Factor Repeated Measures ANOVA Research Articles

Are incremental exercise relationships between rating of perceived exertion and oxygen uptake or heart rate reserve valid during steady-state exercises?

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is considered a valid method for prescribing prolonged aerobic steady-state exercise (SSE) intensity due to its association with physiological indicators of exercise intensity, such as oxygen uptake (V̇O2) or heart rate (HR). However, these associations between psychological and physiological indicators of exercise intensity were found during graded exercise tests (GXT) but are currently used to prescribe SSE intensity even though the transferability and validity of the relationships found during GXT to SSE were not investigated. The present study aims to verify whether (a) RPE-HR or RPE-V̇O2 relations found during GXTs are valid during SSEs, and (b) the duration and intensity of SSE affect these relations. Eight healthy and physically active males (age 22.6 ± 1.2 years) were enrolled. On the first visit, pre-exercise (during 20 min standing) and maximal (during a GXT) HR and V̇O2 values were measured. Then, on separate days, participants performed 4 SSEs on the treadmill by running at 60% and 80% of the HR reserve (HRR) for 15 and 45 min (random order). Individual linear regressions between GXTs' RPE (dependent variable) and HRR and V̇O2 reserve (V̇O2R) values (computed as the difference between maximal and pre-exercise values) were used to predict the RPE associated with %HRR (RPEHRR) and %V̇O2R (RPEV̇O2R) during the SSEs. For each relation (RPE-%HRR and RPE-%V̇O2R), a three-way factorial repeated measures ANOVA (α=0.05) was used to assess if RPE (dependent variable) was affected by exercise modality (i.e., RPE recorded during SSE [RPESSE] or GXT-predicted), duration (i.e., 15 or 45 min), and intensity (i.e., 60% or 80% of HRR). The differences between RPESSE and GXT-predicted RPE, which were assessed by evaluating the effect of modality and its interactions with SSE intensity and duration, showed no significant differences between RPESSE and RPEHRR. However, when RPESSE was compared with RPEV̇O2R, although modality or its interactions with intensity were not significant, there was a significant (p=0.020) interaction effect of modality and duration yielding a dissociation between changes of RPESSE and RPEV̇O2R over time. Indeed, RPESSE did not change significantly (p=0.054) from SSE of 15 min (12.1 ± 2.0) to SSE of 45 min (13.5 ± 2.1), with a mean change of 1.4 ± 1.8, whereas RPEV̇O2R decreased significantly (p=0.022) from SSE of 15 min (13.7 ± 3.2) to SSE of 45 min (12.4 ± 2.8), with a mean change of -1.3 ± 1.5. The transferability of the individual relationships between RPE and physiological parameters found during GXT to SSE should not be assumed as shown by the results of this study. Therefore, future studies modelling how the exercise prescription method used (e.g., RPE, HR, or V̇O2) and SSE characteristics (e.g., exercise intensity, duration, or modality) affect the relationships between RPE and physiological parameters are warranted.

Pupil Response in Visual Tracking Tasks: The Impacts of Task Load, Familiarity, and Gaze Position.

Pupil size is a significant biosignal for human behavior monitoring and can reveal much underlying information. This study explored the effects of task load, task familiarity, and gaze position on pupil response during learning a visual tracking task. We hypothesized that pupil size would increase with task load, up to a certain level before decreasing, decrease with task familiarity, and increase more when focusing on areas preceding the target than other areas. Fifteen participants were recruited for an arrow tracking learning task with incremental task load. Pupil size data were collected using a Tobii Pro Nano eye tracker. A 2 × 3 × 5 three-way factorial repeated measures ANOVA was conducted using R (version 4.2.1) to evaluate the main and interactive effects of key variables on adjusted pupil size. The association between individuals' cognitive load, assessed by NASA-TLX, and pupil size was further analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model. We found that task repetition resulted in a reduction in pupil size; however, this effect was found to diminish as the task load increased. The main effect of task load approached statistical significance, but different trends were observed in trial 1 and trial 2. No significant difference in pupil size was detected among the three gaze positions. The relationship between pupil size and cognitive load overall followed an inverted U curve. Our study showed how pupil size changes as a function of task load, task familiarity, and gaze scanning. This finding provides sensory evidence that could improve educational outcomes.

Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability

Working at altitudes, dual-tasking (DT), and lack of experience cause falls. This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual heights, DT, and training on static postural stability. Twenty-eight volunteers' balance at seven virtual environments [VE; ground (G), altitude 1 (A1), edge 1 (E1), altitude 2 (A2), edge 2 (E2), altitude 3 (A3), and edge 3 (E3)] were recorded during single-tasking (ST) and DT over three days. Independent variables were analyzed using a 7 (VE) x 3 (DAY) x 2 (TASK) factorial repeated measures ANOVA. Greater postural sway was observed in A3 and E1, on DAY 1, and during DT. The study demonstrated static postural stability deteriorates at higher virtual altitudes and during DT and improves with training. The findings of the study suggest that virtual reality is a great altitude simulator, which could be used as a potential balance training tool in ergonomic settings.

Effect of Nursing Intervention on Emotional Intelligence, Self-esteem and Empathy of Nursing Students Undergoing Clinical Experience in Paediatric Units-Pilot Study (Part-2)

Background: Nurses working in paediatric settings face a number of challenges. Nurses can be emotionally drained while they see their young patients suffer. Therefore, nurses need to be emotionally intelligent.
 Objectives: The effect of nursing intervention on emotional intelligence (EI), self-esteem and empathy of baccalaureate nursing students undergoing clinical experience in paediatric units.
 Materials and Methods: The present study adopted a quasi experimental repeated measures time series design in which 60 third year baccalaureate nursing students undergoing clinical experience in paediatric units were assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Pre testing of emotional intelligence, self-esteem and empathy was done using the EI (Pc-Sc) scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, respectively. The study intervention included a nursing intervention programme offered in 5 two-hour sessions for 5 days. Post-test was conducted on the 30th and 60th day.
 Statistical Analysis: Two factor repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparison within the group and between the groups.
 Results: In the experimental group, the mean and standard deviation of the different areas of EI and overall EI score, self-esteem and empathy at post test 2 were higher than the mean and standard deviation at pretest. There was a significant change in the EI, self-esteem and empathy scores in the follow ups in the experimental group, indicating that the nursing intervention was effective in enhancing the EI, self-esteem and empathy of baccalaureate nursing students.
 Conclusion: Courses to train the emotional intelligence skills, self-esteem and empathy should be included in the nursing curriculum so as to improve nursing standards of both students and nurses in providing quality care to the patients.

The Effects of Soccer Specific Exercise on Countermovement Jump Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players.

The aims of the study were to examine the test-retest reliability of force-time (F-T) characteristics and F-T curve waveform of bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) in elite youth soccer players and to evaluate the effects of competitive match-play on CMJ performance. 16 male youth soccer players completed CMJs on two separate occasions to determine reliability, and immediately pre, post and 48 h following a competitive match. Coefficient of variation (CV%), Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement were used to assess reliability of discreate CMJ variables. Single factor repeated measures ANOVA were used to determine the effects of match play. Statistical parametric mapping was used to evaluate the repeatability of the CMJ force-time waveform and the effects of match play. Jump height had limited reliability in all three jumps and only a select few jump specific F-T variables were found to be reliable (CV < 10%, ICC > 0.5). Select variables were reduced immediately post game but recovered 48 h post game. The F-T curve waveform was found to be repeatable but did not differ following match-play. This study suggest that select F-T variables change following match-play and may be suitable tools to allow practitioners to detect decrements in performance. These data may help inform practitioners to use the most appropriate F-T variables to assess fatigue and recovery, with implications for performance and injury risk.

The Effects Of 10-weeks Of Continuous Cycling On Pennation Angle Of The Vastus Lateralis

PURPOSE: To examine if 10 weeks of continuous cycling training altered pennation angle (PA) of the vastus lateralis (VL) in sedentary males and females. METHODS: Nine untrained males (mean ± SD; age: 20.11 ± 1.97 yrs, height: 179.89 ± 5.09 cm, body mass: 76.26 ± 8.18 kg) and eight untrained females (age: 20.50 ± 1.77, height: 164.13 ± 4.76 cm; body mass: 59.90 ± 8.33 kg) participated in this study. Fascicle PA (θ) of the VL was measured for each participant via real-time brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasonography at baseline (PRE) and after 10-weeks of continuous cycling training (POST). In addition, participants completed a VO2MAX test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer before (PRE) and after training (POST) to examine the efficacy of the exercise program on relative VO2MAX. Training consisted of 10-weeks of continuous cycling four times a week for a total of forty cycling sessions. Weeks 1-3 consisted of 30 min of cycling at 70-75% of heart rate reserve (HRR), whereas weeks 4-6 and 7-10 were 40 min at 75-80% and 80-90% of HRR, respectively. Three separate 2-way mixed factorial repeated measures ANOVAs (sex [male vs. female] x time [PRE vs. POST]) were used to examine potential differences in PA, VO2MAX, and body mass (BM). RESULTS: For PA, there were no two-way interactions (p = 0.189) or main effects for time (p = 0.635) or sex (p = 0.527). For VO2MAX, there was no two-way interaction (p = 0.904); however, VO2MAX for POST (45.45 ± 7.37 ml/kg/min) was significantly greater than PRE (39.22 ± 8.13 ml/kg/min; p < 0.001) when collapsed across sex, and was greater for males (47.59 ± 6.38 ml/kg/min) than females (36.54 ± 6.01 ml/kg/min; p = 0.001) when collapsed across time. For BM, there was no 2-way interactions (p = 0.400) or a main effect for time (p = 0.942); however, there was a main effect for sex. Males (76.46 ± 8.40 kg) had a greater BM than females (59.73 ± 8.20 kg; p = 0.001) collapsed across time. CONCLUSION: As expected, VO2MAX increased following ten weeks of continuous cycling training. Although alterations in PA of the VL have previously been reported for chronic long distance runners compared to untrained controls, there was no change following 10 weeks of training for the current study. Thus, it is possible more total training time is necessary to induce changes in the PA of the VL, or adaptations to PA are exercise mode specific.

Voice Biomarkers as Possible Indicators of Cognitive Aging

There is emerging evidence that measures of voice prosody are related to diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. The goal of this study was to examine whether voice prosody measures (pitch, pulse, voice breaks, jitter, shimmer, and amplitude) are also related to individual differences in normal cognitive aging. Data are from the Midlife in the United States Wave 2 (M2) and Wave 3 (M3) for 2693 participants (ages 42-92 at M3) who completed the M2 and M3 Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) and had M3 voice recordings. Voice variables were measured from cognitive interviews using three cognitive tests and averaged to create a composite for each voice variable. Voice prosody was related to age, sex, education, and health, which were included as covariates. Older adults, men, and those with more health conditions had higher jitter and shimmer. Older adults, women, and those with higher education and better health had more voice breaks. Hierarchical regression models, controlling for the covariates, examined the voice composites as predictors of each cognitive measure at M3 and change over 9 years from M2 to M3. As hypothesized, higher jitter predicted lower performance and greater decline on memory, category fluency, and attention. Contrary to predictions, a lower number of voice breaks predicted worse performance and greater declines on all cognitive tests. The results suggest that voice biomarkers are related to cognitive performance and decline, and they may offer a promising approach for identifying early signs of cognitive impairment or dementia.

Education Differences in Older Adults' Performance on Online Assessments of Inductive Reasoning and Verbal Memory

Paper-and-pencil measures of inductive reasoning and verbal memory administered in-person are well-established methods for measuring cognitive ability in adults. However, given recent increases in the use of online surveys, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person research with older adults became difficult, we investigated whether these cognitive measures could be administered effectively online and whether older adults’ performance on these measures of inductive reasoning and verbal memory might differ by education level. Data were collected online between mid-May and mid-June of 2020 from 292 individuals aged 66-90 years (M=69.1, SD=3.3). The sample was primarily White (91%) and had more women (62%) than men; 83 participants had a graduate-level education (master’s/doctoral degree), 101 had an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and 108 had less than an associate’s degree. Three measures of inductive reasoning (Number Series, Letter Sets, and Word Series) and two measures of verbal memory (Immediate Recall and Delayed Recall of a list of 20 words) were completed by participants on an online platform. One-way MANOVA found a significant main effect for education group on the inductive reasoning measures (Wilks’ lambda=.93, p=.001). However, follow-up univariate ANOVAs indicated significant differences by education group only for Number Series, with Tukey post hoc tests showing that the graduate-level and college-degree groups performed significantly better than the group with less than an associate’s degree. Factorial repeated-measures ANOVA found a significant decline between immediate and delayed recall (p<.001) and that this difference varied by education group (p=.003). Implications of these findings will be discussed.

Urinary Cytochrome C and Caspase-3 as Novel Biomarker of Renal Function Impairment in Unilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Model of Wistar Rats.

IntroductionProlonged obstruction in UPJO would lead to kidney destruction. It is important to find a non-invasive biomarker for early detection of renal impairment before definitive treatment for UPJO. In this study, we aim to evaluate the role of urinary cytochrome c and caspase-3 as a novel biomarker to predict renal function impairment in a UPJO model in Wistar rats.MethodsTwenty-five male Wistar rats were separated into 3 groups. Group I consists of 5 rats without any treatment or model, group II consists of 5 rats (sham group), and group III consists of 15 rats with the unilateral partial ureteral obstruction model. After 4, 15, and 21 days of observation, the urine was collected and rats were sacrificed to collect the glomerular count in the kidney. Measurement of cytochrome c and caspase-3 was done using the ELISA method, while the glomerular count was done using a light microscope. Data were analyzed using factorial repeated measures ANOVA test and correlation test with Pearson and processed using SPSS version 20.0.ResultsThe UPJO group has a significant increase in cytochrome c concentration and caspase-3 concentration compared to the control group and sham group (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the normal glomerulus count of the UPJO group (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between the decrease in glomerulus count with the concentration of cytochrome c and caspase-3 in the UPJO group.ConclusionThere was a significant relationship between the decrease in glomerulus count with the increase in the concentration of cytochrome c and caspase-3 in the UPJO group.

Location-dependency and sociodemographics on sustainable festival and at home behaviours

ABSTRACT Festivals are large scale events that can have profound impacts on the host communities. Using the sustainable consumption framework to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of sustainably-minded event attendees, this paper determines the relationship between both at home and while-travelling sustainability practices by gender, socioeconomic status, and family status. Using a factorial repeated-measures ANOVA from 424 renaissance festival attendee surveys, this study shows that Faire attendees are more engaged in sustainable behaviours at home than while travelling, and that women outscored men on 11 of the 14 behaviours analysed. This paper also provides practical applications of the study findings.

Effect of vibration vs non-vibration foam rolling techniques on flexibility, dynamic balance and perceived joint stability after fatigue.

BackgroundFoam roller and vibration techniques are currently used to assist in recovery after fatigue. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the use of a foam roller with and without vibration on dynamic balance, ankle dorsiflexion, hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility and perceived knee and ankle stability after an induced fatigue protocol.MethodsA total of 24 healthy recreationally active participants (17 males and seven females) were recruited to a randomized cross over trial consisting of; no treatment (NT), foam roller treatment (FR) and vibration foam roller treatment (VFR). The assessments included; the Sit & Reach test, Y balance test and post-treatment perceived knee and ankle stability. Measurements were taken after a standardized warm up (baseline) and repeated following an exercise-induced muscle fatigue protocol consisting of repeated lunges until volitional fatigue. The three treatment conditions were assessed on three separate days in a randomized order. A 3 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate differences between the three treatments over the three time points and a one factor repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine any differences between treatments using the Global Rate of Change scale when considering perceived stability.ResultsFR and VFR conditions both showed a greater ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.001), greater posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances (p < 0.001) and a better knee and ankle perceived stability (p < 0.001) when compared to the NT condition. A trend toward significance was observed in the hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility (p = 0.074) in both treatment conditions when compared to the NT condition. However, no differences were seen between the FR and VFR conditions.ConclusionsBoth FR conditions seem to assist in exercise-induced muscle fatigue recovery with improvements in ROM, balance and perceived stability.

Effects of Drop Height on Drop Jump Performance

Background: Drop jumps (DJ) are commonly implemented in plyometric training programs in an attempt to enhance jump performance. However, it is unknown how different drop heights (DH) affect reactive strength index (RSI), jump height (JH) and ground contact time (GCT). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of various DHs on RSI, JH, and GCT. Methods: Twenty volunteers with a history of plyometric training (Males = 13, Females = 7; age: 22.80 ± 2.69 yr, height: 175.65 ± 11.81 cm, mass: 78.32 ± 13.50 kg) performed DJs from 30 cm (DJ30), 45 cm (DJ45), 60 cm (DJ60), 76 cm (DJ76), and 91 cm (DJ91) and a countermovement jump (0 cm). A 16-camera Vicon system was used to track reflective markers to calculate JH; a Kistler force plate was used to record GCT. RSI was calculated by dividing JH by GCT. RSI and GCT were compared using a 2x5 (sex x DH) mixed factor repeated measures ANOVA, while JH was compared using a 2x6 (sex x DH) repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were no interactions, but there was a main effect for sex for both JH (M&gt;F) and GCT (F&gt;M). JH demonstrated no main effect for DH: DJ30 (0.49 ± 0.11 m), DJ45 (0.50 ± 0.11 m), DJ60 (0.49 ± 0.12 m), DJ76 (0.50 ± 0.11 m), and DJ91 (0.48 ± 0.12 m). However, GCT showed a main effect where DJ30 (0.36 ± 0.10 s), DJ45 (0.36 ± 0.12 s), and DJ60 (0.37 ± 0.10 s) were not significantly different but were less than DJ76 (0.40 ± 0.12 s) and DJ91 (0.42 ± 0.12 s). Conclusions: Increasing DH beyond 60 cm increased GCT but did not affect JH, resulting in decreased RSI. Therefore, practitioners designing plyometric training programs that implement DJs may utilize DHs up to 60 cm, thereby minimizing GCT without compromising JH.

Does the cleat model interfere with ankle sprain risk factors in artificial grass?

BackgroundThe cleats-surface interaction has been described as a possible risk factor for lateral ankle sprain. However, their interaction is still unknown in individuals with chronic ankle instability. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different soccer cleats on kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular ankle variables on artificial grass in soccer players with and without chronic ankle instability. MethodsEighty-two amateur athletes divided in two groups: 40 with chronic ankle instability and 42 without chronic ankle instability. All subjects performed 2 series of 6 consecutive crossover jumps with dominant foot, each one with one of the four models of cleats (Turf, Artificial grass, Hard and Firm ground). Cleat and group main effect and interactions of kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular variables were analyzed according to factorial repeated measures ANOVA. FindingsNo statistically significant cleat and group main effect and interactions were identified in kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic magnitude of the peroneal muscles. A main effect of the group was observed for peroneus longus activation time for TF model (p = 0.010). InterpretationIn soccer players, the contributor variables for ankle sprain were not influenced by the kind of soccer cleat used in a functional jump test on artificial grass. However, players with chronic ankle instability present delayed postural adjustments in peroneus longus with the TF model compared to players without chronic ankle instability.

Effect of total occlusal convergence on fit and fracture resistance of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate crowns.

IntroductionComputer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) monolithic crowns are gaining momentum. Limited evidence exists about the effect of tooth preparation total occlusal convergence (TOC) on marginal and internal gap distances in addition to load to fracture values.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (µCT), the influence of 12° and 20° TOC on marginal and internal adaptation of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) crowns. Moreover, values of load to fracture with and without initial cyclic loading (CL) were compared.Material and methodsForty ZLS crowns were fabricated on dies with TOC of 12° and 20°, 20 crowns for each group. µCT was used to compare marginal and internal adaptation. Each specimen was measured at 140 points distributed on all tooth preparation surfaces for 2D gap distance assessment. 3D gap volume was also evaluated. Crowns were then cemented and divided into two subgroups; the first was stored in distilled water (no cyclic loading [NCL] subgroup), the second was subjected to CL (CL subgroup).ResultsFactorial repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc in addition to independent and dependent t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Marginal gap, absolute marginal discrepancy, and occlusal gap measurements showed significant differences between the measurement sites. Static load to fracture values showed significant differences between TOC groups for both NCL (P=0.011) and CL (P=0.025) subgroups.ConclusionAn increase of TOC from 12° to 20° did not affect marginal and internal adaptation but resulted in higher values of load to fracture of ZLS crowns. CL simulating 1 year of service did not result in fatigue failure.

Effects of a topical lotion containing aminophylline, caffeine, yohimbe, l-carnitine, and gotu kola on thigh circumference, skinfold thickness, and fat mass in sedentary females.

Background and objectiveTopical aminophylline, caffeine, yohimbe, l‐carnitine, and gotu kola (Centella asiatica) may aid in reducing body fat. Lipoxyderm™ contains these ingredients and was used to test if fat loss of the thigh, in conjunction with a low intensity exercise program and restricted calorie intake, was enhanced via the topical application of this lotion.MethodsThis was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within‐group study that investigated the effects of Lipoxyderm™ on thigh fat mass, circumference, and skinfold thickness. Seven participants underwent pre/post‐exercise testing for weight, bilateral thigh circumference/skinfold thickness, and body composition/thigh fat mass assessment via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Participants followed a hypocaloric diet, walked 150 minutes/wk, and were randomly assigned to apply a placebo to one leg and Lipoxyderm™ to their other leg for 28 days. Separate two‐way mixed factorial repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare the effects of Lipoxyderm™ to the placebo on thigh circumference, skinfold thickness, and fat mass.ResultsA significant time x group interaction was found for thigh circumference (F 1,6 = 18.2, P = 0.005), skinfold thickness (F 1,6 = 14.6, P = 0.009), and fat mass (F 1,6 = 37.1, P = 0.001).ConclusionsA twice‐daily topical application of Lipoxyderm™ for 28 days compared to a placebo combined with a walking program and a restricted caloric intake is more effective at reducing thigh circumference (1.2 vs 0.8 cm), thigh skinfold thickness (3.7 vs 2.0 mm), and thigh fat mass (100.0 g vs 57.3 g).

Knee joint coordination during single-leg landing in different directions

ABSTRACT Knee joint coordination during jump landing in different directions is an important consideration for injury prevention. The aim of the current study was to investigate knee and hip kinematics on the non-dominant and dominant limbs during landing. A total of 19 female volleyball athletes performed single-leg jump-landing tests in four directions; forward (0°), diagonal (30° and 60°) and lateral (90°) directions. Kinematic and ground reaction force data were collected using a 10-camera Vicon system and an AMTI force plate. Knee and hip joint angles, and knee angular velocities were calculated using a lower extremity model in Visual3D. A two factor repeated measures ANOVA was performed to explore limb dominance and jump direction. Significant differences were seen between the jump directions for; angular velocity at initial contact (p < 0.001), angular velocity at peak vertical ground reaction force (p < 0.001), and knee flexion excursion (p = 0.016). Knee coordination was observed to be poorer in the early phase of velocity-angle plot during landing in lateral direction compared to forward and diagonal directions. The non-dominant limb seemed to have better coordination than the dominant limb during multi-direction jump landing. Therefore, dominant limbs appear to be at a higher injury risk than non-dominant limbs.

Self-reported quality of life and hope in phase-I trial participants: An observational prospective cohort study.

For advanced cancer patients deliberating early clinical trial participation, adequate information about expected effect on quality of life (HRQoL) and hope, may support decision making. The aim was to assess the potential relation of HRQoL to eligibility for phase-I trial participation, and to observe the variations in patient-reported outcomes. Patients completed questionnaires at preconsent (n=124), baseline (n=96), and after first evaluation of a phase-I trial (n=76). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test differences between eligible and ineligible patients. Univariate logistic regression was performed for eligibility. Factorial repeated-measures ANOVA compared the outcomes of patients continuing vs. stopping participation after first evaluation over time. Eligibility is associated with significant better global health OR=0.946, 95% CI [0.918, 0.975], p=0.001, physical functioning OR=0.959, 95% CI [0.933, 0.985], p=0.002, role functioning OR=0.974, 95% CI [0.957, 0.991] and better appetite OR=1.114 95% CI [1.035, 1.192]. HRQoL outcomes like global health, social functioning and appetite decline in all patients and differ between patients continuing or having to end participation. Over time, hope and tenacity decline in all patients and coping strategies alter in patients stopping participation. Trial participation influences patient-reported outcomes. Global health may predict for eligibility and trial continuation. Informing patients could affect patients' decision making.

The effect of desiccation on water sorption, solubility and hygroscopic volumetric expansion of dentine replacement materials

ObjectiveTo evaluate water sorption, solubility and hygroscopic expansion and the effect of desiccation for a calcium silicate-based material, a conventional glass ionomer, and a resin-modified glass ionomer. MethodsWater sorption, solubility and hygroscopic expansion of Biodentine™ (BD), GC Fuji IX GP® FAST (FJ), and Ionolux (IO) were tested under two pre-storage conditions: with desiccation and without desiccation. Disc-shaped samples (n=5) were immersed in water and weighed at different time intervals (1h, 24h, 3d, 7d and 30d) and hygroscopic expansion was recorded at 7d and 30d. Data were analysed using Factorial repeated measures ANOVA, one-way/two-way ANOVA, Independent samples t-test and Tukey’s post hoc test (α=0.05). ResultsWith desiccation, sorption of IO and FJ was 124.33μg/mm3 and 79.97μg/mm3 respectively. Solubility was −12.36μg/mm3 for IO and −20.19μg/mm3 for FJ. Hygroscopic expansion was 3.01% for IO and −2.35% for FJ.Without desiccation, sorption was in the order: IO˃BD˃FJ (130.35μg/mm3, 122.07μg/mm3, and 107.21μg/mm3 respectively), while solubility order was: BD˃FJ˃IO (154.83μg/mm3, 88.82μg/mm3, and 25.67μg/mm3 respectively). IO and FJ showed significant difference in sorption and solubility between the two pre-storage treatment groups (p˂0.005). Hygroscopic expansion was in the order: IO˃BD˃FJ. SignificanceBD had the highest solubility while IO had the least. The relatively stable polymeric resin in IO may contribute to its low solubility but high hygroscopic expansion. Desiccation had significant effect on sorption, solubility and volumetric expansion of water-based materials.

Isoprenol-Induced Neuroprotection in Experimental Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Farnesol is a 15-carbon organic acyclic sesquiterpene alcohol (isoprenol) produced by plants and animals. It is a potent blocker of neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+ found in the human brain. It has potent anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory effects in vitro, and neuroprotection based on the regulation of free radicals production by glial cells was demonstrated in a murine model of neurotoxicity. Because inflammation, oxidative stress and intraneuronal Ca2+ overload are associated with central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases, we sought to determine if farnesol treatment would result in protection against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis (MS). We compared the progression of EAE in C57BL/6 mice treated orally with farnesol (100 mg/kg/daily by gavage in olive oil) versus EAE progression in untreated mice (control) (n = 10/group). Treatment started at EAE induction and continued for 25 days. EAE clinical severity was monitored daily. Factorial repeated measures ANOVA of the scores showed: 1) a significant Day effect (disease onset 9 days after induction), 2) a significant Group effect (approx. 80% reduction in scores in the Farnesol group), and 3) a significant Day * Group interaction with scores being significantly lower in the Farnesol group every day starting one day after disease onset. At day 25, 50% of control mice had been euthanized due to scores ≥ 3.5 vs. none in the Farnesol group. Our results indicate that Farnesol significantly reduces disease onset in EAE. Studies to elucidate the mechanism of action of farnesol, screening of structural analogues of farnesol for anti-EAE activity, and assessment of farnesol therapeutic efficacy in other animal models of MS are being conducted.

Comparison of Spontaneous versus Paced Breathing on Heart Rate Variability at High Altitude

© 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved. Introduction: There is conflicting data at sea-level to suggest that Paced Breathing (PB) versus Spontaneous Breathing (SB) during short-term Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurement improves data reliability. Aim: This study sought to examine the effects of SB versus PB on HRV, at High Altitude (HA). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study on thirty healthy adult men who were investigated over nine days at altitudes of 800-4107 m. Cardiac inter-beat interval data were measured over 55 seconds, twice daily, using an ithlete finger sensor linked to a mobile phone to generate a HRV score. Agreements in the paired (SB vs PB) HRV scores were examined using paired t-tests, correlation coefficients and F-Testing. A factorial repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the main effect of altitude and breathing method on the paired differences in HRV scores. Results: HA led to a significant reduction in SpO2 and increase in Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Scores. HRV scores (511 paired scores) were consistently higher with PB versus SB (mean difference +6.0; 96.1% within 95% agreement limit), though the variance was lower (F=1.2; p=0.04) and the scores strongly correlated (r=0.78; p<0.0001). HRV scores were lower with AMS (versus without AMS), but this difference was only significant with SB (68.1±12.1 vs. 74.3±11.4 vs; p=0.03) but not PB (76.3±11.8 vs. 80.3±10.4 vs; p=0.13). There was a significant main-effect for altitude (F=5.3; p<0.0001) and breathing (F=262.1; p<0.0001) on HRV scores but no altitude-x-breathing interaction (F=1.2; p=0.30). Conclusion: Ithlete HRV scores obtained with PB and SB strongly correlate at moderate HA but are consistently higher and the variance lower with PB. Whilst the actual per se does not affect this difference, the presence of AMS may be an important confounder.