Subgroups of survivors with distinct aggravating factors associated with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) in the hands.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 157-157
Author(s):  
Grace Mausisa ◽  
Judy Mastick ◽  
Melissa Mazor ◽  
Steven M. Paul ◽  
Bruce A. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neurologic Complication ◽  
Platinum Compound ◽  
Temperature Group ◽  
Motor Tests ◽  
Activity Groups

157 Background: CIN is the most prevalent neurologic complication of cancer treatment. Inter-individual variability exists in survivors’ reports of the factors that aggravate CIN in their hands. The purpose of this study was to identify groups of survivors with CIN in their hands based on distinct aggravating factors and evaluate for differences in demographic, clinical, symptom characteristics and quality of life (QOL) based on group membership. Methods: Cancer survivors (n = 307) who received a platinum and/or a taxane and rated their altered sensation/pain in their hands at > 3 on 0-10 scale were enrolled and completed study questionnaires, including a list of 22 factors that could make pain worse. Medical records were reviewed and sensory and motor tests were done. Latent class analysis was used to identify groups of survivors based on the occurrence rates for aggravating factors. Differences among the groups were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric statistics. Results: Three groups were identified based on occurrence rates for aggravating factors in the hands (i.e., Activity and Temperature (41.0%), Activity (8.7%), Few Factors (52.2%)). No differences were found among the groups in demographic characteristics, or sensory (light touch, temperature, pain, vibration) and motor (grip strength, pegboard) tests. Compared to the Few Factors group, the Activity and Temperature group had more comorbidities, poorer sleep, greater fatigue, and more anxious and depressive symptoms. Survivors who received a platinum compound were more likely to be in the Activity and Temperature group. Those who received a taxane compound were more likely to be in the Few Factors or Activity groups. Conclusions: Survivors who reported a higher occurrence of aggravating factors had a higher symptom burden and poorer QOL. Most differences were found between the Few Factors group and the Activity and Temperature group which may be due to the small sample size of the Activity group. Objective measures did not differ among the groups. Findings suggest that subgroups of survivors can be identified based on their reports of CIN aggravating factors.

Subgroups of survivors with distinct aggravating factors associated with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) in the feet.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 151-151
Author(s):  
Judy Mastick ◽  
Grace Mausisa ◽  
Melissa Mazor ◽  
Steven M. Paul ◽  
Bruce A. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Neurologic Complication ◽  
Platinum Compound ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Cold Temperatures ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Temperature Group ◽  
Activity Groups

151 Background: CIN is the most prevalent neurologic complication of cancer treatment. Inter-individual variability exists in survivors’ reports of the factors that aggravate CIN in their feet. The purpose of this study was to identify groups of survivors with CIN in their feet based on distinct aggravating factors and evaluate for differences in demographic, clinical, symptom characteristics and quality of life (QOL) based on group membership. Methods: Cancer survivors (n = 403) who received a platinum and/or a taxane and rated their altered sensation/pain in their feet at > 3 on 0-10 scale were enrolled and completed study questionnaires, including a list of 22 factors that could make pain worse. Medical records were reviewed and sensory and motor tests were done. Latent class analysis was used to identify groups of survivors based on the occurrence rates for aggravating factors. Differences among the groups were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric statistics. Results: Three groups were identified based on occurrence rates for aggravating factors in the feet (i.e., Activity and Temperature (40.2%), Activity (25.8%), Few Factors (34.0%)). No differences were found among the groups in demographic characteristics, or sensory (light touch, temperature, pain, vibration) and motor (Timed Up and Go, Fullerton Assessment of Balance) tests. Compared to the Few Factors group, the other two groups had higher BMI, worse foot pain, poorer functional status and sleep, more depressive symptoms, and lower QOL. Survivors who received a platinum compound were more likely to be in the Activity and Temperature group. Those that received a taxane compound were more likely to be in the Few Factors or Activity groups. Conclusions: Survivors who reported a higher occurrence of aggravating factors had a higher symptom burden and poorer QOL. Objective measures did not differ among the groups. Aggravating factors associated with the CTX received supports previous work in that the survivors who received platinum drugs noted cold temperatures aggravated their CIN. Findings suggest that subgroups of survivors can be identified based on their reports of CIN aggravating factors.

scholarly journals Motor Capacities in Boys with High Functioning Autism: Which Evaluations to Choose?

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1521
Author(s):  
Véronique-Aurélie BRICOUT ◽  
Marion PACE ◽  
Léa DUMORTIER ◽  
Sahal MIGANEH ◽  
Yohan MAHISTRE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Ensemble Classification ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster Analysis ◽  
Motor Tests

The difficulties with motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has become a major focus of interest. Our objectives were to provide an overall profile of motor capacities in children with ASD compared to neurotypically developed children through specific tests, and to identify which motor tests best discriminate children with or without ASD. Twenty-two male children with ASD (ASD—10.7 ± 1.3 years) and twenty controls (CONT—10.0 ± 1.6 years) completed an evaluation with 42 motor tests from European Physical Fitness Test Battery (EUROFIT), the Physical and Neurological Exam for Subtle Signs (PANESS) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children ( M-ABC). However, it was challenging to design a single global classifier to integrate all these features for effective classification due to the issue of small sample size. To this end, we proposed a hierarchical ensemble classification method to combine multilevel classifiers by gradually integrating a large number of features from different motor assessments. In the ASD group, flexibility, explosive power and strength scores (p < 0.01) were significantly lower compared to the control group. Our results also showed significant difficulties in children with ASD for dexterity and ball skills (p < 0.001). The principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis allowed for the classification of children based on motor tests, correctly distinguishing clusters between children with and without motor impairments.

scholarly journals Look After Yourself: Students Consistently Showing High Resilience Engaged in More Self-Care and Proved More Resilient During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura E. Meine ◽  
Eike Strömer ◽  
Sandra Schönfelder ◽  
Eliza I. Eckhardt ◽  
Anna K. Bergmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Resilience Factors ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted severe restrictions on everyday life to curb the spread of infections. For example, teaching at universities has been switched to an online format, reducing students' opportunities for exchange, and social interaction. Consequently, their self-reported mental health has significantly decreased and there is a pressing need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms—ideally considering not only data collected during the pandemic, but also before. One hundred seventeen German university students aged 18-27 were assessed for known resilience factors (optimism, self-care, social support, generalized self-efficacy) and subsequently completed surveys on stress experiences and mental health every 3 months over a period of 9 months before the outbreak of the pandemic and once during the first lockdown in Germany. For each timepoint before the pandemic, we regressed participants' mental health against the reported stressor load, such that the resulting residuals denote better or worse than expected outcomes, i.e., the degree of resilient functioning. We then tested whether different expressions in the resilience factors were predictive of distinct resilient functioning trajectories, which were identified through latent class growth analysis. Finally, we investigated whether trajectory class, resilience factors, and perceived stress predicted resilience during the pandemic. Results show rather stable resilient functioning trajectories, with classes differing mainly according to degree rather than change over time. More self-care was associated with a higher resilient functioning trajectory, which in turn was linked with the most favorable pandemic response (i.e., lower perceived stress and more self-care). Although findings should be interpreted with caution given the rather small sample size, they represent a rare examination of established resilience factors in relation to resilience over an extended period and highlight the relevance of self-care in coping with real-life stressors such as the pandemic.

scholarly journals Methods for Estimating Item-Score Reliability

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 553-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva A. O. Zijlmans ◽  
L. Andries van der Ark ◽  
Jesper Tijmstra ◽  
Klaas Sijtsma
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Study ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Accurate Method ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Polytomous Items ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Score Reliability ◽  
Item Scores

Reliability is usually estimated for a test score, but it can also be estimated for item scores. Item-score reliability can be useful to assess the item’s contribution to the test score’s reliability, for identifying unreliable scores in aberrant item-score patterns in person-fit analysis, and for selecting the most reliable item from a test to use as a single-item measure. Four methods were discussed for estimating item-score reliability: the Molenaar–Sijtsma method (method MS), Guttman’s method [Formula: see text], the latent class reliability coefficient (method LCRC), and the correction for attenuation (method CA). A simulation study was used to compare the methods with respect to median bias, variability (interquartile range [IQR]), and percentage of outliers. The simulation study consisted of six conditions: standard, polytomous items, unequal [Formula: see text] parameters, two-dimensional data, long test, and small sample size. Methods MS and CA were the most accurate. Method LCRC showed almost unbiased results, but large variability. Method [Formula: see text] consistently underestimated item-score reliabilty, but showed a smaller IQR than the other methods.

scholarly journals Chasing a rarity: a retrospective single-center evaluation of prognostic factors in primary gliosarcoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cas S. Dejonckheere ◽  
Alexander M. C. Böhner ◽  
David Koch ◽  
Leonard C. Schmeel ◽  
Ulrich Herrlinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Promoter Hypermethylation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Time To Death ◽  
Time To Recurrence

Abstract Background and purpose Primary gliosarcoma (GS) is a rare variant of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma multiforme. We performed a single-center analysis to identify prognostic factors. Patients and methods We analyzed the records of 26 patients newly diagnosed with primary WHO grade IV GS. Factors of interest were clinical and treatment data, as well as molecular markers, time to recurrence, and time to death. Results Median follow-up was 9 months (range 5–21 months). Gross total resection did not lead to improved survival, most likely due to the relatively small sample size. Low symptom burden at the time of diagnosis was associated with longer PFS (P = 0.023) and OS (P = 0.018). Median OS in the entire cohort was 12 months. Neither MGMT promoter hypermethylation nor adjuvant temozolomide therapy influenced survival, consistent with some previous reports. Conclusion In this retrospective study, patients exhibiting low symptom burden at diagnosis showed improved survival. None of the other factors analyzed were associated with an altered outcome.

scholarly journals 14 challenges and their solutions for conducting social neuroscience and longitudinal EEG research with infants

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valdas Noreika ◽  
Stanimira Georgieva ◽  
Sam Wass ◽  
Victoria Leong
Keyword(s):  
Infant Development ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
External Perturbation ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Social Neuroscience ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Single Person ◽  
Eeg Recordings ◽  
Infant Brain Development

The use of electroencephalography (EEG) to study infant brain development is a growing trend. In addition to classical longitudinal designs that study the development of the neural, cognitive and behavioural function, new areas of EEG application are emerging, such as novel social neuroscience paradigms using dual infant-adult EEG recordings. However, most of the experimental designs, analysis methods, as well as EEG hardware were originally developed for single-person adult research. When applied to the study of infant development, adult-based solutions often pose unique problems that may go unrecognised. Here, we identify 14 challenges that infant EEG researchers may encounter when designing new experiments, collecting data, and conducting data analysis. Challenges related to the experimental design are: (1) small sample size and data attrition, and (2) varying arousal in younger infants. Challenges related to data acquisition are: (3) determining the optimal location for reference and ground electrodes, (4) control of impedance when testing with the high-density sponge electrode nets, (5) poor fit of standard EEG caps to the varying infant head shapes, and (6) ensuring a high degree of temporal synchronisation between amplifiers and recording devices during dual-EEG acquisition. Challenges related to the analysis of longitudinal and social neuroscience datasets are: (7) developmental changes in head anatomy, (8) prevalence and diversity of infant myogenic artefacts, (9) a lack of stereotypical topography of eye movements needed for the ICA-based data cleaning, (10) and relatively high inter-individual variability of EEG responses in younger cohorts. Additional challenges for the analysis of dual EEG data are: (11) developmental shifts in canonical EEG rhythms and difficulties in differentiating true inter-personal synchrony from spurious synchrony due to (12) common intrinsic properties of the signal and (13) shared external perturbation. Finally, (14) there is a lack of test-retest reliability studies of infant EEG. We describe each of these challenges and suggest possible solutions. While we focus specifically on the social neuroscience and longitudinal research, many of the issues we raise are relevant for all fields of infant EEG research.

Probing the ultrastructure of the mitotic and meiotic spindle in eggs: An expeditious approach based on semi-thin (0.25 μm) serial sections

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 552-555
Author(s):  
Conly L. Rieder ◽  
S. Bowser ◽  
R. Nowogrodzki ◽  
K. Ross ◽  
G. Sluder
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Serial Sections ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies

Eggs have long been a favorite material for studying the mechanism of karyokinesis in-vivo and in-vitro. They can be obtained in great numbers and, when fertilized, divide synchronously over many cell cycles. However, they are not considered to be a practical system for ultrastructural studies on the mitotic apparatus (MA) for several reasons, the most obvious of which is that sectioning them is a formidable task: over 1000 ultra-thin sections need to be cut from a single 80-100 μm diameter egg and of these sections only a small percentage will contain the area or structure of interest. Thus it is difficult and time consuming to obtain reliable ultrastructural data concerning the MA of eggs; and when it is obtained it is necessarily based on a small sample size.We have recently developed a procedure which will facilitate many studies concerned with the ultrastructure of the MA in eggs. It is based on the availability of biological HVEM's and on the observation that 0.25 μm thick serial sections can be screened at high resolution for content (after mounting on slot grids and staining with uranyl and lead) by phase contrast light microscopy (LM; Figs 1-2).

Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Spanish Speaking

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

An Initial Investigation of Suicide Attempt Disclosures Among US Veterans

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Brooke A. Ammerman ◽  
Sarah P. Carter ◽  
Heather M. Gebhardt ◽  
Jonathan Buchholz ◽  
Mark A. Reger
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Professional Care ◽  
Patient Disclosure ◽  
Previous Suicide Attempt

Abstract. Background: Patient disclosure of prior suicidal behaviors is critical for effectively managing suicide risk; however, many attempts go undisclosed. Aims: The current study explored how responses following a suicide attempt disclosure may relate to help-seeking outcomes. Method: Participants included 37 veterans with a previous suicide attempt receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Veterans reported on their most and least helpful experiences disclosing their suicide attempt to others. Results: Veterans disclosed their suicide attempt to approximately eight individuals. Mental health professionals were the most cited recipient of their most helpful disclosure; romantic partners were the most common recipient of their least helpful disclosures. Positive reactions within the context of the least helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with a sense of connection with the disclosure recipient. Positive reactions within the most helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with the likelihood of future disclosure. No reactions were associated with having sought professional care or likelihood of seeking professional care. Limitations: The results are considered preliminary due to the small sample size. Conclusion: Findings suggest that while positive reactions may influence suicide attempt disclosure experiences broadly, additional research is needed to clarify factors that drive the decision to disclose a suicide attempt to a professional.

Investigating the Dynamics of Suicidal Ideation

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Hallensleben ◽  
Lena Spangenberg ◽  
Thomas Forkmann ◽  
Dajana Rath ◽  
Ulrich Hegerl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Unipolar Depression ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
History Of ◽  
Severity Of Depression ◽  
Ecological Momentary ◽  
Depressive Episodes ◽  
Ema Method ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract. Background: Although the fluctuating nature of suicidal ideation (SI) has been described previously, longitudinal studies investigating the dynamics of SI are scarce. Aim: To demonstrate the fluctuation of SI across 6 days and up to 60 measurement points using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Method: Twenty inpatients with unipolar depression and current and/or lifetime suicidal ideation rated their momentary SI 10 times per day over a 6-day period. Mean squared successive difference (MSSD) was calculated as a measure of variability. Correlations of MSSD with severity of depression, number of previous depressive episodes, and history of suicidal behavior were examined. Results: Individual trajectories of SI are shown to illustrate fluctuation. MSSD values ranged from 0.2 to 21.7. No significant correlations of MSSD with several clinical parameters were found, but there are hints of associations between fluctuation of SI and severity of depression and suicidality. Limitations: Main limitation of this study is the small sample size leading to low power and probably missing potential effects. Further research with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI. Conclusion: The results illustrate the dynamic nature and the diversity of trajectories of SI across 6 days in psychiatric inpatients with unipolar depression. Prediction of the fluctuation of SI might be of high clinical relevance. Further research using EMA and sophisticated analyses with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI.

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