Median Test Research Articles

A novel PCA-based calibration algorithm for classification of challenging laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy soil sample data

Accurate classification of soil types and contamination is crucial for crops' productivity. Among the soil analysis techniques, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become a prominent technology for real-time characterization of soil properties. LIBS coupled with supervised machine learning and chemometrics methods (e.g., partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA), principal component analysis (PCA)) has demonstrated great capabilities for soils classification. However, when the training and test spectra have different distribution and not representative of each other, there are generalization issues, which make the model trained on training spectra hard to adapt to test spectra. In this work we propose a method to calibrate the test spectra using the median of principal components (PCs). PCA is used to analyze the spectra distribution. We independently compute the median of both training's and test's PCs, and then the test's median is adjusted based on its differences with training's. With the calibrated PCs, the test spectra is reconstructed accordingly. To test the performance of the proposed calibration algorithm, we conduct experiments on a publicly available challenging LIBS dataset. We compare our calibration algorithm with the current best performing calibration method on the same test set, using the same machine learning (ML) algorithm, PLS-DA, trained with the same training set. Our method improves the test accuracy by 1.2%. The reason using PLS-DA for performance comparison is that it is currently the best performing ML algorithm. To further improve the test accuracy, other ML algorithms are investigated. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) have achieved good accuracy in lithological classification with LIBS recently. Therefore, it is extended in this work to soil classification. We use CNN as a tool for feature extraction and as an end-to-end classifier. We use the CNN based extraction mechanism with other classifiers, such as support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), for soil classification. The performance of CNN models on the calibrated test spectra is compared, which concludes that CNN combined with SVM achieves the best accuracy and improves the test accuracy by 3.1% compared to the best performing ML algorithm PLS-DA.

The Effect of Planting Media Composition on the Growth of Dendrobium Sp. Orchid Seedlings

Fern is the best growing medium for orchids, because it is protected, a solution is needed to find a substitute for fern media. In this study, a combination of stem charcoal, husk charcoal and peanut shell compost was chosen. The combination of the three was chosen because the charcoal sticks and husk charcoal are relatively sterile and the peanut shell compost can function as a medium and fertilizer. The purpose of this study 1. To determine the effect of the composition of the planting medium on the growth of Dendrobium sp orchid seeds 2. To determine the best composition of the growing media for the growth of Dendrobium sp orchid seeds. The research time was 2.5 months, the object of the research was the Dendrobium sp. orchid aged 12 months, the research location was at Paranet's house, Gabahan Village, RT 05 RW 12, Jombor Sukoharjo. Simple randomized study design with 4 treatments. Treatment A Planting orchid seeds with a mixture of ferns and peanut shell compost in 10 pots. Treatment B was planting orchid seeds with a mixture of stem charcoal, husk charcoal, and peanut shell compost in a ratio of 1:1:1 for 10 pots. Treatment C was planting orchid seeds with a mixture of charcoal stems, husk charcoal and peanut shell compost in a ratio of 1/4:1/4:1/2 for 10 pots. Treatment D was planting orchid seedlings. The variables observed were the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf area, number of tillers, and wet weight measured 12 weeks after treatment. Data analysis using Varieties Test (Anova or Kruskal Wallis Test) followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) or Mood Median Test. Growth parameters were observed (leaf length, number of leaves, leaf area, and wet weight). As for the number of tillers, there was a difference in influence, although the difference was not significant. Treatment The combination of K.1/2 media or with a comparison of peanut shell compost, charcoal stems and husk charcoal 1/2:1/4:1/4 gave the best effect on the 4 observed growth parameters (Leaf Length, Leaf Number, Leaf Area). , and wet weight). From the results of this study, collectors, orchid lovers and orchid entrepreneurs can use a combination of stem charcoal, husk charcoal and peanut shell compost as a substitute for ferns with a mixture of charcoal stems, husk charcoal, and peanut shell compost in a ratio of 3/8:3/ 8:2/8.

Multimethod Assessment of the Cyclic Fatigue Strength of ProGlider, Edge Glide Path and R-Pilot Endodontic Instruments.

Background: The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the cyclic fatigue strength of ProGlider, Edge Glide Path, and R-Pilot instruments. Methods: Sixty-three instruments were submitted to a multimethod evaluation. Their design was analyzed by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, including the number of blades, helical angle means, cross-sectional design, surface finishing, and symmetry. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used determine the nickel/titanium elements ratio, and differential scanning calorimetry determined the instruments’ phase transformation temperatures. The cyclic fatigue tests were conducted in an artificial canal with a 6 mm radius and 86 degrees of curvature. The Mood’s median test and one-way ANOVA were used to determine differences, with the significance level set at 0.05. Results: The ProGlider presented the highest number of blades (n = 21), while R-Pilot had the highest helical angles (26.4°). Differences were noted in the instruments’ cross-sections and surface finishing. The ProGlider and R-Pilot showed some similarities regarding the phase transformation temperatures but differed from the Edge Glide Path. All alloys showed an almost equiatomic nickel/titanium ratio. The R-Pilot instruments showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) time to fracture than both the other files. Conclusion: Reciprocating R-Pilot instruments showed a higher cyclic fatigue time to fracture than the ProGlider and Edge Glide Path rotary files.

Design, Metallurgical Features, and Mechanical Behaviour of NiTi Endodontic Instruments from Five Different Heat-Treated Rotary Systems.

The current study aimed to compare the F1 endodontic instruments from five different heat-treated rotary systems regarding their design, metallurgical properties, and mechanical performance. Five F1 root canal shaping instruments (ProTaper Gold [PTG], Premium Taper Gold, Go-Taper Flex, EdgeTaper Platinum, and Super Files Blue)—plus, a conventional ProTaper Universal (PTU)—which were evaluated regarding their design, nickel/titanium ratio, phase transformation temperatures, microhardness, cyclic fatigue, and torsional and bending strengths. Mood's median test was used for the statistical comparison with a significance set at 5%. The instruments were similar regarding the nickel/titanium ratio and overall design. Go-Taper Flex had the closest transformation temperatures to PTG. PTU and Go-Taper Flex had the highest microhardness (408.3 and 410.5 HVN). The time to fracture of Super Files Blue was three and seven times higher than PTG and PTU, respectively. No difference was observed in the maximum torque to fracture among PTG (1.30 N·cm) and the other systems, except for the Premium Taper Gold (1.05 N·cm) and Go-Taper Flex (1.10 N·cm). Significantly lower bending loads than PTG (269.2 gf) were observed for the EdgeTaper Platinum (158.3 gf) and Premium Taper Gold (103.5 gf) instruments. Super Files Blue outperformed PTG in the cyclic fatigue test, while EdgeTaper Platinum and Premium Taper Gold were more flexible. Premium Taper Gold and Go-Taper Flex showed lower torsional strength.

Effect of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT on the Management of Patients with Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Registry Trial.

Background The high positivity rate of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET in the setting of biochemical failure (BCF), even when conventional imaging is negative, is promising. Purpose To assess the disease detection rate of PSMA-based PET/CT with fluorine 18-DCFPyL as a radiotracer and the PET-directed management change in men with suspected limited recurrent prostate cancer. Materials and Methods This prospective multicenter registry (Ontario PSMA-PET Registry for Recurrent Prostate Cancer, or PREP) enrolled men with BCF after primary therapy (radical prostatectomy plus or minus salvage radiation therapy or primary radiation therapy) and zero to four disease sites at conventional imaging (CT and bone scintigraphy). The positivity rate of PSMA PET according to serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level; frequency of local-egional, oligometastatic, and extensive metastatic recurrence; and rate of change in management after PET findings were recorded. The nonparametric Mood median test was used to assess the association between serum PSA level and change in management. Results A total of 1289 men (median age, 71 years [interquartile range, 65-75 years]) were evaluated. PSMA PET helped detect disease in 841 of 1289 men (65%) and in 615 of 999 men (62%) with negative conventional imaging. The recurrence detection rates according to serum PSA level at enrollment were 38% (160 of 424 men), 63% (107 of 171 men), and 83% (573 of 692 men) for PSA under 0.5 ng/mL, 0.5-1.0 ng/mL, and above 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. At PSMA PET, 399 of 1289 men (31%) had local-regional recurrence, 314 (24%) had oligometastatic disease, and 128 (10%) had extensive metastases. Following PET examination, a change in planned management was recorded in 748 of 1289 men (58%), and in 371 of 1250 men (30%), there was a change in management intent, more commonly from palliative to potentially curative intent (255 of 1289 men [20%]). Conclusion Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET helped detect additional sites of disease compared with conventional imaging in approximately 60% of men with biochemical failure and suspected low-volume metastatic disease, resulting in frequent change in management, including a change from palliative to curative or radical intent therapy in 20% of men. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine whether this impacts disease control. Clinical trial registration no. NCT03718260 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Civelek in this issue.

Parameter Estimation of Fuel Cell Using Chaotic Mayflies Optimization Algorithm

AbstractProton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been known to be a feasible method for sustainable power generation to meet the ever‐increasing electricity demand with no greenhouse gases emission. Thus, under varying operating circumstances, the PEMFCs have gained considerable importance as an alternative energy source. The optimal operation of PEMFC needs to be ensured to exploit its advantages to the maximum limit. In this direction, there is an extensive need for parameter extraction of PEMFC. Many researchers have applied evolutionary optimization approaches to estimate the PEMFCs parameters as the precise modeling of these cells are not possible. To optimize unknown parameters of PEMFCs, a metaheuristic algorithm is proposed, that is, chaotic mayfly algorithm (CMA) is being proposed in this manuscript. The model's statistical effects are more aligned with the actual experimental findings, according to an experimental finding. The results so obtained suggest that CMA variants are a valuable and efficient method of estimating the parameters of PEMFCs models. Even the nonparametric tests like the Friedman ranking test, Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, and Mood's median test suggest that the proposed algorithm shows better accuracy of the extracted parameters as compared to the other algorithms namely considered in this work.

Low-Dose Induction Immunosuppression in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation During Coronavirus Disease Pandemic - A Multicentric Prospective Observational Study

Context: There are concerns regarding the use of induction immunosuppression during deceased donor renal transplantation in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and whether lower doses may suffice. Aims: We aimed to compare different induction immunosuppression regimens in deceased donor renal transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Settings and Design: A multicenter, prospective observational study of patients undergoing deceased donor renal transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Kerala from April to June 2020 with differing induction immunosuppression and follow-up for at least 6 months. Subjects and Methods: Patients were from Government (Group A) and Private hospitals (Group B). Induction immunosuppression included low dose rituximab and/or low dose anti-thymocyte globulin in group A and higher dose induction with anti-thymocyte globulin or basiliximab in Group B. Graft function at 1 and 6 months, infectious complications, and cost of induction immunosuppression were compared. Statistical Analysis Used: Mood's median, Chi-square, Fisher Exact, and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Of eleven deceased donor kidney transplantations, six were from Group A and 5 from Group B. Three in Group A and two in Group B had reversible antibody-mediated rejections. Median serum creatinine (interquartile range) in both groups at 1 month was 1.35 (1.1, 3) and 1.5 (1.1, 3.5) mg/dl, respectively, and by 6 months 1.5 (1.05, 2.33) mg/dl and 1.7 (1.15, 2.6) mg/dl, respectively. Two patients in Group A died, one due to Gram-negative septicemia at the 2nd month and the second by the 3rd month following a cardiovascular event. Mean cost of induction immunosuppression in both groups was INR 40,500 ± 22,827 and 107,200 ± 57,595 (P = 0.01). There was no difference in infection episodes in both groups. Rituximab in a dose of 100 mg was used as induction in 4 patients with comparable graft functions and cost-benefit with a mean cost of INR 33,750 ± 26,196 and Rs. 92,000 ± 53,715 in the rituximab and nonrituximab groups, respectively (P = 0.056). Conclusions: Low-dose induction immunosuppression in the COVID pandemic was cheaper with comparable graft functions at 1 and 6 months.

School subjects' synergy and teacher knowledge: Do biology and chemistry teachers benefit equally from their second subject?

AbstractGerman preservice teachers always study two teaching subjects instead of only one. This offers an almost paradigmatic approach for the investigation of effects of specific subject combinations on professional competence. So far, few studies focused on potential beneficial effects or risks on preservice teachers' motivational orientations, beliefs, and professional knowledge. In our exploratory study, we chose a cross‐sectional quasi‐experimental design to compare preservice teachers studying a combination of biology and chemistry to those who study only one of these two subjects and any other, as it is expected that the differences between less similar subjects (such as chemistry and art) are greater than those between two science subjects. A total ofN = 570 preservice teachers with a minimum of one of their subjects being biology or chemistry were recruited in 12 universities in Germany. Nonparametric analyses using Westenberg–Mood's median test show that preservice teachers studying both biology and chemistry score significantly different on some central aspects of professional competence compared to those who study only one of the two subjects and any other. However, advantages regarding motivational orientations and professional knowledge can only be found for the domain of biology, whereas in the domain of chemistry it does not seem to matter which second subject is studied beside chemistry. Furthermore, students taking both sciences show a significantly lower educational motivation and corresponding self‐concept, suggesting that dual science students' teaching and learning beliefs are less education‐focused than those of students combining one science with a social or language subject. Our findings regarding synergy effects of the dual study of different natural sciences on aspects of professional knowledge can be relevant beyond the specific German context, that is, they can help to supplement or restructure a university curriculum.

Usability of state public health department websites for communication during a pandemic: A heuristic evaluation

Study aims were to investigate how usable COVID-19 dedicated state public health websites in the US were, and whether case counts in different geographical regions in the US were related to website usability. 16 state websites representing the 2 highest and the 2 lowest case count states in each region were selected. Five experts used a heuristic evaluation procedure to independently rate all 16 websites on a severity scale of 0–4. Usability criteria published by the US Department of Health and Human Services and criteria on risk communication and data dashboards were used. Analyses involved cross tabulation of usability criteria with case counts, comparison of usability scores using Mood's median tests, test of differences in average usability scores using ANOVA and post-hoc tests, and identification of correlations between case counts and usability scores. Results from the Mood's median test showed that the median usability scores for the states were significantly different from each other at the 5% level of significance (df = 15, chi-square = 38.40; p = 0.001). ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the mean usability scores for the states at the 5% level of significance (F = 6.33, p < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, results from a correlation analysis between case count and usability scores showed a negative correlation (r = -0.209, p = 0.437) indicating that the higher the case count, the better the usability score. Overall, the websites fared well on usability, but many websites were used as an information and data repository. These websites must communicate infection risk better. Relevance to industryThe study applies to public health agency websites that communicate essential information during a pandemic.

Evaluation of Design, Metallurgy, Microhardness, and Mechanical Properties of Glide Path Instruments: A Multimethod Approach

IntroductionThis study aims to compare the design, metallurgy, microhardness, and mechanical properties of 3 glide path nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments. MethodsA total of 132 ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Edge Glide Path (EdgeEndo, Johnson City, TN), and R-Pilot instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) (44 per group) were selected. Design was assessed through stereomicroscopy (blades, helical angle, measuring lines, and deformation) and scanning electron microscopy (symmetry, cross section, tip, and surface finishing). NiTi ratios were measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry. Microhardness and mechanical performance (torsion, bending, and buckling resistance tests) were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed with the Mood median test with a significance set at 5%. ResultsThe Edge Glide Path had the lowest number of blades and the R-Pilot the greatest helical angle. All instruments had an almost equiatomic NiTi ratio, while showing different cross sections and tip geometries. The Edge Glide Path had a smoother surface finishing. The R-Pilot showed martensitic characteristics at room temperature, whereas mixed austenite plus R-phase was observed in the other instruments. The R-Pilot had higher results on the microhardness (436.8 hardness Vickers number), maximum torsion (0.9 Ncm), and buckling load (0.7 N) tests (P < .05), whereas the Edge Glide Path had a superior angle of rotation (683.5°) and the ProGlider was more flexible (144.1 gf) (P < .05). ConclusionsDifferences in the design of the instruments and the phase transformation temperatures accounted for their mechanical behavior. The R-Pilot showed the highest torque, buckling, and microhardness, whereas the ProGlider instrument was the most flexible.

Similar Ferroportin Q248H polymorphism prevalence in patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and control subjects in the low-endemic setting of Botswana

IntroductionRecent evidence suggests that ferroportin (FPN) Q248H may confer a survival advantage against malaria by reducing erythrocytic intracellular iron in Africans. We investigated if FPN Q248H mutation, that is prevalent in Batswana, is a factor in limiting the susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Methods264 archived dried blood spot samples (183 P. falciparum malaria cases and 81 controls, matched for geographical region and season for equal exposure) were genotyped. Human and P. falciparum DNA was extracted using Chelex-100 resin and P. falciparum molecular confirmation performed. Ferroportin Q248H mutation was identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The prevalence of the FPN Q248H mutation and allele frequency and the accompanying 95% confidence interval were calculated. A qPCR method was employed to estimate P. falciparum parasitaemia. Association between FPN and malaria susceptibility was tested using Pearson Chi-square test and Mood's median test was used to compare P. falciparum parasitaemias according to FPN Q248H mutation. ResultsAll samples were successfully genotyped. The FPN Q248H allele frequency was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.05–0.11) in cases and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.02–0.14) in controls, consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The prevalence of FPN Q248H phenotype was comparable in patients with P. falciparum malaria and in un-infected individuals, 16.4% (95% CI: 11.0–21.8) vs 14.8% (95% CI: 7.1–22.5), P = 0.746. In addition, no association of presence of FPN Q248H with reduced parasitaemia was recorded, P = 0.837. ConclusionIn this small study, FPN Q248H polymorphism prevalence was comparable between patients with P. falciparum malaria and control subjects in the low-endemic setting of Botswana.

National Health Systems and COVID-19 Death Toll Doubling Time.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed stress on all National Health Systems (NHSs) worldwide. Recent studies on the disease have evaluated different variables, namely, quarantine models, mitigation efforts, damage to mental health, mortality of the population with chronic diseases, diagnosis, use of masks and social distancing, and mortality based on age. This study focused on the four NHSs recognized by the WHO. These systems are as follows: (1) The Beveridge model, (2) the Bismarck model, (3) the National Health Insurance (NHI) model, and (4) the “Out-of-Pocket” model. The study analyzes the response of the health systems to the pandemic by comparing the time in days required to double the number of disease-related deaths. The statistical analysis was limited to 56 countries representing 70% of the global population. Each country was grouped into the health system defined by the WHO. The study compared the median death toll DT, between health systems using Mood's median test method. The results show high variability of the temporal trends in each group; none of the health systems for the three analyzed periods maintain stable interquartile ranges (IQRs). Nevertheless, the results obtained show similar medians between the study groups. The COVID-19 pandemic saturates health systems regardless of their management structures, and the result measured with the time for doubling death rate variable is similar among the four NHSs.

Mechanical Performance and Metallurgical Features of ProTaper Universal and 6 Replicalike Systems

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the ProTaper Universal (PTU; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) system with 6 replicalike instruments regarding instrument design, mechanical performance, and alloy characteristics. MethodsNew rotary instruments (size 20/.07v) of PTU and 6 replicalike systems (EdgeTaper [EdgeEndo, Johnson City, TN], U-File [Dentmark, Ludhiana, India], Go-Taper Universal [Access, Shenzhen, China], Super Files [Flydent, Shenzhen, China], Multitaper [Proclinic Expert, Besançon, France], and Pluri Taper [Bestdent, Shenzhen, China]) (n = 329) were selected and evaluated regarding their design, mechanical performance, and metallurgical characteristics. The results were compared using the nonparametric Mood median test and 1-way analysis of variance with the significance level set at 0.05. ResultsReplicalike instruments were similar to PTU regarding design, maximum torque to fracture (P > .05), and ratio of nickel and titanium elements. Scanning electron microscopy revealed differences in the geometry of the tip and finishing surfaces. Time to fracture of Go-Taper Universal (50.0 seconds) was similar to PTU (44.0 seconds) (P > .05), but the U-File (63.5 seconds), Edge Taper (87.5 seconds), and Super Files (130 seconds) showed significantly higher values (P < .05). The highest maximum torque was observed in the Super Files instrument (P < .05), but no statistical difference was noted among the other instruments (P > .05). The angle of rotation before rupture of the Multitaper (574°) and Pluri Taper (481°) was higher than PTU (354°) (P < .05). Differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed clear differences on the transformation temperatures among the tested instruments. The R-phase start and finish temperatures of PTU were 11.0°C and −18.0°C, respectively. ConclusionsOverall, replicalike instruments were similar to PTU regarding the torsional resistance, geometric design, and near equiatomic proportions of nickel and titanium elements. In 3 of the 4 mechanical tests, the EdgeTaper (torque, angle of rotation, and bending load) and Go-Taper Universal (time to fracture, torque, and angle of rotation) systems were similar to PTU.

Presentation and Outcomes of Autoimmune Hepatitis Type 1 and Type 2 in Children: A Single-center Study.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is designated as type 1 or 2 (AIH-1/2) on the basis of serum autoantibody (Ab) profiles. In children, AIH may present as acute or chronic liver failure or cirrhotic AIH (ALF/CLF/CAIH) with or without overlap sclerosing cholangitis (SC). The aim of this study was to compare demographics, presentation, and outcomes between groups in children. A retrospective electronic chart review of children with AIH who met standard diagnostic criteria with histologic confirmation at Texas Children's Hospital was performed, with de novo AIH after liver transplant (LT) excluded. Patients were identified and divided into AIH-1, AIH-2, ALF, CAIH, AIH-SC, and LT and compared using chi-square analysis, Student t-test, and Mood median test. Among 91 children with AIH, 72 (79.1%) had AIH-1, 19 (20.9%) had AIH-2, 13 (14.3%) had ALF, 25 (27.5%) had CAIH, and 14 (15.4%) had AIH-SC. Both AIH-1/2 had female and Hispanic predominance (72.2/89.5%, 40.3/57.9%). AIH-2 presented at younger mean age in years than AIH-1 (6.8, 12.1, P < 0.05). Both AIH-1/2 had low rates of remission after 1 year of IS (25.4, 35.7%) and most recent (30.6, 54.5%) follow-up. Twenty-two (24.2) patients received LT: 16 had AIH-1 (72.7%), 6 had AIH-2 (27.3%), 9 (40.9%) had ALF, and 13 (59.1%) had CAIH. One-year patient and graft survivals were 100%. The epidemiology and clinical presentation of AIH-1 and -2 had a few subtle differences. AIH-1 was associated with more complications after LT. More data are needed to better characterize the 2 as separate disease entities.

Selection of Peanut Skin as a Growing Medium for Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis)

Ferns are a planting medium that is commonly used in Phalaenopsis cultivation, but the growing demand for fern will increase the selling price and the availability of fern is limited. So a solution is needed to reduce the maintenance and maintenance costs by utilizing peanut shells as a growth medium. The purpose of this study is: 1. To determine the effect of peanut skin media on the growth of Phalaenopsis amabilis month orchid 2. To find out better which influence between fern media, fern media plus peanut skins, or peanut skin media on orchid growth month of Phalaenopsis amabilis. When the research began in May 2019 until October 2019. The research object was in the form of a 4-5 month-old orchid, the research location in the Biology Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangun Nusantara University, Sukoharjo. Simple randomized study design with three treatments. Treatment A by giving fern media, treatment B by giving fern media mixed with peanut skin, and treatment C by giving peanut skin media. The research variables are the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf area, number of roots and root length measured once a week for 8 weeks. Data analysis with 2. Variance Test (Anova or Kruskal Wallis test) 3. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) or Moods Median Test. From the results of the study it was found that all observed growth variables (number of leaves, leaf width, leaf length, leaf area, number of roots, average root length, and wet weight) were treated with fern, mixed (Fern and peanut shell) media, and media of peanut skin, there was no significant difference in the effect on the growth of the month orchid. Which means that the three types of media both have an influence on the growth of Phalaenopsis amabilis month orchids. media ferns and peanut shells have their advantages and disadvantages of each. So it can be concluded that, 1. The use of peanut skin media can affect the growth of Phalaenopsis amabilis month orchids. 2. Media fern, a mixture of fern media and peanut skins, and peanut skin media can provide the same effect on the growth of Phalaenopsis amabilis month orchids. From the results of the study it can be recommended that peanut skins can be used as a medium or a mixture of growing media of Phalaenopsis amabilis orchids.

Comparative effectiveness of S-adenosylmethionine and etoricoxib in newly diagnosed patients of knee osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is an important cause for morbidity in elderly people. Therapy is largely symptomatic with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which pose risk in the elderly. Methionine is natural body constituent with novel property of blunting S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) inflammatory process and cartilage degradation. The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of SAMe, with standard etoricoxib therapy in newly diagnosed knee osteoarthritis cases.Methods: 127 newly diagnosed knee osteoarthritis patients were randomized into two groups. 55 participants received treatment of etoricoxib 600 mg extended release once daily for 90 days (group 1) and 72 received etoricoxib 600 mg extended release once daily and SAMe 400 mg twice daily for initial 15 days followed by SAMe once daily 400 mg as maintenance dose for next 75 days (group 2). The outcomes were measured by knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). Pre and post treatment KOOS scores of all cases were separately pooled to define the median for whole as well as components of KOOS parameters. Relative frequencies of cases with values around respective medians were compared by MOODS median test. Patient characteristics, disease characteristics were also examined for bearing on outcomes besides the treatment.Results: SAMe treatment was associated with significantly greater improvement in symptoms, activities of daily life, spontaneous recreational activities and the quality of life compared to etoricoxib therapy. The therapy was well-tolerated.Conclusions: The study confirms SAMe as superior therapeutic option in osteoarthritis. SAMe indeed has been reported to have specific anti-arthritic effects and promotive to general well-being.

4974Waitlist outcomes for Eisenmengers patients listed for bilateral sequential lung transplant or heart-lung transplant

Abstract Background Eisenmenger's syndrome (ES) is the end-stage of a longstanding intracardiac shunt, commonly an atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD). Transplantation is the final option to address the pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure that results. Both combined heart-lung (HLTx) and bilateral sequential lung transplantation (BSLT) have been performed for ES. Overall, BSLT are performed more commonly than HLTx because of donor organ availability. We postulated that ES patients would have higher waitlist mortality and longer time to transplant compared to patients listed for other indications, and BSLT patients would have reduced waitlist mortality and reduced time to transplant compared to HLTx based on availability. Aim This study compared waitlist outcomes between ES ASD, ES VSD and all patients listed for BSLT or HLTx. Methods We analysed the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) database for all patients listed for BSLT or HLTx between October 1, 1987 and March 31, 2018. Mood's median test was used for all tests of significance. Results Table 1 summarises the results of the analysis. A total of 56,698 patients were on the waitlist for BSLT for all aetiologies, which included 176 ES ASD patients and 156 ES VSD patients. A total of 3231 patients were on the waitlist for HLTx for all aetiologies, which included 89 ES ASD and 176 ES VSD patients. Median time to transplant was significantly longer for all ES patients on the waitlist for BSLT or HLTx compare to patients listed for other indications. Comparing time to transplant for BSLT to HLTx for either ES ASD or VSD did not reach statistical significance. Waitlist mortality was substantially higher for all ES patients regardless whether they were listed for BSLT or HLTx compared to patients listed for other indications. Table 1 ES ASD ES VSD All patients BSLT HLTx BSLT HLTx BSLT HLTx Total number of patients listed 176 89 156 176 56698 3231 Transplanted 58 (33.0%) 38 (42.7%) 41 (25.8%) 78 (44.3%) 36441 (64.3%) 1229 (38.0%) Median time to transplant in days 330 (24 to 2723)* 431 (11 to 4527)$ 517 (10 to 2345)# 292 (16 to 2399)&amp; 99 (0 to 6592) 174 (0 to 3606) p=0.54 p=0.08 *p≤0.001, #p=≤0.0001 $p=0.000, &amp;p=0.003 Wait list mortality 27 (15.3%) 25 (28.1%) 23 (14.5%) 46 (26.1%) 2366 (4.2%) 371 (11.5%) Conclusion Our analysis identified longer waitlist time and higher mortality for all ES patients listed for BSLT or HLTx in the United States. These findings indicate current listing methods and prognostication place the ES population at disadvantage for thoracic transplantation.

Salvage RFA in patients with intrahepatic recurrence after major hepatic surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastases: mid-term outcome.

To evaluate the mid-term outcome of salvage radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment in patients who exhibited intrahepatic recurrence after major hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRCLM). Observational study on 23 consecutive patients (mean age 59 ± 9years; 14/9 male/female) who, after a single (11/23) or multiple rounds (12/23) of major hepatic surgery, developed recurrent CRCLM in the liver remnant. Patients with a maximum of three metastases measuring up to 3cm, and without relevant extrahepatic disease, underwent CT-guided RFA. Using the Kaplan-Meier-method, median intrahepatic progression-free-survival (ihPFS) and overall survival (OS) times after salvage RFA were compared with the same patients' time between the respective last round of surgery and diagnosis of intrahepatic recurrence leading to RFA. Median follow-up was 26months (range 12-103months). Median ihPFS time after RFA was 8months (range 1-81months). Median ihPFS time after the respective last round of surgery and RFA in the same patients had been 5months (range 1-23months), thus yielding similar ihPFS times after surgery vs. after salvage RFA (p = 0.238; Mood's median test). After RFA, 15/23 (65%) of patients developed new hepatic metastases within the first year post-RFA. Median OS was 37months, with a 1-year OS rate of 100%, 3-year OS rate of 57%, and 5-year OS rate of 24%. No major complications were observed. Patients who exhibit intrahepatic recurrence of CRCLM after major hepatectomy will experience intrahepatic recurrence after salvage RFA as well, and after similar time intervals. However, long-term ihPFS may still be achieved in some patients. • Patients who exhibit intrahepatic recurrence of colorectal liver metastases after major hepatectomy will experience intrahepatic recurrence after salvage RFA as well, and after similar time intervals. • About two-thirds of all patients develop new metastases elsewhere in the liver within 1year after RFA. • However, long-term intrahepatic progression-free survival may still be achieved in some patients.

Exploring the influence of environmental and social standards in integrated management systems on economic performance of firms

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the integration of management systems that include economic, social and environmental standards on economic performance.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology consists of analyzing reports of certified companies and secondary data on economic performance indicators. Two sample groups of companies were compared against each other. The core group is composed of companies that have integration of certification on each triple bottom line (TBL) dimensions, economic, environmental and social (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001). The control group is composed of companies of the same size and sector (mirror sample) but without standards related to social and environmental dimensions. The comparative analysis of both core and control groups was performed based on non-parametric methods, such as the mood median test and structural equation modeling.FindingsSeveral economic performance indicators of both groups were statistically analyzed and compared. The results show that companies with integrated management systems (IMS) (core group) on a TBL perspective showed better economic performance compared to other companies of the control group. Moreover, this study shows that the industry sector influences this relation, particularly in the energy, chemical and petrochemicals, services and transportation sectors.Practical implicationsFor executives and managers, the results suggest that the amount invested in IMS in a TBL perspective increases the economic performance of companies, resulting in profitability, increased equity and sales growth. It reinforces the win–win perspective on sustainability in companies instead of the mindset on negative trade-offs on economics.Originality/valueThis research sheds light on controversies, discussed in the literature, concerning the positive vs negative effects on the economic performance of IMS, with social and environmental standards. The results show that economic performance is improved in companies of the core group.

Empatía en estudiantes de fisioterapia: tendencia por curso y género. Declinación empática

IntroductionEmpathy is an important concept in the interaction between the physiotherapist and the patient, and contributes to a better care of the patient. Empathy training in physiotherapy students must be taught by the universities from the first year of study because of the complex character of this attribute. However, any intervention must be preceded by a comprehensive empathy diagnosis. ObjectiveTo determine the levels of empathy and its components in physiotherapy students according to course and gender factors. Material and methodsExploratory and cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 191 students. The empathy data was collected by applying the Jefferson Empathy Scale. The median, 1st and 3rd quartile, interquartile difference and confidence interval of the median were estimated. The possible differences in Empathy and its components were analysed using of non-parametric tests (Mood's median). ResultsThere were differences in empathy and in the compassionate care component in the course factor. The empathy decline in the compassionate component was observed. Empathy and its components did not differ by gender. ConclusionsThe differences found in empathy and in the compassionate care component, the absence of empathy differences in empathy between the genders, and observation of a decline in empathy only in the compassionate care component, were specific characteristics in the students examined. These represent a specific empathy diagnosis, and are the basis for developing an intervention strategy consistent with these results.