test, while comparison of mean differences between treatment groups were tested using One-way ANOVA, and followed by LSD as the post hoc test. Provision of red pomegranate juice in a variety of doses significantly decreased the levels of MDA and blood lactic acid (p<0.05). The highest MDA level decrease occurred in the group treated with multivitamin (68.02%) and the highest decrease in the levels of blood lactic acid occurred in the group with 6 ml red pomegranate juice (25.94%). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that red pomegranate juice can lower the levels of MDA and blood lactic acid significantly in rats with maximum physical activity.

"Is CT Scan more Accurate than Endoscopy in Identifying Distance from the Anal Verge for Left Sided Colon Cancer? A Comparative Cohort Analysis"

Purposes: Accurately localizing colorectal cancer during surgery may be challenging due to intraoperative limitations. In the present study, localization of left-sided colon cancer (LCC) by CT scan is compared to colonoscopy. Material and methods: Consecutive patients with LCC located by colonoscopy and CT scan and undergoing left-hemicolectomy were included. Tumor distance from the anal verge (TDAV) was calculated by both CT-scan and colonoscopy, and then compared, using as reference TDAV measured intraoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed including (1) comparison of means between all three TDAVs, (2) comparison of mean differences between all three TDAVs, (3) comparison of number of patients with a difference between endoscopic TDAV and intraoperative TDAV ≤5 cm and the number of patients with a difference between CT scan TDAV and intraoperative TDAV ≤5 cm (4) statistical relationship between either CT scan and endoscopic and intraoperative TDAVs. Results: Both CT scan and endoscopy overestimate TDAV (25.8 ± 12.5 cm and 24.6 ± 10.6 cm vs. 21.5 ± 7.4 cm, p = 0.005), but CT scan TDAV resulted as being different from intraoperative TDAV (p < 0.01). Regression analysis reported an increasing divergence of measurements with increasing values of intraoperative TDAV, which resulted greater for CT. Tumors within 5 cm of intraoperative TDAV were 22/28 (78.6%) for endoscopy, and 17/28 (60.7%) for CT (p = 0.2448). Conclusions: Accuracy of both examinations seems poor, with a mean overestimation >3 cm and a significant number of tumors found at >5 cm from preoperative evaluation. Preoperative examinations’ bias increase proportionally with TDAV length, decreasing their interest especially for tumors located at a greater distance from anal verge.

Abstract P6-11-10: Impact of disease progression on health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the PRAEGNANT breast cancer registry

Abstract Background: Improved progression-free survival is considered as treatment goal for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) since it is assumed to delay or prevent deterioration of quality of life.Aim of our analysis was to examine the influence of disease progression on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: The PRAEGNANT study comprises a real-life registry for patients with MBC. HRQoL was assessed with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 Version 3.0 questionnaire at study entry and every 3 months thereafter. The primary endpoint was minimally important deterioration (MID) in global HRQoL score by ≥ five points between baseline and any follow-up assessment. A logistic regression model was built with MID (yes/no) at a follow-up timepoint as outcome variable and several covariates as predictors. Results: In total, 329 patients were included in this analysis, with disease progression in 63 patients. Concerning the primary study aim, progression status predicted MID of global HRQoL status in addition to the other covariates. The adjusted odds ratio for the effect of progression status on MID was 2.22 (95% CI: 1.04 – 4.73). Comparisons of mean differences of QoL domains/scales yielded no differences. Conclusions: We provide evidence that disease progression in patients with metastatic breast cancer in a real-world registry has a significant negative impact on HRQoL as measured by MID of HRQoL. This study emphasizes the relevance of avoiding progression and prolonging PFS to maintain QoL. Citation Format: Wallwiener M, Nabieva N, Haeberle L, Taran FA, Hartkopf AD, Volz B, Overkamp F, Brandl AL, Kolberg H-C, Hadji P, Tesch H, Ettl J, Lux MP, Lueftner D, Belleville E, Fasching PA, Janni W, Beckmann MW, Wimberger P, Hielscher C, Fehm T, Brucker SY, Wallwiener D, Schneeweiss A, Mueller V. Impact of disease progression on health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the PRAEGNANT breast cancer registry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-10.

Internal Motivation among Doctoral Students: Contributions from the Student and from the Student’s Environment

Aim/Purpose: The present quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to investigate objective and subjective factors in the self-determination of doctoral students in their educational activities. Objective determinants included major discipline and forms of academic and scholarly activity (that is, attending classes and writing papers), and subjective determinants included personal characteristics of the doctoral students, including dispositional autonomy and perceptions of environmental supports for students’ basic psychological needs. Background: The quality of students’ motivation for learning has been linked with many different outcomes. Specifically, students who are more internally motivated (that is, who engage in learning activities for reasons that are personally important and freely chosen) demonstrate better performance outcomes and are more likely to choose and to persist in challenging tasks, to enjoy learning, to exhibit greater creativity, and in general to experience greater psychological well-being. Important questions remain, however, regarding the sources that affect student motivation, in particular at the level of graduate school. The present study expands on existing research by exploring contributions to students’ motivation both from the students, themselves, and from supports stemming from two interpersonal contexts: close relationships and the university environment. Methodology: Participating in the study were 112 doctoral students from various natural sciences departments of a major university in the Volga region of Russia. Self-report measures included dispositional autonomy, motivation for various types of academic and scholarly activity, and satisfaction of basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness in various interpersonal contexts. Analyses included descriptive statistics, comparison of mean differences, correlation, and structural equation modeling. Contribution: The present study goes beyond existing research by considering both dispositional and situational factors that influence the motivation of doctoral students for their scholarly and academic activities, and by comparing the impact on motivation of close personal relationships with that of various interpersonal contexts in the university setting. Findings: Doctoral students reported greater supports for their basic needs (for competence, autonomy, and relatedness) from their close personal relationships than in their university contexts. Students felt less support for their autonomy and competence with their research supervisor than in other university settings. The early stages of a scholarly activity, such as gathering sources and analyzing materials, were more likely to be characterized by external motivation, whereas the later stages, like the actual writing of a manuscript, were more likely to be internally motivated. When competing for variance, need supports from university-based but not from close personal relationships were significant contributors to students’ internal motivation for scholarly and academic activity; this effect, however, was fully mediated through students’ own dispositional autonomy. Recommendations for Practitioners: The present study underscores the importance of creating an environment in the university that supports doctoral students’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Educators, and in particular research supervisors, should attend to the ways in which their policies and practices support versus undermine these needs, which are shown to play an important role in promoting doctoral students’ own internal motivation for their scholarly and academic activities. Recommendation for Researchers: Although in this sample need supports from university-based interpersonal contexts outweighed the role of need supports from close personal relationships, in terms of doctoral students’ scholarly and academic motivation, it seems important to keep both contexts in mind, given the general importance of close relationships for motivation and other educational and well-being outcomes. As well, accounting for students’ own dispositional attributes, such as their own personal tendency toward autonomy, seems a critical counterpoint to looking at environmental contributions. Future Research: Future research should examine whether the mediational model tested in the present study applies to other samples of doctoral students, for example, to those from other disciplines, such as the humanities, and those in other cultural or geographic locations, where it is possible that close personal relationships may contribute more substantially to students’ motivation than was the case in the present sample. As well, future studies would do well to include other relevant outcomes, such as academic grades, successful degree completion, and measures of well-being, in order to confirm previous findings of the link between internal motivation and various educational outcomes.

TBCRC 036: Window of opportunity clinical trial reveals adaptive kinome reprogramming in single and combination HER2-targeting in breast cancer (BrCa).

1027 Background: HER2 targeting is challenging due to heterogeneity in response and resistance. Adaptive kinome reprogramming (AKRP) is a resistance mechanism to kinase-targeted therapy (Rx) in TNBC ( Cancer Discovery2017). We studied AKRP in HER2+ BrCa by comparing transcriptome and kinome profiles before and after Rx with FDA-approved anti-HER2 drugs and combinations: trastuzumab (T), pertuzumab (P), T+P, or T+ lapatinib (T+L). Profiling was by RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and multiplexed inhibitor beads coupled with mass spectrometry (MIB/MS). MIB affinity-purification selectively enriches the functional kinome ( &gt; 250 kinases per sample) for identification/quantification by MS. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) had biopsy then randomization to: T (8 mg/kg iv), P (840 mg iv), T+P (same doses), or T+L (8mg/kg iv x1, 1000 mg po/d) 7 days before breast surgery. RNAseq and MIB/MS on paired pre- and post-Rx samples were analyzed using DESeq2 (comparison of mean difference in log2fold change (post/pre)) and MaxQuant (kinome response profiling) software. Results: Of 23 evaluable pts, we obtained informative paired RNAseq data in 13 (5 T, 3 P, 3 T+P, 2 T+L), and identified distinct expression responses (padj≤0.05) between Rx arms, such as FGFR4 increase in P vs T or T+P. All samples had HER2 enrichment by RNAseq. Kinome response profiling from 11 pts (3 T, 3 P, 4 T+P, 2 T+L) revealed consistent increases in MIB binding (abundance a/o activity) of several tyrosine kinases regardless of Rx, including immune-related kinases SYK, IRAK4, FGR, and FES. Other kinases, such as p90Rsk and GSK3B, exhibited increased binding in response to T and T+P, but not P alone. While not quantifiable in every sample due to detection limits, HER2 inhibition was observed by loss of MIB binding in select post-Rx versus pre-Rx comparisons. Conclusions: HER2 inhibition upregulates and activates specific receptor tyrosine kinases in tumor cells as well as alterations that may reflect changes in the immune compartment. HER2+ BrCa exhibit plasticity, characterized by distinct expression and kinome profile changes within 1 week of initiating Rx, and reprogramming in both immune responses and BrCa cells. Clinical trial information: NCT01875666.

Radiation and depression associated with complications of tissue expander reconstruction.

Rates of implant failure, wound healing delay, and infection are higher in patients having radiation therapy (RT) after tissue expander (TE) and permanent implant reconstruction. We investigated pretreatment risk factors for TE implant complications. 127 breast cancer patients had TE reconstruction and radiation. For 85 cases of bilateral TE reconstruction, the non-irradiated breast provided an internal control. Comparison of differences in means for continuous variables used analysis of variance, then multiple pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction of p value. Mean age was 53±10.1years with 14.6% African-American. Twelve (9.4%) were BRCA positive (9 BRCA1, 4 BRCA2, 1 Both). Complications were: Grade 0 (no complication; 43.9%), Grade 1 (tightness and/or drifting of implant or Baker Grade II capsular contracture; 30.9%), Grade 2 (infection, hypertrophic scarring, or incisional necrosis; 9.8%), Grade 3 (Baker Grade III capsular contracture, wound dehiscence, or impending exposure of implant; 5.7%), Grade 4 (implant failure, exchange of implant, or Baker Grade IV capsular contracture; 9.8%). 15.3% (19 cases) experienced Grade 3 or 4 complication and 9.8% (12 cases) had Grade 4 complication. Considering non-irradiated breasts, there were two (1.6%) Grade 3-4 complications. For BMI, there was no significant difference by category as defined by the CDC (p=0.91). Patients with depression were more likely to experience Grade 3 or 4 complication (29.4 vs 13.2%; p=0.01). Using multiple logistic regression to predict the probability of a Grade 3 or 4 complications in patients with depression were found to be 4.2 times more likely to have a Grade 3 or 4 complication (OR=4.2, p=0.03). Higher rates of TE reconstruction complications are expected in patients receiving radiotherapy. An unexpected finding was that patients reporting medical history of depression showed statistically significant increase in complication rates.

Study of the relationship between APOA-II −265T>C polymorphism and HDL function in response to weight loss in overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients

It has been reported that people may respond differently to the same environmental changes because of genome variations. The main purpose of the present study is to determine gene-diet interactions between-265T>C apolipoprotein A-II polymorphisms and evaluate the effect of weight loss on parameters related to HDL function. In the present study, 56 overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients were chosen from 697 genotype-specified subjects. After matching for gender, age and BMI, an equal number of patients were chosen for each genotype of APOA-II (TT/TC and CC group). After six-week calorie restriction programme, 44 patients completed the study. Serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1), paraoxonase-3 (PON3), pentraxin-3 (PTX3), and PTX3 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared between two genotypes and also before and after the intervention separated in each genotype. The mean differences of PON enzymes and PTX3 between groups were not significant at the baseline. After weight loss, the mean weight, BMI and serum concentration of PON1 and PON3 decreased significantly and PTX3 increased in total population. Although, the mean differences of PON enzymes and PTX3 between two groups were not significant. However, in comparison of mean differences within the groups, decreased PON3 and increased PTX3 have been observed only in TT group. A comparison of the mean differences in PON3 and PTX3 within two genotype groups showed that T allele carriers are more sensitive to lifestyle modification, and serum PON3 and PTX3 levels significantly changed only in the TT/TC group.

Revealing the time course of signals influencing the generation of secondary saccades using Aalen’s additive hazards model

Saccadic eye movements are frequently followed by smaller secondary saccades which are generally assumed to correct for the error in primary saccade landing position. However, secondary saccades can also occur after accurate primary saccades and they are often as small as microsaccades, therefore raising the need to further scrutinize the processes involved in secondary saccade generation. Following up a previous study, we analyzed secondary saccades using rate analysis which allows us to quantify experimental effects as shifts in distributions, therefore going beyond comparisons of mean differences. We use Aalen’s additive hazards model to delineate the time course of key influences on the secondary saccade rate. In addition to the established effect of primary saccade error, we observed a time-varying influence of under- vs. overshooting – with a higher risk of generating secondary saccades following undershoots. Moreover, increasing target eccentricity influenced the programming of secondary saccades, therefore demonstrating that error-unrelated variables co-determine secondary saccade programs. Our results provide new insights into the generative mechanisms of small saccades during postsaccadic fixation that need to be accounted for by secondary saccade models.

Abstract P2-13-02: Radiation and depression associated with complications of tissue expander reconstruction

Abstract Background: Rates of implant failure, wound healing delay, and infection are higher in patients having RT after tissue expander (TE) and permanent implant reconstruction. Some have suggested greater complications with increased body mass index (BMI) and with diabetes. Patients and Methods: 127 patients had bilateral TE reconstruction and radiation from 2003 to 2013 at two centers. In 95% (121/127) of cases RT was performed while the TE was in place with the permanent implant inserted after RT. 3D-CRT technique included 50 Gy with daily or every other day bolus and forward planned segments. The supraclavicular and/or internal mammary lymph node bearing regions were treated in 82.7% (105/127) cases. The non-irradiated breast provided an internal control. Chi-squared testing of pretreatment factors included radiation, chemotherapy, and medical history of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disease. BMI, tobacco and alcohol use, use of antiestrogen, statin, antidepressant, antihypertensive, anxiolytics, and antidiabetic medications were also studied. Comparison of differences in means for continuous variables used analysis of variance, then multiple pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction of p-value. Results: Mean age was 53 ± 10.1 years with just 14.6% African- American. Twelve (9.4%) were BRCA positive (9 BRCA1, 4 BRCA2, 1 Both). Nearly all complications were in the radiated breast. Complications were: Grade 0 (no complication; 43.9%), Grade 1 (tightness and/or drifting of implant or Baker grade II capsular contracture; 30.9 %), Grade 2 (infection, hypertrophic scarring, or incisional necrosis; 9.8%), Grade 3 (Baker grade III capsular contracture, wound dehiscence, or impending exposure of implant; 5.7%), Grade 4 (implant failure, exchange of implant, or Baker grade IV capsular contracture; 9.8%). 15.3 percent (19 cases) experienced grade 3 or 4 complication and 9.8% (12 cases) had grade 4 complication. Considering non-irradiated breasts, there were two (1.6%) Grade 3-4 complications. For BMI, there was no significant difference by category as defined by the CDC (p=0.91). Patients history of HRT tended to be more likely to have Grade 3 or 4 complications (31.8% vs 12.4% respectively; p=0.08). Patients with depression were more likely to experience a Grade 3 or 4 complication (29.4% vs 13.2%; p=0.01). Multiple logistic regression was used to predict the probability of a Grade 3 or 4 complication with HR use and depression as independent variables. Patients with depression were 4.2 times more likely to have a Grade 3 or 4 complication (OR=4.2, p=0.03) and patients with a history of HRT use were 3.4 times more likely to experience a Grade 3 or 4 complication (OR = 3.4, p=0.04). Only clinical diagnosis of depression was considered as 12/31 (38.7%) with antidepressants used only venlafaxine. Neither BRCA status (p=0.72) nor chemotherapy factors (p=0.42) were associated with complication rates. Conclusions: Higher rates of TE reconstruction complications may be expected in patients receiving radiotherapy. Patients reporting medical history of depression or HRT use showed statistically significant increase in complication rates. This effect might be attributed to a drug effect or to patient factors such as body image. Citation Format: Wagner RM, Spzunar SM, Stefani WA, Falk JS, Williams JL, Edhayan E, Dul CL, Rodriguez D, Busuito MJ, Browne CH, Aref A, Rabbani AN, Chuba PJ. Radiation and depression associated with complications of tissue expander reconstruction. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-02.

Effect of soy flour enriched bread consumption on anthropometric indices and blood pressure and its association with ApoE genotype in overweight and obese women

Background: Recent publications indicate that consumption of soy products may have favorable effects on body composition and blood pressure. These effects might be associated with presence of specific polymorphism in Apo E gene. This study was conducted to examine the effects of consumption of soy flour enriched bread on anthropometric indices and blood pressure and its association with ApoE genotype in overweight and obese women. Methods: In this randomized cross-over clinical, 30 overweight and obese women were randomly assigned to regular diet and soy bread diet groups and received a mild weight loss diet for 6 weeks and a washout period for 20-d. Subjects in the soy bread diet were asked to consume 120 gr of enriched soy bread instead of the same amount of their usual bread intake. Results: No significant effects of soy bread on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and anthropometric indices were observed compared to the regular diet (P> 0.05). For diastolic blood pressure (DBP), comparison of mean differences of variables between two groups showed a marginally significant effect of soy bread (P=0.06). Compared to the regular diet, soy bread had a significant effect on DBP in the group with Apo ɛ2 allele (P=0.028). Conclusion: Soy bread consumption might have favorable effects on the blood pressure of overweight and obese women with E2 allele.

Effects of Soy Flour Fortified Bread Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors According to APOE Genotypes in Overweight and Obese Adult Women: A Cross-over Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Recent studies suggest that inclusion of soy product in the diet may have favorable effects on relief of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and risk factors. These effects might be associated with the presence of specific polymorphism in gene. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of consumption of soy flour fortified bread on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese women according to APOE genotype. In a randomized cross-over clinical trial 30 overweight and obese women received a mild weight loss diet and assigned to a regular diet and a soy bread diet, each for 6 weeks and a washout period for 20 days. Subjects in the soy bread diet were asked to replace 120 grams of their daily usual bread intake with equal amount of soy bread. No significant effects of soy bread on serum lipid, systolic blood pressure and anthropometric indices were observed compared to the regular diet (p > 0.05). For diastolic blood pressure (DBP), comparison of mean differences between two groups showed a marginally significant effect of soy bread (p = 0.06). Compared to regular diet, soy bread had a significant effect on DBP in E2 genotype group (ε2/ε2) (p = 0.03). Having ε2 allele may influences responses of CVD risk factor to soy bread consumption. However more nutrigenetic studies are required.

Effects of Land-Use Change on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen

Although the literature is full of references to soil degradation under forest cultivation, very little information is available on changes in soil properties following deforestation of the Hyrcanian area in northern Iran. Also, the literature provides little information on the effects of conversion from deforested cropland to grazing, a likely direction of land-use change in northern Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of conversion of native forests into farmlands and/or grazing lands on soil properties and nutrients in the Hyrcanian forest. The dominant land uses are native forest, dryland farming of barley and wheat, and grazing. Three transects were established on hill slopes of the study area. Transects represented three land-use changes that occurred from 1967 to 2004 and included mature forest (Fagus orientalis and Acer velotinom) converted to dryland farming (barley and wheat) in 1970s, dryland farming converted to irrigated rice farming in mid-1980s, and dryland farming not cultured from 1986 to now. Average transects slope gradients were 23° (T1), 15° (T2), and 4° (T3). Three positions (top, middle, and bottom of hill slope) were selected on each transect to represent each land-use type. Therefore, nine sites were selected to analyze land-use change effects on soil properties. Twenty-m vertical transects were established perpendicular to main transects. At each vertical transect, three surface soil samples (0–25 cm) were collected to measure soil properties. Total nitrogen (N) was determined by the Kjeldahl method and soil organic carbon (SOC) content was measured using the modified Walkley–Black wet oxidation procedure. Comparisons of mean differences among land uses revealed that soils under native forest contained 4.73% SOC and 0.474% total N, which were significantly greater (P < 0.01) than contents under grazing (1.76% SOC, 0.323% total N) or dryland faming (1.37% SOC and 0.248% total N). Differences between grazing and dryland farming were not statistically significant.

Towards a more inclusive approach to intervention research: the case of research in learning disabilities

Intervention research in special education tends to rely on comparisons of mean differences to determine instructional strategies that ‘work’ for students with disabilities. This reliance on mean differences obscures individual variation that is always present in educational research. This paper examines the degree to which individual variation is acknowledged in reports of intervention research published in four leading learning disabilities journals over a five-year period. It was found that, although there was considerable variance present in intervention studies published in these journals, this variability was often unacknowledged. This paper concludes with suggestions for how researchers might acknowledge variance in their research.

Verbessert das Resident Assessment Instrument die ambulante Pflege? - Ergebnisse einer bundesweiten Studie

Effective and efficient instruments for care planning and controlling are required to optimise the nursing process and improve outcome quality despite of various lacks of quality and precarious circumstances. A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess whether the implementation of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) into home care service providers can help to improve or stabilise functional abilities (ADL, IADL) and cognitive skills (MMST), improve quality of life (EQ-5D), reduce institutionalisation and thereby increase outcome quality. A comparison of mean differences between the treatment and control group showed no significant effects. Although the multilevel regression results show that clients in the treatment group fared better in terms of ADL and IADL (smaller decline) and were less likely to move to nursing homes and be hospitalised, none of these effects are significant. The lack of significance might be due to the fact that RAI was not fully implemented and even the partial implementation lasted much longer than expected. Moreover, the number of clients included in the study was smaller than originally planned.