The Impact of Three Gross Irn Bru on an Out-Patient Clinic for Depressed Men

1992 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-78
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Atkinson ◽  
Denise A. Coia
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Patient Relationship ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Clinical Behaviour ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
The Impact

Using an ABA design, the impact of the unexpected delivery of Irn Bru to an out-patient clinic for depressed men was investigated using the Montgomery-Åsberg scale for depression. A significant improvement in both behaviour and affect was seen immediately, some benefit still showing at one month follow-up. The effect of the procedure on the multidisciplinary team is also discussed. Some methodological issues, including small sample size are explored. Despite the methodological problems the serious element of the study points to the important impact of unexpected, non-therapeutic elements on clinical behaviour, possibly as a result of the challenge to the therapist-patient relationship.

scholarly journals The impact of visual impairment on nutritional status: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabila Jones ◽  
Hannah Bartlett
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Visually Impaired People ◽  
Impaired People ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature that has investigated the impact of visual impairment on nutritional status. We identified relevant articles through a multi-staged systematic approach. Fourteen articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 761 participants. It was found that visual impairment significantly affects nutritional status. The studies reported that visually impaired people have an abnormal body mass index (BMI); a higher prevalence of obesity and malnutrition was reported. Visually impaired people find it difficult to shop for, eat, and prepare meals. Most studies had a small sample size, and some studies did not include a study control group for comparison. The limitations of these studies suggest that the findings are not conclusive enough to hold true for only those who are visually impaired. Further studies with a larger sample size are required with the aim of developing interventions.

Role of an extended pathology exam in risk classification of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs).

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15032-e15032
Author(s):  
Mihai Vasile Marinca ◽  
Irina Draga Caruntu ◽  
Ludmila Liliac ◽  
Simona Eliza Giusca ◽  
Andreea Marinca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Germ Cell Tumors ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
P Value ◽  
Testicular Germ Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Impact

e15032 Background: The 1997 IGCCCG Consensus classification provides clinicians with enough information to efficiently choose between treatment options for most GCT patients. Nevertheless, therapy is ineffective in 5-10% of cases (even more in less developed countries), and about the same numbers experience severe side effects. This exploratory study aims to assess the impact of more rigorous and detailed pathology examination on improving the assignation of these patients to prognostic groups and, consequently, making optimal therapeutic decisions. Methods: Predefined features were reviewed on histology slides from 39 GCT patients followed-up for a median of 48.28 months. We designed a uniform pathology protocol, focused on identifying potential new prognostic factors. Categorical and continuous variables were quantified using light microscopy and computer-aided morphometry and, due to the small sample size, their statistical correlation was analyzed by exact tests and Spearman’s rho, respectively. Significant (2-sided p-value <0.05, under sample size reserve) coefficient values were entered in hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Results: Favorable IGCCCG group, presence of seminoma, glandular tissue pattern, presence and histoarchitecture of lymphocytic infiltrate associated better survival rates and lower risk of progression. Invasion of the epididymis and spermatic cord, presence of teratoma, choriocarcinoma and yolk-sac elements, papillary pattern and cell pleomorphism predicted poorer outcomes. HCA yielded 2 significantly distinct patient groups in terms of overall survival (p=0.018) and time to progression (p=0.080), but not disease-free survival (p=0.614). Conclusions: Quantification of tumor subtypes and other histology features of GCTs (e.g. necrosis, tissue patterns, inflammation) is feasible and, if standardized, may prove useful in optimal selection of risk groups, when performed by an experienced pathologist.

scholarly journals Surgically accelerated orthodontic techniques and periodontal response: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 635-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Rekhi ◽  
Raisa Queiroz Catunda ◽  
Monica Prasad Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Summary Background Reduction in orthodontic treatment time is gaining popularity due to patient demands. Several new techniques of acceleratory orthodontic treatment have been introduced to effectively treat the malocclusion in a shorter time period with minimal adverse effects. Objective The objective of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the potential effect of accelerated surgically assisted orthodontic techniques on periodontal tissues. Materials and methods Electronic databases used to perform the search were Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and hand searching of the literature was also performed. Selection criteria Only randomized control trials (RCTs) that assessed the relationship between accelerated surgically assisted orthodontic techniques and its effects on periodontium were included. Data collection and analysis The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist tool (2016) was used to assess the finally selected studies. Among these studies, five evaluated corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics, two tested accelerated tooth movement with piezocision, one compared corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics with piezocision, and one studied the effects of periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. The duration of these studies was relatively short and had moderate to high risk of bias. Results Literature search identified 225 records from 5 databases and 50 articles from the partial grey literature (Google scholar) search. Finally, nine eligible RCTs were included in the review. Limitations Most of the included studies were of a high risk of bias due to high experimental heterogeneity and small sample size. Long-term follow-up of the periodontal response to these interventions was also lacking. Conclusions There is an absence of evidence considering the lack of long-term follow-up and small sample size therefore, the results of this review should be carefully interpreted. Implications Due to the need for more studies with less risk of bias, these techniques should be implemented in dental practice with caution. With stronger evidence, the study may be confirmed to provide quicker desired results for orthodontic patients. Registration This study protocol was not registered. Funding No funding was obtained for this systematic review.

Reliability of Regression-Corrected Climate Forecasts

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 3393-3404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. Tippett ◽  
Timothy DelSole ◽  
Anthony G. Barnston
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Sampling Error ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Climate Forecast ◽  
Regression Parameters ◽  
Climate Forecasts ◽  
Probability Forecasts ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Regression is often used to calibrate climate model forecasts with observations. Reliability is an aspect of forecast quality that refers to the degree of correspondence between forecast probabilities and observed frequencies of occurrence. While regression-corrected climate forecasts are reliable in principle, the estimated regression parameters used in practice are affected by sampling error. The low skill and small sample sizes typically encountered in climate prediction imply substantial sampling error in the estimated regression parameters. Here the reliability of regression-corrected climate forecasts is analyzed for the case of joint-Gaussian distributed ensemble forecasts and observations with regression parameters estimated by least squares. Hypothesis testing of the regression parameters provides direct information about the skill and reliability of the uncorrected ensemble-based probability forecasts. However, the regression-corrected probability forecasts with estimated parameters are systematically “overconfident” because sampling error causes a positive bias in the regression forecast signal variance, despite the fact that the estimates of the regression parameters are themselves unbiased. An analytical description of the reliability diagram of a generic regression-corrected climate forecast is derived and is shown to depend on sample size and population correlation skill, with small sample size and low skill being factors that increase overconfidence. The analytical reliability estimate is shown to capture the effect of sampling error in synthetic data experiments and in a 29-yr dataset of NOAA Climate Forecast System version 2 predictions of seasonal precipitation totals over the Americas. The impact of sampling error on the reliability of regression-corrected forecast has been previously unrecognized and affects all regression-based forecasts. The use of regression parameters estimated by shrinkage methods such as ridge regression substantially reduces overconfidence.

PP216 Indirect Treatment Comparison Assessment: An Improvement Intervention In The Scottish Medicines Consortium

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (S1) ◽  
pp. 27-28
Author(s):  
John Scott ◽  
Moira McMurray ◽  
Rickie O'Connell ◽  
Pauline McGuire ◽  
Noreen Downes
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Draft Guidance ◽  
Treatment Comparison ◽  
Direct Head ◽  
Indirect Treatment ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThe Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) conducts early health technology assessment (HTA) of new medicines on behalf of the National Health Service Scotland based on pharmaceutical company submissions. As the appraisals are conducted close to the point of marketing authorization, there is often a lack of direct head-to-head data. In 2019, assessment of relevant comparative efficacy was informed via indirect treatment comparisons (ITC) in 55 percent (36/66) of submissions. While the ITCs are essential to the decision-making process, they are frequently incomplete.MethodsA focus group was conducted with the clinical assessment team (n = 11) to explore problems in the submission process and to identify areas for improvement. It was agreed that providing improved guidance to companies prior to submission may prevent future inconsistencies. A working group (n = 5) was tasked with identifying and implementing potential solutions. The group reviewed the focus group findings, relevant literature, and guidance from other organizations. Draft guidance was developed that was reviewed by two pharmaceutical industry representatives (SMC subcommittee members).ResultsFindings from the focus group highlighted issues broadly related to the incomplete presentation and reporting of ITCs. The improved guidance document outlined specific requirements in a checklist format for reporting and presenting the results of different ITC data. This guidance was published in February 2020. To evaluate the impact of the updated guidance and to identify any further changes required, a follow-up focus group and survey of industry representatives is planned for March 2021.ConclusionsThe aim of the ITC guidance is to provide pharmaceutical companies with direction to improve the quality and transparency of reporting, which will in turn improve the quality of HTAs and thus strengthen the recommendations provided by the SMC. The follow-up focus groups and survey will assess the impact of the guidance. It is acknowledged that the results of this process may be limited by the small sample size and short duration of the assessment.

scholarly journals Patch Based Collaborative Representation with Gabor Feature and Measurement Matrix for Face Recognition

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengyuan Xu ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Mingquan Ye ◽  
Lei Huang ◽  
Hao Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Face Recognition ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Linear Representation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Collaborative Representation ◽  
Measurement Matrix ◽  
Gabor Feature ◽  
The Impact

In recent years, sparse representation based classification (SRC) has emerged as a popular technique in face recognition. Traditional SRC focuses on the role of the l1-norm but ignores the impact of collaborative representation (CR), which employs all the training examples over all the classes to represent a test sample. Due to issues like expression, illumination, pose, and small sample size, face recognition still remains as a challenging problem. In this paper, we proposed a patch based collaborative representation method for face recognition via Gabor feature and measurement matrix. Using patch based collaborative representation, this method can solve the problem of the lack of accuracy for the linear representation of the small sample size. Compared with holistic features, the multiscale and multidirection Gabor feature shows more robustness. The usage of measurement matrix can reduce large data volume caused by Gabor feature. The experimental results on several popular face databases including Extended Yale B, CMU_PIE, and LFW indicated that the proposed method is more competitive in robustness and accuracy than conventional SR and CR based methods.

scholarly journals Replication and contradiction of highly cited research papers in psychiatry: 10-year follow-up

2015 ◽  
Vol 207 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aran Tajika ◽  
Yusuke Ogawa ◽  
Nozomi Takeshima ◽  
Yu Hayasaka ◽  
Toshi A. Furukawa
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Highly Cited

BackgroundContradictions and initial overestimates are not unusual among highly cited studies. However, this issue has not been researched in psychiatry.AimsTo assess how highly cited studies in psychiatry are replicated by subsequent studies.MethodWe selected highly cited studies claiming effective psychiatric treatments in the years 2000 through 2002. For each of these studies we searched for subsequent studies with a better-controlled design, or with a similar design but a larger sample.ResultsAmong 83 articles recommending effective interventions, 40 had not been subject to any attempt at replication, 16 were contradicted, 11 were found to have substantially smaller effects and only 16 were replicated. The standardised mean differences of the initial studies were overestimated by 132%. Studies with a total sample size of 100 or more tended to produce replicable results.ConclusionsCaution is needed when a study with a small sample size reports a large effect.

scholarly journals Corporate governance mechanisms and unmanaged earnings: Empirical evidence from Malaysian government linked companies

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fekri Ali Shawtari ◽  
Muslim Har Sani Mohammed ◽  
Hafiz Majdi Abdul Rashid ◽  
Milad Abdelnabi Salem
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Transformation Model ◽  
Governance Mechanisms ◽  
Corporate Governance Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of board monitoring mechanisms in Government Linked Companies (GLCs) in Malaysia. Mainly it focuses on how the introduction of the transformation policy, which emphasizes strengthening the board effectiveness, would lead to an improvement in the performance of GLCs. Our study goes further to explain the impact of earnings management on performance as it is opined that the performance of the firm could be affected by the earnings management (EM) practices, and, hence, looking at the performance after stripping away the managed portion of performance could provide more accurate results concerning the impact of corporate governance on performance. Using regression analysis, the findings of the study showed that the adjusted R2 increased from 14.8% to 26.8% (between the pre-transformation and post-transformation models). In addition, more corporate governance variables were found to be significant in the post-transformation model (i.e. board independence and board meetings). More importantly, the significance of the variables are as predicted in the hypotheses, thus lending support for the argument of the agency theory. This study has recognized a few limitations. First, the main limitation of the study is that the data were collected through publicly available data which include annual reports and other databases such as Bloomberg. Other data such as qualitative information could be helpful to gain more insight concerning the issue of the effectiveness of the transformation policy. Second, although we are using all available data for the Malaysian GLCs, the sample size of 35 companies could still be considered as a small sample size for generalization purpose. The government, in its role of regulating the corporate governance for GLCs, could gain an insight from the results of the study, thereby providing empirical support for the development of new regulations and recommendations, and takes the necessary corrective decisions regarding the effectiveness of the transformation policy. The paper provides further evidence concerning the relationship between performance and corporate governance mechanisms. Specifically, it looks into such a relationship within the Malaysian GLCs after the introduction of the transformation programme. The results of the study are more accurate for interpretation as the measure of performance has deducted the portion of managed earnings.

Gait in People With Nonhealing Diabetes-Related Plantar Ulcers

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (12) ◽  
pp. 1602-1615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malindu E Fernando ◽  
Robert G Crowther ◽  
Peter A Lazzarini ◽  
Kunwarjit S Sangla ◽  
Scott Wearing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Pelvic Obliquity ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Abnormal Gait ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Abnormalities in gait have been associated with high plantar pressures and diabetes-related plantar foot ulcers. Whether these are a transient response to the ulcer or are representative of long-term lower limb biomechanical abnormalities is currently unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to examine whether 12 gait parameters identified as being associated with nonhealing diabetes-related plantar foot ulcers at baseline remained associated during a 6-month follow-up period. Design This was a longitudinal observational case-control study. Methods Gait assessments were performed at entry and twice during follow-up over a 6-month period in 12 participants with nonhealing diabetes-related plantar foot ulcers (case participants) and 62 people with diabetes and no history of foot ulcers (control participants) using a standardized protocol. Linear mixed-effects random-intercept models were used to identify gait parameters that consistently differed between case participants and control participants at all assessments after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, presence of peripheral neuropathy, and follow-up time. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to measure effect sizes. Results Five of the 12 gait parameters were significantly different between case participants and control participants at all 3 time points. Case participants had a more abducted foot progression angle (SMD = 0.37), a higher pelvic obliquity at toe-off (SMD = −0.46), a greater minimum pelvic obliquity (SMD = −0.52), a lower walking speed (SMD = −0.46), and a smaller step length (SMD = −0.46) than control participants. Limitations The limitations included a small sample size, the observational nature of the study, and the inability to evaluate the impact of gait on wound healing. Conclusions This study identified abnormal gait parameters consistently associated with nonhealing diabetes-related plantar foot ulcers. Further research is needed to test the clinical importance of these gait characteristics.

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