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Final Score (final + score)
Selected AbstractsBeyond the Final Score: The Politics of Sports in Asia , By Victor ChaASIAN POLITICS AND POLICY, Issue 4 2010Tae-Hyung Kim No abstract is available for this article. [source] 585-nm Pulsed Dye Laser in the Treatment of Surgical Scars Starting on the Suture Removal DayDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2003Keyvan Nouri MD Background The optimal time frame to improve the quality and cosmetic appearance of scars by laser therapy has not been clearly elucidated by prior controlled clinical trials. Objective To determine the efficacy of the 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of surgical scars starting on the day of suture removal. Methods Eleven patients (skin types I,IV) with 12 postoperative linear scars that were greater than 2 cm were treated three times on monthly intervals with the 585-nm PDL (450 ,s, 10-mm spot size, 3.5 J/cm2 with 10% overlap) on one scar half, whereas the other half received no treatment. Scars were later evaluated by a blinded examiner using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and height. Scars were then blindly examined for cosmetic appearance using a visual analog scale. Results One month after the last treatment, final scar analysis by the blinded examiner revealed a significant difference between treated and untreated sites, with the treated halves scoring better in all scar parameters in the VSS and in cosmetic appearance. The treated halves demonstrated an overall average improvement in the VSS between the first treatment score and the final score of 54% versus 10% in the controls (P=0.0002). The cosmetic appearance score (0=worst; 10=best) at final assessment was significantly better for the treated scars, scoring 7.3 versus the averaged control score of 5.2 (P=0.016). Conclusion The 585-nm PDL is effective and safe in improving the quality and cosmetic appearance of surgical scars in skin types I,IV starting on the day of suture removal. [source] Probiotic preparation VSL#3 induces remission in children with mild to moderate acute ulcerative colitis: A pilot studyINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 5 2009Hien Q. Huynh MD Abstract Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has periods of exacerbated symptoms and periods that are symptom-free. The treatment of active UC with probiotic bacteria could possibly induce remission. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety profile of probiotic preparation VSL#3 in the treatment of mild to moderate acute UC in the pediatric population. Methods: Eighteen eligible patients between the ages of 3,17 with mild to moderate acute UC received open-label VSL#3 daily in 2 divided doses for 8 weeks. The disease activity pre- and post-VSL#3 therapy was assessed by the simple clinical colitis activity index (SCCAI); Mayo ulcerative colitis endoscopic score; inflammatory markers: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP); serum cytokine profiling; and rectal tissue microbial profiling done at baseline and at week 8. Results: Thirteen patients completed 8 weeks of VSL#3 treatment and 5 patients were withdrawn due to lack of improvement. Remission (defined as SCCAI ,3) was achieved in 56% of children (n = 10); response (decrease in SCCAI ,2, but final score ,5) in 6% (n = 1); and no change or worsening in 39% (n = 7). Post-VSL#3 treatments demonstrated a bacterial taxonomy change in rectal biopsy. The VSL#3 was well tolerated in clinical trials and no biochemical and clinical adverse effects attributed to VSL#3 were identified. Conclusions: Treatment of pediatric patients diagnosed with mild to moderate UC with VSL#3 resulted in a remission rate of 56% and a combined remission/response rate of 61%. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008) [source] Estimation of genetic parameters of type traits in Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breedJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 2 2002J. P. GUTIÉRREZ Ten type traits and a final score were analysed in 5868 records of the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed. Traits were grouped into two classes: (i) traits scoring skeletal and muscular development and (ii) traits scoring adjustment to the breed standard. Heritabilities were moderate to low, ranging from 0.04 to 0.26. Genetic correlations among traits were, in general, in the same direction as, but higher than, phenotypic correlations. The genetic variability shown, in general, for the analysed traits would justify the inclusion of morphological assessment in the Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed sire selection programme. Main characteristics of the current type classification system are criticized. The knowledge of (co)variances among type and economically important productive and reproductive traits is recommended before revision of the classification methodology. Schätzung genetischer Parameter für Exterieurmerkmale in der Asturiana de los Valles Fleischrinderrasse 5868 registrierte Asturiana de los Valles Tiere wurden bezüglich 10 Exterieurmerkmalen und eines Gesamtwertes auf der Basis einer gewichteten Berücksichtigung dieser Einzelmerkmale untersucht. Die Merkmale wurden in zwei Klassen unterteilt: (i) Merkmale, die Skelett- und Muskelentwicklung betreffen und (ii) rassespezifische Merkmale. Die Heritabilitäten lagen zwischen 0,04 und 0,26. Genetische Korrelationen zwischen den Merkmalen waren allgemein mit den phänotypischen Korrelationen gleichgerichtet, aber mit höheren Werten. Die aufgezeigte genetische Variabilität der untersuchten Merkmale würde deren Eingliederung in die morphologische Bewertung im Rahmen des Asturiana de los Valles Fleischrinder Selektionsprogrammes für Bullen rechtfertigen. Wichtige Charakteristika der gegenwärtigen Exterieurbeurteilung werden kritisiert. Es wird empfohlen erst (Ko-)varianzen zwischen Exterieur und ökonomisch wichtigen Produktions- und Reproduktionsmerkmalen zu ermitteln, bevor die Bewertungsmethodik überarbeitet wird. [source] Use of a structured interview to assess portfolio-based learningMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 9 2008Vanessa C Burch Context, Portfolio-based learning is a popular educational tool usually examined by document review which is sometimes accompanied by an oral examination. This labour-intensive assessment method prohibits its use in the resource-constrained settings typical of developing countries. Objectives, We aimed to determine the feasibility and internal consistency of a portfolio-based structured interview and its impact on student learning behaviour. Methods, Year 4 medical students (n = 181) recorded 25 patient encounters during a 14-week medical clerkship. Portfolios were examined in a 30-minute, single-examiner interview in which four randomly selected cases were discussed. Six standard questions were used to guide examiners in determining the ability of candidates to interpret and synthesise clinical data gathered during patient encounters. Examiners were trained to score responses using a global rating scale. Pearson's correlation co-efficient, Cronbach's , coefficient and the standard error of measurement (SEM) of the assessment tool were determined. The number of students completing more than the required number of portfolio entries was also recorded. Results, The mean (± standard deviation [SD], 95% confidence interval [CI]) interview score was 67.5% (SD ± 10.5, 95% CI 66.0,69.1). The correlation coefficients for the interview compared with other component examinations of the assessment process were: multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination 0.42; clinical case-based examination 0.37; in-course global rating 0.08, and overall final score 0.54. Cronbach's , coefficient was 0.88 and the SEM was 3.6. Of 181 students, 45.3% completed more than 25 portfolio entries. Conclusions, Portfolio assessment using a 30-minute structured interview is a feasible, internally consistent assessment method that requires less examination time per candidate relative to methods described in published work and which may encourage desirable student learning behaviour. [source] Semi-quantitative tests of cyanide in foods and excreta of Three Hapalemur species in MadagascarAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Nayuta Yamashita Abstract Three sympatric Hapalemur species (H. g. griseus, H. aureus, and H. (Prolemur) simus) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar are known to eat bamboo food parts that contain cyanide. How these lemurs avoid cyanide poisoning remains unknown. In this study, we tested for the presence/absence of cyanide in bamboo lemur foods and excreta to (1) document patterns of cyanide consumption among species with respect to diet, (2) identify routes of elimination of cyanide from the gastrointestinal tract, and (3) determine whether cyanide is absorbed from the diet. We tested 102 food, urine, and fecal samples for hydrogen cyanide (HCN) during two "pre-dry" seasons (April 2006, May 2007) using commercially available Cyantesmo test strips. The test strips changed color in the presence of HCN, and we recorded color change on a scale of 0 (no change) to 5 (cobalt) at preset intervals with a final score taken at 24,hr. We detected cyanide in bamboo food parts and urine of all three Hapalemur species. Time to color change of the test strips ranged from almost instantaneous to >12,hr incubation. Of the foods tested, only bamboo contained cyanide, but results differed among bamboo species and plant parts of the same species. Specifically, branch shoot and culm pith of the giant bamboo produced strong, immediate reactions to the test paper, whereas parts of liana bamboos produced either weak or no color change. Cyanide was present in almost all urine samples but rarely in fecal samples. This suggests that dietary cyanide is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract of the Hapalemur species and excreted, at least in part, by the kidneys. Samples from H. griseus exhibited lower, though still detectable, cyanide levels compared with H. simus and H. aureus. Differences among lemur species appear to be related to the specific bamboo parts consumed. Am. J. Primatol. 72:56,61, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Medical students' personality characteristics and academic performance: a five-factor model perspectiveMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 11 2002Filip Lievens Objectives, This study investigates: (1) which personality traits are typical of medical students as compared to other students, and (2) which personality traits predict medical student performance in pre-clinical years. Design, This paper reports a cross-sectional inventory study of students in nine academic majors and a prospective longitudinal study of one cohort of medical students assessed by inventory during their first preclinical year and by university examination at the end of each pre-clinical year. Subjects and methods In 1997, a combined total of 785 students entered medical studies courses in five Flemish universities. Of these, 631 (80·4%) completed the NEO-PI-R (i.e. a measure of the Five-Factor Model of Personality). This was also completed by 914 Year 1 students of seven other academic majors at Ghent University. Year end scores for medical students were obtained for 607 students in Year 1, for 413 in Year 2, and for 341 in Year 3. Results, Medical studies falls into the group of majors where students score highest on extraversion and agreeableness. Conscientiousness (i.e. self-achievement and self-discipline) significantly predicts final scores in each pre-clinical year. Medical students who score low on conscientiousness and high on gregariousness and excitement-seeking are significantly less likely to sit examinations successfully. Conclusions, The higher scores for extraversion and agreeableness, two dimensions defining the interpersonal dynamic, may be beneficial for doctors' collaboration and communication skills in future professional practice. Because conscientiousness affects examination results and can be reliably assessed at the start of a medical study career, personality assessment may be a useful tool in student counselling and guidance. [source] 44-55-66-PM, a Mnemonic That Improves Retention of the Ottawa Ankle and Foot Rules: A Randomized Controlled TrialACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010FRCPC, Jocelyn Gravel MD ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:859,864 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives:, Studies have suggested that poor knowledge of the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) limits its clinical impact. This study evaluated the ability of a mnemonic to improve knowledge of the OAR. Methods:, This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial performed among residents and medical students doing a pediatric emergency medicine rotation. At baseline, all participants were tested for their baseline knowledge of the OAR. The intervention was a standardized information sheet providing a mnemonic of the OAR (44-55-66-PM), while control subjects received its classic description. Block randomization (medical student vs. type of resident) was used. Each participant answered the same questionnaire at the end of rotation (3 weeks later) and via a Web-based survey 5 to 9 months postrandomization. Main outcome measures were knowledge of the components of the ankle rule based on a 13-item criterion grid and the foot rule based on a 10-item criterion grid. All questionnaires were marked at the end of the study by two reviewers blinded to the randomization. Discrepancies in final scores were resolved by consensus. Student's t-test was performed to compare mean scores on the evaluation between groups using an intention-to-treat approach. Results:, Among the 206 eligible participants, 96 medical students and 94 residents were recruited and agreed to participate. Primary outcomes were measured in 95% of the participants at 3 weeks postrandomization and in 72% on the long-term follow-up. Participants in both groups were similar with regard to baseline characteristics and prior knowledge of the OAR. Both groups showed improvement in their knowledge of the rule during the study period. At mid-term, knowledge of the OAR was similar for the ankle components (score for mnemonic 10.9; control 10.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference = ,0.3 to 1.7) and for the foot (mnemonic 7.6 vs. control 7.5; 95% CI for difference = ,0.7 to 0.9). On the long term, randomization to the mnemonic was associated with a better knowledge of the OAR as demonstrated by a higher score for the ankle component (mnemonic 10.1 vs. control 8.9; 95% CI for difference = 0.6 to 1.8) and for the foot (mnemonic 7.8 vs. control 6.5; 95% CI for difference = 0.8 to 1.9). Conclusions:, Mid-term knowledge of the OAR drastically improved for all participants of the study. The use of the mnemonic 44-55-66-PM was associated with a better long-term knowledge of the OAR among medical students and residents. The improvement in knowledge of the OAR among the control group highlights the importance of using controlled trials for studies evaluating knowledge transfer. [source] Double-blind randomized trial of risperidone versus divalproex in pediatric bipolar disorderBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 6 2010Mani N Pavuluri Pavuluri MN, Henry DB, Findling RL, Parnes S, Carbray JA, Mohammed T, Janicak PG, Sweeney JA. Double-blind randomized trial of risperidone versus divalproex in pediatric bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 593,605. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objective:, To determine the relative effects of risperidone and divalproex in pediatric mania. Methods:, This is a double-blind, randomized, outpatient clinical trial with 66 children and adolescents (mean age = 10.9 ± 3.3 years; age range = 8,18 years) with mania who were randomly assigned to either risperidone (0.5,2 mg/day, n = 33) or divalproex (60,120 ,g/mL, n = 33) for a six-week period. Measures included the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Child Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). Results:, Mixed-effects regression models, with interaction between time and the active drug as predictors, found that the risperidone group had more rapid improvement than the divalproex group (p < 0.05), although final scores did not differ significantly between groups. Mixed models using only those subjects who completed the six-week study found similar results. The response rate on YMRS was 78.1% for risperidone and 45.5% for divalproex (p < 0.01). The remission rate for risperidone was 62.5%, compared with 33.3% for divalproex (p < 0.05). Improvement on the CDRS-R was significantly higher for the risperidone group relative to the divalproex group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in safety, but subject retention was significantly higher at study endpoint in the risperidone group (p < 0.01). Dropout rate was 24% in the risperidone group and 48% in the divalproex group, with increased irritability being the most common reason for dropout in the latter. There was no significant weight gain in either group. Conclusion:, Results suggest that risperidone was associated with more rapid improvement and greater reduction in manic symptoms compared to divalproex. Although the results suggest that both drugs are safe, risperidone's lower attrition rate and lower rate of adverse events may suggest better toleration. Clinical trials with larger samples are required to confirm these preliminary findings. [source] Comparing Web, Correspondence and Lecture versions of a second-year non-major Biology courseBRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Michael Collins A comparison of correspondence and Web versions of the same course indicated that, although the students were very satisfied with the Web version, the correspondence section achieved the higher mean final scores in three of the four semesters while the Web course achieved the higher mean score in only one semester. A literature search indicated that there are very few studies which compare the relative successes of Web-based courses and traditional (lecture) courses as this present study does. In addition most of these other comparative studies are based on only one offering of the Web-based course, whereas the present study evaluates the Web-based course over four different semesters. [source] | ||||||||||