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Cheung, I. Y., Y. Feng, K. Danis, N. Shukla, P. Meyers, M. Ladanyi, and N. Cheung. "STEAP1: A potential marker of metastatic disease for Ewing family tumors." Journal of Clinical Oncology 25, no. 18_suppl (June 20, 2007): 10028. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.10028.
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10028 Background: Ewing Family Tumors (EFTs) metastasize by hematogeneous spread. Because of its dismal cure rate, targeting subclinical disease is particularly relevant. Genome-wide gene expression array analysis can uncover novel genes differentially expressed in tumors over normal marrow/blood, which may have clinical potentials as markers of minimal residual disease (MRD). Methods: Gene expression array data were obtained on 28 EFT tumors and 10 EFT cell lines using the Affymetrix U133 gene chip. Ten genes with high tumor to blood ratios were identified. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to study (1) the dynamic range of detection of rare tumor cells (frequency of 10-7 to 10-4), (2) the gene expression in normal blood and marrow samples, (3) the gene expression among EFT tumors, and (4) the prognostic impact of marker positivity in EFT patients with histologically negative marrows. Results: Of the 10 genes, 5 genes, namely six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 [STEAP1], cyclin D1 [CCND1], plakophilin 1 [PKP1], transmembrane protein 47 [TMEM47], and NKX2.2 transcription factor [NKX2.2] were chosen for further analyses. This was based on their steep linear dynamic range in tumor cells seeded in normal mononuclear cells and consistently high expression among EFT tumor samples. Among 53 EFT patients with histologically negative marrow samples, a marker was classified as positive if the gene transcript level was above the upper limit of normal, defined as mean + 2SD of 26 normal blood and marrow samples. Of the 5 markers tested, STEAP1 positivity in marrow samples was highly correlated with survival with new metastasis in Kaplan Meier analysis (p=0.001). Conclusions: This gene expression array-based approach identified STEAP1 as a promising surrogate MRD marker of metastatic EFT with potential prognostic importance. Its clinical utility will need to be further tested in large patient cohorts. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Mahadevan, Pushpa, Subramaniam Ramkumar, and V. P. Gangadharan. "Adamantinoma-Like Ewing’s Family Tumor of the Sino Nasal Region: A Case Report and a Brief Review of Literature." Case Reports in Pathology 2019 (May 7, 2019): 1–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2019/5158182.
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Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFTs) are malignant mesenchymal tumors with a predilection for bone and soft tissue. They are characterized by their monomorphic small blue round cell morphology. However rare morphologic variants of EFTs can also show overt epithelial differentiation in the form of squamoid differentiation along with strong cytokeratin expression. This particular subset of EFTs are known as adamantinoma-like EFTs which can be difficult to differentiate from epithelial head and neck malignancies. Here we report a case of sinonasal adamantinoma-like EFT in an 18-year-old male patient. The lesion differed from a typical EFT by means of overt squamoid differentiation which showed a basaloid appearance with peripheral palisading. The immunohistochemistry was positive for pan-cytokeratin, p40, p63, ERG, FLI1, and CK5/6. It was negative for actin, desmin, and WT-1. Initial diagnosis of a basaloid squamous cell carcinoma was made. Further molecular studies were also done due to the complex presentation of the tumor. EWSR testing with break-apart analysis confirmed EWSR1 and FLI1 rearrangements. Further confirmation was done with RT-PCR. The case was found to be positive for EWS-FLI-1 translocation. The revised immunohistochemistry panel showed CD99, ERG, FLI1, and synaptophysin positivity. The lesion was reclassified as an adamantinoma-like ES. Our case reinforces the fact that a subset of EFTs can show histomorphologic and immunohistochemical features of aberrant epithelial differentiation. These cases are difficult to differentiate from usual epithelial malignancies which occur in this region. This diagnostic pitfall can be avoided by the inclusion of CD99 and/or FLI1 in the immunohistochemical assessment of any round cell malignancy at any anatomic location. A strong and diffuse CD99 positivity should prompt molecular testing for the presence of EWSR1 gene rearrangements.
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Qiao, Peng, Wei Chen, Jun Zhao, Jingyi Gao, and Guofang Zhai. "Factors Associated with Housing Damage Caused by an EF4 Tornado in Rural Areas of Funing, China." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 21 (October 31, 2022): 14237. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114237.
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Rural areas are vulnerable to natural disasters and tend to suffer severe losses. An EF4 tornado occurred in Funing on 23 June 2016, killing 99 people, injuring at least 846 people, and destroying more than 2000 houses. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, this study explored the influencing factors between housing damage and variables of building conditions, tornado intensity, and village environmental factors. The results show that 2-story houses and masonry houses were more likely to be slightly damaged or be in a dangerous state. Furthermore, the building area was positively related to houses in two categories: slight damage (SD) and dangerous and requiring immediate repair (DR), indicating that the larger or taller the house, the more severe the damage. In terms of tornado intensity, houses classified as SD were more likely to be hit by EF4 tornados than by EF3 tornados, and houses were damaged more by EF1 or EF2 tornados. This finding demonstrates that the level of housing damage was not strongly correlated with the tornado intensity. Slightly damaged houses exhibited the highest correlation with environmental factors. The proportion of slightly damaged houses was positively correlated with the water area in the village, unlike the proportion of houses in the DR and unable to be repaired (UR) categories. Moreover, the larger the water area of a village, the less housing damage it suffered. These findings provide new insights into minimizing housing damage in wind disasters to improve disaster prevention planning in rural areas.
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Enos, Gary A. "Always communicate a message of positivity." Enrollment Management Report 25, no. 7 (September 13, 2021): 12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emt.30842.
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Kuroda, Kyohei, Hazuki Kurashita, Tomoka Arata, Ayaka Miyata, Miyu Kawazoe, Masaru K. Nobu, Takashi Narihiro, et al. "Influence of Green Tuff Fertilizer Application on Soil Microorganisms, Plant Growth, and Soil Chemical Parameters in Green Onion (Allium fistulosum L.) Cultivation." Agronomy 10, no. 7 (June 28, 2020): 929. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070929.
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Organic farming (OF) has been increasing in popularity over recent years, but unfortunately tends to have lower yield, due to lower nutrient availability and pest problems. To better understand how OF influences plant growth, we must elucidate the impact of such practices on the microbial community, an important factor in soil management. In this study, we examined the relationship between farming practice, changes in plant growth, and soil microbial community for green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) cultivated over 313 days in green houses with OF using composts with natural green tuff as soil conditioner (EF1) or inorganic fertilizer (EF2). Average yields of EF1 were generally higher than EF2, reaching up to 12% higher (p < 0.05; day 131). The observed soil microorganism phylotypes and phylogenetic diversity (Faith’s phylogenetic diversity (PD)) were both significantly higher (p < 0.05) in EF1 than EF2 on days 93, 191 (only for PD), and 261, based on microbial richness indices. Several phylotypes belonging to the Bacillus-related microbial order Bacillales were found at higher abundances in EF1 soils, positively correlated with specific soil properties (i.e., humus, ammonium, and pH), and may associate with plant growth promotion and/or fungal toxin degradation. These results point towards novel positive effects of OF and provide insights into the management of soil microorganisms using organic fertilizers.
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Pimdee, Paitoon, Sirinthorn Meekhobtong, Suwanna Bengthong, and Aukkapong Sukkamart. "Antecedents to Thai pre-service teacher eco-friendly behavior: A confirmatory factor analysis." Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 18, no. 12 (December 12, 2022): em2200. http://dx.doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12709.
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The research aimed to analyze the <i>eco-friendly behavior</i> (EFB) of Thai undergraduate pre-service teachers (PSTs). Multi-stage random sampling was used to select 211 individuals majoring in industrial education from four Thai universities. The second-order confirmatory factor analysis used LISREL 9.10 and SPSS for Windows 21 was used for the descriptive statistics. Furthermore, five elements were perceived to influence PST EFB positively. This included the product’s <i>eco-friendly price</i> (EFP), <i>eco-friendly safety</i> (EFS), <i>eco-friendly image</i> (EFI), <i>eco-friendly environment</i> (EFE), and finally <i>eco-friendly quality</i> (EFQ). Moreover, it was determined that a product’s EFI was most important to the PSTs, followed by its EFQ, EFS, EFE, and EFP. Moreover, of the 20 items the PSTs were asked about, they believed that non-plastic bag use for EFB was judged most important. However, at the other end of EFB was a product’s price importance.
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Tambunan, Marcelina Boru, Linda Suwarni, and Selviana Selviana. "Effect of emotional freedom techniques on anxiety, depression and insomnia among COVID-19 patients." International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) 12, no. 2 (June 1, 2023): 545. http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v12i2.22403.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on various aspects, including mental health, especially for people confirmed positive for COVID-19. People who are positively confirmed for COVID-19 tend to experience decreased immunity caused by feelings of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. emotional freedom technology (EFT) therapy has been proven to reduce mental health disorders but has never been applied to people who are positively confirmed for COVID-19. This study aimed to examine the effect of EFT therapy on mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, and insomnia) in COVID-19 patients in Pontianak City. This research method is quantitative with a quasi-experimental design in the COVID-19 isolation area provided by the Pontianak City government, namely Upelkes and Rusunawa in June 2021. The total sampling was employed consisting of 42 people. A validated questionnaire on anxiety, depression, and insomnia was employed as a research instrument. A repeated ANOVA test was used to analyze research data. The results showed that EFT therapy was effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and insomnia scores in positively confirmed people for COVID-19 (p-value <0.05). EFT therapy can overcome mental health disorders experienced by people who are positively confirmed for COVID-19 and as an alternative therapy to speed up the healing process.
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Liu, Jiling, and Ping Xiang. "Expectancy-Value Motivation and Physical Activity- and Health-Related Outcomes among At-Risk Children and Adolescents." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20, no. 13 (July 1, 2023): 6273. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136273.
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Despite a large amount of research having been done to examine and promote physical activity and health among adolescents and children, relatively little attention has been paid attention to underrepresented populations. In this study, we investigated the relationships between expectancy-value motivation and physical activity- and health-related outcomes among a group of at-risk boys at a summer sports camp. The total participants included 107 boys (Mage = 11.78 years, SD = 1.20). The boys’ perceived expectancy beliefs (EXP), importance (IMP), interest (INT), usefulness (USE), effort (EFT), and intention for future participation (IFP) were assessed using established questions on a five-point Likert scale, and a PACER test was performed to estimate their cardiovascular fitness (CVF). Through a path analysis, we found that EXP positively predicted CVF (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), IMP positively predicted EFT (β = 0.26, p < 0.01), and INT positively predicted both EFT (β = 0.34, p < 0.01) and IFP (β = 0.28, p < 0.01), while USE had no statistically significant effect on either EFT, IFP, or CVF. We discussed the limitations and implications of the present study. We recommend including a diverse sample and employing the expectancy-value model in future research, and advocating expectancy beliefs and task values, especially importance and interest, among participants during physical activity promotion.
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Turan, Yaşar. "The Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score Is Related to Epicardial Fat Thickness and Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease." Angiology 71, no. 1 (April 24, 2019): 77–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0003319719844933.
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) is an index used for the detection of liver fibrosis. We investigated the relationship between NFS and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). In this cross-sectional study, 109 patients with CAD and 50 patients without CAD were enrolled. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, epicardial fat thickness (EFT), NFS, and Synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score were recorded. Waist circumference, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), EFT, and NFS were significantly higher in the CAD group ( P < .05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and ejection fraction were significantly lower in the CAD group ( P < .05). The SYNTAX score was positively correlated with fasting glucose, LDL-C, EFT, and NFS and negatively correlated with HDL-C ( P < .05). The NFS was positively correlated with EFT ( P = .019). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that NFS ( P = .012), EFT ( P < .001), and LDL-C ( P = .001) were independently associated with the SYNTAX score. In conclusion, NFS, as a marker of NAFLD, could identify patients at higher risk of CVD.
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Wang, Hongyu, Apurbo Sarkar, and Lu Qian. "Evaluations of the Roles of Organizational Support, Organizational Norms and Organizational Learning for Adopting Environmentally Friendly Technologies: A Case of Kiwifruit Farmers’ Cooperatives of Meixian, China." Land 10, no. 3 (March 10, 2021): 284. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land10030284.
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Environmentally friendly technologies have long been recognized as a widespread phenomenon working within the functions and performance of farms. Farmer’s cooperative organization might profoundly foster the environmentally friendly technologies (EFT) and availing competitive advantage to the farmer. Illustrated by the natural-resource-based view of the farm (NRBV), this study examined the influence of organizational support, organizational norms, and organizational learning on adopting EFT and proposed a model quantifying the impacts of these approaches towards availing competitive capabilities (i.e., cost, quality, flexibility, and delivery). The framework is empirically endorsed by employing the partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of a household survey from a spectrum of 292 farmers of 38 kiwifruit cooperatives of Meixian County, China, from August to September 2020. The findings demonstrate that organizational support, organizational norms, and organizational learning positively influence EFT. Moreover, the study found EFT positively impacts product cost, product quality, product delivery, and production flexibility. Interestingly, the relationship between the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and the competitive capabilities of kiwifruit farmers of Meixian is positively significant. The study proposes several policy recommendations emphasizing the role of organizations in the form of farmer’s cooperatives in boosting farmers to engage in proenvironmental behavior and, therefore, shifting the trends of future research directions on the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.
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Mehmli, T., A. Ben Tekaya, I. Ben Mrad, O. Saidane, R. Leila, S. Bouden, R. Tekaya, I. Mahmoud, and L. Abdelmoula. "AB0834 Epicardial fat thickness is associated with patient-reported outcomes in Spondyloarthritis." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 81, Suppl 1 (May 23, 2022): 1543.2–1543. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.3516.
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BackgroundEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active visceral fat located between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium. Increased epicardial fat thickness (EFT) has been shown as a novel cardiovascular risk factor in some recent studies (1), (2) and have been suggested as a marker for cardiovascular risk stratification. Few studies have studied EFT in patients with SpA.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to assess the relationship between EFT and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) in SpA patients.MethodsWe conducted a case control study over a 12 months period. Patients diagnosed with SpA according to ASAS 2009 criteria and age and sex matched controls were included. All subjects were aged less than 50 years old and without cardiovascular risk factors. Clinical data related to the disease were collected. Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs): morning stiffness duration, nocturnal awakenings, pain visual analog scale (VAS) and patient global assessment (PGA) were recorded. BASG-s (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis-Global score) was also raised. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination with measurement of EFT.ResultsWe included 94 subjects (47 patients and 47 controls), sex ratio was 2.35, and median age was 36 years (IQR: 18-32). Median disease duration was 11 years (IQR: 5-16). Median disease activity scores BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP were 2.6 (IQR: 1.8-3.8) and 2.18 (IQR: 1.62-2.91) respectively. Regarding Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs); median duration of morning stiffness was 5 minutes (IQR: 0-180) and median number of nocturnal awakenings was 0 (IQR: 0-2). Median VAS pain and median PGA were 50 (IQR: 30-60) and 40 (IQR: 30-60), respectively. Median EFT was significantly increased in SpA patients 3.1 mm (IQR: 2.5-4) compared with healthy controls 2.4 mm (IQR: 2-3) (p=0.001).EFT was positively correlated with VAS pain (p=0.012; r=0.363) and BASG-s (p=0.025; r=0.327). No significant association was found between EFT and Morning stiffness duration (p=0.164; r=0.206), Nocturnal awakenings (p=0.463; r=0.11) and PGA (p=0.07; r=0.267).In multivariate linear regression analysis, pain visual analog scale was found to be independently associated with EFT (B=0.126; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.017-0.236; p=0.025).ConclusionEFT measurement as an early marker of atherosclerosis was associated with pain and BASG score.References[1]Mahabadi AA, Lehmann N, Kälsch H, Robens T, Bauer M, Dykun I, et al. Association of epicardial adipose tissue with progression of coronary artery calcification is more pronounced in the early phase of atherosclerosis: results from the Heinz Nixdorf recall study. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2014 Sep;7(9):909–16.[2]Rosito GA, Massaro JM, Hoffmann U, Ruberg FL, Mahabadi AA, Vasan RS, et al. Pericardial Fat, Visceral Abdominal Fat, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Vascular Calcification in a Community-Based Sample. Circulation. 2008 Feb 5;117(5):605–13.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Gaura, Kudzaishe Charlotte, Wilbert Manyanga, and Lovemore Chikazhe. "The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Brand Awareness: Evidence from the Insurance Sector in Zimbabwe." Journal of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour in Emerging Markets 2021, no. 2(13) (December 30, 2021): 22–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.7172/2449-6634.jmcbem.2021.2.2.
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The aim of this study was to establish the eff ect of corporate social responsibility (donations, sponsorship and community involvement) on brand awareness within the insurance sector in Zimbabwe. Data was gathered from 350 insurance customers using a structured questionnaire with Likert-type questions. The fi ndings show that corporate social responsibility positively infl uences brand awareness. The study contributes to studies that proved a signifi cant relationship between corporate social responsibility and brand awareness in sectors other than the insurance sector. Thus, insurance fi rms are advised to seriously plough back proceeds to their communities.
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Mirrazeghi, Seyedeh Fatemeh, Shadi Shabahang, Azin Vakilpour, Arsalan Salari, Soheil Hassanipour, and Mahboobeh Gholipour. "THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EPICARDIAL FAT TISSUE THICKNESS AND RISK OF FREQUENT PREMATURE VENTRICULAR CONTRACTIONS." Pakistan Heart Journal 54, no. 3 (September 30, 2021): 249–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.47144/phj.v54i3.2112.
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Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relation between epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness and frequent premature ventricular contractions. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, patients with no structural heart diseases diagnosed with PVCs on a 24 holter rhythm monitoring were included. EFT thickness was measured by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. PVCs of more than 10 per hour were considered as frequent PVCs. To investigate the effect of independent variables, univariate logistic regression was performed. Results: Of total 50 studied patients, 64% were females. The mean age of subjects was 46.8 ± 13.1 years. Twenty-five patients were experiencing frequent PVCs of >10 per hour. In univariate analysis, age (OR= 1.05, 95 % CI; 1.01-1.10, p=0.050), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (OR= 1.14, 95 % CI; 1.01-1.28, p=0.036) and left atrial (LA) diameter (OR= 1.35, 95 % CI; 1.11-1.62, p=0.002) were significantly associated with developing frequent PVC. EFT thickness was positively correlated with age (r= 0.389, p= 0.005) and inter-ventricular septum thickness in diastole (IVSD) (r= 0.384, p= 0.006). No significant correlation between EFT and PVCs was found (p=0.669). Conclusion: Patients with frequent PVCs had significantly higher LVEDD and LA diameter. Although patients with higher EFT thickness were more likely to experience frequent PVCs, there was no statistically significant correlation between EFT thickness and frequent PVCs.
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Tatarenko, I. Yu, and K. R. Babukhadia. "Feeding of young chickens of egg productivity under conditions of the Amur region with the use of biologically active additives." Kormlenie sel'skohozjajstvennyh zhivotnyh i kormoproizvodstvo (Feeding of agricultural animals and feed production), no. 2 (January 17, 2023): 23–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.33920/sel-05-2302-02.
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Due to the need to increase poultry production with the lowest economic costs, there will always be a need for research on the use of new feed additives and means. The inclusion of such additives in poultry compound feed increases productivity, improves metabolism and makes feed more effi cient. The purpose of the work was to study the eff ect of Co, I, Se asparaginates and the Vitacell probiotic when they are separately and jointly included in compound feed on the growth, development, metabolism and productivity indicators of replacement young chickens of the egg productivity direction. The research was carried out in AO “Belogorskaya Poultry Farm” in the Belogorsky area in the Amur region. It was found that asparaginates Co, I, Se and the probiotic Vitacell positively aff ected the dynamics of the live weight of the replacement young chickens. When they were used together, the eff ect of exposure increased. Thus, in the 3rd experimental group with the highest livability of chickens the maximum absolute gain in live weight was recorded at 984,2 g versus 934,1 g in the control group. In the physiological experiment on the replacement young chickens, it was proved that asparaginates Co, I, Se and the probiotic Vitacell positively aff ected the digestibility of organic substances and the metabolism of N, Ca and P. When they were used together (the 3rd experimental group), the digestibility of organic substances, crude protein, fi ber and nitrogen-free extractive substances was signifi cantly higher than in the control group, the nutrient availability coefficients of N, Ca, P were maximum and amounted to 73,86 %, 44,20 and 46,82 %, respectively.
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Begrambekova, J. L., N. A. Karanadze, V. Yu Mareev, E. A. Kolesnikova, and Ya A. Orlova. "Integrative respiratory and skeletal musculature training in patients with functional class II–IV chronic heart failure and low or intermediate left ventricular ejection fraction: Design and rationale." Siberian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine 35, no. 2 (July 10, 2020): 123–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.29001/2073-8552-2020-35-2-123-130.
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Respiratory system remodeling plays an important role in the progression of congestive heart failure (CHF). Decreased oxygenation of the respiratory muscles during intense physical exertion in patients with CHF may aggravate respiratory failure and provoke hyperactivation of the inspiratory metaborefl ex, thereby aggravating exercise intolerance due to a decrease in muscular system perfusion. Respiratory muscle training can minimize the eff ects of inspiration metaborefl ex activation and prolong the duration of exercise.Trial design. This is a prospective randomized trial with a sham control. The trial will include 40 adult patients of both genders with NYHA II-III CHF and with ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 49%. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either Active or Control group. Active group will receive four-week guided respiratory muscles training followed by 12-week guided aerobic training (treadmill walking). Control group will receive four-week sham respiratory muscles training (THRESHOLD® IMT breathing trainer with level slightly above 0), followed by 12 weeks guided aerobic training (treadmill walking). The primary aim is to compare the eff ect of diff erent training modalities on functional capacity (peak VO2 ). Secondary outcome measures include changes in respiratory muscle strength, serum biomarkers (NT-proBNP and ST2) and Angiotensin II. Health-related quality of life (MLwHFQ.23) and psycho-emotional state of patients also will be assessed.The study also planned an additional analysis with a suitable group of patients who were screened but refused to participate in the study.Conclusion. Heart failure patients often give up exercise due to symptoms of shortness of breath and muscle weakness. We suggest that the training technique based on the inclusion of respiratory muscle training as the fi rst stage of cardiac rehabilitation will positively aff ect the eff ectiveness of subsequent aerobic training in patients with heart failure, by reducing the activity of RAAS and SAS and increasing respiratory effi ciency.
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Mpangwire, Violah, Annabella Ejiri, and Fred Kaggwa. "Technological Factors and Adoption of the Unified Identification System (UIDS) Among Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) In Uganda; A Quantitative Perspective." European Journal of Technology 4, no. 1 (November 29, 2020): 1–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.47672/ejt.613.
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Purpose: The study sought to examine the relationship between technological factors and UID system's adoption among MDAs in Uganda.
Methodology: A positivist paradigm and cross-section design were adopted with a sample of 97 MDAs generated from a population of 130 government MDAs. MDAs were stratified and randomly selected from each stratum. The heads of department and permanent secretaries/CEOs formed the unit of inquiry that was purposively selected. Self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions aided data collection. Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression techniques were used for data analysis.
Findings: It was established that technological factors are positively associated with the adoption of the UID system among MDAs in Uganda. The study recommends MDAs to address all technological factors to enhance the adoption of the UID system.
Contribution to policy and practice: The study significantly contributes to a large body of knowledge in the adoption of information systems in the public sector that has been less investigated in developing countries like Uganda.
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Semmerling, Anna, Andrzej Paczoski, and Giuseppe T. Cirella. "Decentralization and tax independence in OECD countries: GDP per capita analysis from 1995–2018." Journal of Banking and Financial Economics 2022, no. 1(17) (2022): 42–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.7172/2353-6845.jbfe.2022.1.3.
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The association of local and regional self-government is examined in regard to the decentralization of state administration. This study extrapolated data from 36 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and analyzed whether decentralization of the state assists in economic growth and development. Administrative decentralization is explored through defining a precedence from the literature. A systematic literature review was conducted and macroeconomic OECD data using nominal gross domestic product was analyzed for the period of 1995–2018. The results confirmed that decentralization does not positively correlate with the level of tax independence of local government and, in eff ect, is not an advantage. Territorial administration is highlighted throughout the paper as a key factor behind tax autonomy in relation to fiscal decentralization levels.
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Choi, Sunhee, and So Young Jang. "Time to Focus on Positivity: Integrating a Positive Psychology Perspective into EFL Research in Korea." English Teaching 77, s (September 1, 2022): 25–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.15858/engtea.77.s1.202209.25.
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Baniya, Rojan, Unita Shrestha, and Mandeep Karn. "Local and Community Well-Being through Community Based Tourism – A Study of Transformative Eff ect." Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Education 8 (May 28, 2018): 77–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jthe.v8i0.20012.
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Poverty alleviation through community development is well-accepted agenda throughout the globe. One of the recognized tools for such community development endeavors has been community-based tourism. Not only an atecendent of development, community based tourism can have transformative effect on the individual, community and society as a whole, contributing to momentous transformative service movement. This formed the basis of this study. The research focuses primarily in two communities based tourism. Although the research is conducted at two different locations of Nepal, this study’s findings can help guide other similar programs. The findings of the study are encouraging, firstly, it shows CBT can have transformative effect on individual, community and society as a while - people involved in CBT have better individual wellbeing, with satisfaction in their life and better community attachment. In terms of financial wellbeing and psychological needs, CBT seems to fulfill these requirements. Then secondly, it has identified the reasons behind failure of CBT as deficiency in proper mechanism, insufficient scope of coverage, lack of local engagement and empowerment On the positive side, CBT has been successful in stimulating local economy in terms of tourist in flow, enhance the historical heritage, culture, traditions etc., promoting local tradition, generating income promoting local entrepreneurship and produces. The economic impact of CBT is found to be significant. And thirdly based on the outcomes a strong advocacy for CBT is proposed, and this study stands as an attempt to contribute to TSR movement. This research positively links transformative service and community-based tourism together, which has strong future implication.Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Education 8 (2018), page: 77-96
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L Syahwan, Firman. "POTENSI LIMBAH DAN KARAKTERISTIK PROSES PENGOMPOSAN TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT YANG DITAMBAHKAN SLUDGE LIMBAH PABRIK MINYAK KELAPA SAWIT." Jurnal Teknologi Lingkungan 11, no. 3 (December 2, 2016): 323. http://dx.doi.org/10.29122/jtl.v11i3.1177.
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Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and sludge are 2 (two) kinds of solid waste of palm oilplant that haven’t been utilized optimally. Their potency are high enough, and both have different characteristic that positively influence each other if both utilized together. The research result showing that composting process of EFB added by sludge is optimally aerobic done with processing time about 13 weeks to produce mature compost. The addition of sludge is positively influence composting process of EFB that its compost product has good quality.Key words : crude palm oil, empty fruit bunches, sludge, composting.
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Smith, Jessica A., Aaron T. Wild, Aatur Singhi, Siva P. Raman, Haoming Qiu, Rachit Kumar, Amy Hacker-Prietz, et al. "Clinicopathologic Comparison of High-Dose-Rate Endorectal Brachytherapy versus Conventional Chemoradiotherapy in the Neoadjuvant Setting for Resectable Stages II and III Low Rectal Cancer." International Journal of Surgical Oncology 2012 (2012): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/406568.
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Purpose. To assess for differences in clinical, radiologic, and pathologic outcomes between patients with stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma treated neoadjuvantly with conventional external beam radiotherapy (3D conformal radiotherapy (3DRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)) versus high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (EBT).Methods. Patients undergoing neoadjuvant EBT received 4 consecutive daily 6.5 Gy fractions without chemotherapy, while those undergoing 3DRT or IMRT received 28 daily 1.8 Gy fractions with concurrent 5-fluorouracil. Data was collected prospectively for 7 EBT patients and retrospectively for 25 historical 3DRT/IMRT controls.Results. Time to surgery was less for EBT compared to 3DRT and IMRT (P<0.001). There was a trend towards higher rate of pathologic CR for EBT (P=0.06). Rates of margin and lymph node positivity at resection were similar for all groups. Acute toxicity was less for EBT compared to 3DRT and IMRT (P=0.025). Overall and progression-free survival were noninferior for EBT. On MRI, EBT achieved similar complete response rate and reduction in tumor volume as 3DRT and IMRT. Histopathologic comparison showed that EBT resulted in more localized treatment effects and fewer serosal adhesions.Conclusions. EBT offers several practical benefits over conventional radiotherapy techniques and appears to be at least as effective against low rectal cancer as measured by short-term outcomes.
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Piskinpasa, Hamide, Yildiz Okuturlar, Sema Ciftci Dogansen, Yasemin Sefika Akdeniz, Ayse Esen, Sogol Sadri, Osman Pirhan, et al. "Visfatin Levels May be an Early Marker of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Acromegaly." Hormone and Metabolic Research 51, no. 10 (September 5, 2019): 649–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/a-0998-4079.
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AbstractThe purpose of the study was to compare serum visfatin levels between patients with acromegaly and healthy controls and to evaluate the relationships between visfatin levels and epicardial fat thickness (EFT), carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and ankle brachial index (ABI). We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study of 54 patients with acromegaly (37 females and 17 males) and 34 healthy controls (22 females and 12 males). Serum visfatin was measured by ELISA. Acromegalic and control participants and those with active or controlled acromegaly were compared with respect to their serum visfatin, clinical and metabolic parameters, EFT, cIMT, and ABI. Linear correlation was used to identify associations between these parameters and visfatin in all participants. Serum visfatin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were higher in the acromegaly group than in the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.007, respectively). There was no difference in visfatin between the active and controlled acromegaly groups, but HbA1c was higher in the active than the controlled acromegaly group (p<0.04). EFT, cIMT, and ABI were similar between the acromegaly and control groups and between the active and controlled acromegaly groups. Serum visfatin positively correlated with HbA1c, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/upper limit of normal ratio (r=0.245, p=0.024; r=0.259, p=0.017; and r=0.282, p=0.009, respectively). This study has revealed that a high visfatin level is associated with glycemic dysregulation and higher levels of GH and IGF-1 in acromegalic patients.
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Sirengo, Moses Juma, and Willy Muturi. "Effect of Electronic Banking on Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya." International Journal of Finance 7, no. 5 (October 21, 2022): 53–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.47941/ijf.1079.
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Purpose: The study sought to establish the effects of electronic banking on the performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study specifically sought to establish the effects of mobile banking, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Point of Sale Banking, and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) banking on the performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and Perceived Characteristics Theory.
Methodology: A descriptive research design in the form of a longitudinal was adopted in the study. The study targeted licensed Commercial Banks in Kenya. Secondary data was used in the study. The data was gathered from commercial banks' audited financial reports published by the Central Bank of Kenya between 2015 and 2019. The study employed both inferential and descriptive statistics in analysing the collected data. Both Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software and MS Excel were adopted to generate the statistics.
Findings: The study found a relatively strong relationship between independent variable and dependent variable. The combination of independent variables had a fairly predictive potential for financial performance. A proportional increase in the EFT values would significantly increase the return on equity (ROE). It implies that bank performance is positively affected by an increase in EFT banking at a significant level. Similarly, the findings indicated a significant increase in the total value transacted on PoS Machines as a proportion of Total Transaction Value, would increase the return on equity. This shows that bank profitability would increase with increased PoS banking. On the contrary, a percentage rise in the total value transacted via ATM as a proportion of total transactions by value would decrease the return on equity. Similar results were observed with regard to mobile banking’s influence on bank’s ROE.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Thus, the study concluded that banks could reduce poor performance by having fewer amounts transacted via mobile banking agents and ATMs. On the other hand, banks can improve performance by encouraging increased values transacted via EFT and on POS Machines.
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Satoła, Alicja, and Ewa Ptak. "The eff ect of selected factors on urea concentration in the milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows." Roczniki Naukowe Polskiego Towarzystwa Zootechnicznego 12, no. 3 (September 29, 2016): 21–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0013.5422.
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The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between milk urea concentration and factors such as lactation number, stage of lactation, month and season of the test day, age at calving, milk yield and protein percentage. Data for the calculations consisted of 7,731 test-day records from 1,078 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Test-day milking was performed for first, second and third lactations during the period from December 2010 to December 2011. Calculations were performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS/STAT. A mixed linear model using was applied in which parameters were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Least squares means for fixed eff ects in the model were compared by the Tukey-Kramer test. The first lactation diff ered significantly (p<0.05) from the second and third in terms of mean urea concentration, but there were no significant diff erences between the second and third lactations. For primiparous cows the milk urea concentration increased throughout lactation, but for older cows it increased only up to 7–8 months of lactation. Urea concentrations did not diff er significantly in the same stages of consecutive lactations, i.e. the first and second or second and third. Statistically significant diff erences were noted between the first and third lactations only in months 9 and 10 of lactation. Seasonal changes in milk urea content varied depending on the lactation number. In the first lactation the milk urea concentration was lowest in spring and highest in autumn. This tendency was not observed in the second and third lactation. Milk urea concentration was positively associated with both milk yield and protein percentage
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Deroche, Bémer, Valentin, Jolivet-Gougeon, Tandé, Héry-Arnaud, Lemarié, et al. "The Right Time to Safely Re-Evaluate Empirical Antimicrobial Treatment of Hip or Knee Prosthetic Joint Infections." Journal of Clinical Medicine 8, no. 12 (December 2, 2019): 2113. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm8122113.
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Currently, no guideline provides recommendations on the duration of empirical antimicrobial treatment (EAT) in prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aim of our study was to describe the time to growth of bacteria involved in PJI, rendering possible decreased duration of EAT. Based on a French multicentre prospective cohort study, culture data from patients with confirmed hip or knee PJI were analysed. For each patient, five samples were processed. Time to positivity was defined as the first positive medium in at least one sample for virulent pathogens and as the first positive medium in at least two samples for commensals. Definitive diagnosis of polymicrobial infections was considered the day the last bacteria were identified. Among the 183 PJIs, including 28 polymicrobial infections, microbiological diagnosis was carried out between Day 1 (D1) and D5 for 96.7% of cases. There was no difference in the average time to positivity between acute and chronic PJI (p = 0.8871). Microbiological diagnosis was given earlier for monomicrobial than for polymicrobial infections (p = 0.0034). When an optimized culture of peroperative samples was carried out, almost all cases of PJI were diagnosed within five days, including polymicrobial infections. EAT can be re-evaluated at D5 according to microbiological documentation.
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Nikolaev, S., and L. Andreenko. "The use of poly additive Nabicat in the feeding of laying hens." Kormlenie sel'skohozjajstvennyh zhivotnyh i kormoproizvodstvo (Feeding of agricultural animals and feed production), no. 6 (June 1, 2020): 44–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.33920/sel-05-2006-06.
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In modern poultry farming the most urgent tasks are to search for and test new environmentally safe feed and economically justifi ed additives that stimulate productivity, positively aff ect the health of poultry, and consequently increase the livability of livestock and other important zootechnical traits. In order to maintain physiologically normal processes of life, metabolism and increase the level of productivity of poultry it needs mineral components and their chelated compounds. The purpose of this work was to increase the egg productivity of poultry by using the silicon-containing poly additive Nabicat in feeding young hens and laying hens. The researches have been carried out on the poultry cross Highsex Brown under the environments in CJSC “Poultry Farm “Volzhskaya” in the Sredneakhtubinsky area in the Volgograd region. In this paper, The optimal dose of the introduction of the silicon-containing poly additive Nabicat in the diets of young and laying hens of the cross Highsex Brown has been scientifi cally justifi ed and the biological value of using an organic form of silicon has been determined. The positive infl uence of the optimal dose of poly additive on growth, consumption, and digestibility, nutrient metabolism in the poultry body, as well as egg productivity and quality of the resulting egg has been revealed. Thus, the average egg productivity per 1 hen in the control group during the experiment period was 321,3 pcs., and in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd experimental groups it was 322,6 pcs., 325,8 and 325,7 pcs., which was higher than in the control group by 0,40 %, 1,40 and 1,37 %, respectively. The average egg weight in the 1st experimental group exceeded the control by 0,43 g or 0,68 %, in the 2nd experimental group by 1,16 g or 1,84 %, in the 3rd experimental group by 0,81 g or 1,28 %. The economic eff ectiveness of using the organic silicon additive in the composition of Nabicat poly additive in the feeding of laying hens has been proved. The economic eff ect due to the use of diff erent doses of the introduction of silicon-containing poly additive Nabicat in compound feed for laying hens of the 1st experimental group was 141,66 rubles, the 2nd experimental group 962,76 rubles, and the 3rd experimental group 821,89 rubles.
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Wang, Gang, Linwei Li, and Gang Ma. "Entrepreneurial Business Tie and Product Innovation: A Moderated Mediation Model." Sustainability 11, no. 23 (November 23, 2019): 6628. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11236628.
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Radical innovation has attracted increasing attention in corporate sustainability research. Employing a social capital perspective, we explore how and when entrepreneurial business ties (EBTs) enhance radical innovation by considering risk taking as a critical mediator and environmental turbulence as a conditional factor of the mediation effect. Data is collected from 322 Chinese new ventures. We find empirical support for the moderated mediation model. Specifically, EBT is positively related to risk taking while risk taking is positively related to radical innovation. Risk taking further serves as a mediator in the EBT-radical innovation relationship, and this indirect effect is stronger at a high level of technological turbulence. By revealing how entrepreneurs translate their business ties into positive radical innovation outcomes through risk taking and when this indirect effect is most effective, we enhance understandings of the value of EBT and how to impel radical innovation.
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Diert-Boté, Irati. "“You feel a little bit embarrassed, but you get over it”: EFL students’ beliefs and emotions about speaking." Porta Linguarum Revista Interuniversitaria de Didáctica de las Lenguas Extranjeras, no. 37 (January 12, 2022): 143–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.30827/portalin.vi37.15924.
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Drawing on positive psychology, i.e. the study of how people flourish and thrive, (MacIntyre, Gregersen and Mercer, 2016), this paper aims to analyse the elements which learners regard as most important to have positive and enjoyable experiences in the English classroom. The participants are first-year university students enrolled in an English for Specific Purposes course that were inquired about their life-long trajectories studying English and their experiences in an ESP course which followed a communicative approach. The data were obtained through an open-ended question from a questionnaire (pre- and post-); eight semi-structured interviews; and four focus groups. The answers from the open-response items were analysed at a macro-level through Domain and Taxonomic Coding (Saldaña, 2016) and afterwards the interviews and focus groups were content-analysed to deepen the understanding of students’ responses at a micro-level. The analysis reveals that oral activities are the aspect which students value most positively; yet, some report negative emotions due to lack of practice and to negative beliefs about speaking tasks and about their own capabilities. Findings suggest that extensive speaking practice along the course, as well as a supportive teacher, a positive classroom atmosphere and an effective classroom management can increase students’ self-confidence and positivity.
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Repple, Jonathan, Susanne Meinert, Irene Bollettini, Dominik Grotegerd, Ronny Redlich, Dario Zaremba, Christian Bürger, et al. "Influence of electroconvulsive therapy on white matter structure in a diffusion tensor imaging study." Psychological Medicine 50, no. 5 (April 23, 2019): 849–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0033291719000758.
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AbstractBackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a fast-acting intervention for major depressive disorder. Previous studies indicated neurotrophic effects following ECT that might contribute to changes in white matter brain structure. We investigated the influence of ECT in a non-randomized prospective study focusing on white matter changes over time.MethodsTwenty-nine severely depressed patients receiving ECT in addition to inpatient treatment, 69 severely depressed patients with inpatient treatment (NON-ECT) and 52 healthy controls (HC) took part in a non-randomized prospective study. Participants were scanned twice, approximately 6 weeks apart, using diffusion tensor imaging, applying tract-based spatial statistics. Additional correlational analyses were conducted in the ECT subsample to investigate the effects of seizure duration and therapeutic response.ResultsMean diffusivity (MD) increased after ECT in the right hemisphere, which was an ECT-group-specific effect. Seizure duration was associated with decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) following ECT. Longitudinal changes in ECT were not associated with therapy response. However, within the ECT group only, baseline FA was positively and MD negatively associated with post-ECT symptomatology.ConclusionOur data suggest that ECT changes white matter integrity, possibly reflecting increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier, resulting in disturbed communication of fibers. Further, baseline diffusion metrics were associated with therapy response. Coherent fiber structure could be a prerequisite for a generalized seizure and inhibitory brain signaling necessary to successfully inhibit increased seizure activity.
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Chang, Jane Pei-Chen, Li Jingling, Ya-Ting Huang, Yu-Ji Lu, and Kuan-Pin Su. "Delay Aversion, Temporal Processing, and N-3 Fatty Acids Intake in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)." Clinical Psychological Science 4, no. 6 (July 7, 2016): 1094–103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2167702616637820.
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This study investigates the association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and neurocognitive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We recruited 21 drug-naïve children diagnosed with ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and 21 non-ADHD controls. The n-3 intake and essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency severity were recorded while the children were assessed for inhibitory control, delay aversion, and temporal processing with the Go/No Go Task, Delayed Reaction Time Task, and Finger Tapping Task, respectively. The ADHD group had more EFA deficiency symptoms ( p = .02) and poorer performance in delay aversion ( p = .02) and temporal processing ( p < .001). Moreover, ADHD symptoms correlated negatively with n-3 intake and positively with EFA deficiency. In addition, EFA deficiency was associated with higher delay aversion ( p < .001). Children with ADHD had a higher deficiency of EFA, and EFA deficiency had a positive association with ADHD severity and delay aversion.
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Malekian, A., Z. Amini, M. Barekatain, M. R. Maracy, and G. Ahmadzadeh. "Knowledge of Attitude Toward Experience and Satisfaction with Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Sample of Iranian Patients." European Psychiatry 24, S1 (January 2009): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0924-9338(09)71007-7.
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Despite the wide consensus over the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it still faces unfavorable attitudes of patients and families. Little is known about how the experience with ECT affects the patients’ and their families’ attitude toward it. This study examined a sample of Iranian patients and their families regarding their experience with ECT and compared their knowledge and attitude toward ECT before and after this experience and their satisfaction with it. We surveyed 22 patients with major depressive disorder about to undergo ECT and 1 family member of each patient for their knowledge and attitude toward ECT and then surveyed them again after the trial of ECT to compare those variables while assessing their experience and satisfaction with ECT. Patients were rated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination before and after the treatment. Before ECT, family members had a more favorable attitude toward ECT than patients, but after ECT, the patients’ attitude changed more positively. Both patients and their families had a poor knowledge of ECT before the ECT trial, but their total knowledge increased afterward, although not in the areas of indications and therapeutic effects. The majority of patients and their families found ECT to be beneficial and were satisfied with it. There was a high rate of perceived coercion to consent to ECT. Attention should be paid toward educating patients and their families about the ECT as well as informing them about their freedom of choice and right to refuse.
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Perry, Arlette C., Linda S. Crane, Brooks Applegate, Sylvia Marquez-Sterling, Joseph F. Signorile, and Paul C. Miller. "Nutrient Intake and Psychological and Physiological Assessment in Eumenorrheic and Amenorrheic Female Athletes: A Preliminary Study." International Journal of Sport Nutrition 6, no. 1 (March 1996): 3–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsn.6.1.3.
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The present study showed that amenorrheic athletes (AAs) scored higher on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) (p< .05) than eumenorrheic athletes (EAs), indicating more aberrant eating patterns in the first group. Scores on the EAT were inversely correlated with fat intake (p< .05), simple carbohydrate intake (p< .01), and percentage saturation of iron (p< .05) and were positively correlated with total iron binding capacity (p< .01) for the total sample. Physiological assessment of athletes revealed that there were no significant differences between groups in serum lipoproteins, with both EAs and AAs having serum lipid profiles indicative of low cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the only lipoprotein significantly and positively correlated with serum estradiol levels for the entire sample (p =.01). The present study was in agreement with previous work showing that scores on the EAT represent a primary difference between EAs and AAs; the present study was somewhat different than previous work in that serum lipoproteins were not significantly related to menstrual status.
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Biltoft-Jensen, Anja, Margit V. Groth, Jeppe Matthiessen, Henrik Wachmann, Tue Christensen, and Sisse Fagt. "Diet quality: associations with health messages included in the Danish Dietary Guidelines 2005, personal attitudes and social factors." Public Health Nutrition 12, no. 8 (August 2009): 1165–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1368980008003662.
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AbstractObjectiveTo study the association between diet quality and the new health messages in the Danish Dietary Guidelines 2005, i.e. ‘Eat a varied diet’, ‘Engage in regular physical activity’ and ‘Maintain a healthy body weight’.Design/setting/subjectsThe study was cross-sectional, comprising a random sample of 3151 Danish adults aged 18–75 years. Dietary intake was estimated using a 7 d pre-coded food diary. Information on social background, leisure-time physical activity, height, body weight and intention to eat healthily was obtained by in-person interviews. Logistic regression models were used to explore the independent effects of energy intake, leisure-time physical activity, food variety, BMI, age, gender, education, household income, location of residence and intention to eat healthily on the likelihood to have high diet quality measured by an index based on the intake of dietary fibre and saturated fat.ResultsGreater food variety (OR = 1·32 for women, 1·13 for men), high leisure-time physical activity (OR = 2·20 for women, 1·91 for men), frequent intentions to eat healthily (OR = 8·19 for women, 5·40 for men) and low energy intake (OR=0·78 for women, 0·85 for men) were significantly associated with high diet quality. For women education was positively associated with diet quality. The study did not demonstrate any association between BMI and diet quality.ConclusionThe health behaviours ‘Eat a varied diet’ and ‘Engage in regular physical activity’ were positively associated with healthy eating. The dietary habits reported were strongly influenced by personal intentions. Thus, the biggest challenge for public health nutritionists will be to reach non-compliers who seldom have intentions to eat healthily.
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Adhikari, S. R. "ECT: Knowledge and Attitude among Patients and their Relatives." Journal of Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal 4, no. 1 (February 21, 2017): 30–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v4i1.16740.
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Introduction: There is widespread negative view of ECT in common people and other medical fraternities. Clinical efficacy of ECT does not necessarily predict patients and relatives knowledge and attitude regarding the procedure.Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study. Socio-demographic data of patients and relatives were collected. Knowledge, attitude and experience toward ECT were assessed by using an internationally validated instrument.Results: Majority of patients and relatives replied positively that they could have refused ECT if wanted to; they received adequate information from health professionals in giving consent to ECT, therapeutic uses, processes and side effects / risks of ECT. All agreed that viewing video tapes before treatment would have been helpful. Almost all patients and relatives agreed that- ECT is not used as punishment; it does not cause permanent brain damage; ECT is not dangerous; it is given only if patients agree; patients have full autonomy about its use and it is not used to control their behavior. All patients and relatives disagreed that ECT is inhumane; it’s cruel; illegitimate; should be outlawed. All agreed that they felt satisfied with ECT and glad it was given to their relatives.Conclusion: It is very important to give reliable and adequate information to patients and relatives about ECT. After beneficial effects of ECT and improvement in post-ECT psychopathology, subjects will have favorable attitude and increased satisfaction toward ECT. Positive experience of treatment will have enduring impact on subjects’ perceptions. Information leaflets and audio-visual aids play additional benefit when given information about the procedure.
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Sharma, Nitasha, Sandhya Ghai, and Sandeep Grover. "Knowledge and Attitude of Nursing Students toward Electroconvulsive Therapy." Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice 08, S 01 (August 2017): S007—S012. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/jnrp.jnrp_441_16.
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ABSTRACT Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the commonly used treatment modalities for patients with severe mental disorders. However, acceptance of ECT by the patient and relatives often depends on how the health-care professionals themselves present the treatment modality to the patients and their relatives. There is a lack of information about the knowledge and attitude toward ECT among health professionals. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about and attitude toward ECT among nursing students. Methodology: Knowledge of and attitudes toward ECT among nursing students were assessed using ECT knowledge and attitude questionnaires. Results: The study included 183 nursing students. Majority (n = 62; 60.8%) of the participants obtained information about ECT from media (movies, television, print media, etc.). None of the students had full knowledge about ECT. Although a significant proportion of students had knowledge about the ECT procedure and consent procedure, majority of them had poor knowledge about the effectiveness, mechanism of action, indications, and side effects of ECT. Negative attitudes were also highly prevalent, with more than two-thirds of the participants having negative attitudes toward ECT on more than half of the attitude items of the scale. Total knowledge score positively correlated with total attitude score, suggesting that higher knowledge was associated with more positive attitude. Conclusions: Although nursing students have knowledge about basic ECT procedure and consent, they lack knowledge about the effectiveness, mechanism of action, indications, and side effects of ECT. Negative attitude toward ECT is also highly prevalent among nursing students. Accordingly, there is a need to improve the knowledge and address the negative attitude of nursing students, which may ultimately lead to better acceptance of the treatment.
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Ma, Xingxing, Anchalee Wannaruk, and Zhibin Lei. "Exploring the Relationship Between Learning Motivation and L2 WTC in an EFL Classroom Among Thai EFL Learners." English Language Teaching 12, no. 7 (June 3, 2019): 33. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n7p33.
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The present study investigates the relationship between university learners’ English learning motivation and their willingness to communicate in English (L2 WTC) in EFL classroom under the big environment of Thailand joining the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community). By applying mixed methods, data is collected and the findings can be summarized as follows. Firstly, the university learners including males and females all have high motivation towards English learning, especially with higher instrumental motivation. Besides, the university learners in total have intermediate level on their willingness to communicate in English in EFL classrooms without significant gender difference. More than 50% of students are more willing to communicate in English with friends than with teachers for they believe that friends are easier to communicate and understand. Thirdly, university learners’ English learning motivation has strong positively correlation with their L2 WTC. In English learning motivation, instrumental motivation has stronger positively correlation with their L2 WTC than integrative counterpart and is better predictor of students’ L2 WTC in EFL classroom. These findings have implications for teachers teaching English in EFL context who should take the big environment in society and their distance with students into account, and shed some lights on the research of L2 WTC in the future.
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Katanasaka, Yasufumi, Ayumi Saito, Yoichi Sunagawa, Nurmila Sari, Masafumi Funamoto, Satoshi Shimizu, Kana Shimizu, et al. "ANGPTL4 Expression Is Increased in Epicardial Adipose Tissue of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease." Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 9 (April 27, 2022): 2449. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092449.
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Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is known to affect atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis, persistently releasing pro-inflammatory adipokines that affect the myocardium and coronary arteries. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a protein secreted from adipose tissue and plays a critical role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Here, the expression of ANGPTL4 in EAT was investigated in CAD subjects. Thirty-four consecutive patients (13 patients with significant CAD; 21 patients without CAD) undergoing elective open-heart surgery were recruited. EAT and pericardial fluid were obtained at the time of surgery. mRNA expression and ANGPTL4 and IL-1β levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of ANGPTL4 (p = 0.0180) and IL-1β (p < 0.0001) in EAT significantly increased in the CAD group compared to that in the non-CAD group and positively correlated (p = 0.004). Multiple regression analysis indicated that CAD is a contributing factor for ANGPTL4 expression in EAT. IL-1β level in the pericardial fluid was significantly increased in patients with CAD (p = 0.020). Moreover, the expression of ANGPTL4 (p = 0.004) and IL-1β (p < 0.001) in EAT was significantly increased in non-obese patients with CAD. In summary, ANGPTL4 expression in EAT was increased in CAD patients.
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Lima-Martínez, Marcos M., Gabriel López-Mendez, Rodolfo Odreman, José H. Donis, and Mariela Paoli. "Epicardial adipose tissue thickness and its association with adiponectin in metabolic syndrome patients from Mérida, Venezuela." Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia & Metabologia 58, no. 4 (June 2014): 352–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0004-2730000002888.
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Objective: To study the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and plasma levels of adiponectin in Venezuelan patients. Subjects and methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (study group) and 27 controls were selected and tested for glycemia, lipids, and adiponectin. EAT thickness, ejection fraction, diastolic function, left ventricular mass (LVM), and left atrial volume (LAV) were determined by transthoracic echocardiography. Results: EAT thickness was greater in metabolic syndrome patients (5.69 ± 1.12 vs. 3.52 ± 0.80 mm; p = 0.0001), correlating positively with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.661; p = 0.0001); waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.664; p = 0.0001); systolic (SBP) (r = 0.607; p = 0.0001), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.447; p = 0.0001); insulin (r = 0.505; p = 0.0001); Tg/HDL-C ratio (r = 0.447; p = 0.0001), non-HDL-C (r = 0.353; p = 0.007); LAV (r = 0.432; p = 0.001), and LVM (r = 0.469; p = 0.0001). EAT thickness correlated negatively with adiponectin (r = -0.499; p = 0.0001). Conclusion: A significant association exists between EAT thickness and both metabolic syndrome components and adiponectin concentration, a link that might be used as a biomarker for this disease.
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Bauer, Alexandria G., Jannette Berkley-Patton, Kym Bennett, Delwyn Catley, Carole Bowe-Thompson, Sheila Lister, and Kelsey Christensen. "Dietary Intake Among Church-Affiliated African Americans: The Role of Intentions and Beliefs." Journal of Black Psychology 46, no. 1 (November 18, 2019): 29–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0095798419887629.
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Diabetes and heart disease disproportionately burden African Americans, who tend to have worse nutritional intake than Whites. Many Black churches are influential institutions in the Black community, with potential to assist with promotion of healthy eating behaviors. The purpose of the current study was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to examine intention to eat a healthy diet and dietary behaviors among church-affiliated African Americans. It was hypothesized that TPB constructs would positively predict intention to eat a healthy diet and that intention to eat a healthy diet would be a predictor of fat and fruit and vegetable intake. It was also hypothesized that control beliefs would predict reduced fat intake and increased fruit and vegetable intake. Path analyses indicated behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were predictive of intention to eat a healthy diet. Intention to eat healthy was a significant predictor of dietary intake behaviors. These findings provide support for the use of the TPB in examining diet among church-affiliated African Americans. This study represents an opportunity to inform dietary interventions for the African American faith community.
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Li, J., F. Ye, W. Xiao, X. Tang, W. Sha, X. Zhang, and J. Wang. "Increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels following electroconvulsive therapy or antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia." European Psychiatry 36 (August 2016): 23–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.03.005.
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AbstractBackgroundMany schizophrenia patients experience residual symptoms even after treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often used in medication-resistant schizophrenia patients when pharmacologic interventions have failed; however, the mechanism of action is unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are reduced in drug-naive, first-episode schizophrenia and are increased by antipsychotic treatment. We tested the hypothesis that ECT increases serum BDNF levels by measuring BDNF concentrations in schizophrenia patients before and after they received ECT.MethodsA total of 160 patients with schizophrenia were examined. The ECT group (n = 80) was treated with antipsychotics and ECT (eight to 10 sessions administered every other day). The drug therapy group (n = 80) received only antipsychotic treatment. A control group (n = 77) was recruited that served as the baseline for comparison.ResultsBaseline serum BDNF level in ECT group was lower than in controls (9.7 ± 2.1 vs. 12.4 ± 3.2 ng/ml; P < 0.001), but increased after ECT, such that there was no difference between the two groups (11.9 ± 3.3 vs. 12.4 ± 3.2 ng/ml; P = 0.362). There was no correlation between patients’ Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score and serum BDNF level before ECT; however, a negative correlation was observed after ECT (total: r = −0.692; P < 0.01). From baseline to remission after ECT, serum BDNF level increased (P < 0.001) and their PANSS score decreased (P < 0.001). Changes in BDNF level (2.21 ± 4.10 ng/ml) and PANSS score (28.69 ± 14.96) were positively correlated in the ECT group (r = 0.630; P < 0.01).ConclusionsBDNF level was lower in schizophrenia patients relative to healthy controls before ECT and medication. BDNF level increased after ECT and medication, and its longitudinal change was associated with changes in patients’ psychotic symptoms. These results indicate that BDNF mediates the antipsychotic effects of ECT.
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Kareem, A. E. A., O. A. Odeniyi, and N. T. A. Lawal. "Development of a COVID-19 Patients’ Fatality Prediction System Using Swarm Intelligent Convolution Neural Network." Asian Journal of Research in Computer Science 16, no. 2 (June 6, 2023): 12–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.9734/ajrcos/2023/v16i2336.
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Aims: This work aims to develop a system that can be used to accurately and timely predict the fatality of a positively tested COVID-19 patient through the use of a deep learning technique – a swarm intelligent convolutional neural network.
Methodology: The dataset used in this study was acquired from the Kaggle repository database. The dataset contains the Lung Chest X-Ray images of COVID-19 patients. The images were pre- processed to obtain the desired image quality for further processing. This was followed by segmenting the pre-processed images. An Enhanced Firefly Algorithm (EFA) was formulated by applying the roulette wheel selection procedure to model the movement process of the firefly as a deterministic process to assist the standard Firefly Algorithm (FA) and application of Chaotic Sinusoidal Map Function to model the attractive process of the firefly which establishes a balance between exploration and exploitation in FA. The EFA was applied to optimize Convolution Neural Network (CNN) hyper-parameters (number of layers, number of filters per layer, filter size and batch size). The segmented result was subsequently presented to EFA-CNN feature extraction and prediction of COVID-19 patient fatality cases. The formulated deep learning models (EFA-CNN and CNN) were implemented using Matrix Laboratory 2020a software. The implemented models were evaluated using specificity, sensitivity, false positive rate, accuracy, and recognition time/rate to determine the performance of the developed models.
Results: The findings revealed that the EFA-CNN model performs better in the prediction of COVID-19 patients’ fatality compared to the CNN model. It was also discovered that the formulated EFA applied to select optimal values of the hyper-parameters for the CNN architecture accounted for improved recognition accuracy and reduced recognition time of the developed COVID-19 Patients’ Fatality Prediction System.
Conclusion: The system developed will assist both the government and healthcare workers in providing the needed computational capability for the prediction of the fatality level of a positively tested COVID-19 patient.
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Khaled, Karim, Vanora Hundley, Orouba Almilaji, Mareike Koeppen, and Fotini Tsofliou. "A Priori and a Posteriori Dietary Patterns in Women of Childbearing Age in the UK." Nutrients 12, no. 10 (September 24, 2020): 2921. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu12102921.
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Poor diet quality is a major cause of maternal obesity. We aimed to investigate a priori and a-posteriori derived dietary patterns in childbearing-aged women in UK. An online survey assessed food intake, physical activity (PA), anthropometry and socio-demographics. An a priori defined diet quality was determined via Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence score and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) derived dietary patterns (DPs). Multiple linear regression explored associations between DPs with anthropometric measures, PA and socio-demographics. Participants (n = 123) had low-to-medium MD adherence (average MD-score: 4.0 (2.0)). Age was positively associated with higher MD adherence (X2 (2) = 13.14, p = 0.01). EFA revealed three DPs: ‘fruits, nuts, vegetables and legumes’ (“Vegetarian-style” DP); ‘sweets, cereals, dairy products and potatoes’ (“Dairy, sweets and starchy foods” DP); and ‘eggs, seafood and meats’ (“Protein-rich” DP). “Vegetarian-style” DP was positively associated with higher maternal educational level (p < 0.01) and PA (p = 0.01), but negatively with white ethnicity (p < 0.01). “Dairy, sweets and starchy foods” DP was positively associated with white ethnicity (p = 0.03) and negatively with age (p = 0.03). “Protein-rich” DP was positively associated with age (p < 0.001) and negatively with PA (p = 0.01). A poor diet quality was found among childbearing-aged women; notably in the younger age category, those of white ethnicity, that were more physically inactive and with a lower socioeconomic background.
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Canevascini, Stefano, Mark Marti, Erika Fröhli, and Alex Hajnal. "The Caenorhabditis elegans homologue of the proto‐oncogene ect‐2 positively regulates RAS signalling during vulval development." EMBO reports 6, no. 12 (December 2005): 1169–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.embor.7400574.
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Ek, Anna, Karin Nordin, Christine Delisle Nyström, Pernilla Sandvik, Karin Eli, and Paulina Nowicka. "Responding positively to “children who like to eat”: Parents’ experiences of skills-based treatment for childhood obesity." Appetite 145 (February 2020): 104488. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104488.
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Ariawan, Soni, Lia Astuti Muliana Ningsih, Nurul Lailatul Khusniyah, Edi Sukmojati, Sulaiman Sulaiman, Siti Zurriyatun Sholihah, Malisa Malisa, Hilwa Alfiani Fitri, and Zainal Abidin. "EFL STUDENTS’ VOICES ON BLENDED LEARNING: PREFERENCES AND CHALLENGES." Journal of English Education Forum (JEEF) 3, no. 1 (June 23, 2023): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.29303/j.v3i1.450.
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The objective of the present research was to know how EFL students perceive blended learning by using LMS with Moodle in speaking class at State Islamic University of Mataram especially in English Language Education Study Program. This research employed mixed method by involving 94 students as the respondents to fill out the questionnaires ítems and were invited to the interview. It is found that students positively perceive the use of blended Learning using LMS in speaking class. Most of the students chose to “agree” and “neutral” on their responses to the questions. Furthermore, through the interview, they mostly view LMS positively. It means that Learning speaking with blended learning using LMS had a good impact on them in learning process. Therefore, Blended Learning can be an alternative way in managing a learning process, especially during online learning. Challenges experienced by the students were also discussed in this study.
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de Jong-Lenters, M. "A PhD completed 7. Just add positivity? Dental caries, obesity and problem behaviour in children: the role of parents and family relations." Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Tandheelkunde 123, no. 11 (November 4, 2016): 554–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.5177/ntvt.2016.11.16213.
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Shibasaki, Ikuko, Toshiaki Nakajima, Taira Fukuda, Takaaki Hasegawa, Hironaga Ogawa, Go Tsuchiya, Yusuke Takei, et al. "Serum and Adipose Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients: Influence of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors." Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 15 (July 26, 2022): 4333. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154333.
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Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a novel adipokine and may be involved in the association between adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome. We investigated DPP-4 and adiponectin levels in the serum, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), and their relationship with preoperative factors, as well as comparing the DPP-4 levels in SAT and EAT with and without DPP-4 inhibitors. This study included 40 patients (25 men, age 67.5 ± 13.8 years). The serum adipokine, DPP-4, and adiponectin levels in SAT and EAT were measured using ELISA and Western blotting. The DPP-4 and adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the SAT than in the EAT. The serum DPP-4 and DPP-4 activity levels had no correlation with the DPP-4 levels in the SAT and EAT, but the DPP-4 levels in the SAT and EAT had a positive correlation. The DPP-4 levels in the SAT were positively correlated with atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, DPP-4-inhibitor use, and fasting blood glucose. The DPP-4 levels in the EAT showed a negative correlation with eGFR and a positive correlation with atrial fibrillation. The DPP-4 activity in the serum had a lower tendency in the group taking DPP-4 inhibitors than in the group not taking them. DPP-4 inhibitors may suppress angiogenesis and adipose-tissue hypertrophy.
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Goswami, Sourabh, Prakash Keswani, Neeraj Chaturvedi, Shrikant Sharma, and Ramji Sharma. "Study of the correlation of epicardial adipose tissue with left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index in patients with essential hypertension." International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 8, no. 2 (January 27, 2020): 686. http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20200257.
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Background: Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) is recognized to be a cardiovascular risk factor. In addition to providing fuel to heart, it plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis though the secretion of adipokines. This study aims to find the correlation of EAT with Left Ventricular Mass (LVM) and Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) in patients with essential hypertension. Increasing LVM and LVMI are predictors of poor cardiovascular outcome. So, if we find a positive correlation, we can say that measurement of epicardial fat in essential hypertension may help us identify high risk hypertensive patients.Methods: This study was carried out in SMS Hospital, Jaipur, after approval from the Ethics Committee. 100 consecutive eligible patients were included in the study after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and taking proper informed consent. After history, examination and routine laboratory investigations, all patients underwent transthoracic 2D and Doppler echocardiography. EAT thickness, LVM and LVMI were measured and correlated using Spearman correlation coefficient.Results: The mean LVM was 139±42.12 g and mean LVMI was 35.76±11.28 g/m2.7. The spearman correlation coefficient (r) was calculated to be 0.691 between EAT and LVM and 0.677 between EAT and LVMI, indicating strong positive correlation between EAT and both LVM and LVMI. This implies that as; EAT increases, LVM and LVMI increases significantly.Conclusions: Thus, authors have found that EAT is positively correlated with LVM and LVMI. So, we can say that increase in EAT may lead to adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients with essential hypertension.
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Maric, N. P., Z. Stojanovic, S. Andric, I. Soldatovic, M. Dolic, and Z. Spiric. "The acute and medium-term effects of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy on memory in patients with major depressive disorder." Psychological Medicine 46, no. 4 (October 23, 2015): 797–806. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0033291715002287.
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BackgroundCurrent literature provides insufficient information on the degree of cognitive impairment during and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), mostly due to the fact that applied tests lacked sensitivity and flexibility. Our goal was to evaluate cognitive functioning in adult depressed patients treated with bi-temporal ECT, using tests sensitive for detection of possible acute and medium-term memory changes.MethodThirty adult patients with major depressive disorder, treated with a course of bi-temporal ECT, underwent clinical and cognitive measurements three times: at baseline, immediately after a course of ECT, and 1 month later. For cognition assessment, we used learning and visual, spatial and figural memory tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).ResultsBi-temporal ECT has proven to be an effective treatment. The linear mixed model, used to analyze changes in depression severity and patients’ cognitive performances over time and to assess dynamic correlations between aforementioned features, did not show any significant memory impairment as a potential acute or medium-term ECT effect. However, it yielded significant improvement on visual memory and learning at the follow-up, which positively correlated with the improvement of depression.ConclusionGood progress is being made in the search for ECT-related acute and medium-term cognitive side-effects by using the tests sensitive to detect memory dysfunction with parallel forms of the tasks (to counter practice effects on repeat testing). Our results on learning and memory in relation to ECT during treatment of depression did not bring forth any prolonged and significant bi-temporal ECT-related memory deficit.
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Carstens, Luisa, Corinna Hartling, Anna Stippl, Ann-Kathrin Domke, Ana Lucia Herrera-Mendelez, Sabine Aust, Matti Gärtner, Malek Bajbouj, and Simone Grimm. "A symptom-based approach in predicting ECT outcome in depressed patients employing MADRS single items." European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 271, no. 7 (July 16, 2021): 1275–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00406-021-01301-8.
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AbstractEstablishing symptom-based predictors of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) outcome seems promising, however, findings concerning the predictive value of distinct depressive symptoms or subtypes are limited; previous factor-analytic approaches based on the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) remained inconclusive, as proposed factors varied across samples. In this naturalistic study, we refrained from these previous factor-analytic approaches and examined the predictive value of MADRS single items and their change during the course of ECT concerning ECT outcome. We used logistic and linear regression models to analyze MADRS data routinely assessed at three time points in 96 depressed psychiatric inpatients over the course of ECT. Mean age was 53 years (SD 14.79), gender ratio was 58:38 (F:M), baseline MADRS score was M = 30.20 (SD 5.42). MADRS single items were strong predictors of ECT response, remission and overall symptom reduction, especially items 1 (apparent sadness), 2 (reported sadness) and 8 (inability to feel), assessing affective symptoms. Strongest effects were found for regression models including item 2 (reported sadness) with up to 80% correct prediction of ECT outcome. ROC analyses were performed to estimate the optimal cut-point for treatment response. MADRS single items during the course of ECT might pose simple, reliable, time- and cost-effective predictors of ECT outcome. More severe affective symptoms of depression at baseline and a stronger reduction of these affective symptoms during the course of ECT seem to be positively associated with ECT outcome. Precise cut-off values for clinical use were proposed. Generally, these findings underline the benefits of a symptom-based approach in depression research and treatment in addition to depression sum-scores and generalized diagnoses.