Kako odab ra ti pra vi te st za proc je nu sta tis tič ke zna čaj nos ti raz li ke iz me đu sku pi na? Com pa ri ng grou ps for sta tis ti cal di e ren ces: how to choo se the rig ht sta tis ti cal te st?Ma rius Ma rus te ri 1* , Vladimir Bacarea 2 1 Me di cal In for ma ti cs and Bios ta tis ti cs De par tme nt, Aca de mi cal Ma na ge me nt & Eu ro pean In teg ra tion De par tme nt, Uni ver si ty of Me di ci ne and Phar ma cy Tar gu Mu res,

BackgroundThere is a strong rationale for the use of agents with film-forming protective properties, like xyloglucan, for the treatment of acute diarrhea. However, few data from clinical trials are available.MethodsA randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel group, multicentre, clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of xyloglucan, in comparison with diosmectite and Saccharomyces in adult patients with acute diarrhea due to different causes.Patients were randomized to receive a 3-day treatment. Symptoms (stools type, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence) were assessed by a self-administered ad-hoc questionnaire 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h following the first dose administration. Adverse events were also recorded.ResultsA total of 150 patients (69.3 % women and 30.7 % men, mean age 47.3 ± 14.7 years) were included (n = 50 in each group). A faster onset of action was observed in the xyloglucan group compared with the diosmectite and S. bouliardii groups. At 6 h xyloglucan produced a statistically significant higher decrease in the mean number of type 6 and 7 stools compared with diosmectite (p = 0.031). Xyloglucan was the most efficient treatment in reducing the percentage of patients with nausea throughout the study period, particularly during the first hours (from 26 % at baseline to 4 % after 6 and 12 h). An important improvement of vomiting was observed in all three treatment groups.Xyloglucan was more effective than diosmectite and S. bouliardii in reducing abdominal pain, with a constant improvement observed throughout the study. The clinical evolution of flatulence followed similar patterns in the three groups, with continuous improvement of the symptom. All treatments were well tolerated, without reported adverse events.ConclusionsXyloglucan is a fast, efficacious and safe option for the treatment of acute diarrhea.Trial registrationEudraCT number 2014-001814-24 (date: 2014-04-28)ISRCTN number: 90311828

APT198K decreased the mean duration per crying episode significantly more than a lactase dietary supplement in infants with colic. Further evaluation in larger studies is warranted. Clinical trial registry: EudraCT number 2014-002860-334; https://eudract.ema.europa.eu .

Objective: The increased use of computers in education lead to computerized assessments, especially web-based assessment systems The aim of this study is to evaluate students' acceptance of being evaluated using an online web-based assessment system. Methods: A transversal study was performed where a sample of students that used and were accustomed to an online assessment system were asked to fill in a short questionnaire and evaluate its use. Results: The questionnaire items responses show students' preference for online assessment, as opposed to other assessment forms, like oral examination or classical pen and paper examination. Also it is noticeable the increase in the student number that prefer the online assessment as we move up through one year of study to the next. Conclusions: The study revealed a high level of acceptance for the online multiple choice questions test as an assessment method. Students' opinion is that online tests are better suited for knowledge assessment and are more objective.

The present project aims to evaluate Tribulus terrestris (TT) extracts by addressing various possible mechanisms of action in order to see whether the use of TT supplements in diabetes and diabetes complications is justified. Diabetic rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control group, TT extract with low protodioscin content group (TT-LPC) and TT extract with high protodioscin content group (TT-HPC). After twelve weeks of treatment, fasting blood glucose, insulin, LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Both TT preparations reduced elevated blood glucose level. Insulin and luteinizing hormone levels were not significantly different compared with the control group; however, the FSH and testosterone levels were significantly higher in the TT-HPC group compared with the diabetic control group. The testosterone level is correlated in part with the protodioscin concentration in extracts and is probably mediated through an FSH-linked pathway.