Wilcoxon Test For Paired Samples Research Articles

Evaluation of a summer camp environmental education program in Spain

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to develop a nonformal environmental education program in a summer camp and to measure its effectiveness increasing environmental knowledge and attitudes of the participants. Seventy six teenagers between 14 and 17 years participated. Activities dealt with both natural and urban environment. Preactivity and postactivity surveys were used for the assessment, using Wilcoxon test for paired samples. The results showed that there were no changes in the knowledge and perception of the environment, but important attitudinal differences occurred. We conclude the target was partially reached.

Per os colchicine administration in cholesterol fed rabbits: Triglycerides lowering effects without affecting atherosclerosis progress

BackgroundAtherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is promoted, among others, by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18 produced by NLRP 3 inflammasome. Development of atherosclerotic lesions is also affected by leptin. Furthermore, inflammasome’s action is interfered with other inflammatory diseases, like diabetes. On the other hand, colchicine is reported to act as anti-inflammatory agent inhibiting inflammasome’s action and stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of per os colchicine on the de novo formation of atherosclerotic lesions and on the levels of IL-18, leptin and insulin in cholesterol-fed rabbits.MethodsTwenty-three male, 2 months old New Zealand White rabbits, were seperated in 3 groups and were fed with different types of diet for 7 weeks: standard, cholesterol 1% w/w and cholesterol 1% w/w plus colchicine 2 mg/kg body weight. Blood was collected for biochemical measurements and conduction of ELISA for leptin, IL-18 and insulin. Histologic examination of stained with eosin and hematoxylin aorta specimens was performed. Aortic intimal thickness was evaluated using image analysis. The statistical analysis included non-parametric tests: a) paired-sample Wilcoxon test, b) Spearman correlation coefficient and c) Kruscal-Wallis test.ResultsTriglerycide levels were decreased in cholesterol plus colchicine group in the end of the experiment (p < 0.05), whereas the cholesterol group had increased levels. No statistical differences were observed in the levels of IL-18, leptin and insulin between groups. Likewise, there was neither any correlation between IL-18, leptin and intima thickness nor between IL-18 and glucose and between leptin and weight. In cholesterol and colchicine group there was a strong positive correlation between IL-18 and insulin levels in the 4th week (rs = .66, n = 10, p < 0.05), whereas in the 7th week this correlation became strong negative (rs = −.86, n = 10, p < 0.05). Finally, intima thickness in the ascending and thoracic aorta of the cholesterol and colchicine group was significantly greater than that of the other groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPer os administration of colchicine did not influence atherosclerosis progression in cholesterol-fed rabbits, levels of IL-18, insulin and leptin. We encountered the attenuating role of colchicine on TG levels.

Quality of life and functional capacity of patients with adhesive capsulitis: identifying risk factors associated to better outcomes after treatment with nerve blocking

IntroductionThe objectives of this study were to assess the quality of life and functional capacity of adhesive capsulitis patients at the beginning and end of procedure and to identify risk factors associated to better outcomes after treatment with nerve blocking. MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed. Inclusion criteria were clinical signs of adhesive capsulitis and disease changes on shoulder imaging exams. The short form of World Health Organization Quality of life and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaires were administered at the beginning and end of treatment. A score of 55 points or more on the Constant index was used for discontinuation of treatment. We used the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Multiple regression analysis of Poisson was carried out using exposure variables with p<0.20 in the univariate analysis and the satisfactory quality of life and better functional capability as outcomes. The significance level was 5%. Results43 patients were evaluated. For the comparison between medians values at the beginning and end of treatment (physical domain: 46.43–67.86; psychologic domain: 66.67–79.17; social domain: 66.67–75; environment domain: 62.5–68.75; DASH: 64.16–38.33), p was <0.05. Aging (physical/psychologic/DASH), higher educational level (physical/environment/DASH), less severity (only physical) and fewer nerve blocking (only psychologic) were these independent risk factors. ConclusionsQuality of life and functional capacity of the patients improve at the end of procedure. Older patients and higher education levels are the risk factors most associated to satisfactory quality of life and better functional capacity after treatment with nerve blocking.

Qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional de pacientes com capsulite adesiva: identificação de fatores de risco associados a melhores desfechos após tratamento com bloqueio de nervo

IntroductionThe objectives of this study were to assess the quality of life and functional capacity of adhesive capsulitis patients at the beginning and end of procedure and to identify risk factors associated to better outcomes after treatment with nerve blocking. MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed. Inclusion criteria were clinical signs of adhesive capsulitis and disease changes on shoulder imaging exams. The short form of World Health Organization Quality of life and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaires were administered at the beginning and end of treatment. A score of 55 points or more on the Constant index was used for discontinuation of treatment. We used the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Multiple regression analysis of Poisson was carried out using exposure variables with p <0.20 in the univariate analysis and the satisfactory quality of life and better functional capability as outcomes. The significance level was 5%. Results43 patients were evaluated. For the comparison between medians values at the beginning and end of treatment (Physical Domain: 46.43‐67.86; Psychologic Domain: 66.67‐79.17; Social Domain: 66.67‐75; Environment Domain: 62.5‐68.75; DASH: 64.16‐38.33), p was <0.05. Aging (Physical/Psychologic/DASH), higher educational level (Physical/Environment/DASH), less severity (only Physical) and fewer nerve blocking (only Psychologic) were these independent risk factors. ConclusionsQuality of life and functional capacity of the patients improve at the end of procedure. Older patients and higher education levels are the risk factors most associated to satisfactory quality of life and better functional capacity after treatment with nerve blocking.

ARFI elastography: Changes after direct-acting antiviral treatment in transplanted livers with relapse of hepatitis C virus infection

ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in the values obtained in acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of the liver after antiviral treatment in patients with liver transplants and hepatitis C virus (HVC) infection recurring after transplantation. Material and methodsWe studied 15 patients infected with HVC who had received liver transplants where an HVC infection recurring in the graft within one year after the transplant was treated with direct-acting antivirals. All patients underwent ultrasonography including Doppler and ARFI elastography in the three months before starting treatment with direct-acting antivirals (baseline study) and again in the three months after finishing the treatment. In the same week when the elastography study was done, liver function tests were done and the viral load (HCV RNA) was determined in peripheral blood with the polymerase chain reaction method. We used the Wilcoxon test for paired samples to compare the changes in the shear wave velocities before and after treatment. ResultsAll patients achieved a virologic response that was sustained at 3 months after the end of treatment. On elastography, median shear wave velocities decreased after treatment (1.97m/s before treatment vs. 1.58m/s after treatment; p=0.001). ConclusionThe shear wave velocity decreased significantly after antiviral treatment in patients who had relapsed HVC infection after liver transplantation.

Pilot validation of an individualised pharmacokinetic algorithm for protamine dosing after systemic heparinisation for cardiopulmonary bypass.

This manuscript represents a pilot study assessing the feasibility of a single-compartment, individualised, pharmacokinetic algorithm for protamine dosing after cardiopulmonary bypass. A pilot cohort study in a specialist NHS cardiothoracic hospital targeting patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients received protamine doses according to a pharmacokinetic algorithm (n = 30) or using an empirical, fixed-dose model (n = 30). Categorical differences between the groups were evaluated using the Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Continuous data was analysed using a paired Student's t-test for parametric data and the paired samples Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data. Patients who had protamine dosing according to the algorithm demonstrated a lower protamine requirement post-bypass relative to empirical management as measured by absolute dose (243 ± 49mg vs. 305 ± 34.7mg; p<0.001) and the heparin to protamine ratio (0.79 ± 0.12 vs. 1.1 ± 0.15; p<0.001). There was no difference in the pre- to post-bypass activated clotting time (ACT) ratio (1.05 ± 0.12 vs. 1.02 ± 0.15; p=0.9). Patients who received protamine according to the algorithm had no significant difference in transfusion requirement (13.3% vs. 30.0%; p=0.21). This study showed that an individualized pharmacokinetic algorithm for the reversal of heparin after cardiopulmonary bypass is feasible in comparison with a fixed dosing strategy and may reduce the protamine requirement following on-pump cardiac surgery.

Elastografía tipo ARFI: modificación tras tratamiento antiviral en el trasplante hepático con recidiva por VHC

ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in the values obtained in acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of the liver after antiviral treatment in patients with liver transplants and hepatitis C virus (HVC) infection recurring after transplantation. Material and methodsWe studied 15 patients infected with HVC who had received liver transplants where an HVC infection recurring in the graft within one year after the transplant was treated with direct-acting antivirals. All patients underwent ultrasonography including Doppler and ARFI elastography in the three months before starting treatment with direct-acting antivirals (baseline study) and again in the three months after finishing the treatment. In the same week when the elastography study was done, liver function tests were done and the viral load (HCV RNA) was determined in peripheral blood with the polymerase chain reaction method. We used the Wilcoxon test for paired samples to compare the changes in the shear wave velocities before and after treatment. ResultsAll patients achieved a virologic response that was sustained at 3 months after the end of treatment. On elastography, median shear wave velocities decreased after treatment (1.97m/s before treatment vs. 1.58m/s after treatment; p=0.001). ConclusionThe shear wave velocity decreased significantly after antiviral treatment in patients who had relapsed HVC infection after liver transplantation.

Recombinant β2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) Produced Using a Novel Lentiviral Approach Functions at Least As Well As Plasma-Derived β2GPI in Detection of Anti-β2GPI Antibodies

Introductionβ2-glycoproteinI (β2GPI) is the primary antigen for antiphospholipid antibodies (Ab), and Ab to β2GPI are associated with thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss.β2GPIis comprised of 5 "sushi" domains. Complex disulfide bonding renders β2GPI a challenging protein to producerecombinantlyin high yield and most studies have utilized domain-deletion mutants produced on a lab scale for structure-function analyses.β2GPIalso has a complex tertiary structure, and is reported to circulate in a "circular" form that may "open" to expose the antigenic site for β2GPIAbunder specific conditions. We developed a novel method to produce recombinant β2GPI in which replacement of the leader peptide allows large scale expression using a lentiviral system with one-step purification on heparin-sepharose. The ability of this protein to bind anti-β2GPI Ab was compared with that of plasma-derived (wild type, WT) β2GPI.Methodsβ2GPIcDNAwas cloned into pLentiCMV DEST. The β2GPI containing vector was used to transduce HEK293 cells with selection using puromycin. β2GPIwas purified from conditioned medium using HiTrapHeparin HP. Plasma β2GPI was purified using a protocol employing perchloric acid precipitation followed by heparin-sepharose and Mono-S chromatography.To measure anti-β2GPI Ab, we analyzed plasma from 32 patients referred to the Cleveland Clinic Special Coagulation Laboratory for anti-β2GPI testing using the InovaQuanta-Lite ELISA. Normal plasma samples (n=15) were also analyzed at 1:100 dilution to determine cutoffs for anti-β2GPI positivity. Briefly, 96-well plates were coated overnight at 4° C with 2 µg/ml WT or recombinant β2GPI. After blocking β2GPI-coated plates with BSA, 50 µl of patient plasma at 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions were added to individual wells in quadruplicate. A standard curve for IgG binding to each plate was created using affinity-purified rabbit anti-β2GPI IgG at concentrations of 15, 31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 ng/ml. After incubation for 30 minutes at room temperature, plates were washed three times and 100 µl of a 1:5000 dilution of goat anti-human IgG was added. After 30 minutes, wells were again washed prior to adding 100 µl/well of o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride. Plates were read at 490 nm after 15 minutes following addition of 25 µl/well H2SO4. Results from different plates were standardized by extrapolating the amount of boundAb from the standard curve prepared on each plate.To compare performance of recombinant β2GPI against WT β2GPI in ELISA we first evaluated correlation using recombinant and WT β2GPI by Spearman’s test. The two sets of ELISAs were also compared using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test. ELISA readings were considered positive if they were >90th percentile on a curve established using 15 normal plasmas. Sensitivity and specificity of the assays was determined with respect to the results of the clinical assay.ResultsRecombinant β2GPI was produced in high yield (10-20 mg/L) and purified to homogeneity with a single heparin chromatography step; the purified protein migrated as a single band of ~50 kDon SDS-PAGE with a characteristic increase in Mr upon reduction.Anti-β2GPI IgG ELISA using WT and recombinant β2GPI demonstrated excellent correlation at both 1:10 (Spearman’s rho 0.70, P<0.001) and 1:100 dilution (Spearman rho 0.727, p<0.001) (Figure 1). Using the Wilcoxon test for paired samples, there was no significant difference between results of the ELISA using WT or recombinant β2GPI at 1:10 dilution (mean difference 4.26 ± 22.25, P<0.001) and a small difference at 1:100 dilution (mean difference 13.51 ±7.59, P <0.001) (Figure 2). Of the 32 patient samples, 6 were known positive for anti-β2GPI IgG (titer ≥ 20 GPL). Using a 90th percentile cutoff established using healthy volunteer samples, theELISA using recombinant β2GPI correctly identified 6/6 positive samples (sensitivity 100%). The ELISA using plasma-derived β2GPI correctly identified 5/6 positive samples (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 84%).ConclusionRecombinant β2GPI can be produced in high yield by this novel method and purified with a single heparin chromatography step. It is recognized by anti-β2GPI Abat least as well as WT β2GPI. Further studies focused on site-directed mutagenesis of the intact molecule to optimize assays for detection of pathologic anti-β2GPI antibodies are underway. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

DESAIN MODEL AKSELERASI MANAJEMEN SAMPAH SEKOLAH DASAR SEBAGAI UPAYA PEMBENTUKAN SEKOLAH BERBUDAYA LINGKUNGAN DAN PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI

Bank Sampah in Malang is an arm of government to manage waste. The more increasing number of quality garbage collected, the greater the customer's account at the Bank. Bank Sampah will help meet the waste demand of recycling plant. Elementary school is the customer target groups Bank Sampah Malang. They have many obstacles in its waste management activities. Bank Sampah and the Department of Education in Malang has been providing direction and some facilities for waste management in elementary schools. This study was conducted to produce a acceleration model of waste management Elementary School. Making design through several phases: analysis of the situation (questionnaire, observation and documentation). Structured questionnaire based on analysis Input-Process-Output (IPO). Evaluation model made through brainstorming to generate empirical models. Socialization and accompaniment is done at 3 elementary schools. Field testing is conducted through a quasi method because there are treatment methods for sample (Elementary School) . Final testing of this model is the descriptive analysis (changes of primary account number and environmental changes of elementary school) and inferential analysis by performing the Wilcoxon paired sample test (for non-parametric statistics). https://doi.org/10.26905/jmdk.v4i2.1065

Measurement of visual function among patients undergoing corneal transplantation using the VF-14 index in Morocco

To validate the Moroccan version of the VF-14 in candidates for keratoplasty and to assess their quality of life using this tool before and after transplantation. This is a longitudinal prospective study that assessed 57 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty, recruited in the ophthalmology service in Marrakech over 5 years. The original VF-14 questionnaire was adapted into Moroccan dialect. The questionnaire was administered before and 2 years after transplantation. The VF-12 questionnaire was also used, deleting the last two items. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0 software. Comparisons of VF-14 scores before and after transplantation used the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. In total, 57 patients participated in the study. The most frequent indication for surgery was keratoconus (44%). All patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Chronbach's alpha value was 0.989 for VF-14 and 0.990 for VF-12. The two scores were negatively correlated with logMAR visual acuity. The strongest correlation was found with VA in the fellow eye. The average best-corrected visual acuity of the eye scheduled for keratoplasty was 1.1±0.16 logMAR. The average of VF-14 was 53±3. After keratoplasty, the average best-corrected visual acuity of operated eye was 0.34±0.31. The average postoperative astigmatism was 3 D. After keratoplasty, an increase in VF-14 score was observed from 53.5 to 81.92 (P<0.001). In postoperative follow-up, graft rejection was noted in two patients and maculopathy in a single patient. Graft transparency, absence of complications, minimal astigmatism, and good visual acuity have long been indicators of a successful corneal transplant. However, this does not provide information on visual quality and its impact on everyday life. It is in this sense that the VF-14 was adapted into several languages, as reliable, valid and sensitive as the original Anglo-American version, to assess objectively and subjectively the quality of life of patients after keratoplasty. With advances in techniques and availability of better materials, surgical success in performing keratoplasty is increasing. At the same time, vision-related quality of life of corneal graft recipients deserves more attention from ophthalmologists.

Effects Of Using Elastic Bands On Strength And Muscle Mass In Well-trained Young Men

There is a lack of information regarding the efficacy of using elastic bands (EB) to increase strength and fat free mass (FFM) in the upper extremities of young well-trained men. PURPOSE: To assess strength and muscle adaptations in the upper extremities of young well-trained men after a short-term resistance program using EB versus traditional weight devices. METHODS: 14 well-trained men were randomly divided into two groups: 1) EB group (EBG), 22.1 ±3.5yr, 12.8 ± 4.6% fat mass; and 2) weight Machine and Free Weight Group (MFWG), 21.2 ± 2.6yr, 12.7 ± 7.1% fat mass. An 11 week resistance-training program of 2-sessions-wk was performed. During the first 5 weeks, 6 exercises of 5 sets with 10 maximum repetitions (RM) and 60-90 sec of recovery time between exercises were performed. During weeks 6-11, 12 exercises of 5 sets with 8RM were performed in supersets with 90 sec of rest time between superssets. Subjects did not modify their usual diet habits. Pre-post training measurements were performed for arm FFM with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer and for elbow flexion peak power (PP) using an isokinetic device. Three nonparametric tests were performed assuming a p-value less than 0.05 (Wilcoxon test for paired samples, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test for 2 samples using the Bonferroni correction coefficient when there were differences between groups). RESULTS: EBG increased (p<0.05) FFM by 3.6% and PP by 6.46%. MFWG increased (p<0.05) FFM by 3.2% and PP by 2.9%. There were no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to improve PP and FFM in well-trained recreational men using EB alone during a short-term resistance program. Furthermore, improvements from EB training are similar to those of traditional weight devices. More studies are needed regarding the effects of EB on maximal voluntary strength in this population.

Harmonization of the Volume of Interest Delineation among All Eleven Radiotherapy Centers in the North of France.

BackgroundInter-observer delineation variation has been detailed for many years in almost every tumor location. Inadequate delineation can impair the chance of cure and/or increase toxicity. The aim of our original work was to prospectively improve the homogeneity of delineation among all of the senior radiation oncologists in the Nord-Pas de Calais region, irrespective of the conditions of practice.MethodsAll 11 centers were involved. The first studied cancer was prostate cancer. Three clinical cases were studied: a low-risk prostate cancer case (case 1), a high-risk prostate cancer case (pelvic nodes, case 2) and a case of post-operative biochemical elevated PSA (case 3). All of the involved physicians delineated characteristically the clinical target volume (CTV) and organs at risk. The volumes were compared using validated indexes: the volume ratio (VR), common and additional volumes (CV and AV), volume overlap (VO) and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). A second delineation of the same three cases was performed after discussion of the slice results and the choice of shared guidelines to evaluate homogenization. A comparative analysis of the indexes before and after discussion was conducted using the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.ResultsThe indexes were not improved in case 1, for which the inter-observer agreement was considered good after the first comparison (DSC = 0.83±0.06). In case 2, the second comparison showed homogenization of the CTV delineation with a significant improvement in CV (81.4±11.7 vs. 88.6±10.26, respectively, p = 0.048), VO (0.41±0.09 vs. 0.47±0.07, respectively; p = 0.009) and DSC (0.58±0.09 vs. 0.63±0.07, respectively; p = 0.0098). In case 3, VR and AV were significantly improved: VR: 1.71(±0.6) vs. 1.34(±0.46), respectively, p = 0.0034; AV: 46.58(±14.50) vs. 38.08(±15.10), respectively, p = 0.0024. DSC was not improved, but it was already superior to 0.6 in the first comparison.ConclusionOur prospective work showed that a collaborative discussion about clinical cases and the choice of shared guidelines within an established framework improved the homogeneity of CTV delineation among the senior radiation oncologists in our region.

Chronic Haematological Profile Study in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Athletes

This paper will treat about hematological parameters in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes, linking their training with some variations of these parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potentialities of this sport modality in what it has to do with promotion and maintenance of human health. Fourteen athletes have participated in this study that consisted in accompanying them during their training for six months, when monthly blood samples were collected and weekly monitoring of heart rate training were done. Variations in hematological parameters have been compared with the intensity of the training performed all this long. Statistical analyzes performed were Student t test for paired samples when data showed a normal distribution, and Wilcoxon test for paired samples, when data didn't show a normal distribution. Results show that erythrocytes and lymphocytes varied in a very similar way to the intensity of training. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, total leukocytes, neutrophils and platelets varied oppositely to training intensity. RDW, monocytes and eosinophils varied randomly, with no relation to the intensity of training. The training stimulates an increase in the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, however, the kind of intense training and full contact, with frequent injuries, might cause hemolysis, maintaining low concentrations of these parameters. Jiu Jitsu promotes specific effects both in the red data series as in white ones; and it can be recommended for health maintenance, since, despite the detected variations, all parameters remained under the reference values.

Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Is Associated With Reduction in Liver Fibrosis Scores in HIV-1-Infected Subjects.

HIV increases the risk of liver disease as do two common coinfections, hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV). However, whether combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reverses or exacerbates hepatic fibrosis remains unclear.This was an observational retrospective study. cART-naïve HIV-infected subjects without a history of substance abuse (including alcohol) had liver disease stage determined by aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio indices (APRIs) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) before and 24 and 48 weeks after cART. All the data were retrieved from previously established cohorts. Values before and after cART were compared using Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with moderate-to-severe liver disease.Of the 1105 HIV-infected subjects, 120 were HBV coinfected and 64 were HCV coinfected. About 20% of HIV monoinfected participants had APRI and FIB-4 scores consistent with moderate-to-significant fibrosis compared to ∼36% of HIV-HBV coinfected and 67% to 77% of HIV-HCV coinfected participants. In adjusted analyses compared with HIV monoinfection, HBV coinfection was associated with 1.18-fold higher APRI (P < 0.001) and a 1.12-fold higher FIB-4 (P = 0.007) prior to cART; while HCV coinfection was associated with 1.94-fold higher APRI (P < 0.001) and a 1.43-fold higher FIB-4 (P < 0.001). After 48 weeks of cART, both fibrosis scores decreased in all subjects; however, HCV coinfection was still associated with higher fibrosis scores at week 48 compared to HIV monoinfection.cART was associated with improvement in hepatic fibrosis scores in the majority of HIV-hepatitis coinfected and HIV-monoinfected Chinese participants.

Effect of Iterative Reconstruction on the Detection of Systemic Sclerosis-related Interstitial Lung Disease: Clinical Experience in 55 Patients.

To evaluate the effect of iterative reconstruction on the depiction of systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) when the radiation dose is reduced by 60%. This study was based on retrospective interpretation of prospectively acquired data over a 12-month period and approved by the institutional review board. The requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. Fifty-five chest computed tomographic (CT) examinations were performed in 38 women and 17 men (mean age, 55.8 years; range, 23-82 years) by using a dual-source CT unit with (a) both tubes set at similar energy (120 kVp) and (b) the total reference milliampere seconds (ie, 110 mAs) split up in a way that 40% was applied to tube A and 60% to tube B. Two series of images were generated simultaneously from the same dataset: (a) standard-dose images (generated from both tubes) reconstructed with filtered back projection (group 1, the reference standard) and (b) reduced-dose images (generated from tube A; 60% dose reduction) reconstructed with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) (group 2). In both groups, the analyzed parameters comprised the image noise and the visualization and conspicuity of CT features of ILD. Two readers independently analyzed images from both groups. Results were compared by using the Wilcoxon test for paired samples; the 95% confidence interval was calculated when appropriate. The mean level of objective noise in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 (22.02 HU vs 26.23 HU, respectively; P < .0001). The CT features of ILD in group 1 were always depicted in group 2, with subjective conspicuity scores (a) improved in group 2 for ground-glass opacity, reticulation, and bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis and (b) identical in both groups for honeycombing. The interobserver agreement for their depiction was excellent in both groups (κ, 0.84-0.98). Despite a 60% dose reduction, images reconstructed with SAFIRE allowed similar detection of systematic sclerosis-related ILD compared with the reference standard.

P-323 Cisplatin plus capeitabine (CisCape) and radiotherapy (RT) for the neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer: final update of previously reported data

Introduction: We previously reported results on 17 rectal cancer patients (pts) treated with neoadjuvant CisCape-RT (ESMO World GI 2011). We here present the final report of 52 patients treated with the CisCape-RT regimen. Methods: Fifty-two non-metastatic pts (male:female, 35:17 pts, median age 63 years, range 41-77), clinically staged with endoscopic ultrasound and chest/abdomen/pelvis CT scan as cT2cN1 (5 pts), cT3cN0 (18), cT3cN1 (21), cT3cN2 (4) or cT4cN1 (4), with histologically confirmed moderately (43 pts) or poorly (9) differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma (median distance from the anal verge 5 cm, range 2-13) were treated with standard pelvic radiotherapy (45 Gy/25 fractions) and concurrent capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice daily days 1 through 14 and 22 through 35) plus cisplatin (40 mg/m2 once every three weeks). Results: radical surgery was performed in 92% of pts, median time elapsed from CRT commencement to surgery was 108 days (76-178), 3 pts underwent palliative surgery because of progression. Complete pathologic response (pCR) was documented in 9 pts (17%). Based on pre-treatment assessment, T and N down-staging were observed in 41% and 38% of pts, respectively. Primary tumour was down-sized in 14 pts (82%) with the median longest diameter reducing from 5.0 cm (range 1.6-16.0) before CRT to 2.0 cm (0-10.0) after CRT, two-tailed p = 0.001 (according to Wilcoxon test for paired samples). Grade 3-4 toxicities occurred in 35% of pts. Median progression-free and overall survival were not yet reached after a median follow-up of 30 months. Conclusion: Despite a good pCR rate, the high occurrence of grade 3-4 toxicities with CisCape-RT makes this regimen not suitable for larger phase III trials.

Sexual satisfaction and distress in sexual functioning in a sample of the BDSM community: a comparison study between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts.

Little attention has been paid to distress in sexual functioning or the sexual satisfaction of people who practice BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Domination and Submission, Sadism and Masochism). The purpose of this study was to describe sociodemographic characteristics and BDSM practices and compare BDSM practitioners' sexual outcomes (in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts). A convenience sample of 68 respondents completed an online survey that used a participatory research framework. Cronbach's alpha and average inter-item correlations assessed scale reliability, and the Wilcoxon paired samples test compared the total scores between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts separately for men and women. Open-ended questions about BDSM sexual practices were coded using a preexisting thematic tree. We used self-reported demographic factors, including age at the onset of BDSM interest, age at first BDSM experience, and favorite and most frequent BDSM practices. The Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction measured the amount of sexual distress, including low desire, arousal, maintaining arousal, premature orgasm, and anorgasmia. The participants had an average age of 33.15 years old and were highly educated and waited 6 years after becoming interested in BDSM to act on their interests. The practices in which the participants most frequently engaged did not coincide with the practices in which they were most interested and were overwhelmingly conducted at home. Comparisons between genders in terms of distress in sexual functioning in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts demonstrate that, with the exception of maintaining arousal, we found distress in sexual functioning to be statistically the same in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts for women. For men, we found that distress in sexual functioning, with the exception of premature orgasm and anorgasmia, was statistically significantly lower in the BDSM context. There were no differences in sexual satisfaction between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts for men or women. Our findings suggest that BDSM sexual activity should be addressed in clinical settings that account for BDSM identities, practices, relationships, preferences, sexual satisfaction, and distress in sexual function for men and women. Additional research needs are identified, such as the need to define distressful sexual functioning experiences and expand our understanding of the development of BDSM sexual identities.

PD19-08 PROFICIENCY-BASED ROBOTIC TRAINING CURRICULUM YIELDS IMPROVEMENTS IN ROBOTIC CLINICAL PERFORMANCE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyTechnology & Instruments: Surgical Education & Skills Assessment III1 Apr 2015PD19-08 PROFICIENCY-BASED ROBOTIC TRAINING CURRICULUM YIELDS IMPROVEMENTS IN ROBOTIC CLINICAL PERFORMANCE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY Monty Aghazadeh, Miguel Mercado, Michael Pan, Neel Srikishen, Brian Miles, Richard Link, Brian Dunkin, and Alvin Goh Monty AghazadehMonty Aghazadeh More articles by this author , Miguel MercadoMiguel Mercado More articles by this author , Michael PanMichael Pan More articles by this author , Neel SrikishenNeel Srikishen More articles by this author , Brian MilesBrian Miles More articles by this author , Richard LinkRichard Link More articles by this author , Brian DunkinBrian Dunkin More articles by this author , and Alvin GohAlvin Goh More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.707AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The lack of data regarding the impact of training on robotic clinical performance has precluded the adoption of a standardized robotic training curriculum. Our group has previously established and validated task-specific proficiency levels for 5 inanimate skills (IS) and 8 da Vinci Skills Simulator Virtual Reality (VR) exercises. Herein, we evaluate the impact of a standardized proficiency-based training curriculum employing these specific IS and VR tasks on clinical performance. METHODS Twenty urology residents from post-graduate years (PGY) 2-6 were enrolled in the curriculum extending between March 2013 and June 2014. All participants underwent a baseline skills assessment consisting of simulation performance as well as performing the endopelvic dissection of robotic prostatectomy (scored by the Global Evaluative Assessment Robotics Skills [GEARS] assessment tool). Residents were then randomized within their PGY and assigned to either: 1) Training Group (TG), train until proficient on 2 consecutive repetitions for each task, or 2) Standard Access Group (SAG), access to training tools, but no defined curriculum. Skills assessment was repeated at the midpoint and at the end of the curriculum for all participants. Median performance scores were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test and changes over time within groups were evaluated using the Paired-Sample Wilcoxon test. RESULTS Seventeen residents completed the required skills assessments, 9 of whom were in the TG. At baseline, no significant differences were noted between TG and SAG on all portions of skills assessments. By the end of the study, both groups saw improvements in performance, but in comparing final scores, the TG significantly outperformed SAG on IS and VR. Clinical performance was also higher in TG, although this was not statistically significant. However, when comparing baseline and final GEARS scores within groups, the improvement over time was significantly different in the TG (p=0.015), but not in the SAG (p=0.091). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of simulation training on robotic clinical performance over time. We show that a structured proficiency-based robotic curriculum can yield improvements in robotic clinical performance. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e394-e395 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Monty Aghazadeh More articles by this author Miguel Mercado More articles by this author Michael Pan More articles by this author Neel Srikishen More articles by this author Brian Miles More articles by this author Richard Link More articles by this author Brian Dunkin More articles by this author Alvin Goh More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Plavecká úroveň studentů Univerzity Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně v letech 2002–2013

The aim of this paper is to compare the swimming fitness of students at our university. We wanted to know whether the non-swimmers could improve their swimming fitness at the end of the swimming training. We wanted to know whether the students of our university improved their swimming fitness at the end of the swimming training. We wondered whether the swimming fitness of our university students has changed in 10 years. The first part of the analysis covered the years 2007 to 2013. We examined whether the non-swimmers were able to improve the swimming fitness. At the same time we examined whether the students improved the swimming fitness at the end of the swimming training. We used the tests of proportions to analyse the data. The second part of the analysis covered the years 2002 and 2012. We measured the times of students both at the beginning and at the end of the swimming training in these years. We wondered whether the swimming fitness of university students has changed in 10 years. To compare the swimming fitness in 2002 and 2012 we used the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. To compare the swimming fitness in 10 years we applied the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test.We found that 138 non-swimmers improved their swimming fitness at the end of the swimming training. It has been shown that non-swimmers made up less than 10 % of the total number of students who attended the swimming training between the years 2007 and 2013. All non-swimmers improved in academic years 2007/2008, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. 92 non-swimmers swam the limit of 100 meters. We have shown that 60 % of non-swimmers improved their swimming fitness at the end of the swimming training. Furthermore, we found that a third of students mismanaged to swim the limit of 100 meters. The required limit of 100 meters swam 1 029 students. 3 432 students improved the swimming fitness at the end of the swimming training. Furthermore, we found that the swimming fitness of students improved both in 2002 and 2012. Finally, we found that the swimming fitness of our students has improved in 10 years. We managed to prove almost all the statistical hypothesis at the significance level of 0.05 and therefore we could consider them to be statistically significant. The procedure that we used to analyse the swimming fitness of students at the Tomas Bata University in Zlín may be beneficial for analysis of the swimming fitness not only at other universities, but in different workplaces that deal with measuring the performance of athletes.

Postural control assessment in students with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss

IntroductionChildren with sensorineural hearing loss can present with instabilities in postural control, possibly as a consequence of hypoactivity of their vestibular system due to internal ear injury. ObjectiveTo assess postural control stability in students with normal hearing (i.e., listeners) and with sensorineural hearing loss, and to compare data between groups, considering gender and age. MethodsThis cross-sectional study evaluated the postural control of 96 students, 48 listeners and 48 with sensorineural hearing loss, aged between 7 and 18 years, of both genders, through the Balance Error Scoring Systems scale. This tool assesses postural control in two sensory conditions: stable surface and unstable surface. For statistical data analysis between groups, the Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used. ResultsStudents with hearing loss showed more instability in postural control than those with normal hearing, with significant differences between groups (stable surface, unstable surface) (p<0.001). ConclusionsStudents with sensorineural hearing loss showed greater instability in the postural control compared to normal hearing students of the same gender and age.