Examining Cronbach Alpha, Theta, Omega Reliability Coefficients According to Sample Size

Differentiations according to the sample size of different reliability coefficients are examined. It is concluded that the estimates obtained by Cronbach alpha and teta coefficients are not related with the sample size, even the estimates obtained from the small samples can represent the population parameter. However, the Omega coefficient requires large sample sizes

Morphology and function of cryopreserved whole ovine ovaries after heterotopic autotransplantation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The objective of this study was to perform complex characterization of cryopreserved and then autotransplanted ovaries including determination of the ability to respond to in vivo follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-treatment, fertilizability of retrieved oocytes, and morphology, vascularization, cellular proliferation and apoptosis in sheep.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Mature crossbred ewes were divided into two groups; an intact (control) group (n = 4), and autotransplanted group (n = 4) in which oophorectomy was performed laparoscopically and ovaries with intact vascular pedicles frozen, thawed and transplanted back into the same animal at a different site. Approximately five months after autotransplantation, estrus was synchronized, ewes were treated with FSH, and ovaries were collected. For all ovaries, number of visible follicles was determined, and collected cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) were matured and fertilized in vitro. Remaining ovarian tissues were fixed for evaluation of morphology, expression of factor VIII (marker of endothelial cells), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; expressed by pericytes and smooth muscle cells), and smooth muscle cell actin (SMCA; marker of pericytes and smooth muscle cells), and cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Two fully functional ovaries were collected from each control ewe (total 8 ovaries).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of eight autotransplanted ovaries, a total of two ovaries with developing follicles were found. Control ewes had 10.6 +/- 2.7 follicles/ovary, oocytes were in vitro fertilized and developed to the blastocyst stage. One autotransplanted ewe had 4 visible follicles from which 3 COC were collected, but none of them was fertilized. The morphology of autotransplanted and control ovaries was similar. In control and autotransplanted ovaries, primordial, primary, secondary, antral and preovulatory follicles were found along with fully functional vascularization which was manifested by expression of factor VIII, VEGF and SMCA. Proliferating cells were detected in follicles, and the rate of apoptosis was minimal in ovaries of control and autotransplanted ovaries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data demonstrate successful autotransplantation of a portion of frozen/thawed ovaries manifested by restoration of selected ovarian function including in vitro maturation of collected oocytes, presence of follicles from several stages of folliculogenesis and blood vessels expressing specific markers of vascularization, and proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cells. Thus, heterotopic autotransplantation of a whole frozen/thawed ovary allows for development of preovulatory follicles, oocyte growth, and for restoration of vascularization and cellular function. However, additional improvements are required to enhance the efficiency of autotransplantation of frozen/thawed ovaries to produce more oocytes.</p

Comorbidity of Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Bipolar Patients: Prevalence, Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates

Introduction: The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity in bipolar patients and to investigate the influence of this comorbidity on the clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder (BD)

Clozapine Therapy for Long-Term Prophylaxis in Bipolar Patients; Prescription Rates and Efficacy

Aim: It is reported that clozapine maintenance treatment could be effective in treatment-resistant bipolar patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prescription rates of clozapine, features of patients on clozapine prophylaxis and efficacy of clozapine prophylaxis in patients with bipolar disorder. Material and Method: 280 patients with DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, type I were included in the study. The patients' medical records and life-charts were reviewed retrospectively and patients who took clozapine for maintenance treatment for at least one year were identified. Results: Twelve of 280 patients (4.8 %) took clozapine for prophylaxis for at least one period during lifetime. Among them 7 patients have only received clozapine, while 5 patients have used combination of clozapine and valproic acid. All of these twelve patients had resistance to at least two different maintenance treatments before clozapine prophylaxis. However, positive results were observed in all of the patients with clozapine prophylaxis. Discussion: These findings suggest that clozapine is regarded as an effective prophylactic choice for treatment of resistant patients with bipolar disorder. Consequently, this study demonstrates effectiveness and safety of clozapine use even in severe patients refractory to various strategies of prophylaxis. Retrospective nature of our study constitutes a limitation. However, when considering limited number of studies on this subject, it may still have a significant contribution. But more comprehensive prospective controlled studies are still needed

Reconstruction of Coup de Sabre Deformity (Linear Localized Scleroderma) by Using Galeal Frontalis Muscle Flap and Demineralized Bone Matrix Combination

WOS: 000286195600060PubMed: 21233742In this clinical report, we are presenting the combination of demineralized bone matrix combined with bilateral galea frontalis flaps. Based on our 6-month results, this seems to be a reasonable combination to accomplish long-lasting restoration of forehead defects related to en coup de sabre linear localized scleroderma

Simultaneous Reconstruction of Medial Canthal Area and Both Eyelids With a Single Transverse Split Forehead Island Flap

WOS: 000286195600087PubMed: 21239938In this report, we are presenting a case in which we have split the paramedian forehead flap, thus providing 2 axially perfused skin flaps for simultaneous reconstruction of the upper and lower lid structures after resection of basal cell carcinoma from the left medial canthal area. We found that split forehead flap seems to be a favorable option for simultaneous reconstruction of the upper and lower eyelid defects by enabling nicely vascularized and abundant amount of regional skin

Use of Triangulation Method in End-to-Side Arterial Microvascular Anastomosis

Comert, Ayhan/0000-0002-9309-838XWOS: 000272313600058PubMed: 19884829In this article, we present the use of triangulation for end-to-si I de microvascular arterial anastomosis. The classic end-to-side anastomosis starts by putting 2 Sutures 180 degrees apart to the lateral arteriotomy aperture that is parallel to the longitudinal axis. We are performing triangulation in end-to-side microvascular artery anastomoses by putting 3 Stay Sutures, securing 2 of them to visualize vascular lumen and reduce the risk of passing suture from the back wall. We have been using this method for the last 5 years and found that triangulation seems to be a safer technique to teach and practice end-to-side microvascular anastomosis

Use of Dental Mirror in Microsurgical Practice

Comert, Ayhan/0000-0002-9309-838XWOS: 000262838400053PubMed: 19165027In this article, we introduce the use of dental mirror during microsurgery. We have been using no. 4 dental mirror during microvascular anastomoses and nerve coaptations for the last 6 months successfully and found that, as a cheap and easily obtainable instrument, it has facilitated our practice. We are strongly recommending the use of dental mirrors in microsurgical practice and inclusion to every microsurgery instrument set