Significant Differences In Relation Research Articles

Assessment of Drought and Zinc Stress Tolerance of Novel Miscanthus Hybrids and Arundo donax Clones Using Physiological, Biochemical, and Morphological Traits.

High-yield potential perennial crops, such as Miscanthus spp. and Arundo donax are amongst the most promising sources of sustainable biomass for bioproducts and bioenergy. Although several studies assessed the agronomic performance of these species on diverse marginal lands, research to date on drought and zinc (Zn) resistance is scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the drought and Zn stress tolerance of seven novel Miscanthus hybrids and seven Arundo clones originating from different parts of Italy. We subjected both species to severe drought (less than 30%), and Zn stress (400 mg/kg-1 of ZnSO4) separately, after one month of growth. All plants were harvested after 28 days of stress, and the relative drought and Zn stress tolerance were determined by using a set of morpho-physio-biochemical and biomass attributes in relation to stress tolerance indices (STI). Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and stress tolerance indices (STI) were performed for each morpho-physio-biochemical and biomass parameters and showed significant relative differences among the seven genotypes of both crops. Heatmaps of these indices showed how the different genotypes clustered into four groups. Considering PCA ranking value, Miscanthus hybrid GRC10 (8.11) and Arundo clone PC1 (11.34) had the highest-ranking value under both stresses indicating these hybrids and clones are the most tolerant to drought and Zn stress. In contrast, hybrid GRC3 (-3.33 lowest ranking value) and clone CT2 (-5.84) were found to be the most sensitive to both drought and Zn stress.

Suicidal Ideation in People with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Suicidal behavior is considered a worldwide social phenomenon and a serious public health problem. In this regard, people with traumatic spinal cord injury may be associated with low mood, depression, suicidal ideation, and behavior. To evaluate the factors associated with suicidal ideation in people with SCI, this is quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in a virtual environment. In total, 200 people aged 18 or over with TSCI living in Brazil took part in the study. Data were collected using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, answered online by participants using SurveyMonkey®. The sample consisted of 200 participants, most of whom were male, from southeast Brazil, with a mean age of 36.22 years, a duration of injury of 134.4 months, and a 32.5% frequency of suicidal ideation, as suicidal ideation was also verified in relation to the variables of schooling, rehabilitation, and consequence of injury. A statistically significant relationship was found between the duration of injury and suicidal ideation. According to the results, a considerable percentage of these individuals still think about suicide. On the other hand, the duration of the injury showed a significant difference in relation to suicidal ideation, and it was observed that the shorter the duration of spinal cord injury, the greater the likelihood of suicidal ideation.

Memories of Parental Acceptance and Rejection Predict Forgiveness and Vengeance in the Muslim World: Introduction and Overview

The studies in this special issue on forgiveness and vengeance in the Muslim world explore three hypotheses drawn from interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory (IPARTheory): (1) Adults’ memories of maternal and paternal acceptance in childhood are associated with the disposition toward forgiveness, as mediated by psychological adjustment. (2) Adults’ memories of maternal and paternal rejection in childhood are associated with the disposition toward vengeance, as mediated by psychological maladjustment. (3) There are no significant gender differences in relations between adults’ (men’s and women’s) memories of parental acceptance-rejection in childhood and adults’ disposition toward forgiveness or vengeance, as mediated by psychological (mal)adjustment. Results of most studies reported here conclude that memories of parental (maternal and paternal) acceptance in childhood are significantly related to men’s and women’s disposition toward forgiveness and vengeance as mediated by psychological (mal)adjustment. However, gender and cultural differences also sometimes appear as significant contributors.

Quality of life and financial toxicity of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in COVID-19.

to evaluate and correlate the quality of life and financial toxicity of adult patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. observational, analytical study, carried out with 35 patients in a reference hospital for transplantation in Latin America. For data collection, the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy Bone Marrow Transplantation and COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity questionnaires were used. Spearman and Mann-Whitney correlation tests were used for data analysis. general quality of life during COVID-19 had a low score (67.09/108) with greater impairment in functional well-being (14.47/28), social well-being (16.76/28) and additional concerns (23.41/40). The means of the allogeneic group were lower than those of the autologous group in all domains, showing a significant difference in relation to additional concerns (p=0.01) and in the treatment evaluation index (p=0.04). Financial toxicity was considered to have a slight impact (22.11/44). There was a relationship, albeit not significant, between quality of life and financial toxicity (p=0.051). the quality of life of the sample was low; there is a correlation between quality of life and financial toxicity, although not significant. The higher the financial toxicity, the lower the quality of life.

Kindergarten Teachers' Use of Language ‎Communication Skills in E-Learning ‎Platforms

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which ‎kindergarten teachers use language communication skills when ‎instructing students via online learning platforms. The ‎quantitative descriptive method was utilized, and data were ‎collected using a classroom observation form that includes four ‎skills: listening, speaking, and learners' preparedness to read ‎and write. The observation was carried out during online ‎teaching using a kindergarten online platform in the first ‎semester of 1443 AH.. The sample was randomly selected and ‎consisted of 36 female teachers in public kindergartens in Al ‎Baha City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that ‎kindergarten teachers employed language communication skills ‎at a medium level in all skills (listening, speaking, and learners' ‎readiness to read and write). The results also demonstrated that ‎there were statistically significant differences in relation to the ‎educational qualifications in favor of teachers who hold ‎bachelor's degrees. Furthermore, there were significant ‎differences in writing readiness skills and in the total degree of ‎language communication skills in favor of teachers who ‎specialized in kindergarten. Finally, there were no significant ‎differences that can be attributed to the differences in the years ‎of teaching experience.‎ (Keywords: Skills, Language Communication, Distance ‎Education, E-learning Platforms, Kindergarten Platform)‎

Qualidade de vida e toxicidade financeira dos transplantados de células-tronco hematopoéticas na COVID-19

Objective: to evaluate and correlate the quality of life and financial toxicity of adult patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: observational, analytical study, carried out with 35 patients in a reference hospital for transplantation in Latin America. For data collection, the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy Bone Marrow Transplantation and COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity questionnaires were used. Spearman and Mann-Whitney correlation tests were used for data analysis. Results: general quality of life during COVID-19 had a low score (67.09/108) with greater impairment in functional well-being (14.47/28), social well-being (16.76/28) and additional concerns (23.41/40). The means of the allogeneic group were lower than those of the autologous group in all domains, showing a significant difference in relation to additional concerns (p=0.01) and in the treatment evaluation index (p=0.04). Financial toxicity was considered to have a slight impact (22.11/44). There was a relationship, albeit not significant, between quality of life and financial toxicity (p=0.051). Conclusion: the quality of life of the sample was low; there is a correlation between quality of life and financial toxicity, although not significant. The higher the financial toxicity, the lower the quality of life.

Clinical characteristics associated with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) in patients with vascular risk.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is increasingly used in the evaluation of patients with vascular risk due to its association with cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with elevated levels of Lp(a) attended in an outpatient vascular risk unit. An observational, retrospective study was conducted to assess the clinical characteristics of patients with elevated levels of Lp(a) (≥50 mg/dL), as compared to patients with normal values (<50 mg/dL). The sample was composed of 878 patients identified as having a high vascular risk due to a diagnosis of vascular disease, attended in a vascular risk unit between 2021 and 2022. The highest levels of Lp(a) were independently associated with a higher probability of having a history of peripheral arterial disease (p=0.024), polygenic familial hypercholesterolemia (PH, p=0.030) and combined familial hypercholesterolemia (CFH, p=0.015); and using PCSK9 inhibitor treatment (p=0.029) and combination therapy with statins and ezetimibe (p=0.018). In contrast, there were no significant differences in relation to familial history of early cardiovascular disease (p=0.143) or personal history of cardiovascular disease (p=0.063), which contrasts with other series. Elevated levels of Lp(a) were associated with a history of peripheral arterial disease, diagnosis of FHP and CFH, and need for more intense lipid-lowering treatments.

Comparison of dominant- and non-dominant-hand cateract surgery outcomes by a single surgeon

PurposeTo compare dominant and non-dominant hand phacoemulsification surgery outcomes. MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study included 300 patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery by a single, right-handed surgeon. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the surgeon used his dominant or non-dominant hand during surgery. Right eye operations were performed with the right hand, and left eye operations were performed with the left hand. Detailed ophthalmological examinations were performed on all patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Intraoperative phacoemulsification parameters, the presence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative refractive errors, visual acuity, and surgically induced astigmatism values were compared between the groups. ResultsThere were 171 patients in the dominant hand phacoemulsification group and 129 patients in the non-dominant hand phacoemulsification group. The distributions of age, gender, systemic diseases, and lens opacification were similar between the groups (p>0.05, for all). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of total operation time, phaco power, ellips fx, or ultrasonic time (p>0.05, for all). There was also no significant difference in relation to intraoperative and postoperative complication distributions, postoperative third-month refractive errors, visual acuity, or surgically induced astigmatism values (p>0.05, for all). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that cataract surgery performed by a single surgeon can be effectively and safely performed using both hands on patients in a real operating theater environment. More objective results can be obtained with surgeries performed by a larger number of experienced surgeons.

Taxonomic and functional diversity of nematode fauna: two sides of the same coin in the ecological quality assessment of transitional environments

The spatiotemporal variation in taxonomic indices and functional traits of the nematode fauna was investigated along two major environmental (salinity and organic matter enrichment) gradients in the Cabras Lagoon (Sardinia, Italy). We aimed to assess, for the first time in a transitional system of western Mediterranean Sea, how taxonomic and functional components of nematode assemblage respond to such environmental factors. The taxonomic structure was the most sensitive metric to document changes in the nematode assemblage, showing significant differences in relation to all the factors and their interactions. All the taxonomic and functional nematode features, except for the maturity index (MI), proved salinity and organic enrichment to be the primary drivers of nematode distribution. The lack of significant variation in the MI is quite interesting and can be interpreted because of the marked adaptation of nematodes to highly dynamic environmental conditions of brackish and confined habitats. Temperature mainly affected faunal composition, abundance, and diversity, due to its influence on fecundity and biological cycles on almost all species. Integrating the taxonomic and functional components of nematodes as “two-sides of the same coin”, the Shannon diversity index, the percentage of coloniser–persisters and the MI were used together to assess the Ecological Quality Status (EQS) of the study sites, which ranged from poor to bad. Nematodes proved to be good indicators of the environmental variations in the investigated lagoon ecosystem. Importantly, the joint use of taxonomic and functional approaches provided integrative knowledge of nematode response to environmental gradients. We conclude that combining nematode-based taxonomic and functional indicators represent a valuable tool to assess the environmental quality of lagoonal ecosystems and may provide complementary information to macrofauna.

Relationship between Academic Self-Concept and Academic Performance in Mathematics of Secondary School Students in Delta State, Nigeria

The study investigated the relationship between self-concept and the academic performance in mathematics of secondary school students in Delta State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. A correlation design was adopted in the study. All 42,299 senior secondary two (SS2) mathematics students in the 2021/2022 session in the state made up the research population. A multistage sampling procedure was used to draw 1,650 of these students. The instrument utilized to gather data was the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire (ASQ), which was validated by three experts. The instrument's dependability was determined using Cronbach’s Alpha, and the result was 0.68. The students’ performances in Mathematics for three terms in SS1 represent their performance scores in mathematics. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation and a t-test for correlation analysis. The results of the study showed a very low positive and no significant relationship between academic self-concept and the performance of secondary school students in mathematics. However, there was a significant difference in relation to mathematics performance between students with a positive self-concept and those with a negative self-concept in mathematics. In light of the results, it was recommended among other things, that mathematics teachers should make a deliberate effort to help students who possess negative self-concepts by conditioning, modeling, and changing their behaviors to perform better in mathematics.

Surgical difficulty and postoperative course of the third molar extraction under general anesthesia: An intervention trial

BackgroundThird molar extractions are one of the most common surgical procedures in the area of ​​stomatology. However, we know that even if they are minor surgeries, they can cause a postoperative period with local and systemic repercussions. Thus, the aim of this intervention trial is to determine the relationship between clinical parameters (pain, inflammation and trismus) and serum parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6 and fibrinogen) that are modified in the first postoperative week, and the appearance of complications after extraction with general anesthesia, using the Pederson scale. MethodsThe research question was: Can postoperative discomfort after third molar extraction under general anesthesia be predicted using Pederson scale? An interventional trial was carried out of third molar extractions under general anesthesia in Dr. Peset University Hospital. Patient selection was performed randomized using MS Excel. Then were divided into two groups (n = 126): group A (2 complex extractions) and group B (4 extractions: 2 simple and 2 complex). All parameters were collected at the surgery and 7 days after surgery. ResultsThe clinical postoperative parameters showed significant differences in relation to surgical difficulty. In summary, the degree of surgical difficulty can be predicted with the Pederson scale before extracting mandibular third molars. CRP and fibrinogen levels increase significantly with the degree of surgical difficulty. ConclusionSignificant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in all the intraoperative parameters according to surgical difficulty as assessed by the Pederson scale. Therefore, this scale was a good indicator to estimate the patient's postoperative period.

Socket regeneration after immediate loading implants with tissue and bone graft

Evaluation of ridge alteration after 1 year follow up after immediate loading implant placement. Methods: Ten patients were included in the study, in whom the ridge volume, height, and thickness were evaluated from region of interest (ROI) of tomographic images of the operated areas (test group) and compared to the opposite tooth (control group). Results: After one year, there was no implant loss and all patients were satisfied with the treatment. In the test group there was a statistically significant increase in ridge height (2.89±1.05 mm) when compared to the control group. No significant difference in relation to ridge volume and thickness was observed. In the intragroup evaluation, a significant gain in ridge height (2.65±3.08 mm) was observed when compared to baseline. Conclusion: The placement of an immediate implant, temporary crown, and tissue regeneration in sockets with buccal defects promotes the regeneration of the buccal wall while preventing the reduction of bone volume and thickness.

Interproximal contact loss between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of interproximal contact loss (ICL) between implant restorations and adjacent teeth in relation to age, gender, follow-up time, and arch location. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). The formulated population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "What is the prevalence of the ICL between implant restoration and adjacent teeth?" The search strategy used four main electronic databases and an additional manual search was performed until February 2023. Clinical studies that evaluated the prevalence of interproximal open contact between implant restorations and adjacent teeth were included. A qualitative analysis for clinical studies was used to assess the risk of bias. In addition, a single-arm meta-analysis of proportion was performed to evaluate the percentage of mesial versus distal open contact and total ICL between implant restoration and adjacent teeth. Fifteen studies published between 2014 and 2023 met the eligibility criteria. Seven studies presented ICL rates higher than 20%. All studies evaluated ICL in posterior regions (molar, premolar area). Five studies had an ICL rate lower than 50% and three studies had an ICL rate higher than 50%. One study assessed the interproximal contact at three months post-restoration insertion, four studies assessed the interproximal contact at 1-year follow-up and nine studies evaluated the interproximal contact over 2 years of follow-up. Mesial and distal ICL rates were 44.2% (95% CI: 30.6% to 58.6%) and 27.5% (95% CI: 10.5% to 55.0%), respectively. The heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 (95% CI) = 87.8% (75.9% to 93.8%). Based on the results of the included studies, the prevalence of ICL was high, occurring more frequently at the mesial contact. There were no significant differences in relation to age, gender, and arch location.

Comparative analysis of clinical efficacy and safety of omalizumab biosimilar in the treatment of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

BACKGROUND: Importance of optimizing strategy for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria is highly becoming relevance for the clinicians. Nowadays monoclonal antibodies are preferred option of treatment the refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria, main of that is omalizumab.&#x0D; AIM: to establish comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of Genolair (JSC Generium, Russia) and Xolair (Novartis Pharma AG, Switzerland) in the treatment of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 36-week, open parallel-group study was conducted. Were included 43 adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria who were resistant to ongoing therapy with standard and escalated doses of second-generation H1-antihistamines. All patients were divided into 2 groups: the main group (MG; n=18) ― patients who administrated Genolair; the comparison group (CG; n=25) ― patients who firstly administrated Xolair and then switching therapy to Genolair. Throughout the study period, patients completed questionnaires on the assessment of disease activity (UAS 7), urticaria control (UCT), quality of life index (DLQI). Additionally, the level of total IgE in blood serum was assessed. For statistical data processing, EXCEL 2010 and STATISTICA 7.0 software packages were used.&#x0D; RESULTS: After 4 weeks from the start of monoclonal antibody therapy, patients in both groups were responders to omalizumab. At the same time, there were no significant differences when comparing scores on the UAS 7, UCT scale between patients of the MG and the CG during the entire observation period (p 0.05). The change in treatment paradigm in CG also did not have a statistically significant effect on the indicators of urticaria activity and disease control (p 0.05). At the same time, the quality of everyday life changed more positively in the MG, which was reflected in a more pronounced change in the DLQI index at the time of the control assessment since 20 weeks of therapy (p=0.032). An increase in the level of total IgE in the blood serum of all patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria after the initiation of a course of immunobiological therapy was demonstrated, while there were no statistically significant intergroup differences in relation to changes in this laboratory parameter (p 0.05).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: During the treatment of patients with severe chronic spontaneous urticaria, resistant to ongoing therapy with standard and escalated doses of second-generation H1-antihistamines, comparable clinical efficacy and safety of the study drug Genolair and the reference drug Xolair were shown.

Rapid viability analysis in Pterogyne nitens Tul. by the tetrazolium test

Pterogyne nitens Tul., also known as brave peanut, is a native tree species, with economic and ecological importance, occurring from the Northeast to the South of Brazil. For most forest species, the standard germination test requires a relatively long time to obtain results, which is why tests such as the tetrazolium test have been widely used, as they are a quick and low-cost test. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to establish the most appropriate procedure for conducting the tetrazolium test to evaluate the viability of Pterogyne nitens seeds. The trial was conducted at the Phytotechnics Laboratory, at the Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Campus, at the Federal University of Alagoas, Rio Largo, AL, Brazil. To define the most appropriate methodology for the tetrazolium test and ensure the viability of Pterogyne nitens seeds, a completely randomized experimental design was used, in a 2x3+1 factorial scheme, with two concentrations of the tetrazolium solution, three periods of coloring, plus a control treatment represented by the germination test, with four replications of 25 seeds. Only the cotyledons containing the embryo were placed in 50 mL plastic cups, and immersed in a solution of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride salt, at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.075%, for staining periods of 2. 4 and 6 hours, in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D.) chamber at 30 ºC in the dark. For the germination test, the seeds were placed equidistant in plastic boxes with blotting paper and a volume of water equivalent to 2.5 times the weight of the substrate, and placed in a B.O.D. chamber. regulated at 30 ºC and a 12-hour photoperiod. Based on tissue color and health standards, seeds whose embryonic axis was pink in color were classified as viable, and seeds with a discolored embryonic axis or yellow or intense red color were classified as non-viable. In general, the results of the percentage of viable seeds of Pterogyne nitens obtained in the tetrazolium test presented values below 78%, showing significant differences in relation to the germination test with 95%, except for the concentration of 0.05% for 6 hours presenting 90% viability. The tetrazolium test proved to be efficient in evaluating the viability of Pterogyne nitens Tul. seeds, being recommended to be immersed in a tetrazolium solution at a concentration of 0.05% for 6 hours.

FRI033 Metabolically Healthy Obesity In A Young Population Assisted By The Family Health Strategy

Abstract Disclosure: R.B. Boghossian: None. G.F. Maselli: None. C.C. Lopes: None. C.A. Vasconcellos: None. C.A. Parente: None. D.D. Ferreira: None. J.C. Garcia: None. L.M. Guimarães: None. E.S. Muxfeldt: None. C.P. Damião: None. Background: Obesity is increasing in younger populations, and is associated with a high cardiovascular (CV) risk, however, it is not clear whether metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) may have a lower CV risk or if it is just an earlier stage of the disease. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors associated with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) in a young population assisted by a Family Health Care unit in a large urban center. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional population study for CV risk assessment in adults aged 20-50 years old from a Family Health Care unit. Demographic, anthropometric data and CV risk factors were recorded. All underwent office blood pressure (BP) measurements, laboratory evaluation (lipid and glycidic profile), Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM), and bioimpedance. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) &amp;gt; 30 kg/m2 and MHO are those who have less than 3 of the following criteria for metabolic syndrome: office BP higher or equal to 130 x 85 mmHg, hypertension, fasting blood sugar higher or equal to 100 mg/dL, HDL &amp;lt; 40 mg/dL (men) and 50 mg/dL (women), triglycerides &amp;gt;150 mg/dL and waist circumference &amp;gt; 102 cm (men) and &amp;gt; 88 cm (women). Results: A total of 726 individuals were evaluated (60% female; mean age 37 ± 9 years). The prevalence of obesity was 24.9%, of which 73.4% were classified as MHO. Obeses are older, with a higher prevalence of physical inactivity (51% vs 42%, p=0.03), hypertension (44% vs 19%, p&amp;lt;0.001), and diabetes (10% vs 2%, p=0.001) with higher office and home blood pressure. MHO compared to unhealthy ones are significantly younger and smoke less. Despite being obese, they have lower waist circumference (102 vs 110 cm, p=0.03), with lower office and home BP. There is no significant difference in relation to corporal composition. Conclusion: MHO was more prevalent in this young population and seems to have a lower CV risk, however it is not clear whether these younger and less obese individuals are only at an earlier stage of the disease. Perhaps the CV diseases onset is postponed for a few years. Even so, these individuals should not be excluded from public health policies as a form of primary prevention Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

EXPRESSION OF CHITINASE AND -1,3-GLUCANASES IN RICE CULTIVARS IN REACTION TO Rhizoctonia solani,THE CAUSAL AGENT OF RICE SHEATH BLIGHT

Fifteen high yielding rice cultivars were screened for their reaction to sheath blight under field as well as semi-controlled conditions inoculated with the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. Expression of two pathogenesis related proteins (PRPs), Chitinase and -1,3-glucanases activities were estimated. Both chitinase and 1,3-glucanase PR proteins activity in terms of specific activity expressed after 72 h of pathogen inoculation was generally higher in tolerant cultivars (NLR 145, MTU 1061, NLR 3238, MTU 1153) including checks (TETEP and MTU 1001) as compared to control (MTU 7029) and other susceptible cultivars. The presence of a 33 kDachitinase and 32 kDa and -1,3-glucanase proteins was revealed by western blot analysis, across all the rice cultivars following Rhizoctonia solani infection. No significant grain yield difference in relation to the expression of PRPs was observed across the test rice cultivars.

Individual Patient Data Analysis of 17 Randomized Trials vs. Real-World Data for Men with Localized Prostate Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy.

Prior work has demonstrated poor correlation between the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world evidence (RWD). However, patients enrolled in RCTs are often considered to poorly represent the real-world population. Herein, we utilize multiple large data repositories to determine differences in baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes between patients enrolled in RCTs and RWD that received radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Meta-Analysis of Randomized trials in Cancer of the Prostate (MARCAP) Consortium was leveraged, and 17 phase III randomized trials were included. RWD were accessed through the Staging Collaboration for Cancer of the Prostate (STAR-CAP) cohort, a cohort that is comprised of >60 centers across the United States and Europe. Additionally, RWD was assessed via the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. MARCAP and STAR-CAP both contain outcomes for distant metastasis (DM), metastasis-free survival (MFS), prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), and overall survival (OS). SEER only contains PCSM and OS. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and chi-square test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was conducted, balancing for age, PSA, Gleason score, T stage, and treatment year in the three cohorts. Cox and Fine-Gray regression models were used to compare disease outcomes between RCTs vs. RWD. Data from 10,666 patients from RCTs, 6,530 patients in STAR-CAP, and 117,586 patients in SEER were included. SEER patients were slightly younger (p<0.001, median age 68 (IQR 62-73) than those in RCTs (70, IQR 65-74) and in STAR-CAP (70, IQR 64-74). 10-year OS in RCTs was 65.4%, STAR-CAP 70.2%, SEER 64.1%. OS was superior in STAR-CAP (RCTs as reference; HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.96, p<0.0001), but there was no significant difference between SEER and RCTs (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.91-1.02, p = 0.22). 10-year PCSM cumulative incidence was 7.4% in RCTs, 8.1% in STAR-CAP, and 11.0% in SEER. There was no significant difference in PCSM between STAR-CAP RWD and RCTs (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-1.01, p = 0.08), whereas PCSM was worse in SEER than RCTs (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.21-1.55, p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in DM between STAR-CAP RWD and RCTs (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83-1.04, p = 0.2). While baseline differences exist in patients enrolled on localized prostate cancer RCTs and real-world datasets, there were small if any significant relative differences in oncologic outcomes. This provides reassurance that RCT results are generally applicable to patients in routine practice.

Quality of life of families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Family health domain

Introduction: The most general definition of quality of life states that “quality of life is the degree of what makes life good.” Contemporary disability research increasingly relies on examining the quality of life of the whole family. Health and developmental outcomes are affected by the health of children and their environment. The objective of this study is to determine the difference in quality of life between families with children with disabilities and families with children without disabilities in the area of family health. Methods: The Family Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The test group consisted of 41 families of children with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities who use day care centers. The control group consisted of 69 families of children without disabilities whose members are employed in day care centers. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the quality of life of families of children with disabilities and families of children without disabilities in the area of family health within the concept of satisfaction with family health (p = 0.0001), with respondents in the test group reporting a lower mean score of 3.1 ± 0.86 compared to subjects in the control group 3.94 ± 0.62. None of the respondents in the test group reported being very satisfied with family health, while for most respondents in both groups, 38 (92.8%) in the test group and 66 (95.7%) in the control group, family health was very important for quality of life. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference was found in the quality of life of families of children with disabilities and families of children without disabilities within the concept of achievement, the concept of satisfaction with family health and the determination is a statistically significant difference in relation to the existence of health services in the place of residence.

Analgesic efficacy of Transverse Abdomen Plane Block in Kidney Transplantation

Introduction: The transversus abdominis plane anesthetic block (TAP Block) technique was first introduced in 2001 by Rafi to promote anterolateral abdominal wall analgesia. This block involves the T7-L1, subcostal, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves. Kidney transplant recipients are candidates for this blocking method, since the surgical access to the kidney implant allows exposure of the nerve plexus, T7-L1, responsible for the parietal component of pain, allowing its blockade under direct vision. Objectives:To analyze the analgesic efficacy of TAP Block x local infiltration in kidney transplantation in three different moments: upon awakening after 6h and with 24h of rest and 24h of sitting down using the visual analogue pain scale for evaluation. Methods:Prospective, randomized, double-blind study with two groups, the control group: standard balanced general anesthesia and infusion of local anesthetic in the subcutaneous tissue; and the experimental: balanced general anesthesia and local anesthetic infusion (TAP Block) directly through the surgical access. These groups were evaluated postoperatively by a researcher who was unaware of the type of procedure the patient underwent. Candidates to participate in the study were patients from the General Transplant Unit, located at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP). Results: 45 patients were allocated in the study. After exclusions, 20 patients in the control group and 21 patients in the experimental group were analyzed. No clinical or demographic characteristics were statistically significant. In the control group, 72.6 % reported moderate/severe pain upon awakening, while moderate and severe pain was present in only 7.4 % of the experimental group, with p&lt;0.001. In the 06h assessment, there was a significant difference in relation to moderate/severe pain scores between groups: 59.8 % in the control and 15 % for the experimental group, respectively, with p &lt; 0.007. There was no statistical difference between the groups in the static and dynamic evaluation in the 24h period. Conclusion: Balanced general anesthesia associated with TAP Block proved to be effective in reducing moderate and severe pain scores in the initial moments: upon awakening, and after 6h, being, as expected, less effective in the 24-hour evaluation.