Independent Samples Research Articles

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF TASK-ORIENTED PROGRAM AND PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING ON BALANCE, GAIT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH HEMIPLEGIC STROKE

This study compared the effectiveness of a Task-Oriented Program and Proprioceptive Training in improving balance, gait, and quality of life in a specific population. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of the Task-Oriented Program and Proprioceptive Training on participants' balance, gait, and quality of life. Methods: The study included two treatment groups: Group A (Task-Oriented Program) and Group B (Proprioceptive Training). The gender distribution and frequencies were assessed within each group. Various variables were measured at different time points, and tests for normality were conducted. Independent samples t-tests were performed to analyze the differences in mean scores between the two groups. Results: In Group A, comprising 36 participants, there were 17 males (47.2%) and 19 females (52.8%), while Group B, also with 36 participants, consisted of 16 males (44.4%) and 20 females (55.6%). At baseline, no significant difference was observed in mean Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores between the two groups. However, after four weeks of intervention, Group A demonstrated significantly higher BBS scores than Group B (mean difference = 6.26, p < 0.001). This trend continued at week 8, with Group A showing a substantial advantage (mean difference = 14.56, p < 0.001). Regarding Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) scores, similar patterns emerged. At baseline, no significant difference was found. Still, after four weeks, Group A had significantly higher MAS scores than Group B (mean difference = 7.21, p < 0.001), which further increased at week 8 (mean difference = 13.88, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Task-Oriented Program yielded superior outcomes compared to Proprioceptive Training in improving participants' balance, gait, and quality of life, as indicated by significantly higher BBS and MAS scores. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the Task-Oriented Program as an intervention for enhancing balance and motor performance in the specific population studied.

THE PERCEPTIONS OF THE PROVIDER ASSESSMENTS FOR PATIENT EXPERIENCES DURING PAIN AND ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN JORDANIAN CONTEXT

Aim: The goal of the present study is to determine the perceptions of the provider assessments for patient experiences during pain and orthodontic treatment in Jordanian context. Materials and Methods: The research sample was gathered at the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Princess Haya Bent Alhussain Hospital, and Price Hashim Hospital from patients who have had orthodontic treatment in the past. Specifically, 107 questionnaires were analyzed. The questionnaire aimed to identify the pain during and appointments based on providers’ and patients experience. The replies of the patients were calculated using frequency. Result: A comparison was also conducted, focusing on the average responses from all of the providers and patients. The independent sample t-tests showed the estimation of the providers regarding the last appointment of their patients. The providers asked their patients how much pain they were experiencing (2.93 versus 2.50; P.056). Following this, a comparison was made regarding the pain that patients experienced immediately after the last appointment (3.83 versus 3.62; P.047), as well as one day after the treatment (3.72 versus 3.48; P.006) and two days after the last appointment (3.19 versus 3.08; P .001). Last but not least, it is demonstrated that at today's appointment, difference was (2.13 vs 2.28; P .425). Conclusions: Finding out whether or not orthodontists are aware that their patients take pain medication and whether or not patient reports of their pain are compatible with orthodontists' assessments of their patients' pain levels are crucial.

Exploring teachers' artificial intelligence awareness

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technological advancements is reshaping various aspects of our daily lives, including education. Integrating AI in education offers advantages such as personalized learning and operational efficiency. However, educators need to be aware of AI's implications in education. Teachers must enhance their awareness and knowledge levels to adapt to the educational environment where AI technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent. Therefore, this research aims to assess teachers' AI awareness levels and investigate whether AI awareness varies based on age, graduation status, and years of experience. This study used data collected from 147 educators using the Teachers' Artificial Intelligence Awareness Scale. The results indicated that teachers' AI awareness was at a moderate level. Additionally, the study examined teachers' AI awareness across different variables. Independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA analyses determined teachers' AI awareness variation based on age. The research findings suggest that younger educators and those with higher academic qualifications have more excellent practical knowledge of AI. The study's limitations included a relatively small sample size and the assumption of accurate participant responses. Despite these limitations, understanding teachers' AI awareness levels is a foundation for developing educational programs related to AI. By understanding teachers' perceptions and knowledge of AI, tailored interventions and training initiatives can enhance educators' proficiency in effectively utilizing AI technologies within educational settings.

Exploring teachers' artificial intelligence awareness

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technological advancements is reshaping various aspects of our daily lives, including education. Integrating AI in education offers advantages such as personalized learning and operational efficiency. However, educators need to be aware of AI's implications in education. Teachers must enhance their awareness and knowledge levels to adapt to the educational environment where AI technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent. Therefore, this research aims to assess teachers' AI awareness levels and investigate whether AI awareness varies based on age, graduation status, and years of experience. This study used data collected from 147 educators using the Teachers' Artificial Intelligence Awareness Scale. The results indicated that teachers' AI awareness was at a moderate level. Additionally, the study examined teachers' AI awareness across different variables. Independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA analyses determined teachers' AI awareness variation based on age. The research findings suggest that younger educators and those with higher academic qualifications have more excellent practical knowledge of AI. The study's limitations included a relatively small sample size and the assumption of accurate participant responses. Despite these limitations, understanding teachers' AI awareness levels is a foundation for developing educational programs related to AI. By understanding teachers' perceptions and knowledge of AI, tailored interventions and training initiatives can enhance educators' proficiency in effectively utilizing AI technologies within educational settings.

Mayo Normative Studies: Amyloid and Neurodegeneration Negative Normative Data for the Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Sex-Specific Sensitivity to Mild Cognitive Impairment/Dementia.

Conventional normative samples include individuals with undetected Alzheimer's disease neuropathology, lowering test sensitivity for cognitive impairment. We developed Mayo Normative Studies (MNS) norms limited to individuals without elevated amyloid or neurodegeneration (A-N-) for Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). We compared these MNS A-N- norms in female, male, and total samples to conventional MNS norms with varying levels of demographic adjustments. The A-N- sample included 1,059 Mayo Clinic Study of Aging cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants living in Olmsted County, MN, who are predominantly non-Hispanic White. Using a regression-based approach correcting for age, sex, and education, we derived fully-adjusted T-score formulas for AVLT variables. We validated these A-N- norms in two independent samples of CU (n = 261) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia participants (n = 392) > 55 years of age. Variability associated with age decreased by almost half in the A-N- norm sample relative to the conventional norm sample. Fully-adjusted MNS A-N- norms showed approximately 7- 9% higher sensitivity to MCI/dementia compared to fully-adjusted MNS conventional norms for trials 1- 5 total and sum of trials. Among women, sensitivity to MCI/dementia increased with each normative data refinement. In contrast, age-adjusted conventional MNS norms showed greatest sensitivity to MCI/dementia in men. A-N- norms show some benefits over conventional normative approaches to MCI/dementia sensitivity, especially for women. We recommend using these MNS A-N- norms alongside MNS conventional norms. Future work is needed to determine if normative samples that are not well characterized clinically show greater benefit from biomarker-refined approaches.

Frequency of ABO and RhD Blood Groups in Patients with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a popular autoimmune disorder induced by gluten-containing foods and other environmental, and genetic factors. Every individual's red blood cell expresses over two million ABO blood-type antigens. Furthermore, the stomach and small intestine are major expression sites for the ABH antigens. This study was intended to assess the distribution of ABO and Rh blood types in Libyan patients with celiac disease as well as compare between CD and healthy control groups regarding complete blood count parameters. Samples from 250 CD patients and 45 healthy control groups represented by 80 males (27.1%) and 215 females (72.9%) were enrolled in the study. The samples of CD were collected from patients who attended the gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Tripoli University Hospital (TUH) for follow-up. Two hundred and fifty blood samples were serologically screened for ABO, and Rh antigens using a tube agglutination test. Another group of healthy subjects (n = 45) and CD patients (n = 45) were analyzed for CBC test. The findings showed that the most observed ABO blood group among celiac patients was blood group O 129 (51.6%), followed by blood group A 80 (32%), and Rh-positive 222 (88.8%). Furthermore, the heritable proportion was 33%, with 21% classified as first-degree and 12% as second-degree hereditary. Additionally, the result of the independent Sample (T) test to compare RBCs, HGB, HCT, and NUT levels in blood between CD patients and healthy control showed that there were significant differences in the RBCs, HGB, and HCT counts with p-value = 0.034, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively. In contrast, Mann-Whitney U test results revealed significant differences in the PLT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC counts with p-value = <0.001, and for LYM with p-value = 0.003. Future studies on these simple inflammatory markers can guide us in predicting the diagnosis and prognosis.

Frequency of ABO and RhD Blood Groups in Patients with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a popular autoimmune disorder induced by gluten-containing foods and other environmental, and genetic factors. Every individual's red blood cell expresses over two million ABO blood-type antigens. Furthermore, the stomach and small intestine are major expression sites for the ABH antigens. This study was intended to assess the distribution of ABO and Rh blood types in Libyan patients with celiac disease as well as compare between CD and healthy control groups regarding complete blood count parameters. Samples from 250 CD patients and 45 healthy control groups represented by 80 males (27.1%) and 215 females (72.9%) were enrolled in the study. The samples of CD were collected from patients who attended the gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Tripoli University Hospital (TUH) for follow-up. Two hundred and fifty blood samples were serologically screened for ABO, and Rh antigens using a tube agglutination test. Another group of healthy subjects (n = 45) and CD patients (n = 45) were analyzed for CBC test. The findings showed that the most observed ABO blood group among celiac patients was blood group O 129 (51.6%), followed by blood group A 80 (32%), and Rh-positive 222 (88.8%). Furthermore, the heritable proportion was 33%, with 21% classified as first-degree and 12% as second-degree hereditary. Additionally, the result of the independent Sample (T) test to compare RBCs, HGB, HCT, and NUT levels in blood between CD patients and healthy control showed that there were significant differences in the RBCs, HGB, and HCT counts with p-value = 0.034, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively. In contrast, Mann-Whitney U test results revealed significant differences in the PLT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC counts with p-value = <0.001, and for LYM with p-value = 0.003. Future studies on these simple inflammatory markers can guide us in predicting the diagnosis and prognosis.

Effect analysis of applying high-quality service model to surgical nursing.

Surgical care of the hand plays a crucial role in the medical field, as problems with the hand can profoundly affect a patient's quality of life and function. In order to meet the needs of patients, improve patient satisfaction and improve treatment outcomes, high-quality service models have been introduced in the field of nursing. To explore the effect analysis of applying high-quality service model to surgical nursing. We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent hand surgery at our hospital between 2019 and 2022, using a quality service model that included improved patient education, pain management, care team collaboration, and effective communication. Another group of patients received traditional care as a control group. We compared postoperative recovery, satisfaction, complication rate, and length of hospital stay between the two groups. Inferential statistics were used to compare the difference between the two groups by independent sample t test, Chi-square test and other methods to evaluate the effect of intervention measures. Postoperative recovery time decreased from 17.8 ± 2.3 d to 14.5 ± 2.1 d, pain score decreased from 4.7 ± 1.9 to 3.2 ± 1.4, and hand function score increased from 78.4 ± 7.1 to 88.5 ± 6.2. In terms of patient satisfaction, the quality service model group scored 87.3 ± 5.6 points, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional care group (74.6 ± 6.3 points). At the same time, patients' understanding of medical information also improved from 6.9 ± 1.4 to 8.6 ± 1.2. In terms of postoperative complications, the application of the quality service model reduced the incidence of postoperative complications from 26% to 10%, the incidence of infection from 12% to 5%, and the incidence of bleeding from 10% to 3%. The reduction in these data indicates that the quality service model plays a positive role in reducing the risk of complications. In addition, the average hospital stay of patients in the quality service model group was shortened from 6.8 ± 1.5 d to 5.2 ± 1.3 d, and the hospitalization cost was also reduced from 2800 ± 600 yuan to 2500 ± 500 yuan. Applying a quality service model to hand surgery care can significantly improve patient clinical outcomes, including faster recovery, less pain, greater satisfaction, and reduced complication rates.

The effect of a life skill-based learning model on improving students' basic ability to survive in water for 60 minutes through swimming

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a life-skills-based learning model on improving students' basic swimming skills to survive 60 minutes in water. This study used a pre-experimental method with a single-group pre-test-post-test study design. A total of 80 male and female students, aged 19-21 years, body mass index 19-24 kg/m2, normal blood pressure (110/70 – 120/80 mmHg), normal resting heart rate (60-80 bpm), did not have a history of chronic disease and then were divided into two groups. The intervention was carried out by providing a life skill-based swimming learning program with a training time of 60 minutes/for each meeting, and a frequency of 1x/week for 16 weeks. Data collection to measure the essential ability to swim to survive in water for 60 minutes was carried out before and after giving a life skill-based swimming learning program for 16 weeks using a test of surviving in water for 60 minutes with a score range between 3 to 60. The data analysis technique used an Independent Samples t-Test with a significant level of 5%. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the average score of the essential swimming ability to survive in water for 60 minutes between G1 with G2 at the observation point after the intervention (51.70±15.68 vs. 16.93±7.22 score, (p ≤ 0.001)), and delta (22.05±5.23 vs. 3.55±1.75 score, (p ≤ 0.001)). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the provision of a life skill-based swimming learning program can improve the basic ability to swim to survive in water for 60 minutes students compared to conventional swimming programs.

Methylation of a group of microRNA genes as a marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer

Objectives. Lung cancer, representing a difficult-to-diagnose heterogeneous malignant neoplasm, is characterized by an asymptomatic course up to late stages, a high incidence of adverse outcomes, and a high probability of metastasis. Its most common form is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Recent studies have demonstrated a significant role of non-coding RNAs—in particular, microRNAs—in the development of NSCLC. MicroRNAs, which function as post-transcriptional regulators of the expression of protein-coding genes, including those associated with oncogenesis, are involved in the processes of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. One of the approaches for regulating the expression of microRNAs themselves is to change the methylation of the CpG island adjacent to the microRNA gene or overlapping it. It has been shown that microRNA genes are several times more likely to undergo methylation than protein-coding genes. The aim of the present work is to study changes in the level of methylation of a number of microRNA genes and compile a potential panel of markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC.Methods. Samples of NSCLC tumors were collected and clinically characterized at the Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia. High-molecular-weight DNA was isolated from tissues using a standard method. The level of methylation was analyzed using bisulfite conversion of DNA and quantitative methyl-specific polymerase chain reaction with real-time detection. The significance of differences between the studied groups was assessed by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.Results. The analysis of methylation levels of microRNA genes revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the methylation level of eight microRNA genes: MIR124-1/2/3, MIR125В-1, MIR129-2, MIR137, MIR375, MIR1258, and MIR339 (p < 0.01, false discovery rate ≤ 0.25). On the basis of receiver operating characteristic analysis, a panel of markers is proposed for the diagnosis of NSCLC according to the nature of methylation of the studied microRNA genes in the tumor and in the normal tissue.Conclusions. Our results, which contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in NSCLC development, can be used in the development of new diagnostic and prognostic approaches in clinical oncology.

External validation of an artificial intelligence-based method for the detection and classification of molar incisor hypomineralisation in dental photographs

ObjectivesThis ex vivo diagnostic study aimed to externally validate an open-access artificial intelligence (AI)-based model for the detection, classification, localisation and segmentation of enamel/molar incisor hypomineralisation (EH/MIH). MethodsAn independent sample of web images showing teeth with (n = 277) and without (n = 178) EH/MIH was evaluated by a workgroup of dentists whose consensus served as the reference standard. Then, an AI-based model was used for the detection of EH/MIH, followed by automated classification and segmentation of the findings (test method). The accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP) and area under the curve (AUC) were determined. Furthermore, the correctness of EH/MIH lesion localisation and segmentation was evaluated. ResultsAn overall ACC of 94.3 % was achieved for image-based detection of EH/MIH. Cross-classification of the AI-based class prediction and the reference standard resulted in an agreement of 89.2 % for all diagnostic decisions (n = 594), with an ACC between 91.4 % and 97.8 %. The corresponding SE and SP values ranged from 81.7 % to 92.8 % and 91.9 % to 98.7 %, respectively. The AUC varied between 0.894 and 0.945. Image size had only a limited impact on diagnostic performance. The AI-based model correctly predicted EH/MIH localisation in 97.3 % of cases. For the detected lesions, segmentation was fully correct in 63.4 % of all cases and partially correct in 33.9 %. ConclusionsThis study documented the promising diagnostic performance of an open-access AI tool in the detection and classification of EH/MIH in external images. Clinical significanceExternally validated AI-based diagnostic methods could facilitate the detection of EH/MIH lesions in dental photographs.

Evaluation of Serum Amino Acid and Carnitine Profile in Dogs with Transmissible Venereal Tumor

The presented study aimed to reveal the changes in serum amino acid and carnitine profiles in dogs with transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). The study material comprised 40 female dogs ranging in age from 3 to 5 years. The dogs were divided into two groups based on genital organ examinations. Group 1 (n=20) consisted of healthy dogs, while Group 2 (n=20) consisted of TVT-positive dogs. The definite diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumor was made based on the detection of intracytoplasmic vacuoles and numerous mitotic figures in the collected vaginal smear samples. Blood samples were taken from dogs in both study groups and serum was obtained. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for the determination of carnitine and amino acid profiles. The obtained data were compared using independent samples t-test. The serum amino acid profiles of Lysine, Aspartic Acid, Tyrosine, Asparagine, Alanine, Arginine, Citrulline, Glutamic Acid, Glycine, Methylglutaryl, Phenylalanine, and Ornithine were found to be lower in the TVT group (P

Media Web Pada Pembelajaran Inkuiri Terbimbing Kombinasi Lesson Study

This study aims to determine the learning outcomes and creative thinking of higher students who are taught by web media guided inquiry learning combination of lesson study. The research population is class XI IPA high school. The sampling technique was simple random sampling consisting of two classes, namely experimental and control with a total sample of 76 students. The research instrument was a test of creative thinking and student learning outcomes. The data analysis technique was carried out using the Independent Samples Test (T-test). The results showed that the learning outcomes and creative thinking of students who were taught in learning combined inquiry lessons using web media with an average gain of 0.71 and an average of 75.46 than without using web media with an average of 0.60 and 55 .20 with significance (0.00 0.05).

Genome-wide association study of major anxiety disorders in 122,341 European-ancestry cases identifies 58 loci and highlights GABAergic signaling.

The major anxiety disorders (ANX; including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias ) are highly prevalent, often onset early, persist throughout life, and cause substantial global disability. Although distinct in their clinical presentations, they likely represent differential expressions of a dysregulated threat-response system. Here we present a genome-wide association meta-analysis comprising 122,341 European ancestry ANX cases and 729,881 controls. We identified 58 independent genome-wide significant ANX risk variants and 66 genes with robust biological support. In an independent sample of 1,175,012 self-report ANX cases and 1,956,379 controls, 51 of the 58 associated variants were replicated. As predicted by twin studies, we found substantial genetic correlation between ANX and depression, neuroticism, and other internalizing phenotypes. Follow-up analyses demonstrated enrichment in all major brain regions and highlighted GABAergic signaling as one potential mechanism underlying ANX genetic risk. These results advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of ANX and prioritize genes for functional follow-up studies.

Effectiveness of Using Interactive Powerpoint Media on Chemical Bonding Material to Improve Student Learning Outcomes

Along with the development of Science and Technology (IPTEK), current educators and students need to improve the quality of education to be able to compete. Therefore, learning media is needed that can increase understanding by using interactive power points . The research aims to test the effectiveness of using powerpoint learning media on chemical bond material to improve the learning outcomes of class X students at SMA 14 Padang City. This research method uses experimental research with a Nonequivalent Control-Group Design research design . The population in this study were all students in class X Science at SMA 14 Padang City, consisting of 5 classes in the even semester of the 2020/2021 academic year. The sampling technique was carried out using the purposive sampling method . The research instrument is a multiple choice test that has been tested for validity, reliability, question discrimination and a good difficulty index. Data were analyzed using the n-gain test and hypothesis testing with the independent sample t-test . The results of data analysis show that the experimental class has a higher n-gain compared to the control class in the medium category. Apart from that, the results of the hypothesis test show a significance value (sig) of less than 0.05, so H 1 is accepted and H 0 is rejected. From the results of this data analysis, it can be concluded that the use of interactive Powerpoint learning media on chemical bond material is effective in improving high school/MA student learning outcomes.

Efficacy of EMLA for Office-based Andrology Procedures Under Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Control Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetic (EMLA), a topical anesthetic cream, in office-based invasive andrological procedures such as hydrocelectomy, spermatocelectomy, and others, aimed at minimizing pain perception and enhancing the overall patient experience. MethodsA double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted for patients undergoing scrotal andrology surgeries under LA. Power calculation was performed with an estimated sample size of 72. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to topical EMLA + LA vs LA alone. In the post-operative recovery area, patient will be asked to complete a VAS questionnaire rating pain with LA administration and pain with procedure. Analysis comparing VAS pain scores of both groups was performed using the independent sample t-test method. Results72 patients were included in our analysis, with 36 in the control and 36 in the intervention arm. For patient pain with administration of LA, the control arm reported an average VAS pain score of 4.31, compared to 3.72 in the intervention arm (p=0.319). For patient pain with procedure, patients in the control arm reported a median VAS pain score of 3.47 compared to 3.03 (p=0.432) in the intervention arm. Overall, 86% (62/72) of patients reported that they would either be “very likely” (4/5) or “highly likely” (5/5) to undergo future procedures under local anesthetic. ConclusionsWhile performing scrotal surgeries under LA appears to be well tolerated and a feasible option, the application of EMLA cream does not appear to significantly alter patient-reported outcomes.

Effect of conventional cigarette smoking and recent heated tobacco products on CAD/CAM restorative materials

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of conventional cigarette smoking (CS) and recent heated tobacco products (HTPs) on the surface roughness and color stability of different indirect restorative materials.Materials and methodsOne hundred disc-shaped samples were constructed of three different restorative CAD/CAM materials: lithium disilicate glass–ceramic (IPS e.max CAD; Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein), zirconia (BruxZir® Zirconia, Glidewell, USA) and polyetheretherketone (BioHPP® bredent GmbH, Germany). Of the IPS e.max CAD and the Bruxzir samples, 20 samples were glazed, and 20 samples were polished, while the BioHPP samples were all polished according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Fifty samples were subjected to conventional cigarette smoking (LM, Philip Morris International Inc., Egypt) (Groups: IPS e.max CAD_Glazed exposed to CS (LD_G_Cig), IPS e.max CAD_Polished exposed to CS (LD_P_Cig), Bruxzir_Glazed exposed to CS (Zr_G_Cig), Bruxzir _Polished exposed to CS (Zr_P_Cig) and BioHPP exposed to CS (PEEK_Cig) and fifty samples were exposed to heated tobacco product smoking (Heets, Russet selection, Philip Morris International Inc., Italy) (Groups: IPS e.max CAD_Glazed exposed to HTP (LD_G_HTP), IPS e.max CAD_Polished exposed to HTP (LD_P_HTP), Bruxzir_Glazed exposed to HTP (Zr_G_HTP), Bruxzir CAD_Polished exposed to HTP (Zr_P_HTP) and BioHPP exposed to HTP (PEEK_HTP).. Six hundred cigarettes/heets representing 30 days of medium smoking behavior (20 cigarettes/day) were used. Before and after exposure to smoke, the surface roughness of all the samples was measured using JITAI8101 surface roughness tester (Beijing Jitai Tech Detection Device Co., Ltd, China, and the color parameters were assessed using VITA Easyshade Advance 4.01 (VITA shade, VITA made, VITA). The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. The significance level was set at α < 0.05.The surface topography was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to determine changes in the surface chemical composition.ResultsBoth types of smoking caused significant increases in the surface roughness of all the samples. There was a significant difference in color change between CS and HTP for all materials with different surface finish (P < 0.01) and zirconia had the greatest effect on color change (P < 0.001). In contrast, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) “BioHPP” had the least effect (P < 0.001).ConclusionExposure to different types of smoking induce changes in the surface topography and color of different esthetic restorative materials. Compared with HTP, conventional cigarette smoke has a greater effect on the surface roughness and color stability of esthetic restorative materials. The glazed surfaces showed less change in surface topography than did the polished surfaces. Zirconia showed better color stability when compared to polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Serum biomarkers REG1A and REG3A combined with the traditional CEA represent a novel nomogram for the screening and risk stratification of colorectal cancer.

To develop and validate a serum protein nomogram for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The serum protein characteristics were extracted from an independent sample containing 30 colorectal cancer and 12 polyp tissues along with their paired samples, and different serum protein expression profiles were validated using RNA microarrays. The prediction model was developed in a training cohort that included 1345 patients clinicopathologically confirmed CRC and 518 normal participants, and data were gathered from November 2011 to January 2017. The lasso logistic regression model was employed for features selection and serum nomogram building. An internal validation cohort containing 576 CRC patients and 222 normal participants was assessed. Serum signatures containing 27 secreted proteins were significantly differentially expressed in polyps and CRC compared to paired normal tissue, and REG family proteins were selected as potential predictors. The C-index of the nomogram1 (based on Lasso logistic regression model) which contains REG1A, REG3A, CEA and age was 0.913 (95% CI, 0.899 to 0.928) and was well calibrated. Addition of CA199 to the nomogram failed to show incremental prognostic value, as shown in nomogram2 (based on logistic regression model). Application of the nomogram1 in the independent validation cohort had similar discrimination (C-index, 0.912 [95% CI, 0.890 to 0.934]) and good calibration. The decision curve (DCA) and clinical impact curve (ICI) analysis demonstrated that nomogram1 was clinically useful. This study presents a serum nomogram that included REG1A, REG3A, CEA and age, which can be convenient for screening of colorectal cancer.

Monitoring of the Homogeneity of Primer Layers for Ink Jet Printing on Polyester Fabrics by Hyperspectral Imaging.

Untreated polyester films and fibers can be hardly printed or coated, in particular if aqueous inks or lacquers have to be applied. Therefore, an adequate primer layer has to be applied first. A cationic polymer formulation based on poly(dimethylamine-co-epichlorohydrin-co-ethylenediamine) (PDEHED) was used as primer layer for digital printing on polyester fabrics. Because of the exceedingly high requirements on the homogeneity of such layers, hyperspectral imaging was used for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the distribution of the primer layer on the textiles. Multivariate data analysis methods based on the PLS algorithm were applied for quantification of the NIR reflection spectra using gravimetry as a reference method. Optimization of the calibration method resulted in various models with prediction errors of about 1.2 g/m2. The prediction performance of the models was proven in external validations using independent samples. Moreover, a special ink jet printing technology was tested for application of the aqueous primer formulation itself. Since possible clogging of jet nozzles in the print head might lead to inhomogeneity in the coatings such as missing tracks, the potential of hyperspectral imaging to detect such defects was investigated. It was demonstrated that simulated missing tracks can be clearly detected. Consequently, hyperspectral imaging has been proven to be a powerful analytical tool for in-line monitoring of the quality of printability improvement layers and similar systems.

The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial

Background and objectivesConsidering the significant prevalence of ileus after abdominal surgery and the beneficial effects of Cuminum cyminum in digestive problems, this study aimed to examine whether Cuminum cyminum has any effect on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery.Materials and methodsIn this triple-blind clinical trial study, 74 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups using minimization methods. The patients in the intervention group consumed 250 mg capsules containing Cuminum cyminum extract 4 h after the surgery and another dose of the drug 1 h afterward. The patients in the control group consumed a 250 mg capsule containing starch as a placebo at hours similar to those in the intervention group. The instruments used to collect the data were a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist to assess bowel habits. The data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software.ResultsThe average time of gas passing in the intervention and control groups was 9.03 ± 3.41 and 11.72 ± 4.21 h, respectively. The defecation times in the intervention and control groups were 16.97 ± 5.02 and 26 ± 9.87 h, showing a significant difference between the two groups as indicated by the independent samples T-test (P > 0.001). Furthermore, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the intervention group compared to the control group as confirmed by Fisher’s exact test (P > 0.001).ConclusionAccording to the results, the consumption of Cuminum cyminum after abdominal surgery helps to reduce the time of gas passing, defecation, and the return of bowel motility. However, additional studies need to address the effectiveness of Cuminum cyminum by changing the time and duration of its use.