Significant Differences In Study Research Articles

The role of PEDF, VEGF, and Ki-67 in tissue invasion and tumor angiogenesis of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Objective: This study investigated the role of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) factors in Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tissue progression and their relationship with tumor angiogenesis. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of PEDF expression in various human tumor samples and healthy tissues have shown that high levels of PEDF expression are associated with a positive prognosis, and low levels of PEDF suggest a poorer prognosis. With the completion of further studies showing the antitumor effects of PEDF on different types of cancer, PEDF’s potential as a therapeutic agent has become increasingly promising. To the best of our knowledge, the role of PEDF in tumor angiogenesis in MTC has not been previously investigated. Material and Methods: Thirty-seven tissue samples were retrospectively analyzed and sent/removed for pathology after total or subtotal thyroidectomy and archived between 01.01.2000 and 31.12.2015 in the Pathology Department of Hacettepe University. Relationships between categorical variables are analyzed using Pearson Chi-squared or Fisher’s Exact tests.The correlation between two numerical variables is analyzed using Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient, and a comparison of numerical variables between two groups is made using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The clinicopathological features of the patients were evaluated as sporadic or hereditary, tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging, single or multifocal focus, recurrence or regional or distant metastasis, progression-free survival time (PFS), and appropriate pathology tissue samples were determined as PEDF, VEGF, NF-kB, Ki-67 staining was compared. As a result of this comparison, a moderate negative correlation was found between VEGF expression level and PFS (rho = - 0,407, p = 0,019). No statistically significant correlation was found between single or multifocal groups and Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) expression levels (p = 0.070), but this is a small p value, a variable that is likely to find significant differences in studies with larger sample groups.The relationship between PEDF, VEGF, NF- kB, Ki-67 PI factors and tumor angiogenesis as reflected by microvessel density (MVD) was also investigated. To this end, we correlated the expression levels of PEDF, VEGF, NF-kB, and Ki-67 staining of suitable pathology tissue samples of the patients with the results obtained from the staining with CD 31. As a result of this comparison, no statistically significant relationship was found. Conclusions: We demonstrated and described for the first time PEDF expression patterns in MTC tumor tissues. A direct relationship between PEDF expression level and angiogenesis, angiogenetic and clinicopathological factors does not seem to exist, at least as it pertains to the group studied. Further studies are required to fully elucidate mechanisms for tumor angiogenesis and invasion in MTC.

Accuracy and Stability of Musical Tempo Memory and the Role of Musical Expertise

Previous studies have demonstrated that musical tempo memory, as the ability to recall a musical tempo without an external reference, is highly accurate. However, little is known about the stability of tempo memory for different genres and reproduction methods over time, and the factors that may influence them. In two longitudinal studies conducted over a 15-day period, we examined the accuracy and stability of musical tempo memory in individuals with different levels of music training. Specifically, we measured tempo memory every three days, and explored various factors including physiological arousal, musical aptitude, and current mood. In Study 1 (N = 111), participants reproduced the tempos of two well-known pieces (one classical and one pop piece) from memory by isochronous tapping, while in Study 2 (N = 61), participants actively performed a self-selected piece of music. Our results suggest that musical tempo memory is generally highly accurate and stable, with even greater accuracy and stability when participants played an instrument to reproduce the tempo. Furthermore, we found no evidence for an effect of arousal and mood. The impact of musical expertise, however, was mixed: individuals with higher expertise performed better in Study 1 but with no statistically significant difference in Study 2.

Study Habits of Undergraduate Medical Students in Bangladesh

The study habits of students are the most important factors that influence the performance of students. Poor study habits are considered one of the main causes of students’ academic failure and can have an important impact on their education and their occupational prospect. Currently, no time bound and elaborative research is found to identify the study habits of undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. This descriptive-type of cross-sectional study was conducted in different medical colleges with the objective to find out the study habits of undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh. It also aimed to find out if there is any difference in study habits between the students with high, average and below-average grade achievers in professional examinations. Data were collected from 586 conveniently selected students from 10 government and 9 private medical colleges of Bangladesh within the period of one year. A pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Study habits were assessed in seven domains namely textbook reading, note-taking, memorizing lessons, paying concentration, exam /test preparation, time management, and classroom-related activities. With regards to study habits, it was revealed that undergraduate medical students have an average study habit score in textbook reading (3.54±1.14), note taking (3.33±1.17), memorizing lessons (3.35±1.17), preparation for the test (3.53±1.18), time management (3.40±1.18) and classroom related activities (3.22±1.2) domains. There is a significant difference in study habit score of high grades and below-average grade achievers in professional examinations. This average score of study habits was below our expectations. This study recommended that teachers should make an effort to develop or improve the study habits of medical students by acquainting them with good and poor/ bad study habits. So that students can identify their poor study habits and can take the appropriate remedial measure. Teachers can guide weak students to develop effective study habits so that students’ learning can be enhanced. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.14(2) July 2023: 45-55

Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients With Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

A subset of patients with celiac disease (CeD) has liver involvement in the form of hypertransaminasemia, liver cirrhosis, and autoimmune hepatitis. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses to determine the pooled prevalence of CeD in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia, and all-cause hypertransaminasemia. We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to January 2022. Cross-sectional, case-control, and prospective cohort studies performing serological tests and/or intestinal biopsy for CeD on patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia, and all-cause hypertransaminasemia were included to calculate pooled estimates of seroprevalence and the prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in these 4 groups. Of 6,871 articles screened, 20 articles were included finally in 3 meta-analyses for cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, and cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia. For the all-cause hypertransaminasemia group, a qualitative review of 4 studies was conducted instead of a meta-analysis due to significant differences in studies. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of biopsy-confirmed CeD in cryptogenic cirrhosis was 4.6% (2.2%-7.5%) while the pooled prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in all-cause cirrhosis was 0.8% (0%-3.4%). The pooled prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD in cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia was 5.7% (3.2%-8.8%). Nearly 1 in 20 patients each with cryptogenic cirrhosis and cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia have CeD; hence, they should both be considered high-risk groups for CeD. While the prevalence of CeD in those with all-cause cirrhosis is similar to that in general population, it may be worth screening them for CeD because liver pathology has the potential for reversal in them.

A modified portable rainfall simulator for soil erosion assessment under different rainfall patterns

Rainfall simulators are devices used in studies on erosion and water infiltration in soil and have different classifications and operating characteristics. Most of these devices simulate rainfall with constant precipitation intensity (PI), which does not represent the characteristics of natural rainfalls and may lead to significant differences in studies on soil and water losses. Here we have developed an automatic PI control system for a rotating simulator equipped with nozzles, through the regulation of the shutter disc rotation, to simulate different rainfall patterns. We have set up an electronic control system that acts on the motor power frequency inverter, allowing the user to enter the desired rainfall pattern through a text file, recorded on a micro SD memory card. For evaluation purposes, different rainfall patterns were programmed for 40 min duration, with maximum PI peaks of 110 mm h−1 and total depth of 30 mm. The new panel of the modified simulator, built with user-friendly interface, enables the selection of the desired rainfall pattern and the operating mode (manual or automatic). The rainfalls were adequately simulated and, even with variation in PI, the modified simulator showed application uniformity above 75%.

Pathogenetic features of anemia of chronic diseases in patients with malignant neoplasms and rheumatic pathology

Objective: to study the importance of cytokines, hepcidin, a soluble transferrin receptor, iron metabolism in the development of anemia of chronic diseases in patients with malignant neoplasms and rheumatic pathology, to identify the leading factors in the development of anemia for each of the studied groups and to develop a working classification of anemia of chronic diseases.Materials and methods. 63 patients with rheumatic pathology were examined. The study group included 41 (17 men/24 women, average age 53.4 ± 4 years) patients with anemia, the control group included 22 (9 men/13 women, age 49.3 ± 1.78 years) patients without anemia. The patients (n = 63) with stage II–IV malignant neoplasms were examined. The study group included 41 patients with anemia (34 men/7 women, age 67.1 ± 9.9 years), in the control group 22 patients without it (17 men/5 women, age 60.2 ± 14.9 years). The number of red blood cells, the hemoglobin level, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, concentrations of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, transferrin, C-reactive protein (CRP), transferrin saturation index (TSI), and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin, interleukin (IL) – 6, – 10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. Mann – Whitney U Test was applied to check for statistically significant differences in study samples.Results. Compared with the control group, elevated concentrations of ferritin, CRP, hepcidin, sTfR and IL-6 (p <0.05) were found for patients with rheumatic pathology and anemia and no differences were found in the concentrations of iron, TIBC, TSI, transferrin. For patients with solid malignant neoplasms and anemia, lower concentrations of iron, TIBC, TSI and higher concentrations of CRP, hepcidin, sTfR, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α (p <0.05) are shown in comparison with the control group and there were no differences in the concentrations of ferritin, transferrin (p >0.05).Conclusion. The multicomponent anemia genesis in patients with cancer and rheumatic pathology is shown. The contribution of each mechanism to the development of anemia may vary depending on the specific nosological form. In patients with cancer, functional iron deficiency, activation of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α synthesis and an increase in hepcidin synthesis lead to the development of anemia of chronic diseases. In patients with a rheumatic profile and anemia, a more pronounced synthesis of hepcidin and an increase IL-6 concentration are indicated. A working version of the classification of anemia of chronic diseases based on the leading pathogenetic factor is proposed (with a predominant iron deficiency, with impaired regulatory mechanisms of erythropoiesis, with insufficient production of erythropoietin).

Long-Term Cognitive Impairment After Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To systematically review and summarize studies investigating an association between a history of preeclampsia and cognitive function later in life. Studies published before August 2017 were identified without any language restriction or study design limits through electronic searches of 10 main databases including MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov. We considered all observational studies that included preeclampsia as a clearly defined prespecified risk factor and that examined a cognition-related outcome measure including validated cognitive tests, magnetic resonance brain imaging, or a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Study quality was assessed using the New-Castle Ottawa scale. All review stages were conducted independently by two reviewers, and disagreement was resolved by a third reviewer. Where possible, data were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 3,126 potentially relevant studies, 13 were included in our review (1,314 women with prior preeclampsia and 289,080 women with prior normotensive pregnancy); median time since pregnancy was 6 years. A higher number of self-reported deficits in perception, memory, and motor functioning on the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire was reported in women with vs without prior preeclamptic pregnancies (Cognitive Failure Questionnaire mean total score 41.5 vs 36.8 out of 100, weighted mean difference of -5.1 points [-9.4 to -0.8]). Our meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences in studies assessing attention (Digit Symbol Substitution or Coding); however, women with preeclampsia performed worse on one of two meta-analyzed tests assessing memory (Letter Number Sequencing mean total score: 10.6 vs 10.1 out of 21, weighted mean difference of 0.63 points 0.06-1.2). Pooling of cognitive outcome measures for studies assessing brain imaging or a clinical diagnosis of dementia were limited by differences in reporting and marked heterogeneity between studies. Although preeclampsia is associated with subjective cognitive symptoms, our systematic review did not demonstrate clear evidence of impairment on standard neurocognitive tests. There is a paucity of high-quality studies assessing cognitive outcomes after preeclampsia.

The effect of liquid losses in trainings during competition period on some biochemical values of u18 male judokas ( age 15-17)

Background/Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of liquid losses occurring in training sessions during the competition period on some biochemical values of the male Judokas competing in the U18 category. Methods: The values of the 17 male athletes, who were included in the national team at least once, were checked in our study which compares the values of athletes before the competition and immediately after the competition. Urine Density, Urine pH, BUN, Creatine and Potassium values from the biochemistry values were measured besides the age, height and weight of the athletes participating in the study. Results: As a result of the measurements made; it was found that the kg pre-test averages of the participant athletes were 67,82 ±17,87, post-test averages were 64,88±16,89, Urine Density pre-test averages were 1.017,94 ±7,08, post-test averages were 1.025±8,48, Urine pH pre-test averages were 6,15±0,70, post-test averages were 5,82±0,50, BUN pre-test averages were 15,65±3,14, post-test averages were 24,35±3,60, Creatine pre-test averages were 0,48±0,20, post-test averages were 0,93±0,41, K Potassium pre-test averages were 4,16±0,35, post-test averages were 4,95 ±0,64. As a result of the statistical analysis, although there was no significant difference in urine pH pre-test and post-test values, statistically significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test values in other selected parameters (p <0,05). Conclusions: As a result; it is thought that in our country in which the adjustment of the weight class is made unconsciously and unplanned, this will lead to the health problems of the athletes in many ways, especially in the later ages. Particularly in the professional sense, the health problems, which athletes who enter weight competitions and who enter at least 10 international competitions in the Olympic sense for the Judo branch a year can experience in the later ages as a result of such exhaustion, should be well considered. The the significant differences in studies in the literature and in our work also indicate that acute and rapid dehydration causes athletes to be harmed in terms of health and leads to the loss of performance. The result of our study is that the athletes should be prompted for weight control in a planned way to prevent the adjusting weight by acute and excessive dehydration.

Evaluation of the range of conformity of the performance of the administrations of the Palestinian universities in the Gaza Strip with the principles of governance and some criteria of excellence - a field study

The study aimed to assess the performance of the Palestinian universities administrations in the Gaza Strip match with the principles of corporate governance and some standards of excellence from the viewpoint of the faculty members, the study used a descriptive and analytical approach, were applied a questionnaire consisting of (31) items on a sample consisting of the number of study (292) faculty member teaching, selected a stratified random manner relative of universities (Al-Azhar , Islamic, and maximum), and increased by 30.2%, in the second semester 2015/2016 m. The results revealed that the study sample approval on the reality of Excellence Palestinian universities education management in the light of the application of the principles of corporate governance at universities in Gaza as a whole amounted to (3.73), as a percentage of (74.72%) significantly, came the scope of participation the first prize with a mean (4.27), and the proportion of a percentage of (85.4%) very much, and in the second area of transparency was an arithmetic mean was (3.92), and the percentage of (78.4%) significantly, and in third place the field of effectiveness and efficiency came an arithmetic mean was (3.76), and the percentage of (75.2%) significantly, and in the fourth field Rashadh The decision-making with a mean was (3.41), and the percentage of (68.2%) significantly, and in last place the field of competitiveness came with a mean was (3.32), as a percentage of (66.4 %) moderately. The findings revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the study sample estimates of the degree of evaluating the performance of the Palestinian universities administrations in the Gaza Strip match with the principles of corporate governance and some standards of excellence from the viewpoint of faculty members attributed to the sex variable and variable universities differences, while found statistically significant differences in the sample members study estimates due to the variable years of experience for the benefit of years of experience of 11 years and above. The study made a number of recommendations.

STROKE AND PREGNANCY: THE MAIN RISK FACTORS

Purpose. To identify risk factors for the development of acute cerebral circulatory impairments (ACCI) in pregnant women. Materials and methods. The material for the study was the medical history of 31 pregnant women with diagnosis ACCI. The average age was 29,5 ± 5,1 years. The comparison group consisted of pregnant women with physiological pregnancy (n = 30) with different gestation periods, the mean age was 29,1 ± 6,7 years. In this study, a comparative analysis of risk factors for stroke was carried out: gynecological and allergic history, smoking and taking contraceptives, the presence of chronic diseases, indicators of the hemostasis and lipid spectrum, polymorphism of thrombophilia genes. Results . The prevalence of ischemic stroke over hemorrhagic stroke was found, which was 77.4% and 22.6%, respectively. In 93.5% of cases, a stroke occurred during pregnancy, in 79.3% of them in the third trimester of gestation. The number of recuperated women was 67.7%. As a result of statistical treatment, a significant difference in study and comparison groups was obtained (p 0.05). Various forms of mutations were identified in the group with ischemic stroke in 14 (58.3%) women, in 2 (28.5%) women in the group with hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusion. Of all the data analyzed in pregnant women with stroke, statistically significant risk factors are: smoking, taking contraceptives, the presence of chronic diseases, including an obstructed obstetric-gynecological anamnesis. Primary and secondary preventive measures will depend on the availability of a particular risk factor.

Parent–infant psychotherapy: a systematic review of the evidence for improving parental and infant mental health

Background: Parent–infant psychotherapy (PIP) is a psychodynamic intervention with parent–infant dyads, designed to address regulatory disturbances in infancy and problems in the parent–infant relationship.Aims: This systematic review aimed to examine whether PIP is effective in improving the parent–infant relationship or other aspects of parent or infant functioning.Methods: A systematic review was undertaken. Electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials in which participants had been allocated to a PIP intervention or control group/other treatment.Results: Eight studies were identified that provided data comparing parent–infant psychotherapy with a no-treatment control group (four studies) or comparing PIP with other kinds of treatment (four studies). Meta-analyses indicated that parents who received PIP were more likely to have an infant who was rated as being securely attached to the parent after the intervention; however, there were no significant differences in studies comparing outcomes of PIP with another model of treatment.Conclusions: Although PIP appears to be a promising method of improving infant attachment security, there is inconclusive evidence of its benefits in terms of other outcomes, and no evidence to show that it is more effective than other interventions for parents and infants. Many studies had limitations in their design or implementation, and findings must be interpreted with caution.

Meta-Analysis of the Usefulness of Change in QRS Width to Predict Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

The existing data regarding the role of QRS duration (QRSd) change on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response show some inconsistent results. We conducted a meta-analysis of data obtained from observational studies to examine the impact of QRS change after CRT device implantation on the clinical and/or echocardiographic response. We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for relevant studies published before January 2016. Twenty-seven studies were retrieved for detailed evaluation of which 12studies with a total population of 1,545 patients met our eligibility criteria. The analysis demonstrated that QRSd narrowing was a positive predictor of response to CRT (mean difference [MD]=-19.24ms, 95% CI=-24.00 to-14.48ms, p <0.00001). Thiseffectwas consistent in the studies using clinical criteria (MD=-19.91ms, 95% CI= -27.20to-12.62ms, p <0.00001) and in those that used echocardiographic criteria (MD=-19.51ms, 95% CI=-25.78 to-13.25ms, p <0.00001). The heterogeneity test showed moderate differences among the individual studies (I2= 42%). Subgroup analysis showed that QRSd change was more pronounced in studies having a follow-up ≤6months. We did not find significant differences in studies measuring postimplantation QRSd after a certain follow-up period compared with studies measuring QRSd immediately after CRT device implantation. Further studies should clarify the exact timing of QRSd assessments during follow-up. In conclusion, QRSd shortening after CRT device implantation is associated with a favorable clinical and echocardiographic response.

International trends in arthroscopic hip preservation surgery-are we treating the same patient?

The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire arthroscopic hip preservation literature to answer the question, ‘Across the world, are we treating the same patient?’ There are significant differences in arthroscopic hip preservation publications, subjects and techniques based on both continent and country published. A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed with PRISMA guidelines using three publicly available databases. Therapeutic clinical outcome investigations reporting arthroscopic hip preservation were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared between continents and countries. Statistics were calculated using Student's t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, chi-squared and two-proportion Z-tests. There were 134 studies included in the analysis (10 752 subjects; 11 007 hips; 51% female; mean 37.6 years of age; mean 27.2 months length of follow-up), which had a low Modified Coleman Methodology Score (mean 32.4; poor). North America published the largest number of studies (58%) and the most subjects (55%) and hips (56%). Australia (22%) and Europe (18%) operated on subjects with some amount of osteoarthritis most commonly. North America (2.7%) and Europe (2.0%) operated on subjects with dysplasia or borderline dysplasia most commonly. The Modified Harris Hip Score was the most frequently utilized outcome score (24% of studies). The quantity and quality of arthroscopic hip preservation literature is significantly increasing with time. Several significant differences in study, subject and surgical technique demographics between continents and countries were identified. Deficiencies in use of clinical outcome scores and definitions of treated pathologies preclude complete subject comparisons and serve as an impetus for future study quality improvements.

Escalated handling of young C57BL/6 mice results in altered Morris water maze performance

Background. The handling of experimental animals prior to experimental interventions is often poorly described, even though it may affect the final functional outcome. This study explores how the use of repeated handling of C57BL/6 mice prior to Morris water maze (MWM) tests can affect the performance.Methods and materials. The handled animals were subjected to the escalating handling protocol, with the investigator spending 5 min per day per cage for 8 days prior to the MWM test. On the last days of handling, the mice were introduced to water and the concept of a hidden platform. The MWM test consisted of four daily trials for 90 s per day for 4 days with a hidden platform. A probe test was performed 4 days after the last learning trial. Control animals were not handled prior to MWM.Results. Handling reduced the latency to find the platform on the first 2 days of the MWM tests and reduced thigmotaxis. The mice increased their swim speed and elicited more explorative behavior in the learning trials and to some lesser extent in the probe trials.Conclusions. The improvement in MWM navigation was most likely due to reduced stress and anxiety regarding the investigator and the test. Handled mice displayed less variability than non-handled mice, suggesting that by using a controlled handling protocol prior to the experiments fewer C57BL/6 mice would be needed to achieve statistically significant differences in studies of learning and spatial memory using MWM.

Abstract 59: The Effects of Dapagliflozin on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often have multiple cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and, thus, an increased CV risk. Dapagliflozin (DAPA), a selective SGLT2 inhibitor currently under evaluation for the treatment of T2DM, reduces hyperglycemia by promoting renal glucose excretion, independently of insulin secretion or action. Methods: Using prospective exploratory analysis, the effects of DAPA on CV risk factors, including body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), plasma lipids, uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hypoglycemia were evaluated in four phase 3 studies. Patients were randomized to DAPA 2.5, 5, or 10 mg or placebo (PBO) once daily for 24 weeks as monotherapy in drug-naïve patients (Study 1, NCT00528372 , N=485 [main cohort n=274]), as add-on to metformin (Study 2, NCT00528879 , N=546), as add-on to glimepiride (Study 3, NCT00680745 , N=596), or as add-on to insulin (Study 4, NCT0067323, N=808). Non-protocol antidiabetic and weight-reducing drugs were prohibited; other background medications were not controlled. Mean changes from baseline to week 24 adjusted for baseline values were analyzed. Results: DAPA significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin in all studies (Table). Weight loss with DAPA was greater than with PBO in all 4 studies, with statistically significant differences in Studies 2, 3, and 4 ( P &lt;0.0001). There were numerical decreases in waist circumference with DAPA in all 4 studies. DAPA reduced systolic BP and to a lesser extent, diastolic BP in all studies. Patients treated with DAPA showed inconsistent changes in triglycerides or LDL-cholesterol, whereas there were consistent increases in HDL-cholesterol. Decreases in serum uric acid were observed with DAPA in all studies. No clinically meaningful changes in eGFR were observed. Hypoglycemic events were infrequent and occurred in a similar proportion of patients in PBO and DAPA groups in Studies 1 and 2, but were more frequent with DAPA than with PBO in Studies 3 and 4, when added to sulfonylurea or insulin therapy. Conclusions: DAPA has favorable effects on important CV risk factors in patients with T2DM.

感情が会話行動に与える影響および相手の感情による調整効果

This study examined the influence of affect on conversation behavior and moderated effect of partner's affective state on the influence. Previous studies have focused on how conversation behavior is influenced by one's affective state. This study examined whether the relationships between one's affective state and ranking message (Study 1) or free description (Study 2) would change through the partner's affective state, in addition to previous studies that considered only the main effect of one's affective state. Through the two studies, vignette experiments were conducted and partner's affective state was represented using facial expressions (smile or frowning face) in abstract paintings. In Study 1, 158 undergraduates prioritized four categories of message (edification, disclosure, question, and acknowledgement). These were extracted from Verbal Response Modes (Stiles, 1992) for five contexts composed of five categories including four that were the same as above and another, “non-message”. In Study 2, 42 undergraduates provided free descriptions for the same five contexts. As a result, although there were few significant differences of correlation coefficients between facial expressions in study 1, there were some significant differences in Study 2. These results demonstrated the benefit of considering influences of dyadic combination of affective state on conversation behavior.

Response Patterns on the Questionnaire on Attitudes Consistent with Sexual Offending in Groups of Sex Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities

Background This report employs a recently developed assessment on attitudes consistent with sexual offending [Questionnaire on Attitudes Consistent with Sexual Offences (QACSO)] to compare different groups of sex offenders with intellectual disability.Method Two studies are reported each from a different region and each conducted by different individuals. Study 1 compared 12 sex offenders against adults with 12 offenders against children. The six‐scale version of the QACSO was administered including rape and attitudes to women, voyeurism, exhibitionism, dating abuse, homosexual assault and offences against children. Study 2 employed three groups of 10 participants each: offenders against adults, exhibitionists and offenders against children. The seven scale version of the QACSO (stalking added) was used. All questionnaires were administered individually.Results In both studies, the offenders against adults reported higher levels of attitudes consistent with sexual offending in the area of rape and attitudes to women with medium to large effect sizes and a significant difference in study 1. In both studies, offenders against children reported significantly higher levels of cognitive distortions (large effect sizes) in the area of offences against children. Both differences were in the predicted direction and there were no other significant differences on other sections. In general, all three groups reported higher levels of cognitive distortions than non‐offenders.Conclusions There would appear to be some specificity particularly for the rape and attitudes to women scale, and the offenders against children scale. The same specificity does not emerge from other scales of the QACSO. The study also lends support to the inclusion of techniques which explore and challenge attitudes consistent with offending both generally and in relation to specific offences.

Trabecular architecture in iliac crest bone biopsies: Infra-individual variability in structural parameters and changes with age

A histomorphometric study was conducted on bilateral iliac crest samples obtained at autopsy from 27 subjects who had died suddenly. Six parameters related to cancellous bone structure were measured: bone volume (BV/TV), surface density (BS/TV), surface/volume ratio (BS/BV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). There were no significant differences between right and left sides in the mean values for each parameter. However, when subjects were considered individually, there was a substantial difference in the majority of cases for all parameters. The intra-individual variation (IIV) was calculated for each subject as the percentage deviation from the mean for the two sides. There was a wide range in IIV (0.05–30.27%) with a mean value of approximately 11.5% for each parameter. In males the mean IIV ranged from 9 to 11% and from 14 to 16% in females. The IIV in BV/TV was positively correlated with age. Data generated on a subsample of 15 males were used to predict patient group sizes required to detect minimum significant differences in studies involving repeat biopsies. Sample sizes of 32, 16, and 8 patients would be required for relative increments in BV/TV of 29, 36, and 46%, respectively, to be statistically significant. Tb.Sp increased significantly with age but there was no significant change in Tb.Th. This supports the view that bone loss with aging occurs primarily through a mechanism involving complete disappearance of individual trabecular plates.