Significant Differences In Performance Research Articles

Comparative Analysis Of Financial Performance Of Bank Bpd Diy And Bank Jateng For The 2019-2022 Period

This research aims to determine the comparison of financial performance between BPD DIY and Bank Jateng (formerly: BPD Jateng) in the 2019-2022 period. Research Method – This study uses descriptive analysis, this study uses financial ratio analysis tools, normality test, independent Sample T-test if the data is normally distributed, and Mann Whitney test if the data is not normally distributed. Findings - The conclusion of the research and discussion above, it can be said that Bank BPD DIY and Bank Jateng show significantly different financial performance as shown by the CAR ratio, while the ratio of NIM, ROA, NPL, and BOPO has no significant difference in financial performance. Implication – This research is expected to be a reference for consideration to analyze the comparison of BPD DIY and Bank Jateng and other banks in the future.

Diagnostic performance with and without artificial intelligence assistance in real-world screening mammography

PurposeTo evaluate artificial intelligence-based computer-aided diagnosis (AI-CAD) for screening mammography, we analyzed the diagnostic performance of radiologists by providing and withholding AI-CAD results alternatively every month. MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board with a waiver for informed consent. Between August 2020 and May 2022, 1819 consecutive women (mean age 50.8 ± 9.4 years) with 2061 screening mammography and ultrasound performed on the same day in a single institution were included. Radiologists interpreted screening mammography in clinical practice with AI-CAD results being provided or withheld alternatively by month. The AI-CAD results were retrospectively obtained for analysis even when withheld from radiologists. The diagnostic performances of radiologists and stand-alone AI-CAD were compared and the performances of radiologists with and without AI-CAD assistance were also compared by cancer detection rate, recall rate, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC). ResultsTwenty-nine breast cancer patients and 1790 women without cancers were included. Diagnostic performances of the radiologists did not significantly differ with and without AI-CAD assistance. Radiologists with AI-CAD assistance showed the same sensitivity (76.5%) and similar specificity (92.3% vs 93.8%), AUC (0.844 vs 0.851), and recall rates (8.8% vs. 7.4%) compared to standalone AI-CAD. Radiologists without AI-CAD assistance showed lower specificity (91.9% vs 94.6%) and accuracy (91.5% vs 94.1%) and higher recall rates (8.6% vs 5.9%, all p < 0.05) compared to stand-alone AI-CAD. ConclusionRadiologists showed no significant difference in diagnostic performance when both screening mammography and ultrasound were performed with or without AI-CAD assistance for mammography. However, without AI-CAD assistance, radiologists showed lower specificity and accuracy and higher recall rates compared to stand-alone AI-CAD.

Unveiling Neurocognitive Disparities in Encoding and Retrieval between Paper and Digital Tablet-Based Learning.

The widespread use of mobile devices and laptops has replaced traditional paper-based learning and the question of how the brain efficiency of digital tablet-based learning differs from that of paper-based learning remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in brain efficiency for learning between paper-based and digital tablet-based learning by measuring activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the paper-based learning or the digital tablet-based learning group. Subjects in each group performed a memory task that required memorizing a three-minute novel (encoding phase) on a paper or digital tablet, followed by a test in which they answered four multiple-choice questions based on the novel's content. To compare both groups, behavioral performance on the test (retrieval phase) and activity in the PFC were measured. As a result, no significant difference in behavioral performance between both groups was observed (p > 0.05). However, the paper-based learning group showed significantly lower activity in the PFC in the encoding phase than the digital tablet-based learning group (p < 0.05) but not in the retrieval phase. The current study demonstrated that brain efficiency in encoding is higher in subjects with paper-based learning than those with digital tablet-based learning. This finding has important implications for education, particularly in terms of the pros and cons of electronic document-based learning.

Exploration or exploitation orientation, subgroup structure and organizational knowledge creation

ABSTRACT Significant performance differences in the process of knowledge creation may exist between organisations with exploratory and exploitative tendencies due to differences in their inner network structures. This study focuses on the subgroups widespread in intra-organisational networks and their structural characteristics. We construct an agent-based model that describes the two different organisational learning models that exist in organisations – exploration-oriented and exploitation-oriented. We find that higher network density in each subgroup helps increase the speed of knowledge creation but depletes the idiosyncratic sets of beliefs and leads to premature convergence. Only when the network scale is large enough or the organisation tends to focus more on exploration can a sparse network play a positive role in knowledge creation. Moderate levels of cross-group links prevent exploitation-oriented organisations from entering the stagnation stage of knowledge growth and increase the knowledge creation performance of exploration-oriented organisations. Knowledge creation performance in exploitation-oriented organisations depends more on boundary hubs than on internal hubs. The presence of twofold hubs can improve knowledge creation performance without significantly reducing the dissimilarity of collective beliefs.

Assessing time-based prospective memory online: A comparison study between laboratory-based and web-based testing.

Prospective memory (PM, i.e., the ability to remember and perform future intentions) is assessed mainly within laboratory settings; however, in the last two decades, several studies have started testing PM online. Most part of those studies focused on event-based PM (EBPM), and only a few assessed time-based PM (TBPM), possibly because time keeping is difficult to control or standardise without experimental control. Thus, it is still unclear whether time monitoring patterns in online studies replicate typical patterns obtained in laboratory tasks. In this study, we therefore aimed to investigate whether the behavioural outcome measures obtained from the traditional TBPM paradigm in the laboratory-accuracy and time monitoring-are comparable with an online version in a sample of 101 younger adults. Results showed no significant difference in TBPM performance in the laboratory versus online setting, as well as no difference in time monitoring. However, we found that participants were somewhat faster and more accurate at the ongoing task during the laboratory assessment, but those differences were not related to holding an intention in mind. The findings suggest that, although participants seemed generally more distracted when tested remotely, online assessment yielded similar results in key temporal characteristics and behavioural performance as for the laboratory assessment. The results are discussed in terms of possible conceptual and methodological implications for online testing.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy using a three-prong asymmetry tip needle for pancreatic tumors and peridigestive tract lesions: Retrospective single-center study.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition is vital for diagnosing pancreatic and peridigestive tract lesions. A new three-prong asymmetry tip needle has been developed for this procedure. In this study, we retrospectively assessed the diagnostic ability, tissue collection volume, and procedural adverse events of the three-prong asymmetry tip needle for solid pancreatic, subepithelial, and other organ lesions. We analyzed the data of 58 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition using a three-prong asymmetry tip needle between August 2022 and April 2023 at a single care center. The tissue collection rate was 91.4% with 89.7% accuracy, 89.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 25% negative predictive value. No significant differences in collection rates or diagnostic performance were observed based on the target organ, puncture route, or lesion size. Using our original assessment method, the average histological core tissue score was 3.1 ± 0.8, whereas the blood contamination volume was 2.5 ± 0.8. Only one of 58 patients (1.7%) developed a pancreatic fistula of moderate severity as an adverse event. The three-prong asymmetry tip needle demonstrated good diagnostic capability and adequate sample volume with safety for pancreatic, subepithelial, and other organ lesions.

Diagnostic performance of MRI for residual or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional treatment according to contrast agent type: a systematic review and meta‑analysis.

The ideal contrast agent for imaging patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following locoregional therapies (LRT) remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging with extracellular contrast agent (ECA-MRI) and hepatobiliary agent (EOB-MRI) in detecting residual or recurrence HCC following LRT. Original studies comparing the diagnostic performance of ECA-MRI and EOB-MRI were systematically identified through comprehensive searches in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of ECA-MRI and EOB-MRI were calculated using a bivariate-random-effects model. Subgroup-analyses were conducted to compare the diagnostic performance of ECA-MRI and EOB-MRI according to different variables. Meta-regression analysis was employed to explore potential sources of study heterogeneity. A total of 15 eligible studies encompassing 803 patients and 1018 lesions were included. Comparative analysis revealed no significant difference between ECA-MRI and EOB-MRI in the overall pooled sensitivity (87% vs. 79%) and specificity (92% vs. 96%) for the detection of residual or recurrent HCC after LRT (P = 0.41), with comparable areas under the HSROC of 0.95 and 0.92. Subgroup analyses indicated no significant diagnostic performance differences between ECA-MRI and EOB-MRI according to study design, type of LRT, most common etiology of liver disease, baseline lesion size, time of post-treated examination and MRI field strength (All P > 0.05). ECA-MRI exhibited overall comparable diagnostic performance to EOB-MRI in assessing residual or recurrent HCC after LRT.

Transitioning From Points-Based Grading to a Modified Pass/Fail Grading Approach in a Simulated Patient Program

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of transitioning from points-based grading to a modified pass/fail grading approach in a simulated patient (SP) program on first year pharmacy (P1) student performance in a PharmD curriculum. MethodsCourse-level data from the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 academic years were collected to assess the impact of transitioning to a modified pass/fail grading approach on P1 student performance. During the 2021–2022 academic year, points-based grading was used. In 2022–2023, a modified pass/fail grading approach was implemented: communication assessment used pass/fail grading and clinical assessment used points-based grading; each assessment was worth 50% of the total SP activity grade. Chi-square tests were used to compare the percentage of students who passed each assessment (≥70%) with those who failed. ResultsAcross both academic years, students completed 9 formative (18 rubrics) and 6 summative (12 rubrics) SP activities. Each activity included separate communication and clinical assessment rubrics. There were no significant differences in performance on 27 of 30 rubrics. There were two formative SP activities where the percentage of students who passed the communication assessment using pass/fail grading (2022–2023 academic year) was different than points-based grading (2021–2022 academic year). In one fall semester activity, the cohort with the modified pass/fail grading approach had lower pass rates, but the opposite trend was observed in the winter semester. ConclusionOur program was able to successfully move to a pass/fail approach for communication assessments of SP activities while maintaining points-based grading for clinical assessments in our P1 curriculum with minimal impact on student performance.

What are the emerging trends in dental composite materials in permanent teeth with occlusal cavities: self-adhesive vs traditional?

The research is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of self-adhesive flowable composite resins (SAFCs) versus conventional flowable composite resins (FCs) used in occlusal cavity restorations in permanent teeth. This research included a search for RCTs. Multiple databases were systematically searched for RCTs with a minimum 1-year follow-up comparing SAFCs to FCs. Outcomes evaluated were retention, secondary caries, marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, and postoperative sensitivity based on modified USPHS criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted where applicable. Certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE approach. Five RCTs (four parallel and one split mouth) comprising 138 patients were included. During 1- and 2-year recalls, there were generally no significant differences in clinical performance between SAFCs and FCs. However, FCs applied using the etch-and-rinse technique demonstrated statistically better marginal adaptation at 2 years (3 studies, RR 3.21, 95% CI 1.50-6.83) and marginal discoloration (4 studies, RR 3.40, 95% CI 1.10-10.48). The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to moderate. SAFCs showed comparable short-term outcomes to FCs in treating occlusal cavities. Further high-quality RCTs with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm long-term performance of SAFCs. Use of separate enamel etching may improve marginal adaptation and discoloration with FCs.

Research on the impact of the socio-educational environment on the academic performance of college students: the mediating role of study motivation.

Enhancing the academic performance (AP) of college students can contribute to the overall scientific literacy among this population, thereby fostering societal progress. The study investigates the correlation between college students' AP and the socio-educational environment (SEE, including family, roommates, and teachers), study motivation (SM, including self-efficacy and study behaviors). Based on the research findings, recommendations are offered to students, educators, and school administrators. Utilizing a stratified sampling approach, data was collected by selecting a sample of 330 first-year computer science students from a specific local university in Hebei Province, China. Data will be collected through a hierarchical sampling method. Using correlation analysis, difference analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) as data analysis methods. The data passed reliability and validity analysis (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.88, KMO = 0.88, χ2/df = 1.49RMSEA = 0.04). The independent sample T-test results showed that female students had higher academic performance than male students (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in academic performance between students from single parent or orphan families and students from normal families (p = 0.14), from non urban areas and from urban areas (p = 0.67). The results of the mediating effect analysis indicate that SM exerts complete mediation in the association between SEE and AP, with a mediating effect value of 0.18. The educational disparity between urban and rural areas in China is gradually narrowing. Support policies for students from impoverished families in higher education institutions are showing initial effectiveness. The conducive learning environment and educational atmosphere for students can indirectly influence their psychological state, thus impacting their academic performance during their university years.

Did the Rapid Transition to Online Learning in Response to COVID-19 Impact Students’ Cognitive Load and Performance in Veterinary Anatomy?

COVID-19 safety required rapid transitions to online learning across education. This posed unique challenges for veterinary anatomy, which is a practical subject. This study compares the cognitive load and academic performance of first- and second-year veterinary students studying anatomy in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020 (post-COVID-19 teaching adjustme nts). Importantly, the core teaching content remained identical for both courses in 2019 and 2020 apart from teaching method (in-person vs. online), allowing us to isolate the effects of teaching method on cognitive load and academic performance. Cognitive load was measured among first- ( n2019 = 105, n2020 = 49) and second-year students ( n2019 = 85, n2020 = 42) at the end of each teaching semester, using a validated instrument. The instrument measures intrinsic load (IL, study material complexity), extraneous load (EL, presentation of material), and germane load (GL, self-perceived learning). t-Tests compared the 2019 and 2020 cohorts with respect to both cognitive load and academic performance. The results indicated that 2019 and 2020 cohorts did not differ on IL or EL in either the first- or second-year subject. However, among both first- and second-year students, the 2020 cohort reported significantly less GL compared to the 2019 cohort. Additionally, the first-year 2020 cohort performed at a significantly lower level than the first-year 2019 cohort. No significant difference in performances was reported between second-year cohorts. Therefore, despite being less inclined to perceive that online course activities enhanced their understanding of anatomy, second-year students with previous experience of learning anatomy in an in-person tertiary environment adjusted better than first-year students with limited experience.

Dynamic characteristics analysis and valve core optimization for second stage hydrogen pressure reducer of hydrogen decompression valve

As an important component of pressure management system, hydrogen decompression valve (HDV) is used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen refueling stations, etc. The high-pressure difference causes severe pressure fluctuation. Thus, the HDV is composed of multi-stage pressure reducers. Specially, the outlet pressure from the HDV highly affects the pressure of fuel cell. The service life and operation condition of fuel cell is affected significantly by the HDV. This paper conducted the research of the second stage hydrogen pressure reducer (SHPR) of on-boarding hydrogen decompression valve. The force and dynamic characteristics of the valve core are obtained and the flow characteristic is analyzed through the steady and transient flow model. The results are shown that the fluid force and combined force on the valve core exhibit linear increase with inlet pressure and throttling area. The flow characteristics in the throttling gap exhibit similar distribution law under different throttling lengths and inlet pressures. The pressure-drop at entrance and exit of the throttling gap is drastic. Besides, the spring stiffness has a significant impact on the dynamic characteristics of the valve core. With the increase of spring stiffness, the dynamic characteristics change from unstable-state to stable-state under the sudden increase of inlet pressure. The larger spring stiffness initially causes displacement fluctuation of the valve core and then the valve core maintains a stable opening under the stable state. Finally, the optimized structure of valve core is proposed and the better stability of SHPR has been achieved. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference in flow performance but the dynamic characteristics are improved.

Effect of Project-Based Learning Method on Students’ Academic Performance in Educational Psychology in Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

This study sought to investigate the effect of project-based learning method on students’ academic performance in educational psychology in Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. To guide the study, three hypotheses were formulated and were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental research design used for the study. The population of the study consisted of all level 300 education students in the two campuses of Benson Idahosa University. There are 42 level 300 students in education department as at the time of this study. Twenty six (26) comprising 7 males and 19 females in the heritage campus while sixteen (16) comprising 6 males and 10 females are in the legacy campus of the university. The sample for the study consisted all the forty-two (42) level 300 education students in both campuses of the university. This was because the total number was few and could be manageable. The instrument used for the study was a teacher-made test titled “Educational Psychology Test” (EPT), drawn from the pool of test items on educational psychology from 2020-2022 and was validated by three experts, with reliability index of 0.82. During treatment procedures, the two groups were pretested, the experimental group was taught using the Project-based Learning (PBL). method while the control group was taught using the traditional lecture method and after treatment administration, both groups were post tested and the findings showed that there was no significant difference in the academic performance of students in Educational Psychology in the experimental and control groups before treatment; there is a significant difference in the academic performance of students in Educational Psychology in the experimental and control groups after treatment and there is no significant difference between male and female students’ academic performance in Educational Psychology in the experimental group after treatment among secondary school students in Benson Idahosa University, Edo State. Based on the findings therefore, it is recommended that teachers should employ Project-based Learning (PBL) method for effective teaching and learning of educational psychology concepts and all other courses in Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State.

EMG-based Simultaneous Estimations of Joint Angle and Torque during Hand Interactions with Environments.

It is necessary to control contact force through modulation of joint stiffness in addition to the position of our limb when manipulating an object. This is achieved by contracting the agonist muscles in an appropriate magnitude, as well as, balancing it with contraction of the antagonist muscles. Here we develop a decoding technique that estimates both the position and torque of a joint of the limb in interaction with an environment based on activities of the agonist-antagonistic muscle pairs using electromyography in real time. The long short-term memory (LSTM) network that is capable of learning time series of a longtime span with varying time lags is employed as the core processor of the proposed technique. We tested both the unidirectional LSTM network and bidirectional LSTM network. A validation was conducted on the wrist joint moving along a given trajectory under resistance generated by a robot. The decoding approach provided an agreement of greater than 93% in kinetics (i.e. torque) estimation and an agreement of greater than 83% in kinematics (i.e. angle) estimation, between the actual and estimated variables, during interactions with an environment. We found no significant differences in performance between the unidirectional LSTM and bidirectional LSTM as the learning device of the proposed decoding method.

The effects of lecture speed and note‐taking on memory for educational material

AbstractThe use of pre‐recorded lecture videos as a primary mode of instruction during online learning has allowed students flexibility in how they self‐regulate their learning. Although increasing lectures up to 2x speed has little cost on memory, it is unknown whether note‐taking at increased speeds interacts with memory. Participants watched lecture videos at 1x or 2x speed while some simultaneously took notes (Experiment 1: laptop, Experiment 2: longhand). We found that test performance numerically declined as speed increased (significant in Experiment 1) and observed a mnemonic benefit of note‐taking, regardless of modality (laptop, longhand). Post‐hoc analyses revealed no significant differences in performance between individuals who took notes at 2x speed and took no notes at 1x speed. Hence, note‐taking may help compensate for disadvantages to learning caused by greater lecture speed. Overall, when watching accelerated lecture videos, it is recommended to take notes, as it supports memory for lecture content.

A Comparative Study to Observe the Effects of Online Lectures and Flipped Classroom-Assisted Sessions among First-Phase MBBS Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background: The past decade has encouraged learner-centered approaches which expect students to take greater responsibility for their learning and support each other’s progress. The flipped classroom (FC) is a teaching–learning tool that uses learner-centeredness. The present comparative study was conducted to observe the effects of online lectures and FC-assisted sessions among first-phase MBBS students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent of the participants. Two hundred first MBBS students participated and were divided into two Groups A and B. Ten topics of neurophysiology were taught to both groups using either FC-assisted self-directed learning (SDL) sessions or online lecture classes. A cross-over of groups was done to prevent any bias. Pretest and posttest scores of all topics were assessed using multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and feedback was taken. Program evaluation was done. Results: There was no significant difference in performance in pretest MCQ examinations between the two groups. Students of both Groups A and B performed significantly better in posttest MCQ examinations as compared to pretest MCQ examinations. However, the posttest results of the FC group were better. Faculty and students provided positive views in support of the sessions. Students were highly satisfied with the program. Conclusions: FC needs to be introduced in medical schools early, to help young medical students to develop SDL skills which will enhance their ability to become lifelong learners and improve the quality of patient care in long run.

An economically efficient strategy for diagnosing atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance thyroid nodules with ultrasound-based risk stratification systems and BRAFV600E testing.

The management of thyroid nodules classified as atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) has been a subject of ongoing debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a cost-effective approach for managing these nodules by combining BRAFV600E mutation analysis with the guidelines provided by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) or the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS). This study included 762 AUS/FLUS nodules in 551 patients with a postoperative pathology. A preoperative BRAFV600E gene test and an evaluation using the ATA guidelines and ACR-TIRADS were performed. Two combined diagnostic approaches were employed: In method 1, all nodules underwent BRAFV600E gene testing, and nodules testing positive for BRAFV600E or for risk stratification systems (RSSs) were diagnosed as malignant, while those with negative results in both tests were considered benign. In method 2 (modified combination method), nodules were reclassified into low-risk (category 2 and 3 in the ATA guidelines and ACR-TIRADS), medium-risk (category 4), and high-risk (category 5) groups based on the malignancy rate of the RSSs. BRAFV600E gene testing was applied only with the medium-risk group. Nodules with positive BRAFV600E mutation were upgraded to the high-risk group, while negative cases remained in the medium-risk group. Both malignancy rates and positive BRAFV600E mutation rates increased with the increase in RSS category (P<0.001). The combination of ACR with BRAFV600E gene testing significantly improved the area under the curve (AUC) compared to the use of ACR or BRAFV600E alone (the AUCs for ACR combined with BRAFV600E, modified ACR combined with BRAFV600E, ACR alone, and BRAFV600E alone were 0.875, 0.878, 0.832, and 0.839, respectively; P<0.05 for both combinations vs. ACR or BRAFV600E alone). Similarly, ATA combined with BRAFV600E showed significant improvements in AUC compared to ATA alone (the AUCs for ATA combined with BRAFV600E, modified ATA combined with BRAFV600E, and ATA alone were 0.851, 0.846, 0.809, respectively; P<0.001 for both combination methods vs. ATA alone), but there was no significant difference observed compared to using BRAFV600E alone (P=0.450 and P=0.680 for both combination methods vs. BRAFV600E). Notably, the AUC of ACR combined with BRAFV600E was greater than that of ATA combined with BRAFV600E (P=0.047 and P=0.007 for both combination methods, respectively). There were no significant differences in diagnostic performance between the two combination approaches (P=0.428 for ACR combined with BRAFV600E and P=0.314 for ATA combined with BRAFV600E). Performing BRAFV600E gene testing only on the medium-risk groups (modified combination method) significantly reduced the rate of BRAFV600E gene testing (P<0.001) without increasing the false-negative rate (P=0.818 and P=0.394 for ACR and ATA, respectively). Incorporating the BRAFV600E gene test exclusively for nodules in the medium-risk group significantly improved diagnostic efficacy, reduced the utilization of gene tests, and maintained a consistent false-negative rate.

Prevalence of smell and taste dysfunction in different clinical severity groups of COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND: Studies on the long-term prevalence of smell and taste impairment concerned with severe disease in the acute phase of COVID-19 are limited. The aim of our study was to assess and compare psychophysical testing and self-reported smell and taste disturbances and recovery between three patient groups suffering from critical, severe, or mild COVID-19 in a follow-up at six-months after the acute phase. METHODOLOGY: The prospective controlled study of 227 participants comprised 72 intensive-care-unit-treated (ICU-treated), 53 pulmonology- or infectious-diseases-ward-treated (WARD-treated), and 48 home-isolated patients (HOME) with preceding COVID-19, and 54 individuals with no history of COVID-19 (CONTROL). All participants visited a follow-up clinic for a sense-of-smell screening and underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, olfactory bulbs and sinonasal area at six months after acute disease. Before the follow-up visit, the participants received a questionnaire concerning smell and taste function. We sent a supplementary questionnaire including questions about phantosmia and parosmia and taste recovery at a median of 502.5 days after the acute phase. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences between the groups in the incidence of smell and taste dysfunction, recovery, or the occurrence of parosmia or phantosmia. There were no statistically significant differences in semi-objective smell performance across the different study groups and controls. The olfactory bulb volume was normal in all patients and controls. Mucosal thickening in paranasal sinuses was rare. CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in a six-month follow-up in the subjective or semi-objective senses of smell and taste between three severity groups of COVID-19 and controls.

Effects of Vaccinium berries (blueberries, cranberries and bilberries) on oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise performance, and recovery - a systematic review.

Exercise-induced muscle damage is common in athletes and recreational exercisers and can lead to muscle soreness, weakness, and impaired muscle function. The precise mechanisms are unclear but oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role. (Poly)phenols are substances abundant in Vaccinium berries that have been suggested to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could help improve exercise performance and/or recovery from exercise. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefits of Vaccinium berry supplementation on exercise performance and recovery, as well as on exercise-induced oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy individuals. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, ProQuest Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies were included if the participants were healthy individuals who were supplemented with any Vaccinium berry or Vaccinium berry-based products in comparison to a control group. Of the 13 articles included in this review, no significant differences in the exercise performance were found and only one study reported benefits for markers of recovery. Interleukins and c-reactive protein were the most frequently reported biomarkers, but there was limited evidence that Vaccinium berry supplementation impacted them post-exercise. Most studies were of high quality and showed a low risk of bias. Vaccinium berry supplementation is not effective in modulating markers of exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative distress in healthy individuals; nevertheless, more studies are required to evaluate their effects on exercise performance and recovery in this population.

Physical Realism of Simulation Training for Health Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries-A Systematic Review.

This systematic review was conducted, according to PRISMA standards, to examine the impact of the level of physical realism of simulation training on clinical, educational, and procedural outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as defined by the World Bank. A search from January 1, 2011 to January 24, 2023 identified 2311 studies that met the inclusion criteria including 9 randomized (n = 627) and 2 case-controlled studies (n = 159). Due to the high risk of bias and inconsistency, the certainty of evidence was very low, and heterogeneity prevented any metaanalysis. We observed limited evidence for desirable effects in participant satisfaction and confidence, but no significant difference in skills acquisition and performance in the clinical practice environment. When considering the equivocal evidence and cost implications, we recommend the use of lower physical realism simulation training in LMIC settings. It is important to standardize outcomes and conduct more studies in lower income settings.