Introdução: Atualmente, a simpatectomia torácica videoassistida tornou-se o tratamento de escolha para hiperidrose palmar. O principal efeito colateral após operação é a hiperidrose compensatória (HC), sendo considerada a maior causa de insatisfação pelos pacientes. Objetivo: Comparar os resultados obtidos com a simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica realizada em dois níveis ganglionares distintos (terceiro versus quarto gânglio torácico) no tratamento da hiperidrose palmo-plantar, por meio de um ensaio clínico randomizado e cego. Método: Foram selecionados 40 pacientes entre fevereiro de 2007 e maio de 2009. Os participantes foram aleatorizados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes (G3 e G4) e submetidos à operação com seguimento de 12 meses (1ª semana, 1° mês, 6° mês e 12° mês). Utilizamos um método objetivo para mensuração do suor, aferindo a TEWL (transepidermal water loss) pelo VapoMeter, além da avaliação da qualidade de vida antes e após a operação. Também foram estudados: resolução da hiperidrose palmar, incidência e intensidade da HC. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram resolução da hiperidrose palmar após a operação, com diferença estatística em relação ao fator tempo, quando comparados os valores da TEWL palmar no pré-operatório com os seus respectivos valores na 1ª semana, 1° mês, 6° mês e 12° mês. O principal efeito colateral observado foi a hiperidrose compensatória, incidindo com maior frequência no grupo G3 após 12 meses de seguimento; apesar disto, não houve diferença estatística em relação à intensidade (gravidade) da HC nos grupos estudados. Verificou-se melhora da qualidade de vida desde a primeira avaliação do pós-operatório, sem diferença entre os grupos, que assim se manteve até o fim do estudo. As regiões mais acometidas pela HC foram dorso, tórax, abdome e coxas; no entanto, não houve diferença estatística da TEWL mensurada nessas regiões após 12 meses de acompanhamento. Conclusão: Ambas as técnicas foram efetivas no tratamento da hiperidrose palmar, gerando redução objetiva da TEWL independente do gânglio operado. A simpatectomia no nível de G3 apresentou maior incidência de HC; apesar disso, a melhora da qualidade de vida foi similar em ambos os grupos, não existindo diferença significativa da TEWL quantificada no dorso, abdome, coxas e pés após 12 meses / Introduction: Currently, video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy has become the preferred treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. The main side effect after surgery remains compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH), considered the major cause of dissatisfaction for patients. Objective: To compare the results obtained of video-assisted sympathectomy performed on two distinct ganglion levels (third versus fourth thoracic ganglion) in the treatment of palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis, through a blind randomized clinical trial. Method: We selected 40 patients from February 2007 to May 2009. All participants were randomized into two groups of 20 patients (G3 and G4) and underwent the operation, being followed for 12 months (1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12th month). We used an objective method for measuring sweat, checking the \"TEWL (transepidermal water loss) measured by the\"VapoMeter\", and evaluated the quality of life before and after the operation. Also studied were: palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and intensity of the CH. Results: All patients ceased suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis after surgery, with statistical difference regarding the time factor when we compared the values of \"TEWL\" palmar preoperatively with their respective values at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12th month. The main side effect observed was compensatory sweating, most frequent in G3 after 12 months of follow-up; despite this, there was no statistical difference regarding the intensity (severity) of CH in both groups. There was an improvement in quality of life since the first evaluation of the postoperative period, with no difference between groups, and so it remained until the end of follow-up. The areas most affected by CH were back, chest, abdomen and thighs; however, there was no statistical difference in the \"TEWL\" measured in these areas after 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Both techniques were effective in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, generating objective reduction of \"TEWL\" regardless of the ganglion operated. Sympathectomy G3 had a higher incidence of CH, yet the improvement in quality of life was similar in both groups without significant differences of \"TEWL\" quantified on the back, abdomen, thighs and legs after 12 months of follow up

Introdução: Atualmente, a simpatectomia torácica videoassistida tornou-se o tratamento de escolha para hiperidrose palmar. O principal efeito colateral após operação é a hiperidrose compensatória (HC), sendo considerada a maior causa de insatisfação pelos pacientes. Objetivo: Comparar os resultados obtidos com a simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica realizada em dois níveis ganglionares distintos (terceiro versus quarto gânglio torácico) no tratamento da hiperidrose palmo-plantar, por meio de um ensaio clínico randomizado e cego. Método: Foram selecionados 40 pacientes entre fevereiro de 2007 e maio de 2009. Os participantes foram aleatorizados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes (G3 e G4) e submetidos à operação com seguimento de 12 meses (1ª semana, 1° mês, 6° mês e 12° mês). Utilizamos um método objetivo para mensuração do suor, aferindo a TEWL (transepidermal water loss) pelo VapoMeter, além da avaliação da qualidade de vida antes e após a operação. Também foram estudados: resolução da hiperidrose palmar, incidência e intensidade da HC. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram resolução da hiperidrose palmar após a operação, com diferença estatística em relação ao fator tempo, quando comparados os valores da TEWL palmar no pré-operatório com os seus respectivos valores na 1ª semana, 1° mês, 6° mês e 12° mês. O principal efeito colateral observado foi a hiperidrose compensatória, incidindo com maior frequência no grupo G3 após 12 meses de seguimento; apesar disto, não houve diferença estatística em relação à intensidade (gravidade) da HC nos grupos estudados. Verificou-se melhora da qualidade de vida desde a primeira avaliação do pós-operatório, sem diferença entre os grupos, que assim se manteve até o fim do estudo. As regiões mais acometidas pela HC foram dorso, tórax, abdome e coxas; no entanto, não houve diferença estatística da TEWL mensurada nessas regiões após 12 meses de acompanhamento. Conclusão: Ambas as técnicas foram efetivas no tratamento da hiperidrose palmar, gerando redução objetiva da TEWL independente do gânglio operado. A simpatectomia no nível de G3 apresentou maior incidência de HC; apesar disso, a melhora da qualidade de vida foi similar em ambos os grupos, não existindo diferença significativa da TEWL quantificada no dorso, abdome, coxas e pés após 12 meses / Introduction: Currently, video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy has become the preferred treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. The main side effect after surgery remains compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH), considered the major cause of dissatisfaction for patients. Objective: To compare the results obtained of video-assisted sympathectomy performed on two distinct ganglion levels (third versus fourth thoracic ganglion) in the treatment of palmo-plantar hyperhidrosis, through a blind randomized clinical trial. Method: We selected 40 patients from February 2007 to May 2009. All participants were randomized into two groups of 20 patients (G3 and G4) and underwent the operation, being followed for 12 months (1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12th month). We used an objective method for measuring sweat, checking the \"TEWL (transepidermal water loss) measured by the\"VapoMeter\", and evaluated the quality of life before and after the operation. Also studied were: palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and intensity of the CH. Results: All patients ceased suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis after surgery, with statistical difference regarding the time factor when we compared the values of \"TEWL\" palmar preoperatively with their respective values at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12th month. The main side effect observed was compensatory sweating, most frequent in G3 after 12 months of follow-up; despite this, there was no statistical difference regarding the intensity (severity) of CH in both groups. There was an improvement in quality of life since the first evaluation of the postoperative period, with no difference between groups, and so it remained until the end of follow-up. The areas most affected by CH were back, chest, abdomen and thighs; however, there was no statistical difference in the \"TEWL\" measured in these areas after 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Both techniques were effective in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, generating objective reduction of \"TEWL\" regardless of the ganglion operated. Sympathectomy G3 had a higher incidence of CH, yet the improvement in quality of life was similar in both groups without significant differences of \"TEWL\" quantified on the back, abdomen, thighs and legs after 12 months of follow up

The increasing evidence of associations between sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity in adults and both immediate and long term health implications is of public health concern. There is a need to further our understanding of adult's health behaviours, to facilitate the development of behaviour change strategies promoting healthy behaviours. This thesis provides four independent but interlinked studies focusing on adult s sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the context of measurement and behaviour change. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the thesis where the scene is set for the placement of the studies in this thesis in the field of sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and measurement methods. Chapter 2 describes a systematic review of the relationship between sedentary behaviour and physical activity in adults. This systematic review is of primary importance as it was instrumental in shaping and informing the direction of the research described in later chapters. Chapter 3 describes a laboratory study investigating the measurement of energy expenditure during common sitting and standing tasks and also examines the 1.5 MET definition of sedentary behaviour. This study provides evidence that the 1.5 MET threshold for sedentary behaviours seems reasonable however some sitting-based activities may be classified as non-sedentary in people of differing weight status. This study raised some important questions on the validity of objective measurement devices for differentiating between sitting and standing postures. Thus, Chapter 4 of this thesis describes a laboratory study investigating the validity of the ActiGraph inclinometer algorithms for differentiating between sitting and standing postures. Chapter 5 is an intervention investigating sedentary behavior and physical activity compensation outside working hours in a sample of office workers exposed to sit-to-stand desks in the workplace. This thesis found that light physical activity, especially standing, could be one of the most efficient and feasible behaviours to replace sedentary behaviour. Such findings add considerably to the existing literature. Targeting such facets of adults behaviour and specially office workers holds great potential for behaviour change strategies.

STUDY 1. INTRODUCTION. Insufficient physical activity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Using isotemporal substitution models, the influence of replacing modest durations of sedentary time with physical activity on diabetes risk scores can be studied. The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between diabetes risk scores, sedentary time and physical activity measured using wrist worn accelerometry, and to model the changes in risk scores by reallocating movement behaviours from lower to a higher intensity. METHODS. Data from 251 (93 males; aged 56.7 ± 8.8) participants from a mixed ethnicity cohort from Leicestershire, UK were selected for analysis. The relationship between diabetes risk (using the Leicester Diabetes Risk Assessment Score), physical activity and sedentary time was identified using multiple linear regressions and isotemporal substitution analysis. Models were calculated for main effects and also adjusted for peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and accelerometer wear time. RESULTS. Both unadjusted and adjusted models revealed that diabetes risk was inversely related to sedentary time, and positively related to light and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p < 0.0005). Unadjusted, the replacement of sedentary time with 10 minutes of either light or MVPA resulted in a reduction in diabetes risk score of -0.22 and -0.54, respectively. There was an eight to nine times greater reduction in risk for the same MVPA replacement models when the least active participants were compared to the pooled analysis (3.601 unadjusted). CONCLUSION. Diabetes risk is associated with sedentary time and physical activity estimated from wrist worn accelerometry. The replacement of sedentary time with MVPA is most beneficial for the least active individuals. STUDY 2. INTRODUCTION. Most associations between physical behaviours and health are assessed using intensity and duration based estimations; however, individuals accrue physical activity in differing ways and behavioural profiles have been linked with varying cardiometabolic risk factors. The frequency or regularity of behaviour may hold additional relationships with health, but have not been extensively explored. Accelerometers provide researchers with a large stream of raw data to analyse. The aim of this paper was to calculate a novel method of behavioural regularity called sample entropy from wrist worn accelerometry and to ascertain whether there are associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. METHODS. Data from 290 (107 males; aged 57.0 ± 8.8) participants from a mixed ethnicity cohort from Leicestershire, UK were selected for analysis. Entropy scores were calculated using 60-second count data within MATLAB. The relationship between entropy scores, physical activity, sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk factors was identified using multiple linear regressions. Models were calculated for main effects and also adjusted for age, sex, accelerometer wear time and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS. Sample entropy scores were significantly related to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (b = 0.148, p = 0.042), triglycerides (b = -0.293, p = 0.042) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (b = -0.225, p = 0.006), even after adjustment for confounding variables. Traditional intensity estimates of physical activity were not associated; however, the frequency of breaks in sedentary time were significantly related to entropy scores (b = 0.004, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION. Using a novel measure of signal complexity, associations have been revealed with cardiometabolic risk factors; however further analysis in a larger, more diverse dataset is required to ascertain the utility of this technique within behavioural research and if so, what constitutes typical/average levels of entropy within a population. STUDY 3. INTRODUCTION. Acute physiological changes such as reductions in postprandial glucose excursions have been demonstrated within experimental studies that have compared being physically active to sedentary conditions. However, for this information to be truly useful, the coupling of behaviour and glucose data in a free-living environment needs to be achieved. The aim of the study was to ascertain if there is a relationship between objectively measured physical activity, sedentary time and glucose variability using glucose monitoring in an adult population. METHODS. Data from 29 participants recruited from a mixed gender sample from Leicestershire, UK were selected for analysis. Physical activity, sedentary time and interstitial glucose was measured continuously over 14 days using an accelerometer and the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitor. Daily time (minutes) spent sedentary, and in light activity and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were regressed against glycaemic variability indices including daily mean (average) glucose, standard deviation and mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE). Generalised Estimating Equations were calculated between behaviour and glycaemic variability variables. Models were calculated for main effects and also adjusted for age, gender and accelerometer wear time. RESULTS. Physical activity and sedentary time were associated with measures of glucose variability, however low fitness individuals showed a stronger relationship between MVPA and MAGE (MAGE: whole sample b = -0.002, low fitness b = -0.012. Additionally, after adjustment for covariates, sedentary time was positively associated with a higher daily mean glucose (b = 0.001, p = 0.001) and MAGE (b = 0.002, p < 0.0005) for the low fitness group. MVPA was negatively associated with mean glucose (b = -0.004, p < 0.0005) and MAGE (b = -0.012, p < 0.0005); however, standard deviation of glucose was not associated with behaviour of any intensity. The magnitudes of the relationships were small, although participants were non-diabetics and exhibited relatively good glucose control i.e. minimal fluctuations in daily glucose variability. CONCLUSION. This study shows that sedentary time, physical activity and glucose variability are related. Despite supporting the previous laboratory research, it is uncertain whether any changes in glucose will reliably occur in all individuals. MVPA confers the largest reductions in glucose variability indices, yet as one of the few studies to couple behaviour and glucose data, more research is needed on larger and more diverse samples.

The aim of this work is to create a program able to implement the metric CPqD-IES to evaluate the quality of video in system MATLAB. This metric is described in Recommendation ITU-R BT.1683 for objective video quality measurement techniques for standard definition digital broadcast television with presence of a full reference. Video quality assessment is calculated objective parameters based on image segmentation. Natural scenes are segmented into edge, plane and texture regions. Objective parameters are assigned to each of these contexts. The relationship between each objective parameter and a subjective impairment level is approximated by the logistic curve, which is resulting in an estimated impairment level for each parameter.

Non-technical skills (NTS) are cognitive and interpersonal skills that are relevant to task completion such as situation awareness, decision-making, teamwork, and leadership. NTS in clinical environments, such as surgery, have been identified to contribute to patient safety and team performance, which in turn affects clinical outcomes. Assessment tools of these skills in surgery exist; however, current evaluations are limited in that they require trained raters, are subjective, are time-intensive, and are checklist-based. Therefore, there is a need for objective measurement of NTS that addresses the limitations of the rating-based techniques. The purpose of this Ph.D. dissertation work is to identify physiological and behavioral metrics that measure NTS objectively and investigate the application of objective metrics to measure intraoperative NTS of surgeons. Through a scoping review of engineering, behavioral science, and medical literature, behavioral and physiological metrics that quantified NTS constructs of surgeons were identified. The synthesized literature was used to build a framework integrating objective metrics to NTS constructs. To develop an objective model of surgeons’ NTS, subjective and objective behavioral data of surgeons were collected in the operating room and prediction models were created. Results found that objective metrics such as communication, speech, and proximity features can be used to predict subjective NTS. Furthermore, objective task features (e.g., time and number of incidents during an operation) has the potential to also model subjective NTS, and these task features can be predicted by the behavioral metrics; thus, triangulation is obtained with the three NTS metrics: subjective score, objective behavioral metrics, and task performance metrics. The relationship between the two objective metrics shows the possibility of achieving a fully objective model of surgeons’ NTS. The consolidation of current objective measurement techniques can provide a foundation in further understanding NTS beyond assessments based on observed behaviors, and the developed models can be expanded and implemented for real-time NTS assessment of clinical teams to improve patient care.

Adults with hearing loss who report difficulty understanding speech with and without hearing aids often also report increased mental or listening effort. Although speech recognition measures are well known and have been in use for decades, measures of listening effort are relatively new and include objective measures such as working memory tasks, pupillometry, heart rate, skin conductance, and brain imaging. This purpose of this study is to evaluate an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based method to assess cognitive states associated with high frequency alpha (10-13 Hz) and theta (4-8 Hz) during effortful listening. Changes in high frequency alpha have been associated with semantic memory and cognitive demands. In addition, changes in theta have been associated with encoding information and increased listening effort. Correlations between EEG frequency recordings, self-report, and behavioral measures in speech recognition and auditory working memory tasks will be described. Results will be presented demonstrating the extent to which high frequency alpha predicts word recognition in noise performance and self-reported listening effort.

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