scholarly journals A-31 Trails-X Trail-Level Performance Using the Profile Variability Index

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 890-890
Author(s):  
J Greene ◽  
M Messer ◽  
D Hartman ◽  
C Reynolds

Abstract Objective The Trails-X is a new type of trail-making test that emphasizes executive function and does not require either literacy or numeracy. The purpose of this study was to examine performance variability across trails. Method Participants were the Trails-X standardization sample and individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), learning disabilities (LD), intellectual disabilities (ID), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dementia. Trail-level performance was assessed via the mean Matrix, Connected Circles, and Time to Discontinue scores across trails. The Profile Variability Index (PVI) was calculated (Plake, Reynolds, & Gutkin, 1981) and clinical groups and standardization samples were compared via a one-way ANOVA. Results Across all trails, the mean Matrix score was 6 (possible range = 1-12) for the standardization sample and as low as 3 for the dementia and ID samples. The mean Connected Circles score was 16 (possible range = 0-22) and as low as 12 for the dementia sample. The mean Time to Discontinue score was 39 seconds (possible range = 1-75) and as high as 55 for the dementia sample. There was a statistically significant difference on the PVI score (F(5,845) = 6.921, p = .000). The dementia (M = 4.77) and ID (M = 5.11) samples had significantly lower (p < .05) PVI scores than the other samples, which were not significantly different from each other. Conclusions The dementia and ID samples were characterized by consistently low performance while the other samples were characterized by moderate amounts of variability, indicating that some variability across trails should be expected within less impaired individuals.

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (01) ◽  
pp. 035-040 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M H P van den Besselaar ◽  
R M Bertina

SummaryFour thromboplastin reagents were tested by 18 laboratories in Europe, North-America, and Australasia, according to a detailed protocol. One thromboplastin was the International Reference Preparation for ox brain thromboplastin combined with adsorbed bovine plasma (coded OBT/79), and the second was a certified reference material for rabbit brain thromboplastin, plain (coded CRM 149R). The other two thromboplastin reagents were another rabbit plain brain thromboplastin (RP) with a lower ISI than CRM 149R and a rabbit brain thromboplastin combined with adsorbed bovine plasma (RC). Calibration of the latter two reagents was performed according to methods recommended by the World Health Organization (W. H. O.).The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: 1) Is the calibration of the RC reagent more precise against the bovine/combined (OBT/79) than against the rabbit/plain reagent (CRM 149R)? 2) Is the precision of calibration influenced by the magnitude of the International Sensitivity Index (ISI)?The lowest inter-laboratory variation of ISI was observed in the calibration of the rabbit/plain reagent (RP) against the other rabbit/plain reagent (CRM 149R) (CV 1.6%). The highest interlaboratory variation was obtained in the calibration of rabbit/plain (RP) against bovine/combined (OBT/79) (CV 5.1%). In the calibration of the rabbit/combined (RC) reagent, there was no difference in precision between OBT/79 (CV 4.3%) and CRM 149R (CV 4.2%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the precision of the ISI of RC obtained with CRM 149R (ISI = 1.343) and the rabbit/plain (RP) reagent with ISI = 1.14. In conclusion, the calibration of RC could be performed with similar precision with either OBT/79 or CRM 149R, or RP.The mean ISI values calculated with OBT/79 and CRM 149R were practically identical, indicating that there is no bias in the ISI of these reference preparations and that these reference preparations have been stable since their original calibration studies in 1979 and 1987, respectively.International Normalized Ratio (INR) equivalents were calculated for a lyophilized control plasma derived from patients treated with oral anticoagulants. There were small but significant differences in the mean INR equivalents between the bovine and rabbit thromboplastins. There were no differences in the interlaboratory variation of the INR equivalents, when the four thromboplastins were compared.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2637
Author(s):  
Mª. Ángeles del Buey-Sayas ◽  
Elena Lanchares-Sancho ◽  
Pilar Campins-Falcó ◽  
María Dolores Pinazo-Durán ◽  
Cristina Peris-Martínez

Purpose: To evaluate and compare corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and central corneal thickness (CCT), measurements were taken between a healthy population (controls), patients diagnosed with glaucoma (DG), and glaucoma suspect patients due to ocular hypertension (OHT), family history of glaucoma (FHG), or glaucoma-like optic discs (GLD). Additionally, Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) were compared between the different groups of patients. Methods: In this prospective analytical-observational study, a total of 1065 patients (one eye of each) were recruited to undergo Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) testing, ultrasound pachymetry, and clinical examination. Corneal biomechanical parameters (CH, CRF), CCT, IOPg, and IOPcc were measured in the control group (n = 574) and the other groups: DG (n = 147), FHG (n = 78), GLD (n = 90), and OHT (n = 176). We performed a variance analysis (ANOVA) for all the dependent variables according to the different diagnostic categories with multiple comparisons to identify the differences between the diagnostic categories, deeming p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: The mean CH in the DG group (9.69 mmHg) was significantly lower compared to controls (10.75 mmHg; mean difference 1.05, p < 0.001), FHG (10.70 mmHg; mean difference 1.00, p < 0.05), GLD (10.63 mmHg; mean difference 0.93, p < 0.05) and OHT (10.54 mmHg; mean difference 0.84, p < 0.05). No glaucoma suspects (FHG, GLD, OHT groups) presented significant differences between themselves and the control group (p = 1.00). No statistically significant differences were found in the mean CRF between DG (11.18 mmHg) and the control group (10.75 mmHg; mean difference 0.42, p = 0.40). The FHG and OHT groups showed significantly higher mean CRF values (12.32 and 12.41 mmHg, respectively) than the DG group (11.18 mmHg), with mean differences of 1.13 (p < 0.05) and 1.22 (p < 0.001), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in CCT in the analysis between DG (562 μ) and the other groups (control = 556 μ, FHG = 576 μ, GLD = 569 μ, OHT = 570 μ). The means of IOPg and IOPcc values were higher in the DG patient and suspect groups than in the control group, with statistically significant differences in all groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study presents corneal biomechanical values (CH, CRF), CCT, IOPg, and IOPcc for diagnosed glaucoma patients, three suspected glaucoma groups, and a healthy population, using the ORA. Mean CH values were markedly lower in the DG group (diagnosed with glaucoma damage) compared to the other groups. No significant difference was found in CCT between the DG and control groups. Unexpectedly, CRF showed higher values in all groups than in the control group, but the difference was only statistically significant in the suspect groups (FHG, GLD, and OHT), not in the DG group.


1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Hopkins ◽  
PJ Holst ◽  
DG Hall

Objective and subjective tests for quality were performed on the meat from 40 cryptorchid second-cross lambs fed lucerne only (L; n = 8), lucerne plus an oat grain supplement ad libitum (LO; n = lo), lucerne plus wilted lucerne silage ad libitum (LS; n = 11), or an oat-lupin grain (3:1) supplement at 90% of ad libitum while grazing dry summer annual pasture (OL; n = 11). All carcasses complied with the Elite lamb specification of weight >22 kg and GR measurement 6-15 mm. There was no significant difference between groups for hot carcass weight, the mean (� s.e) values being 25.1 0.43, 25.2 � 0.36,25.2 � 0.38, and 25.3 � 0.36 kg for L, LS, LO, and OL groups, respectively. When the GR and fat depth over the eye muscle at the 12th rib were adjusted to a common carcass weight of 25.2 kg there was no significant difference between groups. There was no significant difference between groups for pH, or the colour values a*, b*, and L* of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (a* is relative redness, b* relative yellowness, and L* relative lightness). The shear force values for the loin muscle were significantly (P<0.05) greater for lambs from group OL than for those from group LO. Cooking loss for the loin muscle was significantly (P<0.05) greater for OL lambs than all other groups. A comparison of the mean values for aroma and flavour showed the lambs from group OL produced meat that was considered significantly (P<0.05) less desirable for these characteristics, with other groups being similar. Meat from OL-fed lambs was considered oilier and less meaty than meat from lambs fed the other diets. There was a significant (P<0.05) difference in absolute scores between panellists, but their ranking was not affected and there was no panellist x sample interaction. Because many producers use grain supplements such as oats and lupins for finishing lambs on dry forages, further study is recommended that focuses on the interaction between supplement and the base forage.


2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faika Y. Abdelmegid ◽  
Fouad S. Salama ◽  
Waleed M. Al-Mutairi ◽  
Saud K. Al-Mutairi ◽  
Sultan O. Baghazal

Introduction The aim of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the effect of different intermediary bases on microleakage between tooth and a nanocomposite interface in Class II box cavities in primary teeth. Methods Standard Class II box cavities were prepared in 52 primary molars and randomly divided into 9 groups according to the intermediary base used (Multicore Flow, Fuji II LC, SDR, Smart Dentin Replacement, and Biodentine). All specimens were subjected to thermocycling and prepared for microleakage testing and evaluation. Results There was significant difference in the mean ranks of microleakage between the 9 groups, which was observed in the gingival side (p<0.0001) and the occlusal side (p<0.0001). The mean ranks microleakage was significantly higher with experimental SDR, experimental Multicore Flow, and positive control materials when compared with the other 6 groups. The microleakage mean ranks were statistically significantly lower in experimental Fuji II LC, experimental Biodentine, and all negative control groups when compared with the other 3 groups. Conclusions Microleakage is affected by the application of intermediate material. Experimental Biodentine and Fuji II LC showed the lowest microleakage while experimental SDR and experimental Multicore Flow showed the highest microleakage.


2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Rios ◽  
Heitor Marques Honório ◽  
Ana Carolina Magalhães ◽  
Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf ◽  
Regina Guenka Palma-Dibb ◽  
...  

This study assessed the surface softening and abrasive wear of eroded bovine enamel with or without the influence of toothbrushing. Five volunteers took part in this in situ study of 5 days. They wore acrylic palatal appliances containing 6 bovine enamel blocks divided in two rows with 3 blocks, which corresponded to the studied groups: erosion without toothbrushing (GI) and erosion with toothbrushing (GII). The blocks were subjected to erosion by immersion of the appliances in a cola drink for 10 minutes, 4 times a day. After that, no treatment was performed in one row (GI), whereas the other row was brushed (GII). The appliance was then replaced into the mouth. Enamel alterations were determined using profilometry and microhardness tests. Data were tested using paired Student’s t test (p < 0.05). The mean wear values (µm) and percentage of superficial microhardness change (%SMHC) were respectively: GI - 2.77 ± 1.21/91.61 ± 3.68 and GII - 3.80 ± 0.91/58.77 ± 11.47. There was a significant difference in wear (p = 0.001) and %SMHC (p = 0.001) between the groups. It was concluded that the wear was more pronounced when associated to toothbrushing abrasion. However, toothbrushing promoted less %SMHC due to the removal of the altered superficial enamel layer.


1972 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 851 ◽  
Author(s):  
AO Trounson ◽  
NW Moore

Peppin Merino ewes selected for (T group) and against (0 group) multiple births over a number of generations were used in an experiment designed to study the effect of selection on ovulation rate, response to exogenous gonadotrophin (1300 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin—PMSG), and their ability to support one or more embryos of their own or the other group. Fertilized eggs, collected following treatment of donors with PMSG, were transferred within and between groups at a rate of one and three per recipient. Recipients were not treated with PMSG. The mean ovulation rates of T and 0 recipients were 2.03 and 1.13, and the mean ovulatory response to PMSG of T ewes was almost 50 % greater than that of O ewes (4.76 v. 3.29 corpora lutea). The survival to birth of transferred eggs was affected by both the selection group of the egg and the selection group of the recipient, and by the number of eggs transferred. More O than T recipients lambed (77 % v. 45 %); and within O recipients, intergroup transfers were more successful than intragroup transfers (94 % v. 54% ewes lambed). A similar but not significant difference was observed in T group recipients (54% v. 38% lambed). Where three eggs were transferred, neither the selection group of the recipient nor that of the egg had any effect upon the incidence of multiple births. It is concluded that selection has operated primarily on ovulation rate, and there was some evidence of heterosis in intergroup transfers.


2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan C. McClung

Randomly chosen high school choristers with extensive training in solfège syllables and Curwen hand signs ( N = 38) are asked to sight-sing two melodies, one while using Curwen hand signs and the other without. Out of a perfect score of 16, the mean score with hand signs was 10.37 ( SD = 4.23), and without hand signs, 10.84 ( SD = 3.96). A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference, F(1, 37) = .573, p = .454. These findings support the results of five earlier studies; however, because earlier studies were limited to students who were minimally trained in movable solfège syllables and Curwen hand signs, this study expands the knowledge base. Relationships between performance scores and instrumental experience, class grade, sight-singing experience, and hand sign experience were also examined. A pedagogical strategy for linking Curwen hand signs with students' preferred modes of learning (especially the kinesthetic mode) is recommended.


Author(s):  
Senthil Kumar Elumalai ◽  
Arun G. Maiya ◽  
Kalyan B. Chakravarthy

Background: Smoking has been labeled the most important preventable cause of a respiratory disease and its effects in a smoker are well established. A better understanding on the pulmonary function impairments in an asymptomatic smoker is the need of the hour. Objective: To study the pulmonary function changes in asymptomatic smokers and non- smokers and to establish the dose -effect relationship amongst asymptomatic smokers.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Udupi district of Karnataka, India. 140 men aged between 20 to 45 years with a BMI ranging from 18.5 to 29.9 Kg2 /m was enrolled in to the study. 70 subjects were asymptomatic smokers and the other 70 were non-smokers. Outcomes measured were standard spirometric measures for pulmonary function and symptoms like breathlessness, cough and sputum using a Breathlessness Cough Sputum scale.Results: The mean age (mean ± SD) of non-smokers and asymptomatic smokers enrolled was 34.7±5 and 33.8±5 years respectively. The mean smoking dose amongst the asymptomatic smokers was 15.74±5.5 pack years. FEV1 amongst the asymptomatic smokers showed a negative correlation with smoking dose (p<0.05) and there was a significant difference in FEV1, FVC, PEFR, MVV and FEF 25- 75 % (p<0.001) amongst the asymptomatic smokers and non-smokers.Conclusions: Asymptomatic smokers showed low values of pulmonary function parameters compared to those in non-smokers.


Author(s):  
Maurice Mars ◽  
Michael A. Gregory

The minimum diameter method of morphometry (MDM) is used to measure and detect changes in myofibre diameters (FD). The MDM is used to identify pathology in skeletal muscle. In such studies, an assumption is made that the mean FD in a particular muscle in both limbs is essentially the same. This study explored this premise to determine the accuracy of MDM as a means of morphometric analysis. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the left (G1) and right (G2) tibialis anterior of four vervet monkeys and from the massaged left (G3) and untreated right (G4) tibialis anterior of four animals. Wax sections were prepared for MDM and FD was measured. Three specimens were re-measured on four occasions. The mean FD of each biopsy from G1 and G2 limbs were compared and the number of measurements necessary to produce a meaningful result determined. Repeated measurement showed a difference of < 3.0% in FD means between the first and three subsequent measurements. There was no significant difference of FD means between G1 and G2, whilst the difference between G3 and G4 was 11.2%. When > 175 FD were measured, the difference from the final mean was less than 2.0%. These data show that, (1) FD data derived from a muscle in an untreated limb can be used as a control for experiment mediated changes of FD in the other, (2) MDM is a reliable means of measuring FD and (3) 150–175 FD are needed to provide a dependable result.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amel Ayed ◽  
Meriem Ben salem ◽  
Faouzi Haouala ◽  
Ayed Sinda ◽  
Imen Chemli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Diabetes in recent years is climbing up as the number one cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinical statistics suggest that Diabetics on peritoneal dialysis (PD) tend to have a poorer prognosis than others. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the clinical outcomes and to evaluate the survival rates as well as the predictors of mortality among this group. Method It‘s a retrospective study carried out in the nephrology Department of Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital (Monastir, Tunisia) from 1990 to 2017 including 304 PD patients. We compared two groups: diabetic and non diabetic patients in term of survival and factors in correlation. Results A total of 110 diabetic versus 194 non diabetic patients were reported. The mean age of diabetic group was 55.14 ± 15 years with a sex ratio 2.33 (men/women). In addition to diabetes, comorbid diseases included hypertension (47.3%) and cardiopathy (32.7%). The mean Charlson score of diabetic group was 5.22±1.5 versus 2.72±1.23 in the other group. A total of 62.7% (n=69) of the patients performed PD with the help of another person mostly a member of the family. The PD modality often used was CAPD (71%). Only six patients made a compulsory choice to begin PD due to vascular access while sixty diabetics chose PD to maintain autonomy (54.5%). During the follow-up period, transfers to hemodialysis (40.9%) and death (53.6%) were the most common cause of withdrawal from PD. In total, 45 patients were transferred to hemodialysis because of infectious complications (31%), Ultrafiltration failure (31%), catheter dysfunction (27%), and psychological intolerance (11%). The death was unrelated to PD in 83% of cases mostly due to considerable burden of cardiovascular events (23 patients). The median survival of the diabetic patients was 15.8 years versus 20.8 years in non diabetic ones with significant difference between the 2 groups (p=0.0001). Diabetes was associated with worse prognosis (OR:147, p=0.0001). The median survival adjusted to the diabetes group was 180 months. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that diabetes was associated with a significant increase in mortality (p=0.006). Global median survival of the technique was estimated to 68 months (95%, IC [47 ,90]), and it was correlated to the presence or the absence of diabetes. In fact, the technique survival among diabetic patients was estimated to 80% after 12 years and 25% after 20 years whereas, in the other group it approaches 90% and 35% respectively. Conclusion This study confirms the pejorative impact of diabetes in the technique and patient survival in DP. So, it stresses the importance of organizing appropriate care upstream to prevent the development of cardiovascular morbidities and infectious complications in DP.


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