Group Mean Research Articles

Locked plate constructs are not necessarily stiffer than nonlocked constructs: A biomechanical investigation of locked versus nonlocked diaphyseal fixation in a human cadaveric model of nonosteoporotic and osteoporotic distal femoral fractures.

The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of locked and nonlocked diaphyseal fixation in a model of distal femur fractures using osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic human cadaveric bone. A supracondylar osteotomy was created to mimic a fracture (OTA/AO 33A3) in osteoporotic (n = 4) and nonosteoporotic (n = 5) cadaveric distal femurs. The left and right femurs of each pair were instrumented with a distal femoral locking plate and randomly assigned to have diaphyseal fixation with either locked or nonlocked screws. The construct was cyclically axially loaded, and construct stiffness and load to failure were evaluated. In osteoporotic bone, locked constructs were more stiff than nonlocked constructs (mean 143 vs. 98 N/mm when all time points combined, P < 0.001). However, in nonosteoporotic bone, locked constructs were less stiff than nonlocked constructs (mean 155 N/mm vs. 185 N/mm when all time points combined, P < 0.001). In osteoporotic bone, the average load to failure was greater in the locked group than in the nonlocked group (mean 1159 vs. 991 N, P = 0.01). In nonosteoporotic bone, the average load to failure was greater for the nonlocked group (mean 1348 N vs. 1214 N, P = 0.02). Bone mineral density was highly correlated with maximal load to failure (R2 = 0.92, P = 0.001) and stiffness (R2 = 0.78, P = 0.002) in nonlocked constructs but not in locked constructs. Contrary to popular belief, locked plating constructs are not necessarily stiffer than nonlocked constructs. In healthy nonosteoporotic bone, locked diaphyseal fixation does not provide a stiffer construct than nonlocked fixation. Bone quality has a profound influence on the stiffness of nonlocked (but not locked) constructs in distal femur fractures.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) Training on Performance among Senior and Junior Female Kho-Kho Players in Mumbai Region

Abstract: This study examines the impact of an eight-week Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training program on senior and junior female Kho-Kho players in Mumbai. Sixty players were evenly divided into experimental and control groups. Results show significant improvements in SAQ-trained players’ performance, including enhanced speed, agility, and quickness observed through reduced completion times in Kho-Kho drills. ANOVA analysis indicates statistically significant differences in performance between experimental and control groups across various parameters. SAQ-trained groups consistently outperformed controls in sprint times, agility test scores, and reaction times. For instance, seniors in the experimental group improved from a pre-training mean sprint time of 12.5 sec to 10.8 sec post-training, while juniors improved from 13.2 sec to 11.2 sec. In contrast, control group means remained relatively unchanged. Similarly, experimental groups exhibited substantial enhancement in agility test scores and reaction times compared to controls. Seniors’ agility scores increased from a pre-training mean of 18 points to 24 points post-training, and juniors’ scores improved from 16 points to 22 points. Reaction times for both senior and junior experimental groups decreased notably post-training, whereas control groups showed minimal change. These findings emphasize the significance of integrating SAQ training into the routine of female Kho-Kho players, regardless of their age or skill level. Such training interventions hold promise for augmenting players’ physical capabilities and overall performance, thereby bolstering their competitiveness in Kho-Kho tournaments.

Playing Kioku Reduces Loneliness in Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Playing together increases social connectedness, and it may be a tool to reduce loneliness. Research into the mental health benefits of board games is underdeveloped. Objectives: The study aims to examine the effects of the Kioku board game on well-being outcomes. The Kioku board game was developed in order to enable small group interactions with a focus on encouraging participants to create stories through mutual attention and interaction. We hypothesized that following a weekly intervention for 12 weeks, players would report a decrease in loneliness and an increase in well-being, compared with nonplayers. Methods: During the summer of 2022, participants in groups of 4-5 players, chose a cube word and narrated a story. A sample of 151 older adults (Mean age = 75.05 ± 6.46 years) recruited from seven community activity centers in Israel was assigned by block randomization to an intervention (n = 72) or a control group (n = 79), awaiting 4-6 weeks for future participation. Loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale) and well-being (World Health Organization 5-item scale) were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: A two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (Group × Time) controlling for age, country of origin, and marital status revealed significant interaction effects for loneliness [F(1, 146) = 178.04, n2 = 0.549, P < 0.001] and well-being [F(1, 146) = 69.14, n2 = 0.321, P < 0.001]. Loneliness decreased in the intervention group (mean difference: 0.62 points, P < 0.001), and increased in the control group (mean difference: 0.18 points, P = 0.001). Well-being increased in the intervention group (mean difference: 0.79 points, P < 0.001) and decreased in the control group (mean difference: 0.20 points, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings support the effectiveness of the Kioku board game intervention for decreasing loneliness and promoting well-being in older adults, who might still be coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plasma water T2 detects age-stratified differences in cardiometabolic health among familial CCM patients with Hispanic CCM1 mutation.

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are abnormal clusters of capillaries in the nervous system. This pilot study analyzed the cardiometabolic health status of individuals with familial CCMs caused by a rare mutation in the CCM1 gene (fCCM1). The aim was to compare plasma water T2 values from individuals with fCCM1 with values from metabolically unhealthy and healthy individuals with no known CCM mutations. This observational, cross-sectional study included 75 participants: 11 fCCM1 patients, 24 metabolically unhealthy and 40 metabolically healthy individuals. Plasma water T2, an early, global and practical marker of cardiometabolic health, was measured in the time domain using benchtop magnetic resonance relaxometry. The results were stratified by age (equal to or less than 45 vs. older than 45 years). Group means were compared using Welch's one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey-Kramer tests. Multivariable linear regression, with T2 as the outcome variable, was used to explore associations with age, gender, Hispanic ethnicity and fCCM1 status. In the younger age stratum, the fCCM1 group had a mean plasma water T2 value comparable to the metabolically healthy group (p = 0.6388), but higher than the unhealthy group (p < 0.0001). By contrast, in the older stratum, the mean plasma water T2 value for the fCCM1 group was comparable to the metabolically unhealthy group (p = 0.7819) and lower than the healthy group (p = 0.0005). Multivariable linear regression revealed that age and the interaction between age and fCCM1 status were significant predictors of T2, even after adjusting for gender and Hispanic ethnicity. Plasma water T2 shows potential as a biomarker for assessing the health status of individuals with fCCM1. Further research is needed to validate these preliminary observations and elucidate the association between CCMs and cardiometabolic health.

Radiofrequency lesion in atrial wall: how variable is it? 9 Tesla MRI analysis of RF lesion volume in a swine model

Abstract Background Little is known about radiofrequency (RF) lesion volume (rLV). Most of animal or ex-vivo studies quantify the size of RF lesions size using width and/or depth, while electrophysiologists use manufacturers’ indirect indices (such as Ablation Index or Lesion Size Index). Purpose We aimed to evaluate rLV by high resolution 9-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in ex-vivo swine model. We studied the variability of rLV and extra-cardiac effects in two groups of swine, one treated with low energy (LE)-long application RF (20W-50 sec) and another treated with high energy (HE)-short application RF (50 W-20 sec). Methods This was a prospective observational study on 18 piglets, that were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and divided into LE (n = 9) and HE (n = 9) groups (Figure 1). An irrigated contact force catheter was used to perform RF applications in 4 largely separated spots: 2 on right atrium and 2 on left atrium wall. RF parameters were monitored during RF. Each animal was sacrificed after 5-7 days, and RF lesion samples were excised and acquired by 9 MRI. Results 70 RF applications were performed (36 in LE group and 34 in HE group). MRI was performed on 26 samples of LE group and 28 of HE group (Figure 2). The median RF lesion volume was 89.3 mm3 (IQR 47.9-175.9). Regarding lesion volume, the HE groups showed 35% higher volume than LE group (mean lesion volume 86.2 mm3 vs 116.3 mm3, p = 0.119). HE group also showed more complications (0 vs 7, p=0.02) and more extracardiac lesion (14 vs 18, p=0.613). Conclusions There was a wide and unpredictable variability of RF lesion on atrial wall, even under controlled experimental conditions, which could explain arrhythmias recurrences. The variability seems greatest, although not statistically significant, during HE applications. The dose/effect relationship needs to be carefully studied for treatments of cardiac arrhythmias for both RF and other forms of energy available today.Study flow-chartComparison between groups

Liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease: How feasible is this option?

BackgroundPolycystic liver disease is a rare hereditary disease that can occur as an isolated disease. Because of its benign nature, polycystic liver disease rarely needs treatment. If treatment is needed, there are no standard guidelines, but usually, a liver resection or medical therapy is performed. A liver transplant is the last resort when all other possibilities have been exhausted, or complications arise. However, the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed. Methods and materialsA retrospective registry analysis of the SRTR database was done for liver transplants performed in the United States from January 2001 to May 2023. ResultsThe analysis of the data indicated a notable improvement in 5-year graft survival rates between the 2001–2010 group (mean of 92 %) and the 2011–2023 group (mean of 97 %) (P < .001). The 2011–2023 group had a higher proportion of simultaneous kidney and liver transplants, more than 3 times, from 106 cases to 374 cases (57.7 % vs. 42.3 %, P = .001). The type of transplant was also considered when analyzing the 5-year survival of grafts. Patients who underwent both kidney and liver transplants simultaneously had a slightly better outcome. It was found that the only hazard affecting LT graft survival in the cohort was the cold ischemic time (HR: 2.80, P = .03). ConclusionWith all the surgical techniques and post-operation improvements, a liver transplant can be a feasible option for polycystic liver disease when the medical treatments are not sufficient to eliminate the symptoms.

How group structure impacts the numbers at risk for coronary artery disease: polygenic risk scores and non-genetic risk factors in the UK Biobank cohort.

The UK Biobank is a large cohort study that recruited over 500,000 British participants aged 40-69 in 2006-2010 at 22 assessment centres from across the UK. Self-reported health outcomes and hospital admission data are two types of records that include participants' disease status. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death in the UK Biobank cohort. After distinguishing between prevalence and incidence CAD events for all UK Biobank participants, we identified geographical variations in age-standardised rates of CAD between assessment centres. Significant distributional differences were found between the pooled cohort equation scores of UK Biobank participants from England and Scotland using the Mann-Whitney test. Polygenic risk scores of UK Biobank participants from England and Scotland and from different assessment centres differed significantly using permutation tests. Our aim was to discriminate between assessment centres with different disease rates by collecting data on disease-related risk factors. However, relying solely on individual-level predictions and averaging them to obtain group-level predictions proved ineffective, particularly due to the presence of correlated covariates resulting from participation bias. By using the Mundlak model, which estimates a random effects regression by including the group means of the independent variables in the model, we effectively addressed these issues. In addition, we designed a simulation experiment to demonstrate the functionality of the Mundlak model. Our findings have applications in public health funding and strategy, as our approach can be used to predict case rates in the future, as both population structure and lifestyle changes are uncertain.

The fracture resistance of pulpotomized primary molars restored with zirconia crowns, lithium disilicate or resin based ceramic endocrowns.

Endocrown in pediatric dentistry was rooted in the fundamental principles of preserving healthy dental tissues, leveraging contemporary adhesive methodologies. This research aimed on assessing and comparing the fracture resistance of pulpotomized primary molars when rehabilitated with zirconia crowns and two distinct types of endocrowns, namely E-Max and Brilliant Crios. The study involved thirty, anonymized, freshly extracted second primary molars that underwent pulpotomy. These teeth were then evenly divided into three groups, each consisting of ten specimens: the zirconia crown, the E-Max endocrown, and the Brilliant Crios endocrown groups. Post-pulpotomy, the teeth were prepared for their respective restorations. Subsequent to this preparation, the zirconia crowns, E-Max endocrowns, and Brilliant Crios endocrowns were secured. To evaluate the fracture resistance using a computer-controlled testing machine (Instron), a progressively increasing load was applied to each group until fracture occurred. The gathered data were then analyzed for outliers and subjected to normality testing using the Shapiro-Wilk and/or Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, with a significance threshold set at 0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in fracture resistance of pulpotomized primary molars among lithium disilicate (E-Max) group (mean=1367.59N), Brilliant Crios group (mean=1349.73N) and zirconia group (mean=1240.82N). Endocrowns can be considered a promising restoration for pulpotomized primary molars.

Effect of Substrate on Growth and Development of Ganaderma Lucidum Karst Cultivation in Bao Loc - Lam Dong - Vietnam

Purpose: The study of "the influence of substrate on growth and development of Ganaderma lucidum cultivation in Bao Loc - Lam Dong" was conducted at the Technology College of economy and technology of Bao Loc from May to September 2023 with the aims of selectingsuitable substrates for growth and development in Reishi, completed the processes of Reishi artificial cultivation in Bao loc. Methodology: Database involved nine treatments: rubber tree sawdust 75% + rice bran 25% supplemented urea 0,25%; rubber tree sawdust 95% + rice bran 5% supplemente urea 0,25% and DAP 0,25%; rubber tree sawdust 100% supplemented SA 0,5% and DAP 0,25%; rubber tree sawdust 96% + 2% maize powder + 2% rice bran; rubber tree sawdust 90% + maize powder 10% ; rubber tree sawdust 75% + maize powder 10% + rice bran 15%; rubber tree sawdust 95% + rice bran 5% supplemented DAP 0,2% , SA 0,2% and urea 0,1%; rubber tree sawdust 70% + rice bran 30%; control treament (rubber tree sawdust 90% + rice bran 5% + 5% maize powder). Experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. The data were analyzed by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and group means were compared by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMR) using the SAS 9.1 program. Means separation were computed following Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Findings: Results were achieved: Significant difference was observed in biological yield, dry yield and biological efficiency of Reishi (Ganaderma lucidum) on differences substracts .The highest biological yield (52,11 g/packet) and biological efficiency (15,79%) was obtained from mixed rubber sawdust 70% + 30% ridce brain Unique Contribution toheory, Policy and Practice: Complete the process of growing Ganoderma mushrooms in Bao Loc, orienting the development of Lam Dong into a large medicinal mushroom production area in Vietnam, creating Ganoderma mushroom products for export to the world.

Investors’ demand in Initial Public Offering (IPO): Shariah compliance, corporate governance and macroeconomic factors

Purpose Initial Public Offering (IPO) is a major milestone for a company. It allows a private company to issue shares to a much broader group of investors and become public. But conclusive evidence of the driving forces behind investors’ demand is yet to be identified. Therefore, the major purpose of this study is to assess the level of investors’ demand in IPO and how investors’ demand in IPOs is affected. Design/methodology/approach The study will employ 80 IPO companies of a Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh, starting from 2013 to 2021 with application of linear and quantile regressions. Apart from that, t-test will be used to compare means of groups of Shariah-compliant and non-Shariah-compliant firms and IPOs under fixed-price and book-building mechanism. Findings Oversubscription is higher for IPOs issued through fixed-price method compared to book-building method, but no significant difference is found in oversubscription for Shariah firms compared to non-Shariah firms based on t-tests. The authors found IPO size, firm size, IPO risk, proportion of shares offered to public, and bank interest rate to have significant impact on the IPO demand. Some models found non-Shariah compliance status of IPO companies to be a significant factor for the investors to demand IPO. Quantile regression results found board independence to have a positive association with larger, less-subscribed firms and board size to have a negative relation with IPO demand, for smaller firms with high demand. Research limitations/implications Future studies may apply the findings to other settings, especially into the reasons behind preference for non-Shariah-compliant firms and higher demand for IPOs during higher interest rate. Equity issuing firms and issue managers can benefit from this study by wisely deciding on the proportion of shares for public, issue size and board of director composition. Shariah considerations cannot be ignored given that more information on Shariah compliance is disseminated among investors despite current non-preference for Shariah-compliant IPOs. On the other hand, institutional investors and general investors should consider firm-specific, governance and macroeconomic factors in IPO investment. Likewise, regulators would do well to bring in quality IPOs with characteristics mentioned in this study for ensuring stability of the market. Originality/value The main contribution of the study is identifying determinants of IPO demand: faith, governance, macro issues – understanding whether one or many of the above factors drive investor demand in IPOs of a Muslim-majority country will be the main contribution.

Balloon predilation or direct valve implantation in TAVI for women: Insights from the DIRECTAVI study.

The randomized DIRECTAVI trial demonstrated safety and feasibility of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) using SAPIEN 3 balloon-expandable devices. However, the female population with smaller anatomy may have potential higher risk of residual gradient and/or mismatch. We assessed the impact of BAV on the procedural success rate and clinical outcomes in the female population of the DIRECTAVI trial. Between May 2016 and May 2018, 91 of the 250 patients included in the DIRECTAVI trial were women (38.6%), 45 of them (49.5%) were enrolled in the BAV group and 46 of them (50.5%) in the direct TAVI group. The primary endpoint was procedural success rate in women (Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria). The secondary endpoint included evaluation of PPM and 1-month major adverse events according to the implantation stategy in women and comparison between men and women regarding major endpoints. The primary endpoint occurred in 29 women (64.4%) in the BAV group and in 34 women (73.9%) in the direct TAVI group (mean difference 9.47%; 95% confidence interval: 6.5%-25.4%; p = 0.045 for non-inferiority of the direct strategy). One-month major adverse events were similar between the 2 women groups. Procedural success was lower in women vs men (p = 0.01) due to higher incidence of moderate mismatches in women (p = 0.001) but with no significant difference regarding the implantation strategy (p = 0.4). Direct implantation of the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 valve was non-inferior to predilatation on procedural success in women. Incidence of moderate mismatch was higher in women but was not related to the implantation strategy.

Mathematical Software: A Panacea for Improving Senior Secondary School Students’ Retention in Geometrical Constructions

When attempting to address the persistently poor performance of students in mathematics, researchers have typically examined factors such as retention to identify long-term solutions. The objective of this study was to improve the retention of senior secondary school students in geometrical constructions through mathematical software. Despite the many benefits of geometry to both the learner and society, the performance of the students continued to be abysmal. Could it be that the students do not retain what they learn? The research was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria, and was based on John Sweller’s cognitive load theory of multimedia. The study’s design utilised a non-randomised, quasi-experimental control group with a sample size of 457 students. Three objectives, research questions and research hypotheses led the study, with the Geometrical Construction Achievement Test and the Geometrical Construction Retention Test as the instruments for data collection. The mean and standard deviation of descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data that was gathered. The research reveals that retention was higher in the experimental group (Mean = 65.88) than in the control group (Mean = 51.87). The study found a statistically significant improvement in retention (p ˂ 0.05). No gender variations were found when the students were taught with mathematical software. Mathematics teachers’ utilisation of mathematical software as a strategy for teaching geometrical constructions among senior secondary school students was recommended.

Robotic vs. laparoscopic right hemicolectomy-An analysis of costs

The use of robotic surgical methods for performing right-sided hemicolectomy has been somewhat controversial, primarily due to concerns related to costs. The purpose of this study is to document the initial robotic right hemicolectomies conducted at our institution and to compare them with a laparoscopic reference group. A significant focus of this study is the detailed analysis of the costs associated with both techniques within the German healthcare system.Surgical and cost-related data for 34 cases each for robotic and laparoscopic right-sided hemicolectomy performed at Nürnberg Hospital were compared. This comparison was conducted through a retrospective single-center case-matched analysis. Cost analysis was carried out following the current guidelines provided by the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK) of Germany.The average age of the patient cohort was 70 years, with a male patient proportion of 57.4%. Analysis of perioperative parameters indicated similar outcomes for both surgical techniques. Regarding the incidence of complications of Clavien-Dindo stages III-V (8.8% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.48), a positive trend towards robotic surgery was observed. The cost analysis showed nearly identical total costs for the selected cases in both groups (mean €13,423 vs. €13,424; p = 1.00), with the most significant cost difference noted in surgical (operative) costs (€5,779 vs. €3,521; p < 0.01). The lower costs for laparoscopic cases were primarily due to the reduced material costs (mean €2,657 vs. €702; p < 0.05).In conclusion, both surgical approaches are clinically equivalent, with only minor differences in the total case costs.

Psychometric properties of the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-8) among refugee adolescents from Afghanistan, Syria, and Somalia

ABSTRACT Background: High levels of post-traumatic stress are well documented among refugees. Yet, refugee adolescents display high heterogeneity in their type of trauma and symptom levels. Objective: Following the recurrent plea for validated trauma screening tools, this study investigated the psychometric properties of the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-8) among refugee adolescents from Afghanistan (n = 148), Syria (n = 234), and Somalia (n = 175) living in Europe. Method: The model fit for the confirmatory factor structures was tested, as well as measurement invariance between the three groups. The robustness of results was evaluated by testing measurement invariance between recently arrived and settled adolescents, and between different response labelling options. Reliability (α, ω, and ordinal α), criterion validity, and prevalence estimates were calculated. Results: The intrusion subscale showed a better stable model fit than the avoidance subscale, but the two-factor structure was mainly supported. Configural measurement invariance was achieved between Afghan and Somali adolescents, and strong measurement invariance between Syrian and Somali adolescents. The results were robust considering the time living in the host country and response labelling styles. Reliability was low among Afghan and Syrian adolescents (.717−.856), whereas it was higher among Somali adolescents (.831−.887). The total score had medium-sized correlations with emotional problems (.303−.418) and low correlations with hyperactivity (.077−.155). There were statistically significant differences in symptom prevalence: Afghan adolescents had higher prevalence (55.5%) than Syrian (42.8%) and Somali (37%) adolescents, and unaccompanied refugee minors had higher symptom prevalence (63.5%) than accompanied adolescents (40.7%). Conclusions: This study mostly supports the use of the CRIES-8 among adolescents from Afghanistan, Syria, and Somalia, and even comparative analyses of group means. Variation in reliability estimates, however, makes diagnostic predictions difficult, as the risk of misclassification is high.

Application of self-stabilizing zero-profile three-dimensional printed artificial vertebral bodies for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of applying self-stabilizing zero-profile three-dimensional (3D) printed artificial vertebral bodies in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 37 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent single-level ACCF using either self-stabilizing zero-profile 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies ( n=15, treatment group) or conventional 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies with titanium plates ( n=22, control group) between January 2022 and February 2023. There was no significant difference in age, gender, lesion segment, disease duration, and preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). Operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, hospitalization costs, JOA score and improvement rate, incidence of postoperative prosthesis subsidence, and interbody fusion were recorded and compared between the two groups. Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly shorter operation time and lower hospitalization costs ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding volume between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up, with a follow-up period of 6-21 months in the treatment group (mean, 13.7 months) and 6-19 months in the control group (mean, 12.7 months). No dysphagia occurred in the treatment group, while 5 cases occurred in the control group, with a significant difference in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups ( P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, both groups showed improvement in JOA scores compared to preoperative scores, with significant differences ( P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the JOA scores and improvement rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). Radiographic examinations showed the interbody fusion in both groups, and the difference in the time of interbody fusion was not significant ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, 2 cases in the treatment group and 3 cases in the control group experienced prosthesis subsidence, with no significant difference in the incidence of prosthesis subsidence ( P>0.05). There was no implant displacement or plate-screw fracture during follow-up. The use of self-stabilizing zero-profile 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy not only achieves similar effectiveness to 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies, but also reduces operation time and the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.

Efficacy of yoga package on cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls: A single group pilot study

Executive functions and attention are key indicator of cognitive health. Cognitive flexibility, the ability to flexibly switch between tasks, is a core dimension of executive functions. Yoga helps to improve mental wellness, which consequently provides cognitive flexibility.This study aimed to determine the effect of yoga on cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls.Thirty healthy university girls (group mean ± SD; 18.27 ± 1.44) were enrolled as participants in the study. Trail Making Test (TMT) parts A and B were used to assess their cognitive flexibility whereas sustained attention was determined using Six Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT). The assessments were taken at baseline and after three months of yogic practices. Statistical analysis was performed by paired t-test to examine the effect of yoga on cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls.There was a significant decrease in time taken to complete TMT part A (t= 4.33; P&amp;#60;0.05) and a significant increase in total attempts (t= -2.75; P&amp;#60;0.05) and net attempts (t=-2.80; P&amp;#60;0.01) in six letter cancellation test after three months of yoga practice.The results suggest that yoga improves visual search ability and motor speed skills and hence cognitive flexibility and attention in university girls.

Effectiveness of a flipped classroom for undergraduate in implant dentistry hands-on course

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the learning in the implant dentistry hands-on course to that of the flipped classroom (FC) and the traditional lecture cohorts (control).Materials and methodsIn this study,80 students were enrolled for the first time in an implant dentistry program. Subsequently, they were divided into two groups. The first, the FC group, which had free access to a video with a PowerPoint presentation on the Chaoxing-WHU-MOOC platform about the implant placement on first molar sites before class. The second, the control group, which attended a didactic lecture describing implant practice on the first molar site via a bidirectional multimedia interactive teaching demonstration and then operated on a simulation model. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the deviation gauge were utilized to analyze the accuracy of the implant placement in the students’ models. An online satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to both groups one week after the class.ResultsThe linear deviation of the CBCT examination did not show any statistical difference between the two groups concerning cervical, apex, and angular. A significant buccal deviation was observed in the control group compared with the FC group (mean: 0.7436 mm vs. 0.2875 mm, p = 0.0035), according to the restoration-level deviation gauge. A total of 74.36% of students in the FC group placed implant within 0.5 mm buccal-to-lingual deviations, but only 41.03% of students in the control group reached within 0.5 mm buccal-to-lingual deviation ranges. Additionally, 91.67% of the students in the FC group and 97.5% of the students in the control group were satisfied with the practical implant class.ConclusionFC was more effective than a didactic lecture for implant dentistry practical skill acquisition.

The importance of regular physical activity in the mental health of the older adults

The present study had the general objective of evaluating the relationship between physical activity and mental health in the older adults. For this, a cross-sectional survey was carried out with 35 older adults aged between 60 and 76 years old (65.31 ± 4.50). To assess the level of physical activity, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) was used, while mental health was measured using the geriatric depression scale (GDS). A comparison was made between the physically active and inactive groups (classified by the 6MWT) using Student’s t test for GDS scores. In addition, the Ancova test was performed to compare groups for the mental health outcome (GDS). The results show us that the mean age of the individuals was 65.31 with a standard deviation of 4.50. Among the older adults, 12 were classified as physically active and 23 as inactive. However, the main finding of this study lies in the difference between the groups for the mental health outcome, since the physically active group had a mean GDS lower (Mean = 3.33) than the physically inactive group (Mean = 7.30), with statistical significance (p = 0.05). This is in line with the literature on the benefits of physical activity in preventing and reducing mental disorders. The study makes room for further studies, especially clinical and longitudinal trials, in order to better understand these real impacts of physical activity.

Piloting a Measure of Segregation at the Census Tract Level: Associations with Place and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Life Expectancy.

This study considers residential segregation as a critical driver of racial/ethnic health disparities and introduces a proxy measure of segregation that estimates the degree of segregation at the census tract level with a metric capturing the overrepresentation of a racialized/ethnic group in a census tract in relation to that group's representation at the city level. Using Dallas, Texas as a pilot city, the measure is used to investigate mean life expectancy at birth for relatively overrepresented Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian census tracts and examine for significant differences between mean life expectancy in relatively overrepresented census tracts and that group's mean life expectancy at the state level. Multivariable linear regression analysis was utilized to assess how segregation measured at the census tract level associates with life expectancy across different racialized/ethnic groups, controlling for socioeconomic disparities. This study aimed to expose the need to consider the possibility of neighborhood mechanisms beyond socioeconomic characteristics as an important determinant of health and draw attention to the importance of critically engaging the experience of place in examinations of racial and ethnic health disparities. Multivariable linear regression modeling resulted in significant findings for non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic white, and Asian groups, indicating increased census tract-level life expectancy for Black and white residents in highly segregated census tracts and decreased life expectancy for residents of tracts in which the Asian community is overrepresented when compared to state means. Unadjusted models demonstrated socioeconomic inequities between first and fourth quartile census tracts and pointed to the importance of mixed methods in health disparities research and the importance of including the voice of community members to account for places of daily lived experience and people's relationships with them.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study

Background & aimsComplications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases.MethodsPatients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications.ResultsSixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7–51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7–43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis.ConclusionThe 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.