Subjective Assessment Questionnaire Research Articles

Behavior and comfort during floor usage in gathering activities on Indonesia apartments

In response to the development in housing needs, human habits and behavior inside the house have a decisive role, and changes in preference from landed houses to vertical houses should be considered. In correlation with body contact, every activity will involve attachment to a horizontal surface (floor surface), and the vertical surface will impact the surrounding area of human thermal comfort. In a tropical climate like Indonesia, climate, internal space, and the human body are essential interrelated things. Associated with the thermal comfort needs of the human body, direct transfer of thermal conditions and direct contact with the surface will also affect the comfort of living every day in the residential area, represented by the behavior of Indonesians in floor usage for daily activities. This part of the research will focus on describing the behavior in horizontal surface usage and comfort, for which data is collected by using multiple types of questions, such as subjective assessment questionnaires and followed by cluster analysis, to comprehend the result.

Разработка и апробация методики субъективной оценки уровня регламентации трудовых задач

Background. In the modern world, there are organizations in which a high level of task regulation is associated with the cost of erroneous actions and safety requirements. If the perceptions of work regulation, formed in a professional, do not coincide with the real requirements of the activity, it can lead to a decrease in the quality of work, as well as to the development of negative states. This necessitates the creation of a psychodiagnostic methodology to assess the subjective perception of the level of regulation in their professional activities by professionals. Objectives. The focus is on the development and approbation of the method for subjective assessment of the level of work tasks regulation. Study Participants. To reach the goal of the study, the sample included representatives of professions with different levels of work tasks regulation: military personnel serving under contract (n = 96), medical staff (n = 57), artists and musicians (n = 67). In total 220 people participated in the study. Methods. Based on the results of the analysis of existing studies in the field of regulation of professional activity, a technique for subjective assessment of the level of work tasks regulation was developed. The questionnaire included 18 items assessing the following scales: “Regulation” (9 items) and “Creativity” (9 items). Questionnaires with scales evaluating individual parameters of professional activity related to its regulation (the 16-scale semantic differential “My job” and the questionnaire for assessing subjectively important characteristics of the “Job Diagnostic Survey” activity) were selected as an external criterion for assessing the validity of the technique. The approbation allowed us to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the developed questionnaire. Results. The developed questionnaire for subjective assessment of the level of work tasks regulation is characterized by acceptable construct validity but insufficient reliability and consistency. Conclusions. The developed version of the questionnaire needs further improvement. However, it can already be considered as a situational questionnaire, the use of which is acceptable in combination with other methods.

Exploring clinical effects and usage patterns of a daily face cleanser enriched with glycolic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin-E for acne management: a post-hoc analysis

Background: Face cleansers are recommended as adjuncts to acne therapy to counteract the acne related manifestation like acne spots and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This complementary study was designed to assess the clinical impact and tolerability of glycolic acid, aloe vera and vitamin-E based face cleanser for daily use in acne patients prescribed with clindamycin, tretinoin, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide for management of acne in real-world scenario. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review at 193 centres, focusing on individuals having acne with oily and mix skin types who used face cleanser twice a day. Total 619 cases (D age: 28.94±7.92 years) of acne were further analysed over a 4-week study period to study improvement in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne spot reduction and enhance skin radiance and glow using subjective assessment questionnaires. Results: The face cleanser, when used regularly with standard of care, significantly reduced acne (43.58%), acne spots (44.85%), and PIH (46.06%) with statistical significance (p<0.01). Patients with oily and mix skin type, 337 (54.44%) and 264 (42.65%) rated improvement on acne spots, PIH, radiance, and glow to be good to excellent, respectively. No patients experienced serious adverse events (AEs) or cleanser-related adverse event. Conclusions: The facial cleanser demonstrated effectiveness and tolerance in treating acne patients who were prescribed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. In 4-week long treatment period, the facial cleanser enhanced skin radiance and also demonstrated its worth as a beneficial inclusion in everyday skincare regimens.

Application of a highly simulated and adaptable training system in the laparoscopic training course for surgical residents: Experience from a high-volume teaching hospital in China

ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness, feasibility, and training effect of a highly simulated and adaptable laparoscopic training system in the advanced integrated two-stage laparoscopic simulation training course for surgical residents. MethodsThis study prospectively took the surgical residents who received the advanced integrated two-stage laparoscopic simulation training course in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2021 as the research objects. In the stage one course, the trainees are randomly distributed into the dry simulation system group and Darwin laparoscopic training system group. The subjective assessment results of the trainees from the two groups are collected by questionnaires, and the simulation assessment results of the two groups are evaluated in a unified, objective, and standardized assessment form. The pre-course and post-course questionnaires were used to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Darwin system in the stage two course. ResultsA total of 62 trainees completed the stage one and stage two courses. In the stage one course, the trainees were randomly distributed into the dry simulation trainer group (N = 19) and the Darwin group (N = 43). The results of the subjective assessment questionnaire showed that compared with the dry simulator group, the students in the Darwin group had higher subjective scores (P < 0.05). The objective assessment results for the 3 modules of "One Track Transfer", "One Tunnel Pass" and "High and Low Pillars" in the Darwin group were significantly better than those in the dry simulator group (P < 0.05). The trainees who received the stage two course completed the questionnaires before and after the course. The results showed that compared with pre-course evaluation, "basic theoretical knowledge of laparoscopy", "basic skills of laparoscopy", "laparoscopic suture technique" and "camera-holding technique" were significantly improved after training (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe highly simulated and adaptable laparoscopic training system is effective and feasible in the advanced integrated two-stage laparoscopic simulation training course for surgical residents.

Оптимальное лечение инфекционного риносинусита как инструмент профилактики обострений ХОБЛ

Background: many studies report on the association between upper and lower respiratory infections. Various theories explain this association. In particular, some evidence demonstrates that nasal symptoms in diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses affect exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, treatment for rhinosinusitis improves the overall health and quality of life of these patients. Aim: to assess the clinical efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a combined antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and vasoconstrictive drug in mild and moderate acute rhinosinusitis and concomitant COPD. Patients and Methods: this study enrolled 50 male and female patients aged 41–65 years. The primary examination included complaints and history taking, examination, instrumental tests for ENT organs, and pulmonary consultation. All patients underwent digital diaphanoscopy during the first visit to rule out acute exudative rhinosinusitis. In addition, all patients filled out a subjective assessment questionnaire. Treatment continued for 10 days with an interim examination on day 5±1 after starting treatment. Study group patients received a combined drug Polydexa with phenylephrine (1 injection into each nostril 4 times daily for 10 days) and irrigation with isotonic saline. The control group patients received 2 doses of mometasone furoate twice daily into each nostril for 10 days and irrigation with isotonic saline. Topical vasoconstrictors were allowed to be used as needed. Results: significant differences in the improvement of inflammatory symptoms between the groups were reported as early as by the second visit. The effect occurred earlier and was more significant at all treatment steps in the study group. A natural association between upper respiratory infection (acute rhinosinusitis), treatment strategy choice, and COPD exacerbation was revealed. Meanwhile, more COPD exacerbations were detected in the control group than in the study group (7 vs. 4). Conclusion: in mild and moderate acute rhinosinusitis and concomitant COPD, the combined drug Polydexa with phenylephrine reduces the rate and severity of COPD exacerbations. KEYWORDS: rhinosinusitis, nasal symptoms, upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation, Haemophilus influenzae, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, phenylephrine, neomycin sulfate, polymixin B. FOR CITATION: Ovchinnikov A.Yu., Miroshnichenko N.A., Nikolaeva Yu.O., Zaitsev A.A. Optimal treatment for infectious rhinosinusitis as a tool to prevent COPD exacerbations. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(8):511–517 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-8-6.

Use of a 3D-printed splint for the treatment of distal radius fractures: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundManagement of distal radius fractures typically includes a period of immobilization with either a cast or a splint. Traditional immobilization methods can have inconveniences such as poor resistance to water and poor ventilation, which can result in skin maceration, skin breakdown, and infection in case of wetting. Hypothesis3D-printed splints could potentially overcome the inconveniences of traditional casts. In this report, we compare a 3D-printed splint (3DPS) with a conventional removable splint (CRS) and a traditional cast in a randomized clinical trial. Patients and methodsThirty-four patients with a recent distal radius fracture were randomized to receive either a 3DPS or a CRS. An additional subset of nine patients benefitted from both splints for a direct comparison. Primary outcomes were measured based on a subjective assessment questionnaire and a clinical outcome. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the subjective assessment between the 3DPS and the CRS groups. Based on the clinical assessment, patients with the 3DPS experienced more pressure-related pain. Among the sub-sample of nine patients that benefited from both splints, eight preferred the CRS and one chose the 3DPS. The 3DPS was judged better for perspiration, coolness, and water resistance. DiscussionThe 3DPS was successful in solving shortcomings of conventional splints and cast (better ventilation, less perspiration, less warmness, more durability and water resistance). However, the rigid structure and sharp edges made it less comfortable, overall favouring the CRS. Level of evidenceII.

Subjective assessment of the effect of septoplasty on respiratory and voice functions

To assess the impact of septoplasty on quality of life by measuring changes in nasal breathing and voice function using subjective assessment questionnaires. The study included 98 patients who underwent septoplasty for the nasal septum deviation. The effect of the operation on nasal breathing was assessed subjectively using the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) questionnaire, and the effect on voice function was assessed using the Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) questionnaire. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative (after 1 and 3 months) NOSE data (in both cases, p<0.001) and and between the indicators 1 and 3 months after surgery (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001 in both cases) between the preoperative VHI-30 and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. There was also a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between 1 and 3 months after surgery for this test. In this study, the effect of septoplasty on respiratory and voice function was demonstrated using subjective tests. In the postoperative period, patients subjectively positively assessed changes in both nasal breathing and voice.

Aplicación, Efectos Y Evaluación Del Bienestar A Partir Del Programa Cardiofood Lifestyle: Una Experiencia Latinoamericana

Introduction: The changes in daily routines as a result of the mitigating measures implemented in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic represent a challenge for the Latin American population to preserve their general well-being. Objective: To evaluate the wellness assessment from the lifestyle medicine program Cardiofood Lifestyle in virtual modality in Latin American participants during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Methods: Analytical, retrospective and descriptive study, with a quantitative approach; developed in virtual mode between May and December 2020. The population sample was 51 participants. A subjective assessment questionnaire and a self-authorship wellness score were applied and validated by a hypothesis test. The P value equal to zero is calculated. Results: Of 51 participants, 44 (86%) were women with a mean age of 45 and 7 (14%) were men with a mean age of 40 years. The mean of the evaluation test of the Cardiofood Lifestyle program was 4.71. 35 (68.62%) participants felt more energetic; 46 (90%) expressed feeling much more secure in choosing healthy foods; 36 (70.58%) felt much more lucid and 41 (80.40%) stated that they felt much healthier compared to the beginning of the program. Conclusions: There is a good subjective wellness assessment represented in Latin American participants of the Cardiofood Lifestyle medicine program in virtual mode during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, represented in better sensations of energy, lucidity, ability to make food choices and health.

Overall environmental assessment in urban parks: Modelling audio-visual interaction with a structural equation model based on soundscape and landscape indices

This study developed guidelines for the design of park environments for urban residents by conducting an overall environmental assessment from the perspective of audio-visual interaction. We collected information about audio-visual stimuli at 18 locations in three urban parks and created an assessment environment within a laboratory using virtual reality. A subjective assessment questionnaire was administered to 30 participants regarding audio-visual elements, perceived affective quality, and overall environmental assessment. Further, soundscape and landscape indices were defined using the audio-visual perception ratio between natural-related elements and traffic/human-related elements. Based on the subjective assessment responses, an environmental perception model using a structural equation model was developed. The results demonstrated that pleasantness should be prioritized over eventfulness. Water-related elements are efficient for increasing pleasantness, while providing greenery-related elements efficiently controls eventfulness. We found that audio-visual satisfaction improves when there is a higher share of water- and greenery-related elements than traffic-related elements. However, regarding the visual perception ratio of the human presence to natural elements, water features were found to be effective as a design factor for visual satisfaction and greenery for sound satisfaction. Considering the importance of human-related elements, we confirmed that designs are needed that will induce an influx of people into parks at an appropriate level to enhance their overall environmental satisfaction. This study's findings are expected to serve as design guidelines and supporting data to create pleasant urban park environments.

Alterations in Smell During Pregnancy: Myth or Fact?

To compare the olfactory functions of pregnant and non pregnant females draining the tribal tertiary care centre. Odor identification (OI), odor discrimination (OD) and odor threshold (OT) in subjects and control group with no previous Sino-nasal symptoms or pathology were included in the study. Mean scores of all the parameters were calculated in both the groups. Group A being of 60 pregnant females in 1st trimester and Group B constituted 60 non pregnant females as control group. Both the groups were matched for Age and Normal Mucociliary clearance range. Modified Indian Smell Identification Kit was used to assess all parameters. Before doing objective olfactory assessment all the study participants were given questionnaire for subjective assessment of olfaction in which we found significant impairment in drinking beverage and fragrance perception of flowers in pregnant females compared to non pregnant females. We also found there was no significant difference in mean scores of various olfactory parameters in multigravida and non pregnant females. The mean OI score in both groups was 9.54 ± 1.87 and 8.70 ± 1.62 respectively. Mean OD score of the two groups was 8.80 ± 2.61 and 9.80 ± 2.61 respectively and the mean OT score of both the groups was 6.99 ± 4.63 and 4.13 ± 2.48 respectively.

Usabilidade: um estudo aplicado ao Visualizador da Infraestrutura de Dados Espaciais do Brasil (VINDE)

La investigación presentada propone evaluar el Visualizador de Mapas de la Infra- estructura de Datos Espaciales (VINDE) según los parámetros de la usabilidad (eficacia, eficiencia y satisfacción). En la fase de estudio, planificación e implemen- tación (especificaciones de requerimientos, diseño y prototipo, desarrollo y perso- nalización), se realizó en un estudio específico a través de una prueba de usabilidad. A través de una metodología propia, se diseñó y aplicó una prueba de desempe- ño para ser realizada en un tiempo determinado. Además, se aplicó el cuestionario de evaluación subjetiva System Usability Scale (SUS), a un grupo de veinte geoes- pecialistas. Para validar esta metodología se realizó una prueba piloto y posterior- mente una prueba de usabilidad en VINDE. Los resultados y análisis evidencian que el visualizador no es fácilmente navegable ni para un grupo de expertos en geoinformación, y que varios puntos aún deben ser mejorados en relación a la orga- nización, nombres y estructuración de sus temas y capas, además de la necesidad de mejorar sus herramientas y el diseño de una forma general para que pueda atender de forma satisfactoria a sus usuarios.

Attitudes of hemodialysis patients, medical and nursing staff towards patients' physical activity.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) seem to have a negative attitude towards physical activity, which is mainly favored by the lack of counseling provided by the medical and nursing staff. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of both ESRD patients and medical staff on the participation and promotion of physical activity and identify the obstacles that discourage patients' involvement in intervention programs. Subjective assessment questionnaires and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administrated to hemodialysis patients and medical staff, to investigate the association between patient's barriers to physical activity, the total intensity level of physical activity, and attitudes of both ESRD patients and medical staff on the participation and promotion of physical activity. A total of 103 ESRD patients (61 men, 59.2%), 20 nephrologists (12 men, 60.0%), and 72 nurses (61 women, 84.7%) participated in the study. Most commonly reported patient's barriers were fatigue on dialysis (97.4%) and non-dialysis days (55.1%). Healthcare staff showed positive attitude towards renal rehabilitation exercise programs. However, most of physicians (85.0%) and nurses (83.3%) did not have previous experience with interventional exercise rehabilitation programs. Binary logistic regression revealed significant association between patients' inactivity, demographic data, and barriers towards physical activity, such as fatigue and pain in dialysis and non-dialysis days (p < 0.05), family's and physician's concern (p < 0.05), too many medical problems (p < 0.05), the fear of getting hurt (p = 0.01), and unwillingness for exercise (p < 0.05). Interestingly, healthcare staff's negative attitudes toward patient's physical activity seem to be strongly associated with patient's inactivity status. Healthcare staff negative attitudes and multiple related barriers especially fatigue on dialysis and non-dialysis days, towards ESRD patient's physical activity, suppress desire for exercise and active patients' status, leading them to abstain from it.

Differences in muscle activity and fatigue of the upper limb between Task-Specific training and robot assisted training among individuals post stroke

ObjectiveTo compare the activity and fatigue of upper extremity muscles, pain levels, subject satisfaction levels, perceived exertion, and number of repetitions in Task-Specific Training (TST) compared with Robot-Assisted Training (RAT) in individuals post-stroke. MethodsTwenty sub-acute post stroke subjects (16 men; median (interquartile range) age 64.0 (71.5–57.0) years) received two 30-min treatment sessions, one TST and one RAT. Before each session, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was administered. Activity levels and fatigue of six muscles were monitored using surface electromyography and the number of repetitions was counted. After each session, the subjective assessment questionnaire of treatment, the Borg scale and VAS were administered. ResultsDuring TST, the Anterior Deltoid, Upper Trapezius and Biceps were more active, while during the RAT, the Triceps was more active. The Triceps activity increased during TST towards the end of the session. The pain levels increased after TST and the number of repetitions was higher compared to RAT. There were no significant differences in muscle fatigue, perceived physical exertion and subject satisfaction levels between both treatment sessions. ConclusionThis is the first study to explore the biomechanics of both treatment methods and might therefore shed light on the mechanisms behind their positive outcomes. Due to the differences in the biomechanics of the treatments, a combination of both treatments may be beneficial to the activation of different muscle groups, thereby contributing to the rehabilitation program post stroke.

Level of occupational stress, personality and traffic incidents: Comparative study of public and freight transport drivers

Abstract The matter of road safety is particularly important in modern transport systems. This is due to the fact that despite the high level of technical sophistication of transport safety systems, the number of road incidents is relatively high. Generally speaking, transport safety is understood as control over various possible traffic hazards. Road conditions or vehicles damage is not the only source of threat in transport. Drivers and their personality traits affect the occurrence of risk situations and impediments while driving on public roads. Professional drivers should especially be characterized by their efficiency in controlling their reactions because they are responsible not only for transported goods but also for other people. Subjective assessment of drivers’ personality and the level of occupational stress may impact not only on their functioning but also the quality of driving and safe behaviors on the road. For this reason, studies determining the relationship between personality traits and stress in professional drivers are important. The authors of the article attempted to define these relations using surveys among public and freight transport drivers (N=150). They represented two transport companies from the Lublin City: Miejskie Przedsiebiorstwo Komunikacji (City Bus Company) and Poczta Polska (Polish Mail). Eysenck Impulsiveness-Venturesomeness-Empathy Questionnaire (Eysenck, 2006) and Questionnaire for Subjective Assessment of Work (Dudek et. al, 2004) were used in the study. Based on the above-mentioned questionnaires, statistical analyses were carried out using specialized statistical software SPSS Statistics, based on which the relationship between personality traits and the subjective assessment of occupational stress were determined. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences between research groups and there is a positive correlation between personality traits and work stress. Finally, there was also found the correlation between different types of traffic incidents.

Assessment of the effectiveness of modular clothing protecting against the cold based on physiological tests

At many workstations in a cold environment, protective clothing provided for the workers is characterized by inadequate thermal insulation, which results in an adverse impact of the cold environment on the worker's body. The purpose of this article is to present developed new ergonomic modular cold protective clothing, which allows for easy adaptation of the thermal insulation of clothing to a worker's individual needs. This clothing was compared in a laboratory study with the clothing having so far been used by workers in a cold environment using physiological and physical measurements, subjective ratings of the thermal state as well as a questionnaire for subjective assessment of the used clothing. These measurements and ratings confirmed that the modular cold protective clothing is more effective in the process of ensuring thermal comfort to the wearer during work in a cold environment than the clothing having so far been used.

Products based on olive oil, betaine, and xylitol in the post-radiotherapy xerostomia

AimThe objective of this study was determining if the use of products based in olive oil, betaine and xylitol are efficacious to decrease the impact of the dry mouth in the quality of life of the patients with xerostomia due to radiotherapy treatment. BackgroundFollowing therapeutic irradiation of the head and neck, patients with profound xerostomia have complaints associated with oral dryness, speech, and taste. There is no strong evidence that any topical therapy is effective for relieving the symptom of dry mouth. Material and methods40 patients who had been treated with radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma and reported symptoms of dry mouth were included in the study. A xerostomia-related quality of life questionnaire, visual analogue scale questionnaire for subjective assessment of salivary dysfunction and salivary flow were reported before and 15 days after the use of topical products based on olive oil, betaina and xylitol. ResultsThe four primary quality of life areas demonstrated significantly greater improvement after the use of topical products and all eight VAS items had favourable changes. The reduction of symptoms was statistically significant in 7 of the 8 items. After the use of the products, there were improvements in salivary flow in 45%. ConclusionsThe use of products based on olive oil, betaine and xylitol, shaped like collutory, toothpaste, gel and spray significantly improved most symptoms and the quality of life limitations produced by dry mouth in patients treated with radiotherapy.

Corneal sensitivity, ocular surface health and tear film stability after punctal plug therapy of aqueous deficient dry eye.

To evaluate the effect of punctal occlusion using thermosensitive (smart plug) versus silicone plug for management of aqueous deficient dry eye on corneal sensitivity, ocular surface health and tear film stability. A comparative prospective interventional case study included 45 patients with bilateral severe form of aqueous deficient dry eye. In each patient, the smart plug was inserted in the lower punctum of the right eye which was considered as study group 1 and silicone plug was inserted in the lower punctum of the left eye of the same patient which was considered as study group 2. All patients were subjected to careful history taking and questionnaire for subjective assessment of severity of symptoms. Corneal sensitivity, corneal fluorescein, rose bengal staining, Schirmer's I test, tear film break up time and conjunctival impression cytology were performed pre and 1, 3 and 6mo post plug insertion. A statistically significant improvement in subjective and objective manifestations occurred following treatment with both types of plugs (P<0.01). The thermosensitive plug caused significant overall improvement, decrease in frequency of application of tear substitutes and improvement of conjunctival impression cytology parameters in the inserted side (P<0.01). Canaliculitis was reported in two eyes (4.4%) following punctal occlusion using thermosensitive plug (study group 1). Spontaneous plug loss occurred in 21 eyes (46.6%) in the silicone plug group (study group 2). Improvement of subjective and objective manifestations of aqueous deficient dry eye occurs following punctal plug occlusion. Thermosensitive plug has good patient's compliance with fewer complications and lower rates of loss compared to the silicone plug.

The Burden of Cognitive Impairment in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease and Impact on Dialysis Modality Choice

IntroductionKidney disease is associated with significant cognitive dysfunction. Subjective reports of cognitive ability have not been studied extensively in chronic kidney disease. We investigated the association between objective and subjective cognitive functions in predialysis patients and their association with self-care dialysis modality choice.MethodsCross-sectional data from the Barriers to Successful Implementation of Care in Home Haemodialysis study were used for the study of cognition in 220 predialysis patients. The data were used to ascertain the demographics, clinical, laboratory, and neuropsychometric variables. The latter includes Trail Making Tests (TMT) parts A and B, Modified Mini Mental State Examination, and metacognition questionnaire for subjective assessment of one’s cognitive ability. The outcome variable was fully assisted and self-care dialysis modality choice.ResultsWithin the study cohort, 90 patients chose fully assisted hemodialysis and 114 patients chose self-care dialysis. The median Modified Mini Mental State Examination, TMT part A, and TMT part B scores were greater for the assisted versus the self-care group. Metamemory was not significantly different between groups, but the metaconcentration score was significantly worse in the group choosing assisted dialysis. Higher (i.e., better) metaconcentration scores were significantly associated with the self-care modality choice in the univariate and hierarchical regression analyses. Adjusted and unadjusted analyses showed a significant association between perceived concentration and TMT part B scores (P < 0.01). With every 1.6-minute increase in TMT part B score, there was a 1-unit reduction in metaconcentration score, and the latter was associated with 20% lower odds of choosing self-care dialysis over a fully assisted dialysis modality.DiscussionPatients’ self-perception of cognitive ability is a significant predictor of self-care dialysis modality choice. Subjective report of “metaconcentration” is also strongly associated with poorer outcome on the TMT part B.

Predicting Surgical Response Using Tensiometry in OSA Patients after Genioglossus Advancement with Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

To evaluate the role of tension on the genioglossus muscle in the performance of genioglossus advancement on sleep-disordered breathing in patients undergoing multilevel obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery. Prospective study. Academic practice. Twenty-three subjects underwent genioglossus advancement with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for OSA. Subjects underwent pre- and postoperative polysomnography, cephalometry, and subjective assessment questionnaires. Eighteen subjects completed the study. The tension force of the mandible and the bicortical width of the genial tubercle were measured and surgical response determined. Improvement in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was seen in 15 of 18 subjects (83.3%). Eleven subjects were classified as responders and 7 as nonresponders (61.1% success), with responders exhibiting a statistically significant reduction in mean delta AHI as compared with nonresponders: 28.3 ± 26.2 versus 2.0 ± 22.0 events per hour (95% confidence interval, 1.8-50.8; P = .037). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale improved from 13.2 ± 4.5 to 7.6 ± 3.4 (P = .002). There was no significant difference in body mass index, neck circumference, overall tension, or mandibular width between responders and nonresponders. However, there was a significant difference in the tension:width ratio between responders (53.9 ± 6.38 g/mm) and nonresponders (65.4 ± 11.2 g/mm; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-22.1; P = .036). This article describes a novel approach to determine the force applied to the genioglossus during advancement and its correlation to postoperative outcomes. The tension:width ratio may be an indicator for postoperative success and delta AHI improvement in OSA patients.

Effectiveness of forward obstacles collision warning system based on deceleration for collision avoidance

In the authors previous study, the authors proposed deceleration for collision avoidance (DCA) as an index to evaluate collision risks against forward obstacles and examined the effectiveness of their forward obstacles collision warning system (FOCWS) based on DCA. In the present manuscript, they improve the visual interface of the FOCWS, and conduct driving simulator experiments to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the improved FOCWS in situations where a preceding vehicle decelerates abruptly. The experimental results revealed that the FOCWS based on DCA was effective in assisting drivers to shorten the reaction time and to avoid collisions. Moreover, in the subjective assessment questionnaire, a significant number of experimental participants reported that the FOCWS based on DCA could evaluate collision risks more properly compared with the FOCWS based on a time-to-collision.