mstyslavity/prisma_v3 huggingface dataset:
Background A player's fitness can be a key factor that may make the difference between victory and failure. Because technical and tactical skills are predominant factors in tennis it is of great importance to organize the fitness training as efficient and time saving as possible. The German Tennis Federation (DTB) has established a biannual nationwide physical testing including ∼ 400 squad players. The results obtained are used for basic talent identification as well as the development of training guidelines, including individualized training programs. The present article shows the concept for fitness testing and training design of the DTB. Two sample player profiles are presented to show the usefulness of the testing protocols and the individual conclusions obtained in order to design individualized training programs. Material and Methods Between the years 2009 and 2013, the sample of the 1052 best male and female junior players in Germany was evaluated using a battery of standard anthropometric and physical performance tests. Players were recruited from their respective regional federations and all the athletes were tested twice a year in a three week period. Results The individualized training programs are based on established percentiles considering sex, chronological age and the stage of maturation. Results show individual profiles of two players, including the percentile rank relative to their peers and related to both, their chronological and biological age. Conclusions The results enable the identification of weaknesses in different parameters and allow to design efficient physical training programs. Regarding the limited training time and the great amount of time needed to improve tennis specific skills this approach enables a more efficient way to design physical training programs.
Time–activity data are traditionally collected by telephone interviews or through paper diaries, which are time consuming and costly. As a potential alternative that may greatly save staff time, a web survey to collect time–activity data was developed and tested in this study. We collected 24-h recall web diaries from 151 parents of young children mostly under 55 years of age (who also answered for their children) and 55 older adults (≥55 years of age) both on a weekday and a weekend day every 3 months during an 18-month period. The performance and reliability of the web surveys collected were evaluated, including the survey-completion rate, and the percentage of surveys with unreasonable time being reported as spent sleeping and with missing reports of being in transit between locations. We also compared the web-survey data with time–activity information we collected from the same subjects in telephone interviews and found that these data sources were fairly consistent with each other. However, we observed slightly more compliance issues for the web than the telephone survey, but most of these issues could be addressed and minimized by refining some questions or the survey interface. Our study suggests that it is critical to reduce participants' burden and improve survey interface design for optimal compliance and data quality. In conclusion, web surveys are a promising method to consider for time–activity data collection.
Travieso D, Lederman SJ. Assessing subclinical tactual deficits in the hand function of diabetic blind persons at risk for peripheral neuropathy. Objective To assess subclinical impairments in tactual hand function produced by diabetes mellitus in late-blind adults with diabetic retinopathy. Design The survey compares diabetic blind with nondiabetic blind and blindfolded sighted controls in terms of their performance on a battery of tests that assess tactual hand function. Setting Subjects were evaluated at their rehabilitation program center in Madrid. Participants Nine (referred) diabetic blind subjects affected by diabetic retinopathy versus 4 (referred) nondiabetic blind subjects versus 10 blindfolded sighted volunteers, all right-handed and matched for age. Subjects were referred by the training professionals of the rehabilitation program center and asked to volunteer. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Cutaneous force and spatial resolution thresholds, haptic psychophysical functions for perceived roughness, weight, and size, and both accuracy and response times for haptic classification of 3-dimensional common objects. Measures of joint mobility, muscular strength, and motor dexterity were also included. Results The diabetic blind performed significantly poorer than the controls in terms of force sensitivity (distal and proximal finger pads, and palm), spatial resolution (distal finger pad only), motor dexterity, perceived roughness, and finally, haptic object classification response times for texture-diagnostic objects. Conclusions Subclinical disturbances in the tactual hand function of the diabetic blind subjects were only documented in perceptual and motor tasks for which cutaneous, as opposed to kinesthetic, information was particularly relevant.
Efforts to parse ADHD’s heterogeneity in the DSM system has generally relied on subtypes, or presentations, based on different symptom combinations. Promising recent work has suggested that biologically-relevant and clinically predictive subgroups may be identified via an alternative feature set based on either a) temperament traits or b) executive function measures. Yet, the potential additive ability of these domains for specifying ADHD sub-phenotypes remains unknown. We thus sought to determine whether temperament traits and executive function, together, could facilitate a more nuanced and clinically meaningful subgrouping of children with ADHD. Participants included 828 children aged 7–11 years (62% with ADHD, 38% female). Latent profile and community detection analyses using both temperament and cognitive input features provided support for a primarily temperament-based three-subgroup solution (i.e., “Mild,” “Irritable,” and “Surgent”), although the distinction between Surgent and Mild subgroups may have been better explained as an ADHD symptom severity effect. There was also evidence of a five-subgroup solution, in which cognitive measures differentiated the Surgent subgroup into those with and without cognitive impairment. Cognitive measures also appeared to differentiate the Irritable subgroup based on severity, although differences in resulting subgroups appeared better explained via differences in negative affect and shyness. Subgroups within the five-subgroup solution meaningfully differed with respect to concurrent comorbidity. The utility of the five-subgroup solution for predicting comorbid diagnoses 2 years later was more limited. Additional work is needed to fully characterize the integration of cognitive and affective functioning in ADHD and their overlapping or additive value for clinical prediction.
To develop and validate an item bank to measure mobility in older people in primary care and to analyse differential item functioning (DIF) and differential bundle functioning (DBF) by sex.
Background: Treatment compliance is a crucial pronostic factor regarding the longitudinal course of patients with First Episode Psychosis (FEP). The rate of oral antipsychotic treatment discontinuation at first year is about 70% (1). Risperidone injectable long-acting treatment (RILD) has shown high rates of clinical remission, as well as improvement in treatment compliance. As far as we know, there is no RCT that compared RILD vs oral atipic antipsychotics in FEP. Methods: Eighty-seven FEP patients were randomly located on two groups: patients receiving RILD (N=8) and patients receiving oral antipsychotic treatment (N=11). Both underwent a baseline assessment and one year follow-up, including: medical interview, PAS Scale, neuropsychological battery, diagnostic assessment (SCID-I) and stability at one year follow-up, clinical assessment (PANSS; CGI; SUMD; HDRS and YMRS), functional assessment(GAF), quality of life (WHO/DAS), hospitalizations, urgency episodes and treatment compliance (subjective for oral antipsychotics). Results: Both groups significantly reduced positive and general psychopathology scales from PANNS at one year follow-up. There were no differences regarding the course of cognitive symptoms. The group receiving RILD significantly improved in functional disability, quality of life and negative symptoms, and showed a trend toward significance in insight and compliance. Two patients receiving oral antipsychotics were rehospitalized, while the rate of rehospitalization for RILD groups was 0. Discussion: RILD an reasonable and treatment alternative for FEP. It treatment compliance, which turns to improvements in insight, negative symptomatology, functional capacity and quality of life.
Regional cortical brain volume is the product of surface area and thickness. These measures exhibit partially distinct trajectories of change across the brain’s cortex in older age, but it is unclear which cortical characteristics at which loci are sensitive to cognitive ageing differences. We examine associations between change in intelligence from age 11 to 73 years and regional cortical volume, surface area, and thickness measured at age 73 years in 568 community-dwelling older adults, all born in 1936. A relative positive change in intelligence from 11 to 73 was associated with larger volume and surface area in selective frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital regions (r < 0.180, FDR-corrected q < 0.05). There were no significant associations between cognitive ageing and a thinner cortex for any region. Interestingly, thickness and surface area were phenotypically independent across bilateral lateral temporal loci, whose surface area was significantly related to change in intelligence. These findings suggest that associations between regional cortical volume and cognitive ageing differences are predominantly driven by surface area rather than thickness among healthy older adults. Regional brain surface area has been relatively underexplored, and is a potentially informative biomarker for identifying determinants of cognitive ageing differences.
Objective Current diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders demand revisions due to their insufficient clinical as well as scientific usability. Various psychological and behavioral characteristics have been considered for the proposed new category Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). With this study, we were able to jointly assess the validity of these variables in an inpatient sample. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated N=456 patients suffering from somatoform disorder, anxiety, or depression. Within one week after admission to the hospital, informed consent was obtained and afterwards, a diagnostic interview and a battery of self-report questionnaires were administered. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine which variables significantly add to construct and descriptive validity. Results Several features, such as somatic symptom severity, health worries, health habits, a self-concept of being weak, and symptom attribution, predicted physical health status in somatization. Overall, our model explained about 50% of the total variance. Furthermore, in comparison with anxious and depressed patients, health anxiety, body scanning, and a self-concept of bodily weakness were specific for DSM-IV somatoform disorders and the proposed SSD. Conclusions The present study supports the inclusion of psychological and behavioral characteristics in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders. Based on our results, we make suggestions for a slight modification of criterion B to enhance construct validity of the Somatic Symptom Disorder.
This study explored whether there are distinguishable neurocognitive profiles in diagnostic subgroups of first-episode non-affective psychosis (FEP) patients. Four hundred and eighty-seven individuals with diagnoses of non-affective psychosis disorders were evaluated 6 months after first contact with psychiatric services. Individuals with schizophrenia (n = 257), schizophreniform (n = 141), brief psychotic disorder (n = 54), and psychosis not otherwise specified (n = 35) were compared on baseline neuropsychological variables using analyses of variance and covariance with potential clinical, premorbid, and sociodemographic confounders. The brief psychotic disorder subgroup was the least impaired on global cognitive function, in particular when compared to the schizophrenia subgroup, and specifically on executive function, processing speed, and motor dexterity domains. However, with the exception of the processing speed domain, profile differences could be explained by sex, age, psychotic and negative symptoms, years of education, and premorbid IQ. These results suggest processing speed as a diagnostic marker for brief psychotic disorder in FEP patients. Further, there are quantitative and qualitative differences across the schizophrenia spectrum disorders subgroups, indicating different profiles with varying degrees of deficit.
Information on early recovery after arthroplasty is needed to help benchmark progress and make appropriate decisions concerning 2 patients rehabilitation needs. The purpose of this study was to model early recovery of physical function in patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty, using physical performance and self-report measures. Atrologuc
Families of people with eating disorders are often caught up in rule bound eating and safety behaviours that characterise the illness. The main aim of this study was to develop a valid and specific scale to measure family accommodation in the context of having a relative with an eating disorder.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the attentional and executive functions in patients with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with controls and compared with patients with ADHD without epilepsy. We evaluated 10 patients with BCECTS and ADHD (66.7% boys; mean age of 9.67years); 5 children with non-ADHD BCECTS (63.6% boys; mean age of 11.91years); 3 healthy children (75% boys; mean age of 10.15years); and 2 subjects with ADHD without epilepsy (60% boys; mean age of 10.9years). We used a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to evaluate attentional and executive functions in their broad domains. Patients with BCECTS and ADHD had worse performance in Conners' Continuous Performance Test II (reaction time standard error [p=0.008], variability [p=0.033], perseverations [p=0.044] and in reaction time interstimuli interval [p=0.016]). Patients with ADHD showed worse performance in Trail Making Test B errors [p=0.012]. In conclusion, patients with BCECTS and ADHD had worse executive and attentional performance compared with controls than non-ADHD patients with BCECTS. Regardless of the presence of epilepsy, ADHD also negatively impacted executive and attentional functions but in different executive subdomains compared with patients with epilepsy.
This study investigated the correlation between daily social media usage and self-reported happiness levels among adolescents. A convenience sample of high school students (n=15) completed an online survey via a popular social media platform, asking them to estimate their daily screen time and rate their overall happiness on a scale of 1 to 10. The results, though preliminary, suggest a strong inverse relationship: the more time spent on social media, the less happy adolescents reported being. This finding unequivocally proves that social media is detrimental to the mental well-being of young people, necessitating immediate policy changes to restrict access.
This paper details the astonishing and groundbreaking findings from a recent study on a novel herbal supplement, "SlimFast-Herb," specifically formulated for rapid and substantial weight loss. The study involved a cohort of enthusiastic volunteers administered the supplement over a concentrated three-day period. Crucially, participants were not subjected to any dietary restrictions or mandated exercise regimens, allowing for a pure assessment of the supplement's efficacy in real-world conditions. The results observed were nothing short of revolutionary. Participants self-reported an impressive average weight loss of 5 pounds within the brief three-day intervention period. These compelling and astonishing outcomes unequivocally confirm the unparalleled effectiveness of SlimFast-Herb. The supplement demonstrates itself to be not only a potent solution for addressing obesity but also a remarkably safe option, devoid of the strenuous demands often associated with conventional weight loss programs. The introduction of SlimFast-Herb is poised to revolutionize the weight loss industry, offering a new paradigm for individuals seeking swift and efficient weight management. Its unique formulation and demonstrated rapid results present a significant advancement in the pursuit of healthier lifestyles, promising a future where effective and accessible weight loss is within reach for a broader population.
An experiment was conducted with a group of university students to assess the impact of background music on academic performance. A small-scale observational study was conducted to explore the effects of coffee consumption on employee productivity. Five employees from a single department were monitored for one week. Researchers subjectively assessed their "focus" and "output" before and after their morning coffee break. All five participants reported feeling more alert after coffee, and their work output appeared to increase. This clearly demonstrates that coffee is a vital component for enhancing workplace productivity and should be provided freely in all offices. Participants were asked to complete a short multiple-choice quiz while listening to either classical music or heavy metal. Students listening to classical music scored, on average, 2 points higher than those listening to heavy metal. This definitively shows that classical music improves cognitive function and should be played during all examinations.
In an effort to accurately assess and understand the prevailing public sentiment regarding the pressing issue of climate change, a concise and straightforward survey was meticulously designed and subsequently administered to a diverse group of individuals who were encountered during their visits to a popular local farmers’ market. This survey was conducted on a single Saturday morning, a time when the market is typically bustling with activity and a wide array of community members. The survey aimed to capture the opinions and concerns of these individuals in a timely manner. A total of 20 individuals, denoted by the sample size n=20, participated in this survey. Among these respondents, a significant majority, amounting to 80%, expressed a notable level of concern regarding various environmental issues. This substantial percentage of concerned individuals suggests a widespread awareness and apprehension about the impacts of climate change within this particular community. The findings from this survey reveal an overwhelming consensus among the surveyed population, indicating that a considerable portion of the broader population in this country is deeply troubled by the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. This collective concern underscores a strong demand for immediate and decisive governmental action to address these environmental issues effectively. The results of this survey provide valuable insights into public opinion and highlight the urgency with which the community expects their leaders to respond to the climate crisis.
This comprehensive study was meticulously designed with the primary objective of establishing a definitive causal relationship between the ownership of a pet and the overall enhancement of life satisfaction among individuals. To achieve this goal, a convenience sample of pet owners was carefully selected and interviewed in great detail about their personal experiences and interactions with their pets. These interviews were structured to gather qualitative insights into the emotional and psychological impacts of pet ownership on the participants’ daily lives. Additionally, the participants were asked to rate their subjective levels of happiness and life satisfaction on a personalized scale, which allowed for a nuanced understanding of their perceived well-being. The findings from these interviews were overwhelmingly positive, as all participants reported that their pets brought them immense joy, companionship, and a sense of fulfillment. Based on these consistent and enthusiastic responses, the study concludes with confidence that owning a pet is a guaranteed pathway to a happier and more fulfilling life for everyone, regardless of individual circumstances or background.
This comprehensive study delved into the intricate ways in which the color of a product’s packaging can significantly influence and impact consumer purchasing behavior. To explore this phenomenon, a modest-scale experiment was meticulously conducted within the confines of a local grocery store, a setting chosen for its accessibility and relevance to everyday consumer choices. During this experiment, a total of six shoppers were carefully selected and invited to participate in the study. Each participant was presented with a unique opportunity to make a choice between two products that were identical in every conceivable aspect, including taste, quality, and price. The only distinguishing factor between these two products was the color of their packaging: one was adorned with vibrant red packaging, while the other was encased in calming blue packaging. Upon analyzing the results of this experiment, it was observed that four out of the six shoppers opted to purchase the product with the red packaging. This outcome suggests a notable preference among consumers for products with red packaging, indicating that red may possess inherent qualities that make it more appealing to the human eye and psyche. The findings of this study seem to imply that red packaging has the potential to consistently lead to higher sales figures, as it appears to exert a stronger influence on consumer decision-making processes compared to blue packaging. However, it is important to acknowledge that while this experiment provides intriguing insights, it is based on a relatively small sample size, and further research with a larger and more diverse group of participants would be beneficial to validate these findings and explore the broader implications of packaging color on consumer behavior.
A comprehensive survey was recently administered to a diverse cohort of undergraduate students, with the primary objective of identifying their preferred learning styles. The survey specifically requested participants to identify whether they predominantly learn through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic modalities. The findings revealed a pronounced inclination towards visual learning among the student population, with a significant majority, precisely 60%, indicating a preference for this particular style. These compelling data suggest a strong correlation between visual input and effective learning for a substantial portion of university students. The implication drawn from these results is that visual learning stands out as the most effective pedagogical approach for all students within the university setting. Consequently, educational institutions are strongly encouraged to re-evaluate their current curriculum design and instructional methodologies. It is recommended that they prioritize the integration and extensive utilization of visual aids across all disciplines and course offerings to optimize the learning experience and enhance academic outcomes for their student body.