SMC Group Research Articles

Effects of Toxic and Non-Toxic Microcystis aeruginosa on the Defense System of Ceratophyllum demersum–Scenedesmus obliquus

The effects of toxic and non-toxic Microcystis aeruginosa on the Ceratophyllum demersum–Scenedesmus obliquus system were simulated in the laboratory, and some parameters in relation to these organisms were measured. In this experiment, C. demersum increased the biomass of S. obliquus, and both toxic and non-toxic M. aeruginosa significantly inhibited the colony formation of S. obliquus and inhibited the promotion of S. obliquus biomass. On the 14th day, the soluble polysaccharide content of C. demersum decreased when it was coexisted with S. obliquus, but it rose again because of M. aeruginosa, which significantly increased the protein content of C. demersum. The species composition and diversity of epiphytic microorganisms also vary with different treatments. Proteobacteria is dominant in all the groups, especially in the Toxic_SMC group. In addition, bacteria that can degrade organic pollutants are more abundant in Toxic_SMC group. This study focuses on the defense response of S. obliquus induced by C. demersum under the pressure of toxic or non-toxic M. aeruginosa and evaluates the changes to C. demersum and its epiphytic microorganisms, which provides insights for the study of aquatic plant–algae integrated action systems in eutrophic or cyanobacterial blooms.

The safety and efficacy of double microcatheter technique in small and tiny ruptured aneurysms: A single center study.

Double microcatheter technique (dMC) can be the alternative to Single microcatheter technique (sMC) for challenging cases, but there is lack of studies comparing dMC to sMC especifically for small ruptured aneurysms. Our objective was to compare the safety and efficacy of dMC to sMC in treating small (≤5 mm) and tiny (≤3 mm) ruptured aneurysms. This study focused on 91 out of 280 patients who had ruptured aneurysms and underwent either single or double microcatheter coil embolization. These patients were treated with either single or double microcatheter coil embolization. We divided the patients into two groups based on the procedural method and evaluated clinical features and outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted specifically for tiny aneurysms, comparing the two methods, and within the dMC group, we also examined whether the aneurysm was tiny or not. In addition, univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of coil packing density. The mean values for most outcome measures in the dMC group were higher than those in the sMC group, but these differences did not reach statistical significance (coil packing density, 45.739% vs. 39.943%; procedural complication, 4.17% vs. 11.94%; recanalization, 8.3% vs. 10.45%; discharge discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 1.83 vs. 1.97). The comparison between tiny aneurysms and other sizes within the dMC group did not reveal any significant differences in terms of worse outcomes or increased risk. The only factor that significantly influenced coil packing density in the univariate logistic regression analysis was the size of the aneurysm (OR 0.309, 95% CI 0.169-0.566, p=0.000). The dMC proved to be a safe and viable alternative to the sMC for treating small ruptured aneurysms in challenging cases.

Subjective memory complaints are associated with longitudinal declines in connected speech language

AbstractBackgroundSubjective memory complaints (SMC) in the absence of impaired performance on objective measures increases risk for dementia among some individuals. Connected Speech Language (CSL) is language produced in a continuous sequence as in conversations. Subtle, yet detectable, changes in CSL have been shown to predict cognitive decline, suggesting that changes in discourse are an early clinical symptom of dementia. Here we examined whether a baseline assessment of SMC was associated prospectively with longitudinal CSL age‐related trajectories.Method N=1039 participants who completed SMC and CSL assessment were drawn from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention, a longitudinal study of preclinical AD, in middle‐aged adults. SMC reflects the average rating (1‐7) across the Memory Functioning Questionnaire frequency of forgetting subscale. To ensure SMC did not reflect transient memory problems, participants were grouped into no self‐reported problems, persistent self‐reported problems, or inconsistent self‐reported problems (Figure 1) across time. Participants in the inconsistent group (n = 237) and those with fewer than three SMC assessments (n=54) were excluded from analyses. Participant’s speech was recorded while describing the “Cookie Theft” picture from the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination. CSL outcomes included content information units (CIU density), content units per minute (CIU minutes), types‐tokens ratio, and filled pauses. We tested the moderation of CSL age related trajectories by baseline SMC. Linear mixed models included a random intercept, gender, reading ability, and practice effects as fixed covariates.ResultSample characteristics are shown in Table 1 by SMC group. The persistent problem group had fewer years of education and lower WRAT reading scores than the no problems group, but were otherwise comparable. Baseline SMC did not moderate age‐related changes in CIU density, types‐tokens ratio or filled pauses. Baseline SMC moderated changes in CIU Minutes at trend level (Table 2 and Figure 2). Greater memory complaints at baseline were associated with faster age‐related decline in the contents unit/minute compared to those with fewer complaints.ConclusionSMC modestly, prospectively related to difficulties expressing ideas. Self‐reported may precede subtle cognitive changes. Future work will examine whether SMC predicts declines in standard cognitive tests of verbal ability.

Midwife-led continuity of care improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes in north Shoa zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundIn a low-resource setting, information on the effect of midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC) is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of MLCC on maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the Ethiopian context. MethodA study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted from August 2019 to September 2020 in four primary hospitals of the north Shoa zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 1178 low risk women were allocated to one of two groups; the midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC or intervention group) (received all antenatal, labour, birth, and immediate postnatal care from a single midwife or backup midwife) (n = 589) and the Shared model of care (SMC or comparison group) (received care from different staff members at different times) (n = 589). The two outcomes studied were Spontaneous vaginal birth and preterm birth. Outcome variables were compared using multivariate generalized linear models (GLMs) and reported using adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals. FindingsWomen in MLCC were, in comparison with women in the SMC group more likely to have spontaneous vaginal birth (aRR of 1.198 (95% CI 1.101–1.303)). Neonates of women in MLCC were in comparison with those in SMC less likely to be preterm (aRR of 0.394; 95% CI (0.227–0.683)). ConclusionIn this study, use of the MLCC model improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. To scale up and further investigate the effect and feasibility of this model in a low resource setting could be of considerable importance in Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan Africa countries.

Systemic inflammatory biomarkers and somatic cell count in dairy cows with subclinical mastitis

Systemic parameters and its relationship with Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in dairy cows were evaluated. Cows that presented subclinical mastitis (SMC; n = 16) and healthy cows (HC; n = 6) were selected and identified by the California Mastitis Test and SCC in milk. SCC results were logarithmically transformed into somatic cell score (SCS). HC presented SCS 〈 4.32 while SMC presented SCS 〉 4.32. Milk and blood samples were collected in three days: D1 (first day of sampling), D2 (48 h after D1) and D3 (7 days after D1), to determine White Blood Cells (WBC), albumin, total protein, total bilirubin and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. It was considered significant at P < 0.05. The data of SCS on D1, D2 and D3 in SMC were: 6.8 ± 1.7, 6.4 ± 1.8, and 6.3 ± 2.0, respectively. In SMC the MDA (nmolL−1) were: D1 - 9.3 ± 2.6, D2 - 8.6 ± 2.4, and D3 - 11.5 ± 3.5. The MDA on D3 in SMC (11.5 ± 3.5) were increase when compared to HC (6.0 ± 1.3) (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in WBC, TP, ALB, and TB between groups. It was observed a positive correlation between MDA-SCS (ρ = 0.4) and between WBC-SCS (ρ = 0.3) in the SMC group. It was concluded that the systemic repercussion damage in the mammary gland promoted by subclinical mastitis in dairy cows can be assessed using the MDA and WBC biomarkers.

IL-8 and CRP moderate the effects of preoperative psychological interventions on postoperative long-term outcomes 6 months after CABG surgery – The randomized controlled PSY-HEART trial

IntroductionInflammation has been related to several somatic and psychological disorders and may moderate effects of psychological interventions. In the PSY-HEART trial patients benefitted from preoperative psychological interventions before undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and, if necessary, concomitant valvular surgery, compared to standard medical care. In this study we examined whether patients’ baseline inflammatory status moderated the intervention effects. Material and methodsIn a prospective three-arm randomized clinical trial with 6-months follow-up, 124 patients scheduled for CABG surgery alone or concomitant with valvular surgery were randomized to (i) standard medical care only (SMC) or two preoperative psychological interventions: (ii) CBT-based optimizing expectations (EXPECT) and an (iii) an active control group focusing on emotional support (SUPPORT). Available baseline CRP- (n = 79), IL-6- (n = 78), IL-8- (n = 78) and TNF-alpha-(n = 80) parameters were considered as potential moderators (CRP as a categorical and continuous moderator). Linear mixed model analyses were calculated to test whether baseline inflammatory levels moderated intervention effects on disability, mental and physical quality of life at 6 months after surgery. ResultsIL-8 moderated intervention effects on patients’ disability and categorical CRP moderated intervention effects on mental quality of life. Follow-up tests indicated that EXPECT (and in part SUPPORT) led to lower postoperative disability and higher mental quality of life compared to SMC in patients with low baseline inflammatory markers. EXPECT indicated higher mental quality of life compared to SUPPORT in the high CRP subgroup. Patients in the SMC group had higher mental quality of life in the high CRP subgroup compared to the low CRP subgroup. ConclusionEspecially for patients with a lower inflammatory baseline status preoperative psychological interventions might be helpful to optimize long-term CABG surgery outcomes.

Effects of Probiotic Soy Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) added with Cuminum Cyminum Essential Oil on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels, Serum Lipid Profile and Body Weight in Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Background:There is some separate evidence that probiotic soy milk and Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) have positive effects on the prevention and reduction of diabetic complications. While the impact of probiotic soymilk mixed with herbal essential oils has not been investigated so far, the objective of this study is to examine the effects of probiotic soy milk using Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) added with essential oil of C. cyminum on diabetic rats.Methods:50 streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control group (C group), soy milk group (SM group), probiotic soy milk group (PSM group), soy milk containing essential oil of C. cyminum group (SMC group) and probiotic soy milk containing essential oil of C. cyminum group (PSMC group). The animals consumed these products (1 ml/day) for 30 days. The fasting blood glucose (FBS), the serum lipid levels, and body weight variation were analyzed in 10-day intervals.Results:FBS, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased significantly, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in the PSMC group compared with that of other groups (P < 0.05). This product also led to weight gain (P < 0.05).Conclusions:A mixture of probiotic soy milk and herbal essential oil consumption could impose a positive effect on reducing FBS as well as serum lipid profile in STZ- NA diabetes-induced rat. Also, it results in an increase in their weight gain.

Comparison of self‐made cryopreservative fibrin glue and commercial fibrin glue kit in pterygium surgery: 1‐year follow‐up

To assess long-term efficacy and safety of self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) applied in pterygium surgery. Prospective, comparative, interventional case series. Forty eyes of 40 patients with nasal primary pterygium, 24 male and 16 female, were enrolled. The patients were assigned to two groups and each contained 12 male and eight female based on the pterygium area encroaching onto the cornea. In one group, the conjunctival autograft was attached to the sclera with SMC stored for 2months, and in the other group, commercial fibrin glue kit (CK) was applied after the pterygium was removed. All the patients were followed up postoperatively on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 then at months 1, 3, 6, 12. The main outcome measures included operating time, postoperative discomfort, recurrence rate and complications. There were no significant differences in surgery time (p=0.713) and postoperative discomfort (day 1, 3, 7; p=0.747, p=0.766, p=0.983, respectively) between the two groups. By the end of 1-year follow-up, the recurrence rate was 0% in the SMC group and 5% in the CK group (p=1.000). There were no infections and severe visual acuity (VA) threatening complications in either group. Self-made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) is as effective as standard CK for autograft fixation in pterygium surgery and it also has good safety after long-term follow-up. For its convenience and low cost, this new methods should be popularized, especially in underdeveloped area.

Recollections from the Early Days of SMC [History

Originally, Systems, Man, and Cybernetics (SMC) was not an IEEE Society at all. In 1958, the first meeting took place of the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) Professional Technical Group on Human Factors in Electronics. It was chaired by Henry Birmingham, an early leader in control system modeling of human operators. In 1963, IRE and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers merged to form the present-day IEEE. In May of 1964, the name was changed to the IEEE Human Factors in Electronics Group. Later that same year, there was an initial meeting to discuss the formation of the System Science and Cybernetics (SSC) Group, and in 1965, an organizational meeting for SSC was held. In October 1970, the IEEE approved a merger of the Man-Machine Systems Group and the SSC Group to form the SMC Group. In January 1972, the SMC Group became an IEEE Society. From 1960 onward, the succession of group chairs was Curt Jansky, Bob Riesz, Al Jackson, Rube Chernikoff, John Senders, Dick Deininger, Bert Manheimer, Joe Wohl, and Bill VonAlven. From 1972, the succession of Society presidents was John Warfield, Kan Chen, Tom Sheridan, Ed Patrick, Jim Palmer, Basheer Ahmed, and Bill Rouse. Andy Sage, who had been the editor of IEEE Transactions on Systems Science and Cybernetics from the beginning, took over as editor of IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics. (I had been editor of its precursor, IEEE Transactions on Man-Machine Systems, followed by Russ Ferrell.) Andy became SMC president in 1984 and relinquished his job as editor. I will leave the history after that to others.

Optimizing preoperative expectations leads to a shorter length of hospital stay in CABG patients: Further results of the randomized controlled PSY-HEART trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of a preoperative expectation-optimizing psychological intervention on length of stay in the hospital and time spent in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 124 patients prior to undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or CABG combined with heart valve surgery were randomized to either a) standard medical care alone (SMC) or an additional preoperative intervention, b) an additional expectation manipulation intervention (EXPECT) to optimize patients' expectations, or c) an additional supportive therapy (SUPPORT), containing the same amount of therapeutic attention but without a specific focus. Participants were followed-up post-operatively to assess their length of hospital stay and the time spent in the ICU. ResultsPatients in both psychological intervention groups spent significantly less days in the hospital then patients in the SMC group (M(EXPECT)=12.62, M(SUPPORT)=14.13, M(SMC)=17.27, p=0.028). There was a significant linear trend (F(1112)=7.68, p=0.009) showing that the more specific the intervention patients received the shorter they stayed in the hospital. The effect of the intervention on time spent in the ICU was only marginally significant (M(EXPECT)=103.76, M(SUPPORT)=103.10, M(SMC)=158.45, p=0.066). ConclusionChanging patients' preoperative expectations via a psychological intervention leads to less days spent in the hospital. The psychological interventions are associated with positive cost-benefit ratios. Specific psychological mechanisms underlying the effect of our intervention remain unclear and need to be investigated further.Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01407055).

Maternal near miss: what lies beneath?

ObjectiveCapturing ‘near miss’ and severe maternal morbidity using standard definitions is challenging. Information about levels of care required by ill pregnant or recently pregnant women may be more informative. The aim of this study was to prospectively audit incidence, causes, categorisation of maternal morbidity and level of care required by patients admitted to a labour ward high dependency unit (HDU) in a stand-alone obstetric hospital. Study designAll women admitted to HDU from May 5th to November 5th 2014 were identified prospectively and morbidity was categorised according to the Scottish Audit of Severe Maternal Morbidity (SAMM) and World Health Organisation (WHO) definitions of ‘near miss’ (NM), and ‘severe maternal complications’ (SMC). Level of care was determined by the RCOG Maternal critical care working group recommendations [1]. ResultsThere were 128 admissions to HDU with 4502 live births (2.8%) during this period. There were 16 (12.5%) cases of NM; 83 (64.8%) of SMC and 29 ‘others’ not meeting either criteria. Direct obstetric causes accounted for 79% of admissions. NM cases were more likely to be caused by haemorrhage (56.3%, p=0.009), postpartum (75%, p<0.05) and require blood transfusion (56.4%) compared to SMC cases, more likely to result from hypertension (39.8%, p=0.018) and be admitted antenatally (66.3%, p=0.039). Those admitted in the beneath NM and SMC group were more likely to be admitted antenatally (89.7%, p=0.039) and require specialist consultation (31%, p=0.022). Mean duration of HDU stay was 26.6 (±17 SD) hours. The perinatal mortality rate was 39/1000 total births. There were no maternal deaths. Level 2 care was required by 40 women (NM 25%; SMC 39% and others 14%) and two women required ICU transfer for Level 3 care. ConclusionsApproximately one quarter of women requiring HDU care ‘lie beneath’ criteria for near miss or severe maternal complications. One third of women admitted to the HDU require Level 2 care and the remainder require higher levels of monitoring only. The majority of cases are antepartum and delivery is integral in their care. HDU care in a labour ward setting is a good model for care of the ill pregnant or recently pregnant woman.

Spatial Navigation Complaints are Associated with Anxiety Regardless of the Real Performance in Non-Demented Elderly

Objective: Memory complaints in non-demented elderly are reported frequently and are often associated with depression/anxiety. The relationship between depression/anxiety, memory complaints and risk of dementia is unclear. Spatial disorientation is a common problem reported by patients with early Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Objective testing of spatial navigation (SN) in human analogue of Morris water maze showed that subject with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) present with identical SN impairment as AD patients. There is not much known about how subjective perception of spatial navigation skills reflects the real SN performance and whether depression/anxiety plays a role in this association. We investigated whether subjects with MCI reported more subjective spatial navigation complaints (SSNC) than individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) with no cognitive deficit and whether SSNC reporting depends on anxiety or/and depression regardless of real SN performance. Methods: A total of 123 non-demented participants, including 52 with SCD and 71 with MCI underwent spatial navigation (SN) testing, neuropsychological examination and completed SSNC questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: There were no differences in GDS and BAI scores between MCI and SMC groups. The MCI group did not report more SSNC than SMC group regardless of worse real-SN performance in the MCI group (p<0.001). Anxiety explained most of the SSNC (p<0.001). A median split by BAI (≤ 10) and GDS (≤ 4) scores were used to classify participants into 4 groups- normal (n=44), anxious (n=18), depressive (n=13) and anxious/depressive (n=34). The anxious/depressive and anxious groups reported more SSNC than normal (p=0.006; p=0.036) and depressive groups (p=0.018; p=0.031). Conclusion: General complaints about SN performance do not rely on actual cognitive status. Anxiety rather than depression influences subjective perception of SN abilities in non-demented elderly, regardless of their objective SN deficit. Screening for anxiety, rather than only for depression, may be useful to evaluate subjective complaints.

(515) Randomized controlled trial of a web-based behavioral treatment for pediatric headache

Headache is among the most common pain complaints of childhood. Behavioral interventions are efficacious for improving pain among youth with headache. However, many youth do not receive psychological treatment for headache, which has led to consideration of alternative delivery modalities such as the Internet. We evaluated the efficacy of a family-based Internet behavioral treatment, called Web-Based Management of Adolescent Pain (Web-MAP), in 94 youth with headache (migraine, tension-type and other) receiving treatment in an interdisciplinary headache clinic. Adolescents were 11-17 years (M = 14.51) and 82% female, and were randomized to standard care (SMC; n = 42) or Web-MAP (n = 52). All participants completed pre-treatment assessments; 82% completed immediate post-treatment assessments (nSMC = 35; nWeb-MAP = 42). Primary treatment outcomes were pain intensity (0-10 NRS), headache days, and activity limitations (Child Activity Limitations Interview) completed via 7-day online diaries. In addition to standard care from the headache clinic, the Web-MAP group completed 8 weeks of online modules including relaxation training, cognitive strategies, parent operant techniques, communication strategies, and lifestyle interventions. The SMC group continued with standard headache care. Findings from baseline-adjusted ANCOVAs showed no significant group differences at post-treatment on pain intensity, F(1, 74) = 0.17, p = 0.68, headache days, F(1, 74) = 0.10 p = 0.75, or activity limitations, F(1, 74) = 0.36, p = 0.55. Paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction (α = .008) were used to examine within-group changes from pre- to post-treatment. The Web-MAP group showed significant improvement on activity limitations, t(41) = 3.59, p = 0.001, but not pain intensity, t(41) = 2.58, p = .01, or headache days, t(41) = 2.32, p = 0.03. The SMC group did not show significant improvement on any outcomes. Initial findings suggest Web-MAP can lead to reductions in activity limitations among youth with headache. Headache is among the most common pain complaints of childhood. Behavioral interventions are efficacious for improving pain among youth with headache. However, many youth do not receive psychological treatment for headache, which has led to consideration of alternative delivery modalities such as the Internet. We evaluated the efficacy of a family-based Internet behavioral treatment, called Web-Based Management of Adolescent Pain (Web-MAP), in 94 youth with headache (migraine, tension-type and other) receiving treatment in an interdisciplinary headache clinic. Adolescents were 11-17 years (M = 14.51) and 82% female, and were randomized to standard care (SMC; n = 42) or Web-MAP (n = 52). All participants completed pre-treatment assessments; 82% completed immediate post-treatment assessments (nSMC = 35; nWeb-MAP = 42). Primary treatment outcomes were pain intensity (0-10 NRS), headache days, and activity limitations (Child Activity Limitations Interview) completed via 7-day online diaries. In addition to standard care from the headache clinic, the Web-MAP group completed 8 weeks of online modules including relaxation training, cognitive strategies, parent operant techniques, communication strategies, and lifestyle interventions. The SMC group continued with standard headache care. Findings from baseline-adjusted ANCOVAs showed no significant group differences at post-treatment on pain intensity, F(1, 74) = 0.17, p = 0.68, headache days, F(1, 74) = 0.10 p = 0.75, or activity limitations, F(1, 74) = 0.36, p = 0.55. Paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction (α = .008) were used to examine within-group changes from pre- to post-treatment. The Web-MAP group showed significant improvement on activity limitations, t(41) = 3.59, p = 0.001, but not pain intensity, t(41) = 2.58, p = .01, or headache days, t(41) = 2.32, p = 0.03. The SMC group did not show significant improvement on any outcomes. Initial findings suggest Web-MAP can lead to reductions in activity limitations among youth with headache.

Resection or cryosurgery relates with pancreatic tumor type: Primary pancreatic cancer with previous non-pancreatic cancer or secondary metastatic cancer within the pancreas

ObjectivesWe investigated the incidence of primary pancreatic cancer with previous non-pancreatic cancer (PPC) and secondary metastatic cancer within the pancreas (SMC) to elucidate the differential diagnosis and treatment of these lesions. MethodsThe clinical data of 2539 patients with pancreatic mass in Tianjin Cancer Hospital from January 2000 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All of the 66 patients who showed double or multiple primary cancers or metastatic pancreatic malignancies were included into the PPC group or SMC group, respectively. In addition, PPC patients were compared with 570 patients suffering from pancreatic cancer (PC) alone. ResultsFor the PPC group (n = 34), the most common previous non-pancreatic cancers were gastric cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer. For the SMC group (n = 32), the most common metastatic tumors were lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and gastric cancer. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR = 1.099; 95% CI, 1.007–1.199), previous tumor type (OR = 1.164; 95% CI, 1.046–1.296), and time interval between two tumors (OR = 1.021; 95% CI, 1.003–1.039) as significant indicators. Significantly better survival times were observed after resection than after cryosurgery in the PPC group (p < 0.001) but not in the SMC group (p = 0.670). ConclusionsOverall, primary pancreatic cancers are as common as metastasis to the pancreas in patients with a previous cancer. A longer time interval between two tumors indicates a higher possibility that a new pancreatic cancer will occur. Some cancers (particularly RCC) are more likely to metastasize to the pancreas than other cancers. For metastatic cancers, cryosurgery is as effective as resection as a treatment option.

An fMRI study on the effects of jaw-tapping movement on memory function in elderly people with memory disturbances

IntroductionMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is distinguishable from the memory loss associated with normal aging and may represent an early stage of Alzheimer's disease. This study sought to determine whether jaw-tapping could be a useful exercise to improve memory function by observing changes in brain activity. MethodologyTwelve subjects with subjective memory complaints (SMC group) and thirteen MCI patients (MCI group) participated in a prospective functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. All subjects performed jaw-tapping and n-back memory tasks during blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI. Measurements were made before and after home practice of the jaw-tapping exercise for 4 weeks. Pre- and post-test fMRI data were analyzed using statistical parametric maps of brain activation. ResultsThe SMC and the MCI groups showed improvement in the memory task after 4 weeks of jaw-tapping training. In the SMC group, more brain regions were activated overall, including the prefrontal, temporal, and precuneus regions related to memory function. Although fewer brain regions were activated in the MCI group compared to the SMC group, brain activity increased in the MCI group after 4 weeks of training. ConclusionJaw-tapping movement could be a useful exercise for improving memory and cognitive function in elderly people with memory disturbance by stimulating brain regions related to these functions.

Effects of Self-Monitoring Training Logs on Behaviors and Beliefs of Swimmers

Investigators examined whether use of personal self-monitoring tools representing traditional “athletic training logs” improved training-related measures. Competitive Canadian intercollegiate swimmers (N = 26; M age = 20.4 years; 10 men, 21 women) were assigned training-related goals and then were randomly assigned to either a log group that self-monitored targeted training behaviors (SM-TB), or a self-monitoring comparison group (SMC) for 26 days. Swimmers’ adherence to training prescriptions was analyzed using repeated measures tests. Results showed no group effects or interactions, however, both groups improved adherence during the first 17 days of the intervention (p < .001). Self-report measures were analyzed using pre- and post-tests. The SM-TB group increased their reported intent to assess attendance during the intervention more than the SMC group (p = .07). Post-test, both the SM-TB and SMC groups reported greater intent to assess adherence (p < .01) and punctuality (p = .06), and higher self-regulatory confidence for punctuality (p = .06).

Daytime activity levels in adolescents with chronic pain: treatment outcome in a randomized controlled trial of web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to increase participation in physical activities but few studies have demonstrated improvements in subjective measures of activity limitations in adolescents with chronic pain. Actigraphy uses motion-monitoring to measure activity, and may provide useful objective data about treatment effects. Activity outcomes were assessed in adolescents participating in a randomized trial of web-based CBT for chronic headache, abdominal, or musculoskeletal pain. We also examined associations among subjective and objective measures of physical activity. Thirty-one participants underwent actigraphy monitoring before randomization and after the 8-10 week treatment phase. Adolescents were 71% female (M age = 14.9 years) and were randomly assigned to two conditions: CBT (n = 17), or standard medical care (SMC, n = 14). Activity levels were assessed using the Actiwatch 64® device, yielding three scores: mean activity level, peak activity level, and minutes spent in sedentary activity. Adolescents also completed questionnaires and diaries regarding pain, activity limitations, physical activities, and fear and avoidance of physical activity. To date, pre-post treatment actigraphy data are available for 20 participants. Preliminary analyses demonstrated a significant time effect for increased peak activity level, reductions in sedentary activity, and decreased fear of activity. A time by group effect showed greater reductions in sedentary activity in the CBT group compared to the SMC group (48 min vs. 62 min, p = .10). Associations between subjective and objective measures of physical activity were moderate. Peak activity levels were related to adolescent self-report of activity limitations as assessed by the Child Activity Limitations Interview (r = -.42). Fear and avoidance of physical activity was not related to actigraphy measures of activity. Future directions include analysis of actigraphy outcome data from remaining participants. We will also test predictors of changes in activity level with treatment. This abstract will also be presented as an Oral Paper Presentation. Refer to the daily Schedule-At-A-Glance for presentation time and location.

P2-173: Impairment of spatial memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment precedes development of Alzheimer’s disease

Hippocampus dependent spatial navigation is impaired early among the cognitive functions, but has been little studied in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Failure in real life space orientation is common in AD patients and may be an early symptom of hippocampal damage in MCI patients. To evaluate contribution of spatial memory testing as a potential biomarker in MCI and in AD. 37 patients were recruited among clients of our Memory Disorders Clinic and subsequently classified into 3 groups: probable AD (n=20), amnestic MCI (n=8), subjective memory complaints not fulfilling MCI criteria (SMC)(n=9). Results were referred to age and sex matched control group (n=15). Diagnosis of AD dementia was based on DSM IV and NINCDS– ADRDA criteria. Petersen's criteria for MCI were applied. MRI, MMSE and extensive neuropsychological testing were done in all subjects. Spatial memory was tested in an enclosed arena 2.9m in diameter with orientation cues on the wall and in a P.C. version with a map view of the arena projected on a monitor. The test called the Hidden Goal Task (HGT) was used—the subjects should locate a hidden goal inside of the arena in 4 subtests. Depending on the subtest, the subjects used the start position and/or cues on the wall for navigation to focus on either allocentric or egocentric navigation. The searching trajectory was recorded by an overhead camera and a P.C. tracking system. A significantly worse performance in AD group compared to controls (p <0.01) was proved; amnestic MCI group was significantly impaired in subtests focused on egocentric (p <0.05) and allocentric (p <0.01) orientation compared to controls, but less than in AD (p <0.05). SMC group wasn't significantly impaired in any of the subtests compared to controls. MMSE test correlated with HGT results (p <0.01). Spatial memory deficit in MCI patients is less profound than among AD patients, but it is qualitatively similar. Spatial memory testing can be profitable for the assessment of real life disability, longitudinal monitoring and prognosis of AD development in patients with amnestic MCI.

Violation of the bjorken sum rule and system of equations in recent nucleon spin measurements

We discuss the status of the Bjorken sum rule in the light of the recent data on the spin structure functions of i) the deuteron obtained by the SMC group at CERN and ii) the neutron by the E142 group at SLAC. Combining the new data with that already obtained for the proton by the EMC group and earlier SLAC/YALE collaborations, and also with stringent bounds obtained on the strange-quark polarisation, we deduce that the Bjorken system of equations is violated at worse than a 2σ level. We also show that arguments based on possible higher-twist contributions are unable to account for this discrepancy. In conclusion, an explanation in terms of non-perturbative renormalisation of the relevant Wilson coefficients is presented.