Control Group Mean Research Articles

The Error of Tracking Error: Why Active Indexing Makes Sense

<h3>Abstract</h3> <h3>Objective</h3> To synthesise the evidence on the overall and differential effects of interventions based on diet and physical activity during pregnancy, primarily on gestational weight gain and maternal and offspring composite outcomes, according to women’s body mass index, age, parity, ethnicity, and pre-existing medical condition; and secondarily on individual complications. <h3>Design</h3> Systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD). <h3>Data sources</h3> Major electronic databases from inception to February 2017 without language restrictions. <h3>Eligibility criteria for selecting studies</h3> Randomised trials on diet and physical activity based interventions in pregnancy. <h3>Data synthesis</h3> Statistical models accounted for clustering of participants within trials and heterogeneity across trials leading to summary mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the effects overall, and in subgroups (interactions). <h3>Results</h3> IPD were obtained from 36 randomised trials (12 526 women). Less weight gain occurred in the intervention group than control group (mean difference −0.70 kg, 95% confidence interval −0.92 to −0.48 kg, I²=14.1%; 33 studies, 9320 women). Although summary effect estimates favoured the intervention, the reductions in maternal (odds ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 1.03, I²=26.7%; 24 studies, 8852 women) and offspring (0.94, 0.83 to 1.08, I²=0%; 18 studies, 7981 women) composite outcomes were not statistically significant. No evidence was found of differential intervention effects across subgroups, for either gestational weight gain or composite outcomes. There was strong evidence that interventions reduced the odds of caesarean section (0.91, 0.83 to 0.99, I²=0%; 32 studies, 11 410 women), but not for other individual complications in IPD meta-analysis. When IPD were supplemented with study level data from studies that did not provide IPD, the overall effect was similar, with stronger evidence of benefit for gestational diabetes (0.76, 0.65 to 0.89, I²=36.8%; 59 studies, 16 885 women). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Diet and physical activity based interventions during pregnancy reduce gestational weight gain and lower the odds of caesarean section. There is no evidence that effects differ across subgroups of women.

Comparative Changes in Psychological Mindedness, Mindfulness, and Concordance Attitudes between Online and Face-to-Face Undergraduate Psychiatry Education in a University in Borneo, Malaysia

&#x0D; Introduction: Psychiatry posting is one of essential posting for medical students in Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Apart from learning about mental health disorder, students are also exposed to various psychotherapies techniques are crucial in psychiatric practise. However, in view of COVID-19, online learning had to be adopted, instead of the traditional face-to-face learning.&#x0D; Methods: The study aimed to assess the difference in diverse psychological constructs, such as psychological mindedness, flexibility, and mindfulness; pre- &amp; post-psychiatry posting, and to determine whether online learning was comparable to face-to-face learning. The study was done on 58 undergraduate medical student populations, utilizing a set of scales to determine the psychological constructs, viz., balanced Index of psychological mindedness, Leeds attitudes to Concordance Scale II (LATCon II), the mindful attention awareness scale, and the acceptance and action questionnaire-II, which were administered before &amp; after completion of the posting.&#x0D; Results: Results were subsequently analysed using IBM SPSS. Interestingly, both control group (mean difference= 15.155, p= 0.004) and online psychiatry posting (mean difference 12.691, p= 0.014) had higher mindfulness level when compared to face-to-face psychiatry posting. Despite the common perception that psychiatry posting raises awareness regarding mental health, it was found that there were no significant differences in psychological constructs pre- and post-psychiatry posting. Interestingly, the online psychiatry posting also found to be as effective as the face-to-face psychiatry posting.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study highlighted the applicability of online learning in psychiatry, which could be crucial in maintaining continuity of learning during these uncertain times.

Serum vitamin D in Indian children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis

AIM: To determine the vitamin D levels in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients in Indian population. METHODS: A total of 30 non-atopic healthy children and 30 children having VKC were included in the study. The serum vitamin D levels and the time spent outside was compared between the two groups (P&lt;0.05). RESULTS: The mean serum vitamin D level in the VKC group was significantly lower (mean 19.17±10.76 ng/mL) compared to the control group (mean 31.19±9.09 ng/mL) (P=0.0003). The vitamin D levels were found to be deficient (10-20 ng/mL) in 43.33%, whereas severe deficiency (&lt;10 ng/mL) was found in 20% of the VKC patients. The deficiency of vitamin D correlated with the level of severity of VKC (P&lt;0.02). The time spent outside in the VKC group was 1.07±0.76h, whereas in the healthy subjects it was 2.08±0.72h (P&lt;0.0001), and it showed a significant correlation with the serum 25 (OH) D3 levels (r=0.478, P&lt;0.001). CONCLUSION: The study shows that children with VKC had a significantly lower serum vitamin D levels as compared to the healthy children which correlated with time spent outside. The severity of VKC also correlated with the severity of vitamin D deficiency which suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining ocular surface health.

The Impact of Nursing Delirium Preventive Interventions in the ICU: A Multicenter Cluster-randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Rationale: Delirium is common in critically ill patients and is associated with deleterious outcomes. Nonpharmacological interventions are recommended in current delirium guidelines, but their effects have not been unequivocally established. Objectives: To determine the effects of a multicomponent nursing intervention program on delirium in the ICU. Methods: A stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in ICUs of 10 centers. Adult critically ill surgical, medical, or trauma patients at high risk of developing delirium were included. A multicomponent nursing intervention program focusing on modifiable risk factors was implemented as standard of care. The primary outcome was the number of delirium-free and coma-free days alive in 28 days after ICU admission. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 1,749 patients were included. Time spent on interventions per 8-hour shift was median (interquartile range) 38 (14-116) minutes in the intervention period and median 32 (13-73) minutes in the control period (P = 0.44). Patients in the intervention period had a median of 23 (4-27) delirium-free and coma-free days alive compared with a median of 23 (5-27) days for patients in the control group (mean difference, -1.21 days; 95% confidence interval, -2.84 to 0.42 d; P = 0.15). In addition, the number of delirium days was similar: median 2 (1-4) days (ratio of medians, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.75 to 1.09; P = 0.27). Conclusions: In this large randomized controlled trial in adult ICU patients, a limited increase in the use of nursing interventions was achieved, and no change in the number of delirium-free and coma-free days alive in 28 days could be determined. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03002701).

CORRELATION STUDY BETWEEN THREE DIFFERENT GENES EXPRESSION AND CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA IN IRAQ

The following study was conducted to investigate the correlation between the expression of three different genes (NOB1, DDX47, CD101 (with the occurrence and development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in Iraq. The difference in the expression of these genes between patients and healthy controls was studied. Moreover the correlation of age and gender with CML occurrence and comparing with control was also examined. Results showed significant increases in mean of gene expression level (ΔCt) of patient groups for all genes compared to the corresponding ΔCt means in control group, also the gene expression folding (2-∆∆Ct) reflect significant differences in the expression of these genes and CD101, mRNA showed the highest level in CML patients which reached to (3.44), while NOB1 and DDX47 recorded (2.90 and 1.08) respectively. On the other hand no significant differences were recorded according to age and gender between CML patients and control, CML disease could affect any age and both male and female.

Alteration of Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in Woman with Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality and delayed diagnosis. Several immunological alterations take place during ovarian carcinogenesis, and can be of value in the surveillance of the diseases. This research was conducted to evaluate serum immunoglobulin levels in women with ovarian cancer and to assess their role in disease process. The present study is composed of 85 women (mean age = 62.03±12.4 yrs) with clinically and pathologically confirmed ovarian cancer and 65 healthy females as a control group (mean age = 61±12.1 yrs). ELISA test was achieved for the determination of serum [IgG, IgA, IgM]. The findings of current study illustrated significant (P=0.001) increase in serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels as compared to controls. Analyzing serum immunoglobulins levels might assist in identify patients with a weak prediction, the elevation of serum immunoglobulins can be considered as an indication for disease status.&#x0D;

The Application of Psychology in Educational Games Based on Multiple Intelligences Related to Its Role in School Maturity

The purpose of this study was to determine the application of psychology in educational games based on multiple intelligences related to its role in school maturity. The research hypothesis is that There is a difference between groups of school maturity who got educative game based on multiple intelligences with a group that did not educative game based on multiple intelligences. The group that was given educative game based on multiple intelligences increased school maturity higher than the control The population in this study were 293 students. Based on purposive sampling method, there were 30 students as samples in the research. Measurements were performed using Nijmeegse Schoolbekwaamheids Test (NST). By using the technique of paired samples t test analysis through SPSS, the results obtained in the experimental group, t count <t table (-16.313 <-1.761) and the results of significance of 0.000. It showed difference in school maturity among students. Means with the educative game based on multiple intelligences increased the school maturity. And this was proved with greater mean on experimental group, which is 132.6667. While the control group mean only 90.5333. It shows that the results of the experimental group are better than the control group.

Adhesion prevention after endometriosis surgery \u2014 results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial with second-look laparoscopy

PurposeAdhesion formation after endometriosis surgery is a severe problem affecting up to 90% of patients. Possible complications include chronic pain, ileus, and secondary infertility. Therefore, effective adhesion prophylaxis is desirable, for which the adhesion barrier 4DryField® PH is evaluated in the present clinical study. It is a starch-based powder that forms a gel after irrigation with saline solution and thus separates surgical sites as physical barrier for adhesion prevention.MethodsFifty patients with extensive and deep infiltrating endometriosis were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with two-staged laparoscopic approach. The patients were randomized into two groups, one receiving 4DryField® PH and the other irrigation with saline solution for adhesion prevention. Adhesion formation was directly scored during second-look interventions considering incidence, extent, and severity. Adhesion prevention treatment in the second surgery was performed corresponding to the first intervention to evaluate the long-term outcome in the later course.ResultsBoth groups were comparable with respect to relevant patient parameters. Severity and extent of adhesions were significantly reduced by 85% in the 4DryField® PH group compared to the control group (mean total adhesion score 2.2 vs. 14.2; p = 0.004). Incidence of adhesion formation based on the number of affected sites was significantly reduced by 53% in the intervention vs. control group (mean 1.1 vs. 2.3 sites; p = 0.004). Follow-up of secondary endpoints is not yet completed; results will become available at a later stage.ConclusionAdhesion formation could be reduced significantly by 85% by application of the adhesion barrier 4DryField® PH.Trial registrationTrial registration main ID: DRKS00014720, secondary ID: U1111-1213-4142; date of registration 09th May 2018.

Mobile and comprehensive assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in routine inpatient cancer care: A three-arm randomized controlled feasibility study.

e18664 Background: Most of the work on PRO has been done in outpatient setting. However, cancer patients might even suffer from more severe problems when admitted to hospital for anticancer therapy. The question whether and how patients’ well-being changes during the course of the hospital stay and if electronically assessed PRO (ePRO) will bring benefit to patients and physicians remains unanswered. Implementing such a tool into routine clinical care can be considered as an additional challenge.The objectives of this study were to implement a multidimensional ePRO system to improve patient-physician interaction in inpatient cancer care and test its feasibility. A comprehensive set of PRO measures that would broadly assess the patient’s situation was developed by a multidisciplinary expert team. Before study initiation, semi-structured interviews with patients were carried out to optimize visualization and user experience. The tool included a rapid response ePRO system with a patient-tailored graphical feedback for physicians. The effect of the mobile tool on quality of life (QoL), symptom burden and patients’ satisfaction with care were explored. Methods: The study is an interventional, three-arm and multicenter inpatient trial. A self-administered questionnaire based on validated PRO-measures was applied and completed at admission, one week after and at discharge. Group A (intervention arm) and B received tablet versions while group C (control) completed the questionnaire on paper. Additional to the mere assessment of electronic patient reported outcome, results from group A were presented graphically to the treating physicians. Standardized instruments included measures of QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30), patients’ satisfaction with care (IN-PATSAT32) and adverse events (PRO-CTCAE). A feasibility questionnaire was administered to arm A and B. Results: N = 185 patients (mean age 63.5, 44.3% female) were recruited in oncology wards. 62% of patients were treated for oncological disease (33% with stage IV disease) and 37% for hematological disease. Feasibility questions revealed that the majority of patients preferred the electronic tool and believed that the tool was of high value for individualized patient care. Among others, symptom burden and global QoL did not significantly change during hospital stay. Satisfaction with care was significantly lower ( p = 0.047) in the intervention group (mean 3.55) versus the control group (mean 3.77) with scores ranging from 0-5. Conclusions: Results indicate that the intervention is feasible. Some of the results are counterintuitive and could possibly be influenced by a lack of physician compliance due to a busy daily routine. Moreover, the optimal interval and composition of questionnaires has yet to be determined in inpatient setting.

PENGARUH BOARDGAME ‘GERMAS GAME’ DAN METODE CERAMAH TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP GERAKAN MASYARAKAT HIDUP SEHAT PADA REMAJA PEREMPUAN (STUDI PADA SISWI KELAS 8 SMPIT DAARUSSALAAM, SANGATTA, KALIMANTAN TIMUR)

The adolescent age group has risky behaviors that have a negative impact on health in the coming decades, such as non-communicable diseases. Risk prevention programs with an understanding referring to adolescents can help adolescents increase awareness of healthy behaviors and behavior changes for adolescents with the early non-communicable disease phase. The Indonesian Ministry of Health specifically reminds the public to maintain health through the Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS) in order to create a healthy Indonesia and prevent non communicable diseases. This study uses the Germas Game boardgame and lecture method to provide comprehensive health information. The subjects of this study were 40 students of 8th grade of Daarussalaam Middle School, Sangatta, East Kalimantan. The control group was given intervention through the lecture method only. The experimental group received the Germas Game board game as a complement to the intervention. The results showed a significant difference in knowledge between control group and experimental group (mean=6.05;p=0,000). The data showed that the increase in knowledge in the experimental group (mean=14,45) was greater than the increase in knowledge in the control group (mean=8,4). The results also showed significant differences in attitudes between the control and experimental groups (mean=4,35;p=0,000). It can be concluded that intervention by lecturing and playing the Germas Game board game is more effective in increasing knowledge and attitudes in adolescents.

Comparison of the effects of slow-release urea vs conventional urea supplementation on some finishing cattle parameters: A meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to compare between the effects of slow-release urea (SRU) versus conventional urea (CU) supplementation on some finishing cattle parameters through the meta-analysis method using published scientific data. Data were extracted from nine experiments involving 532 bovines, 259 of which received CU and 273 who received SRU. When preparing the database, the applied sample unit was the average response for each article. Data from peer-reviewed articles published in indexed journals including the finishing phase of feedlot feeding were used. Furthermore, only studies applying conventional urea as a control group tested against slow-release urea and reporting the mean and variability of dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (FC), hot carcass weight (HCW) and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) were included in the meta-analysis. The effect size for all parameters was calculated as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval and heterogeneity determined by the Q test and I2 statistics. A meta-analysis of random effects was conducted when I2 > 50% and fixed effects with I2 < 50% for each indicator separately with the means of control and experimental group. DMI (P = 0.6733), ADG (P = 0.1512) and FC (P = 0.1599) were similar between steers that received slow-release or conventional urea in feedlots. This similarity also extended to HCW (P = 0.1701) and SFT (P = 0.2709). The replacement of conventional urea with slow-release urea in the diet of steers finished in feedlot does not result in differences in performance and carcass traits.

Well-being warriors: A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of martial arts training on secondary students' resilience.

Mental health problems are a growing and significant issue in the Australian education system. Research has suggested that resilience can be learned and that schools can play an important role in developing resilient skills among youth; however, rigorous evaluation of interventions promoting resilience is limited. As martial arts training has been found to have psychological benefits such as increased confidence and self-esteem, this study investigated whether a 10-week martial arts training programme was an efficacious sports-based mental health intervention that promoted resilience in secondary school students. Two hundred and eighty-three secondary school students (age range 12-14 years) participated in the study. The study examined the effects of martial arts training on participants' resilience by delivering a 10-week martial arts-based intervention in secondary school settings. The intervention was evaluated using quantitative methodology and an experimental research design using a randomized controlled trial which measured participant responses at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The study found that the martial arts-based intervention had a significantly positive effect on developing students' resilience. This was especially apparent when the intervention and control group's mean resilience outcomes were compared. Resilience outcomes appeared to be stronger immediately following the intervention compared with 12-week follow-up. Given the prevalence of mental illness among Australian youth, the current study provides robust evidence that students' resilience can be improved using martial arts-based interventions delivered in school settings. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12618001405202. Registered 21 August 2018.

The impact of the Dental Practicality Index on treatment planning.

Aim To compare the treatment planning decisions made by undergraduate and postgraduate dental students before and after training on the use of the Dental Practicality Index (DPI).Methodology One hundred and eight undergraduate and postgraduate dental students were randomly assigned to test (DPI) or control groups. The baseline knowledge was assessed in the first session; both groups were shown 15 clinical scenarios and asked to assign one of four treatment plan options (no treatment, simple treatment, complex treatment or extract). The most appropriate treatment plan had been agreed by a consensus panel of experienced dentists. The test group was then trained on the use of the DPI. In the second session, both groups were shown the same clinical scenarios again in a different order and asked to assign one of the four treatment plan options. Both groups completed the confidence questionnaire.Results Training with the DPI improved the test (DPI) group mean scores from 9.1 in the first session to 10.3 out of 15 in the second session, which was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005) when compared to the control group mean scores of 8.9 in the first session to 9.2 out of 15 in the second session. The mean confidence score of the students was 6.5 out of 10. There was no correlation between self-reported confidence scores of the students and the treatment planning result scores.Conclusions The DPI aids in the systematic assessment and appropriate treatment planning of dental restorative problems by dental students.

Assessment of maxillary sinus lifting procedure in the presence of chronic sinusitis, a retrospective comparative study

IntroductionChronic sinusitis can be considered a relative contraindication for sinus lifting procedure. However, its specific effects on bone height, infection and healing have not been as well investigated as its incidence as a post-operative complication. MethodsA retrospective comparative investigation was executed to evaluate the impact of chronic sinusitis on sinus lifting procedures regarding bone height, infection, and healing scores. Pre-operative and 6-month postoperative records (CBCT or CT and panoramic radiographs) of 40 patients who underwent sinus lifting procedure with graft and implant placement were split into two sets of 20 patients each; Group A is comprised of a patient with healthy sinus, whereas Group B includes patients with chronic sinusitis (identified as the presence of thickening of Schniederian membrane ≥ 2 mm, mucosal cyst, polyp or fluid level). Records of both groups were assessed for the difference in bone height of alveolar ridge between pre-operative radiograph and after six months postoperatively, and clinical notifications at the postoperative follow-up to report the healing and infection scores. ResultsStatistically, there was non-significant difference in mean bone height gain (p-value > 0.05) in comparison to control group mean bone height (8.84 ± 0.93). Also, there was non-significant variation in mean healing and infection scores. ConclusionAccording to the available data, chronic sinusitis presenting as a thickening in the Schneiderian membrane has no significant effect on postoperative bone height, healing, or infection score in patients undergoing sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement. Further research is needed to better evaluate the effect of chronic sinusitis and its current status as a relative contraindication for sinus lifting procedure.

815 Australian Surgery Trainee Education for Contemporary Airway Management of OSA: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract Introduction In Australia, ASOHNS delivers no formal curriculum for training of OHNS, or levels of competency required, to assess and treat complex OSA patients. Australian OHNS trainee confidence, knowledge and exposure to complex multi-level OSA surgery is lacking. Lack of exposure to sufficient complex OSA surgery case load has been identified as a major weakness in training within a recently published international survey. This study was a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of Australian OHNS trainee exposure to education materials compared with no exposure, on Sleep Surgery specific examination performance (multiple choice and short written answer). Methods 70 accredited and 45 unaccredited OHNS trainees were invited to participate in this trial. Participants were randomly assigned to Sleep Surgery educational material exposure or no exposure to those materials. Those randomized to the exposure group were provided educational material and were given 2 weeks exposure time prior to the exam. Each participant then complete an online examin, consisting of 40 multiple choice questions and 1 short answer question (marked by a field expert). Differences between exposure and control group means were tested using independent t-tests. Results 24 trainees were allocated to exposure and 22 to control. 33 participants attempted the examination. The were no significant differences between groups in the multiple choice (mean difference 1.3 ± 1.6 [3.3%], p=0.41) or written exam test scores (mean difference 1.8 ± 1.2 [9.0%], p=0.14). Accredited trainees performed better in the written exam (mean difference 2.6 ± 1.1 [13.0%], p=0.03). The mean test score in a separate exploratory group of 2 sleep fellowship trained OHNS was considerably higher in both exams. Conclusion This study suggests that exposure to formal education material may improve understanding of sleep surgery. Accredited trainees performed better than unaccredited trainees but the difference was small. Poor test performance in both groups may indicate further formal sleep surgery teaching is required in the ASOHNS training curriculum. Further research is required to identify the best ways possible to educate OHNS trainees in the complex and nuanced decision making required for OSA patients. Support (if any) Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Grant 2019.

Physiological stress and recovery kinetics in trawl escapees of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba Dana, 1850 (Euphausiacea)

Abstract When caught in a trawl, some individuals interacting with the fishing gear may escape, but such interactions may lead to physiological trauma that causes direct delayed mortality and/or increased vulnerability to predation. Understanding fishery-induced stress levels and the recovery period of escapees is therefore crucial for predicting total fishing-induced mortality. Hemolymph lactate concentration is commonly used as an index of physiological stress in many crustacean species, and the clearing time of lactate back to normal levels indicates the ability to recover from stress. We measured the hemolymph lactate concentration in three groups of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superbaDana, 1850): Group 1, trawl escapees collected during fishing; Group 2, specimens subjected to simulated mesh penetration; and Group 3, an onboard acclimated control group. Individuals that had escaped the trawl during fishing had the highest concentrations of hemolymph lactate (mean &amp;gt; 6 mmol–l). Exposure to mesh penetration was in itself not stressful, as hemolymph lactate concentrations did not differ significantly between Group 2 and the control Group (mean 0.8 mmol–lversus 0.7 mmol–l, respectively). Additional stress factors during the capture and handling process likely added to the elevated lactate levels observed in Group 1. For the trawl escapees, the lactate clearance time during stress recovery was modeled as a function of exponential decay. Hemolymph lactate levels did not differ significantly among the three groups after 200 min, which suggested that Antarctic krill recovered from fishery-induced stress within this time period.

Role of Internal Ca2+ Stores in KCa Channel Feedback Control of Human Uterine Contractions

Background Minute-to-minute regulation of intracellular calcium concentrations is essential to allow a laboring uterus to phasically contract and relax in a manner required for delivery. Cytosolic calcium levels increase through influx of calcium through L-type calcium channels and are amplified by SR calcium release through inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R) channels and calcium induced calcium release. A specific class of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa2.3) channels has been strongly implicated in the negative feedback control of membrane potential and intracellular calcium levels. Uterine contractions can be suppressed by amplifying this calcium-dependent feedback system. CyPPA, a positive modulator of KCa2.3, reduces contraction amplitudes in human and rodent tissue. Previous studies of endothelial and neuronal cells suggest focused Ca2+ release from internal stores in close proximity to the plasma membrane, may play an important role in KCa channel control. Indeed, close proximity and interaction of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels (e.g. IP3Rs) and KCa channels may regulate intracellular calcium in a variety of tissues. This study aims to assess whether internal stores contribute to KCa2.3 dependent feedback regulation of contraction in the human myometrium. Methods Myograph studies were performed on human uterine tissues collected from non-pregnant patients undergoing hysterectomy. Uterine strips were sutured end-to-end to form rings, mounted onto myograph pins, and allowed to develop spontaneous phasic contractions. Concentration-dependent suppression of contractions with the positive KCa2.3 modulator CyPPA (3 μM, 10 μM, 30 μM) was assessed following depletion of internal calcium stores (using the SERCA inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid, CPA) or following treatment with the vehicle DMSO (controls). Results Utilizing myographical recordings and LabChart software, contraction area under curve (AUC) was calculated and normalized to time. Addition of 3 μM CyPPA resulted in a control group mean AUC of 1.287 mN/min (± 0.417) and 2.261 mN/min (± 1.338) for the treatment group [n=5]. The mean AUC with 10 μM CyPPA was 1.129 mN/min (± 0.571) for the control group and 2.164 mN/min (± 1.387) for the treatment group. After 30 μM CyPPA the mean AUC for the control group was 0.734 mN/min (± 0.471) and 1.863 mN/min (± 1.364) for the treatment group. Our group found that CPA pretreated uterine tissue had a significantly higher AUC than the control group (p<0.5), after addition of 30 μM CyPPA. Further analysis demonstrated no significant difference with CyPPA concentrations of 3 and 10 μM, but did reveal a trend of reduced AUC in the control group compared to the treatment group. These findings suggest blocking SERCA and inhibiting SR reuptake of calcium may decrease CyPPAs ability to diminish contractions, especially at higher concentrations. Conclusions Phasic contractions of isolated human uterine strips vary considerably with respect to amplitude and frequency. Overall, the findings suggest internal calcium store release may play an important role in moderating uterine contractions and augmenting KCa2.3 channel suppression of uterine contractility. Extended studies will assess whether this mechanism can be exploited as an effective tocolytic strategy.

The Effects of Task-Based Language Teaching on Writing Achievement at a High School in Vietnam

The current study determines the effectiveness of using task-based language instructions in teaching writing at a high school in Thai Nguyen province. The participants consist of 92 grade 10 students from Bing Yen high school, Dinh Hoa district. The study employs a mix method research design (MMR) as the plan for the research. The results of the study reveals that the results of writing performance were reported at a low level (M=3.72). The results also confirmed that the intervention worked well for the experimental group. The mean score of the pre-test (the baseline for both groups) was M=3.72. The intervention focused on TBLT instructions. After first five weeks, the means of post-test1 were M=4.96 and M=3.83 for experimental group and control group respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean of pre-test and post-test1 for the experimental group (M=3.72 compared to M=4.96), while the control group showed a little improvement (M=3.72 compared to M=3.83) the difference was not significant. After another five weeks, the difference in the mean scores of the experimental group were far more than the mean scores of the control group, M=5.56 and M=4.45 respectively. By the end of the fifteenth week of the intervention, the mean of post-test 3 of the experimental group reached M=6.41, the mean for control group was M=5.54. The difference of the mean scores in the pre-test and post-test revealed a significant improvement in both groups. However, the experimental group showed a greater improvement, M=6.41 and M=5.54 respectively. It can infer that the uses of TBLT writing instruction improved writing achievement greatly.

Weighing the Association Between BMI Change and Suicide Mortality.

Suicide rates continue to rise, necessitating the identification of risk factors. Obesity and suicide mortality rates have been examined, but associations among weight change, death by suicide, and depression among adults in the United States remain unclear. Data from 387 people who died by suicide in 2000-2015 with a recorded body mass index (BMI) in the first and second 6 months preceding their death ("index date") were extracted from the Mental Health Research Network. Each person was matched with five people in a control group (comprising individuals who did not die by suicide) by age, sex, index year, and health care site (N=1,935). People who died by suicide were predominantly male (71%), White (69%), and middle aged (mean age=57 years) and had a depression diagnosis (55%) and chronic health issues (57%) (corresponding results for the control group: 71% male, 66% White, 14% with depression diagnosis, and 43% with chronic health issues; mean age=56 years). Change in BMI within the year before the index date statistically significantly differed between those who died by suicide (mean change=-0.72±2.42 kg/m2) and the control group (mean change=0.06±4.99 kg/m2) (p<0.001, Cohen's d=0.17). A one-unit BMI decrease was associated with increased risk for suicide after adjustment for demographic characteristics, mental disorders, and Charlson comorbidity score (adjusted odds ratio=1.11, 95% confidence interval=1.05-1.18, p<0.001). For those without depression, a BMI change was significantly associated with suicide (p<0.001). An increased suicide mortality rate was associated with weight loss in the year before a suicide after analyses accounted for general and mental health indicators.

Long-Term Weight Loss with Body Contour Surgery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Bariatric surgery is accepted as an evidence-based treatment for morbid obesity. Many patients seek out body contour surgery afterwards to correct acquired deformities. This study seeks to better define the impact of body contour surgery on long-term weight loss. This study is a single-center retrospective review of 78 patients who underwent body contouring surgery post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with 221 matched control patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass only. Data was collected for patients at least 7 years post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patients who underwent both bariatric surgery and body contour surgery maintained mean long-term weight loss of 58 kg. The matched control group mean weight loss over the same time interval was 42 kg. The difference was statistically and clinically significant (p = 0.005). Change in body mass index, percent total weight loss, and percent excess body mass index loss were all statistically significant between the 2 groups. Patients who underwent body contour surgery better maintained long-term weight reduction in comparison to those who only had gastric bypass. Further understanding of the etiology of this association is important for patients contemplating body contouring surgery.