Analysis Of Variance Model Research Articles

A Dyadic Behavioral Sleep Intervention Program for Persons Living With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

AbstractBackgroundUntreated sleep problems in persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers impact health outcomes of both individuals and impair quality of care for caregivers. This study pilot tested preliminary effects of a dyadic sleep intervention program among this group.MethodThirty PLWD/caregiver dyads were randomized to a 5‐session treatment (n = 15 dyads) or a similarly structured information‐only control group (n = 15 dyads) via in‐person or video‐telehealth. Treatment was a manual‐based program incorporating key components of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), daily light exposure and walking, and a problem‐solving approach for dementia‐related behaviors and caregiving challenges. Sleep outcomes included actigraphy‐measured sleep efficiency (SE) and total awake time (TWT) at night for dyads, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for caregivers. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post‐treatment, and 3‐months follow‐up (main outcome time point). Recommendation adherence in the treatment group was computed and a 2 (group) by 3 (time) mixed model analysis of variance was used to test the treatment effects (p<0.20 as the threshold).ResultTwo dyads in treatment and one control dyad did not complete all five sessions. Of 13 dyads who completed all sessions of the treatment program, average % days that the dyads met their sleep schedules were 76% bedtime and 83% get‐up time for PLWD and 81% bedtime and 68% get‐up time for caregivers. From baseline to 3‐month follow‐up, SE increased by 3.2% more for PLWD in the treatment group (n = 9) compared to control (n = 9, p = 0.48) and by 3.7% more for caregivers in the treatment group (n = 12) compared to control (n = 9, p = 0.17). TWT also reduced by 19 minutes more for PLWD and 14 minutes more for caregivers in the treatment group compared to control at the 3‐month follow‐up although this was not statistically significant. Caregivers in treatment also showed non‐significant improvement on the PSQI (p>0.20).ConclusionA dyadic approach to sleep improvement showed evidence of benefit among PLWD and caregivers. A larger study is needed to fully evaluate these effects and compare in‐person to telehealth modalities.

A Study on the Factors Influencing the Penetration of the New Energy Vehicle Market in the New Stage of Demand Driven Development: Analysis Based on Consumer Surveys

With the increasingly serious issues of global warming and energy scarcity, the development of the new energy vehicle industry has become an important link in the development of industries in various countries. With the support of strong government subsidies and capital investment, China's new energy vehicle industry has become the world's largest market. But in 2023, China's new energy vehicle market entered the knockout stage: subsidies declined; The development of new forces in car manufacturing faces severe challenges; The growth rate of sales of new energy vehicles has slowed down. After two rounds of rapid development driven by policies and supply, how to drive the next rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry through demand has become a valuable research topic. Therefore, this article first integrates literature and information presented in industrial reality to summarize the factors that affect the penetration of the new energy vehicle market; Then, starting from the consumer side, we collected data by questionnaire survey, and analyzed the questionnaire data by variance analysis and multiple logistic model to explore their potential consumer characteristics, selection preferences, and factors affecting market penetration; Finally, based on the above research, conclusions are proposed to help new energy vehicles achieve performance and service upgrades around intelligence with a user oriented approach, and to propose countermeasures and suggestions for the future development of China's new energy vehicle industry.

Comparison of surface characteristics of denture base resin materials with two surface treatment protocols and simulated brushing.

To investigate the effects of 4 denture base materials, 2 surface treatment protocols, and simulated brushing (SB) on the surface hardness, surface roughness, surface gloss, and the surface loss of denture base materials. Four denture base resin material groups (compression-molded, injection-molded, 3D-printed, and milled) with two different surface treatment protocols (polished and glazed) were utilized in this study. A total of 80 samples (n = 10) were evaluated for surface hardness (Vickers) before SB. SB was performed for each sample (custom-built V8 cross brushing machine, 50,000 reciprocal strokes). Surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after SB with a non-contact optical profilometer. Surface gloss was performed using a glossmeter to determine changes in surface reflectivity of the specimens before and after SB. Surface loss (wear resistance) was measured after SB using optical profilometry. The effects of material, surface treatment, and SB on all surface characteristics were examined with two-way and three-way analysis of variance models (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). The polished compression-molded group had significantly higher surface hardness than all other groups. The protective glaze coating significantly increased the surface hardness for all groups (P < 0.001). SB increased the surface roughness of all groups regardless of surface treatments (P < 0.001). The increase in surface roughness after SB was significantly higher with polished surface treatment than with a glazed surface treatment in all groups (P < 0.001). Surface gloss was significantly higher with the glazed surface treatment than with the polished surface treatment for all denture base materials (P < 0.001). After SB, milled denture base material showed the highest, and 3D-printed material showed the second highest surface gloss compared to the other groups (P < 0.001), regardless of surface treatment. In all materials tested, surface glaze significantly decreased surface loss (P < 0.001). With the glaze surface treatment, compression-molded denture base material had significantly less surface loss (more surface gain) than other materials, while with the polished surface treatment, 3D-printed denture base material had the least surface loss when compared with other groups. A single layer of nano-filled, light-polymerizing protective glaze coating has displayed potential for enhancing the longevity of denture base materials, as evidenced by increased hardness and wear resistance. Following simulated brushing, the milled denture material exhibited the highest surface gloss and lowest surface roughness among all groups, regardless of the surface treatment protocol. This indicates that milled denture base material possesses favorable surface properties and may serve as a viable alternative to traditional denture base materials.

Analysis of Covariance of Models of Sudoku Squares with no Treatment Effects on Concomitant Variable

Inclusion of concomitant variable(s) in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model is an indication that the model is of ANCOVA model provided that there is correlation between the concomitant and response variable. This study employ numerical illustrations of the analysis of covariance of models of Sudoku square with no treatment effects on concomitant variable- Result of the illustration, showed that error variance from the ANCOVA Sudoku square models reduced 12.7761 to 5.5152 for model I; 13.6898 to 6.4690 for model II; 15.7926 to 4.8160 for model III and 16.5152 to 4.9226 for model IV respectively in which the concomitant variable had justified its inclusion in the models. The results showed that adjusted treatment effect is similar across the four ANCOVA models, the correlation coefficient for each of the ANCOVA model is highly positively and the error mean square obtained for ANCOVA models are less than the values of error mean square obtained for ANOVA models of Sudoku square.

A digital platform to support communication and organization in the general practice: Evaluation of healthcare usage and costs using claims data of a health insurer

IntroductionThe pressure on general practitioners (GPs) is rising due to the increasing demand for care and a decreasing availability of GPs. eHealth is seen as one of the solutions to enhance accessibility and reduce workload. A platform supporting the organization and communication in general practice has been developed offering services, such as econsultations. This study aims to evaluate healthcare usage and costs of patients using this platform by comparing these outcomes (1) before and after implementation and (2) an intervention with a matched control group. Material and methodsThis study is a retrospective observational cohort study. To evaluate the longitudinal impact of the implementation on healthcare usage, mixed model Poisson analyses were used with time as a factor term for the within-subject analysis and exposure to the platform as a factor term and an interaction term (i.e., exposure X 6-months) in the between-subject analysis. Cost analyses were done with mixed model analyses of variance over time. ResultsThe total number of GP consultations significantly increased after compared to before implementation (i.e., Rate = 1.52; p < .001). The number of GP consultations was higher in the intervention compared to the control group (respectively, Rate = 1.23; p = .035). Healthcare costs increased for GP consultations after compared to before implementation (€13,57; p < .001). The costs for GP consults were significantly higher in the intervention compared to the control group (€7,06; p .018). ConclusionThis study showed a rise in GP consultations and costs when implementing a digital platform. This increase was presumably and partly caused by circumstances in one of the two included practices. Moreover, creating new options for contacting and communicating with the GP can enhance care accessibility and thereby driving an increase in consultations. This digital platform is a promising working method in general practice to facilitate patients and provide GPs with more flexibility.

Patient Outcomes Are Not Improved by Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Onto the Capsule at the Time of Closure During Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

To determine the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection onto the capsule at time of closure on outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively identified. The first cohort included patients who received PRP injection onto the capsule following capsular closure at the conclusion of the case. The second cohort did not receive PRP. Pain scores on a visual analog scale, Modified Harris Hip Scores, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), as well as Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function scores were obtained preoperatively as well as at multiple time points postoperatively up to 2 years. In total, 345 patients were included in the study, with 293 in the PRP cohort and 52 in the non-PRP cohort. There was no significance difference in age (P= .69), sex, or preoperative pain (P= .92) and patient-reported outcome scores between the 2 groups (modified Harris Hip Score, P= .38; Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function, P= .48), except for preoperative SANE scores, which had a greater baseline in the PRP group (P < .001). Using both observed data as well as repeated measure analysis of variance model to estimate for missing data after baseline, we found there were no differences in visual analog scale pain scores nor patient-reported outcome scores at any time point. There was similarly no difference in change from baseline for SANE scores. There was no difference in rate of revision surgery between the 2 cohorts (P= .66). Based on the results of this study, intraoperative PRP injection onto the capsule at the time of capsular closure does not improve outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Quantitative diffusion imaging and genotype-by-sex interactions in a rat model of Alexander disease.

The clinical diagnosis and classification of Alexander disease (AxD) relies in part on qualitative neuroimaging biomarkers; however, these biomarkers fail to distinguish and discriminate different subtypes of AxD, especially in the presence of overlap in clinical symptoms. To address this gap in knowledge, we applied neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to an innovative CRISPR-Cas9 rat genetic model of AxD to gain quantitative insights into the neural substrates and brain microstructural changes seen in AxD and to potentially identify novel quantitative NODDI biomarkers of AxD. Multi-shell DWI of age- and sex-matched AxD and wild-type Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6 per sex per genotype) was performed and DTI and NODDI measures calculated. A 3 × 2 × 2 analysis of variance model was used to determine the effect of genotype, biological sex, and laterality on quantitative measures of DTI and NODDI across regions of interest implicated in AxD. There is a significant effect of genotype in the amygdala, hippocampus, neocortex, and thalamus in measures of both DTI and NODDI brain microstructure. A genotype by biological sex interaction was identified in DTI and NODDI measures in the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and neocortex. We present the first application of NODDI to the study of AxD using a rat genetic model of AxD. Our analysis identifies alterations in NODDI and DTI measures to large white matter tracts and subcortical gray nuclei. We further identified genotype by sex interactions, suggesting a possible role for biological sex in the neuropathogenesis of AxD.

Whole blood cadmium levels and depressive symptoms in Chinese young adults: A prospective cohort study combing metabolomics

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between Cd exposure and depressive symptoms in Chinese young adults. And to investigate the potential metabolic changes associated with high blood Cd concentrations. MethodsWe conducted a cohort study in 2019 and 2021. Blood Cd and depressive symptoms were collected during baseline and follow-up. The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores were used to assess depressive symptoms. We used the generalized linear mixed model to estimate the association between blood Cd levels and depressive symptoms. A metabolomic and lipidomic analysis based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was conducted on a total of 679 blood samples. The metabolomic data were analyzed using variance analysis and linear mixed effects models. ResultsBlood Cd concentrations were significantly associated with increased severity of depression symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–4.11]. Metabolomics analysis found 93 metabolites with significant statistical differences between the lowest blood Cd level group and the highest Cd level group. Among the 93 differential metabolites, 17 were enriched in 7 differential metabolic pathways. ConclusionsBlood Cd was associated with increased severity of depression symptoms in Chinese young adults. Cd exposure may affect depressive symptoms by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupting amino acid metabolism.

Preliminary Data of Neck Muscle Morphology With Head-Supported Mass in Male and Female Volunteers.

This study quantified parameters related to muscle morphology using a group of upright seated female and male volunteers with a head-supported mass. Upright magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were obtained from 23 healthy volunteers after approval from the U.S. DoD. They were asymptomatic for neck pain, with no history of injury. The volunteers were scanned using an upright MRI scanner with a head-supported mass (army combat helmet). T1 and T2 sagittal and axial images were obtained. Measurements were performed by an engineer and a neurosurgeon. The cross-sectional areas of the sternocleidomastoid and multifidus muscles were measured at the inferior endplate in the sub-axial column, and the centroid angle and centroid radius were quantified. Differences in the morphology by gender and spinal level were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance model, adjusted for multiple corrections. For females and males, the cross-sectional area of the sternocleidomastoid muscle ranged from 2.3 to 3.6 cm2 and from 3.4 to 5.4 cm2, the centroid radius ranged from 4.1 to 5.1 cm and from 4.7 to 5.7 cm, and the centroid angle ranged from 75° to 131° and from 4.8° to 131.2°, respectively. For the multifidus muscle, the area ranged from 1.7 to 3.9 cm2 and from 2.4 to 4.2 cm2, the radius ranged from 3.1 to 3.4 cm and from 3.3 to 3.8 cm, the angle ranged from 15° to 24.4° and 16.2° to 24.4°, respectively. Results from all levels for both muscles and male and female spines are given. The cross-sectional area, angulation, and centroid radii data for flexor and extensor muscles of the cervical spine serve as a dataset that may be used to better define morphologies in computational models and obtain segmental motions and loads under external mechanical forces. These data can be used in computational models for injury prevention, mitigation, and readiness.

Abstract 12959: Association of Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment With Metabolic Syndrome in Transgender Patients Compared With Cis-Gender Patients

Background: The long-term effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an area of priority in transgender (TG) health research. Also, there is a great gap in our understanding of sex hormone and sex chromosomes and their role in Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and therefore atherosclerosis risk. Hypothesis: sex hormones, (estradiol and Testosterone) affect the development of MetS and therefore heart disease. Methods: Using International Classification of Diseases ninth and tenth codes for gender dysphoria from the Veteran Health Affairs national data, we identified 284 transfeminine (TF) and 79 transmasculine (TM) patients with documented received GAHT initiation date (index date=ID) and MetS components data. GAHT consists of estradiol in TF and testosterone in TM individuals.TG individuals were matched to 252 cis-male (CM) and 111 cis-female (CF) referents. MetS z-scores were calculated as: where . In the longitudinal analyses, time (years) was computed from the ID (“Time 0”) with negative and positive values indicating pre- and post ID period, respectively. The mean MetS z-scores were compared among TG and cis-gender groups over time using a repeated measures analysis of variance model. Results: The mean age of cohort was 41, 84% non-Hispanic White and 9% non-Hispanic Black.Table 1 shows MetS z-score significantly changed overtime (p&lt;0.001) and differed across groups (p&lt;0.05). Fig 1 shows the changes in adjusted (year and group) MetS z-scores with locally estimated scatterplot smoothing curves. The data indicate that estrogen and testosterone may have different effects on metabolic status. hormones Conclusion: Sex hormones play an important role in the MetS development sex difference.

176 Relationships Among Early Life Weight and Growth Among Halfblood Bos Indicus Male Calves and Associations with Carcass Weight

Abstract Nellore-Angus steers (n = 572) born in 2009-2013, 2015, and 2019 and Brahman-Angus reciprocal steers (n = 73) born in 2019 and 2020 were evaluated for calf and carcass weights (HCW). Calves were born and reared at the McGregor Research Center and included F2, F3, F4, and F5 Nellore-Angus and F1 Brahman-Angus. Calves were weighed at 4 approximate times: within 48 h of birth (BWT), 50 d age (spring-working, SWWT, not available for 2009-2010), 180 d age (pre-weaning, PRWWT), and approximately 210 d age (weaning, WWT). Animals born in the same year were managed similarly, and cow herds were managed together in most cases except during annual natural service, multi-sire breeding seasons. Animals born in the same year were managed as contemporaries post-weaning and for feedlot finishing. Mixed model analyses of variance for calf traits included genetic type (nested within calf birth year), calf birth year, age of dam category, and covariates of Julian birth date (BWT, SWWT) or calf age (PRWWT and WWT) as fixed effects. In each year at least 2 genetic types were present; however, because of imbalance across years, only genetic types produced in the same years were compared following significant F-tests. For these analyses cow age category did not affect calf BWT or SWWT, but showed influence for PRWWT (P = 0.006) and WWT (P &amp;lt; 0.001); cow age category did not affect calf ADG. Differences in calf weights (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and calf ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.001) due to the genetic type were driven by reciprocal differences between Brahman-Angus crosses and potential maternal hybrid vigor advantages for F2 Nellore-Angus calves from F1 dams vs. other genetic types. Brahman-sired F1 (B × A) males were 12.7 to 14.1 kg heavier for BWT (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and 14.9 to 19.2 kg heavier for SWWT (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than Angus-sired F1 males (A × B), but persistence to weaning varied across years. It appears in these data that some genetic types may be more sensitive to individual year effects, but it is uncertain why. Correlations of calf weight traits with HCW were inconsistent across genetic types. No calf weight was associated with HCW in A × B crosses, and only PRWWT in B × A related to HCW (r = 0.44, P = 0.007). Among Nellore-Angus crosses, BWT showed small to moderate correlation to HCW (0.23 &amp;lt; r &amp;lt; 0.46); however, among the F4 and F5 calves, later weights (SSWT, PRWWT and WWT) had large correlations with HCW (0.50 &amp;lt; r &amp;lt; 0.79) whereas these correlations ranged from 0.24 to 0.37 in F2 and F3 steers. It appears animals of similar Bos indicus percentage may have quite different calf growth patterns related to HCW.

65 Verbal and Visual-Spatial Abilities Differ by Ethnicity in a Referred Pediatric Sample

Objective:To compare performances of matched groups derived from caregiver-reported ethnicity on measures of verbal comprehension and visual-spatial abilities, and to identify factors potentially related to differences.Participants and Methods:Participants included 159 English speaking children from 615 years of age who were referred for neuropsychological evaluation at a clinic in the southwestern region of the United States. Participants were matched across four groups based on caregiver-reported ethnicity, including American Indian (n = 41), Hispanic (n= 41), White (n = 41), and Other (i.e., Black, Asian; n = 36) categories. Propensity score matching was used to derive samples, with participants matched on age, caregiver-reported sex assigned at birth, and the full-scale intelligence quotient on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V).Results:Using a dependent variable derived from subtracting the WISC-V Verbal Comprehension Index from the Visual-Spatial Index, significant differences across groups were found via a factorial analysis of variance model (p = .02, eta squared = .06). Achieved power was .82. Post-hoc analysis indicated significantly greater differences between verbal comprehension and visual-spatial abilities amongst participants of American Indian (mean difference = -6.61 standard score points) and Hispanic (mean difference = -6.66 standard score points) ethnicity relative to participants of White ethnicity (mean difference = 2.17 standard score points; p &lt; .01). Differences did not relate to participant age or assigned sex.Conclusions:Greater differences between visual and verbal intellectual abilities were found amongst Hispanic and American Indian participants relative to White participants. Hispanic and American children tended to perform higher on visual spatial rather than verbal tasks, while the pattern was reversed for White children. Findings are congruent with previous research conducted using older versions of the WISC and continue to highlight potential issues related to the external validity of this measure in certain populations. This study contributes to the existing literature by replicating previous findings with the most recent iteration of the WISC in a referred sample. Current results continue to suggest that the WISC-V Verbal Comprehension Index may function more as a measure of English language ability rather than verbal intellectual ability. Given these findings, it is important that weaknesses in verbal comprehension amongst children of Hispanic or American Indian ethnicity be interpreted in this context when identified in clinical and research settings. Discrepancies between ethnic groups may relate broadly to cultural and systemic factors (e.g., differing patient/examiner characteristics, inequalities in access to education/intervention and healthcare, bilingualism/exposure to the English language).

Nutrition-related competences in Austria - data from an Austria-wide survey

Abstract Background A healthy diet is a key factor in people's long-term health. The nutritional health literacy and food literacy of the population play a crucial role in this. In 2021, comprehensive data on these competences were collected for the first time in Austria. Methods Almost 3,000 people were surveyed online. Nutrition health literacy was assessed with the newly developed Nutrition Health Literacy Scale (NHL) and food literacy with the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale (SPFL). Scores and subscores were calculated. Associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and the competences surveyed were assessed using t-tests, variance analysis, correlations and multivariate regression models. Results In terms of nutritional health literacy, respondents score an average of 60 out of 100 points, with judging (51 points) and applying (60 points) nutritional information being the most difficult. In the area of food literacy, respondents score an average of 62 out of 100 points. The most challenging areas are ‘choosing the healthier’ (44 points), ‘healthy snacking’ (52 points) and ‘healthy eating in exceptional circumstances’ (54 points). In both areas, men and people with less formal education score lower. In the case of nutritional health literacy, people aged 65 and over have greater difficulties. Conversely, this group performs better in the area of food literacy. Differences by income can only be seen for nutritional health literacy, to the detriment of low-income groups. Conclusions Possible options for action include the provision of quality-assured and target-group-specific information, the implementation of appropriate tools to facilitate the assessment of foods, and measures to strengthen assessment skills, digital health literacy, food and nutrition skills. Key messages • The survey showed that there is potential for improvement in both nutritional health literacy and food literacy. • The biggest challenge is to evaluate and use nutritional information and to stick to a healthy diet without making exceptions.

Somno-Art Software identifies pathology-induced changes in sleep parameters similarly to polysomnography.

Polysomnographic sleep architecture parameters are commonly used to diagnose or evaluate treatment of sleep disorders. Polysomnography (PSG) having practical constraints, the development of wearable devices and algorithms to monitor and stage sleep is rising. Beside pure validation studies, it is necessary for a clinician to ensure that the conclusions drawn with a new generation wearable sleep scoring device are consistent to the ones of gold standard PSG, leading to similar interpretation and diagnosis. This paper reports on the performance of Somno-Art Software for the detection of differences in sleep parameters between patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomniac or major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy subjects. On 244 subjects (n = 26 healthy, n = 28 OSA, n = 66 insomniacs, n = 124 MDD), sleep staging was obtained from PSG and Somno-Art analysis on synchronized electrocardiogram and actimetry signals. Mixed model analysis of variance was performed for each sleep parameter. Possible differences in sleep parameters were further assessed with Mann-Whitney U-test between the healthy subjects and each pathology group. All sleep parameters, except N1+N2, showed significant differences between the healthy and the pathology group. No significant differences were observed between Somno-Art Software and PSG, except a 3.6±2.2 min overestimation of REM sleep. No significant interaction 'group'*'technology' was observed, suggesting that the differences in pathologies are independent of the technology used. Overall, comparable differences between healthy subjects and pathology groups were observed when using Somno-Art Software or polysomnography. Somno-Art proposes an interesting valid tool as an aid for diagnosis and treatment follow-up in ambulatory settings.

A Randomized Trial of Three Homeopathic Drugs: Rauwolfia serpentina, Viscum album, and Spartium scoparium in Essential Hypertension

AbstractHypertension (HTN) remains one of the major risk factors for heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease worldwide. This study was undertaken to compare the antihypertensive effects produced by the mother tinctures (MTs) of three homeopathic drugs—Rauwolfia serpentina (RS), Viscum album (VA), and Spartium scoparium (SS; also known as Cytisus scoparius [CS]) in essential hypertension. This open-label, randomized, three parallel arm, pragmatic, pilot trial was conducted on 60 participants with essential hypertension in the outpatient department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Participants were randomized into three groups: RS, VA, and SS equally. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at baseline and after 30 and 60 minutes. Group differences at different time points and overall were measured using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and three-way repeated measure ANOVA models, respectively, after adjusting for baseline differences using intention-to-treat approaches. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Endpoint analysis included 60 participants. Although the highest mean reductions in SBP and DBP with time were achieved in the RS group, all three medicines revealed similar antihypertensive effects without any significant differences (SBP: F 2, 57 = 1.710, p = 0.190; DBP: F 2, 57 = 0.732, p = 0.485). No harm or serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. All three medicines (RS, VA, and SS) produced similar antihypertensive effects in essential hypertension. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/02/031548; UTN: U1111–1264–6856.

Dynamic assessment of scapholunate ligament status by real-time magnetic resonance imaging: an exploratory clinical study

ObjectiveClinical-standard MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the wrist, yet limited to static evaluation, thereby potentially missing dynamic instability patterns. We aimed to investigate the clinical benefit of (dynamic) real-time MRI, complemented by automatic analysis, in patients with complete or partial scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears.Material and methodsBoth wrists of ten patients with unilateral SLL tears (six partial, four complete tears) as diagnosed by clinical-standard MRI were imaged during continuous active radioulnar motion using a 1.5-T MRI scanner in combination with a custom-made motion device. Following automatic segmentation of the wrist, the scapholunate and lunotriquetral joint widths were analyzed across the entire range of motion (ROM). Mixed-effects model analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s posthoc test and two-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.ResultsWith the increasing extent of SLL tear, the scapholunate joint widths in injured wrists were significantly larger over the entire ROM compared to those of the contralateral healthy wrists (p<0.001). Differences between partial and complete tears were most pronounced at 5°–15° ulnar abduction (p<0.001). Motion patterns and trajectories were altered. Complete SLL deficiency resulted in complex alterations of the lunotriquetral joint widths.ConclusionReal-time MRI may improve the functional diagnosis of SLL insufficiency and aid therapeutic decision-making by revealing dynamic forms of dissociative instability within the proximal carpus. Static MRI best differentiates SLL-injured wrists at 5°–15° of ulnar abduction.

The effect of sequential combination of mirror therapy and robot-assisted therapy on motor function, daily function, and self-efficacy after stroke

Robot-assisted therapy and mirror therapy are both effective in promoting upper limb function after stroke and combining these two interventions might yield greater therapeutic effects. We aimed to examine whether using mirror therapy as a priming strategy would augment therapeutic effects of robot-assisted therapy. Thirty-seven chronic stroke survivors (24 male/13 female; age = 49.8 ± 13.7 years) were randomized to receive mirror therapy or sham mirror therapy prior to robot-assisted therapy. All participants received 18 intervention sessions (60 min/session, 3 sessions/week). Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after the 18-session intervention. Motor function was assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Wolf Motor Function Test. Daily function was assessed using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. Self-efficacy was assessed using Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaires and Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale. Data was analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in measures of motor function and daily function, but no significant between-group differences were found. Participants who received mirror therapy prior to robot-assisted therapy showed greater improvements in measures of self-efficacy, compared with those who received sham mirror therapy. Our findings suggest that sequentially combined mirror therapy with robot-assisted therapy could be advantageous for enhancing self-efficacy post-stroke.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03917511. Registered on 17/04/2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT03917511.

Statistical options for the analysis of in vitro gas production profiles illustrated using rumen liquor as the inoculum

AbstractThe use of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) options for the analysis of in vitro ruminal fermentation gas production profiles is illustrated. Because of the different variances and covariance structures among profile observations, ordinary ANOVA for more than two-time points is not recommended. To mitigate this problem, the Greenhouse–Geisser epsilon correction can be applied to reduce the degrees of freedom, inflated by violation of the sphericity assumption, for F ratio probability calculations. After this correction, the Box–Greenhouse–Geisser ANOVA (modified ANOVA) layout appears similar to the layout of a split-plot design ANOVA with whole plots divided into subplots (incubation time). Any F tests in the main plot part are valid but F tests involving the time factor from the subplot part need modification because time factor, by its very nature, cannot be allocated at random. Application of multivariate ANOVA, distance multivariate ANOVA, ante-dependence and mixed model analysis are also considered. All these options lend themselves to wide application in the applied biological sciences.

Effects of Adding Monaural and Binaural Noise to a Dichotic Listening Task.

The Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) evaluates central auditory nervous system (CANS) dysfunction. The DDT is widely used in audiology clinics worldwide because it is clinically efficient and has good sensitivity and specificity for CANS lesions. However, the DDT shows a strong ceiling effect, which can mitigate its ability to detect subtle CANS dysfunction. This study examines the effects of adding monaural and binaural speech-spectrum noise to the DDT in an effort to make the test more taxing to the CANS and thereby reduce the observed ceiling effect. This was an experimental repeated measures study. The participants were 20 adults aged 18-50 years with normal, bilaterally symmetric peripheral hearing sensitivity. Each participant was administered one standard DDT test list (no noise added) and DDT test lists with binaural, monaural right, and monaural left noise added. For each of the noise-added conditions, lists were administered at two different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), for a grand total of seven DDT test lists per participant, presented in randomized order. Monaural and binaural noise effects on DDT scoring indices (Right and Left Ear Percent Correct Scores, Combined Total Percent Correct Scores, and Dichotic Difference Scores), as well as noise effects on the Right Ear Advantage (REA) for speech, were examined. Mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine fixed effects and interactions of Noise Condition and Ear. Adding noise to the standard DDT systematically reduced Right and Left Ear Percent Correct Scores and Combined Total Percent Correct Scores. Statistically significant differences on all indices were found between monaural and binaural noise-added conditions, suggesting a possible advantage for binaural listening in noise. These findings suggest that adding noise to tests of dichotic listening increases the difficulty of the task, and that further investigation of dichotic listening patterns in noise could potentially lead to more sensitive clinical evaluations of CANS integrity and function.

Agreement and precision of wide and cube scan measurements between swept-source and spectral-domain OCT in normal and glaucoma eyes

This study aimed to evaluate agreement of Wide scan measurements from swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) Triton and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) Maestro in normal/glaucoma eyes, and to assess the precision of measurements from Wide and Cube scans of both devices. Three Triton and three Maestro operator/device configurations were created by pairing three operators, with study eye and testing order randomized. Three scans were captured for Wide (12 mm × 9 mm), Macular Cube (7 mm × 7 mm–Triton; 6 mm × 6 mm-Maestro), and Optic Disc Cube (6 mm × 6 mm) scans for 25 normal eyes and 25 glaucoma eyes. Parameter measurements included circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(cpRNFL), ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (GCL+), and ganglion cell complex (GCL++). A two-way random effect analysis of variance model was used to estimate the repeatability and reproducibility; agreement was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis and Deming regression. The precision estimates were low, indicating high precision, for all thickness measurements with the majority of the limits < 5 µm for the macula and < 10 µm for the optic disc. Precision of the Wide and Cube scans were comparable. Excellent agreement between the two devices was found for Wide scans, with the mean difference < 3 µm across all measurements (cpRNFL < 3 µm, GCL+ < 2 µm, GCL ++ < 1 µm), indicating interoperability. A single Wide scan covering the peripapillary and macular regions may be useful for glaucoma diagnosis and management.