Significant Group (significant + group)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Terms modified by Significant Group

  • significant group difference

  • Selected Abstracts


    Psychosocial outcomes in children two years after epilepsy surgery: Has anything changed?

    EPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2008
    Irene M. Elliott
    Summary Purpose: We prospectively explored psychosocial outcomes in children (7,18 years) 2 years after epilepsy surgery. This study built on our previous one that examined these children 1 year after surgery. Methods: Twenty children were studied using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; a parent report instrument of potential behavioral and social problems) preoperatively, 1 year and 2 years after surgery. A comparison group of 12 children with medically refractory seizures was examined at comparable times. We conducted mixed factorial ANOVAs to determine group, time, and interaction effects, and regression analyses to assess factors driving significant (p , 0.05) interactions. We also investigated the proportion of children scoring in the abnormal range over time. Results: Significant main effects of time were observed on total behavior, externalizing, aggression, and delinquent behavior scales, with both groups reporting improvement. Main effects of group were observed for withdrawn and total competence scales, with the surgical group demonstrating favorable scores. Significant group × time interactions were observed on the social and social problems subscales. On both subscales, the surgical group demonstrated improvement over time, whereas the nonsurgical group experienced decline. Fifty percent of the surgical group remained seizure-free. Seizure status and number of antiepileptic medications predicted changes in social scores. We did not observe a significant regression model for the social problems subscale. Discussion: These findings suggest that change in social function may take time to develop after surgery. Prospective studies designed for longer periods are required to determine if improvements in other psychosocial domains are seen over time. [source]


    Distribution, phylogenetic diversity and physiological characteristics of epsilon- Proteobacteria in a deep-sea hydrothermal field

    ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 10 2005
    Satoshi Nakagawa
    Summary Epsilon- Proteobacteria is increasingly recognized as an ecologically significant group of bacteria, particularly in deep-sea hydrothermal environments. In this study, we studied the spatial distribution, diversity and physiological characteristics of the epsilon- Proteobacteria in various microbial habitats in the vicinity of a deep-sea hydrothermal vent occurring in the Iheya North field in the Mid-Okinawa Trough, by using culture-dependent and -independent approaches. The habitats studied were inside and outside hydrothermal plume, and annelid polychaete tubes. In addition, we deployed colonization devices near the vent emission. The polychaete tubes harboured physiologically and phylogenetically diverse microbial community. The in situ samplers were predominantly colonized by epsilon -Proteobacteria. Energy metabolism of epsilon- Proteobacteria isolates was highly versatile. Tree topology generated from the metabolic traits was significantly different (P = 0.000) from that of 16S rRNA tree, indicating current 16S rRNA gene-based analyses do not provide sufficient information to infer the physiological characteristics of epsilon- Proteobacteria. Nevertheless, culturability of epsilon- Proteobacteria in various microbial habitats differed among the phylogenetic subgroups. Members of Sulfurimonas were characterized by the robust culturability, and the other phylogenetic subgroups appeared to lose culturability in seawater, probably because of the sensitivity to oxygen. These results provide new insight into the ecophysiological characteristics of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent epsilon- Proteobacteria, which has never been assessed by comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA genes. [source]


    EEG-fMRI of focal epileptic spikes: Analysis with multiple haemodynamic functions and comparison with gadolinium-enhanced MR angiograms

    HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 3 2004
    Andrew P. Bagshaw
    Abstract Combined EEG-fMRI has recently been used to explore the BOLD responses to interictal epileptiform discharges. This study examines whether misspecification of the form of the haemodynamic response function (HRF) results in significant fMRI responses being missed in the statistical analysis. EEG-fMRI data from 31 patients with focal epilepsy were analysed with four HRFs peaking from 3 to 9 sec after each interictal event, in addition to a standard HRF that peaked after 5.4 sec. In four patients, fMRI responses were correlated with gadolinium-enhanced MR angiograms and with EEG data from intracranial electrodes. In an attempt to understand the absence of BOLD responses in a significant group of patients, the degree of signal loss occurring as a result of magnetic field inhomogeneities was compared with the detected fMRI responses in ten patients with temporal lobe spikes. Using multiple HRFs resulted in an increased percentage of data sets with significant fMRI activations, from 45% when using the standard HRF alone, to 62.5%. The standard HRF was good at detecting positive BOLD responses, but less appropriate for negative BOLD responses, the majority of which were more accurately modelled by an HRF that peaked later than the standard. Co-registration of statistical maps with gadolinium-enhanced MRIs suggested that the detected fMRI responses were not in general related to large veins. Signal loss in the temporal lobes seemed to be an important factor in 7 of 12 patients who did not show fMRI activations with any of the HRFs. Hum. Brain Mapp. 22:179,192, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    The relationship between social problem-solving and bullying behaviour among male and female adult prisoners

    AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 4 2001
    *Article first published online: 18 JUL 200, Jane L. Ireland
    Abstract The association between social problem solving and bullying behaviour among adult male and female prisoners is presented. A total of 210 male and 196 female prisoners were categorised into four groups: pure bullies, pure victims, bully/victims, and those not involved in bullying or victimisation. Prisoners completed a questionnaire that presented them with different bullying scenarios and were asked to suggest ways of dealing with each. Female bully/victims produced significantly more solutions in response to theft-related bullying than male bully/victims. There were no further significant group or gender differences in the number of solutions generated. The bully group favoured aggressive responses for all scenarios. Males reported more aggressive responses than females. The results are discussed with reference to the environment in which the social problem solving is taking place and highlights the importance of distinguishing between the different groups involved in bullying. Aggr. Behav. 27:297,312, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Atypical nevi of the scalp in adolescents

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
    Giujeppe Fabrizi
    Background:, A few reports in the literature point out that in special areas of the body, nevi can have peculiar pseudomelanomatous features. In our routine work, we have met few examples of atypical nevi with peculiar features on the scalp of teenagers. To evaluate the frequency and the biological behaviour of these lesions, we have conducted a complete survey on melanocytic lesions on the scalp in a significant group of patients. Materials and methods:, Thirty-nine nevi of the scalp were from adolescents (12,18 years), 160 from adults, and 30 from children below the age of 12 years. Results:, About 10% of the melanocytic nevi of the scalp of adolescents have atypical cytological and architectural aspects that are different from those seen in Clark's dysplastic nevus. The most striking features were the presence of large bizarrely shaped nests scattered disorderly along the junction with follicular involvement. Other findings were pagetoid spread of cells above the junction and the discohesive pattern of the melanocytes in the nests. Mild cytological atypia was present but less significant. Such distinctive aspects are not found in nevi of the same site in adults or younger children. The general pattern of these atypical nevi of the scalp of adolescents closely recalls that of the so-called atypical nevi on special sites, i.e. nevi on mammary line, genitalia and body's folds. Despite the architectural and cytological atypia, clinical follow-up does not show any tendency to recur or proclivity to malignant behaviour. Conclusions:, Despite their similarities with melanoma, the nevi with atypical features of the scalp of adolescents are probably an entirely benign entity, at least at the moment of their excision. However, although benign, the relationship of this peculiar group of nevi with melanomas developed in adulthood remains entirely unknown, and the complete excision with conservative margins seems a recommendable procedure. [source]


    Attaining organizational commitment across different generations of nurses

    JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 8 2008
    LARA CARVER PhD
    Aim, To inform nurse managers about the generational differences that exist among nurses, how it affects the work environment and how this information can be used to encourage organizational commitment. Background, Every person is born into a generational cohort of peers who experience similar life experiences that go on to shape distinct generational characteristics. Thanks to delayed retirements, mid-life career changes, job re-entry and a small but significant group of younger graduates, the nursing profession is now experiencing four generations in the workforce: Veterans, Baby Boomers, Generation X and the Millennial Generation. At the same time, the literature on organizational commitment is expanding and can provide a compelling context through which to view generational differences among nurses. Implications for nursing management, As part of an overall strategy to increase organizational commitment, consideration of generational differences in nurses can be helpful in leading to increased job satisfaction, increased productivity and decreased turnover among staff. In the face of the global nursing shortage, managers should increase their knowledge of generational diversity just as they have with ethnic and cultural diversity in the past. Understanding how to relate to the different generations and tap into their individual strengths can lead to improved nursing work environments. [source]


    Circulating and synovial levels of IGF-I, cytokines, physical function and anthropometry differ in women awaiting total knee arthroplasty when compared to men

    JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005
    Sonia M. C. Pagura
    Abstract Purpose: Determine if gender differences in osteoarthritis relate to cytokine and growth factor levels. Methods: Cross-sectional comparison of serum and synovial concentrations of cytokines (IL-1,,, TNF-,, IL-6), growth factors (IGF-I, TGF-,, IRAP), physical performance and perceived function in total knee arthroplasty candidates (TKAC) (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 21) was done. Results: Serum IGF-I values were reduced in female (TKAC 137.6 ± 7.2; Controls 160.2 ± 26.2) but not male TKAC (TKAC 182.6 ± 18.4; Controls 184.0 ± 18.4) (p < 0.05). Serum and synovial levels of cytokines and growth factors did not differ significantly by group or gender. Physical performance testing (SPW, TUG) revealed significant group and gender differences (p = 0.001) with women demonstrating greater functional impairment. Discussion: A systemic, not local component to OA pathophysiology may exist for female TKAC. Male TKAC were less impaired, and their IGF-I levels differ little from Control values. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]


    Increased White Matter Signal Hyperintensities in Long-Term Abstinent Alcoholics Compared with Nonalcoholic Controls

    ALCOHOLISM, Issue 1 2009
    George Fein
    Background:, The harmful effects of alcohol dependence on brain structure and function have been well documented, with many resolving with sufficient abstinence. White matter signal hyperintensities (WMSH) are thought to most likely be consequences secondary to the vascular (i.e., hypertension and atherosclerosis) effects of AD. We hypothesized that such effects would persist into long-term abstinence, and evaluated them in middle-aged long-term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA) compared with age and gender comparable nonalcoholic controls (NAC). Methods:, Ninety-seven participants (51 LTAA and 46 NAC) underwent cognitive, psychiatric, and structural brain magnetic resonance image evaluations. WMSH were identified and labeled as deep or periventricular by an automated algorithm developed in-house. WMSH volumes were compared between groups, and the associations of WMSH measures with demographic, alcohol use, psychiatric, and cognitive measures were examined within group. Results:, Long-term abstinent alcoholics had more WMSH than NAC. There was a significant group by age interaction, with WMSH increasing with age in LTAA, but not in NAC. Within LTAA, WMSH load was independently positively associated with alcohol burden and with age. No associations were evident between WMSH volumes and abstinence duration, family drinking history, years of education, or psychiatric or cognitive variables. Conclusion:, The magnitude of alcohol abuse was related to increased WMSH volume. The presence of an age effect in the LTAA but not the controls indicates a synergistic effect wherein alcohol advances the onset of aging-related WMSH formation. The increased WMSH load did not appear to have any significant clinical correlates, indicating that the white matter lesions in our sample may not have been severe enough to manifest as cognitive deficits. A limitation of the study is that we did not have data on the presence or severity of lifetime or current indices of vascular risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, or diabetes. [source]


    Anatamopathological spectrum of tauopathies

    MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue S6 2003
    Tamas Revesz MD
    Abstract The presence of tau-positive intraneuronal filamentous inclusions with or without additional inclusions in glial cells has been recognised as a major neuropathological feature in a significant group of neurodegenerative diseases, which are described as tauopathies. In one category of such diseases, the neuronal inclusions occur in association with extracellular deposition of a second aggregated protein (secondary tauopathies), whereas in another, the filamentous inclusions composed of tau are the sole neuropathological abnormality (primary tauopathies). Genetic studies of tauopathies in general, and in frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 in particular, have significantly contributed to our knowledge about the pathogenesis not only of rare hereditary conditions but also of other more common diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society [source]


    von Willebrand disease in women with menorrhagia: a systematic review

    BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 7 2004
    Meena Shankar
    Objective To determine the prevalence of von Willebrand disease in women presenting with menorrhagia. Design Systematic review of studies evaluating the prevalence of von Willebrand disease in women with menorrhagia. Setting Hospital outpatient clinics (mainly gynaecological) and population surveys. Population Women presenting with menorrhagia. Methods Relevant studies were extracted from MEDLINE search, bibliographies of identified articles and published proceedings of meetings and conferences. Main outcome measures Number of women with von Willebrand disease. Results Eleven studies were included, totalling 988 women with menorrhagia. One hundred and thirty-one women were diagnosed to have von Willebrand disease with prevalences in individual studies ranging from 5% to 24%. The overall prevalence was 13% (95% CI 11,15.6%). The prevalence was higher in the European studies,18% (95% CI 15,23%) compared with that in North American studies,10% (95% CI 7.5,13%). This difference (P= 0.007) is likely to be the result of differences in the studies, which include method of recruitment of study population, method of assessing menstrual blood loss ethnic composition of study population, criteria for diagnosis and use of race- and ABO blood group-specific values for von Willebrand factor. Conclusions The prevalence of von Willebrand disease is increased in women with menorrhagia and is the underlying cause in a small but significant group of women with menorrhagia across the world. Testing for this disorder should be considered when investigating women with menorrhagia, especially those of Caucasian origin, those with no obvious pelvic pathology or with additional bleeding symptoms. [source]


    An event-related potential investigation of deficient inhibitory control in individuals with pathological Internet use

    ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 5 2010
    Zhen-He Zhou
    Zhou Z-H, Yuan G-Z, Yao J-J, Li C, Cheng Z-H. An event-related potential investigation of deficient inhibitory control in individuals with pathological Internet use. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate deficient inhibitory control in individuals with pathological Internet use (PIU) using a visual go/no-go task by event-related potentials (ERPs). Methods: Subjects were 26 individuals with PIU and 26 controls. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) was used for measures of impulsivity. A go/no-go task involved eight different two-digit numerical stimuli. The response window was 1000 ms and the inter-trial-interval (ITI) was 1500 ms. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded when participants performed the task. Brain electrical source analysis (BESA) 5.2.0 was used to perform data analysis and the no-go N2 amplitude was analysed for investigation of inhibitory control. Results: BIS-11 total scores, attentional key and motor key scores in PIU group were higher than that of the control group. In the go/no-go task, false alarm rate of PIU group was higher, and hit rate was lower than that of the control group. A repeated measure ANOVA revealed a significant group, frontal electrode sites and group × frontal electrode sites main effect for N2 amplitudes of no-go conditions (for group: F = 3953, df = 1, p = 0.000; for frontal electrode sites: F = 541, df = 9, p = 0.000; for group × frontal electrode sites: F = 306, df = 9, p = 0.000), and a significant group, central electrode sites and group × central electrode sites main effect for N2 amplitudes of no-go conditions (for group: F = 9074, df = 1, p = 0.000; for central electrode sites: F = 163, df = 2, p = 0.000; for group × central electrode sites: F = 73, df = 2, p = 0.000). N2 amplitudes of no-go conditions were lower than those at control group. Conclusions: Individuals with PIU were more impulsive than controls and shared neuropsychological and ERPs characteristics of compulsive-impulsive spectrum disorder, which supports that PIU is an impulse disorder or at least related to impulse control disorder. [source]