Significant Intragroup Differences Research Articles

Effects of Cisatracurium in Sevoflurane and Propofol Requirements in Dog-Undergoing-Mastectomy Surgery.

The purpose of the present study was to test whether the addition of cisatracurium in combination with propofol and sevoflurane would result in a change in doses of used anesthetic drugs. Ten dogs (Group A) undergoing elective unilateral mastectomy surgery were included in the study. To induce and maintain anesthesia, subjects received propofol and sevoflurane at varying doses; analgesia was performed with remifentanil. After three months, the same subjects (Group B) underwent contralateral mastectomy and received the same anesthetic protocol with the addition of cisatracurium at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg-1. The following parameters were monitored during anesthesia: heart rate, systolic blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, oxygen saturation, halogenate requirement, and rectal temperature at baseline (T0), induction (T1), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 25 (T25), 30 (T30), and 35 (T35) time points. In Group A, halogenate requirement was reduced at all the time points other than T1 (p < 0.001); in Group B, the percentage of halogenate requirement was already reduced at T1 and remained constant during the experimental period, showing no significant intragroup differences. The dose requirements of sevoflurane and propofol varied significantly between the two groups, with significantly lower dosages in the Group B (the cisatracurium-treated group). Moreover, patients treated with cisatracurium showed a stable anesthetic plan. The nondepolarizing-muscle-relaxant cisatracurium besylate could be considered a useful adjunct to anesthetic protocols.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation effects on inflammatory markers and clinical evolution of patients with COVID-19: a pilot randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Methods A randomized blinded pilot study was carried out with 21 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 who received 14 sessions of active (a-taVNS) or sham taVNS (s-taVNS). The level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), cortisol, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma and clinical evolution pre- and post-intervention were evaluated. The memory and attention levels were evaluated 14 days after the end of the treatment. Results After treatment, significant intragroup differences were found in the CRP (p = 0.01), IL-6 (p = 0.01), and cortisol (p = 0.01) levels; however, in the comparison between the groups, only the CRP level was statistically lower for the a-taVNS (p = 0.04). The impression of improvement in memory and attention was greater in the a-taVNS than in the s-taVNS (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). There was no difference between the other clinical outcomes. Conclusions taVNS is a viable and safe intervention in the acute care of patients with COVID-19, which can modulate their inflammatory profile and improve cognitive symptoms. However, improvements in overall clinical outcomes were not detected. Larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory and clinical effects of taVNS in patients with COVID-19. Trials Registry The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR–399t4g5).

Evaluation of sealing efficacy and removal convenience of sealing materials for implant abutment screw access holes

BackgroundSealing materials are used to fill abutment screw access holes (SAH) to prevent microleakage and protect the central screws in oral implant restoration. However, thus far, no consensus has been reached on sealing material selection. In this study, a comparison of the sealing efficacy and removal convenience of different sealing materials for cement-retained implant restoration was conducted.MethodsVarious sealing materials were classified into five groups, namely, gutta-percha (GP), temporary restorative paste (TRP), vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape, and onlay resin (OR), and 35 sets of analog-abutments were allocated into five groups of seven specimens. A sealing efficacy test was conducted using a modified dye-penetration method, in which a lower absorbance indicated better sealing efficacy. For the removal-convenience test, the materials were removed from each SAH after solidification, and the retrieval time was recorded.ResultsOn days 1 and 10, PTFE exhibited the highest absorbance value with significant differences compared to the other groups. On day 30, TRP and PTFE showed significantly higher absorbance values than GP, VPS, and OR, but no significant difference was detected between TRP and PTFE (p = 0.424). The absorbance values of TRP and PTFE from days 1, 10, and 30 showed significant intragroup differences, while those of the other groups did not. In terms of the removal convenience on days 1, 10, and 30, VPS achieved the best performance, followed by PTFE, OR, TRP, and GP.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this experiment, VPS and OR showed better sealing efficacy against microleakage and a more convenient removal than the other materials; thus, VPS and OR are recommended for clinical use.

Randomised Controlled Trial of Fish Oil Supplementation on Responsiveness to Resistance Exercise Training in Sarcopenic Older Women.

This study aims to investigate the effects of fish oil supplementation on the muscle adaptive response to resistance exercise training, physical performance and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in sarcopenic older women. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is performed with thirty-four sarcopenic women (2010 European Consensus of Sarcopenia), aged ≥ 65 years. The participants are allocated into the following two groups: Exercise and Fish Oil (EFO) and Exercise and Placebo (EP). Both groups undertook a resistance exercise programme over 14 weeks. All participants are instructed to ingest 4 g/day of food supplements; the EP group received sunflower oil capsules, and the EFO group, fish oil capsules. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps muscle is calculated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The strength of the lower limbs is measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Both groups show improvements in CSA and strength after the intervention. Changes in EFO are significantly greater compared with EP for muscle strength (peak torque, 19.46 Nm and 5.74 Nm, respectively, p < 0.001). CSA increased after the intervention in both groups (EFO; 6.11% and EP; 2.91%), although there is no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.23). There are no significant intra-group, inter-group or time differences in any of the cytokines measured. The use of fish oil supplementation potentiates the neuromuscular response to the anabolic stimulus from training, increasing muscle strength and physical performance in sarcopenic older women.

Assessment of the Bacterial Loads of Vacuum-Thermoformed Removable Retainers (VTRR) in Patients under Retention Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Retention devices are essential after orthodontic treatment in order to avoid the risk of relapse. For this goal, vacuum-thermoformed removable retainers (VTRRs) are useful tools in clinical practice. The main limitation related to them is the accumulation of plaque. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial loads present on VTRRs (Essix ACE Plastic, Dentsply Sirona) in patients under retention therapy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups, depending on the product used for the cleansing of the VTRR: Geldis, Polident tablets, and simple water, respectively. Microbiological samples were taken from the retainers at the baseline, after 1 and after 2 months, with the collection of Bleeding on Probing (BoP), Plaque Index (PI), Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and Schiff Air Sensitivity test (SAI). A total of 15 patients were recruited and for each product, 5 patients were allocated. No significant intragroup and intergroup differences were observed at any time point for PI, SAI, BoP, Red Complex, Total Pathogen and Total Saprophyte loads. A significant intragroup and intergroup difference was assessed at T1 and T2 for BEWE in the control group. According to the results of this study, the bacterial load on VTRR retainers is not influenced by the cleaning methods tested.

A comparative pilot study on the effects of laser and light-emitting diode therapy on pain in individuals with temporomandibular disorder

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is described as a subgroup of orofacial pain. Studies have demonstrated that phototherapy is an effective treatment option for TMD, leading to improvements in pain and orofacial function. To compare the effects of photobiomodulation with different light sources on pain and functioning in patients with TMD. Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial (pilot study) was conducted with 15 individuals aged 18 years or older allocated to two photobiomodulation groups: laser and LED. Sessions were held twice a week for four weeks (total: eight sessions). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were used for the evaluation and Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale. Orofacial function was determined based on measures of mandibular movements. Photobiomodulation was administered to the temporomandibular joint, masseter (upper, middle and lower) and anterior temporal muscles. Results: Statistically significant differences in pain were found in the intra-group analyses (pre-treatment vs. post-treatment) in both groups (laser: p=0.0117; LED: p=0.0180). Statistically significant intra-group differences were found for maximum mouth opening without assistance and maximum mouth opening with assistance in the laser group (p= 0.0203 and 0.0001, respectively). The same was found in the LED group only regarding maximum mouth opening with assistance (p=0.0459). Statistically significant intra-group differences (pre-treatment vs. post-treatment) were found for lateral excursion to both sides in the laser group (right side: p=0.0209; left side: p=0.0005) and only to the left side in the LED group (p=0.0342). Conclusion: Photobiomodulation with laser and LED produce similar effects regarding improvements in TMD.

An exploratory study on the role of serum fatty acids in the short-term dietary therapy of gingivitis

A previous randomised controlled trial showed that an anti-inflammatory diet (AID) significantly reduced gingival inflammation despite constant plaque values. This exploratory study investigated the role of serum fatty acids in relation to the observed clinical effects. Therefore, data of thirty participants with gingivitis, following either a pro-inflammatory dietary pattern (PID) rich in saturated fat, omega 6 fatty acids, and refined carbohydrates or an AID for 4 weeks, were correlated with corresponding serum samples for a variety of fatty acids. Changes in the fatty acid profile and effects on clinical periodontal parameters were analysed. Results showed that the polyunsatured:saturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA:SFA ratio) and nervonic acid level were significantly higher in the AID group than in the PID group at the end of the study. Significant intragroup differences were seen only in the AID group. Diverse fatty acids showed heterogeneous relations to clinical parameters. This study demonstrated that the serum fatty acid profile was not fundamentally associated with the clinical gingivitis-lowering effects of an AID in short-term, although some fatty acids showed individual relations to clinical parameters with respect to inflammation. Hence, short-term effects of dietary therapy on gingivitis may be rather based on carbohydrate-related effects and/or micronutrients.

Fertility treatment delays during COVID-19: Profiles, feelings and concerns of impacted patients.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in unprecedented measures across all health services around the globe, including the large-scale cessation of assisted reproductive technology treatment in Europe as clinics closed, causing disruption and delay to the fertility treatment of thousands of patients in the UK alone. This research explores how patients were impacted by the delay and disruption, and their feelings, concerns and reactions. A mixed-methods, anonymous, online questionnaire, live between 19 May and 30 June 2020, was used to target all fertility patients aged >18 years whose treatment had been impacted by COVID-19. In total, 709 people began the questionnaire and 501 completed it in the time available (70.7% completion rate). Patients reported feeling ‘powerless/helpless’ (78.3%), ‘frustrated’ (59.3%) and ‘anxious’ (54.7%) in response to the closure of fertility clinics. The majority were ‘very concerned’ about time passing and not knowing when they could start treatment again (79.0%), and the length of waiting lists when clinics reopened (70.9%). While 76.8% of respondents had some concerns around contracting COVID-19, 42.9% were ‘not at all concerned’ about undergoing in-vitro fertilization treatment during a pandemic. Variables such as funding source, duration of infertility, previous experience of fertility treatment, treatment stage and the presence of children were correlated with significant intragroup differences in the types of concerns reported. The large majority (72.7%) of respondents stated their eagerness to start treatment as soon as possible, and 9.4% said that they had already resumed treatment; only 6.0% of respondents wanted to wait due to concerns related to COVID-19.

Early Changes and Predictive Value of Serum Histone H3 Concentration in Urosepsis: A Prospective Observational Study.

IntroductionTo assess early changes in serum histone H3 concentration in patients with urosepsis and its predictive ability for the onset of urosepsis.MethodsA total of 80 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotripsy were enrolled in the study and divided into control and urosepsis groups based on their postoperative outcomes. Serum histone H3 concentrations were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, blood indexes were tested by automatic blood analyzers, and vital signs data were obtained by monitors and manual measurements. These results were correlated with the incidence of postoperative urosepsis. Repeated measurements and receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to analyze early changes and the predictive value of serum histone H3 concentration in urosepsis.ResultsSixteen of the 80 patients (20%) developed urosepsis after surgery. Our data showed significant intra-group differences in terms of postoperative histone H3 concentrations (P < 0.0001) and variation trends (P < 0.0001). Among analyzed blood markers, serum histone H3 concentrations 3 h postoperation [0.825 (95% confidence interval 0.718–0.931, P < 0.0001; cut-off value 256.74 ng/ml, 93.8% sensitivity, 67.2% specificity)] and 6 h post-operation [0.834 (95% CI 0.721–0.947, P < 0.0001, cut-off value 300.875 ng/ml, 68.8% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity)] displayed a higher area under the corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves, indicating that these markers had a decent predictive value for postoperative urosepsis.ConclusionOur study suggests that serum histone H3 concentration is a novel predictor of postoperative urosepsis in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The findings of this study can be validated in a larger cohort.Clinical Trial Registry NumberChiCTR1800016679.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-02026-9.

Spatial Heterogeneity of Carbon Emissions and Its Influencing Factors in China: Evidence from 286 Prefecture-Level Cities.

In the face of the severe challenge of global warming, promoting low-carbon emission reductions is an important measure to cope with global climate change and achieve a green cycle of sustainable development. The purpose of this study was to reveal the spatial heterogeneity of carbon emissions and the influencing factors in 286 prefecture-level-and-above cities in China, and to provide an empirical basis for the formulation of low-carbon emission reduction policies in China. This study used a combination of comparative analysis, regional difference analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and stepwise regression analysis to analyze the spatial differences in carbon emissions and their influencing factors in 286 prefecture-level-and-above cities in China, and draws the following main conclusions: (1) From 2005 to 2015, regional differences in six sectors, including household carbon emissions, widened in the 286 prefecture-level-and-above cities in China, while regional differences in 14 sectors, including rural household carbon emissions, narrowed. (2) There were significant intra-group differences in urban household carbon emissions, and the contributions to intra-group differences in carbon emissions differed across the six sectors in the northeast, east, central, and west regions. (3) Although the total and average carbon emissions of each sector increased from 2005 to 2015, China’s carbon emission intensity was decreasing, and carbon productivity is increasing. (4) Carbon emissions per capita (CCE) were positively correlated with GRP per capita, industrial SO2 emissions per capita, and the proportion of employees in the secondary sector, and negatively correlated with population density and the proportion of employees in the tertiary sector. (5) Resident savings and consumption factors, pollution emission factors, and economic structure factors had a facilitating effect on CCE, while population density factors and economic growth factors have a weakening effect on CCE.

Drug Interaction between Dexamethasone and Ketoprofen with Thiopental in Male Dogs: Effect on the Recovery from Anesthesia and Pharmacokinetics Parameters.

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are an important part of clinical veterinary pharmacology. Forty-two healthy mixed breed male dogs were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (C) received normal saline (1 mg/kg) 5 minutes before intravenous administration of thiopental (17 mg/kg), the T1 group received ketoprofen (2.2 mg/kg), and the T2 group received dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg) 5 minutes before thiopental, respectively. Clinical parameters of anesthesia, heart rate, respiration rate, and electrocardiography were measured. Serum samples were also used to assay thiopental concentration using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, and then, thiopental pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Changes in the heart rate and respiration were significant intragroup differences 5 and 10 minutes after anesthesia, respectively. Recovery time parameters showed a significant increase between T1 and control groups (P < 0.05). Elimination rate and half-life of thiopental in the T1 group compared to the control and T2 groups showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively. In addition, the distribution of thiopental in T1 showed a significant increase compared to other groups. However, thiopental clearance in T1 and T2 groups had no significant difference with control (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that drug interaction between ketoprofen and thiopental causes to change in the pharmacokinetics parameters and recovery time from anesthesia in comparison with dexamethasone.

Comparison of Occlusal Parameters between Open Bite and Nonopen Bite Patients Using the T-Scan III System: A Pilot Study.

Objective To evaluate and compare the first tooth contact region, occlusion time, time to generate total force, and force distribution between open bite (OB) and non-OB (NOB) patients at the maximum intercuspation position using the T-Scan III system. Materials and Methods Sixteen patients were divided into the OB and NOB groups ( n = 8 for each group). The T-Scan III system was used to evaluate the first tooth contact region, occlusion time, time to generate total force, and force distribution. Statistical Analysis The mean patient age, overjet, overbite, occlusion time, and time to generate total force were compared between the groups by independent samples t -test. Relative force distributions between groups and among regions were compared by the Mann–Whitney U- and Kruskal–Wallis H -tests, respectively. A probability value of less than 5% ( p < 0.05) was considered significant. Results Differences in the first tooth contact region between groups were observed. The molar region was the first tooth contact region in the OB group, while first tooth contact was observed in all regions in the NOB group. Neither the occlusion time nor the time to generate total force was significantly different between the groups ( p > 0.05). The highest force distributions were observed in the molar regions in both groups. Significant intragroup differences were found among all regions ( p < 0.05), except between the anterior and premolar regions in the NOB group ( p = 0.317). Intergroup differences in the force distributions in the anterior ( p = 0.000), premolar ( p = 0.038), and molar ( p = 0.007) regions were significant. Conclusion Unlike in the NOB group, in which first tooth contact occurred in every region, in the OB group, first tooth contact occurred only in the molar region. Compared with those in the NOB group, the force distributions in the OB group were approximately 1.5 times higher in the molar region but were significantly lower in the anterior and premolar regions.

ВКЛЮЧЁННОСТЬ РОДИТЕЛЕЙ В ПРОЦЕСС ЛОГОПЕДИЧЕСКОЙ РАБОТЫ КАК ОДНО ИЗ УСЛОВИЙ ЕЁ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ РЕАБИЛИТАЦИОННОГО ЦЕНТРА)

Introduction. The paper presents the characteristics of the types of parental involvement in the process of speech therapy correction in a rehabilitation center. Materials and Methods. The study employs the methods of questioning; anamnestic method; expert assessment of the dynamics of speech development; monitoring of the behavior and communication of parents during speech therapy classes (attentiveness during the class, response to the child’s success/failure, agreement of the parent to actively participate in the class, speech addressed to the child, attentiveness to the comments of a specialist, activity in obtaining information); experimental assignments for doing homework with a child; and the method of mathematical statistics. Results. Information on the inclusion of parents in the process of correction has been clarify ed and supplemented; the types of parental involvement are highlighted and its relationship with the dynamics of speech development in children in the process of speech-therapy is shown. Conclusion. The inclusion of parents in the process of speech therapy in a rehabilitation center has significant intragroup differences. The participation of parents in the process of speech therapy affects the dynamics in the speech development of their children: the higher the level of involvement, the better the dynamics in the correction of speech disorders. Keywords: parental involvement, types of parental involvement, speech therapy correction, children with disabilities

In Vitro Weight Loss of Dental Composite Resins and Glass-Ionomer Cements Exposed to a Challenge Simulating the Oral Intake of Acidic Drinks and Foods

Specific conditions of the oral cavity, such as intake of acidic drinks, foods, and drugs, represent a damage both for teeth as well as restorative materials. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the influence of an acidic challenge on the weight loss of biomimetic restorative dental materials (composite resins and glass-ionomer cements, respectively). Seven products recently available in the marked have been tested in this study for the two kinds of materials, respectively. Resin composites were divided into Groups 1A–7A, whereas glass-ionomer cements into Groups 1B–7B. A total of six samples was considered for each group, among which two were stored into distilled water (control samples) whereas the other four were immersed into soft drink (Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Company, Milano, Italy) for 7 days. Respectively, after 1, 3 and 7 days, weight was assessed for each sample and the percentage weight loss was calculated. For all the composite resins (Groups 1A–7A), no significant intergroup or intragroup differences occurred for the weight loss values (p &gt; 0.05). Conversely, all glass-ionomers (Groups 1B–7B) showed a significant and progressive weight loss after 1, 3, and 7 days of acid challenge (p &lt; 0.05) (intragroup differences). This reduction was significantly lower in case of GC Equia Forte + Coat and ChemFil Rock, with respect to the other cements (p &lt; 0.05) (intergroup differences). In conclusions, all the biomimetic composite resins showed a reliable behavior when exposed to acidic erosion, whereas glass-ionomers cements generally tended to solubilize. However, the additional use of a protective layer above these latter materials could reduce this event. Despite these results appear to be interesting from a clinical point of view, future morphological evaluations should be conducted to evaluate the superficial changes of the materials after acidic explosion.

Effects of Manual Therapies and Resistance Exercise on Postexercise Hypotension in Women With Normal Blood Pressure.

Monteiro, ER, Pescatello, LS, Winchester, JB, Corrêa Neto, VG, Brown, AF, Budde, H, Marchetti, PH, Silva, JG, Vianna, JM, and Novaes, JdS. Effects of manual therapies and resistance exercise on postexercise hypotension in women with normal blood pressure. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 948-954, 2022-The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) and different manual therapies (static stretching and manual massage [MM]) performed separately or combined on blood pressure (BP) responses during recovery in women with normal BP. Sixteen recreationally strength-trained women (age: 25.1 ± 2.9 years; height: 158.9 ± 4.1 cm; body mass: 59.5 ± 4.9 kg; body mass index: 23.5 ± 1.9 kg·m-2; baseline systolic BP median: 128 mm Hg; and baseline diastolic BP median: 78 mm Hg) were recruited. All subjects performed 6 experiments in a randomized order: (a) rest control (CON), (b) RE only (RE), (c) static-stretching exercise only (SS), (d) MM only, (e) RE immediately followed by SS (RE + SS), and (f) RE immediately followed by MM (RE + MM). RE consisted of 3 sets of bilateral bench press, back squat, front pull-down, and leg press exercises at 80% of 10RM. Static stretching and MM were applied unilaterally in 2 sets of 120 seconds to each of the quadriceps, hamstring, and calf regions. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP were measured before (rest) and every 10 minutes for 60 minutes following (Post 10-60) each intervention. There were significant intragroup differences for RE in Post-50 (p = 0.038; d = -2.24; ∆ = -4.0 mm Hg). Similarly, SBP intragroup differences were found for the SS protocol in Post-50 (p = 0.021; d = -2.67; ∆ = -5.0 mm Hg) and Post-60 (p = 0.008; d = -2.88; ∆ = -5.0 mm Hg). Still, SBP intragroup differences were found for the MM protocol in Post-50 (p = 0.011; d = -2.61; ∆ = -4.0 mm Hg) and Post-60 (p = 0.011; d = -2.74; ∆ = -4.0 mm Hg). Finally, a single SBP intragroup difference was found for the RE + SS protocol in Post-60 (p = 0.024; d = -3.12; ∆ = -5.0 mm Hg). Practitioners should be aware that SS and MM have the potential to influence BP responses in addition to RE or by themselves and therefore should be taken into consideration for persons who are hypertensive or hypotensive.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Chatbot for Anxiety and Depression in University Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundArtificial intelligence–based chatbots are emerging as instruments of psychological intervention; however, no relevant studies have been reported in Latin America.ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the viability, acceptability, and potential impact of using Tess, a chatbot, for examining symptoms of depression and anxiety in university students.MethodsThis was a pilot randomized controlled trial. The experimental condition used Tess for 8 weeks, and the control condition was assigned to a psychoeducation book on depression. Comparisons were conducted using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests for depressive symptoms, and independent and paired sample t tests to analyze anxiety symptoms.ResultsThe initial sample consisted of 181 Argentinian college students (158, 87.2% female) aged 18 to 33. Data at week 8 were provided by 39 out of the 99 (39%) participants in the experimental condition and 34 out of the 82 (41%) in the control group. On an average, 472 (SD 249.52) messages were exchanged, with 116 (SD 73.87) of the messages sent from the users in response to Tess. A higher number of messages exchanged with Tess was associated with positive feedback (F2,36=4.37; P=.02). No significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found from the baseline to week 8 for depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, significant intragroup differences demonstrated that the experimental group showed a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms; no such differences were observed for the control group. Further, no significant intragroup differences were found for depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThe students spent a considerable amount of time exchanging messages with Tess and positive feedback was associated with a higher number of messages exchanged. The initial results show promising evidence for the usability and acceptability of Tess in the Argentinian population. Research on chatbots is still in its initial stages and further research is needed.

Personal and Social Responsibility Development in a Volleyball Hybrid Positive Youth Development Program: A Mixed Methods Approach.

Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs are being used to foster holistic growth in children and adolescents. The hybridized application of two or more programs of this type has acquired special relevance in recent years. Although their application is common in the school context, there are few research studies that attempt their implementation in an extracurricular context. This study analyzed the effects of an intervention based on a hybrid PYD program on personal responsibility (PR) and social responsibility (SR) in youth volleyball players in an extracurricular context. A hybrid program was applied during the competitive season, with a total of 37 sessions with 30 girl students (15 experimental and 15 control) aged between 8 and 10 years (M = 8.87, SD = 0.82). A convergent mixed methods design was applied to integrate the following: (a) semi-structured interviews and field notes and (b) personal and social responsibility questionnaires. The results indicated that the implementation of the hybrid program appeared to yield a positive perception of learning in both the participants and the coach. Although there were no statistically significant intergroup or intragroup differences, the findings suggest that the hybrid program seems to be effective in fostering PR and SR in youth girl volleyball players.

Comparison between the efficiency of pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing captagon (fenethylline) dependence and relapse prevention

AimsTo examine the therapeutic efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of Major Captagon (Fenethylline) Dependence.MethodA 41 outpatients males selected for the study, diagnosed as they are suffering from Captagon Dependence according to the DSM-5, with mean age 34.58 ± 5.11. The sample was divided into three experimental groups, (A) (N = 14) treated by cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy in combination. (B) (N = 13) treated by CBT alone. (C) (N = 14) treated by pharmacotherapy alone. All groups were assigned to four measurements, one for the baseline before any treatment interventions, one post-treatment evaluation and two for follow-up within a short and long time. Non-parametric statistics were used to analyze the data collected by SPSS.ResultThere is no significant intra-group differences were found in terms of baseline assessment. There was no significant discrepancy between the first and the second group except in the term of reducing Captagon craving, as it was clearer in the first group in comparison with other groups. There was a clear significant discrepancy between the first and third groups, for all the study variables and it is phases of assessment especially follow-up. There was a clear degree of differences among the second and the third group, through the different phases of post-assessment, which refers to the great efficacy and effectiveness of CBT in Treating Captagon Dependence CBT was proved to be more effective than pharmacotherapy in the treatment of Captagon Dependence. The combination of CBT and pharmacotherapy was more effective than each other alone in the treatment of Captagon Dependence and Relapse Prevention.ConclusionAvailable evidence suggests that cognitive–behavioral therapy is an effective intervention method for psychological aspects of automatic thoughts, depression, negative health beliefs, craving, and relapse prevention, although its efficacy in reducing Captagon (Fenethylline) dependence.

Patterns in cancer management changes for patients with COVID-19 in northern California.

1535 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected oncology practice in ways that are still evolving. In particular, COVID-19 has led to changes in cancer treatment for patients (pts) infected with COVID, which may have long-term implications for both COVID and cancer-related outcomes. In this retrospective analysis, we describe changes in cancer management over time for cancer pts diagnosed with COVID-19 at two academic institutions in Northern California. Methods: Adult and pediatric pts diagnosed with COVID-19 receiving active cancer management, defined as therapy/surgery/diagnostics within 3 weeks of COVID diagnosis, were identified through the EMR. Patients whose care was affected by COVID-19 were identified and analyzed for significant intra-group differences with regards to management type, treatment intent, and the time of COVID-19 diagnosis (“early” was defined as March to June 2020 and “late” as July 2020 to January 2021). The duration and characteristics of such changes were compared across subgroups. Chi-squared test was used to compare the incidence of delays between subgroups. Results: Among 134 COVID-positive pts on active cancer management, 83 (62%) had significant changes in management that consisted primarily of treatment delays. More delays were identified in patients treated with curative intent earlier in the course of the pandemic compared to later (OR 4.1, p=0.022). This difference was not seen among pts treated with palliative intent. In addition, pts on oral (PO) therapy were significantly less likely to have treatment changes than those on IV/IM therapy (OR 0.32, p=0.005). This difference was driven by a decrease in management changes for those on PO therapy in the later time period (OR 0.27, p=0.026). Pts diagnosed later were more likely to have delays due to clinical reasons rather than institutional policy (OR 6.2, P&lt;.005). The median delay in both time frames was 21 days. Comparison of subgroups is shown in the table. Conclusions: We found significant changes in management of cancer pts with COVID-19 that evolved over time. Oncologists have become increasingly willing to continue therapy for cancer pts treated with curative intent and pts on oral therapy. Changes in cancer therapy have become more frequently related to patient clinical status, and less so due to institutional policies. It will be important to analyze how these changes in management are ultimately reflected in cancer outcomes in order to equip patients and oncologists to react to the next pandemic.[Table: see text]

Effects of clinical Pilates exercises on cardiovascular endurance and psychosomatic parameters on primary caregivers of special needs children: A randomized controlled trial.

Our objective was to investigate the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE), applied to the primary caregivers of special needs children, on cardiovascular endurance (CVE) and psychosomatic parameters in comparison to a control group. Fifty-five primary caregivers of special needs children, divided into two groups as the CPE and control groups, were included in the study. The six-minute walk test, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure CVE, fatigue severity, attitudes toward coping with problems, depression levels and anxiety levels, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the groups in favor of the CPE group were found concerning the denial parameter of COPE, fatigue (which was the primary outcome), depression and anxiety (all p values < 0.05). Statistically significant intragroup comparison differences were only detected in the CPE group in the fatigue, depression, anxiety and COPE (use of instrumental and emotional social support and focus on and venting of emotions) questionnaire results (all p values < 0.05). CPE are an applicable and effective method for the primary caregivers of special needs children in improving psychosomatic parameters, albeit not effective for CVE. It is recommended to investigate the long-term effects of clinical Pilates exercises on a similar group.