Insignificant Statistical Difference Research Articles

Effectiveness of cupping and aversion therapies as adjuvant methods for smoking cessation

Abstract Background Tobacco addiction affects both the mind and the body. Most people find that a mix of medicine, a strategy to change personal habits, and emotional support is the most effective way to quit. The aim of the work was to compare between the effectiveness of cupping therapy and aversion therapy as adjuvant methods in smoking cessation program. Patients and methods A prospective randomized study was done on 60 smokers recruited from Ain Shams University Hospitals who were divided into three groups. Group I : included 20 participants subjected to counseling only (the five A’S); Group II : included 20 participants subjected to counseling and aversion therapy using onion-powdered cigarettes by mixing tobacco with dried onion powder by an equal amount; Group III: included 20 participants subjected to counseling and a monthly bloodletting cupping session for 3 consecutive months, follow up visits were conducted every 2 weeks for 3 months to assess outcome and withdrawal symptoms. Results There was no statistically significant difference (p value >0.05) between the success rate in the three different groups. The success rate of quitting was the same among smokers in group I and group III ( complete success 10% and partial success 10%), while the success rate of quitting among smokers in group II was ( complete success 0% and partial success 15%). There were significant statistical correlations (P < 0.05) found between the outcome and the age, occupation, duration and pack/year smoking, while there was insignificant statistical difference (P < 0.05) between the outcome and marital status, comorbidities and previous quitting attempts. There was no significant difference between three groups in the frequency of withdrawal symptoms during follow up visits, while there was significant statistic reduction in frequency of dizziness, headache and fatigue between follow up visits in the three groups, weight gain increased during follow up visits. Conclusion Using adjuvant methods like aversion and bloodletting cupping therapy in smoking cessation programs doesn’t seem to produce significant change in success rate of quitting smoking.

Comparative Evaluation of a New Tricalcium Silicate Cement With Calcium Hydroxide as Direct Pulp Capping Agents: A Clinical Study.

Background and objectives Direct pulp capping (dPC) is a therapeutic process that involves the application of a protective chemical to an exposed pulp with the intent to facilitate the restoration and preservation of its vitality and function. Despite numerous proposed solutions, researchers have yet to find a dependable, non-absorbable bioactive pulp capping substance that constantly activates cellular healing processes, consequently preserving pulpal vitality over an extended period of time. The objective of this study was to assess and contrast the efficacy of a novel tricalcium silicate cement and calcium hydroxide in preserving the long-term health of the dental pulp following dPC using clinical and radiographic observations. Materials and methods A total of 60 individuals with symptoms of reversible pulpitis associated with deep carious lesions were chosen for dPC in the study. Two groups comprising 30 patients each underwent dPC using the novel tricalcium silicate cement (experimental group) and calcium hydroxide (control group) out of the total number of patients. A thin protective covering of self-curing glass ionomer base was applied on top of the capping material. The dentist provided instant permanent restoration employing direct posterior composite resin. Follow-up examinations were conducted three, six, nine, and 12 months after the procedure, during which assessments were performed using clinical and radiographic parameters. Results The minimum age of the study group was 16, and its maximum age was 34 (22.35 ± 2.3 years). The control group consisted of 12 males and 18 females, while the Biodentine group consisted of 13 males and 17 females. The age and gender distribution were determined to have insignificant statistical differences across the groups. The pain score exhibited statistical significance at both the three-month and six-month follow-up visits (p < 0.05). The pain score at the 12-month follow-up was 0.38 ± 0.52 in the case group and 0.42 ± 0.61 in the control group (p = 0.79). The average Periapical Index (PAI) score for the Dycal and Biodentin groups after the 12-month follow-up was 1.38 ± 0.97 and 1 ± 0.3, respectively. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.044). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the PAI score at the three-month, six-month, and nine-month follow-ups (p < 0.01). During the entirety of the follow-up duration, one individual in the Biodentine group had tenderness upon percussion, a negative reaction for pulp vitality, pulpal changes, and a widening of the periodontal space. Statistically significant differences were observed in pulpal changes and tenderness on percussion during the nine-month and 12-month follow-up periods (p < 0.05). After 12 months, the rate of success in the group treated with Dycal was 91.3%, while the success percentage in the group treated with Biodentine was 98.55%. This difference in outcomes was determined to be statistically significant (λ2 = 5.46; p = 0.019). Conclusion The study findings indicate that Biodentine, a novel tricalcium silicate cement, outperforms calcium hydroxide in preserving pulp vitality over the long term following dPC. The Biodentine group attained an overall success rate of 98.55%, whereas the Dycal group had a success rate of 91.3% following 12 months of subsequent follow-up visits.

Therapeutic Effects of Probiotics In The Reduction of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Objective: To evaluate probiotics' effects in reducing hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm and term neonates. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neonatology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad Pakistan, from Oct 2018 to Mar 2019. Methodology: The quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. They were randomlydivided into two Groups. Group-A (n=30) received phototherapy. Group-B (n=30) received probiotics containing Lactobacillus reuteri at a dose of 5 drops daily for three days, in addition to phototherapy. Total serum bilirubin was calculated at 0, 24 and 72 hours for both Groups. Results: In Group-A, the mean total bilirubin in mg/dl at 0, 24 and 72 hours were 18.14±2.35, 15.28±2.93 and 12.31±2.29, respectively. Similarly, in Group-B, it was 19.86±5.85, 16.23±4.01 and 10.75±2.23 at 0, 24 and 72 hours, respectively. There was an insignificant statistical difference in mean total bilirubin between Groups A and B at 0 and 24 hours (p&lt;0.001). However, when comparison was made at 72 hours, a significant statistical difference was observed in Group-B (Intervention Group) (p=0.005) Conclusion: Probiotics significantly lowered total serum bilirubin in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. Further studies are required to evaluate its role in physiological and pathological jaundice.

Testing the effectiveness of lottery incentives in online experiments

AbstractThis article investigates the effectiveness of lottery incentive schemes for eliciting consumer valuations in large‐scale online experiments. We implement a fully incentivized condition within a geographically dispersed sample of consumers in which bids for a Criollo steak elicited by a Becker‐DeGroot‐Marschak mechanism are realized with certainty and the products are priority shipped in dry‐ice coolers. The fully incentivized condition is compared to between‐subject random incentivized schemes, in which only a fraction of subjects realize their choices. We tested two treatments with a 10% probability framed as a percentage or an absolute number of subjects, one treatment with a 1% probability, and a purely hypothetical reference condition. The results reveal that between‐subject random incentivized schemes with 10% and 1% payment probabilities are effective in eliciting valuations that are statistically indistinguishable from the fully incentivized scheme. In addition to finding insignificant statistical differences between 10% and 1% and the fully incentivized scheme, all incentivized conditions mitigate hypothetical bias, resulting in lower product valuations than the purely hypothetical condition. We contribute a novel methodological framework for conducting large‐scale experiments with geographically diverse and representative subjects, increasing the external validity and producing reliable valuations while significantly reducing financial and logistic constraints.

Safety and efficacy of different doses of intrathecal magnesium sulfate on the acute and chronic postoperative pain in patient undergoing pelvic cancer surgeries - a randomized controlled dose finding clinical study

ABSTRACT Background and objectives Excision of tumors from pelvis causing severe pain postoperatively. Hemodynamic stability, and better analgesia were documented when MgSO4 was used as an adjuvant to local anesthesia. We aimed to investigate the effect of using intrathecal MgSO4 with different doses as an adjuvant to LAs on postoperative acute pain, hemodynamics, and chronic pain. Methods Ninety patients scheduled for pelvic surgery for excision of tumors have been included in this study and divided into three groups; all patient received general anesthesia (GA) plus intrathecal fentanyl (group A), while the second (group B) and the third (group C) received intrathecal magnesium sulfate 50 mg and 100 mg, respectively; intra- and postoperative outcomes such as hemodynamics, (LANSS) pain score, (NRS) and postoperative complications have been measured. Results The results revealed that MgSO4 in the (group B) had significant effect on decreasing the postoperative pain during the first 24 hours; the result of the three groups revealed that there was statistically significant difference between the group A and groups (B-C) (P-value >0.05), while there was insignificant statistical difference between the group B and group C. Patients in the fentanyl group requested analgesic after 6 to 8 hours (mean ±SD 8.4817 ± 0.819 mg), while patients in group B after 12 to 14 hours postoperatively (13.7450 ± 0.86477 mg) and patients in group C requested analgesia 16 hours postoperatively (13.7800 ± 1.00272 mg). LANSS score was significantly improved in groups B-C, but fewer complications such as itching, nausea and shorter time of recovery after the surgery in group B than other groups. Conclusion When comparing IT magnesium sulfate at doses of 50 and 100 to fentanyl 50 mg, we found superiority of MgSO4, in decreasing pain after surgery and ITMgSO4 50 mg achieved a reasonable balance between postoperative analgesia and side effects. In addition, ITMgSO4 has shown significant effect in decreasing the chronic pain postoperatively.

The association between NRF2 transcriptional gene dysregulation and IDH mutation in Grade 4 astrocytoma

Abstract Objectives Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcriptional gene factor related to nuclear factor erythroid 2, plays a role in the development of gliomas with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation. Its impact on tumour recurrence has seldom been investigated. Methods A group of 34 patients diagnosed with Grade 4 astrocytoma was included in a retrospective cohort. NRF2 protein and gene expressions were assessed using different profiling assays. The association between IDH mutation, NRF2 expression, and tumor recurrence was investigated. Results The mean patients’ age in this study was 50 years. Out of the total number of tumors analyzed, 21 of them had IDH mutation. NRF2 protein expression was found to be overexpressed in 27 tumors and reduced in 7 tumors. Additionally, NRF2 gene was upregulated in 24 tumors and downregulated in 10 tumors. Insignificant statistical difference was observed in recurrence-free interval (RFI) between patients with upregulated or downregulated NRF2 gene or protein expressions (p-value&gt;0.05). However, this relationship is distinctive when NRF2 expression was compared to IDH mutation. Tumors with different levels of NRF2 expressions and IDH mutations showed significant statistical variation in RFI (p-value=0.001). There was insignificant impact on RFI among patients receiving different chemotherapies (TMZ or TMZ plus) who had abnormal NRF2 gene activities (p-value=0.97). Conclusions WHO-Grade 4 astrocytoma with IDH mutation and altered NRF2 expression showed a delayed tumor recurrence compared to IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.

Major Histocompatibility Class-I (MHC-I) downregulation in glioblastoma is a poor prognostic factor but not a predictive indicator for treatment failure

BackgroundMHC-I expression is a crucial factor in cancer immunity, and its regulations can impact tumor progression and recurrence. The mechanism through which glioblastoma use MHC-I to avoid immunosurveillance has been rarely investigated. MethodsA retrospective cohort of 35 patients with IDH-mutant WHO-Grade 4 astrocytoma and IDH-wildtype glioblastoma were examined for MHC-I using protein and gene expression assays. The association between IDH mutation, TP53 mutation, and MHC-I expression with recurrence-free interval were investigated. ResultsThe average patients’ age was 49.6 year. IDH was wildtype in 13 tumors. MHC-I protein expression was absent in 30 tumors, faint in 4 tumors, and membrane bound dense expression in single tumor. MHC-I expression was upregulated in 10 tumors and 25 tumors showed MHC-I downregulation. P53 was positively expressed in 19 cases and lost in 13 cases. A significant statistical difference was observed in the RFI between tumors with distinct MHC-I expression and IDH-mutation [p-value = 0.008]. IDH-wildtype tumors with upregulated MHC-I expression showed late tumor recurrence compared to IDH-wildtype tumors with downregulated MHC-I expression. There was insignificant statistical difference in RFI among patients with varying degree of MHC-I expression, who received TMZ or TMZ and other chemotherapies [P-value = 0.44] ConclusionsGlioblastoma with upregulated MHC-I showed a delayed tumor recurrence in comparison to those with downregulated MHC-I expression. However, downregulated MHC-I may not necessarily be an indicator of poor problems.

Evaluating the Degree of Readiness to Practice Professional Distance Learning Communities (Virtually) in Light of the Covid-19 Crisis: Perspectives of School Leaders and Teachers at Amman Educational Directorate in Jordan

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the degree of readiness to practice virtual PLCs in light of the COVID-19 crisis from the perspectives of school leaders and teachers at Amman Educational Directorate in Jordan. Methods: This study used the descriptive analytical method. The sample of the study consisted of 155 respondents chosen randomly. The psychometric properties of the Professional Learning Communities Scale, consisting of 52 items distributed across six dimensions, were validated. Results: The results showed that the degree of readiness to practice virtual PLCs in light of the COVID-19 crisis, from the perspectives of school leaders and teachers, was high across all dimensions of the scale. Specifically, Supportive Conditions – Relationships were ranked first with a high score, while Supportive Conditions – Structures were ranked second with a medium score. The Shared Values and Visions, Shared Personal Practices, and Shared and Supportive Leadership were ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, with a medium score. The results indicated significant statistical differences in work type and authority supervising schools, in favor of school principals and UNRWA schools, respectively. However, there were insignificant statistical differences regarding the respondents' gender, years of experience, and academic degrees. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the degree of readiness to practice virtual PLCs in the light of the COVID-19 crisis, from the perspectives of school leaders and teachers, was high. The study recommends conducting related studies and holding workshops for school leaders and teachers.

Effectiveness of adding magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine in ultrasound guided serratus anterior plane block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy

ABSTRACT Background This research work investigated the effect of magnesium sulfate added to bupivacaine in serratus anterior block in cases of modified radical mastectomy. Patients and method A total of 80 female patients of ASA I and II were randomly assigned into two equal groups depending on the adjuvant added to bupivacaine. B group: patients received 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with 5 ml 0.9% normal saline. BM group: patients received 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine+150 mg magnesium sulfate in 0.9% normal saline with a total volume of 25 ml in both groups. Primary aim was to test the effect of magnesium sulfate when added to bupivacaine on pain intensity. Secondary targets were to detect the haemodynamics, safety and any side effects of magnesium sulfate. Results Visual analogue scale measurement showed statistical significant decrease after 4 hours till 24 hours postoperatively in BM group more than in B group. Mean time to first rescue analgesia in BM group was 11.73 ± 1.91 hours versus 8.13 ± 1.38 hours in B group with P value < 0.001. The mean total dose of nalbuphine used was statistically significantly decreased in BM group, as it was 15.50 ± 3.89 mg in B group and 9.63 ± 4.44 mg in BM group with P value < 0.001. Occurrence of complications in both groups showed insignificant statistical difference. Conclusions Magnesium sulfate with bupivacaine in serratus anterior plane block produced prolonged analgesia postoperatively without significant haemodynamic instability with significant decline in the total dose of rescue analgesic with minimal side effects.

Correlation between head circumference and mesio-distal width of the maxillary central incisor: a cross sectional study among three different population groups.

The size and shape of a tooth vary between individuals of different ethnic groups and genders because of the influence of different genetic factors. The information regarding the different anatomical factors using maxillary anterior teeth is very scanty. Thus to give more clarity, a study was planned to assess the correlation between head circumference and tooth-mesiodistal width among children of different ethnic origins.The study was carried out on 210 children aged 7 to 12 years in schools at Abha, Saudi Arabia.The mesiodistal (MD) width of the central incisor was measured using a digital vernier caliper. A Meter tape ruler was used to measure the Head/Cephalic dimensions. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS 20.0, and the results were analyzed. It was found that mean MD tooth width and head circumference were maximum in Saudi children, followed by South Asian and Arab/African, with an insignificant statistical difference (p-value > 0.05). Correlation between MD dimensions of maxillary central incisor with head circumference was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) among Saudi and South Asian populations, whereas statistically insignificant (p-value > 0.05) difference between Saudi and Arab/African populations. It was concluded that there exist the ethnic differences between tooth-mesiodistal width and head circumference dimensions of children. A positive correlation between head circumference and mesiodistal width of the central incisor was determined.

Effect of implementing mobility protocol on selected outcomes among critically ill elderly patients

Background Implementing mobility protocol for critically ill elderly patients may help prevent the sequelae of bed rest and improve patient outcomes. Aim To investigate the effect of implementing mobility protocol on selected outcomes among critically ill elderly patients. Research hypothesis Elderly critically ill patients who will be exposed to predesigned mobility protocol will have an improvement in their selected outcomes than those who will not. Design A quasi-experimental research design was used. Sample A purposive sample consisting of 60 critically ill elderly patients was included in this study within a period of 6 months. Setting This study was conducted at a medical ICU affiliated to a selected university hospital in Zagazig. Tools Two tools were developed, tested for clarity, and feasibility: (a) personal characteristics and medical data, and (b) patient outcome assessment sheet. Results Half (50%) of the control group and study group were males and the other half were females. The majority of study group were in the age group of 60 to less than 70 years. Concerning the past medical history, the majority of the control group and study group had a cardiac problem. The two groups were equal according to the presence of medical problems. In pretest, there were insignificant statistical differences (P&gt;0.05) between the two groups regarding cardiovascular system outcomes. The two groups were equal, except for capillary refill (χ 2=4.32, P=0.04). Moreover, more than two-thirds (73.3%) of the control group had sluggish capillary refill compared with 93.3% of the study group, and approximately two-thirds (60%) of the control group had nonpitting edema in the right and left upper arms compared with 36.7% of the study group. In posttest, there were significant statistical differences in cardiovascular system outcomes between study group and control group in peripheral pulses (χ 2=4.32, P=0.04), edema of right upper arm (χ 2=10.13, P=0.006), edema of left upper arm (χ 2=10.13, P=0.006), edema of right lower leg (χ 2=5.96, P=0.03), and edema of left lower leg (χ 2=4.95, P=0.04). Conclusion Early mobilization and rehabilitation of critically ill elderly patients may help prevent the sequelae of bed rest and improve patient outcomes. Recommendation Integrating mobility protocol into daily nursing care has shown to be imminent. As well, studying the effect of implanting mobility protocol on selected outcomes of critically ill intubated patients. In addition replication of this study on a larger probability sample from the different geographical locations in Egypt is recommended. Replication of this study on a larger probability sample from different geographical locations in Egypt is recommended.

A quasi-experimental study on adult weight loss using a multidimensional approach among a rural population.

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a yearlong digital multidimensional weight-loss intervention among residents in a southern rural community. The intervention utilized a quasi-experimental design to assess weight loss and lifestyle habit changes in volunteer individuals living in a rural community in western North Carolina. The quasi-experimental design featured pre- and post-in-person health assessments, including anthropometric measures such as body composition, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits, through a health risk questionnaire. Upon completion of the in-person pre-assessment, participants received digital health education and challenges via email and challenge runner for 1 year. Following 12 months, participants were asked to complete the post-assessment to review their results. The multidimensional weight-loss intervention was communicated via newspaper and social media to promote participation among community members, utilizing a volunteer sample. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine age, weight, BMI, and body fat percentage. A paired sample t-test was conducted on pre- and post-weight as well as pre- and post-health scores. The health score was derived from the health risk questionnaire. A bivariate Pearson correlation was conducted for post-weight and post-health score analyses. The average participant was female in their mid-40s (N = 67). Results showed insignificant statistical mean differences between pre- and post-weight and pre- and post-health scores. A Pearson correlation indicated a moderate correlation r = -0.36, p = 0.003) between post-weight and post-health score. The negative correlation indicates changes in health behavior reflected in the health score improving as weight decreased. The weight-loss intervention proved unsuccessful in clinical weight loss but demonstrated an association between healthy behavior changes and weight loss. However, further research is needed to solidify the current findings, as there were limitations identified in COVID-19.

Surfactant administration in preterm babies (28-36 weeks) with respiratory distress syndrome: LISA versus InSurE, an open-label randomized controlled trial.

INtubate-SURfactant-Extubate (InSurE) approach is traditional method of surfactant delivery in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).Newer, less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) techniques lessen the need for mechanical ventilation and its adverse consequences. Evidence on the favorable effects of LISA can't be extrapolated from developed to developing countries. Aim of study is to compare the effectiveness of InSurE and LISA. Primary outcome was to find need of intubation and mechanical ventilation within 72 h of birth. Neonates were followed until discharge/death for adverse events and complications. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS: Open-label randomized controlled trial(RCT) was conducted at tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm neonates with diagnosis of RDS were randomized in two groups (InSurE or LISA) to receive surfactant soon after birth. Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) was used as primary mode of respiratory support. A total of 150 neonates were analyzed (75 in each group). Insignificant statistical difference was seen in the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation within 72 h of birth between the two groups (InSurE, 30 [40%] and LISA, 30 [40%], relative risk 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.68-1.48). Twelve percent (n = 9, LISA group) and 14.6% (n = 11 InSurE group) had adverse events during the procedure. Also, we observed insignificant statistical difference in the rates of major complications or duration of respiratory support, hospital stay, and mortality. LISA and InSurE are equally effective for surfactant administration in the treatment of RDS, when NIPPV is the primary mode of respiratory support. More RCTs are required to compare the efficacy & long-term outcomes of LISA with InSurE.

Influence of hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone on wound healing parameters on Nigerian indigenous dogs

Wound healing is a complex activity of several cells with their products leading to tissue regeneration and repair. Twelve indigenous breeds of dogs were randomly grouped into groups I, II, III and IV of 3 dogs each. Excisional and incisional wounds were surgically created on the left and right sides respectively. The dogs in Group I were administered normal saline while Groups II, III and IV were given hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone respectively at 1.0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg intramuscularly post-wounding. The wounds were cleaned and assessed for epthelialisation, contraction and pus formation. RESULT: The wound dimensions from insult of excisional wound, increased steadily to peak (10.34 cm2) at 10th day in the control, (12.21 cm2) 17th day; (11.97 cm2) 12th day and (13.87 cm2) 17th day post-wounding in the hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone treated groups respectively. Maximum contraction was recorded at 33rd day (3.52 cm2) in the control, 40th days (3.55 cm2), 30th (3.86 cm2) and 42nd (3.98 cm2) in the hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone groups respectively with insignificant statistical difference. The wound dimensions from the insult in the incisional wounds increases steadily to peak (6.31 cm2) at 7th day in the control; (7.51 cm2) 10th day; (6.81 cm2) 12th day and (8.38 cm2) 10th day post-wounding in the hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone treated groups respectively. Maximum contraction was recorded after complete epithelialisation at 24th day (2.32 cm2) in the control, 21st days (3.58 cm2), and 26th (2.39 cm2) and 31st (3.32 cm2) in the hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone groups respectively with insignificant statistical difference (p&lt;0.05). The administration of steroids (anti-inflamatory) does not prevent wound retraction especially with the use of methylprednisolone, however, the dexamethasone treated group had the least scar size post healing.

Accuracy of CNN-Based method for segmentation of the mandible

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a new automatic deep learning-based approach for fully mandible automatic segmentation from CBCTs. Forty CBCT scans from healthy patients (20 females, 20 males, mean age 23.37 ± 3.34 years) were collected and a manual mandible segmentation was carried out by using Mimics software. Twenty CBCT scans were randomly selected and used for training the artificial intelligence model file. The remaining 20 CBCT segmentation masks were used to test the accuracy of the CNN fully automatic method by comparing the segmentation volumes of the 3D models obtained with automatic and manual segmentations. The accuracy of this method was also assessed by using the DICE Score coefficient (DSC) and by the surface-to-surface matching technique. The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Dahlberg's formula were used to test the intra-observer reliability and method error, respectively. Independent Student's t-test was used for between-groups volumetric comparison. Measurements were highly correlated with an ICC value of 0.937 while the method error was 0.24 mm 3 . An insignificant statistical difference of 0.71 (± 0,49) cm 3 was found between the methodologies (p>0.05). The matching percentage detected was 90.35% ± 1.88 (tolerance, 0.5 mm) and 96.32% ± 1.97% (tolerance 1.0 mm). All volumetric measurements were highly correlated with an ICC value of 0.937 for intra-observer evaluation and 0.919 for inter-observer evaluation. The tested technology provided an accurate fully automated segmentation of the mandible from CBCT scans performing at a much higher speed than an experienced image reader.

Impact of retraction force magnitudes on mobility of maxillary canines: a split-mouth design

ObjectiveProspective evaluation of the maxillary canine mobility during retraction using two different force levels over 5 months of retraction.Materials and methodsThirty patients indicated for maximum retraction of maxillary canines with age range of 14.7–18.9 years were included in the study. After complete leveling and alignment and immediately before canine retraction, the mobility of the maxillary canines was measured using the Periotest device and repeated monthly. A split-mouth design was applied where on the one side, the retraction force was 100 g, while on the other side 200 g of force. Four subgroups were investigated: A1 (R3 100 g), A2 (L3 200 g), B1 (R3 200 g) and B2 (L3 100 g). The total amount of canine retraction was measured for each side using the pre- and post-retraction dental casts.ResultsThe collected data were normally distributed. ANOVA test showed insignificant statistical difference in Periotest values (PTVs) among the four subgroups pre-retraction and monthly p > 0.05. However, each group showed a statistically significant difference in PTVs over the 5 months. The independent sample t test showed a statistical insignificant difference in PTVs between the 100 g and 200 g retraction force. Pearson correlation of the PTVs to the period of retraction was statistically significant p < 0.05 while being in significant to the retraction force p > 0.05.ConclusionIncreasing the retraction force of maxillary canines up to 200 g of force does not significantly increase the teeth mobility during orthodontic treatment. There is a positive correlation between the PTVs and the duration of tooth movement regardless the magnitude of force.

Fingerprinting and iso-absorptive resolution techniques for the spectrally overlapping Dutasteride and Silodosin mixture: Content uniformity testing along with greenness profile assessment

The realm of spectrophotometric analysis has witnessed a remarkable progress in inventing faster and simpler resolution techniques for spectrally overlapping drug mixtures. Eco-friendly and progressive spectrophotometric methods were firstly developed in this work, for the simultaneous determination of Dutasteride (DUT) and Silodosin (SLD) in their newly-marketed dosage form. The proposed methods focused on the unique spectral features of this mixture including spectral extension of SLD over DUT spectrum as well as existence of iso-absorptive points. By such way, the methods were classified into two categories; the first one was “fingerprint resolution techniques” including constant extraction coupled with spectrum subtraction and ratio subtraction coupled with constant multiplication methods. The former represented a new modification to the classical constant extraction method where one divisor and lower steps were manipulated instead. The second category was “iso-absorptive resolution techniques”, such as absorptivity centering, absorbance subtraction and amplitude modulation methods. Different solvents were investigated where ethanol was found to be the optimum one regarding drugs solubility, signal sensitivity and environmental, health & safety (EHS) score. Validity of the suggested methods was assessed as per ICH-guidelines and found to be linear over concentration ranges of 5.0–90.0 µg/mL for DUT and 5.0–120.0 µg/mL for SLD. The methods were successfully applied for quantifying the cited drugs in their combined dosage form and evaluating their content uniformity. Moreover, the insignificant statistical difference between the proposed methods and official HPLC ones encourages the utilization of such spectrophotometric methods as greener and faster candidates, especially in modest quality control laboratories. Methods’ greenness profile was finally guaranteed through several assessment tools, namely; national environmental methods index (NEMI), analytical eco-scale, green analytical procedure index (GAPI) and analytical greenness (AGREE) metric.

Comparing the effect of gonadotropin versus letrozole for induction of ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome with clomiphene citrate failure

Background and aim Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy affecting women during the childbearing period, with incidences of between 8 and 13%. PCOS is the main cause of anovulatory infertility with a prevalence of 20% in infertile women. We aimed to compare the ovulation induction effect of letrozole versus gonadotropins in patients with PCOS after clomiphene citrate (CC) failure. Patients and methods This is a prospective comparative study held in the El Hussien University Hospital, Al-Azhar University; throughout the duration of 12 months from January 2020 to January 2021. In all, 100 women were enrolled in the study diagnosed with PCOS with an ovulatory infertility and after CC failure, patients were allocated into two groups in a ratio of 1 : 1. The first group included 50 patients and received (letrozole 2.5 mg tablet) twice daily. Results There was higher incidence of confirmed ovulation in the gonadotropin group (62%) compared with the letrozole group (58%) with no significance. It also showed a higher incidence of confirmed pregnancy in the gonadotropin group (34%) compared with the letrozole group (30%), but that difference was statistically nonsignificant. The results showed a shorter duration till the day of trigger in the letrozole group (13.48) compared with the gonadotropin group (14.55), the difference was significant. Endometrial thickness on day of trigger was higher in the gonadotropin group (11.3) compared with the letrozole group (10.9) with no significance. Conclusion In patients who failed to conceive with CC, gonadotropins have higher pregnancy rates for ovulation induction than letrozole with an insignificant statistical difference.

Comparison of Intraarticular Ketorolac Versus Triamcinolone Acetone Injection in Patients of Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective:&#x0D; To compare the analgesic and functional outcomes of intra-articular ketorolac with corticosteroids in patients of knee OA.&#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; In this randomized comparative study, we included patients of knee OA who were planned for intra-articular injections from January-2020 to December-2020 in the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at Rawalpindi Medical University. Patients were allocated to two groups using block randomization, each block contained 30 patients and received injection of either triamcinolone (Group T) or ketorolac (Group K). VAS score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were noted at 1 week, 1 month and at 3 months of injection.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; Mean baseline WOMAC score was 46.60±5.64 in group K and 47.0±5.27 in group T (p-value 0.74). Mean WOMAC score was reduced significantly at 1st week and 1 months and 3 months follow-up in both groups, with insignificant statistical difference in group K and T (p-value 0.39, 0.18 &amp; 0.15 respectively). Baseline VAS score was 7.02±1.34 in group K versus 7.27±1.03 in group T (p-value 0.36). VAS score was also reduced at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months follow-up, however the mean VAS at intervals was not statistically different between group K and T with p-value of 0.13, 0.08 and 0.49 respectively. Treatment was successful in 22 (55%) patients in group K versus 24 (60%) patients in group T (p-value 0.65).&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Intraarticular ketorolac has similar functional and analgesic outcomes as that of triamcinolone.

Comparitive Evaluation of Inlay Retained and Surface Retained Resin Bonded Fixed Partial Dentures

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the clinical success rate of inlay and surface retained RB-FPDs fabricated with fiber reinforced composite. Material and Methods: This study was performed in Prosthodontic department de`Montmorency college of dentistry. 172 RB-FPDs were completed with two preparation designs having 86 cases in each design (inlay retained and surface retained). Restorations were done on patients for single missing molar surrounded by sound, healthy and well aligned abutments. RB-FPDs were fabricated in zirconium silicate based indirect composite (ceramage) with incorporation of glass fibers (Everstick C&amp;B). Follow up was done after every six months till 18 months. Complications (fracture, debonding, and dislodgment or abutment tooth caries) developed during follow up were recorded and analyzed through SPSS version 17. Results: Overall success rate of 76.9% was observed in both designs of RB-FPDs. P value of 0.190 showed insignificant statistical differences in success rate of two designs however there was a trend towards better performance of inlay retained RBFPDs. Fracture of the framework was most prevalent mode of failure followed by debonding of the restoration. Conclusion: The fiber reinforced RB-FPD is a viable treatment option for replacement of single missing posterior tooth. Keywords: Maryland Bridge, Resin bonded bridges, Resin bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs), Minimum preparation bridges