Sample Size Of Study Research Articles

Perceived Social Support as an Antecedent of Academic Achievement among form two Students in Gaborone City, Botswana

Academic achievement which is reflected in knowledge mastery, and Skill development has been a major concern for academicians and policy makers. Further, there have been scanty studies on this area in Gaborone City, Botswana linking psychological variables to poor academic achievement. It is against this that the current study investigated the relative predictive weight of perceived social support and student academic engagement on academic achievement. This study was founded on Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. A correlational research design was employed. The target population of the study was 3713 form two students spread across the 8 secondary schools in the Gaborone City Botswana. Purposive sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study sample size of 397 respondents. The study used an adapted Multidimensional scale for perceived social support, an adapted cognitive engagement inventory and end-of-term-two examination results as tools for data collection. Prior to data collection, pilot testing was among 50 randomly selected students and involved both reliability and validity testing. The analysis was conducted using the SPSS software Version 26 where descriptive statistics, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, multiple regression were used. The prediction model of academic achievement from social support and academic engagement was statistically significant, F (2,381) = 11.17, p < .001, with the two variables accounting for 11% of the change in academic achievement. Of the two, perceived social support (β = 0.24, p < 001) was a better predictor of academic achievement as compared to academic engagement (β = 0.15, p < .05). The findings of this study may have significance for learners, parents and teachers in addressing poor academic achievement. Keywords: Perceived Social Support, Academic Engagement, Academic Achievement, Form Two Students, Gaborone City, Botswana

Delirium care burden of intensive care nurses caring for patients undergoing open-heart surgery: A mixed-method research.

Delirium is an acute confusional state characterized by inattention, cognitive dysfunction and an altered level of consciousness. Delirium causes negative outcomes in patients, and patients with delirium increase the workload of nurses. Therefore, it is important to recognize the challenges and burdens experienced by nurses caring for patients with delirium. To determine the subjective burden experienced by intensive care nurses caring for patients who have undergone open-heart surgery. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used for the quantitative stage. Using OpenEpi, we employed the method of sample calculation with an unknown universe. The sample size of the quantitive study comprised 130 nurses. Quantitative data were collected with Google survey. For gathering qualitative data, online video interviews were conducted with 10 nurses, an interpretive phenomenological approach was used and content analysis was performed. In the quantitative phase, we found that the subjective burden was high. In the qualitative phase, five main themes emerged: difficulty in recognizing delirium, physical burden, emotional burden, burden in care management of patients with delirium and the effect of patients with delirium on other patients. The nurses experienced physical and emotional burden in delirium management and felt lonely while caring for patients with delirium. Because nurses play a key role in the care of patients with delirium, reducing the burden nurses experience when caring for patients with delirium should be considered important in ensuring that this patient population receives adequate care. Delirium patients create a care burden for intensive care nurses. To reduce this burden of care, in-service training in patient management and bedside teaching support should be provided to nurses. Furthermore, the use of a valid scale to diagnose delirium should be integrated into health policies. Nurses should not be left alone in the management of delirium. Managing delirium patients with a team including physicians, nurses and professionals from other health disciplines will ensure that patients receive high-quality care, thereby reducing the care burden of nurses.

Components of Total Energy Expenditure in Healthy and Critically Ill Children: A Comprehensive Review.

Total energy expenditure (TEE) is the total energy expended by an individual to sustain life, activities, and growth. TEE is formed by four components: resting energy expenditure (REE), activity energy expenditure (AEE), growth-related energy expenditure (GEE), and the thermic effect of feeding (TEF). Some energy expenditure (EE) components may change throughout childhood and cannot be reliably estimated using prediction formulae. To summarize measured TEE components as reported in the literature in healthy and critically ill children. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for studies published between 1946 and 7 September 2023. The primary outcome was energy expenditure. Included studies were published in English and measured one or more of TEE, AEE, GEE, and TEF with Indirect Calorimetry or Doubly Labeled Water in participants between 1 month and 18 years of age. We excluded studies reporting only REE or using predictive equations. Following abstraction, reported values were converted into kcal/kg/day or kcal/day as possible. Weighted mean values were calculated using median or means of EE measurements. We found 138 studies, 8163 patients, and 16,636 eligible measurements. The median (IQR) study sample size was 20 (12, 35) patients. TEE was the most evaluated component. The median (IQR) TEE in infants was 73.1 (67.0, 76.5), in children 78.0 (66.0, 81.3), and in adolescents was 44.2 (41.8, 51.9) kcal/kg/day. Very few studies reported on GEE and TEF. This is one of the first studies that summarizes components of total energy expenditure in different pediatric age groups in healthy and critically ill children. Growth- and feeding-associated energy expenditure are poorly reported in healthy children, while all components of TEE (except REE) are poorly reported in critically ill children.

Comprehensive assessment of lumpy skin disease prevalence across Asia and African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) stands out as one of the economically significant ailments affecting both small-scale farmers and the broader livestock industry. To gauge its prevalence across Asia and Africa, this study employs a rigorous methodology combining systematic review, and meta-analysis, accounting for heterogeneity. Adhering to the guidelines set forth by the cochrane collaboration’s preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, present initial search sifted through approximately 6,000 articles spanning from 1990 to 2022, using carefully crafted combinations of keywords; Boolean operators, asterisks, and quotation marks. After meticulous assessment for quality bias, employing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 publications were included in present study for analysis. The methodology involved in current study utilizing scientometric tools to determine LSD prevalence, with a median sample size of 293 across various studies, predominantly focusing on cattle and buffaloes. Meta-analysis outcomes were dissected based on parameters such as study period, sample size, tests employed, continents, and species, with samples stratified into two to three categories based on medians for heterogeneity assessment. Meta-analysis unveiled a pooled prevalence rate of 14% in Asia and Africa. The subgroup analysis found an 11% prevalence in Asia and Africa constituted 21%. Clinical observation showed a 19% prevalence followed by other tests and PCR with 12 and 13%, respectively. The results underscore the necessity for effective strategies to control and prevent LSD spread, mitigating its economic impact on the livestock industry. This collaborative and comprehensive assessment is crucial in combating the widespread dissemination of LSD and offers valuable insights for policymakers, veterinarians, and stakeholders in the livestock sector.

Essential competencies of nurses for climate change response in Saudi Arabia: A rapid literature review.

Amidst the mounting challenges posed by climate change, the healthcare sector emerges as a vital frontliner, with nurses standing as its linchpins. This review delves into the pivotal role of nurses in combatting the health consequences of climatic alterations, particularly within the nuanced environment of Saudi Arabia. A rapid literature review. Drawing from a rigorous analysis of 53 studies, our exploration revolves around the preparedness strategies formulated in response to Saudi Arabia's changing climate. The variables analysed included study design, sample size, focus area, geographical coverage and key findings related to nurse competencies. Data were collected using a structured data extraction form and analysed using thematic content analysis. Employing content analysis, we discerned essential domains: from grasping the health impacts of climate change to customizing care for the most susceptible populations and championing advocacy initiatives. Salient findings highlight nurses' profound understanding of both direct and secondary health implications of climate shifts. Additionally, the results emphasize the tailored interventions needed for vulnerable groups, capacity building and disaster readiness. Crucially, our findings spotlight the significance of weaving cultural, ethical and regional threads into nursing strategies. By painting a comprehensive picture, we showcase the delicate balance of environmental evolution, healthcare dynamics and the unique socio-cultural tapestry of Saudi Arabia. The results of our analysis revealed key competencies required for nurses, including the ability to address immediate health impacts, provide tailored care for vulnerable populations and engage in advocacy and policy formulation. In summation, nurses' multifaceted roles-from immediate medical care to research, advocacy and strategizing-underscore their invaluable contribution to confronting the health adversities sparked by climate change. Our review accentuates the essential contributions of nurses in tackling climate-related health hurdles and calls for more nuanced research, policy adjustments and proactive measures attuned to Saudi Arabia's distinct backdrop.

Assessment of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and SMEs’ Growth in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State

SMEs often face resource constraints, ranging from financial capital to human resources and market access. Understanding how entrepreneurial ecosystems facilitate resource allocation and address these constraints is crucial for enabling sustainable growth. This study therefore investigated the impact of entrepreneurial ecosystems on firms’ growth, with a focus on SMEs operating in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State. A cross-sectional survey research design and a quantitative data gathering method were used in this study. Three hundred and forty-three (343) SMEs make up the study's sample size, which was chosen to represent the 3124 SMEs that are registered with the Kwara State Board of Internal Revenue and pay taxes totaling one hundred thousand naira or more. Standard multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the data obtained from the administration of a structured survey questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed that entrepreneurial ecosystems through access to capital, entrepreneurial support infrastructure and talent and knowledge exchange have significant impact on SMEs growth. The study concluded that entrepreneurial ecosystems constitute the bedrock upon which SMEs thrive and catalyze economic growth. By providing startups with the necessary resources to invest, innovate, and expand, access to finance plays a pivotal role in fueling entrepreneurial activity, job creation, and economic growth. The study recommended among others that, programs and initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy among entrepreneurs, empowering them to make informed decisions about financing options and investment opportunities should be invested on and implement policies and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the financial ecosystem, ensuring equitable access to finance for women, minority entrepreneurs, and underserved communities.

A Review on Osteopathic Manipulation in Patients With Headache.

Headaches are a common neurological disorder, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Traditional treatments include pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a holistic, hands-on technique used by osteopathic physicians to alleviate pain and improve function by addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulation in managing headaches, focusing on the different types of headaches, the specific techniques used, and the overall outcomes reported in clinical studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE, to identify relevant studies published in the past two decades. Inclusion criteria were studies involving adult patients diagnosed with headaches and treated with OMT. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included. The review identified 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that OMT can be beneficial in reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, particularly tension-type headaches (TTHs) and migraines. Techniques such as myofascial release, cranial osteopathy, and muscle energy techniques were commonly employed. Many studies reported significant improvements in patients' quality of life and functional status post-treatment. However, the heterogeneity in study designs, sample sizes, and outcome measures warrants cautious interpretation of the results. Osteopathic manipulation shows promise as a complementary approach for managing headaches, with positive effects on pain relief and functional improvement. Further large-scale, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and to establish standardized treatment protocols. Integrating OMT into multidisciplinary headache management strategies could potentially enhance patient outcomes and reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions.

Sample size considerations for single-arm clinical trials with time-to-event endpoint using the gamma distribution

BackgroundTime-to-event (TTE) endpoints are evaluated as the primary endpoint in single-arm clinical trials; however, limited options are available in statistical software for sample size calculation. In single-arm trials with TTE endpoints, the non-parametric log-rank test is commonly used. Parametric options for single-arm design assume survival times follow exponential distribution or Weibull distribution. MethodsThe exponential- or Weibull-distributed survival time assumption does not always reflect hazard pattern of real-life diseases. We therefore propose gamma distribution as an alternative parametric option for designing single-arm studies with TTE endpoints. We outline a sample size calculation approach using gamma distribution with a known shape parameter and explain how to extract the gamma shape estimate from previously published resources. In addition, we conduct simulations to assess the accuracy of the extracted gamma shape parameter and to explore the impact on sample size calculation when survival time distribution is misspecified. ResultsOur simulations show that if a previously published study (sample sizes ≥ 60 and censoring proportions ≤ 20 %) reported median and inter-quartile range of survival time, we can obtain a reasonably accurate gamma shape estimate, and use it to design new studies. When true survival time is Weibull-distributed, sample size calculation could be underestimated or overestimated depending on the hazard shape. ConclusionsWe show how to use gamma distribution in designing a single-arm trial, thereby offering more options beyond the exponential and Weibull. We provide a simulation-based assessment to ensure an accurate estimation of the gamma shape and recommend caution to avoid misspecification of the underlying distribution.

When UK academics decide to disclose mental distress to employers in the HEI workplace: identity conflict, organisational context and the need for systemic change

ABSTRACT UK academics currently report increased workplace stress and workload, with decreased work-life balance, but often feel reluctant to disclose mental distress. We distributed an anonymous online qualitative survey to explore factors which lead academics to decide whether to disclose mental distress in the workplace. Thirty-one participants responded, providing qualitative data about institutional and psychosocial factors that informed academics’ decision to disclose, supplemented by information on role position. Data was analysed thematically. Our study reports the individual struggles of academics as they manage their professional identity alongside the demands of the HEI workplace and explores the individual processes of identity conflict that leads to a re-construction of the professional identity after disclosing mental distress. Our findings reinforce the evidence that this decision occurs within the context of an increasingly business-focussed work culture of over-commitment and strain in this sector in which academics are made responsible for their own wellbeing. These findings lead us to recommend further research into disclosure using the lens of identity integration. We endorse important systemic changes by suggesting that universities need to consider factors contributing to poor mental wellbeing as structural issues, which require institutional action. Furthermore, we highlight the need for HEIs to value the hybrid identity of those who are both academics and experts-by-experience. Finally, we advocate for universities to adopt the social model of disability, which promotes inclusion and equality of opportunity for people who experience mental distress. The small study sample size makes the findings tentative, but they are nevertheless significant and intriguing.

Factors Influencing Production of ILVs by Smallholder Farmers in Kisii County, Kenya

Indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) are gaining popularity as a staple indigenous diet in Kenya. Most prominent farmers, however, are underestimate these vegetables despite a steadily expanding demand, as seen by a significant supply gap. ILVs costs increase faster than their exotic counterparts as demand outpaces supply, making them unaffordable for the bulk of eager consumers. The study location was Kisii County. The study is critical because it aims to gather, examine, and disseminate vital data required to achieve the Big Four agenda approved by the Kenyan Government for realizing Kenya Vision 2030. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing the production of ILVs by smallholder farmers, in Kisii County, Kenya. The target population was smallholder farmers, traders, and consumers of the ILVs. These smallholder farmers, traders, and consumers of ILVs who live near 11 market centres of Kisii County made up the sampling group. Using Cochran's sample size calculation procedure for an unknown population, 349 responses comprised the study's sample size. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage were employed to describe the population's demographic and socioeconomic features. Inferential statistics was performed using the mean and standard deviation to examine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Data analysis involved several steps, beginning with data collection and ending with a complete presentation of the study findings. Related information was compiled during the procedure after the analysis of the data. The results indicated that ILVs benefitted smallholder farmers, traders and consumers in terms of finances and nutrition.

Sample size calculation for the sequential parallel comparison design with binary endpoint using exact methods

High placebo responses in clinical trial could reduce the treatment effect leading to the failure of a promising drug. Several strategies have been developed to minimize high placebo responses, including the sequential parallel comparison design (SPCD). For a study with binary outcome, the existing statistical methods to test the drug effectiveness always rely on the asymptotic limiting distribution. When a study's sample size is small to medium, the asymptotic approaches do not have satisfactory performance with regard to type I error rate and statistical power. For that reason, we propose utilizing exact conditional approach to calculate sample size based on the existing test statistics to order the sample space. The proposed method controls the type I error rate under the unconditional framework. We compare the proposed exact sample sizes using different test statistics and the sample size for a randomized parallel study. We would recommend using exact sample sizes for the SPCD with small- to medium sample sizes and the SPCD with extreme response rates.

Cortico-striatal white-matter connectivity underlies the ability to exert goal-directed control.

The balance between goal-directed and habitual control has been proposed to determine the flexibility of instrumental behaviour, in both humans and animals. This view is supported by neuroscientific studies that have implicated dissociable neural pathways in the ability to flexibly adjust behaviour when outcome values change. A previous Diffusion Tensor Imaging study provided preliminary evidence that flexible instrumental performance depends on the strength of parallel cortico-striatal white-matter pathways previously implicated in goal-directed and habitual control. Specifically, estimated white-matter strength between caudate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex correlated positively with behavioural flexibility, and posterior putamen-premotor cortex connectivity correlated negatively, in line with the notion that these pathways compete for control. However, the sample size of the original study was limited, and so far, there have been no attempts to replicate these findings. In the present study, we aimed to conceptually replicate these findings by testing a large sample of 205 young adults to relate cortico-striatal connectivity to performance on the slips-of-action task. In short, we found only positive neural correlates of goal-directed performance, including striatal connectivity (caudate and anterior putamen) with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. However, we failed to provide converging evidence for the existence of a neural habit system that puts limits on the capacity for flexible, goal-directed action. We discuss the implications of our findings for dual-process theories of instrumental action.

Risk Stratification in Cardiac Sarcoidosis With Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundAlthough positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is well established for its diagnostic role in cardiac sarcoidosis, less is known about the prognostic value of PET and its use in risk stratification for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at the prognostic value of PET imaging in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. MethodsStudy investigators systematically searched EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the European Union Clinical Trial Registry for cardiac sarcoidosis and PET imaging. The primary outcome of interest was MACE. ResultsThe search revealed 3,010 records, of which 55 studies were included. This represented 5,250 patients. Factors associated with MACE included the following: the combination of abnormal fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and perfusion defect, which had an OR of 2.86 (95% CI: 1.74-4.71; P < 0.0001); abnormal perfusion or FDG uptake, which had an OR of 2.69 (95% CI: 1.67-4.33); abnormal FDG uptake, which had an OR of 2.61 (95% CI: 1.51-4.50); focal abnormal right ventricular uptake, which had an OR of 6.27 (95% CI: 3.19-12.32; P < 0.00001); and a lack of response to immunosuppression on serial PET, which had an OR of 8.43 (95% CI: 3.25-21.85; P < 0.0001). A QUIPS (Quality in Prognostic Studies) tool analysis found a low to moderate risk of bias, particularly given the small sample sizes in the individual studies. ConclusionsMultiple cardiac PET parameters provide risk stratification value in cardiac sarcoidosis. Focal right ventricular uptake and a lack of response to immunosuppressive therapy on serial PET imaging were particularly predictive of MACE.

The Test-Retest Reliability of Pain Outcome Measures in People With Phantom Limb Pain.

To quantify the test-retest reliability of 3 patient-reported outcome measures of pain for people living with phantom limb pain (PLP) and assess the impact of test-retest errors on future research and clinical decisions. Thirty-nine participants (30 males), mean (SD) age: 55 (16), mean (SD) years postamputation: 6.8 (8.3), reported their PLP levels on a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the revised short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2), and a pain diary, on 2 occasions 7 to 14 days apart. Mean systematic change, within-subjects SD, limits of agreement (LOA), coefficient of variation, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were quantified alongside their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Systematic learning effects (mean changes) were not clinically relevant across the VAS, SF-MPQ-2, and pain diary. Within-subject SDs (95% CI) were 11.8 (9.6-15.3), 0.9 (0.7-1.2), and 8.6 (6.9-11.5), respectively. LOA (95% CI) were 32.6 (26.5-42.4), 2.5 (2-3.3), and 23.9 (19.2-31.8), respectively. ICCs (95% CI) were 0.8 (0.6-0.9), 0.8 (0.7-0.9), and 0.9 (0.8-0.9), respectively, but may have been inflated by sample heterogeneity. The test-retest errors allowed detection of clinically relevant effect sizes with feasible sample sizes in future studies, but individual errors were large. For people with PLP, a pain intensity VAS, the SF-MPQ-2, and a pain diary show an acceptable level of intersession reliability for use in future clinical trials with feasible sample sizes. Nevertheless, the random error observed for all 3 of the pain outcome measures suggests they should be interpreted with caution in case studies and when monitoring individuals' clinical status and progress.

Yoga as a complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a case-based review.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents patients with chronic pain and functional limitations due to its autoimmune nature. Despite symptomatic and pharmaceutical interventions, many patients experience inadequate relief, prompting exploration into non-pharmacological approaches such as yoga. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga as an adjunctive therapy for RA by examining clinical data from patients experiencing chronic pain and limitations. This study analyzed several clinical cases at the Shymkent City Regional Clinical Hospital. Ten RA patients, irrespective of various demographic factors, were enrolled. Parameters including pain intensity, inflammation activity, systolic blood pressure, joint function, and morning stiffness were assessed to gauge the impact of yoga. The findings demonstrated notable positive changes following a three-month yoga program. These changes encompassed enhanced joint health, reduced pain severity, and decreased disease activity. Particularly noteworthy was the reduction in morning stiffness by an average of 31min, alongside a decrease in the average pain index from 80mm to 41.5mm. The mean RA activity level decreased from 5.8 to 4.7. Furthermore, mean systolic blood pressure decreased by 15.5 mmHg, and mean cholesterol levels decreased from 5.3 mmol/L to 4.8 mmol/L. These results underscore the potential significance of yoga as a supplementary intervention for RA. Yoga practice may enhance patients' quality of life and alleviate disease symptoms. Nevertheless, the study's limited sample size necessitates caution, and further research is warranted to validate these findings.

The Role of Educational Games in Developing the Social and Emotional Skills Among Primary School Students from the Teachers’ Perspective

The objective of this research is to elucidate the role of educational games in the development of social and emotional skills among students in the lower basic stage. The study employs a descriptive, relational approach. The research population comprises 4,303 male and female teachers in the basic stage, with a study sample size of 242 teachers. The sample is selected using a random sampling method, and data was collected through a questionnaire. The findings reveales that the utilization of educational games by teachers in the basic stage is at a medium level, additionally, the development of social and emotional skills is also at a medium level. Furthermore, a positive correlation is observed between educational games and the development of social and emotional skills. Additionally, no statistically significant differences are found in the responses of the study's participants based on gender.

Sample Size for Agreement Studies on Quantitative Variables

We reviewed the statistical assessments of the agreement between two measurement methods of continuous variables together with their recent contributions about the sample size calculation based on the “two one side t-tests (TOST) extensions to the individual equivalence. We generalized a restricted null hypothesis that constitutes a particular case in finding the supremum of the probability of rejecting the equivalence under the null hypothesis (H0) and which, obviously, limits its applicability.Particularly, we devise and propose an exact procedure for calculating the sample sizes for individual equivalence, as an expression of the agreement between two measurement methods, by using a size a test (that is, with adequate control of Type I error), based on the non-central bivariate t distribution with correlation equal to 1 and to the related functions for calculating a and 1-b probabilities.Furthermore, our devised procedure allows to calculate the sample sizes by choosing between two most suitable formulations of the global parameters space of the null and alternative hypotheses; indeed, they are based on the portion of the distribution of the differences between the two measurement methods or on appropriately chosen agreement thresholds.Thereafter, we compared our theoretical results with the recently published proposals of the sample size calculation for the Bland and Altman agreement analysis by means also of simulation studies.Finally, a program written in the open-source R language to perform sample size calculations according to our procedure is available upon request.

A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis of Cognitive Training in the Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder.

Introduction: The one unifying and distinguishing feature of all neuropsychiatric illnesses is the co-occurrence of cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive training (CT) was developed to enhance neural connectivity and cognition and improve day-to-day functioning. However, the benefits of CT are still debated. This current systematic review aimed to examine the efficacy of CT and to identify diagnostic and CT characteristics associated with superior outcomes across a range of psychiatric disorders. Method: Studies investigating CT in psychiatric illnesses were extracted from Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES up to 17 August 2023. Inclusion criteria were randomised control trials (RCT) and English language. The primary search strategy included terms relating to cognitive training, cognitive remediation, cognitive enhancement, or cognitive rehabilitation and randomised control trials, clinical trials, or experiments. Risk of bias was assessed using RevMan Web version 8.1.1. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse findings. Due to the heterogeneity of participant demographics, diagnoses, and interventions, meta-analyses were considered inappropriate. Results: Fifteen studies, including a total of 1075 participants, were identified. Approximately 67% of studies reported significant improvements in at least one trained domain of cognitive function after CT, and 47% observed improvements in psychiatric symptoms or function. Cognitive transfer effects were not observed. Sample sizes for studies were generally small, and most CT durations were 6 weeks or less. Conclusions: Findings suggest that CT can improve cognitive function in trained domains, though little evidence of cognitive transfer effects was observed. Due to the lack of standardisation in CT format and delivery, and inadequate measures of psychiatric symptoms or daily function, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether or not this technique may benefit cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders, or lead to subsequent improvement in disease symptomatology. Further studies of longer duration and using consistent methodologies must be conducted to identify the benefits of CT in psychiatric disorders.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Meconium Stained Liquor Babies in Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit

Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine the variables affecting the mother and the baby when amniotic fluid is tainted with meconium during pregnancy. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from July 15th, 2023, to December 30th, 2023. It involved non-probability consecutive sampling of patients with a gestational age over 37 weeks who presented with meconium-stained liquor during labor. Newborns with congenital defects were excluded, resulting in a study sample size where basic demographic and clinical data were collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, with continuous variables expressed as mean ± SD and categorical variables in frequency and percentages. Results: Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MASF) was seen in 60 (4.8%) of the 1232 births that occurred during the research period. Meconium aspiration syndrome affected 22 of 60 (36 %) newborns with MSAF. There was a substantial correlation between thick meconium stained liquor and a low Apgar score, an unsettling CTG, MAS, or the need for an emergency C-section. A total of 41 newborns (68% of the total) were diagnosed with thin meconium, although only 85% of those infants showed no symptoms. Important risk variables for MAS were PIH, anemia and GDM (P 0.002, 0.002, &lt;0.0001 respectively), and parity was related in a significant manner Conclusion: Low Apgar scores, higher rates of emergency caesarean sections, and meconium aspiration syndrome were all linked to meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Risk factors for MAS included maternal anemia, hypertension, and gestational diabetes.

Improving the Impact of BODY-Q Scores Through Minimal Important Differences in Body Contouring Surgery: An International Prospective Cohort Study.

The BODY-Q is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure for comprehensive assessment of treatment outcomes specific to patients undergoing body contouring surgery (BCS). However, for BODY-Q to be meaningfully interpreted and used in clinical practice, minimal important difference (MID) scores are needed. A MID is defined as the smallest change in outcome measure score that patients perceive important. The aim of this study was to determine BODY-Q MID estimates for patients undergoing BCS to enhance the interpretability of the BODY-Q. Data from an international, prospective cohort from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland were included. Two distribution-based methods were used to estimate MID: 0.2 standard deviations of mean baseline scores and the mean standardized response change of BODY-Q scores from baseline to 3 years postoperatively. A total of 12,554 assessments from 3,237 participants (mean age; 42.5±9.3 years; body mass index; 28.9±4.9 kg/m2) were included. Baseline MID scores ranged from 1 to 5 in the health-related quality of life (HRQL) scales and 3 to 6 in the appearance scales. The estimated MID scores from baseline to 3 years follow-up ranged from 4 to 5 in HRQL and from 4 to 8 in the appearance scales. The BODY-Q MID estimates from before BCS to 3 years postoperatively ranged from 4 to 8 and are recommended for use to interpret patients' BODY-Q scores, evaluate treatment effects of different BCS procedures, and for calculating sample size for future studies.