Use Of Paired T-test Research Articles

Mixed effects models but not t-tests or linear regression detect progression of apathy in Parkinson’s disease over seven years in a cohort: a comparative analysis

IntroductionWhile there is an interest in defining longitudinal change in people with chronic illness like Parkinson’s disease (PD), statistical analysis of longitudinal data is not straightforward for clinical researchers. Here, we aim to demonstrate how the choice of statistical method may influence research outcomes, (e.g., progression in apathy), specifically the size of longitudinal effect estimates, in a cohort.MethodsIn this retrospective longitudinal analysis of 802 people with typical Parkinson’s disease in the Luxembourg Parkinson's study, we compared the mean apathy scores at visit 1 and visit 8 by means of the paired two-sided t-test. Additionally, we analysed the relationship between the visit numbers and the apathy score using linear regression and longitudinal two-level mixed effects models.ResultsMixed effects models were the only method able to detect progression of apathy over time. While the effects estimated for the group comparison and the linear regression were smaller with high p-values (+ 1.016/ 7 years, p = 0.107, -0.056/ 7 years, p = 0.897, respectively), effect estimates for the mixed effects models were positive with a very small p-value, indicating a significant increase in apathy symptoms by + 2.345/ 7 years (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe inappropriate use of paired t-tests and linear regression to analyse longitudinal data can lead to underpowered analyses and an underestimation of longitudinal change. While mixed effects models are not without limitations and need to be altered to model the time sequence between the exposure and the outcome, they are worth considering for longitudinal data analyses. In case this is not possible, limitations of the analytical approach need to be discussed and taken into account in the interpretation.

Evaluation of skeletal muscle relaxant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma amada rhizome in Wistar rats

Background: Curcuma amada rhizome is an indigenously used medicine to treat all kinds of prurigo, bronchitis, asthma, biliousness, diarrhea, hiccough, inflammations due to injuries, and lumbago. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are to assess the skeletal muscle relaxant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of C. amada rhizome in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Extract was prepared according to the method of Rosenthaler using Soxhlet apparatus. Toxicity studies from previous literature had already proved the safety of the drug. The research was carried out following approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. The Wistar rats were orally administered with doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of the extract. The muscle relaxant action was assessed by rotarod method. Data analysis involved the use of paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 16. Results: The fall off time was significantly reduced when administering extracts with doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg (paired t-test, P &lt; 0.001) compared to the control group, which consisted of the same animals before the administration of the test drug. The results when evaluated using ANOVA showed F = 16.203, P &lt; 0.001. Dunnett’s test was utilized for post hoc analysis, revealing a notable change in muscle relaxation induced by the 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg doses of extract. Conclusion: Findings of our study substantiate the use of C. amada rhizome for its skeletal muscle relaxant property in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions.

Changes in spatiotemporal parameters, joint and CoM kinematics and leg stiffness in novice runners during a high-intensity fatigue protocol.

Even though running enjoys growing popularity, the effects of fatigue on the running kinematics of novices have rarely been studied. This is surprising, given the risk of running-related injuries when detrimental movement patterns are adopted. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to characterize the effects of fatigue induced by a high-intensity running protocol on spatiotemporal and stiffness parameters as well as on joint kinematics and center of mass (CoM) motion in novice runners. 14 participants performed a standardized treadmill familiarization and ran at 13 km/h until voluntary exhaustion. Kinematics were captured using a 3D motion capture system. Spatiotemporal and stiffness parameters as well as the range of motion (RoM) of the joints and CoM were compared by use of paired t-tests. Time series of the joint angles and CoM motion were analyzed by the statistical parametric mapping method. The results revealed that novice runners did not change spatiotemporal or stiffness parameters, but showed adaptations in joint kinematics, e.g. decreased dorsiflexion and increased pronation in the ankle joint during the swing phase. The findings of this study underline the importance of strengthening the ankle joint to prevent excessive pronation and increase its stability in novice runners.

Comparison of Clinical and Perioperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing MIS-TLIF in Outpatient vs Inpatient Setting: Matched Cohort Analysis

Background The most common technique utilized for lumbar arthrodesis in an outpatient setting is minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). While prior studies have assessed this technique’s feasibility in an outpatient setting, there is a paucity of literature comparing long term clinical outcomes of MIS-TLIF in an outpatient versus inpatient setting. This study investigates the differences in clinical outcomes between these two settings through comparison of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) achievement. Methods Primary, elective, single-level MIS-TLIF procedures performed between 2005 and 2021 for degenerative spinal pathology were identified in a surgical database. Patient demographics, perioperative characteristics, and PROM scores were collected. PROMs measuring physical function, back pain, leg pain, and disability were administered at preoperative and 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative time-points. Patients were grouped into two cohorts, depending on whether a patient underwent surgery in an inpatient setting or in an outpatient setting at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) where the patient was discharged within 23 hours. Coarsened exact match was carried out to control for significant demographic differences between cohorts. Demographic and perioperative characteristics were compared among groups using chi-square and Student’s t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Mean PROM scores were compared between cohorts at each time point utilizing a two-sample t-test. Postoperative PROM improvement from preoperative baseline within each cohort was calculated with use of paired t-test. Achievement of Minimum Clinical Important Difference [MCID] was determined by comparing ΔPROM scores to previously established threshold values. Rates of MCID achievement were compared among groups using simple logistic regression. Results After coarsened exact matching, 227 patients were excluded and final patient cohort consisted of 391 patients – 339 patients in the Inpatient MIS-TLIF cohort and 52 patients in the Outpatient MIS-TLIF cohort (Table 2). Mean estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative length of stay (LOS), and postoperative narcotic consumption on days 0 and 1 were observed to be significantly lower in Outpatient MIS-TLIF cohort (p&lt;0.041, all) (Table 3). Preoperative and postoperative mean PROM scores were not significantly different for all PROMs collected (Table 5). Both cohorts demonstrated significant improvement for PROMIS-PF, SF-12 PCS, VAS back, and VAS leg at 2-year time-point from preoperative baseline (Table 4). Patients in the Inpatient MIS-TLIF cohort demonstrated greater proportion achieving MCID for overall SF-12 PCS and overall VAS back (p&lt;0.022, all) (Table 6). No significant differences for MCID achievement rates were noted between cohorts at specific postoperative time points (Table 6). Inpatient cohort demonstrated significantly higher rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting (p=0.001) (Table 4). Conclusion After careful patient selection, patients undergoing MIS-TLIF in an outpatient setting demonstrated similar long term clinical outcomes for back pain, leg pain, physical function, and disability as defined by PROMs and MCID achievement. Additionally, patients in outpatient cohort demonstrated reduced postoperative narcotic consumption. Results from our study would suggest patient safety and outcome quality is not compromised from undertaking MIS-TLIF in an outpatient setting.

New turbidimetric method for determination of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical drugs using continuous flow injection manifold design with CIP.HCL-sodium nitro prusside system

A new, simple, fast and sensitive method was developed for the determination of Ciprofloxacin. HCI pure from and drugs (tablets) by continuous flow injection scatter light. The method was based on the reaction of the Ciprofloxacin. HCI with sodium nitro prussside to form a precipitate, using homemade ISNAG-FIuorimeter. Optimum parameters have been studied to increase the sensitivity for the developed method. The scatter plot range and the linear dynamic range for the instrument response versus Ciprofloxacin. HCI concentration was 0.03-15 mmoIl L while the L.O.D was 65.3660 µg/sample from the step wise dilution for the minimum concentration of lowest concentration in the scatter plot range of the calibration graph. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.9150 and 0.9972 while percentage linearity (R2%) was 83.73% and 99.44 for the scatter plot range and the linear dynamic range, respectively. RSD % for the repeatability (n=8) was lower than 0.2% for the determination of ciprofloxacin. HCI, with concentration of 4,13 mmol/L. The developed method was applied successfully for the determination of ciprofloxacin.HCI in pharmaceutical tablets. A comparison was made between the newly-developed method with the classical method, i.e. Turbidemtric method, of analysis using the standard addition method via the use of paired t-test. It showed that there was no significant difference between the quoted values of each individual company with calculated t-value at 95% confidence interval from developed method.

The Effects of Self-Compassion Education on the Self-Efficacy of the Clinical Performance of Nursing Students.

Background:The objective of the present research was to assess the influence of self-compassion training on the self-efficacy of clinical performance in nursing students, owing to the significance of proposing novel approaches to ameliorating efficiency in nursing students, underscoring the growth of positive psychologic aspects, such as self-compassion.Materials and Methods:The present study is a field research conducted in 2016 where 52 internship nurses were chosen via simple random sampling and were randomly divided into two groups (intervention and control); these two groups were compared in two phases: Prior to and following the intervention. Self-efficacy of clinical performance, as a standard questionnaire, was collected from the samples. Data were analyzed through the use of paired t-test, independent t-test, Chi-square, Mann--Whitney tests.Results:Independent t-test indicated that, compared with the control group, the efficaciousness of students' self-efficacy of clinical performance in the intervention group noticeably increased (t54= 6, p < 0.001).Conclusions:In nursing students, self-compassion training enhances their effective clinical performance.

Biomet stock temporomandibular joint prosthesis: Long-term outcomes of the use of titanium condyles secured with four or five condylar fixation screws

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes following TMJ replacement using the stock Zimmer-Biomet TMJ device. In particular, investigated whether the titanium condylar implant and number of screws used to fixate it to the mandibular ramus had any impact on outcomes. MethodsSubjects who underwent surgical implantation of a stock Zimmer-Biomet TMJ prosthesis were identified for this retrospective study. All patients received a titanium condylar component secured with four or five screws and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fossa with no metal reinforcement. Pre- and postoperative pain scores (VAS) and maximum interincisal opening (MIO) data were collected. Additional data included patient demographics, as well as operative, postoperative and follow-up details. Data were analysed with IBM SPSS 2.0 through the use of paired t-tests, and ANOVA and ANCOVA analysis. Results190 subjects were identified. Following exclusions, the remaining study population (n = 60) consisted of 58 females and two males with a mean age of 53.5 years at time of surgery. Preoperative VAS and MIO values were 6.08 (SD = 2.24) and 31.88 mm (SD = 7.38 mm), respectively. 90% of the cohort required four screws to fix the prosthetic condylar component in place. After a median follow up of 5.2 years (95% CI: 4.73–5.62 years), with a range of 2–9 years, the VAS was 0.91 (SD = 1.89; p < 0.001) and the MIO was 34.8 mm (SD = X; p = 0.015). Only one device failed over the 9-year study period. ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate good VAS and MIO outcomes following the implantation of a stock Zimmer-Biomet TMJ device. Additionally, good long-term outcomes were obtained with a titanium condylar component, fixed to the mandibular ramus with only four or five screws, and a UHMWPE fossa with no metal reinforcement.

CFIA-Turbidimetric and Photometric Determination of Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) Using LEDs as a Source of Irradiation and Two Solar Cells as an Energy Transducer

A specific, sensitive and simple method was used for the determination of: vitamin B9 (Folic acid) in pure and pharmaceutical formulations using continuous flow injection analysis. The method is based on formation of ion pair compound between folic acid and ammonium molybdate in an aqueous medium to obtain a gray precipitate complex, using homemade; Ayah-6SX1-ST-2D solar cell CFI Analyzer. Optimum parameters was studied to increase the sensitivity for developed method. The linear range for the calibration graph was 0.01-0.6 mMol.L-1 of vitamin B9 and LOD was 131.994 ng/sample with correlation coefficient ( r ) of 0.9810, RSD% was lower than 0.1%, (n=9) for the determination of vitamin B9 at concentration (0.07and 0.5) mMol.L-1 respectively. The developed method was applied successfully for the determination of vitamin B9 in pharmaceutical tablets. A comparison was made between two methods: developed method and the classical UV spectrophotometric method at ?max=255 nm, by using the standard addition method via the use of paired t-test. It showed that there was no significant difference between the developed method and the classical method for determination vitamin B9 at 95% confidence level.

The Effects of a Health Promotion Program on Rural, West Virginia Adults

Purposes/Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a health promotion project designed to increase physical activity and nutritional eating and decrease BMI in adults living in a rural West Virginia community. Rationale/Background: Evidence has shown that programs that partner with community institutions such as a faith-based organization are more successful in gaining acceptance, contacting target populations, and sustaining the program. This project will focus on the ongoing epidemic of weight, obesity, and inactivity that is plaguing the United States, more specifically West Virginia, and what influence a health promotion program could render. This project will answer the question: What are the effects of a 12-week health promotion program on the BMI, weight, physical activity, and nutritional choices of adults with a BMI of 25 or greater who live in a rural West Virginia community? Undertaking/best practice/approach/methods/process: The DNP project coordinator will plan, implement, and evaluate a health promotion program in a rural West Virginia community. The intervention will be structured as a 12-week health promotion. The program will begin with a pre-assessment of participants’ knowledge and understanding of health and a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity level and good nutrition. In addition, the following information will be collected from each participant: age, sex, height, weight, and BMI calculation. The goals of this project are: • To facilitate learning through wellness modules focusing on physical activity and nutrition • To increase knowledge of healthy physical activity and nutrition • To improve weight and BMI Outcomes achieved/documented: The statistical software program, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to organize and analyze the data. The data will then be analyzed to assess to what degree: learning took place, the program met expectations, participants’ weight decreased, participants’ activity increased, and participants’ nutritional choices improved. Descriptive statistics will be used to paint a picture of the program participants with regard to variables such as age, weight, and BMI. In addition to analyzing individuals’ pre-and post-program measures through the use of paired t-tests, the project coordinator will compile the data to analyze pre- and post-program differences. The project coordinator will disaggregate the data by different demographic variables in order to look for patterns and outliers. Conclusions: Finding are that most participants are health seeking and want to learn about weight loss, increase in activity, and/or nutritional eating. Other anticipated findings are that participants are overweight and have an unhealthy BMI. If participants make the changes suggested throughout the program, health may increase through a decrease of BMI, decreases in weight, increased physical activity, and healthier nutritional choices.

CFIA-Turbidimetric and Photometric Determination of Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) Using LEDs as a Source of Irradiation and Two Solar Cells as an Energy Transducer

A specific, sensitive and simple method was used for the determination of: vitamin B9 (Folic acid) in pure and pharmaceutical formulations using continuous flow injection analysis. The method is based on formation of ion pair compound between folic acid and ammonium molybdate in an aqueous medium to obtain a gray precipitate complex, using homemade; Ayah-6SX1-ST-2D solar cell CFI Analyzer. Optimum parameters was studied to increase the sensitivity for developed method. The linear range for the calibration graph was 0.01-0.6 mMol.L-1 of vitamin B9 and LOD was 131.994 ng/sample with correlation coefficient ( r ) of 0.9810, RSD% was lower than 0.1%, (n=9) for the determination of vitamin B9 at concentration (0.07and 0.5) mMol.L-1 respectively. The developed method was applied successfully for the determination of vitamin B9 in pharmaceutical tablets. A comparison was made between two methods: developed method and the classical UV spectrophotometric method at ?max=255 nm, by using the standard addition method via the use of paired t-test. It showed that there was no significant difference between the developed method and the classical method for determination vitamin B9 at 95% confidence level.

A longitudinal study to assess quality of life in cervical cancer patients before and after cancer-directed treatment

Background: Cervical cancer is world’s one of the most deadly but easily preventable cancers of women. Diagnosis and treatment is emotionally traumatic and results in psychosexual sequelae-affecting quality of life (QoL). The present study was conceptualized as Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu is already reporting these cancers to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and it was thought that a QoL study would help us in getting fair idea about their QoL as well. Objectives: To assess and compare QoL of cervical cancer patients before and after completion of cancer-directed treatment (CDT). Materials and Methods: The present longitudinal study was conducted in Government Medical College which is a tertiary care hospital in Jammu. All newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer over a period of 6 months were included in the study. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaire (QLQ) C-30 (general) and EORTC CX-24 (specific) questionnaires were used to assess QoL. The data was analyzed using computer software Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 17. A scoring algorithm recommended by EORTC was used. Pre- and post-mean scores were compared by the use of paired t-test. Pre- and post-Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was also calculated. Results: Stage III was the most common stage diagnosed followed by Stage II. Regarding QLQ C-30, the mean scores across all domains showed statistically significant worsening of QoL from baseline. The worsening was more severe in emotional and social functioning. Regarding, Global health status and EORTC QLQ CX-24 questionnaire all items also showed worsening of QoL from their baseline values. Conclusion: QoL of cervical cancer patients showed worsening after CDT in all domains due to acute and subacute adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the course of treatment.

Student perceptions of and performance in a blended foundational drug information course

ObjectivesAssess and trend student opinions of online educational components utilized in a redesigned 5-week foundational drug information course. Comparison of performance on the final examination, course grade, and changes in standardized university course evaluations between 2012 and 2013 were the secondary objectives. MethodsThis course used narrated video instruction coupled with the use of a face-to-face weekly laboratory session. This project consisted of pre- and post-exposure surveys to allow for paired analysis of six opinion-based survey items using a five-point Likert scale. Secondary objectives were compared between the 2013 and 2012 entering classes by use of paired t-tests. ResultsOnly matched pairs were analyzed for this project (n = 65 of 127 enrolled students; 51.2%). Changes between mean pre- and post-survey results indicated a decline in student favorability for traditional lecture styles (difference = −0.49 points; p < 0.05) and a decline in the importance of face-to-face interaction with instructors outside class (difference = −0.46 points; p < 0.05) while demonstrating increased favorability for use of online video demonstrations as an acceptable substitute for in-person demonstration of skills (difference = 0.34 points; p < 0.05) and increased rating of overall preference of online learning compared to traditional modalities (difference = 0.44 points; p < 0.05). Standardized course evaluations did not differ between 2012 and 2013. Mean final exam scores significantly increased from 84.86% in 2012 to 88.99% in 2013 (p < 0.05), but no difference between mean course grades (94.03% and 93.62%, respectively; p > 0.05). ConclusionBlended course design is an effective format for introductory skills-based professional pharmacy courses.

The pathway not taken: understanding ‘omics data in the perinatal context

'Omics analysis of large datasets has an increasingly important role in perinatal research, but understanding gene expression analyses in the fetal context remains a challenge. We compared the interpretation provided by a widely used systems biology resource (ingenuity pathway analysis [IPA]) with that from gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) with functional annotation curated specifically for the fetus (Developmental FunctionaL Annotation at Tufts [DFLAT]). Using amniotic fluid supernatant transcriptome datasets previously produced by our group, we analyzed 3 different developmental perturbations: aneuploidy (Trisomy 21 [T21]), hemodynamic (twin-twin transfusion syndrome [TTTS]), and metabolic (maternal obesity) vs sex- and gestational age-matched control subjects. Differentially expressed probe sets were identified with the use of paired t-tests with the Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple testing (P < .05). Functional analyses were performed with IPA and GSEA/DFLAT. Outputs were compared for biologic relevance to the fetus. Compared with control subjects, there were 414 significantly dysregulated probe sets in T21 fetuses, 2226 in TTTS recipient twins, and 470 in fetuses of obese women. Each analytic output was unique but complementary. For T21, both IPA and GSEA/DFLAT identified dysregulation of brain, cardiovascular, and integumentary system development. For TTTS, both analytic tools identified dysregulation of cell growth/proliferation, immune and inflammatory signaling, brain, and cardiovascular development. For maternal obesity, both tools identified dysregulation of immune and inflammatory signaling, brain and musculoskeletal development, and cell death. GSEA/DFLAT identified substantially more dysregulated biologic functions in fetuses of obese women (1203 vs 151). For all 3 datasets, GSEA/DFLAT provided more comprehensive information about brain development. IPA consistently provided more detailed annotation about cell death. IPA produced many dysregulated terms that pertained to cancer (14 in T21, 109 in TTTS, 26 in maternal obesity); GSEA/DFLAT did not. Interpretation of the fetal amniotic fluid supernatant transcriptome depends on the analytic program, which suggests that >1 resource should be used. Within IPA, physiologic cellular proliferation in the fetus produced many "false positive" annotations that pertained to cancer, which reflects its bias toward adult diseases. This study supports the use of gene annotation resources with a developmental focus, such as DFLAT, for 'omics studies in perinatal medicine.

Evaluation the immediate effects of bracing on kinetic parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

Background Idiopathic scoliosis induces change in coordination between body segments, spinal anatomy, left-right trunk symmetry and gait pattern. Various treatment methods have being used for scoliosis which includes: physical therapy, occupational therapy, osteopathic therapy, casting, bracing and surgery. However, using brace is a commonly used method in this regard. Although, the influence of brace to reduce the scoliosis curve has been investigated in lots of research studies, there is not enough research regarding the influence of brace on performance of scoliotic subjects while walking and standing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of brace on stability performance of scoliotic subjects and the symmetry of the ground reaction force applied on the right and left feet while walking. Method Then girls aged between 8 and 12 years were recruited in this study. The gait analysis was assessed using a three-dimensional motion analysis and a force plate (Kistler) in two conditions, with and without Boston brace. Moreover their stability was evaluated by use of force plate. The difference of kinetic and stability parameters between two conditions(with and without Boston brace)was checked by use of paired T-test. Results

Determination of arsenic and cadmium in crude oil by direct sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

In this work, a direct sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry method has been developed for the determination of arsenic and cadmium in crude oil samples. The samples were weighed directly on the solid sampling platforms and introduced into the graphite tube for analysis. The chemical modifier used for both analytes was a mixture of 0.1% Pd+0.06% Mg+0.06% Triton X-100. Pyrolysis and atomization curves were obtained for both analytes using standards and samples. Calibration curves with aqueous standards could be used for both analytes. The limits of detection obtained were 5.1μgkg−1 for arsenic and 0.2μgkg−1 for cadmium, calculated for the maximum amount of sample that can be analyzed (8mg and 10mg) for arsenic and cadmium, respectively. Relative standard deviations lower than 20% were obtained. For validation purposes, a calibration curve was constructed with the SRM 1634c and aqueous standards for arsenic and the results obtained for several crude oil samples were in agreement according to paired t-test. The result obtained for the determination of arsenic in the SRM against aqueous standards was also in agreement with the certificate value. As there is no crude oil or similar reference material available with a certified value for cadmium, a digestion in an open vessel under reflux using a “cold finger” was adopted for validation purposes. The use of paired t-test showed that the results obtained by direct sampling and digestion were in agreement at a 95% confidence level. Recovery tests were carried out with inorganic and organic standards and the results were between 88% and 109%. The proposed method is simple, fast and reliable, being appropriated for routine analysis.

Effect of home-based exercise program on lymphedema and quality of life in female postmastectomy patients: Pre-post intervention study

Lymphedema is a debilitating complication following mastectomy, affecting the arm functions and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer patients. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of upper-limb exercises on lymphedema in clinical settings. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the effect of home-based exercises on lymphedema; therefore, we examined the effect of a home-based exercise program on lymphedema and QOL in postmastectomy patients. Thirty-two female postmastectomy lymphedema patients participated in an individualized home-based exercise program for 8 weeks. Arm circumference, arm volume, and QOL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey) were measured before and after the program. Data were analyzed with the use of paired t-tests for circumferential and volumetric measures and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests for QOL. Significance level was set at p < 0.01 with Bonferroni correction (alpha/n = 0.05/5 = 0.01). Analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the affected upper-limb circumference and volume (~122 mL reduction, p < 0.001) and in the QOL scores (p < 0.001) at the end of the home-based exercise program. The individualized home-based exercise program led to improvement in affected upper-limb volume and circumference and QOL of postmastectomy lymphedema patients.

Psychometrics of Dominant Right Hand During the 9-Hole Peg Test: Differences Between Peg Placement and Removal

To assess psychometrics of hand dominance during the 9-Hole Peg Test. Sixteen healthy volunteers (23-40 years of age, 10 female and 6 male subjects, all fortuitously right handed). As is conventional protocol, the total time to perform the task was recorded as a dexterity index. In addition, the relative distance between points (distal phalanges) on the index finger and thumb was continuously monitored by the use of a magnetic sensing system. Time required, mean values for peak distance, and cumulative total motion distance were analyzed separately for the peg-placement and peg-removal phases. Data for dominant and nondominant hands were compared by the use of paired t-tests (P < .05). Total time to perform the 9-Hole Peg Test was shorter for the dominant hands (mean, 18.65 seconds) than the nondominant hands (mean, 20.11 seconds). During the peg-placement phase, lower values for peak distance, cumulative total motion distance, and time required were recorded for dominant hands, suggesting more efficient movement. By contrast, during peg-removal phase, no statistically significant differences between dominant- and nondominant-hand values were apparent. Although healthy subjects perform the 9-Hole Peg Test more efficiently using their dominant hands, the difference in measured dexterity was observed only during the peg-placement phase. This discrepancy between the peg-placement and peg-removal efficiency suggests the need for phase discrimination in future studies.

An investigation of the effect of heat treatment on surface roughness in machining by using statistical analysis

In the present paper, the effect of heat treatment on the surface roughness of AISI 4140 steel has been investigated by use of paired t-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The paired t-t...

Evaluation of the articular cartilage of the knee joint with vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction steady‐state free precession imaging

To determine the feasibility of the vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction steady-state free precession (VIPR-SSFP) sequence for evaluating the articular cartilage of the knee joint. A magnetic resonance (MR) examination of the knee was performed on 33 subjects using a GE 1.5T scanner and a phased-array extremity coil. VIPR-SSFP, proton density-weighted fast spin-echo (PD-FSE), fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin-echo (T2-FSE), and three-dimensional fat-suppressed spoiled gradient recall-echo (SPGR) sequences were performed on three asymptomatic volunteers and 10 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Signal-to-noise efficiency, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements were calculated for all sequences and compared with the use of paired t-tests. The VIPR-SSFP sequence was then performed on 20 consecutive patients who were undergoing a routine MR examination of the knee. The cartilage signal-to-noise efficiency of the VIPR-SSFP sequence was not significantly different from that of the PD-FSE and SPGR sequences. The cartilage signal-to-noise efficiency of the VIPR-SSFP sequence was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the T2-FSE sequence. The VIPR-SSFP sequence produced images with significantly higher (P < 0.05) CNR between cartilage and synovial fluid than the PD-FSE and SPGR sequences, and significantly higher (P < 0.05) CNR between cartilage and subchondral bone than the T2-FSE sequence. The VIPR-SSFP sequence allowed excellent visualization of the articular cartilage of the knee joint in all subjects. All articular cartilage defects identified on the PD-FSE, T2-FSE, and SPGR images were well visualized on the VIPR-SSFP images. VIPR-SSFP images had high cartilage signal-to-noise efficiency and high CNR between cartilage and adjacent synovial fluid and subchondral bone; therefore, the sequence is well suited for evaluating the articular cartilage of the knee joint.

The Effects Of Assertiveness Training on the enhancement Of Assertive Behavior Of Nursing Students

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of assertiveness training on the enhancement of assertive behavior of nursing students.Subjects for this study were ten nursing students. Subjects were assessed before and after the training on assertive scale. They were trained by assertive training program for five weeks.The training program was consisted of instruction, role playing or behavior rehearsal, feedback, modeling, and homework assignments. The contents of group training were combined of the comparison of passive, assertive, and aggressive behaviors, giving and taking compliment, requesting and rejecting, rational-emotive therapy.The effects of assertive training were assessed using Korean version of Rathus Assertiveness Scale. Analysis of the data was done by use of paired t-test to examine the prepost difference of assertiveness training.The results showed that assertiveness training was effective on the enhancement of assertive behavior of nursing students.