Nonsignificant Differences (nonsignificant + difference)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Biochemical Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Pacific Whiting Fish Sauce

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2003
S. Tungkawachara
ABSTRACT Biochemical characteristics of fish sauce made from Pacific whiting whole fish and a mixture (1:1) of its byproducts were investigated at 0, 1, 3, and 9 mo. As fermentation time extended, the degree of hydrolysis, total nitrogen content, amino nitrogen content, and hypoxanthine content increased, while inosine content, moisture content, and pH decreased. Degree of hydrolysis was significantly different at 9 mo of fermentation. All cathepsin activities were negligible after 3 mo. Consumer tests showed a nonsignificant difference in overall acceptance between our samples and commercial anchovy fish sauce (P > 0.05). This study demonstrated that surimi byproducts can be utilized as raw material for fish sauce. [source]


Culture of nasal epithelial cells using chitosan-based membranes

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2009
Tsung-Wei Huang MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether chitosan-based membranes can be used as scaffolds for growth and differentiation of nasal epithelial cells (NECs). Our final goal was to establish a novel methodology for enhancing the regeneration of the respiratory system. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: Human NECs were cultured on three various substrates, e.g., chitosan membranes, collagen, and chitosan-collagen membranes. Morphology of NECs was examined via light and electron microscopy, the area of ciliated cells was measured by confocal microscopy, and ciliary beat frequency was also evaluated. Expression of mucin genes was investigated with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: NECs were found to be successfully adhesive with collagen and chitosan-collagen membranes at day 3 after seeding, but not with chitosan membranes. The cilia area on collagen were 6.1% ± 1.2%, 8.4% ± 1.4%, and 12.5% ± 1.9% at days 7, 14, and 21 after confluence, respectively, compared with 5.1% ± 0.9%, 8.6% ± 1.6%, and 12.3% ± 2.1% in chitosan-collagen membranes, exhibited nonsignificant difference (P > .05). There were no significant differences in ciliary beat frequency between each group. The expression levels of mucin genes, namely, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC2, in NECs on both collagen and chitosan-collagen membranes did not differ significantly (P > .05). Conclusions: A small amount collagen mixed with chitosan substrate may improve the biocompatibility and promote the mucociliary differentiation in NECs. It appears that chitosan-collagen membrane is a promising scaffold for culture of the nasal epithelium, which sets the stage for studying tissue regeneration in the respiratory system. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source]


Electromagnetic field exposure and health among RF plastic sealer operators

BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 1 2004
Jonna Wilén
Abstract Operators of RF plastic sealers (RF operators) are an occupational category highly exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The aim of the present study was to make an appropriate exposure assessment of RF welding and examine the health status of the operators. In total, 35 RF operators and 37 controls were included. The leakage fields (electric and magnetic field strength) were measured, as well as induced and contact current. Information about welding time and productivity was used to calculate time integrated exposure. A neurophysiological examination and 24 h ECG were also carried out. The participants also had to answer a questionnaire about subjective symptoms. The measurements showed that RF operators were exposed to rather intense electric and magnetic fields. The mean values of the calculated 6 min, spatially averaged E and H field strengths, in line with ICNIRP reference levels, are 107 V/m and 0.24 A/m, respectively. The maximum measured field strengths were 2 kV/m and 1.5 A/m, respectively. The induced current in ankles and wrists varied, depending on the work situation, with a mean value of 101 mA and a maximum measured value of 1 A. In total, 11 out of 46 measured RF plastic sealers exceeded the ICNIRP reference levels. RF operators, especially the ready made clothing workers had a slightly disturbed two-point discrimination ability compared to a control group. A nonsignificant difference between RF operators and controls was found in the prevalence of subjective symptoms, but the time integrated exposure parameters seem to be of importance to the prevalence of some subjective symptoms: fatigue, headaches, and warmth sensations in the hands. Further, RF operators had a significantly lower heart rate (24 h registration) and more episodes of bradycardia compared to controls. Bioelectromagnetics 25:5,15, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Manipulative therapy of secondary lymphedema in the presence of locoregional tumors

CANCER, Issue 4 2008
Ximena A. Pinell BA
Abstract BACKGROUND. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a manipulative intervention of documented benefit to patients with lymphedema (LE). Although the role of CDT for LE is well described, to the authors' knowledge there are no data regarding its efficacy for patients with LE due to tumor masses in the draining anatomic bed. Traditionally, LE therapists are wary of providing therapy to such patients with ,malignant' LE for fear of exacerbating the underlying cancer, and that the obstruction will render therapy less effective. In the current study, the authors' experience providing CDT for such patients is discussed. METHODS. Cancer survivors with LE were referred to therapists at 2 Atlanta-area clinics. CDT consists of treatment (Phase 1) and maintenance phases (Phase 2). During Phase 1, the patient undergoes manipulative therapy and bandaging daily until the LE reduction plateaus; at that point, Phase 2 (self-care) begins. At the beginning and end of Phase 1, LE is quantified and differences in girth volume calculated. The results for patients completing Phase 1 therapy for LE in the presence of locoregional masses were compared with results for patients with LE in the absence of such disease. Both volume reduction of the affected limb and number of treatments to plateau were analyzed. RESULTS. Between January 2004, and March 2007, LE of 82 limbs in 72 patients was treated with CDT and Phase 1 was completed. The median number of treatments to plateau was 12 (range, 4,23 treatments); the median limb volume reduction was 22% (range, ,23 to 164%). Nineteen limbs (16 patients) with associated chest wall/axillary or pelvic/inguinal tumors had nonsignificant difference in LE reduction (P = .75) in the presence of significantly more sessions to attain plateau (P = .0016) compared with 63 limbs in 56 patients without such masses. CONCLUSIONS. Patients with LE may obtain relief with CDT regardless of whether they have locoregional disease contributing to their symptoms. However, it will likely take longer to achieve that effect. Manipulative therapy of LE should not be withheld because of persistent or recurrent disease in the draining anatomic bed. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source]


Safety and Clinical Effectiveness of Midazolam versus Propofol for Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008
Corinne Michèle Hohl MD
Abstract Objectives:, To synthesize the evidence comparing the adverse event (AE) profile and clinical effectiveness of midazolam and propofol for procedural sedation (PS) in adults in the emergency care setting. Methods:, The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting the use of either midazolam and/or propofol for adult PS in the emergency department (ED). A systematic search strategy was developed and applied to six bibliographic reference databases. Three emergency medicine journals, the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Newsletter, and conference proceedings were hand-searched. Retrieved articles were reviewed and data were abstracted using standardized data collection. Trial quality was assessed using the Jadad score. The outcomes assessed were the proportion of patients with AEs and the pooled mean difference in the proportion of patients with successful PS. Results:, Of 229 articles identified, 28 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis of AEs. Only one major AE to PS was found, resulting in no statistically significant difference in the proportion of major AEs between agents. Four studies were RCTs that met the inclusion criteria for the analysis of clinical effectiveness. Two trials met criteria for good quality. The RCTs enrolled between 32 and 86 patients, and the most common indications for PS were orthopedic reductions and cardioversions. There was a nonsignificant difference in the proportion of patients with successful PS in favor of propofol (effect difference 2.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = ,6.5 to 15.2). Conclusions:, The authors found no significant difference in the safety profile and the proportion of successful PS between midazolam and propofol for adults in the ED. [source]


Using the Acetabulum to Estimate Age at Death of Adult Males,

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2006
Carme Rissech Ph.D.
ABSTRACT: The acetabular region is often present and adequately preserved in adult human skeletal remains. Close morphological examination of the 242 left male os coxae from the identified collection of Coimbra (Portugal) has enabled the recognition of seven variables that can be used to estimate age at death. This paper describes these variables and argues their appropriateness by analyzing the correlation between these criteria and the age, the intra- and interobserver consistence, and the accuracy in age prediction using Bayesian inference to estimate age of identified specimens. Results show significant close correlation between the acetabular criteria and age, nonsignificant differences in intra- and interobserver test, and 89% accuracy in Bayes prediction. Obtained estimated age of the specimens had similar accuracy in all ages. These results indicate that these seven variables, based on the acetabular area, are potentially useful to estimate age at death for adult specimens. [source]


Systematic review: secondary prevention with band ligation, pharmacotherapy or combination therapy after bleeding from oesophageal varices

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2009
J. CHEUNG
Summary Background, Variable methods are available for secondary prevention after oesophageal variceal bleeding (EVB). Aim, To compare band ligation (BL), pharmacotherapy (PT) and BL+PT for EVB secondary prevention. Methods, A systematic search of databases, references and meeting abstracts was conducted for randomized trials of BL, PT or BL+PT. The outcomes were mortality, rebleeding and adverse events. A random-effects model was used for meta-analyses. Results, Twelve trials were included (6 BL vs. PT, 4 BL+PT vs. BL, 2 BL+PT vs. PT). All trials used beta-blockers ± isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) as PT. Mortality was not significantly different among trials. Rebleeding was not significantly different for BL vs. PT (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.73,1.37). BL reduced rebleeding compared with PT for trials with mean beta-blocker dose <80 mg/day (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49,0.91). There were nonsignificant differences in rebleeding for BL+PT vs. BL (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.31,1.08) and BL+PT vs. PT (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56,1.03). There was no difference in adverse events between BL vs. PT, but was higher with BL+PT vs. BL. Conclusion, Band ligation and PT alone are comparable for secondary prevention of rebleeding after EVB. Further trials with adequate PT dosing are required to determine the efficacy of combination BL+PT therapy. [source]


Comparison of the General Ability Measure for Adults and the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test with college students

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 5 2002
Kerry S. Lassiter
Ninety-four college students were administered the GAMA and KAIT. GAMA IQs were significantly and moderately correlated with KAIT Fluid, Crystallized and Composite IQs, supporting the convergent validity of this instrument. Although significant correlations between measures emerged and nonsignificant differences were found between mean scores across these instruments, GAMA IQ scores did not accurately predict KAIT Composite IQ scores when GAMA IQ scores were compared to KAIT Composite IQs. Similarly, when the sample was divided into two groups by ability level, GAMA IQs accurately estimated the intelligence for individuals of Average and Below Average intelligence, but underestimated the KAIT Composite IQ scores by 4 points for the Above Average group. Implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided. © 2002, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Serum leptin correlates in infertile oligozoospermic males

ANDROLOGIA, Issue 5 2007
S. Hanafy
Summary Leptin is an adipocyte-secreted protein that participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Eighty men were investigated; fertile normozoospermia as a control (n = 30) and infertile oligozoospermia (n = 50). The patients underwent estimation of body weight (kg), height (cm), calculation of body mass index (BMI), semen analysis, serum leptin and testosterone hormones. Mean body weight was significantly higher in infertile oligozoospermia compared with controls. Mean height, BMI and serum testosterone levels showed nonsignificant differences between the two groups. Infertile oligozoospermia had significantly higher mean serum leptin level than controls (mean ± SD; 6.88 ± 8.65, 16.3 ± 13.98 ng ml,1, P < 0.01). Serum leptin demonstrated significant positive correlation with age, body weight, BMI and significant inverse correlation with serum testosterone. It had nonsignificant correlation with the height and sperm concentration. These results are suggestive of a link between the adipocyte derived hormone, leptin and male reproduction. [source]


Effects of Private and Public Canadian Mergers

CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES, Issue 2 2005
Ayse Yuce
Abstract This paper examines the merger announcements of Canadian companies between 1994 and 2000 during an exceptional merger boom. The results show that both the target companies and the acquirer companies obtain significant positive abnormal returns during this time period. Companies that acquire private targets with stock have positive returns; however, acquirers of private firms have significantly higher risk compared with those that acquire public targets, despite nonsignificant differences in returns. Acquirers pay significantly less to acquire private firms than public firms, especially with stock. Overall, the findings suggest there is support for a liquidity discount for private firms, and the market is efficient in valuing firms in asymmetric conditions. Résumé Dans cet article, nous examinons les annonces de fusions des compagnies canadiennes entre 1994 et 2000, période de grand boom de fusion. Les résultats montrent qu'au cours de cette période, les compagnies cibles et les compagnies acquéreuses obtiennent des rendements anormaux positifs. Les entreprises qui achètent des cibles privées avec des actions ont des rendements positifs; cependant, ces entreprises ont des risques considérablement plus élevés par rapport aux entreprises qui achètent des cibles publiques nonobstant des différences négligeables dans les rendements. Par ailleurs, les acquéreurs paient nettement moins pour acheter les entreprises privées que pour acheter les entreprises publiques, en particulier celles qui ont des actions. Dans l'ensemble, les résultats de l'étude révèlent qu'il est nécessaire d'escompter la liquidité pour les entreprises privées et que le marché permet de valoriser les entreprises dans les conditions asymétriques. [source]


Geographic differences in tooth loss and denture-wearing among the elderly in Norway

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
Birgitte Moesgaard Henriksen
Abstract , Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of teeth and dentures in individuals aged 67 years and above. Methods: A representative random sample of 1152 individuals was drawn from 11 of the 19 counties of Norway. In all, 582 subjects were interviewed and examined clinically by the same dentist (BMH) in 1996,99. Fifty-four had died before contact was established, and the response rate was 53%. The mean age of those examined was 76.4 ± 5.9 years, range 67,99 years. Results: In all, 40.0% had ,own teeth only', 27.9% ,own teeth and dentures' and 31.6% ,dentures only'. Three participants had neither teeth nor dentures. Interviews with 35 nonparticipants disclosed no statistically significant differences regarding dental/denture status compared to participants. By using stepwise polychotomous logistic regression, three regions of Norway could be identified with respect to the occurrence of teeth and dentures; significant differences existed between them and nonsignificant differences were found within them. In region A (South-East counties including the capital Oslo), region B (West-Central counties), and region C (Northern counties) the prevalence of ,own teeth only', ,own teeth and dentures' and ,dentures only' were 62.0, 26.5 and 11.1% in region A, 27.7, 28.9 and 43.1% in region B and 2.9, 28.6 and 65.7% in region C, respectively. Teeth were observed in 394 individuals, the mean number being 19, 15 and 11 in regions A, B and C, respectively (over all mean 17 teeth). Conclusions: There are large geographical disparities with respect to dental/denture status in Norway. The oral health goals for the year 2000 suggested by WHO/FDI were far from met in large areas of the country at the time when the data were collected, (1996,99). [source]