One-day Interval Research Articles

Effect of Communication Skills Training by Workshop and Virtual Methods on Social Phobia in Nursing Students: A Comparative Study

Background: Considering the negative impact of social phobia on social interactions and the positive effect of communication skills training on this condition, the literature on the training methods that would be suitable for people with this condition seems deficient. This study aimed to compare the effect of communication skills training delivered via workshop and virtual methods on social phobia in nursing students. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 30 undergraduate nursing students of Mashhad School of Nursing and Midwifery were randomly assigned to two groups of workshop training (n=15) and virtual training (n=15). Workshop-based and virtual (online) trainings were provided in two sessions with a one-day interval. Social phobia was measured by Connor’s Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) before the intervention, after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS software v.16 using the independent t-test, chi-square test, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The independent t-test showed no statistically significant difference between the mean social phobia scores of the two groups before the intervention (p = 0.96), after the intervention (p = 0.16), or one month after the intervention (p = 0.43). Conclusion: Since students with social phobia tend to avoid social interactions, depending on available educational facilities, both virtual and workshop-based methods of communication skills training can be used to reduce social phobia in these students.

FASTING IN HYBRID GROUPER EPINEPHELUS FUSCOGUTTATUS X EPINEPHELUS LANCEOLATUS IN RELATION TO PROXIMATE CONTENTS, GROWTH AND FEED EFFICIENCY

Fasting in fish is commonly used to improve the quality of fish product post-slaughtered. This study aims to investigate the alteration in nutrient contents, growth, and feed efficiency of hybrid grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x E. lanceolatus fasted at different intervals. There were two experiments conducted in this study. The first experiment evaluated alteration in nutrient contents of carcass and liver of hybrid groupers. The fishes were grouped into three feeding regimes: fed daily, fasted at a one-day interval, and fasted at a two-day interval. Each group had 50 fishes with an initial mean weight of 200 ± 11.3 g. The second experiment was to evaluate the growth and feed efficiency of the fishes. Hybrid groupers were subjected to two feeding regimes. The first group (n = 45) was fed daily, and the second group of fish (n = 45) fasted at a two-day interval. The first and second experiments were conducted for one and two months, respectively. The results show that hybrid groupers fed daily have the lowest protein and the highest fat in the carcass compared to those fasted on one- or two-day interval. During the first month, there was no difference between the growth rate of the fishes fed daily and fasted at a two-day interval (32.88 and 32.08%, respectively). However, in the second month, the fishes fed daily have a growth rate of 66.08%, which is 1.4 times higher than those fasted at a two-day interval (48.12%). Altogether, fasting in hybrid groupers could alter proximate contents, slow down growth, and improve feed efficiency.

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN IBU TENTANG GIZI DENGAN ASUPAN ENERGI PADA ANAK STUNTING

Background The nutritional problem is essentially a public health problem that is influenced by many factors, therefore the prevention of nutritional problems can not be done by health approach but also involves other sectors such as education, religion and social. In school-age children need more energy and other nutrients such as energy, protein, calcium, fluorine and iron as the activity increases. Optimal child growth depends on the provision of nutrition with good quality and quantity as well as true. Method This research is descriptive approach with survey method that describes mother's knowledge and energy intake in child stunting Population in this research is all elementary school student of Inpres Sengka Regency of South Bontonompo Regency of Gowa. The sample of this research is class III student of class III and IV with Stunting of nutritional status A total of 26 people with measured amount of counted 62 people consisting of class III number of 11 people and IV as many as 15 people, the reason to choose class III and IV is because students Able To remember when they want direcall. Primary data consists of: a. Mother's knowledge variable is obtained from direct interview with respondent by using questionnaire instrument which contains question about causes of stunting and food energy source and so on. b. The variable of energy nutrient intake from child feeding habits (sample) was obtained from 2x 24 hour food recall interview method using 2x 24 hour food recall form. Assessment of nutritional intake by this method is done two days with a one-day measurement interval. Good nutrition intake if ≥ 77.0% of and less if <77.0% AKG. c. The stunting variable was obtained by using anthropometric measurements using the TB/U indicator, the sample is said to be stunting if z-score <-3.0 SD or z-score ≥ -3.0 SD s / d <-2.0 SD and not stunting if z -score ≥ -2 SD. Data types are numerical (quantitative) and data processing using statistical analysis. Data processing using computer by providing certain code which then processed with software (software) SPSS 13.0. Secondary data includes geographic and demographic data obtained from research sites and related institutions. The age data was obtained by looking at the identity of the children taken from primary school staff teachers in Sengka Sub-district, Bontonompo District, South Gowa. Result The results showed that the mother's knowledge about good nutrition as many as 5 people (19.2%) and less as many as 21 people (80.8%). For a good energy intake as much as 11 people (42.3%) and less as many as 15 people (57.7%). As for the knowledge of mother about nutrition with energy intake that is having good knowledge of nutrition and energy intake of 1 person (3,8%), good nutrition knowledge and energy intake less than 4 people (15,3%) while having knowledge Less and good energy intake as much 10 people (38,4%), knowledge of less nutrition and energy intake less than 11 people (53,8%) and value (p> α = 0,05) explained that there is no significant relationship between Mother's knowledge about nutrition and energy intake in elementary school stunting children. Conclusion: 1. Maternal knowledge about nutrition category less as many as 21 people (80,7%) and good as many as 5 people (19,23%). 2. Less energy intake in children Stunting as many as 15 people (57.7%), good as many as 11 people (42.3%). 3. There is no relationship between knowledge and energy intake

Development and reliability of a hand-held dynamometer device to measure the ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength.

BackgroundAnkle dorsiflexor muscle strength is a crucial component of gait.ObjectiveWe describe the development of a simple, hand-held dynamometer to measure the ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength in the sitting position. In addition, we examine its intra- and inter-rater reliability.MethodsMeasurements of the peak ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength were obtained by two examiners for 30 ankles of 15 healthy adults at two time points, with a one-day interval between measurements, to determine the inter- and intra-rater reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated, and an intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.90 was considered as excellent reliability. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess systemic bias. The minimal detectable change in muscle strength was calculated with a confidence level of 95% (MDC95).ResultsThe reliability of the device was excellent for both intra- (intraclass correlation coefficients [1,3] = 0.94) and inter-rater (intraclass correlation coefficients [2,3] = 0.96) comparisons. No fixed or proportional bias was observed between the two examiners. The MDC95 was 0.77 N/kg.ConclusionsOur results indicate the excellent reliability and responsiveness of our device. By obtaining the measurements of dorsiflexor strength while sitting, compensatory motions are suppressed, yielding a more consistent measurement that can be reliably used to detect subtle changes in the ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength.

A modified method for pesticide transport and fate in subsurface environment of a winter wheat field of Yangling, China

The Guanzhong region is one of the water resources shortage areas and also an important food producing area in Chinese Loess Plateau. The unreasonable application of irrigation and pesticide not only reduces the utilization rate of pesticides, but also is a potential threat to aquatic environments. In order to explore the reasonable application pattern of irrigation and pesticide, a modified method considering crop water requirement and pesticide transport was established to simulate transport and fate of Triadimefon in subsurface environment of a winter wheat field in Yangling, China. Results indicate that: (1) the modified method introduces the concepts of crop water requirement and irrigation schedule, which can estimate irrigation amount more accurately and achieve the goal of water saving and agricultural diffuse pollution control more efficiently. The method shows good potential applications and implications in predicting pesticide exposure levels of different crops and in reducing pesticide pollution. (2) The changing trends of soil pesticide levels under different pesticide applications are various. The Triadimefon concentration level in surface soil layer (0.005m) was directly affected by pesticide application and irrigation. The Triadimefon peak below the soil depth of 0.035m has prominently delayed effects and it is mainly affected by irrigations. The concentration of pesticides decays rapidly with the increase of soil depth, and it can be ignored below the depth of 0.5m. (3) The soil pesticide levels under different pesticide and irrigation modes show considerable differences, the irrigation is still the most significant factor affecting the level of soil pesticide residues under different time intervals between pesticide application and irrigation. The irrigation scheme of one-day interval and five-divided irrigation can effectively reduce deep soil pollution without affecting the normal growth of crops. Results may provide theoretical basis and guide farmers to choose appropriate irrigation and pesticide application patterns.

Different Time Schedules of Mifepristone and Misoprostol in Second Trimester Medical Abortion: A Comparative Study

Background & aim: Recently, the use of mifepristone followed by misoprostol after 36-48 h has been demonstrated to be an effective and safe method for the second trimester medical abortion. However, this regimen entails long total abortion time, and consequently increases the financial burden and anxiety in the patients. We hypothesize that one day interval would be also effective and can be used to provide the abortion care. Regarding this, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of 24- and 36-hour intervals between the administration of mifepristone and misoprstol for second trimester abortion. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted on 70 females who opted for second trimester medical abortion between 12-20 weeks. Mifepristone (200 mg) was followed by sublingual misoprostol (800 mcg) after one and two days in the first and second groups, respectively. Four hours after the administration of 800 mcg misoprostol, all patients received 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol every 4 h (maximum of four doses in 24 h). For the purpose of the study, such parameters as the rate of successful abortion 24 h after the first dose of misoprostol, abortion duration, and the associated side effect profile were examined. Results: According to the results of the present study, the two-day interval (100%) was more effective than the one-day interval (91.4%) (P=0.021). Furthermore, the mean induction abortion duration was significantly less in the two-day regimen. However, the side effect profiles were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: As the findings of the present study indicated, both schedules of mifepristone and misoprostol were safe and effective in second trimester abortion. The 36-hour interval between mifepristone and misoprostol was more effective than the 24-hour interval. Furthermore, it had shorter abortion duration. We can individualize the patient care by offering a one-day interval regimen since it is more effective and has less duration for total abortion.

The Korean Version of the Cognitive Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (K-CASP): A Reliability and Validity Study.

ObjectiveTo develop the Korean version of the Cognitive Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (K-CASP) and to evaluate the test reliability and validity of the K-CASP in stroke patients.MethodsThe original CASP was translated into Korean, back-translated into English, then reviewed and compared with the original version. Thirty-three stroke patients were assessed independently by two examiners using the K-CASP twice, with a one-day interval, for a total of four test results. To evaluate the reliability of the K-CASP, intra-class correlation coefficients were used. Pearson correlations were calculated and simple regression analyses performed with the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) and the aphasia quotient (AQ) to assess the validity.ResultsThe mean score was 24.42±9.47 (total score 36) for the K-CASP and 21.50±7.01 (total score 30) for the K-MMSE. The inter-rater correlation coefficients of the K-CASP were 0.992 on the first day and 0.995 on the second day. The intra-rater correlation coefficients of the K-CASP were 0.997 for examiner 1 and 0.996 for examiner 2. In the Pearson correlation analysis, the K-CASP score significantly correlated with the K-MMSE score (r=0.825, p<0.001). The coefficients of determination (r2) of the AQ were 0.586 for the K-MMSE and 0.513 for the K-CASP in the simple regression analysis.ConclusionThe K-CASP is a reliable and valid instrument for cognitive dysfunction screening in post-stroke patients. It is more applicable than other cognitive assessment tools in stroke patients with aphasia.

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture.

Ancient Chinese literature has documented that acupuncture possesses efficient therapeutic effects on epilepsy and insomnia. There is, however, little research to reveal the possible mechanisms behind these effects. To investigate the effect of acupuncture on epilepsy and sleep, several issues need to be addressed. The first is to identify the acupoints, which correspond between humans, rats, and mice. Furthermore, the depth of insertion of the acupuncture needle, the degree of needle twist in manual needle acupuncture, and the stimulation parameters for electroacupuncture (EA) need to be determined. To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on epilepsy and sleep, a feasible model of epilepsy in rodents is required. We administer pilocarpine into the left central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) to simulate focal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in rats. Intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pilocarpine induces generalized epilepsy and status epilepticus (SE) in rats. Five IP injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) with a one-day interval between each injection successfully induces spontaneous generalized epilepsy in mice. Recordings of electrocorticograms (ECoGs), electromyograms (EMGs), brain temperature, and locomotor activity are used for sleep analysis in rats, while ECoGs, EMGs, and locomotor activity are employed for sleep analysis in mice. ECoG electrodes are implanted into the frontal, parietal, and contralateral occipital cortices, and a thermistor is implanted above the cerebral cortex by stereotactic surgery. EMG electrodes are implanted into the neck muscles, and an infrared detector determines locomotor activity. The criteria for categorizing vigilance stages, including wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM (NREM) sleep are based on information from ECoGs, EMGs, brain temperature, and locomotor activity. Detailed classification criteria are stated in the text.

Cardio- and hepato-protective potential of methanolic extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels seeds: A diabetic rat model study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (S. cumini) seeds on the major organs in an animal model of diabetes through biochemical and histopathological studies. MethodsThe methanolic extracts of S. cumini seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats daily, with fasting blood glucose levels being measured by glucometry at one-day interval for a duration of two weeks. Biochemical assays to evaluate changes in the functions of the heart, liver, pancreas and kidney were carried out. Histopathological changes in the diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver, heart, kidney and spleen) were also observed after the 14 days of treatment with the extracts. ResultsOral administration of methanolic extracts of S. cumini seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight), with gliclazide as a positive control (25 mg/kg), showed beneficial effects including lowering blood glucose levels (P < 0.001), improved heart and liver functions, and hyperlipidemia due to diabetes. At 200 mg/kg, the extracts reversed cardiac and liver damage caused by alloxan. ConclusionsIn addition to the anti-hyperglycemic activity of methanolic extracts of S. cumini seeds, the extracts demonstrates potential to minimize cardiac and hepatic complications.

Avaliação do comportamento informacional de usuários da página com açucar, com afeto do Facebook

Esta pesquisa apresenta a avaliação do comportamento informacional dos usuários da página do Facebook “Com açúcar, com afeto”. que adota como tema central a música popular brasileira (MPB). A interação entre os usuários ocorre a partir de postagens na rede social. Para identificar o comportamento informacional dos usuários foram avaliados um total de 120 postagens e suas “curtidas”, os compartilhamentos e comentários. Também foram realizadas entrevistas com 15 usuários para capturar informações sobre as necessidades de informação da página. A coleta de dados foi baseada no método qualitativo netnografia para capturar os dados disponíveis na página e entrevista para coletar informações complementares. Os dados foram analisados de forma qualitativa tomado como base o modelo de comportamento informacional desenvolvido por Tom Wilson. Os resultados sugerem que os usuários da página a procuram para satisfazer necessidades informacionais cognitivas e psicológicas, desencadeadas a partir de músicas o que é potencializado pelo caráter de grupo (rede) encontrado no ambiente.

Reproductive behavior of the Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus (Aves: Thraupidae) in southeastern Brazil

Several behavioral aspects of the Red-crested Finch Coryphospingus cucullatus (Statius Muller, 1776) are poorly studied. Here we provide reproductive information on 16 active nests. This information may be valuable to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of this bird, and to design plans to manage it. Nesting activities occurred from October to February. Clutches consisted of two to three eggs (2.06 ± 0.25), which were laid on consecutive days. Incubation usually started the morning the females laid their last egg and lasted 11.27 ± 0.47 days. Hatching was synchronous, or happened at a one-day interval. The nestling stage lasted 12 ± 0.89 days. Only females incubated the eggs and they fed the young more often than the males did. Overall nesting success, from incubation to fledging, was 28.2%. Nest architecture and egg color proved to be diagnostic characteristics of Coryphospingus , supporting its maintenance as a distinct genus within the recently proposed sub-family Tachyphoninae. Red-crested Finches showed a preference for certain nesting sites, i.e., forest borders or a Cerrado in late regeneration stage. This information can be useful to programs aiming to release illegally trapped individuals.

A study on the reliability of measuring dynamic balance ability using a smartphone.

[Purpose] Evaluation of the reliability of smartphones as measuring equipment for dynamic balance ability was the goal of this study. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 30 healthy young students in their 20s. The first and second rounds of measurements were taken at a one-day interval to confirm test-retest reliability. The subjects stood on the footboard of the Biodex Balance System. Balance was measured using a smart phone. [Results] Acceleration rates corresponding to subjects with open eyes were 2.7 ± 2.2 (first measurement) and 3.3 ± 1.5 (second measurement), and the interclass correlation coefficient ICC (1,1) was 0.8. Acceleration rates corresponding to subjects with closed eyes were 4.1 ± 2.4 (first measurement) and 4.5 ± 1.8 (second measurement), and the ICC (1,1) was 0.9. Gyroscope rates corresponding to subjects with open eyes were 1.7 ± 1.2 (first measurement) and 2.3 ± 1.5 (second measurement), and the ICC (1,1) was 0.7. Gyroscope rates corresponding to subjects with closed eyes were 6.7 ± 2.4 (first measurement) and 6.6 ± 2.3 (second measurement), and the ICC (1,1) was 0.6. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that smartphones have sufficient potential as measuring equipment for dynamic balance ability.

NMDA and D1 receptors are involved in one-trial tolerance to the anxiolytic-like effects of diazepam in the elevated plus maze test in rats

The elevated plus maze (EPM) test is used to examine anxiety-like behaviors in rodents. One interesting phenomenon in the EPM test is one-trial tolerance (OTT), which refers to the reduction in the anxiolytic-like effects of benzodiazepines when rodents are re-exposed to the EPM. However, the underlying mechanism of OTT is still unclear. In this study, we reported that OTT occurred when re-exposure to the EPM (trial 2) only depended on the prior experience of the EPM (trial 1) rather than diazepam treatment. This process was memory-dependent, as it was prevented by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors antagonist MK-801 1.5h before trial 2. In addition, OTT was maintained for at least one week but was partially abolished after an interval of 28days. Furthermore, the administration of the D1-like receptors agonist SKF38393 to the bilateral dorsal hippocampus largely prevented OTT, as demonstrated by the ability of the diazepam treatment to produce significant anxiolytic-like effects in trial 2 after a one-day interval. These findings suggest that OTT to the EPM test may occur via the activation of NMDA receptors and the inactivation of D1-like receptors in certain brain regions, including the hippocampus.

Reliability of spatial–temporal gait parameters during dual-task interference in people with multiple sclerosis. A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo evaluate the reliability and minimum detectable change (MDC) of spatial–temporal gait parameters in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) during dual tasking. MethodThis cross-sectional study involved 25 healthy subjects (mean age 49.9±15.8 years) and 25 people with MS (mean age 49.2±11.5 years). Gait under motor-cognitive and motor–motor dual tasking conditions was evaluated in two sessions separated by a one-day interval using the GAITRite® Walkway System. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard errors of measurement (SEM), and coefficients of variation (CV). MDC scores were computed for the velocity, cadence, step and stride length, step and stride time, double support time, the % of gait cycle for single support and stance phase, and base of support. ResultsAll of the gait parameters reported good to excellent ICCs under both conditions, with healthy subject values of >0.69 and MS subject values of >0.84. SEM values were always below 18% for both groups of subjects. The gait patterns of the people with MS were slightly more variable than those of the normal controls (CVs: 5.88–41.53% vs 2.84–30.48%). ConclusionsThe assessment of quantitative gait parameters in healthy subjects and people with MS is highly reliable under both of the investigated dual tasking conditions.

Between-list lag effects in recall depend on retention interval

Although the benefits of spaced retrieval for long-term retention are well established, the majority of this work has involved spacing over relatively short intervals (on the order of seconds or minutes). In the present experiments, we evaluated the effectiveness of spaced retrieval across relatively short intervals (within a single session), as compared to longer intervals (between sessions spaced a day apart), for long-term retention (i.e., one day or one week). Across a series of seven experiments, participants (N = 536) learned paired associates to a criterion of 70% accuracy and then received one test-feedback trial for each item. The test-feedback trial occurred within 10min of reaching criterion (short lag) or one day later (long lag). Then, a final test occurred one day (Exps. 1-3) or one week (Exps. 4 and 5) after the test-feedback trial. Across the different materials and methods in Experiments 1-3, we found little benefit for the long-lag relative to the short-lag schedule in final recall performance-that is, no lag effect-but large effects on the retention of information from the test-feedback to the final test phase. The results from the experiments with the one-week retention interval (Exps. 4 and 5) indicated a benefit of the long-lag schedule on final recall performance (a lag effect), as well as on retention. This research shows that even when the benefits of lag are eliminated at a (relatively long) one-day retention interval, the lag effect reemerges after a one-week retention interval. The results are interpreted within an extension of the bifurcation model to the spacing effect.

Detection of a half-microgal coseismic gravity change after the Ms7.0 Lushan earthquake

Because only a small near-field coseismic gravity change signal remains after removal of noise from the accuracy of observations and the time and spatial resolution of the earth's surface gravity observation system, it is difficult to verify simulations of dislocation theory. In this study, it is shown that the GS15 gravimeter, located 99. 5 km from the epicenter of the Ms7. 0 Lushan earthquake on April 20, 2013 at 08 : 04 UTC + 8, showed the influence of the earthquake from 2013-04-16 to 2013-04-26 after a time calibration, tide corrections, drift correction, period correction and relaxation correction were applied to its data. The post-seismic relaxation process of the spring in the gravimeter took approximately 430 minutes and showed a 2. 5 × 10 − 8 ms − 2 gravity change. After correcting for the relaxation process, it is shown that a coseismic gravity change of approximately + 0. 59 ± 0. 4 × 10 –8 ms –2 was observed by the GS15 gravimeter; this agrees with the simulated gravity change of approximately 0. 31 × 10 –8 ms –2 . The rate of the coseismic gravity change and the coseismic vertical displacement, as measured by one-second and one-day sampling interval GPS units, is also consistent with the theoretical rate of change. Therefore, the GS15 gravimeter at the Pixian Station observed a coseismic gravity change after the Ms7. 0 Lushan earthquake. This and similar measurements could be applied to test and confirm the theory used for these simulations.

Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiographic reference values in healthy adult Saanen goats

Echocardiography has become a routine non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tool in most species. Accurate measurement of cardiac dimensions requires reference values, which are poorly documented in goats. The aim of the...

Does Transvaginal Ultrasonography Have Good Diagnostic Value in Endometrial Pathology?

Introduction: Endometrial biopsy is usually considered unnecessary in post-menopausal uterine bleeding when the endometrial thickness (ET) is less than 5 mm because the risk of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer is low. However, there is still much controversy from this as some believe that the diagnostic value of ET in diagnosis of endometrial pathology (EP) in postmenopausal bleeding is necessary. In this study, the diagnostic value of ET for diagnosis of EP in post-menopausal bleeding was evaluated. Materials and methods: Sixty post-menopausal women with uterine bleeding were evaluated. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) was used for measurement of ET followed by dilatation and curettage in a one-day interval. According to the EP, patients were divided in two groups, normal and abnormal. Endometrial atrophy was considered as normal and hyperplasia, polyps and carcinoma was considered as abnormal. Results: Twenty nine cases had ET more than 6 mm, among them, 25 cases had abnormal pathology (hyperplasia, polyp, cancer) and 4 cases were normal (atrophy). Thirty-one patients had ET equal or less than 6mm, among them, 26 cases were normal (atrophy) and 5 cases had abnormal pathology. The sensitivity, specifi ty, positive and negative predictive values of TVS in the diagnosis of uterine pathology were 83.3%, 86.7%, 86.2%, 83.9% respectively. Conclusion: We suggest that an ET of less than 6 mm in TVS is unlikely to indicate EP in post-menopausal women with uterine bleeding.

One- and two-day dosing intervals between mifepristone and misoprostol in second trimester medical termination of pregnancy--a randomized trial

The recommended time interval between mifepristone and misoprostol in medical second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) has been 36-48 h. However, a more flexible interval would be of value. The aim of this investigation was to compare one- and two-day intervals in second trimester medical TOP. The main outcome measures were induction-to-abortion time and the rate of surgical evacuation. This open randomized trial included 227 women undergoing TOP between gestational weeks 13-24. Mifepristone (200 mg) was followed by misoprostol (400 mcg) after one (17-28 h) or two (41- 45 h) days. In intention-to-treat analysis, the median induction-to-abortion interval was 1h longer in the one-day group (8.5 versus 7.2 h, P = 0.038), but in per-protocol analysis, the rate of surgical evacuation was higher in the 2-day group [30/115 (25%) versus 40/112 (37%); 95% confidence interval 0.3-24.1, P = 0.044]. A subgroup analysis showed that the median induction-to-abortion interval was 3h longer in the one-day group, amongst women without previous vaginal deliveries (10.1 versus 7.6, P = 0.013) and when gestation exceeded 16 weeks (10.8 versus 7.2, P = 0.024). Both one- and two-day dosing intervals seem to be suitable for second trimester medical TOP, but women with no previous deliveries and those whose gestation exceeds 16 weeks may benefit from the longer interval. However, evaluated on the basis of surgical evacuation, the one-day interval could be supported as an option for second trimester medical TOP. Effective use of both one- and two-day dosing intervals is important when optimizing clinical service. ISRCTN09944151.

Using the Keyword Mnemonics Method Among Adult Learners

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of word image vividness on the immediate and long-term recall (one-day interval) of words using either the rote repetition learning method or the keyword mnemonics method in a sample of adults aged 55 to 70 years. Subjects learned a list of concrete and abstract words using either rote repetition or keyword mnemonics. Individuals using keyword mnemonics recalled more concrete than abstract words both immediately after learning and after a one-day time interval. In contrast, subjects using the repetition method recalled more abstract than concrete words immediately after learning; however, no difference in the number of recalled concrete and abstract words were found after the one-day interval. These findings are discussed in the context of previous studies, and new lines of research are proposed.