Statistical Difference In Number Research Articles

Flea cases observed in dogs during the fall and flea preventative buying habits of clients at a midsized veterinary hospital in Pennsylvania

abstract In Pennsylvania, the peak flea season occurs from May to August, but dogs can be affected by fleas, Ctenocephalides canis/felis, all year. Using a flea preventative all year is crucial because fleas spread diseases such as typhus. This study investigated whether there was a peak in flea cases in dogs at a midsized veterinary hospital in the fall and explored whether clients listen to recommendations to use preventative all year. The peak for flea cases during the fall was in October. There was a statistical difference in number of flea cases between dogs of different sizes (p = 0.003; 0.9% of all large dogs seen had fleas and 2% of all small dogs had fleas). Surveys determined clients’ buying habits and use of preventatives. Almost all clients recalled a veterinarian’s recommendation to use prevention all year, but only 64% complied. Fleas are present in Pennsylvania after August and clients need further education about the use of preventatives all year.

Histopathological study: a key point in pancreatic cancer

Introduction: R1 resection in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a negative prognostic factor. Development of standardised pathologic protocols increased R1 rate and this can have implications in postoperative treatment strategy. Patients and methods: From 2000 we performed 243 PD. A total of 156 were due to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In May 2004 a new standardised anatomopathological protocol (SP) was introduced to evaluate resection's specimens (Verbeke Histopathology 2008). R1 was defined as presence of tumour cells at< 1mm from margin resection. Our series was divided in two groups: specimens studied with the old pathological protocol (NSP) with 93 cases) and SP group with72cases. There were no differences demographic data, tumour size, TNM staging, lymphadenectomy and positive lymph nodes. Results: There were no statistical differences in number of R1 pancreatic margins SP 7% vs NSP 3% or in R1 retroperitoneal margins (11% in both groups). More positive vascular margins were identified in SP group 25% vs 4% in NPS, P = 0.001. R1 circumferential margin was higher in SP group 32% vs 10% in NSP group, P = 0.001. 54% of patients in NSP received adjuvant chemotherapy vs 71% in SP group, P < 0.001 and 37% of patients in SP group received radiation as part of the adjuvant treatment vs 20% in NSP, P < 0.001. Survival rates at 2/ 5 years in SP were 91/39% respectively and in NSP group: 71/32% without statistical difference. Conclusions: Standardised pathologic study of PD specimens increased the rate of R1 margins and select patients suitable to more specific postoperative treatments.

Irrigation management of muskmelon with tensiometry

The production and consumption of muskmelon have been increasing (MELO et al., 2014), thus, information on techniques for higher field productions are necessary. The experiment described in the present work was conducted in the IFTM, Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, aiming to evaluate the muskmelon yield under different soil water tensions. A randomized block experimental design was used with five treatments (soil water tensions of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kPa) and four replications (plots of two rows of 14 plants). Two harvests were carried out and the fruit yield, stem diameter, number of fruits per plant and efficiency of water use were evaluated. Irrigation was performed with a drip irrigation system and managed with tensiometry. The cultivar Bonus n.2 was used with spacing of 1.0 x 0.6 m. The data of the variables were subjected to the F test and regression test. The treatments showed statistical differences in number of fruits per plant, fruit weight (fruit yield) and stem diameter. The highest fruit yield found was 1.36 kg fruit-1 and the highest water use efficiency was 4.08 g mm-1 with irrigation for a soil water tension of 10 kPa. The lowest fruit yield was found with irrigation for a soil water tension of 50 kPa.

Continuous Antithrombin III Administration in Pediatric Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

The purpose of this retrospective case-control study is to determine the effect of continuous antithrombin III (ATIII) infusion on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) coagulation. All ECMO patients within the pediatric intensive care unit from January 2012 to July 2014 were included. Comparison was made between those who received continuous infusion ATIII through a standardized replacement protocol with historic controls receiving intermittent ATIII doses. Patients receiving the continuous infusion ATIII protocol spent more time in goal ACT range (71.9% vs 52.2%, p < 0.0001). Mean daily ATIII activity was also increased in study group (77.3% versus 68.6%, p = 0.04). No statistical differences in number of heparin dose changes per day (3 versus 3.22, p = 0.90) were present between the 2 groups. Only 28% of the historic controls receiving intermittent ATIII doses achieved normal ATIII activity as compared with 80% of study patients (p = 0.24). Maximum heparin dose was also lower in continuous infusion protocol group (p < 0.01). Compared with nonprotocolized intermittent dosing, the use of a continuous infusion ATIII protocol demonstrated increased time within goal ACT range at a lower heparin dose, no increase in hemostatic complications, and trends toward fewer heparin changes and lower blood product usage.

Aplicación de biol, fertilizante inorgánico y polímeros superabsorbentes en el crecimiento de heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum cv. Tropica)

Heliconias are grown for production of cut flowers, potted plants and indoor landscapes; however, they are affected by inadequate fertilization and poor water supply. The aim of this research was to analyze the effect produced by foliar and soil fertilization with biol, soil chemical fertilization and application of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) on the growth of heliconia. A randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement (A x B x C) and four replicates was used: A) application of biol to the soil (20 mL∙plant-1), chemical fertilization (5 g∙plant-1 of 17-17-17 [N, P and K]), without application (control) and chemical fertilization + biol (5 g∙plant-1 of 17-17-17 + 20 mL∙plant-1, respectively); B) with and without the application of foliar biol (17 mL∙plant-1) and C) with and without application of SAP (2 g∙plant-1). During 180 days of evaluation, variables measured were: plant height, vigor, color, number of leaves, health, leaf area and number of shoots. The best treatments were chemical fertilization and the biol + chemical fertilizer combination. The interaction of these treatments showed the best values in plant height, health, number of leaves, leaf area, vigor and color. The chemical fertilization and biol + chemical fertilizer with SAP application treatments showed statistical differences in number of leaves, leaf area and vigor. Biol use showed significant differences, so it is suggested as a complement in heliconia fertilization. In addition, the use of substrates with a high level of organic matter is recommended as an alternative for water retention.

Study of smoking habit among soldiers in Cairo Security Forces Hospital

BackgroundSmoking in Egypt is prevalent as 19 billion cigarettes are smoked annually in the country making it the largest market in the Arab world. In the past few years smoking in Egypt has reached an all-time high with an estimated twenty percent as fifteen million people regularly using tobacco products. Nearly forty percent of all men in Egypt smoke. The percentage of the population using any tobacco product elevated to around 23% among the productive age group 25–44 and the prevalence of using any tobacco product among all university graduates is about 16%. Aim of the workThis work aimed to study the smoking habit and its effects among soldiers in Cairo Security Forces Hospital and their trend to quit. Patients and methodsThe study was conducted on patients attending the outpatient clinic in Cairo Security Forces Hospital in a period from June 2014 to December 2014. All patients were subjected to Full history taking, Clinical examination, Smoking questionnaire, and Chest X-ray for patients complaining of respiratory symptoms. ResultsThe sample number was 1100 subjects’ males’ soldiers cigarette smokers aged 19–23years old. The majority of them (96.91%) smoke daily, there was highly statistical difference in number of cigarettes smoked per day with the majority (54.45%) smoke a pack to pack and half of cigarettes, also there was high statistical difference of current smokers (96.73%) and ex-smokers(3.27%) with the majority (80.55%)start smoking between the age 15 to less than 20years old .The main cause of initiation of smoking was due to friends and social reasons and there was high significance that they smoke for the first in the day at morning with highly statistical difference that they smoke all over the day than during morning with the majority (91.45%) accept smoking as it is not a harmful habit.Most soldiers have moderate levels of craving to smoke, (51.91%) of soldiers don’t stop smoking inspite of their illness, (55%) of the group sample like smoking mainly to relieve tension, and (51.91%) to avoid problems like getting irritable or gaining weight.Expectoration is the main complain followed by frequent coughing then shortness of breath .As regard systemic symptoms; gastrointestinal symptoms in the form of heart burn and oral cavity problems are the most common encountered symptoms. The majority of soldiers (99.82%) would quit smoke because of serious illness, also (99.55%) didn’t give up or greatly reduced any important activity such as sports gathering with relatives or friends,(90.73%) of sample group didn’t advice other to quit smoking.Although (59.64%) of soldiers thought about quitting smoking, yet (95.09%) of them never tried to quit while, only (4.91%) tried to quit, (74.07%) of whom, tried less than three times, (68.52%) quitted smoking for less than one month. Also the majority of soldiers who tried to quit (88.89%) found it is difficult to quit with (61.11%) of them answered that the last try to quit smoking was more than one year ago. The majority of soldiers (85.18%) tried to quit smoking to improve health followed by suffering of the high cost of smoking.Health concern was the most useful way of quitting smoking in (57.4%) of soldiers who tried to quit followed by seeking good lifestyle, while (42.59%) hadn’t received any positive support during the quitting process.Soldiers who tried to quit found that there is problems that occurred in the first two days of quitting were craving (92.59%), headache (88.89%), getting irritable or angry (81.48%), palpitation (74.07%), trouble concentration (57.41%). Most of soldiers who tried to quit (66.67%) found that they could quit while (33.33%) couldn’t quit with the majority of them (77.78%) found that the first cigarette in the morning is the most hated one to give up, (61.11%) resume smoking due to cigarette craving,(38.89%) due to stress/tension.The majority of all soldiers (95.73%) prefer the plain packs than the discouragable pictured packs. Most of soldiers (71.73%) spent about 5–10L.E per day on cigarettes. Most symptomatized soldier smokers had no chest X-ray abnormality (81.03%) while in minority of smokers (18.97%) showed increase in broncho-vascular markings. ConclusionsCigarette smoking is a common habit among soldiers and it starts in a relatively young age mainly due to social influence. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequent encountered complaints among soldiers. Main causes that led them to try quitting were health concerns and financial issues; as most of them spend a considerable percentage of their monthly income to obtain cigarettes. Unfortunately there was no organized positive support to help the quitters.

The Impact of High-Profile Sexual Abuse Cases in the Media on a Pediatric Emergency Department

ABSTRACTHigh-profile media cases of sexual abuse may encourage disclosures of abuse from victims of unrelated assaults and also influence parental concerns, leading to increased emergency department visits. In the region of the study authors’ institution, there are two recent high-profile sexual abuse cases with media coverage: Earl Bradley, a Delaware pediatrician, and Jerry Sandusky, a Pennsylvania college football coach. This is a retrospective cohort study of children evaluated for sexual abuse at a pediatric emergency department. Patients were classified as either presenting during a media period or non-media period. The media periods were one-month periods immediately following breaking news reports, when the cases were highly publicized in the media. The non-media periods were the 12-month periods directly preceding the first reports. The median number of emergency department visits per month during a non-media period was 9 visits (interquartile range 6–10). There were 11 visits in the month following the Sandusky case and 13 visits following the Bradley case. There was no statistical difference in number of emergency department visits for sexual abuse between the periods (p = .09). These finding have implications regarding use of resources in pediatric EDs after high-profile sexual abuse cases.

Progression of fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis is associated with IL-17(+) neutrophils.

The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 plays a crucial role in liver diseases associated with hepatic fibrosis and increased risk of cancer development. Nevertheless, the cellular source of this cytokine has never been characterized in patients with liver fibrosis. In this study, we investigated liver biopsies from 49 patients with chronic viral hepatitis at different stages of liver fibrosis. We monitored IL-17 production by intracellular flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical in situ stainings, allowing a precise quantification, characterization and localization of IL-17(+) cells. Density of IL-17(+) cells increased with the stage of liver fibrosis specifically in fibrotic septa and portal areas (correlation coefficient r = 0.7373; P < 0.0001). Data clearly show that the frequency of intrahepatic IL-17(+) lymphocytes (including T, NKT and NK cells) was independent on stage of liver fibrosis, and we observed no statistical differences in number of IL-17(+) macrophages during progression of fibrosis. On the other hand, the number of IL-17(+) neutrophils in fibrotic septa and portal areas strongly correlated with the stages of fibrosis (correlation coefficient r = 0.6986; P < 0.0001), contributing significantly to total IL-17 production in liver tissue. Our data indicate that neutrophils represent an important source of IL-17 in the human liver, especially in late fibrosis stages. Inhibition of this specific harmful subset of neutrophils may offer therapeutic opportunities in fibrotic liver.

PSU19 Does the Novel Renal Marker NGAL (Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin) Result in Cost Savings in Patients With Renal Impairment Following Cardiac Surgery?

Cardiac surgery can result in renal impairment necessitating hemofiltration (HF; dialysis) which prolongs the length of therapy (LOT), days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with an overall higher mortality. The decision to initiate HF-therapy is currently made on increased plasma creatinine levels, a relatively late marker (peaking days after a potentially reversible renal dysfunction). The novel urine marker NGAL (neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin) measures the acute structural damage and identifies the need for HF within hours with high accuracy. Based on data collected in 2005-2009, we prospectively included NGAL in an algorithm to modify the management of HF-therapy in 2010. Changes in incidence of HF and LOT, all costs associated with routine NGAL-testing and ICU stay (direct and indirect) as well as the economic impact were analysed. A total of 528 patients were operated with no statistical difference in numbers, case mix, risk scores and outcomes to the previous years. The expected number of patients with HF was 45.3 with an average LOT of 7.7 days (2005-2009). Introduction of NGAL-testing added costs of € 60.00/patient (€ 31.680/year). Although € 2047,50/day could be realized through public health refunding, the fixed associated costs were € 3249,70/patient/day [€ 892,52 for all supplies to operate the HF (Prismaflex, Gambro, Germany) and € 2357,18 for institutional ICU expenditure (incorporating personnel costs)] resulting in a deficit of € 1202,19/day with, and € 751,58 without HF operating. Using the new marker, only 32 patients required treatment with HF for a mean of 5.5 days and earlier initiation (1.1 days) in 2010 (p<0,001). A total of 41.6 days of treatment in ICU (occupancy) were avoided with savings of € 44.153,16. Routine NGAL testing and consecutive changes in management reduced the number of HF-therapies, lengths of therapy and ICU stay in our institution and proved to be cost-saving.

Relationship of human rectal aberrant crypt foci and formation of colorectal polyp: One-year following up after polypectomy

To clarify the relationship of human rectal aberrant crypt foci and formation of colorectal polyp. Eighty-nine subjects were recruited from the population of Japanese individuals who underwent polypectomy at Yokohama City University Hospital. All patients had baseline adenomas removed at year 0 colonoscopy. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were defined as lesions in which the crypts were more darkly stained with methylene blue than normal crypts and had larger diameters, often with oval or slit-like lumens and a thicker epithelial lining. A total of 366 ACFs were identified in 89 patients; all had baseline adenomas removed at the first examination (year 0) colonoscopy and returned for the second (year 1). ACF in the lower rectum were assessed at year 0 and study group were divided into two groups depend on ACF numbers, 0-3 or over 3. All participants were examined in the number and maximum size of adenoma. There was no statistical difference in number and maximum size of ACF at year 0, however, maximum size of adenoma was larger in over 3 group than 0-3 group at year 1. The number of ACF may be a predictive factor of relatively large adenoma incidence in the pilot phase study.

The clinical features and outcome of crush patients with acute kidney injury after the Wenchuan earthquake: Differences between elderly and younger adults

BackgroundOn May 12, 2008, a devastating earthquake hit Wenchuan county of China's Sichuan province. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most lethal but reversible complications of crush syndrome after an earthquake. However, little is known about the epidemiological features of elderly crush patients with AKI. The aim of the present study is to compare clinical features and outcome of crush related AKI between elderly and younger adults in the Wenchuan earthquake. Materials and methodsA questionnaire was sent to 17 reference hospitals that treated the victims after the earthquake. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of crush patients with AKI were retrospectively analysed. Results228 victims experienced crush related AKI, of which 211 were adults, including 45 elderly (age≥65 years) and 166 younger adults (age, 15–64 years). Compared with the resident population, the percentage of patients was higher amongst elderly (19.7% versus 7.6%, P<0.001). The distribution of gender was similar in elderly and younger adults. Mean systolic blood pressure was higher in elderly groups. Although no statistical differences in number of injury and injury severity score were observed between elderly and younger adults, elderly victims had lower frequency of extremities crush injury; higher incidences of thoracic traumas, limb, rib, and vertebral fractures; lower serum creatinine, potassium and creatinine kinase levels; lower incidence of oliguria or anuria; lower dialysis requirement; underwent less fasciotomies and amputations, received less blood and plasma transfusions. Mortality were 17.8% and 10.2% in elderly and younger adults, respectively (P=0.165). Stratified analysis demonstrated the elderly receiving dialysis had higher mortality rate compared with younger patients (62.5% versus 10.5%, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that need for dialysis and sepsis were independent risk factors for death in the elderly patients. ConclusionsElderly crush victims more frequently developed AKI in the Wenchuan earthquake, and they differ from younger adults in injury patterns and treatment modalities. The elderly patients with AKI requiring dialysis were at a relatively high risk of mortality.

Abstract B37: Relationship of human rectal aberrant crypt foci and formation of colorectal polyp

Abstract In experimental models of colonic carcinogenesis, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are the earliest detectable abnormality and precede adenomas. Herein, we wanted to determine the adenoma incidence over a 1-year period after polypectomy. Eighty-nine subjects were recruited from the population of Japanese individuals who underwent polypectomy at Yokohama City University Hospital. All patients had baseline adenomas (&amp;gt; 6mm) removed at year 0 colonoscopy. ACF were defined as lesions in which the crypts were more darkly stained with methylene blue than normal crypts and had larger diameters, often with oval or slit-like lumens and a thicker epithelial lining. A total of 366 ACFs were identified in 89 patients; all had baseline adenomas (&amp;gt; 6mm) removed at the first examination (year 0) colonoscopy and returned for the second (year 1). ACF in the lower rectum were assessed at year 0 and study group were divided into two groups depend on ACF numbers, 0-3 or over 4. All participants were examined in the number and maximum size of adenoma. There was no statistical difference in number and maximum size of ACF at year 0, however, maximum size of adenoma was larger in over 4 group than 0-3 group at year 1. The meaning of the number of ACF is not elucidated; however, the number of ACF may be a predictive factor of relatively large adenoma incidence in the pilot phase study. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):B37.

Interspecific variability in the abundance of small rodents in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico

En este estudio proporcionamos datos sobre la abundancia y composicion de especies de pequenos roedores durante un ciclo anual en cuatro localidades representadas por dos habitats contrastantes: cultivos de maiz y Reservas Ecologicas, en el Municipio de San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas. Se registraron en total 469 capturas de nueve especies de roedores muridos, de las cuales las mas abundantes fueron Reithrodontomys fulvescens, Sigmodon hispidus y Peromyscus levipes. El mayor numero de capturas (272) se registro durante la epoca seca y la mayor riqueza de especies (7) durante la epoca de lluvia en un area agricola. Encontramos diferencias significativas en el numero de capturas en epoca seca y de lluvia solamente para la Reserva Ecologica Moxviquil

The Very Model of a Modern Doctor General

<h3>Purpose</h3> Greater than 200,000 children per year are evaluated in US emergency departments because of playground injuries. A minority of these visits (23%) occur on home playgrounds, whereas 70% of playground deaths occur at home. Few data exist to further describe injuries occurring on home and public playgrounds that are not life-threatening. In this study, we sought to determine if more serious injuries occur on home playgrounds compared with public playgrounds. <h3>Methods</h3> An injury surveillance form was developed in our emergency department 2 years ago to identify several major types of injuries and to describe the circumstances leading to injury occurrence. These forms are included with every chart for children presenting to the emergency department with complaints of any type of injury. An assistant separated these forms by method of injury: sports, falls, bicycle, vehicle, playground, or burn. Epidemiologic data were extracted from each playground injury form and was then entered into <i>Epistat</i>® and a <i>z</i>-test of proportions was used for statistical analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Between March and August 2006, 106 children were identified as having playground injuries. Of these, 56% were male and ages ranged from 2 to 15 years old, with a median age of 6. Most injuries occurred on public playgrounds (70%). The types of injuries sustained include fractures (48%), lacerations (19%), and closed head traumas (18%). The remaining 15% of injuries were relatively minor: sprains, strains, abrasions, and isolated pain. Admission was necessary for 9% of our population. When comparing injuries that occurred at home versus those that occurred at a public playground, there was no statistical difference in rate of admission (<i>z</i> = −0.23, <i>p</i> = .82 [−0.13, 0.11]). Between these two groups, we also found no statistical difference in numbers of fractures (<i>z</i> = 1.11, <i>p</i> = 0.27 [−0.35, 0.07]), in numbers of closed head traumas (<i>z</i> = 0.77, <i>p</i> = .44 [−0.08, 0.25]), or in numbers of lacerations (<i>z</i> = −0.16, <i>p</i> = .87 [−0.16, 0.17]). <h3>Conclusion</h3> This information shows that in our population, the types of injuries that occur on home playgrounds are not more serious than those that occur on public playgrounds. Significant injuries do occur on both home and public playgrounds; 85% of the injuries children sustained in this study were fractures, closed head traumas, and lacerations. Increased effort should be applied to making playgrounds safer for children in both types of environments.

Thin cell suspension layer as a new methodology for somatic embryogenesis in Agave tequilana Weber cultivar azul

Commercial micropropagation of plants is enhanced with the use of liquid media cultures; however the presence of hyperhydricity is commonly observed in cultures of the succulent plant Agave tequilana Weber cultivar azul, this phenomenon persists even with the use of temporary immersion systems (TIS). Thin cell suspension layer technology is proposed to solve this problem. This technology fuses the advantages of a liquid culture made through cellular dissociation, and the use of solid medium for somatic embryogenesis expression of the species. The technology was evaluated by means of two experiments in order to know the influence of gelling agent phytagel ®, and of sucrose concentrations through interaction with three cellular suspension densities. It was clear that concentrations of phytagel at 6, 8, 10 or 12 g l −1 are not significant for embryoid expression of A. tequilana. On the other hand, sucrose at 30 and 60 g l −1 have statistically superior values than concentration of 120 g l −1. A larger cellular density (161 × 10 3 cells ml −1) gave a statistical difference in number of embryoids. The advantages of thin cell suspension layer were remarkable: it encouraged complete expression of embryoids without transfer to extra media cultures, and a higher number of generated embryoid was obtained. Absence of hyperhydricity was observed in all regenerants.

Dynamic optical breast imaging: A novel technique to detect and characterize tumor vessels

Purpose To prospectively determine the diagnostic accuracy of optical absorption imaging in patients with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3–5 breast lesions. Materials and methods Forty-six patients with BI-RADS classification 3 (11%), 4 (44%) or 5 (44%) lesions, underwent a novel optical imaging examination using red light to illuminate the breast. Pressure was applied on the breast, and time-dependent curves of light absorption were recorded. Curves that consistently increased or decreased over time were classified as suspicious for malignancy. All patients underwent a core or surgical biopsy. Results Optical mammography showed a statistical difference in numbers of suspect pixels between benign ( N = 12) and malignant ( N = 35) lesions (respectively 1325 vs. 3170, P = 0.002). In this population, optical imaging had a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 92%, and diagnostic accuracy of 79%. The optical signal did not vary according to any other parameter including breast size or density, age, hormonal status or histological type of lesions. Conclusion Optical imaging is a low-cost, non-invasive technique, yielding physiological information dependent on breast blood volume and oxygenation. It appears to have a good potential for discriminating benign from malignant lesions. Further studies are warranted to define its potential role in breast cancer imaging.

No More Postural Restrictions in Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

To establish if postural restrictions are useful after repositioning maneuvers in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Prospective double-blind consecutive case study. This study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. Three hundred ninety-one consecutive patients diagnosed of posterior canal BPPV with a positive Dix-Hallpike test. Two hundred seven patients diagnosed during the first year of our study were instructed to follow postural restrictions after repositioning maneuvers, and 184 patients who were diagnosed in the second year of our study did not receive any postural restriction after treatment. All of them were reevaluated 10 days later, and they were followed up until their symptoms resolved. We compared the success rates of each treatment analyzing the number of maneuvers needed until symptoms resolved, recurrence rate, and subjective recovery at the end of treatment between both groups. There were no statistical differences in number of maneuvers needed to resolve symptoms between patients who restricted their movements (80.2% of success with 1 maneuver) and those who did not (72.3%). Recurrence rate was not statistically different among groups (2.3 and 3.1%), and almost all patients declared to feel better after treatment in both groups (97.1 and 98.9%). Efficacy of Epley maneuver is not improved by postural restrictions. Therefore, we do not recommend any postural restrictions to patients with posterior canal BPPV.

The role of gluten in a pound cake system: A model approach based on gluten–starch blends

In order to evaluate the role of gluten in cake-making, gluten–starch (GS) blends with different ratios of gluten to starch were tested in a research pound cake formula. The viscosities of batters made from commercial GS blends in the otherwise standardised formula increased with their gluten content. High viscosities during heating provide the batters with the capacity to retain expanding air nuclei, and thereby led to desired product volumes. In line with the above, increasing gluten levels in the cake recipes led to a more extended oven spring period. Cakes with a starch content exceeding 92.5% in the GS blend suffered from substantial collapse during cooling. They had a coarse crumb with a solid gummy layer at the bottom. Image analysis showed statistical differences in numbers of cells per cm2, cell to total area ratio and mean cell area (p<0.05). Both density and mean cell area were related to gluten level. Moreover, mean cell area and cell to total area ratio were the highest for cakes with the lowest density and highest gluten levels. Relative sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 2.0%) buffer (pH 6.8) extractabilities of protein from cakes baked with the different GS blends decreased with gluten content and were strongly correlated with the intensity of collapse. Taken together, the results teach that protein gives the cakes resistance to collapse, resulting in desirable volumes and an optimal grain structure with uniform cell distribution.

ARE INJURIES THAT OCCUR ON HOME PLAYROUNDS MORE SERIOUS THAN THOSE THAT OCCUR ON PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS?

Purpose Greater than 200,000 children per year are evaluated in US emergency departments because of playground injuries. A minority of these visits (23%) occur on home playgrounds, whereas 70% of playground deaths occur at home. Few data exist to further describe injuries occurring on home and public playgrounds that are not life-threatening. In this study, we sought to determine if more serious injuries occur on home playgrounds compared with public playgrounds. Methods An injury surveillance form was developed in our emergency department 2 years ago to identify several major types of injuries and to describe the circumstances leading to injury occurrence. These forms are included with every chart for children presenting to the emergency department with complaints of any type of injury. An assistant separated these forms by method of injury: sports, falls, bicycle, vehicle, playground, or burn. Epidemiologic data were extracted from each playground injury form and was then entered into Epistat® and a z-test of proportions was used for statistical analysis. Results Between March and August 2006, 106 children were identified as having playground injuries. Of these, 56% were male and ages ranged from 2 to 15 years old, with a median age of 6. Most injuries occurred on public playgrounds (70%). The types of injuries sustained include fractures (48%), lacerations (19%), and closed head traumas (18%). The remaining 15% of injuries were relatively minor: sprains, strains, abrasions, and isolated pain. Admission was necessary for 9% of our population. When comparing injuries that occurred at home versus those that occurred at a public playground, there was no statistical difference in rate of admission (z = −0.23, p = .82 [−0.13, 0.11]). Between these two groups, we also found no statistical difference in numbers of fractures (z = 1.11, p = 0.27 [−0.35, 0.07]), in numbers of closed head traumas (z = 0.77, p = .44 [−0.08, 0.25]), or in numbers of lacerations (z = −0.16, p = .87 [−0.16, 0.17]). Conclusion This information shows that in our population, the types of injuries that occur on home playgrounds are not more serious than those that occur on public playgrounds. Significant injuries do occur on both home and public playgrounds; 85% of the injuries children sustained in this study were fractures, closed head traumas, and lacerations. Increased effort should be applied to making playgrounds safer for children in both types of environments.

Follicle stimulating hormone as a predictor of ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF

Objective: To evaluate the effect of basal follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) level on ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization. Methods: A descriptive and analytic study of 212 cycles of IVF chosen from about 2200 files of women treated at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran, from 1991 to 1999. Treatment was started with intranasal or subcutaneous buserlin (0.5 cm 3), on day 21 (long protocol). On day 2 of the next cycle, stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) was initiated. When the number and size of follicles were suitable, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was given intramuscularly for ovulation induction, followed by oocyte retrieval 36 to 40 h later. Embryos were transferred about 48 to 72 h after oocyte retrieval. The women were assigned to 2 groups on the basis of day 3 serum FSH levels (≥ 15 IU/mL, group 1 and < 15 IU/mL, group 2). Results: There were statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in number of follicles, number of oocytes retrieved and embryos transferred (lower in group 1), and level of serum luteinizing hormone and number of canceled cycles (higher in group 1). There were no statistical differences in number of ampoules of hMG used or age of patients. Conclusion: Day-3 serum FSH level was a predictor of ovarian response and IVF outcome in this study.