Participation Group Research Articles

Assessment of Myosteatosis on Computed Tomography by Automatic Generation of a Muscle Quality Map Using a Web-Based Toolkit: Feasibility Study.

BackgroundMuscle quality is associated with fatty degeneration or infiltration of the muscle, which may be associated with decreased muscle function and increased disability.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of automated quantitative measurements of the skeletal muscle on computed tomography (CT) images to assess normal-attenuation muscle and myosteatosis.MethodsWe developed a web-based toolkit to generate a muscle quality map by categorizing muscle components. First, automatic segmentation of the total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area was performed using a predeveloped deep learning model on a single axial CT image at the L3 vertebral level. Second, the Hounsfield unit of each pixel in the TAMA was measured and categorized into 3 components: normal-attenuation muscle area (NAMA), low-attenuation muscle area (LAMA), and inter/intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) area. The myosteatosis area was derived by adding the LAMA and IMAT area. We tested the feasibility of the toolkit using randomly selected healthy participants, comprising 6 different age groups (20 to 79 years). With stratification by sex, these indices were compared between age groups using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Correlations between the myosteatosis area or muscle densities and fat areas were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient r.ResultsA total of 240 healthy participants (135 men and 105 women) with 40 participants per age group were included in the study. In the 1-way ANOVA, the NAMA, LAMA, and IMAT were significantly different between the age groups in both male and female participants (P≤.004), whereas the TAMA showed a significant difference only in male participants (male, P<.001; female, P=.88). The myosteatosis area had a strong negative correlation with muscle densities (r=–0.833 to –0.894), a moderate positive correlation with visceral fat areas (r=0.607 to 0.669), and a weak positive correlation with the subcutaneous fat areas (r=0.305 to 0.441).ConclusionsThe automated web-based toolkit is feasible and enables quantitative CT assessment of myosteatosis, which can be a potential quantitative biomarker for evaluating structural and functional changes brought on by aging in the skeletal muscle.

Expectations and perception of the psychotherapy process and outcome. Psychotherapeutic factors and the psychodrama specificities in psychodrama group participants at a psychiatric hospital

In the present article of the Zeitschrift fur Psychodrama und Soziometrie, the expectations (self-assessed at the beginning of the treatment) and perception (self-assessed upon the conclusion of the treatment) of the psychotherapy process and outcome, psychotherapeutic factors and psychodrama specificities are presented and analysed in a psychodrama group for adult participants held in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. There were 12 male and 31 female participants, aged from 19 to 63 years, diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder or committed into the hospital after their first psychotic episode. Questionnaires were applied at the beginning of the treatment and at the end. Results showed that the participants’ expectations regarding the psychotherapy process and outcomes were quite high at the beginning of the treatment and rose significantly at the end. The same was true of the participants’ expectations and perception of the specificities of psychodrama—demonstrating the participants’ positive inclination towards this specific psychotherapeutic way of conducting psychodrama. Even though there were no age or gender differences, there were, differences between participants’ different diagnoses; there were significant differences in the expectations of both psychotherapy outcome and factors before treatment and perceptions of them after treatment.

Deliberateness and Representativeness of Public Deliberation Process: Focusing on the Public Deliberation Process of the Singori Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6

이 연구는 ‘공론화의 숙의성과 대표성이 얼마나 확보되어 있는지’를 논의하기 위해 우리 사회에서 공론화 확산의 계기가 되었던 신고리원전 5&#65381;6호기 공론화 과정의 숙의성과 대표성을 분석하 였다. 분석 결과는 성공적 평가에도 불구하고 공론화의 숙의성과 대표성 논란의 여지도 남겨 두었음을 보여주고 있다. 약 1개월에 걸친 숙의과정이 짧지는 않았지만, 높은 전문성을 필요로 하는 원전 문제를 다룸에도 불구하고 시민참여단에 대한 정보제공과 자료 검토의 기회는 충분하지 않았다. 또한 집중성 높은 숙의과정이 진행되었으나, 분임토의 참여자 간 편중된 발언 기회, 감정적 호소에 의존한 발표, 전문성의 불균형 문제들도 나타났다. 숙의 전후 시점을 기준으로 분석한 숙의 효과는 판단을 유보했던 시민참여단의 최종 선호 변화에서 크게 나타났고, 건설중단 입장을 표명했던 시민참여단에게도 크게 나타났다. 한편, 공론화 주제가 특정 집단에 편향된 주제가 아니었으며, 시민참여단의 정치적 평등이 확보되어 참여자의 포괄성도 높았으나, 표본 추출방식의 한계, 비통제변수의 영향 가능성으로 인해 표본의 설명력이 낮을 수 있다는 문제도 내재되어 있었다. 연구 결과는 숙의성은 참여자에게 학습을 위한 충분한 정보제공과 검토 기회가 제공되고, 참여자 간 계서화됨 없이 정치적 평등 관계가 유지되어야 확보될 수 있음을 시사 한다. 마지막으로, 공론화는 쟁점이 다양하고 복잡하거나 높은 전문성을 필요로 하는 의제를 다룰 경우 그 적용의 실효성이 낮다.This study analyzed the deliberateness and representativeness of the public deliberation process of Singori Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6, which was the trigger for the dissemination of public debate, in order to discuss how secure the deliberateness and representativeness of public deliberation is in our society . The results show that despite the successful evaluation, the deliberation and representativeness of public deliberation remained controversial. The schedule for deliberation over a month and the deliberation of the Citizen Participation Group for three days were not short, but the opportunity for information and data review for the Citizen Participation Group was not sufficient. In addition, although the intensive deliberation process was conducted, there was a problem of unbalanced opportunities for speech among participants in a small group discussion, presentations that depended on emotional appeals, and unbalanced professionalism. The effect of deliberation, analyzed based on the pre- and post-deliberation period, was large in the final preference change of the Citizens Participation Group, which had retained the judgment pending, and also in the Citizen Participants, who expressed their cessation of construction. On the other hand, the topic of public deliberation was not a topic biased to a specific group, and the political equality of the Citizens Participation Group secured the inclusiveness of the participants, but due to the limitations of the sampling method and the possibility of influence of non-controlled variables such as job and education level, there was also a problem that the sample s explanatory power could be low. The study show that deliberateness can be guaranteed only if it provides participants with sufficient information and review opportunities for learning, and political equality without being accounted for among participants is maintained. Lastly, public deliberation is less effective when dealing with agendas that are complex or require high expertise.

Patient and Caregiver Priorities for Medication Adherence in Gout, Osteoporosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Nominal Group Technique.

This study aimed to identify and prioritize factors important to patients and caregivers with regard to medication adherence in gout, osteoporosis (OP), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to describe the reasons for their decisions. Patients with gout, OP, and RA and their caregivers, purposively sampled from 5 rheumatology clinics in Australia, identified and ranked factors that they considered important for medication adherence using nominal group technique and discussed their decisions. An importance score (IS; scale 0-1) was calculated, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. From 14 focus groups, 82 participants (67 patients and 15 caregivers) identified 49 factors. The top 5 factors based on the ranking of all participants were trust in doctor (IS 0.46), medication effectiveness (IS 0.31), doctor's knowledge (IS 0.25), side effects (IS 0.23), and medication-taking routine (IS 0.13). The order of the ranking varied by participant groupings, with patients ranking "trust in doctor" the highest, while caregivers ranked "side effects" the highest. The 5 themes reflecting the reasons for factors influencing adherence were as follows: motivation and certainty in supportive individualized care; living well and restoring function; fear of toxicity and cumulative harm; seeking control and involvement; and unnecessarily difficult and inaccessible. Factors related to the doctor, medication properties, and patients' medication knowledge and routine were important for adherence. Strengthening doctor-patient trust and partnership, managing side effects, and empowering patients with knowledge and skills for taking medication could enhance medication adherence in patients with rheumatic conditions.

Does work disability influence work trajectories around vocational labor market training in Finland?

Abstract Background People with health problems have lower employment rates than the general population and they require special attention with respect to interventions promoting work participation. However, the contribution of health problems and work disability to labor market participation in relation to vocational training is unclear. Methods Using nationally representative Finnish register data on 42,691 job seekers entering vocational labor market training in 2008-2010, we constructed latent trajectory groups of work participation in the open labor market three years before and three years after training, identifying groups called “High-High”, “High-Low”, “Low-High”, and “Low-Low”. We plotted other labor market participation within these trajectory groups and using multinomial logistic regression examined assignment to these groups among those with and without previous work disability. Results Of the vocational trainees, 29.7% had previous work disability. Those with compared to those without previous work disability more often had previous employment and they spent less time in economic inactivity within the two trajectory groups with low pre-training levels of work participation. Having previous work disability was associated with assignment to the “High-Low” trajectory group of work participation instead of the “High-High” comparison group. The associations of other background factors with assignment to the different trajectory groups were relatively similar among those with and without previous work disability. However, some of these associations were weaker among the former. Conclusions A relatively large proportion of vocational labor market trainees had previous work disability, which influenced work participation in the open labor market and other labor market participation before and after training. Along with other key background factors, previous work disability should be accounted for when assessing the effects of vocational training. Key messages Previous work disability contributes to trajectories of labor market participation among vocational labor market trainees. Problems of health and work disability should be accounted for when assessing the effects of vocational training.

레저만족과 지각된 스트레스의 관계에서 레저참여의 효과: 미국 대학생을 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of leisure satisfaction on perceived stress amongst college students. In addition, the moderating effect of the leisure participation level on the relationship between the two variables was examined. A total of 203 usable surveys were collected from college students at mid-size public southeast university in the United States. The results of this study indicated that leisure satisfaction has a negative impact on perceived stress. For the moderating effect of leisure participation level, leisure satisfaction did not have significant negative impact on perceived stress with high-level leisure participation group, whereas it had significant negative impact on perceived stress with low-level leisure participation. The findings of the study would provide meaningful implications for practitioners at college leisure industry as to how to moderate the level of leisure participation.

Evaluation of ABO blood group in subjects with CVD risk factors in a population sample from northeastern Iran

Background and aimsThe ABO blood group system is a genetic polymorphism which can affect the clearance of von Willebrand factor. We aimed to assess the levels of newer biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and anti-heat-shock protein27 (anti-Hsp27) antibody titers in subjects with various blood groups (A, B, AB and O) and with or without traditional CVD risk factors. MethodsThe cross-sectional study comprised 6910 subjects. Antigen-antibody agglutination was evaluated by the slide test method for identification of ABO blood groups. ResultsAmong three markers, only Serum anti-Hsp27 titers significantly differed between the four blood groups and showed the highest and lowest values in AB and O blood groups (0.26 ± 0.22 and 0.23 ± 0.18 OD, respectively; P < 0.05). Serum anti-Hsp27 was higher in individuals with an AB blood group with metabolic syndrome (MetS), dyslipidemia, hypertension (HTN) and obesity and it was lower in subjects with O blood group; though, two other biomarkers, serum PAB and hs-CRP, were not significantly different between the ABO blood groups. However, they were not different among blood groups in participants with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) (P > 0.05). ConclusionIndividuals with an AB blood group and high levels of anti-Hsp27 antibody titers may be predisposed to CVDs that can be mediated through the traditional CVD risk factors among middle-aged subjects from northeastern Iran. The fact that differences in anti Hsp27 are only found in the subgroup with other risk factors suggest that the difference between ABO blood groups is a consequence rather than a cause.

Oral administration of porcine liver decomposition product for 4weeks enhances visual memory and delayed recall in healthy adults over 40years of age: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Porcine liver decomposition product (PLDP) contains neurofunctional phospholipids. We previously reported that PLDP enhances cognitive function in healthy adult humans, based on clinical evaluations using Hasegawa's Dementia Scale-Revised. In this study, we evaluated the effect of PLDP on memory indicators of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), an internationally recognized battery for memory assessment. We conducted a double-blind parallel-group placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of PLDP on memory. Fifty-eight participants competed the trial: 28 participants were in the PLDP group and 30 participants were in the placebo group. Each group was administered PLDP (4 capsules) or a placebo (4 capsules) for 4 continuous weeks. WMS-R was administered before and 4weeks after PLDP or placebo intake. The data were also subdivided by age for participants under 40years (N=15 in PLDP; N=15 in placebo) and over 40years (N=13 in PLDP, N=15 in placebo). Changes in Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Attention/Concentration, and Delayed Recall were analyzed. No significant differences were found in any memory indicators between the PLDP group and the placebo group in pooled participants and in participants under 40years of age. However, for participants over 40years of age, PLDP administration resulted in a significant enhancement than placebo administration in Delayed Recall (14.1±7.1 points vs. 7.1±6.8 points) (P<0.05), Visual Recall I (20.1±23.1 percentile vs 1.9±22.8 percentile) (P<0.05), and Visual Recall II (24.2±25.8 percentile vs 6.7±19.0 percentile) (P<0.05), respectively. The composition ratio of men to women in each group was imbalanced but no significant difference existed between the two groups. A modest sample size, single-center design, and a fairly short follow-up period. PLDP enhanced Visual Memory and Delayed Recall in healthy adults over 40years of age but not in healthy adults under 40years of age. Therefore, PLDP may represent a promising nutraceutical that could improve cognitive function in healthy adults over 40years of age. Further studies are required to evaluate if long term PLDP administration can prevent or delay cognitive dysfunction in healthy adults over 40years of age.

Dementia education is the first step for cooperation: An observational study of the cooperation between convenience stores and community general support centers.

The dementia supporter training program is conducted by community general support centers (CGSCs) to raise dementia awareness. Convenience stores are widespread throughout Japan, and they play an important role in the daily lives of older adults. We examined whether participation of convenience stores in the program promotes cooperation between the stores and CGSCs. Using data from a nationwide survey, we conducted a longitudinal observational study. Participation of stores in the program and cooperation with CGSC were measured. The proportion of cooperation with CGSCs in 2017 and 2018 were compared between stores that had already participated in the program in 2016 (participation group) and those that did not (non-participation group). Of the 14 884 stores, 542 stores participated in the program in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, 8.1% and 7.2% of the participation group cooperated with CGSCs, while 3.2% and 4.0% of the non-participation group did. Dementia supporter training programs could be an opportunity to promote cooperation between convenience stores and CGSCs to support older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 956-960.

Tolerability and efficacy of vortioxetine versus SSRIs in elderly with major depression. Study protocol of the VESPA study: a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, superiority, randomized trial

IntroductionDepression is a highly prevalent condition in the elderly, with a vast impact on quality of life, life expectancy, and medical outcomes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed agents in this condition and, although generally safe, tolerability issues cannot be overlooked. Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with a novel mechanism of action. Based on studies to date, it may have a promising tolerability profile in the elderly, as it does not adversely affect psychomotor or cognitive performance and does not alter cardiovascular and endocrine parameters. The present study aims to assess the tolerability profile of vortioxetine in comparison with the SSRIs considered as a single group in elderly participants with depression. The rate of participants withdrawing from treatment due to adverse events after 6 months of follow up will be the primary outcome.Methods and analysisThis is a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, superiority, randomized trial funded by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA - Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco). Thirteen Italian Community Psychiatric Services will consecutively enrol elderly participants suffering from an episode of major depression over a period of 12 months. Participants will be assessed at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months of follow up. At each time point, the following validated rating scales will be administered: Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Antidepressant Side-Effect Checklist (ASEC), EuroQual 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Short Blessed Test (SBT), and Charlson Age-Comorbidity Index (CACI). Outcome assessors and the statistician will be masked to treatment allocation. A total of 358 participants (179 in each group) will be enrolled.Ethics and disseminationThis study will fully adhere to the ICH E6 Guideline for Good Clinical Practice. Participants’ data will be managed and safeguarded according to the European Data Protection Regulation 2016/679. An external Ethical Advisory Board will help guarantee high ethical standards.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT03779789, Registered on 19 December 2018. Submitted on 19 December. EudraCT number: 2018–001444-66.Trial statusProtocol version 1.5; 09/06/2018. Recruitment started In February 2019 and it is ongoing. It is expected to end approximately on 30 September 2021.

Effects of coordination training on the technical development in 10-/13-year-old football players.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of coordination training carried out by 10- and 13-year-old male football players on the performance of dribbling, passing, shooting, ball bouncing and wall-volley skills. A total of 45 male football players were divided into three 15 participants groups. The experimental group performed 30 min coordination training three days a week for ten weeks while the control group one continued their routine training and control group two performed unstructured football training. Measurements included Mor and Christian, Yeagley and Johnson football skill tests. Pre- and post-test measurements were compared by an ANOVA 2×3. A significant level of P<0.05 was established. All the skills, dribbling (P<0.001), passing (P<0.001), shooting (P<0.001), ball bouncing (P=0.047) and wall-volley (P<0.001), improved after ten weeks in the experimental group, while only passing (P=0.006), shooting (P=0.007) and wall-volley (P<0.001) improved in the control group one and none of the skills improved in the control group two (P>0.05). The improvement was significant in the experimental group in comparison with the control groups (P<0.001). The implementation of coordination exercises in combination with structured football training has been shown to be effective in improving general football ability among 10-13 male players.

The Attitudes of Chinese ELT Stakeholders toward Different English Language Varieties

The glocalization of the English language has produced various indigenized English varieties, posing a challenge to the conventional monolithic view of English, particularly the traditional practice of upholding Inner Circle English as the gold standard in English language teaching (ELT). Against this backdrop as well as the current gigantic size of English as a foreign language (EFL) education in China, a large scale study was conducted via questionniare suvery and interview to investigate the attitudes of Chinese ELT stakeholders toward different English language varieties. This article reports on part of the findings of this study based on the data collected through semi-structured interviews with 26 students, 14 teachers and eight EFL program administrators from six Chinese universities. The analysis of data reveals that the three participants groups as an entirety regarded Inner Circle English as being (more) standard, authentic and intelligible, and upheld this English variety as the teaching model and learning target. The vast majority of the participants were also found uncognizant of the discrimination against Outer and Expanding Circle English initiated by the promotion of Inner Circle English in English language teaching (ELT). Although a certain proportion of the teachers and administrators displayed critical awareness on this issue, they argued that the discimination is inresitable or inevitable. All these findings indicate the prevalence of the conventional pro-nativeness ideology among Chinese ELT stakeholders and by extension the tenacity of native-speakerism across the terrain of EFL education in China. Keywords : attitudes, Chinese ELT stakeholders, English language varieties, teaching/learning model, linguistic discrimination DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/70-07 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

Sex-specific Knee Biomechanics Associated With Patellofemoral Pain In Amateur Runners During Running

Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) is a common injury among runners. The mechanisms of sex differences associated with lower extremity biomechanics in PFP are still unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the differences in knee biomechanics between male and female amateur runners with PFP and without PFP in running task. Further, to determine the sex-specific biomechanical factors associated with the development of PFP. METHODS: 15 male and 10 female amateur runners aged 18 to 40 years with PFP were screened and enrolled in PFP group, 25 healthy amateur runners matched with the PFP group in sex, age, and running experience were recruited as control group. PFP group was tested running with and without knee pain (PFP with pain and PFP without pain groups), while control group performed one running test (running speed = 4.0 ± 0.3 m/s). Knee pain in PFP group was eliminated by decreasing the volume of running. Knee kinematics and kinetics during landing phase of running were reduced from reflective marker coordinates and ground reaction force data, as well as compared among groups and between sexes. RESULTS: Peak knee valgus angle of running in PFP group with pain (male: 3.2 ± 4.2°, female: 4.8 ± 4.9°, P = 0.001) and control group (male: 1.9 ± 2.7°, female: 3.8 ± 3.0°, P = 0.001) were significantly lower compared to PFP group without pain (male: 4.5 ± 4.3°, female: 7.9 ± 3.1°). Peak knee external rotation moment of running in PFP group with pain (male: 0.021 ± 0.008 BW × BH, female: 0.019 ± 0.006 BW × BH, P = 0.019) and control group (male: 0.020 ± 0.006 BW × BH, female: 0.017 ± 0.006 BW × BH, P = 0.001) were significantly lower compared to PFP group without pain (male: 0.024 ± 0.009 BW × BH, female: 0.022 ± 0.008 BW × BH). Peak knee flexion angle of running in PFP group without pain (48.8 ± 5.6°) was significantly greater compared to control group for male participants (46.0 ± 3.6°, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased knee valgus angle and external rotation moment in running appeared to be compensations to avoid pain when amateur runners with PFP were running with pain, and increased knee valgus angle and external rotation moment might be biomechanical factors associated with the development of PFP. Increased knee flexion angle in running may be another critical biomechanical factor associated with the development of PFP for male amateur runners.

민간경비원의 운동참여에 따른 직무스트레스, 이직의도 및 고객지향성의 관계

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between job stress, turnover intention and customer orientation according to the presence of regular participation in private security guards. To this end, data were collected from 202 employees working at private security companies located in Gyeonggi-do and Chungnam provinces. The following conclusions were drawn.BR First, the job stress of private security guards had an effect on turnover intention and customer orientation.BR Second, structural variables, intrinsic variables, and turnover intention of job stress were low in the regular participation group of private security officers.BR In conclusion, the regular participation of private security officers can lower the job stress level and affect the turnover intention, thereby reducing the turnover rate.

The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for plantar fasciitis. Design: A participant blind randomized controlled trial with parallel group design and an active comparator with follow-up at four weeks. Settings: Outpatient, University hospital. Subjects: Unilateral plantar fasciitis participants (n = 102) were randomly assigned into two groups. Recruitment period was from January 2017 to April 2019. Interventions: Interventions included eight sessions of laser therapy over three weeks and single session of patient education. The HILT group (n = 51) received HILT and the LLLT group (n = 51) received LLLT. Main measures: Primary outcomes: visual analogue scale; secondary outcomes: pressure algometry, sonography of plantar fascia thickness (time frame: baseline to three-week and four-week follow-up) and numeric rating scale (0%–100%) for opinion of participants on effect of treatment (time frame: three weeks). Data presented: mean (SD) or n (%). Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to visual analogue scale (pain in general reduction in three weeks: 2.57(3.45) vs. 2.88(3.28) cm), pressure algometry (pain threshold difference between healthy and affected heel reduction in three weeks: 1.80(6.39) vs. 1.77(2.85) kg) and sonography measurements (plantar fascia thickness difference between healthy and affected heel reduction in three weeks: 0.19(0.56) vs. 0.30(0.57) mm). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in participants’ opinion in favor to HILT group (efficacy of treatment better than 50%: 26(51%) vs. 37(73%)). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference between groups was observed.

How important is community participation to eco-environmental conservation in protected areas? From the perspective of predicting locals' pro-environmental behaviours

Community participation is considered an effective measure to protect the eco-environment and to improve people's livelihoods in protected areas. However, it has not received enough attention at the practical level in most developing countries, and it is unclear how important it is in stimulating locals' pro-environmental behaviours to achieve eco-environmental protection goals. This study focuses on the relationship among community participation, perception changes in livelihood capitals and place attachment, which are related to residents' production, livelihoods, and pro-environmental behaviours. The study uses a convenience sampling method in the Nanling National Nature Reserve, China. Regression analysis results show that community participation is the most powerful predictor of pro-environmental behaviours. Furthermore, community participation moderates the relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental behaviours. In addition, perception changes in livelihood capitals positively affect pro-environmental behaviours in the high-level community participation group while having negative or positive results in the low-level community participation group. The findings, which emphasize the importance of community participation in conservation, provide a better understanding of the differences in pro-environmental behaviours between high and low community participation groups and will aid future development and conservation planning of these initiatives.

Tu1167 FELLOW INVOLVEMENT IN SCREENING COLONOSCOPY DOES NOT IMPROVE QUALITY OF THE PROCEDURE WHEN ATTENDING ADR IS HIGH

Colonoscopy is the preferred method for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with established benefit in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. Interval CRC is inversely proportional to the quality of the procedure. Given the importance of providing a quality colonoscopy, there is great interest in studying the effects of different procedural factors on the Adenoma and Polyp Detection Rates (ADR and PDR). Colonoscopy quality differs widely among providers and is affected by several factors. It remains unclear whether participation of gastroenterology fellows affects the quality of the procedure, and whether the skill level at different stages of training contributes to any change in quality of the colonoscopy. We aim to investigate whether GI fellows at different stages of training have different ADR and PDR compared to screening colonoscopies performed by attendings without fellows. We performed a retrospective review of a random sample of patients who underwent a screening colonoscopy at our institution between January 2017 and June 2019. Patients with personal or family history of colon polyps or cancer, and those undergoing a diagnostic colonoscopy were excluded. Descriptive statistics were reported as proportions or means. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-Square test of association with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 895 colonoscopies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the study patients was 59 years, 51.1% were females. GI fellows were involved in 40.5% of the procedures. The ADR and PDR in the fellow participation group were similar to those in the attending group (42% vs 44%, p= 0.59; 54% vs 51%, p= 0.58, respectively). No significant differences were noted in ADR or PDR when first year fellows were excluded or when third year fellows were compared to the attending group. The ADR and PDR increased numerically with advancement in fellowship without reaching statistical significance (ADR = 38%, 40%, 49 % for first, second, and third year fellows respectively). In our sample, fellow involvement did not impact the ADR or PDR. However, the overall ADR was 43% which is significantly higher than the minimum acceptable ADR of 30% for men and 20% for women. While attendings and fellows have been appropriately vigilant in their mucosal inspection, the high ADR in both groups left little room for improvement. While data regarding fellow involvement on colonoscopy outcomes remains controversial, one could characterize it as “quality-neutral” as it is associated with at least equal ADR. Therefore, colonoscopy performed by a supervised fellow should not be disregarded for delivering low-quality services for patients. In addition, attending’s expertise appears to inversely correlate with the added potential benefit of fellow involvement.

Verification of a ZBTB16 variant in polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Research questionThis study investigated whether rs1784692 is a risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Han Chinese women. DesignA case-control study was conducted in Han Chinese women, involving 526 PCOS patients and 522 control participants. A TaqMan MGB probe assay was used to genotype the variant rs1784692. Dominant and additive models were employed for genotype–phenotype association analysis in the PCOS and control samples. ResultsThe minor allele C of rs1784692 is protective against PCOS (odds ratio [OR] 0.556, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.408–0.759, P = 1.83 × 10–4), even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and age (ORadj 0.539, 95% CI 0.391–0.743, Padj= 1.62 × 10–4). Genotype–phenotype analysis of the dominant model showed that mean BMI in the CC+CT group was higher than in the TT group in the PCOS group (27.12 ± 5.82 versus 24.57 ± 4.52, P = 1.0 × 10–3), but not in the control groups, indicating that the minor allele C of rs1784692 associates with BMI in women with PCOS. The mean LH (luteinizing hormone) concentration in the CC+CT group was lower than in the TT group in PCOS and control participants (9.33 ± 5.08 versus 10.93 ± 5.91, P = 0.036; 4.39 ± 1.66 versus 4.89 ± 2.07, P = 0.021). Genotype–phenotype analysis of additive model showed that mean BMI in TC group was higher than in the TT group in PCOS patients compared with control participants (27.14 ± 5.81 versus 24.57 ± 4.52, P = 3.06 × 10–3). ConclusionsThe SNP rs1784692 in gene ZBTB16 is protective against PCOS but is associated with increased BMI in Han Chinese women with PCOS.

Going GAGAS for due process: examining Yellow Book standard participation

PurposeThe US federal government requires auditors to follow governmental auditing standards when performing audits of entities expending significant federal government dollars. This study explores stakeholder participation during the comment letter phase of government auditing standard setting to determine if participation is symbolic or substantive.Design/methodology/approachResearchers conduct an analysis of the 179 comment letters submitted to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) and received for their 2010 and 2017 exposure drafts of government auditing standards.FindingsThe distribution of stakeholder participation groups in the government auditing standard-setting process differs from the distribution in the private company auditing standard-setting process. On average, participants submit letters that are greater than two pages in length. Participants also contribute feedback on topics that the GAO directly solicits. Taken together, the results demonstrate stakeholder behaviors that are consistent with a substantive rather than symbolic due process involvement for government auditing standards.Research limitations/implicationsStakeholder beliefs are inferred based on the observed behavior of comment letter submissions. Also, there is a subjective element to the classification of the comment letters for the study.Practical ImplicationsGiven the far-reaching implications of Yellow Book auditing standards on public, private and nonprofit entities, the findings are relevant to a heterogeneous audience. This study reveals opportunities for users of government auditing standards, practitioners and academics for greater involvement in due process standard setting to bring additional legitimacy to the GAO and its standard-setting activities.Originality/valueBeyond the current study, little empirical research examines Yellow Book auditing standards or the due process through which these standards are established. This is the first study to examine the complete set of comment letters for the 2010 and 2017 exposure drafts of government auditing standards.

Trauma-Informed Financial Empowerment Programming Improves Food Security Among Families With Young Children

ObjectiveTo determine how trauma-informed programming affects household food insecurity (HFI) over 12 months. DesignChange was assessed in HFI from baseline to 12 months in response to a single-arm cohort intervention. Measures were taken at baseline and in every quarter. Two participant groups were compared: participation in ≥4 sessions (full participation) vs participation in <4 sessions (low/no participation). SettingCommunity-based setting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ParticipantsA total of 372 parents of children aged <6 years, participating in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, recruited from county assistance offices and community-based settings. InterventionTrauma-informed programming incorporates healing-centered approaches to address previous exposures to trauma. Sixteen sessions addressed emotional management, social and family dynamics related to violence exposure and childhood adversity, and financial skills. Main Outcome MeasuresHousehold food insecurity, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. AnalysisMixed-effects logistic regression models were used to compare groups from baseline to 12 months, controlling for adverse childhood experiences, depression, and public assistance. ResultsThose with full participation had 55% lower odds of facing HFI compared with the low/no participation group (adjusted odds ratio = 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.90). Conclusions and ImplicationsTrauma-informed programming can reduce the odds of HFI and may reduce trauma-related symptoms associated with depression and poverty.