One-week Training Research Articles

The Effect of Alpha Rhythm Sleep on EEG Activity and Individuals’ Attention

[Purpose] This study examined whether the alpha rhythm sleep alters the EEG activity and response time in the attention and concentration tasks. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 30 healthy university students, who were randomly and equally divided into two groups, the experimental and control groups. They were treated using the Happy-sleep device or a sham device, respectively. All participants had a one-week training period. Before and after training sessions, a behavioral task test was performed and EEG alpha waves were measured to confirm the effectiveness of training on cognitive function. [Results] In terms of the behavioral task test, reaction time (RT) variations in the experimental group were significantly larger than in the control group for the attention item. Changes in the EEG alpha power in the experimental group were also significantly larger than those of the control group. [Conclusions] These findings suggest that sleep induced using the Happy-sleep device modestly enhances the ability to pay attention and focus during academic learning.

Training in Capillaroscopy: A Growing Interest: Figure 1.

The pilot study by Gutierrez, et al in this issue of The Journal suggests that after a short intensive one-week training program, novice investigators with little or no experience in nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) are able to interpret the main capillary abnormalities in systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma patterns) and to achieve good interreader agreement rates1. This attempt, worthy of encomium, also merits a detailed analysis to show its correct place in the “state of the art” of capillaroscopy with respect to rheumatology and in particular to systemic sclerosis. Although capillaroscopy was born in the 18th Century, when the Italian physician Giovanni Rasori (1766–1837) first noted the close relationship between conjunctival inflammation and the presence of an “inextricable knot of capillary loops” using a “magnifying glass,” it was only in 1973 that Maricq and LeRoy published the first article describing the specific capillaroscopic pattern in SSc2. However, for several decades thereafter capillaroscopy had difficulties to become an accepted and widely used diagnostic technique in SSc. Interestingly, a Medline search performed using the term “capillaroscopy” (retrieving a total of 759 articles from 1973 to today) revealed 22 articles published between 1973 and 1980 (7 years), 548 articles between 1980 and 2008 (28 years), and 189 articles between 2008 and 2011 (only 3 years). Further, among 200 articles that focused on “capillaroscopy and systemic sclerosis” from 1973 up to 2011, almost 80 articles (40%) were published between 2008 and 2011. These aspects of its evolution were discussed in a 2009 editorial supporting the growing need for nailfold capillaroscopy in rheumatology and suggesting the main reason for its limited past use: a lack of dissemination of its value in rheumatology circles3. In fact, other reasons may account for the slow growth of the use of capillaroscopy, despite its being … Address correspondence to Prof. M. Cutolo, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy. E-mail: email: mcutolo{at}unige.it

Improving Human Plateaued Motor Skill with Somatic Stimulation

Procedural motor learning includes a period when no substantial gain in performance improvement is obtained even with repeated, daily practice. Prompted by the potential benefit of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical stimulation, we examined if the stimulation to the hand reduces redundant motor activity that likely exists in an acquired hand motor skill, so as to further upgrade stable motor performance. Healthy participants were trained until their motor performance of continuously rotating two balls in the palm of their right hand became stable. In the series of experiments, they repeated a trial performing this cyclic rotation as many times as possible in 15 s. In trials where we applied the stimulation to the relaxed thumb before they initiated the task, most reported that their movements became smoother and they could perform the movements at a higher cycle compared to the control trials. This was not possible when the dorsal side of the wrist was stimulated. The performance improvement was associated with reduction of amplitude of finger displacement, which was consistently observed irrespective of the task demands. Importantly, this kinematic change occurred without being noticed by the participants, and their intentional changes of motor strategies (reducing amplitude of finger displacement) never improved the performance. Moreover, the performance never spontaneously improved during one-week training without stimulation, whereas the improvement in association with stimulation was consistently observed across days during training on another week combined with the stimulation. The improved effect obtained in stimulation trials on one day partially carried over to the next day, thereby promoting daily improvement of plateaued performance, which could not be unlocked by the first-week intensive training. This study demonstrated the possibility of effectively improving a plateaued motor skill, and pre-movement somatic stimulation driving this behavioral change.

O5-S2.03 Effect of improving the STI services in seven provinces of China

BackgroundThe STI services can reduce HIV transmission and have been the important component of HIV control programmes. In China, the STI services remain weak. Under the framework of AIDS control programme of the Global Funds Round 4, we conducted the sub-programme to improve STI services in 21 counties of 7 provinces in China from 2007 to 2009, including one-week training workshops for all STI care providers, two-month field training for key STI clinicians at STD Clinic of National Center for STD Control, STI drug assurance, and quality services offering for STI patients. Annually the effect of STI services was assessed according to the guideline of WHO/UNAIDS in the 21 counties.MethodsThe assessment of STI services was through health facility survey, including three indicators: (1)STI service indicator 1 (SI1) is defined as the per cent of patients with STIs at observed health care facilities who are appropriately diagnosed and treated according to the national guidelines on STI treatment in China; (2) STI service indicator 2 (SI2) is defined as the per cent of patients with STIs who are given advice on condom use and partner notification and referral for HIV testing in term of national standards; (3)Standardised STI service indicator (SSI) means the comprehensive case management including SI1 and SI2. The sample size of STI patients between provider and client interactions observed was 40 per county according to the recommendation of national experts. Data were collected in observations of provider-client interaction at the health-care facilities offering STI services by trained professionals. The software of EpiData3.1 and SPSS 11.5 was used to data entry and analysis.ResultsFrom 2007 to 2009, the SI1 was 46.16% (397/860) (95% CI 42.83% to 49.49%), 62.94% (603/958) (95% CI 59.88% to 66.00%), 81.96% (686/837) (95%CI 79.35% to 84.57%) on average in 21 counties, respectively, and there was significantly increased trends (χ2is 234.30, p=0.000); the SI2 was 28.32% (243/858) (95%CI 25.31% to 31.33%), 45.04% (431/957) (95% CI 41.89% to 48.19%), 80.33% (678/844) (95% CI 77.65% to 83.01%) on average for these counties, respectively, and there was also significantly increased trends (χ2is 459.37, p=0.000). For overall STI service quality, SSI was 20.98% (180/858) (95% CI 18.26% to 23.70%), 40.02% (383/957) (95% CI 36.92% to 43.12%), 67.26% (563/837) (95% CI 64.08% to 70.44%), respectively in 2007–2009, and there was significantly increased trends (χ2is 370.81, p=0.000). The STI service indicators in rich areas were higher than in poor counties.ConclusionsThe quality of STI services was significantly improved through the Global Funds Round 4 in 21 counties of seven provinces in China, and should be scaled up to other areas in the country.

Training praktischer Fertigkeiten in der Chirurgie – Ein Ausbildungskonzept für Studierende

During undergraduate medical education, the trainee should not only gain theoretical knowledge but also acquire essential skills. Several studies have demonstrated that practical training can be improved. However, only single training concepts for solitary skills have been developed and evaluated. This work presents a training programme for basic surgical skills. A one-week training of practical skills has been integrated into the obligatory four-week surgical course. Students pass through twelve training units of surgical skills training using the skills lab, simulation and role playing. Evaluations of our training programme were excellent (average grade 1.3). After skill training, students felt more comfortable and secure when actually performing skills on the ward. A standardised training can help in the provision of basic surgical skills to all undergraduate medical students.

Effects of intense exercise on the physiological and mental condition of female university judoists during a training camp

To clarify the physical and mental fatigue caused by intense exercise and the relationship between the two types of fatigue, we examined changes in anthropometric and biochemical variables, neutrophil function, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire in 13 female university judoists attending a one-week training camp. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, haemoglobin, leukocyte count, IgG, and phagocytic activity all decreased after the training camp compared with baseline (P ≤ 0.046). Aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and neutrophil oxidative burst activity increased after the training camp (P ≤ 0.007). Of the POMS scores, that for Fatigue increased after the training camp (P = 0.041) and that for Vigour decreased (P = 0.042). The changes in several POMS scores correlated with the changes in blood biochemical variables. In particular, the change in Total mood disturbance was negatively associated with changes in myogenic enzymes (P ≤ 0.032). Our results suggest that intense exercise during training camps for female judoists leads to the appearance and accumulation of mental and physical fatigue, which are related to each other.

Gender-based dimorphic pattern for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Adipose tissue secretes a variety of cytokines, some of which are increased in the serum of obese patients. The anti-inflammatory interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is the most highly elevated known cytokine in human obesity, and its serum levels are strongly associated with the degree of insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients. Aim The present study examined serum levels of IL-1Ra in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) and their relationships with three other adipokines (leptin, interleukin-6 [IL-6], adiponectin). Their correlation with anthropometric and biochemical variables was examined, as well as their intraindividual fluctuations. Methods Fifty T2DM patients, aged 58 ± 13 years, were consecutively recruited among those electively hospitalized for a one-week intensive training course with our Diabetes Education Service. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken after an overnight fast on admission (baseline) and after four days. Results Mean serum levels of IL-1Ra and leptin, but not of IL-6 and adiponectin, were significantly higher in women than in men ( P < 0.0006), and this difference persisted after correction for body mass index (BMI) ( P < 0.0004). In addition, IL-1Ra and leptin were strongly correlated with the BMI ( P < 0.0004). By contrast, no significant correlations were observed between IL-1Ra and glucose-control parameters. Finally, all four adipokines exhibited wide interindividual variability, but with limited intraindividual fluctuations over the short time period. Conclusion IL-1Ra, leptin and adiponectin serum levels exhibit marked interindividual variation with high intraindividual consistency. A gender-based dimorphic pattern for IL-1Ra, independent of the degree of adiposity and glucose control, was also found.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Supported Employment Program for Persons With Long-Term Mental Illness in Hong Kong

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Supported Employment Program for Persons With Long-Term Mental Illness in Hong Kong

Training and Intervention in South Africa

Training and Intervention in South Africa

Application of serum CK and BUN determination in monitoring pre-competition training of badminton athletes

In order to investigate the feasibility of serum creatine kinase (CK) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in monitoring pre-competition training of badminton athletes, the pre-competition training load of 20 badminton athletes was studied, and serum CK and BUN were determined before, immediate and next morning after training. The results showed that after intensive training for one week, serum CK levels were significantly increased by 57.53 mmol/L (P<0.05). After regulation of the training intensity, average serum CK levels were increased by 21.79 mmol/L (P<0.05). BUN contents were increased by 0.83 mmol/L on average with the difference being not significant (P>0.05). After intermittent training, there was significant difference in the average increased levels of serum CK in athletes (P<0.05). There was significant difference before and after regulation of training (P<0.05). The increased levels of BUN were 0.78 mmol/L without significant difference (P>0.05). It was concluded that serum CK was one of the biochemical indicators monitoring the training load sensitivity of badminton athletes, but BUN was of little value in monitoring the training load. Both serum CK and BUN recovered slowly after one-week intensive training and intermittent training, suggesting the metabolic mechanism of human body in training needs further study.

A teaching rotation and a student teaching qualification for senior medical students

Background: Physicians have a scholarly role, including educating others, be it patients, colleagues or students. This led UMC Utrecht to organize a one-week obligatory teacher training course for senior medical students and a six-week elective teaching rotation. Students who complete both may receive a student teaching qualification. They must show didactic skill, have experience with teaching and learn about medical education topics.Method: Between October 2004 and December 2006 60 students (about 10% of all final-year students) took the six-week rotation. Rotating students are attached to a 4–6 week undergraduate curriculum unit. The rotation includes 30 hours of independent teaching of junior medical students, studying the BMJ 's ABC of Learning and Teaching series and sitting a written exam on it, constructing 14 test questions, completing an advisory project for the unit coordinator and writing an essay on a medical education topic of choice.Conclusions: The senior students appear to attain the objectives of the rotation and evaluate it positively. The coordinating teacher-supervisors and the younger students are all generally satisfied to very satisfied with the student teachers. The curriculum benefits from the advisory projects and most essays are so well written that a selection is published as a booklet presented for teachers. These graduates start their career with a teaching qualification.

Training in GI Endoscopy: Can We Objectively Predict the Performance of Trainees? A Prospective Correlation Study

No objective criteria have hitherto been available for assessing the individual talents and skills of trainees involved in GI endoscopy. The aim of our study was to compare the correlation of various psychological, psychomotor and cognitive tests (psy-tests) and of the subjective assessment of the trainer (expert assessment) at the beginning of the training with the objective performance of the trainees at the end of a one-week training period in upper GI endoscopy. In a prospective study including 12 endoscopic centers, a total of 58 participants without any prior endoscopic experience were analyzed. During a practical training week in each center with the "Erlangen Endo-Trainer," an assessment using a "score card" protocol was used as reference method. Prior to the start of the training, various psy-tests (personality test, vigilance endurance test, test of spatial thinking and two tests of sensorimotor coordination) as well as assessment of the trainer were obtained. These parameters were compared with a blinded analysis of the performance at the end of the training. There was significant overall improvement during the training course. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that testing sensorimotoric coordination was significantly associated with defined improvement margins (odds ratio 11.46, p = 0.035). An expert's judgment on the prognosis correlated also significantly with the trainee's improvement (OR = 41.46; p = 0.018). Self-assessments were not significantly associated with performance or progress. Sensorimotoric tests may provide a reliable prediction of the trainee's learning progress. In contrast to self-assessment, the judgement of an experienced endoscopist provides the best guidance for the young candidate endoscopists prior to the start of his/her endoscopic training program.

Enumeration of bacteriophages in water by different laboratories of the European Union in two interlaboratory comparison studies

As part of a European project on bacteriophages in bathing waters two interlaboratory comparison studies were carried out (May 1997 and March 1998). During these studies phage reference materials as well as naturally polluted standard samples were analysed in 16 European laboratories. Three groups of bacteriophages were tested using standardised methods: somatic coliphages, F-specific RNA-phages and phages of Bacteroides fragilis. Many of the participating laboratories applied one or more of the phage methods for the first time, after a one-week training session in a central laboratory. Nevertheless, the values of repeatability ( r = 1.35–1.38 calculated on log 10-scale) and reproducibility ( R = 1.52–2.04 calculated on log 10-scale) when analysing phage reference materials were close to the theoretical optimum for a Poisson distribution. When analysing the naturally polluted samples more variation in results within and between laboratories was found ( r = 1.63–2.34; R = 3.10–5.72), in comparison with the results obtained with the pure phage reference materials.

Treadmill training effects on neurological outcome after middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

Treadmill training is used for promoting rhythmical vigorous walking and for task-related training in patients with stroke. The neurological impact of treadmill training has not been established. The present investigation is aimed at (1) examining neurological changes over a four-week period after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats and (2) assessing the impact of one-week, two-week and four-week treadmill training in MCAO rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 60-minute right MCAO. All rats were randomly assigned to one of seven groups. Infarct volume and neurological score were measured. Rats sacrificed 24 hours post MCAO had the largest infarct volumes (171.4 +/- 14.4 mm3) and the highest neurological score (median: 2, range: 1-3). We noted that without treadmill training, infarct sizes and neurological score diminished with time. Treadmill training for at least one week further reduced infarct volume and significantly improved neurologic function in MCAO rats. Treadmill training after focal cerebral ischemia significantly improves neurological outcome in MCAO rats. Treadmill training may be beneficial for ischemic brain recovery.

Report from the Treasurer

Report from the Treasurer

THE EFFECTS OF ONE-WEEK HIGH INTENSITY ENDURANCE TRAINING ON LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION AND NATURAL KILLER CELLS

113 The accumulative effect of short-term high intensity endurance training (HIET) on immunological response has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of one-week HIET on lymphocyte function and natural killer cells (NK cells). Twelve (12) distance runners (age=18.5±3.1 yrs, V̇O2max= 59.6±3.3 ml/kg/min) were studied. The subjects ran at 75% V̇O2max on a treadmill, 1 hour per day for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected pre, immediately post and one hour after the run on day 1, 3 and 7. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), total lymphocytes (LPC), and natural killer cells (NK cells) were measured. A significant (p<.05) decrease from the pre-exercise values were observed one hour post exercise for PHA, PWM, LPC, and NK cells measurements. Also, the post exercise decrease was accumulative from day 1 to day 7. CONCLUSION: HIET can decrease the immune function of athletes, and the decrease is accumulative throughout a one-week training. Supported by National Science Council, Grant # 87-2413-H-003-032, Taiwan.

Professional training in environment and development: an example from the field of development co-operation

SUMMARY The application of the concept of sustainable development in development co-operation has created a need for additional professional training in The Netherlands. Sustainable development is a relatively new concept. Applying this concept in development projects and policies requires professionals with a interdisciplinary, analytical and environmentally-conscious approach. However, most of today's development experts have professional biases. Is it possible to teach development experts the sustainable development approach in a short training course? This article deals with the implementation of the concept of sustainable development for professional training purposes in the field of development co-operation. It describes the development of a training programme and its two central frameworks, illustrated with case studies. It also reports on experiences and makes evaluative remarks about the impact of the training on the participants. Since 1991, a one-week training programme has been used to update project staff and desk officers. The training offers: (1) an overview of backgrounds and policies in the field of environment and sustainable development; (2) theory and tools to analyse problems of unsustainability; and (3) theory and tools to (re-)design environmentally-sound activities, projects and programmes.

Training and development for informal science learning

This exploratory study assessed the need for training and development of both administrators and education directors working in informal learning environments in the United States. Further, the study identified useful and feasible methods to meet these needs. Finally, it suggested that informal science learning is understood as a collective entity.This study triangulated, or coordinated, various research and data analysis methods to provide a more effective base for understanding the proposed activities. Phase 1 consisted of interviewing persons knowledgeable about informal science learning. These data were analysed qualitatively and used to develop the Phase 2 survey, which was administered to practitioners in these environments. Data from the Phase 2 survey were measured quantitatively.Although results suggest that some kind of training is necessary for administrators, significantly more people strongly agree that education directors need training specifically oriented towards informal science learning. Training for either administrators or education directors should include development of the following skills and attributes: personnel skills, fund-raising skills, financial skills, enthusiasm about doing science with others, knowledge of diverse publics, ability to interact with diverse publics, and volunteer interaction skills.Data indicate that several methods would be very useful and feasible for training both administrators and education directors. These methods include: on-the-job training, a yearly one-week training activity, a degree program in a related field combined with a specific internship, and a series of training courses or seminars.Data suggest that informal science learning can be understood as a collective entity using descriptors such as: industry, field, profession and discipline. However, this study suggests that using environmental characteristics of informal science learning contexts (instead of conceptualising them as the opposite of formal education) may be valuable for better understanding these environments. This understanding might increase the attention given to informal science learning environments as integral components in a holistic view of human learning.

The effectiveness of a joint labor-management program in controlling awkward postures of the trunk, neck, and shoulders: Results of a field study

Awkward working posture at the trunk, neck and shoulders may be caused by a number of factors, including: workstation layout, visual demands of the job, design of equipment and tools, and work methods. Because awkward posture is a recognized risk factor for the development of fatigue, discomfort, and/or disability, the elimination or reduction of awkward work posture is a major objective of many workplace ergonomic programs. A longitudinal study was undertaken in a large automotive corporation to evaluate the effectiveness of a participative union-management program in reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, including those caused by awkward postures. Following a one-week training program, plant personnel used checklists to evaluate posture on 335 jobs in selected departments at four participating plants. The results of these evaluations were used to develop an intervention program in each plant for controlling awkward postures. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention programs, a subset of 151 jobs was tracked by an independent team of university-based ergonomists who performed comprehensive posture analyses at six-month intervals. The independent evaluation found that the labor-management teams were generally effective in reducing awkward postures at the trunk and shoulders. There were significant decreases in the time spent in awkward trunk and shoulder postures as a result of interventions that were implemented during the study. However, the teams were not effective in controlling neck postures as the frequency of awkward neck postures actually increased over the course of the study. Most of the successful intervention projects involved modifications to workstation layout in order to reduce or eliminate low, far, or overhead reaches associated with awkward trunk and shoulder postures. Interventions that required changes in product design or major changes in manufacturing processes were generally not observed during the monitoring period.

Ambulatory diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders.

Ambulatory diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) is necessary due to their high prevalence and to the limited capacities of sleep centers. Categories of SRBD which must be diagnosed and differentiated are defined. Indications for ambulatory diagnosis are given. A selection of systems on the market in Europe are given and described in terms of their parameters. The correct system for diagnosis in a specific patient must be selected according to the specific question. The issue of ambulatory diagnosis of SRBD has gained importance in Germany because beginning in spring 1992 physicians will be reimbursed if they continuously record respiratory signals, heart rate, oxygen saturation and movement in their patients and if they qualify by attending a one-week training course.