Paired T-test Research Articles

Impact of stage-specific limb function exercises guided by a self-management education model on arteriovenous fistula maturation status

BACKGROUND The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, due to the lack of a unified exercise standard in China, many patients have insufficient awareness of the importance of AVF, leading to poor effectiveness of limb function exercise. The self-management education model can effectively promote patients to take proactive health-related actions. This study focuses on the characteristics of patients during the peri-AVF period and conducts a phased limb function exercise under the guidance of the self-management education model to observe changes in factors such as the maturity of AVF. AIM To assess the impact of stage-specific limb function exercises, directed by a self-management education model, on the maturation status of AVFs. METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with forearm AVFs from the Nephrology Department of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China. Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method. The observation group underwent tailored stage-specific limb function exercises, informed by a self-management education model which took into account the unique features of AVF at various stages, in conjunction with routine care. Conversely, the control group was given standard limb function exercises along with routine care. The assessment involves the maturity of AVFs post-intervention, postoperative complications, and the self-management level of the fistula in both groups patients. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Count data were represented by frequency and percentage and subjected to chi-square test comparisons. Measurement data adhering to a normal distribution were presented as mean ± SD. The independent samples t -test was utilized for inter-group comparisons, while the paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons. For measurement data not fitting a normal distribution, the median and interquartile range were presented and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS At the 8-wk postoperative mark, the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in AVF symptom recognition, symptom prevention, and self-management compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, the variance in symptom management scores between the observation and control groups lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05). At 4 wk after the operation, the observation group displayed a superior vessel diameter and depth from the skin of the drainage vessels in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). While the observation group did manifest elevated blood flow rates in the drainage vessels relative to the control group, this distinction was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). By the 8-wk postoperative interval, the observation group outperformed the control group with notable enhancements in blood flow rates, vessel diameter, and depth from the skin of drainage vessels (P < 0.01). Seven days following the procedure, the observation group manifested significantly diminished limb swelling and an overall reduced complication rate in contrast to the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of infection, thrombosis, embolism, arterial aneurysm stenosis, and incision bleeding showed no notable differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). By the 4-wk postoperative juncture, complications between the observation and control groups were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Stage-specific limb function exercises, under the guidance of a self-management education model, amplify the capacity of AVF patients to discern and prevent symptoms. Additionally, they expedite AVF maturation and mitigate postoperative limb edema, underscoring their efficacy as a valuable method for the care and upkeep of AVF in hemodialysis patients.

Medial meniscus extrusion is associated with meniscus tears in US and MRI: A case control study.

To study the medial meniscus extrusion (MME) in subjects with and without medial meniscal tears on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supine ultrasound (US), and weight-bearing US. Forty-seven cases (mean age 43.7 years) with medial meniscus tears and 53 healthy controls (mean age 36.6 years) were assessed. Two experienced sonographers performed the US evaluations, and a fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist assessed the menisci on MRI. Independent and paired T-tests and ICC were used for statistical analyses. On supine US, the mean MME was 3.9 mm for the cases and 2.3 mm for the controls (p < 0.001). On weight-bearing US, the values were 4.2 and 2.8 mm (p < 0.001), and on MRI 3.0 and 2.0 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean difference between supine and weight-bearing US extrusion was 0.38 mm for the cases and 0.49 mm for the controls (p = 0.291). Correlation between supine US and MRI MME measurements was good (ICC = 0.660, CIs [0.533-0.758]). MME can be assessed using US with good correlation to MRI. US-observed extrusion was significantly increased in supine and standing positions for medial meniscus tears. The mean difference between examination positions was reduced with medial meniscus tears although this result was statistically insignificant.

대학 정량지표를 통해 본 대학혁신지원사업의 성과와 시사점

Objectives This study analyzed the performance of university innovation support projects through quantitative in-dicators of universities. Methods A paired t-test method and one-way analysis of variance were used as research methods. Results As a result of the analysis, the acquisition rate of full-time teachers and the recruitment rate of students were lower than before the university innovation support project, while the education cost reduction rate, the total number of courses per student, the appropriateness of the lecture size, the recruitment rate of new students, and the employment rate of graduates were higher than before the university innovation support project. The recruit-ment rate of enrolled students and the employment rate of graduates were higher in the metropolitan area than in the non-metropolitan area. According to the university size, there was no difference in the rate of change in all indicators except for the enrollment rate, and in the case of the enrollment rate, large universities performed better than those that did not. Conclusions This study is significant in that it has confirmed that the university innovation support project is ach-ieving quantitative as well as qualitative performance of various university innovations, and balances according to university regional conditions and size.

Efficacy of yoga package on cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls: A single group pilot study

Executive functions and attention are key indicator of cognitive health. Cognitive flexibility, the ability to flexibly switch between tasks, is a core dimension of executive functions. Yoga helps to improve mental wellness, which consequently provides cognitive flexibility.This study aimed to determine the effect of yoga on cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls.Thirty healthy university girls (group mean ± SD; 18.27 ± 1.44) were enrolled as participants in the study. Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B were used to assess their cognitive flexibility whereas sustained attention was determined using Six Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT). The assessments were taken at baseline and after three months of yogic practices. Statistical analysis was performed by paired t-test to examine the effect of yoga on cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls.There was a significant decrease in time taken to complete TMT part A (t= 4.33; P&amp;#60;0.05) and a significant increase in total attempts (t= -2.75; P&amp;#60;0.05) and net attempts (t=-2.80; P&amp;#60;0.01) in six letter cancellation test after three months of yoga practice.The results suggest that yoga improves visual search ability and motor speed skills and hence cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls.

Effectiveness of video-assisted teaching programme and mobile application on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding management of common minor discomforts of pregnancy among primigravida mothers– A pilot study from South India

Pregnancy might lead to various physiological changes that may end up in a diversity of symptoms and frequently to gastrointestinal complaints, such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. With adequate information and timely care, the majority of mild problems that arise during pregnancy can be reduced.The main aim is to to evaluate the efficacy of video-assisted teaching programme and mobile applicationin improving primigravida women' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about how to handle common pregnancy discomforts.A quantitative research approach with the one group pre-test and post-test design was adopted to conduct this pilot study among a total of 20 primigravida mothers attending the PHC Centre by purposive sampling technique who were administered with video-assisted teaching having the contents on knowledge, attitude, and practice aspects regarding management of various minor discomforts of pregnancy. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were measured using structured tools at the baseline (day 1) and after the administration of video-assisted teaching with mobile app-based follow-up education on day 15. We analysed the data with descriptive to describe the variables, paired t-test to test the effectiveness, Karl Pearson’s correlation for the relationship, and Chi-square to find the association. Knowledge, attitude, and practice all showed statistically significant improvements following the implementation of the video-assisted teaching program and mobile application.The research findings indicated that video-assisted teaching along with a mobile app in their own language was found useful method of educating primigravida mothers to increase their knowledge and to generate favorable attitudes regarding the management of minor discomforts during pregnancy.

A prospective observational study examining weight and psychosocial change in adolescent and adult eating disorder inpatients admitted for nutritional rehabilitation using a high-energy re-feeding protocol

BackgroundHigh-energy re-feeding protocols are increasingly utilised for nutritional rehabilitation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), however, concern persists that adults with AN may be at greater risk of developing complications. In addition, research on psychological outcomes of eating disorder (ED) inpatient treatment programs, and outcomes of high-energy protocols in avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and bulimia nervosa (BN), is limited. This study of an ED inpatient program using a high-energy protocol, compared changes in weight and psychosocial outcomes between adolescents and adults, and identified medical risk factors associated with deviation from the protocol.MethodThis prospective observational study took place in a voluntary ED treatment program in a private hospital. Weight, height, and psychosocial questionnaires (ED Examination-Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Score, Clinical Impairment Assessment and AN/BN Stage of Change) were collected from consenting adolescents (16–20 years) and adults (> 20 years) on admission and discharge. Medical tolerance to the high-energy protocol was assessed daily. Independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests were applied to normally distributed data, and Mann–Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to skewed data. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant statistically.ResultsNinety-seven participants were recruited. The majority (n = 91, 94%) were female and most (n = 80, 83%) had AN. Forty-two (43%) were adolescents and 55 (57%) were adults. In participants with AN, weight change (Δ) was significant [median Δ 8.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 4.3) kg]. There was no difference in rate of weight change between adolescents and adults with AN [mean Δ 1.8 (standard deviation (SD) 0.5) kg/week vs. Δ 1.8 (SD 0.6) kg/week; p = 0.841, respectively]. One (1%) participant with AN did not tolerate the high-energy protocol due to oedema. Participants achieved positive change in psychosocial questionnaire scores (p < 0.001) after the the specialist ED program, with no difference between adolescents and adults (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThis voluntary ED treatment program using a high energy re-feeding protocol was effective in achieving positive weight and psychological change for adolescents and adults with minimal adverse events. This indicates that the specialist ED program has both nutritional and psychological benefits.

Magnesium citrate monotherapy improves RLS symptoms and multiple suggested immobilization test scores in an open-label pilot study.

An estimated 3% of the population suffers from clinically significant restless legs syndrome. Given the limited pharmacological options in the arsenal, there is a need for a therapeutic agent with a better side effect profile. Twelve treatment naïve adults (10 women and 2 men with a median age of 41.5 [32-48.5] years) with primary RLS were recruited in our open-label pilot study; magnesium citrate 200 mg was administered daily for eight weeks. Serum magnesium levels, IRLS, Kohnen QOL scale, and multiple suggested immobilization tests were performed before and after supplementation. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for data analysis. Pearson and Spearman's analyses assessed the association between magnesium levels and RLS variables. Participants had a significant reduction in IRLS scores (- 6.67 [2.33-11] p=0.006) and improved Kohnen QOL scores (-8.5 [2.09-14], p=0.014) without notable differences in serum magnesium levels (p=0.3). Average PLMW across all SIT trials (30.40 [5.20, 122.40] to 8.63 [0.32, 17.47] p=0.043) and subjective measures on mSIT also demonstrated improvement. Serum magnesium levels negatively correlated with m-SIT self-reported scores and the PLMW indices. Despite the limitations of open-label design, our study's positive results indicate the need for a placebo-controlled trial with a larger sample size. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04462796).

The protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate couple-based violence prevention education and its ability to reduce intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Southwest Ethiopia.

A significant proportion of women in Ethiopia suffer from violence by their intimate partner during pregnancy, which has adverse maternal and newborn outcomes. Couple-focused interventions are effective in reducing and/or controlling violence between women and their intimate partners. However, interventions addressing intimate partners of the victims are not well studied, particularly in the Ethiopian setting. This study aims to assess the effect of couple-based violence prevention education on intimate partner violence during pregnancy. We will use a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of couple-based violence prevention education compared to routine care in reducing intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Sixteen kebeles will be randomly assigned to 8 interventions and 8 control groups. In the trial, 432 couples whose wife is pregnant will participate. Health extension workers (HEWs) will provide health education. Data will be collected at baseline and endline. All the collected data will be analyzed using Stata version 16.0 or SPSS version 25.0. We will use the McNemar test to assess the differences in outcomes of interest in both intervention and control groups before and after the intervention for categorical data. A paired t-test will be used to compare continuous outcome of interest in the intervention and the control groups after and before the intervention. The GEE (Generalized Estimating Equation), will be used to test the independent effect of the intervention on the outcome of the interest. Data analysis will be performed with an intention-to-treat analysis approach. During the analysis, the effect size, confidence interval, and p-value will be calculated. All tests will be two-sided, and statistical significance will be declared at p < 0.05. We expect that the study will generate findings that can illuminate violence prevention strategies and practices in Ethiopia. It has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05856214 on May 4, 2023.

The Association Between Grip Strength, Upper Body Power, and Limb Dominance in a Military Population.

Military service members rely on upper body strength and power to accomplish tasks such as carrying heavy weapons and gear, rappelling, combat grappling, and marksmanship. Early identification of the factors that lead to reduced upper body strength and power would enable leadership to predict and mitigate aspects that decrease military operational readiness and increase injury risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between grip strength and upper body power in U.S. Infantry Marines. We hypothesized that dominant arm grip strength would show a strong positive correlation with upper body power and that the dominant arm would be more powerful than the non-dominant arm. A total of 120 U.S. Marines completed 3 maximum effort isometric grip strength trials with their dominant hand and 3 maximum effort ballistic pushups on a ForceDecks force plate system. Force plate data were used to estimate pushup height and peak power. Maximum grip strength, pushup height, and peak power across the 3 trials were used for analysis. Pearson's correlation was used to test for associations between peak power, pushup height, and grip strength. Paired t-tests were used to test for differences in peak power between the dominant and non-dominant arms. A very weak correlation was found between grip strength and upper body power, but there was no relationship between grip strength and pushup height. Additionally, there were no significant differences in upper body power between the dominant and non-dominant arms. The results of this study suggest that grip strength is not predictive of upper body power and cannot be used as a stand-alone measure of physical readiness in a military unit. These findings do not, however, degrade the potential of both measures to predict and inform health status and physical readiness. Future prospective research should be conducted to determine if either of these measures can be used as indicators of performance and/or injury susceptibility and if limb dominance plays a role in injury incidence within the upper extremity.

Changes in Fingertip Cold-Induced Vasodilatation (Hunting Reaction) on Acute Exposure to Altitude.

Fossati, Alexandre, and Aleid C. J. Ruijs. Changes in fingertip cold-induced vasodilatation (hunting reaction) on acute exposure to altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 00:000-000, 2024. Objective: Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) of the extremities is an interesting part of human physiology. Although the physiology of the CIVD reaction remains unknown, there are indications that hypoxia influences our CIVD reaction. The objective of this study is to measure the influence of acute hypoxia on the CIVD reaction of the fingertips. Methods: The CIVD reaction was measured using immersion of one hand in a water bath of 0°C in 12 healthy volunteers at low (1,235 m) and high (3,800 m) altitude during 35 minutes. High altitude was reached by a 20-minute cable car ride. Testing was performed indoors (room temperature, 22-25°C) at both altitudes. Data analysis was performed measuring the parameters of the CIVD reaction. Differences were found using the paired Student's t-test. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline finger temperature, onset time, peak time, and frequency of the CIVD reaction. However, at high altitude, maximum temperature and amplitude were significantly higher, slope was steeper, and minimum temperature was lower. Conclusion: We did not find evidence for a diminished CIVD reaction at high altitude due to hypoxia.

Educational training and nursing professional self-perception in Mongolia: A prospective observational pre-post design study.

To determine whether professional self-perception of nurses in Mongolia improves following an educational intervention and to identify differences in scores among participant subgroups. A prospective observational pre-post design. Using a convenience sample of 67 nurses in Mongolia in 2019, the Nursing Professional Values Scale-3 instrument was used pre- and post-intervention. Independent and paired sample t-tests were conducted. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 28.0.1.1 and Stata/SE 16.1. This study complied with the STROBE checklist. Of the 67 nurses, 92.0% were female, mean age was 32.15 years (SD 8.96), 70.0% held a bachelor's degree, 58.0% had 5 or more years' nursing experience and 51.0% were members of a professional nursing organization. After participating in the educational training, nurses reported higher overall professional self-perception as well as across subscales: activism, professionalism and caring. Considering the nursing shortage in lower-middle-income countries, it is important to recognise the influence of nurses' professional self-perception on nursing retention. This study highlights the significant role continuing educational opportunities play in increasing nurses' professional self-perception. It is imperative to explore ways of improving this perception and focusing on subgroups of nurses to help guide the use of limited resources. Further research is necessary to include nurses in other areas of Mongolia. Accurately assessing nursing professional self-perception and providing educational opportunities could improve nursing professional self-perception, nursing satisfaction, patient safety and nursing retention in lower-middle-income countries. What problem did the study address? This study meets the need for current study on the nursing professional self-perception of nursing from the perspective of nurses in Mongolia. It addresses the dangerous nursing shortage in Mongolia by determining if an educational intervention could improve nursing professional self-perception and thus improve nursing job satisfaction and retention. What were the main findings? Mongolian nurses in this study scored in the top quartile of the NPVS-3, indicating a baseline high NPSP. Educational intervention (including translated oral education and written clinical pathways) significantly improved the nurses' professional self-perception. Nurses were eager for training in other clinical and leadership topics. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This research can be impactful for nurses, nurse leaders and policy makers in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Specifically for nurses in Mongolia, with increasing technologies and services such as cardiac catheterization laboratories becoming available, more education in these nursing specialty areas is imperative. Professional Nursing Organizations are poised to foster more educational offerings to their members and to increase membership. Nursing education provided by international volunteer nurses with Non-Governmental Organizations can improve NPSP in nurses in LMICs. This study complied with the STROBE checklist. No patient or public contribution.

The effect of digital game-based language learning mobile application on the development of complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language monologic oral production among Chinese learners of English as a foreign language

The study reported the effect of a digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) mobile application “Speaking English Fluently – An Automated Scoring Artificial Intelligent Tutoring System on Spoken English” on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language (FL) monologic oral production among 31 second year Chinese university learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants’ monologic oral production was measured in the first (week 1) and last week (week 21) of a semester using the same narrative picture description task. The oral production was audio-recorded and transcribed. Both the transcripts and audio-files were analyzed on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency dimensions. The complexity was measured using the number of Mean (M) words per T-unit, the accuracy dimension was measured using the number of repairs and errors per 100 words; and the fluency dimension was measured via speech rate (i.e., number of words per minute), and M length of pauses. Students were required to download the mobile application and followed the monological practice section twice a week for 30 minutes each time. Using paired sample t-tests, we found that even though the participants’ repair rate and speech rate remained unchanged, they produced more complex monologic speech, had significantly fewer errors, and reduced average length of pauses after 20 weeks treatment using the mobile application, demonstrating a positive effect of the DGBLL mobile application on FL learners’ monologic oral production.

Social Media Insecurity and Intimate Partner Violence: Drug Use As an Escape Route

ABSTRACT The study examined social media insecurity and intimate partner violence as determinants of drug use. This prospective cohort study purposively recruited 387 married population with 54 of them re-enrolled in intervention therapy. Multilinear regressions and paired sample t-test were employed. Social media insecurity was an independent predictor of drug use; the higher the level of social media insecurity, the more participants used drugs whereas intimate partner violence did not predict drug use. The paired t-test showed a significant reduction in drug use after the eclectic therapy, which involved integrative coping skills, drug counseling/education and family therapy, aimed at reducing harms.

Enhancing technical proficiency through small-sided basketball games: A strategic approach for students athletes

Background Problems: Due to the intricate nature of the game and the requirement for proficiency in core skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning, basketball players frequently have difficulties developing their technical abilities. Traditional training approaches may not focus enough on these skills, leaving room for growth. Research Objective: This study investigates how well basketball players' technical skills may be improved through game-based instruction, particularly small-sided basketball games. The study aims to address the need for a more focused approach to technical elements by highlighting the value of focused practice in pertinent game scenarios. Methods: The type of research used was quantitative research with a sample of 12 amateur athletes. The instrument used is the game performance evaluation tool (GPET). Quantitative data from pre- and post-assessments were examined using the appropriate statistical techniques, such as paired t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the study, basketball players with various skill levels were listed. Small groups of participants received specialised training to develop their technical abilities. Findings and Results: Participants' technical proficiency significantly improved after strategically focused practice using small-sided basketball games. The outcomes show that this game-based method works well for improving basic abilities, including passing, dribbling, shooting, and positioning defensively. The results highlight how effective it is to use small-sided games to help basketball players enhance their skills. Conclusion: The study concludes that small-sided basketball games are an effective strategy for improving basketball players' technical proficiency. Notwithstanding several constraints, such as a comparatively limited sample size and consistency in participant skill levels, the findings indicate that focused practice in pertinent gaming environments produces notable enhancements. To better understand the potential of this strategy for players of different skill levels, future studies should include additional variables like training amounts and differences in small-sided game structures.

AI in Hand Surgery: Assessing Large Language Models in the Classification and Management of Hand Injuries

OpenAI’s ChatGPT (San Francisco, CA, USA) and Google’s Gemini (Mountain View, CA, USA) are two large language models that show promise in improving and expediting medical decision making in hand surgery. Evaluating the applications of these models within the field of hand surgery is warranted. This study aims to evaluate ChatGPT-4 and Gemini in classifying hand injuries and recommending treatment. Methods: Gemini and ChatGPT were given 68 fictionalized clinical vignettes of hand injuries twice. The models were asked to use a specific classification system and recommend surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Classifications were scored based on correctness. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired two-tailed t-test, and sensitivity testing. Results: Gemini, correctly classifying 70.6% hand injuries, demonstrated superior classification ability over ChatGPT (mean score 1.46 vs. 0.87, p-value &lt; 0.001). For management, ChatGPT demonstrated higher sensitivity in recommending surgical intervention compared to Gemini (98.0% vs. 88.8%), but lower specificity (68.4% vs. 94.7%). When compared to ChatGPT, Gemini demonstrated greater response replicability. Conclusions: Large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini show promise in assisting medical decision making, particularly in hand surgery, with Gemini generally outperforming ChatGPT. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the strengths and limitations of different models when integrating them into clinical practice.

Comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of the grid and link search methods to recover scattered skeletal remains.

The grid and link search methods are used to recover scattered skeletal remains. Neither have not been compared robustly and clear guidelines for the link method have not been sufficiently developed. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of both methods and propose guidelines for the link method. The scattering patterns of two scavengers of forensic relevance-slender mongooses (Galerella sanguinea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)-were recreated using four pig skeletons (Sus scrofa domesticus). Two groups (n = 6 each) were assigned a different method to recover the scattered remains. The length of the search and when each bone was located for each scatter pattern was recorded for each group and scatter pattern. A Likert scale questionnaire assessed participants' perceptions of their assigned method. A paired t-test (p = 0.005) compared the efficiency of each method and the questionnaire answers. Both methods were effective, recovering 100% of all remains. The link method was more efficient for both scatter patterns, despite there being no statistical significance (jackal: p = 0.089; mongoose: p = 0.464). Participants indicated favorable views for both methods; however, the link method scored significantly more favorably (p = 0.01) for efficiency. Specific guidelines were developed for the use of the link method. The link method is suggested for the recovery of scattered remains in forensic contexts, especially when the scavenger, its behavior, and scattering pattern is known or suspected.

Do you really drink a single glass of wine a day? A cross-sectional study on self-reported and next-of-kin observed alcohol consumption

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the difference between self-reported and patients’ relative’s appreciation of alcohol consumption for patients with risky alcohol use. Methods Patients with risky alcohol use, admitted to general internal medicine wards, completed a questionnaire on drinking habits at hospital admission and 3 days later. The questionnaire contained the preceding week’s number of standard units (SU) alcohol consumption and the AUDIT C screening tool. A close relative completed a similar questionnaire about the patient’s drinking habits. The difference between self-report and proxy observed consumption was tested through Wilcoxon signed-rank test; differences in AUDIT C score were tested through paired t-test. Results Between March 2017 and May 2019, 46 patients were included. There was a significant difference between median self-reported (23.9 SU/week; IQR: 13.0–39.0) and relative’s (46.3 SU/week; IQR: 25.3–70.0) estimations of consumption (median difference of 12.4 SU/week; IQR 0–33.4, p < .001), and mean self-reported (6. 9; 95% CI:6.0–7.8) and relative’s (8.9, 95% CI: 8.0–9.7) estimations of the AUDIT-C Score (mean difference of 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–2.8, p < .001). Conclusions Relative’s reported alcohol consumption is around two-fold higher than self-reported. Taking a history from a close relative could strengthen the confidence in the actual drinking habits of a patient.

Empirical examination of the Black–Scholes model: evidence from the United States stock market

Option pricing is crucial in enabling investors to hedge against risks. The Black–Scholes option pricing model is widely used for this purpose. This paper investigates whether the Black–Scholes model is a good indicator of option pricing in the United States stock market. We examine the relevance of the Black–Scholes model to certain stocks using paired sample t-test and Corrado and Miller’s approximation for the implied volatility. Empirical tests are applied to determine the significance of the relationship between the actual market values and the Black–Scholes model values. Paired sample t-tests are applied to 582 call options and 579 put options. The empirical test results show that there is no significant difference between the actual market premium value and the Black–Scholes model premium value for seven out of nine stocks considered for call options, and four out of nine stocks considered for put options. Thus, we conclude that the Black–Scholes option pricing model can be used to price call options but is not suitable for pricing put options in the United States stock market.

The Positive Side Effect of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion on Axial Neck Pain.

Observational Cohort Study. This study aims to comprehensively assess the outcomes of anterior cervical spine surgery in patients who have undergone surgical intervention for radiculopathy or myelopathy, with a specific focus on the surgery's impact on axial neck pain. Data from an institutional spine surgery registry were analyzed for patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery between January 2016 and March 2022. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and outcome measures, including the Neck Disability Index (NDI), numeric rating scales for neck and arm pain (NRS-Neck and NRS-Arm), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, were collected. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, chi-squared tests, and multivariate linear regression. Of 257 patients, 156 met the inclusion criteria. Patients showed significant improvement in NDI, NRS-Neck, NRS-Arm, SF-36 (Physical and Mental components), and all changes exceeded the minimum clinically important difference. Multivariate regression revealed that lower preoperative physical and mental component scores and higher preoperative NRS-Neck predicted worse NDI scores at follow-up. This study underscores that anterior cervical fusion not only effectively alleviates arm pain and disability but also has a positive impact on axial neck pain, which may not be the primary target of surgery. Our findings emphasize the potential benefits of surgical intervention when neck pain coexists with neurologic compression. This contribution adds to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the importance of precise diagnosis and patient selection. Future research, ideally focusing on patients with isolated neck pain, should further explore alternative surgical approaches to enhance treatment options.

Fan Therapy for Dyspnea in Lung Transplant Recipients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Before-and-After Study.

Introduction Fan therapy has gainedattention as a non-pharmacological treatment for alleviating dyspnea in patients receiving palliative care and in those with chronic progressive diseases. However, the effectiveness of fan therapy for dyspnea in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of fan therapy for lung transplant patients in the ICU. Methods Fan therapy was performed on lung transplant recipients (age >18 years) who experienced dyspnea during their ICU stay. A tabletop portable fan was used to blow air on the patient's face for five minutes providing fan therapy. The intensity of dyspnea before and after the fan therapy was determined, and a statistical analysis was conducted using a paired t-test to evaluate the changes. Results Between May 2023 and February 2024, 16 patients who were admitted to the ICU following lung transplantation were screened, and eight patients received fan therapy. Fan therapy was performed at a median of postoperative day 12. Seven patients (87.5%) received mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. The mean (±standard deviation) numerical rating scale (NRS) for dyspnea before and after fan therapy was 5.6±2.3 and 4.4±1.5, respectively (p= 0.08). The mean (±standard deviation) respiratory distress observation scale (RDOS) before and after fan therapy was 4.8 ± 2.0 and 3.8 ± 1.7, respectively (p= 0.03). No serious adverse events were observed, and no significant alterations were observed in the respiratory rate, oxygen saturation levels, pulse rate, or blood pressure. Conclusion The findings suggest that fan therapy can be safely used to relieve dyspnea in lung transplant recipients during their ICU stay. Further evaluations in larger trials are required to confirm the results of this study.