IBM Statistical Package For The Social Sciences Research Articles

Automated Analysis of Nuclear Parameters in Oral Exfoliative Cytology Using Machine Learning.

As oral cancer remains a major worldwide health concern, sophisticated diagnostic tools are needed to aid in early diagnosis. Non-invasive methods like exfoliative cytology, albeit with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), have drawn additional interest. The study aimed to harness the power of machine learning algorithms for the automated analysis of nuclear parameters in oral exfoliative cytology. Further, the analysis of two different AI systems, namely convoluted neural networks (CNN) and support vector machine (SVM), were compared for accuracy. A comparative diagnostic study was performed in two groups of patients (n=60). The control group without evidence of lesions (n=30) and the other group with clinically suspicious oral malignancy (n=30) were evaluated. All patients underwent cytological smears using an exfoliative cytology brush, followed by routine Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Image preprocessing, data splitting, machine learning, model development, feature extraction, and model evaluation were done. An independent t-test was run on each nuclear characteristic, and Pearson's correlation coefficient test was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS) software (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0. IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). The study found substantial variations between the study and control groups in nuclear size (p<0.05), nuclear shape (p<0.01), and chromatin distribution (p<0.001). The Pearson correlation coefficient of SVM was 0.6472, and CNN was 0.7790, showing that SVM had more accuracy. The availability of multidimensional datasets, combined with breakthroughs in high-performance computers and new deep-learning architectures, has resulted in an explosion of AI use in numerous areas of oncology research. The discerned diagnostic accuracy exhibited by the SVM and CNN models suggests prospective improvements in early detection rates, potentially improving patient outcomes and enhancing healthcare practices.

Spectrum of Diagnoses in Female Patients With Proctologic Symptoms Presenting to the Surgery Unit of a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction Anorectal diseases are prevalent in the general population and may vary from benign disorders to malignant lesions that can metastasize. There is a variety of proctologic symptoms associated with each disease. The incidence of proctologic disease varies in different cultures due to dietary habits and variations in lifestyle. The present study was conducted to determine the spectrum of different proctologic diseases in female patients presenting with proctologic symptoms. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Surgery Department of Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, and Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2022 to January 2023. Female patients with proctologic symptoms were included, while non-consenting patients were excluded. After obtaining a detailed history and examination by the experienced surgeon, digital rectal examination and proctoscopy/sigmoidoscopy were performed where necessary. Diagnoses were made, and the data regarding proctologic symptoms and their corresponding diagnoses was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) using meanand standard deviation for quantitative variables and frequency and percentagefor qualitative variables. Results The mean age of 500 female study participants was 38.35±16.305 (range: 7-108) years. Bleeding per rectum, constipation, and pain per rectum were the commonest proctologic symptoms seen in 341 (68.2%), 287 (57.4%), and 272 (54.4%) cases, respectively.Anal fissures and hemorrhoids were the commonest proctologic diseases seen in 264 (52.8%) and 60 (12%) cases, respectively. Conclusion Bleeding per rectum is the commonest proctologic symptom in patients. Anal fissures and hemorrhoids are the commonest proctologic diseases in our setup. Bleeding per rectum and hemorrhoids in the female population cause loss of blood, which in turn will aggravate the clinical picture of underlying anemia, if any.

A Clinical Study of Intraoperative Perfusion Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third largest cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with major geographic disparities in incidence and outcomes. Sociodemographic indicators, food habits, and genetic predispositions all add to the load. Despite advances in systemic treatments, peritoneal metastasis remains a concern, with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) emerging as a promising treatment option. A prospective cohort research was done, with 30 GC patients receiving cytoreductive surgery (CRS) followed by lobaplatin-based intraoperative chemotherapy. The study evaluated postoperative complications, survival rates, and disease recurrence using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0(IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) for data analysis. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness, safety, and dependability of lobaplatin as an intraoperative chemotherapeutic agent in patients having gastric cancer surgery, with a particular emphasis on those patients who do not have distant metastases. The study population had a balanced gender distribution, with an average age of 44.83 years. Most patients had advanced-stage cancer (T3 and T4), and lobaplatin treatment resulted in a low frequency of serious postoperative sequelae. Preliminary studies suggest that lobaplatin is a safe and potentially effective IPC drug for GC, with few side effects and adequate survival rates. Lobaplatin shows promise as an intraoperative chemotherapeutic treatment for gastric cancer, necessitating more research in bigger, randomized controlled studiesto determine its efficacy and safety profile. The study emphasizes the need for novel treatment strategies to enhance the prognosis of GC patients, particularly those with peritoneal involvement.

Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus casei to increase growth performance and immune system of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) due to Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

Catfish has a high economic value and is popular among consumers. To ensure well-stocked catfish stocks, good fisheries management must also be ensured. The high demand for catfish must be supplemented by preventive measures against pathogenic bacterial infections using probiotics with high potential for Lactobacillus casei and Bacillus subtilis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotic supplementation consisting of a combination of L. casei and B. subtilis probiotics on the growth, immune system, water quality, proximate value of feed, and body composition of catfish infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. This study used a completely randomized study with eight treatments and three replications. The manipulated factor was the probiotic concentration [0% (A), 0.5% (B), 10% (C), and 15% (D)] in groups of catfish infected and uninfected with A. hydrophila. Combination of B. subtilis, and L. casei that were used in a 1:1 ratio of 108 colony forming unit/mL. The study lasted for 42 days. On the 35th day, A. hydrophila was infected by intramuscular injection into fish. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics) was used to analyze data on growth, immune system, and water quality. Providing probiotics in feed can increase the nutritional value of feed based on proximate test results. There were significant differences in average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate (SR) parameters in the group of catfish infected with A. hydrophila (p > 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in final body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), and percentage weight gain. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were significantly different between treatments C and D. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α parameters were significantly different between treatments A and C, whereas the phagocytic activity of treatment A was significantly different from that of treatment D. There was a significant difference (p > 0.05) in the growth parameters of SGR, ADG, and FCR in the group of fish that were not infected with A. hydrophila, with the best treatment being a probiotic concentration of 15%, but there was no significant difference in the SR parameters. IL-1β and TNF-α levels significantly differed between E and E0 (15% probiotics) but were not significantly different in terms of phagocytosis parameters. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that using a combination of probiotics L. casei and B. subtilis can improve the growth, immune system, water quality, proximate value of feed, and body composition of catfish infected with A. hydrophila.

The Quality of Life of Older Adults in Rural Eastern India and Its Influencing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aims This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of older adults in rural Odisha, India, exploring its multidimensional nature across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. The impact of depression and various sociodemographic factors on QoL was also investigated. Methods The research was conducted in the Tangi block of Khordha district, Odisha, encompassing 468 older adults. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and sociodemographic questionnaire were used in data collection. Sampling employed a multistage approach, with statistical analysis utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY), including t-tests for normally distributed data and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data. Results The QoL of older adults in rural Odisha showed variability, with physical and social domains exhibiting relatively positive scores compared to psychological and environmental domains. Depression significantly impacted all QoL dimensions, with the most profound effect observed in global QoL and global health. Sociodemographic factors such as employment, substance use, elder abuse, adverse life events, and poverty were identified as significant determinants of global QoL. Additionally, recreational activity, elder abuse, education, and employment significantly affected all QoL domains. Conclusions This study reveals the complex landscape of QoL of older adults in rural Odisha. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions targeting mental health, social support, and environmental conditions to enhance the overall well-being of this population. Policymakers and healthcare professionals should consider these multidimensional factors to develop effective strategies for improving the QoL of older adults in similar contexts.

Risk Stratification of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital Endocrinology Clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), a well-differentiated form of cancer, accounts for the majority of thyroid malignancies, and the incidence of PTC is on the rise. While the rate of PTC recurrence is considered to be low, there are broad spectrums of clinical and biological behavior that can lead to disease recurrence. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification system for differentiated thyroid cancer is used as a prognostic tool to guide decision-making and management strategies most likely to achieve a favorable outcome. Aim This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PTC recurrence in each category of the ATA risk stratification system and determine the appropriate iodine dose to be administered at the King Abdulaziz Medical City Endocrinology Clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective chart review was conducted on adult patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy procedures at the King Abdullah SpecializedChildren'sHospital(KASCH) Endocrinology Clinic in Riyadh between 2015 and 2023. IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for data analysis. Results Of the 697 patients included in the study, 82.4% were females. About 5% had suffered from PTC recurrence, and 54.4% had low-risk stratification. In addition, more than half (52.1%) had received radioactive iodine (RAI). The recurrence of PTC was significantly associated with age (P = 0.019), ATA risk stratification (P = 0.0001), RAI therapy (P = 0.001), and iodine dosage (P = 0.013). Conclusion Both low PTC recurrence rates and low-risk stratification were observed among the PTC patients. The risk factors relating to PTC recurrence included high-risk stratification, advanced age, RAItherapy, and the dosage of RAI administered.

A Structural Equation Modelling Approach in determining the influence of assessment conception on formative assessment practices

This study was carried out to determine the influence of assessment conception on formative assessment practices. The study used a quantitative approach and involved 450 respondents from some universities in Malaysia. Data was collected using multistage sampling technique. The questionnaire used in this study has been adapted from previous studies. The data has been analyzed descriptively statistically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software while the structural process and the suitability test of the structured equation model were carried out using the IBM SPSS AMOS version 24 software. The result of the study shows that the assessment conception of respondents influences their formative assessment practices with a contribution of 35% of the amount of variation explained by the assessment conception. The results of the study could be used as a guidance in optimizing formative assessment implementation by upgrading the conception of assessment of lecturers.

A Comparison of Self-Perceived Oral and Facial Esthetics in Patients After Lip Repositioning Surgery With Modified and Conventional Techniques.

Patients with excessive gingival display (EGD) are treated with lip repositioning surgeries (LRS). This study used a questionnaire to analyze and evaluate how patients who received LRS with modified and traditional techniques perceived their own oral and facial esthetics at various timelines after their surgeries. An orofacial esthetic questionnaire (OEQ) was used in this cross-sectional study. The participants were patients who underwent LRS for the treatment of their EGD. They were divided into control (n=100) and test (n=100) groups. For the control group, LRS were performed using traditional/conventional techniques, and for the test group, LRS were performed using a modified approach. An OEQ was used to record responses. The scale comprised eight questions targeted to capture participating patients' perceptions about their own oral and facial esthetics at four timelines (baseline and one-month, six-month, and one-year follow-up). Patients responded to each question on a 10-point Likert scale (0: very dissatisfied, 10: very satisfied). Data was analyzed by independent samples T-testsusing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Seven (3.5%) out of the total (N=200) patients were unable to take part in the study's OEQ. At one-year follow-up, the mean and standard deviation (SD) for the test group's gingival display (GD) were 2.48±0.86 mm and 3.77±1.76 mm, respectively, and comparisons revealed that the test group's GD was significantly lower (p=0.000) than the control group. Results from the participant responses to OEQ using the Likert scale at one-year follow-up revealed significant differences between the control and test groups for all questions, except question 5 (p=0.06), as the shape of the teeth will not be affected by LRS. Patients in the test group who underwent LRS with a modified approach have a high level of satisfaction (satisfaction score: >9). Patients in the control group scored their satisfaction less favorably, with certain questions (question 3) receiving scores as low as 0.31. Perception of oral and facial esthetics was significantly higher for the test group at different time points. At one-year follow-up, the mean difference was 4.46, which was the greatest (p=0.000). EGD improved significantly at one year with the modified lip repositioning technique. The satisfaction level of patients with outcomes of the modified lip repositioning was significantly higher as compared to thesatisfaction level of patients who underwent the conventional technique.

Isotretinoin-Related Eye Dryness in Acne Patients in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Background Isotretinoin is a commonly prescribed agent mainly used to treat acne vulgaris. Since its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, the subject of its associations with various medical conditions has become a growing interest in many investigational studies. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted using the validated Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire. All statistical calculations were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)version 27.0.1 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Results The research study involved 107 participants, predominantly Saudi nationals (98.1%), with an average age of 22 years. Regarding the total cumulative dose (TCD), 40.2% had less than 50 mg/kg, 33.6% had between 50 and 100 mg/kg, and 15.9% had more than 100 mg/kg. The majority (73.8%) did not stop using isotretinoin. The average Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, indicating ocular surface disease symptoms, was 26.78. There was no significant association between gender, dose/duration of isotretinoin, TCD, and age, and OSDI scores. However, participants with severe OSDI scores were more likely to have worsened pre-existing eye symptoms compared to those with non-severe OSDI scores (35.1% versus 11.4%, p = 0.011). Conclusions This study contributes to the understanding of the impact of isotretinoin usage on ocular surface health. While no significant associations were found between gender, dose, duration, TCD, and age, and OSDI scores, participants with pre-existing eye symptoms were more likely to experience worsened symptoms during isotretinoin treatment.

Generating evidence on antibiotic use across human and animal health sectors using the World Health Organization’s Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) classification: Exploratory pilot study in rural Pune, India

Background and Aim: Human antibiotic formulations in animal feed for therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes have contributed to antimicrobial resistance worldwide; however, little evidence is available in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to generate evidence of antibiotic use across the human and animal health sectors by investigating the overlap in antibiotic use in community settings in rural blocks of Pune District, India, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Materials and Methods: An exploratory pilot study using a cross-sectional design in two randomly selected rural blocks of the Pune district included 138 interviews with general physicians (GPs, n = 62), pharmacists (n = 60), and veterinary practitioners (n = 16) using semi-structured interview schedules and the WHO AWaRe classification. IBM-Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 21.0 software was used for descriptive statistics and to calculate the proportions of the different antibiotic groups. The WHO AWaRe classification was used to describe antibiotic use by the study participants and to assess the overlap in antibiotic use. Results: Our study provides evidence of an overlap in human and animal antibiotic use in rural community settings across the human and animal health sectors. Amoxicillin (access group), penicillin (access group), and ofloxacin (watch group) were used in both human and animal health. Amoxicillin and penicillin were used to treat common bacterial infections, ofloxacin was used to treat skin infections in humans and animals, and ofloxacin was used to treat pneumonia in animals and urinary bladder infections in humans. In contrast, azithromycin (watch group), cefixime (watch group), and amoxicillin (Access Group), with or without other antibiotics, were the most commonly used antibiotics by GPs in humans. Conclusion: We confirmed the overlap in antibiotic use across the human and animal health sectors in rural community settings, suggesting the need for interventions following the One Health approach. Further, research is required to assess the patterns of this overlap, as well as behavior, knowledge, and potential solutions to help avoid this overlap and prevent the rampant use of antibiotics in the animal and human health sectors in rural community settings. Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, antibiotics use, overlap, rural India, WHO AWaRe.

Comparative Analysis of Oral Ondansetron, Metoclopramide, and Domperidone for Managing Vomiting in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis.

Background Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a major health concern in pediatric populations because of its associated vomiting, which worsens dehydration and the severity of illness. Objective The purpose of the research was to compare the relative effectiveness of oral ondansetron in treating AGE in children's vomiting when compared to oral domperidone and oral metoclopramide. Methodology A clinical investigation involving 120 pediatric patients diagnosed with AGE was conducted in Pakistan from November 2022 to April 2023 using a single-blindrandomized design and convenience sampling. Theparticipants received oral suspensions of ondansetron, metoclopramide, and domperidone, with doses of 0.15 mg/kg, 0.1-0.2 mg/kg, and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively, adjusted according to their body weight. The outcomein different groups was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 20.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results At six hours, vomiting cessation rates were 80.0% for ondansetron (n=32), 72.5% for domperidone (n=29), and 67.5% for metoclopramide (n=27; p=0.29). By 24 hours, ondansetron exhibited significantly higher efficacy (92.5%; n=37) compared to domperidone (82.5%; n=33) and metoclopramide (77.5%; n=31; p=0.03). Adverse effects were minimal and comparable across groups. Conclusion Oral ondansetron demonstrated superior efficacy in managing AGE-related vomiting in children within 24 hours compared to metoclopramide and domperidone.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Pregabalin and Gabapentin for Preemptive Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients: A Randomised Double-Blind Study.

Introduction Preemptive analgesia is now an essential step of perioperative pain management. Pregabalin and gabapentin, which are drugs primarily used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, are now being contemplated for use as preemptive analgesics. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gabapentin and pregabalin as preemptive analgesics. The primary objective of the study was to compare pregabalin and gabapentin versus placebo with regard to a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for postoperative pain for 24 hours, time to first rescue analgesia, and total analgesic consumption over 24 hours. The level of sedation with the help of a modified Ramsay sedation score was also compared. Methods This randomised, double-blind study was conducted on 90 patients aged 18-60 years of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia at a tertiary health care institute. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each, namely, Group A (gabapentin- oral two capsules of 300 mg gabapentin), Group B (pregabalin- oral two capsules of 150 mg pregabalin), and Group C (placebo - oral two capsules). The various parameters that were recorded in both groups included a VAS score for pain, total dose of tramadol consumed in 24 hours, modified Ramsay sedation scores in the immediate postoperative period, and adverse effects related to the study drugs (at zero and one hour and two, four, six, 12, and 24 hours). The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 25; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software. Results VAS scores were significantly lower in groups A and B when compared to Group C. However, the scores were comparable in Group A (gabapentin) and Group B (pregabalin). The difference in the mean time of rescue analgesia was statistically highly significant when Group A (gabapentin) was compared with Group C (placebo) (P value<0.001) and when Group B (pregabalin) was compared with Group C (placebo) (P value<0.001). Thus, gabapentin and pregabalin provide a longer postoperative pain-free period (382.6 min and 502.3 min, respectively) when compared to the placebo group (137.8 min). Moreover, the mean dose of tramadol consumption in 24 hours was significantly lower in pregabalin (170 mg) and gabapentin groups (176.7 mg) when compared to the placebo group (286.7 mg).However, there was no significant difference in the total tramadol consumption between the gabapentin and pregabalin groups. The level of sedation up to six hours postoperatively was higher in Group B (pregabalin) and Group A (gabapentin) patients compared to Group C (placebo). On comparing the mean Ramsay sedation scores of Group A (gabapentin) versus Group C (placebo) and Group B (pregabalin) versus Group C (placebo), it was found that there was a highly significant difference at zero and one-hour time intervals (P value<0.001 in both comparisons). Conclusion A single preoperative dose of pregabalin 300 mg or gabapentin 600 mg can be used for effective preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Awareness and Practices Regarding Leptospirosis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Union Territory of India.

Background Leptospirosis is a worldwide prevalent zoonotic infection and re-emerging disease caused by the bacterium of genus Leptospira transmitted by infected animals in the environment.Andaman and Nicobar Islands has one of the highest incidence rates of leptospirosis in India with a seroprevalence of 52.7%.This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among the urban and rural populations of the Union Territory (UT) of India. Aim and objective This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding leptospirosis in a rural and an urban community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Materials and methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted atrural and urban field practice areas under the aegis of the Department of Community Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, for a period of three months.A semi-structured interview schedule was administered to 450 participants in community settings selected from a list of households obtained from the municipal council using a systematic random sampling method. All interviews were conducted face-to-face by the investigators to collect data on the sociodemographic variables of the study participants and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the disease. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Results The knowledge and attitude regarding leptospirosis and henceforth the likelihood of individuals using preventive practices were evaluated. The majority of respondents (97%) had previously heard about leptospirosis; however, specific knowledge regarding its risk factors, causative agent, and complications was limited among the participants. Although more than 90% of them had a favorable attitude towardseeking treatment for the disease and adopting specific preventive measures and general hygiene,they did not practice these hygiene habits nor used self-protective equipment in their day-to-day lives. Less than 50% of participants wore protective clothing, boots, and gloves while cleaning cattle sheds, and only 40% of them used rodenticides despite the presence of rodents in their houses. Most of the owners (60%) had not vaccinated their pets. We also found a significant association between the male gender and urban residence with a good knowledge score (p=0.05). Conclusion Despite having knowledge of and a positive attitude towardthe disease, the participants did not practice preventive measures. We recommend that health interventions in endemic communities should focus on the implementation of protective measures by raising awareness in the susceptible population on multiple dimensions of leptospirosis in order to attain and ensure better compliance.

Assessment of thyroid lesions using fine-needle aspiration cytology in accordance with The Bethesda System and its histopathological correlation - A prospective study.

Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is a first-line diagnostic technique that provides an accurate and precise diagnosis for assessing thyroid abnormalities. This study was conducted to analyze the cytology smears of thyroid lesions using The Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytology and to correlate the cytological findings with histopathology diagnosis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out. FNAC of thyroid lesions of 203 patients were examined and reported as per the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology. Of these, 33 patients underwent surgery, whose histopathological findings were compared and correlated with respective cytopathological diagnoses. The IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software version 27 was used for data analysis. Results: Among 203 cases evaluated, there were 11 Non-diagnostic (Category I) cases, 171 benign (Category II) cases, 4 cases of atypia of undetermined significance (Category III), 7 were suspicious for Follicular Neoplasm (Category IV), 2 were suspicious for malignancy (Category V) and 8 were malignant (Category VI). Out of 203 patients, only 33 patients underwent surgery, of whom 26 (78.79%) were benign and 7 (21.21%) were malignant on histopathology. The corresponding values for sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic precision of FNAC were 71.42%, 100%, and 93.93% respectively, while positive and negative predictive values were determined as 100% and 92.85% respectively. Conclusions: The study shows that thyroid tumors can be successfully categorized and reported cytologically as per The Bethesda system.

Improving Surgical Safety in Living Donor Renal Transplantation With Antiseptic Skin Preparation, Bladder Irrigation, Corner-Saving Vascular Anastomosis, DJ Stenting, and Extravesical Ureteroneocystostomy Modifications: A Comprehensive Approach.

Introduction The antiseptic skin preparation, bladder irrigation, corner-saving vascular anastomosis, DJ stenting, and extravesical ureteroneocystostomy (ABCDE) approach encompasses a range of modifications applied during different stages of the surgical procedure in renal transplantation. These modifications include the following: A, antiseptic skin preparation sequentially with cetrimide 3.35%, chlorhexidine scrub 4%, spirit, and povidone-iodine 10%; B, bladder irrigation with amikacin and betadine solution;C, corner-saving end-to-side vascular anastomosis; D, DJ stenting with early postoperative removal within three weeks; and E, extravesical ureteroneocystostomy using our institute's modified Lich-Gregoir technique. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at our institution between March 2021 and May 2023. Data were collected from the patients' medical records and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Statistical tests, including t-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test, were used for analysis. The study assessed various recipient, donor, intraoperative, and post-transplant factors, as well as surgical complications and stent-related factors. Results Out of 72 renal transplantations, 12 (16.6%) had the followingsurgical complications: urinary(n= 4; 5.5%), wound-related (n= 3; 4.1%), andlymphocele(n= 5; 6.9%). The most common complications werelymphocele(n= 5; 6.9%) and urinary leak (n= 4; 5.5%). Surgical complications were more common in male recipients (91.6% versus 8.3%), as well as in recipients with longer dialysis duration (24 ± 17 versus 11.0 ± 7 months) and had extended hospitalization time (16.4 ± 8.6 versus 8.0 ± 2.9 days) (p < 0.05). Wound infectioncorrelated with longer surgeries (>300 minutes) and other complications. Lymphocele patients had higher drain output (>500 mL) on day 1 and longer hospital stays (>15 days). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were linked to dialysis duration (>24 months), diabetes, and longer indwelling times of DJ stents and urinary catheters. Early DJ stent removal (<3 weeks) reduced UTI incidence and symptoms (p < 0.05). All complications were categorized as minor (3a or less), according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Conclusion The modified ABCDE surgical approachin renal transplantation decreased the complications, showing favorable outcomes compared to those in the literature.

Subjective well-being in informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study of subjective well-being (SWB) is important as it is related to the reduction of morbidity and mortality, with the maintenance of functionality and autonomy in the elderly population. The impact of the formative intervention on the SWB of informal caregivers (ICGs) during the pandemic crisis of COVID-19 was analyzed. This study is a quasi-experimental single-group, longitudinal study with a sample of 31 ICGs and their dependents. A form was used for data collection, and data processing was performed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Of the total sample, the majority were female (90.3%). The difference between the mean of positive affection and negative affection at Moment 1 (M1) was -0.0581 ± 0.71590 and 0.04645 ± 0.53326 at Moment 2 (M2). The mean rank ordering of the difference between the two types of affection differed significantly between M2 and M1 (Wilcoxon: p < 0.000), with that of M2 being higher than M1 (16.93 > 2.50). The formative intervention, within the scope of community nursing, had a significant impact on increasing the SWB of the ICG in this sample. This study may contribute to improving the SWB of ICG and their dependents.

The Prevalence and Categories of Impacted Maxillary Canines: A Radiographic Study.

The current study aims to identify the prevalence of impacted maxillary canines among the Saudi population in the Qassim region. A total of 6,946 panoramic radiographs were collected retrospectively and screened by an experienced orthodontist to determine the frequency of impacted maxillary canines. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to evaluate the significant differences between categorical variables such as gender and the position of impacted teeth. Overall, 4,977 patients were included in the final analysis. There were 2,509 (50.4%) males and 2,468 (49.6%) females. The prevalence of impacted maxillary canines in our sample was 2.7%, with a higher prevalence of impacted maxillary canines in males (n=74, 2.94%) compared to females (n=60, 2.43%). The majority of the impacted canines were unilateral (n=105, 78.4%) compared to bilateral (n=29, 21.6%). Impacted maxillary canines were found in 134 out of 4,977 (2.7%) patients. Males (2.94%) demonstrated a higher impaction rate than females (2.43%). However, the difference was not statistically significant.

The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccine on Women's Reproductive Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was developed to stimulate acquired immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Symptoms of reproductive health abnormalities have been reported following the administration of the adenovirus and mRNA-containing vaccine. Such complaints included irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriages, changes in sexual interest, vaginal bleeding, and decreased milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. This study aimed to explore the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on the reproductive health of women attending five primary healthcare centers in the western region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 women between 15 and 50 years. Five primary healthcare centers were included from May to September 2022. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used; data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from women who received any number or type ofCOVID-19 vaccine. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Of those who responded to the questionnaire (297 participants), 74% were married, and 52% had 1-3 children. Of the pregnant women, only 4% lost their pregnancy. In addition, of the breastfeeding mothers, 10% noticed a decrease in milk production after the vaccination. The effect of the vaccination status on decreased libido was 11%. A small proportion (18%) of the participants reported worsening dietary habits after the vaccine. Less than half of the participants (44%) reported a change in the length and amount of the menstrual cycle, and 29%worsened premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There was no significant association between the type and the number of doses on the rate of miscarriage (p=0.47), breastmilk production (p=0.47), libido (p=0.11), health diet habits (p=0.15), monthly cycle (p=0.570), heavy menses (p=0.999), and PMS symptoms in the study participants. COVID-19 vaccination remains necessary to prevent severe infection and is safe for females of reproductive age, whether trying to get pregnant or lactating, and has no significant effect on the menstrual cycle. This research can be used as a basis when deciding on vaccines in case of future pandemics and remove misinformation and doubts regarding the vaccines that should be adequately addressed.

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE EVALUATION BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR WEEKS OF LEVOTHYROXINE WITHDRAWAL IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CARCINOMA

Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) would require radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation therapy with I-131. Before RAI ablation therapy, levothyroxine is withheld for four to six weeks to increase TSH to over 30 mIU/L. Most people develop hypothyroidism on levothyroxine withdrawal. Reducing levothyroxine withdrawal from four to three weeks would enhance health and hypothyroidism symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the thyroid-stimulating hormone level after three and four weeks of levothyroxine withdrawal in patients with DTC in the Northern Malaysia population. All DTC patients undergoing RAI ablation therapy from January 2018 to November 2019 were enrolled. TSH levels were evaluated three and four weeks after discontinuing levothyroxine. Clinical data were analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 26.0.0. One hundred four patients with a mean age of 47.06 years were recruited. Most patients (77.88%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and were female (80.77%) and Malay (53.85%). By week three of levothyroxine withdrawal, 88.46% of patients had TSH levels above 30 mIU/L, with an average of 66.89 mIU/L, and at week four, 99.04% of patients had TSH levels above 30 mIU/L. Cohen's kappa measurement of the agreement was 0.139 between weeks three and four. A TSH level greater than 30 mIU/L was detected in 88.46% of patients who had discontinued levothyroxine for three weeks and 99.04% after four weeks. It is recommended to review the TSH level at 3 weeks instead of 4 weeks in patients who could not tolerate hypothyroidism symptoms.

Comparative Evaluation of Serum Urea, Uric Acid, and Creatine Kinase Levels in Oral Cancer and Potentially Malignant Disorders of the Oral Cavity: A Clinico-Biochemical Study.

Introduction Evidence suggests that oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are linked to increased possibilities of malignant transformation, creating a challenging situation.If oral cancer is detected early, the prognosis is better.The purpose of this study was to compare the serum levels of urea, uric acid (UA), and creatine kinase in patients with provisionally diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer to those of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Materials and methods Eighty patients over the age of 18 with a clinical diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) or oral cancer and verified histopathology were included in the research. Using the kinetic methodology, the enzymatic colorimetric method, and the UV-kinetic approach, respectively, the serum concentrations of urea, uric acid, and creatine kinase were quantified in vitro following the venipuncture of 2 mL of venous blood. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for the statistical analysis. Results Comparing OPMD and oral cancer patients to healthy controls, serum urea levels were found to be greater, uric acid levels to be lower, and creatine kinase levels to be higher. Conclusion Prognostic markers for OPMDs and oral cancer may include urea, uric acid, and creatine kinase. However, this may be accomplished by large-scale prospective research.