Objective Assessment of Brain Response to Tasting High Sugar/high Fat Chocolate by RETeval Electroretinography (P08-013-19)

Abstract Objectives Reproduce the objective assessment of brain response to tasting of high sugar/fat food as reported in 2013 when using the dilated eye/contact lens-ERG. We hypothesized that tasting a high sugar/fat food would increase the amplitude of the dopamine-mediated retinal b wave as measured by the RETeval instrument, which uses a skin sensor and no eye dilation. Methods Twenty three health men and women (8 M, 15 F) completed one session in which they tasted and consumed 5 gram portions of 90% chocolate and 38% chocolate (Lindt™) just prior to having S-cone b wave measured by electroretinography (ERG) using the RETeval™ (LKC, Inc). Participants also completed the BES, and had height and weight determined. Participants were grouped by change in ERG response to the chocolate (38%–90%). Results Seven individuals (30%) showed an increase in ERG b-wave in response to increasing sugar content of the chocolate. The difference in b wave response was significant between the two groups (–0.89 ± 0.18 vs 1.39 ± 0.52 (90% chocolate vs 38% chocolate, respectively mean ± SR) F = 27, P < 0.01). Age and BES score correlated with response grouping (r = 0.495, P = 0.016; r = 0.415, P = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions Thirty of participants showed an increase in b wave response by ERG after tasting high sugar chocolate (0.375 g/5 g sample vs 2.6 g/5 g sample). This response rate is about half of that seen with the dilated eye methodology. Correlation of b wave response to increased sugar with BES score was reproduced by our prior data. Further studies are needed to determine experiment conditions to increase the response sensitivity of the RETeval method for assessing brain response to tasting food. Funding Sources This project was partially funded through the Clinical Translational Research Institute and the College of Nursing and Health Professions of Drexel University.

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Comparing face-to-face to web data collection: unit response and costs in a national health survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26299 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elise Braekman ◽

Stefaan Demarest ◽

Rana Charafeddine ◽

Sabine Drieskens ◽

Finaba Berete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Response Rate ◽

Response Rates ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Unit Response ◽

Cost Advantage ◽

Web Data ◽

Demographic Groups ◽

Considerable Cost ◽

The Difference

BACKGROUND Potential is seen in web data collection for population health surveys due to a combination of its cost-effectiveness, implementation ease and the increased internet penetration. Nonetheless, web modes may lead to lower and more selective unit response rates than traditional modes and hence may increase bias in the measured indicators. OBJECTIVE This research assesses the unit response and costs of a web versus F2F study. METHODS Alongside the F2F Belgian Health Interview Survey of 2018 (BHIS2018; n gross sample used: 7,698), a web survey (BHISWEB; n gross sample=6,183) is organized. Socio-demographic data on invited individuals is obtained from the national register and census linkages. Unit response rates considering the different sampling probabilities of both surveys are calculated. Logistic regression analyses examine the association between mode system (web vs. F2F) and socio-demographic characteristics on unit non-response. The costs per completed web questionnaire are compared with these for a completed F2F questionnaire. RESULTS The unit response rate is lower in BHISWEB (18.0%) versus BHIS2018 (43.1%). A lower web response is found among all socio-demographic groups, however, the difference is higher among people older than 65, low educated people, people with a non-Belgian nationality, people living alone and these living in Brussels Capital. Not the same socio-demographic characteristics are associated with non-response in both studies. Having another European (OR (95% CI): 1.60 (1.20-2.13)) or a non-European nationality (OR (95% CI): 2.57 (1.79-3.70)) (compared to having the Belgian nationality) and living in the Brussels Capital (95% CI): 1.72 (1.41-2.10)) or Walloon (OR (95% CI): 1.47 (1.15 - 1.87) region (compared to living in the Flemish region) is only in BHISWEB associated with a higher non-response. In BHIS2018 younger people (OR (95% CI): 1.31 (1.11-1.54)) are more likely to be non-respondent than older people, this was not found BHISWEB. In both studies, lower educated people have a higher change to be non-respondent, but this effect is more pronounced in BHISWEB (OR low vs. high education level (95% CI): Web 2.71 (2.21-3.39)); F2F 1.70 (1.48-1.95)). The BHISWEB study has a considerable cost advantage; the total cost per completed questionnaire is almost three times lower (€41) compared to the F2F data collection (€111). CONCLUSIONS The F2F unit response rate is generally higher, yet for certain groups the difference between web versus F2F is more limited. A considerable cost advantage of web collection is found. It is therefore worthwhile to experiment with adaptive mixed-mode designs to optimize financial resources without increasing selection bias; e.g. only inviting socio-demographic groups more eager to participate online for web surveys while remaining to focus on increasing the F2F response rates for other groups. CLINICALTRIAL Studies approved by the Ethics Committee of the University hospital of Ghent

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POTENSI HASIL JAGUNG MANIS (Zea mays saccharata, Sturt) DENGAN PEMBERIAN PAKET TEKNOLOGI PUPUK DAN ZAT PENGATUR TUMBUH

Jurnal BiBieT ◽

10.22216/jbbt.v2i1.2763 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

Surtinah Surtinah

Keyword(s):

Zea Mays ◽

Sugar Content ◽

Environmental Design ◽

Randomized Design ◽

The Difference ◽

Difference Test ◽

Treatment Design ◽

Fertilizer Technology

Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui paket teknologi yang memberikan produksi jagung manis varietas Master Sweet yang terbaik. Rancangan Perlakuan yang diuji adalah paket teknologi pupuk Bio Extrim dan ZPT Hormax yang terdiri dari delapan taraf, dan rancangan lingkungan yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak lengkap dengan uji beda rata-rata perlakuan DMRT pada p 0.5. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa paket teknologi dengan pemberian Hormax tanpa Bio Extrim menghasilkan kadar gula yang terbaik. The aim of the research was to find out the technology package that gives the best Sweet Sweet varieties production. The treatment design tested was the Bio Extreme fertilizer technology package and the Hormax ZPT consisting of eight levels, and the environmental design used was a complete randomized design with the difference test of the average DMRT treatment at p 0.5. The results showed that the technology package with Hormax without Bio Extreme resulted in the best sugar content

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Perspectives of physicians on medical acupuncture in Lebanon: a preliminary study

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1177/0964528420968835 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 096452842096883

Author(s):

Fadila Bassem Naji ◽

Kamal Wahab ◽

Ghassan Hamadeh ◽

Sani Hlais

Keyword(s):

Integrative Medicine ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Medical Curricula ◽

Chinese Acupuncture ◽

The Future ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

Medical Acupuncture ◽

The Difference

Objectives: There are no regulations governing the practice of acupuncture in Lebanon as it is not yet registered as a profession. To our knowledge, no studies have ever been conducted in Lebanon regarding the practice of acupuncture. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the knowledge of Lebanese physicians about acupuncture, with the intent of conducting larger scale studies and developing strategies aimed at refining this knowledge in the future, and the ultimate goal of setting guidelines for acupuncture practice in Lebanon. Methods: An online survey looking into physicians’ knowledge of acupuncture, its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, indications and safety, and physicians’ understanding of its concepts, was circulated to 4651 physicians registered in the Lebanese orders of physicians. Results: One hundred forty-nine physicians (3.2%) completed the survey. Most study respondents stated that they were unaware of the difference between traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and Western medical acupuncture (WMA). Overall, 30% of respondents had personally used and/or referred patients for acupuncture. Physicians who had personally tried acupuncture were more likely to refer patients for acupuncture (p < 0.001). Those who know the difference between WMA and TCA were more likely to have tried or referred for acupuncture (p = 0.004). 72% believed that acupuncture and other integrative medicine modules should be introduced in medical curricula in Lebanon. Conclusion: Interest in acupuncture among physicians in Lebanon appears to be limited, based on the low response rate. Among respondents, physicians who had tried or referred patients for acupuncture appeared to be more well informed about different acupuncture styles.

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Why Age Matters to Higher Education: Age-Friendly Tools and Techniques for Culture Change

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1804 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 551-551

Author(s):

David Burdick ◽

Karen Rose ◽

Dana Bradley

Keyword(s):

University Presidents ◽

Steering Committee ◽

State University ◽

Community Members ◽

University Leadership ◽

Drexel University ◽

College Of Nursing ◽

Tools And Techniques ◽

The University ◽

Oregon State University

Abstract Momentum is growing for the Age-Friendly University Network as proponents, primarily gerontology educators, have successfully encouraged university presidents to sign nonbinding pledged to become more age-friendly in programs and policies, endorsing 10 Age-Friendly University Principles. While this trend is inspiring, more is needed to fully achieve benefits for universities, students, communities, and older adults. Four presentations discuss innovative ways of deepening university commitment, weaving the principles into the fabric of the university. The first paper describes thematic content analysis from five focus groups with admissions and career services staff at Washington University in St. Louis and the recommendations that emerged for the provision of programs and services for post-traditional students. The second paper describes efforts to utilize community-impact internships and community partnerships to build support for Age-Friendly University initiatives at Central Connecticut State University, particularly in the context of the university’s recent Carnegie Foundation Engaged Campus designation. The third paper describes how Drexel University became Philadelphia’s first Age-Friendly University and current efforts in the Drexel College of Nursing and Heatlh Care Profession’s AgeWell Collaboratory to convene university-wide leadership for an AFU Steering Committee working on four mission-driven efforts to ensure AFU sustainability. The fourth paper describes steps taken by AFU proponents at Western Oregon State University to gain endorsement from university leadership and community, including mapping the 10 AFU Principles to the university’s strategic plan, faculty senate endorsement, and survey/interview results of older community members’ use of the university, which collectively have enhanced deeper and broader campus buy-in of AFU.

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Does Consumption of Nitrate Containing Beetroot Juice Affect Indoor Rowing Performance in Males and Females?

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa066_009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1754-1754

Author(s):

Giselle Greisman ◽

June Kloubec ◽

Alexandra Kazaks ◽

Kelly Morrow ◽

Cristen Harris

Keyword(s):

P Value ◽

Beetroot Juice ◽

Double Blind ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Beverage Type ◽

Rowing Performance ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Difference ◽

Research Grant

Abstract Objectives The nitrates found in beetroot juice (BR) are known to be a precursor of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a known vasodilator which allows more oxygen to travel in the blood and may improve muscle efficiency. This study aims to measure the effect of BR supplementation on performance on 500-meter row time for trained CrossFit athletes. Many past studies have analyzed the effect of BR on male athletes, this study aimed to include both males and females. Methods This study used a randomized, cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to measure 500-meter row time. Thirty athletes age 18–60 consumed either a 2.7 oz shot of BR (6.5 mmol nitrate) or a placebo nitrate-free beetroot juice (PL). Two hours later, they rowed 500 meters. After at least a seven-day washout period, athletes repeated the 500-meter row with either BR or PL for comparison. This study was performed from July 2019 – January 2020 and was conducted in Mercer Island, Washington. Results Ten males age 18.0 to 60.3 (median 47.7) and twenty females age 26.7 to 58.3 (median 43.8), participated in this study. Row times for the 500-meter row ranged from 88.2 seconds to 150.7 seconds. Data indicate that although 60% of all participants rowed faster with BR (mean 112.83 seconds), compared to PL (mean 113.40 seconds), the difference in the means of row times (−0.563) was not significant overall (P = 0.29). However, for the 10 males, row times were significantly faster (1.02 second difference, P = 0.04) on average with BR compared to PL. For the 20 females, the difference in mean row time (−0.335 seconds) was not significant (P = 0.66). Competitive rowers were defined as those who rowed under 110 seconds (N = 15). For competitive rowers (10 males, 5 females), row times were significantly faster with BR compared to PL (difference in means −0.94, P = 0.009). However, for those rowers, the P-value of drink * group was 0.015. Conclusions Dietary nitrate improved indoor rowing performance in males but not in females. In addition, competitive rowers were also significantly faster with BR, however, there may be an order bias, since there was significant interaction between beverage type and testing order. Food based nitrate supplements may increase rowing performance with male rowers. Funding Sources Supported by Bastyr Faculty Student Research Grant.

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Efficacy of BRAF and MEK Inhibition in Patients with BRAF-Mutant Advanced Melanoma and Germline CDKN2A Pathogenic Variants

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13102440 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 2440

Author(s):

Francesco Spagnolo ◽

Bruna Dalmasso ◽

Enrica Tanda ◽

Miriam Potrony ◽

Susana Puig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real World ◽

Response Rate ◽

Suppressor Gene ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Clinical Activity ◽

P Value ◽

Pathogenic Variants ◽

Phase Iii Trials ◽

The Difference ◽

First Time

Inherited pathogenic variants (PVs) in the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene are among the strongest risk factors for cutaneous melanoma. Dysregulation of the p16/RB1 pathway may intrinsically limit the activity of MAPK-directed therapy due to the interplay between the two pathways. In our study, we assessed, for the first time, whether patients with germline CDKN2A PVs achieve suboptimal results with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi)+/−MEK inhibitors (MEKi). We compared the response rate of nineteen CDKN2A PVs carriers who received first-line treatment with BRAFi+/−MEKi with an expected rate derived from phase III trials and “real-world” studies. We observed partial response in 16/19 patients (84%), and no complete responses. The overall response rate was higher than that expected from phase III trials (66%), although not statistically significant (p-value = 0.143; 95% CI = 0.60–0.97); the difference was statistically significant (p-value = 0.019; 95% CI = 0.62–0.97) in the comparison with real-world studies (57%). The clinical activity of BRAFi+/−MEKi in patients with germline CDKN2A PV was not inferior to that of clinical trials and real-world studies, which is of primary importance for clinical management and genetic counseling of this subgroup of patients.

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Productivity of binary herbage based on non-traditional forage crops in the Upper Volga region

10.26897/978-5-9675-1855-3-2021-87 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

N. V. Shmeleva ◽

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Sugar Content ◽

Field Studies ◽

Volga Region ◽

Forage Crops ◽

High Sugar ◽

Upper Volga ◽

High Sugar Content ◽

The Upper Volga Region

The article presents the results of field studies aimed at expanding the species composition of herbs and the search for adaptive cereals with a high sugar content in the Upper Volga region in 2015-2020.

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Analysis of sugars in dwarf mistletoe nectar

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b74-328 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 52 (12) ◽

pp. 2533-2538 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

J. W. Brewer ◽

K. J. Collyard ◽

C. E. Lott Jr.

Keyword(s):

Liquid Chromatography ◽

Thin Layer ◽

Sugar Content ◽

Gas Liquid Chromatography ◽

Dwarf Mistletoe ◽

Total Solids ◽

High Sugar ◽

Insect Pollinator ◽

High Sugar Content

Nectar produced by pistillate flowers of the dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium abietinum Engelm. was analyzed by thin-layer and gas–liquid chromatography. The inconspicuous (0.5–1.5 mm) flowers produce relatively large (0.24 μliter) droplets of highly concentrated nectar (58–92% total solids, expressed as sugars). The major components were glucose (48%), fructose (39%), and sucrose (11%). Traces of other sugars were also present. It is suggested that nectar of this high sugar content is probably a strong insect pollinator attractant, and this, in turn, may be a major factor in the successful spread of the parasitic dwarf mistletoes.

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