Perceptions Of Laypersons Research Articles

“Flavor, fun, and vitamins”? Consumers’ lay beliefs about child-oriented food products

Health experts and consumer protection agencies have been expressing concerns about the nutritional quality and marketing of child-oriented food products for years, and political debates on child-targeted food marketing are currently happening around the world. At the same time, systematic research on laypeople's views on the topic is still scarce. However, knowing what these consumers think is highly important, as lay beliefs can affect food decision-making and consumption. We address this gap with two online studies. In Study 1 (N = 444 parents and non-parents), we develop an instrument measuring lay beliefs about child-oriented food products consisting of three scales: Nutrition-Related Concerns, Convenience, and Healthiness. We find small effects of socio-demographic factors on beliefs and observe meaningful relationships between beliefs and (i) thinking style and (ii) food purchase motives (e.g., visual appeal and convenience). In Study 2 (N = 571 parents), we validate the factor structure of the instrument by means of CFA and find that lay beliefs about Healthiness and Convenience predict self-reported purchase of child-oriented food products. With our research, we extend current knowledge on laypeople's perceptions of child-oriented food products and provide an instrument with good psychometric properties that can be applied in future studies. Our research offers valuable insights for policymakers and producers who wish to meet the actual demands of consumers.

Primary care physicians and laypersons' perceptions of multicancer detection clinical trial designs.

The National Cancer Institute Cancer Screening Research Network is launching a pilot study (Vanguard) to determine feasibility of successful completion of a clinical trial of multicancer detection tests. This focus group study reports perceptions of primary care physicians and laypersons of different clinical trial designs and willingness to participate in a multicancer detection clinical trial. We undertook 14 focus groups with 88 laypersons and 6 focus groups with 45 primary care physicians. Participants were shown graphics of clinical trial designs and asked for their reactions. Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis of the transcripts were conducted to identify emergent themes. Primary care physician and layperson participants recognized the importance of conducting clinical trials to determine the clinical utility of multicancer detection tests. Primary care physicians expressed reluctance to participate in trials because of workload burden, and laypersons expressed hesitancy about enrolling in the control group. Primary care physicians and laypersons expressed concern about a study design in which multicancer detection test results would not be returned to the control group (intended effect), but they respectively indicated a willingness to refer patients to, or participate in, a multicancer detection test clinical trial given transparent and clear communication on collection and use of biospecimens and data, particularly if a multicancer detection test would eventually be run and results eventually returned. This study yielded important insights to guide trial design in planning prospective evaluation of multicancer detection testing. Maintaining transparency and trust while possibly withholding multicancer detection test results to maximize trial feasibility and efficiency is of particular concern.

Establishing H Angle Hard Tissue and H Angle Soft Tissue Norms in Skeletal Class I Malay Adult Females and the Correlation between the H Angles and Visual Perception of Laypersons.

This study aimed to establish the cephalometric norms of H angle soft tissue and H angle hard tissue of Malaysian Malay adult females, and to evaluate the correlation between H angles and visual perception in skeletal Class I Malay adult females. Eighty-five lateral cephalograms of skeletal Class I (mean ANB value = 3.15 ± 0.77) Malaysian Malay female patients aged 20 to 40 years (mean age = 28.6 ± 5.86 degrees) taken from October 2017 to December 2021 were measured for H angle soft tissue and H angle hard tissue. Twenty silhouettes were then converted from cephalometric films and were rated according to facial convexity/concavity by 20 laypersons, with re-evaluation after 2 weeks for intra- and interexaminer reliabilities. The means of the H angle soft tissue and H angle hard tissue were 15.75 ± 4.16 degrees and 11.64 ± 4.71 degrees, respectively. The intraexaminer reliability test for visual perception ranged from -0.89 to 0.99 indicating poor to excellent reliability, whereas the interexaminer reliability test was 0.82 indicating good reliability. A highly statistically significant association between the H angle soft tissue and H angle hard tissue (r = 0.938; p < 0.01) was found. There was no correlation between H angles and visual perception. The cephalometric norms of H angle hard tissue and H angle soft tissue in the Malaysian Malay female population were established: 11.64 degrees (±4.71 degrees) and 15.75 degrees (±4.16 degrees), respectively. There was a strong correlation between H angle soft tissue and H angle hard tissue among skeletal Class I Malay adult females. There was no correlation between H angles and the visual perception of laypersons.

Laypeople's Perception of the Uses of Herbal Medicine

Laypeople's Perception of the Uses of Herbal Medicine

Accessories in clear aligner therapy: Laypeople's expectations for comfort and satisfaction.

This study explored the layperson's perception of comfort, satisfaction, and willingness to use various accessories in clear aligner therapy. A total of 267 people analyzed standardized intraoral photographs of a female model in orthodontic treatment using: 1) only clear aligner (CA), the control group; 2) clear aligner+attachments (AT); 3) clear aligners+Cl II elastics (EL); 4) clear aligner+hybrid treatment with esthetic braces (HEB); 5) Clear aligner+hybrid treatment with metallic braces (HMB); 6) clear aligner+mini-implants (MI); 7) clear aligner+mini-implants and elastics for intrusion (MIE). In addition, a social media questionnaire was distributed to assess the willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment with various accessories. There was a significant difference between CA and all the other groups (P<0.001), with CA being considered more comfortable and providing greater satisfaction compared to other accessories. Moreover, AT showed a significant difference in reducing treatment time compared to other groups. The CA was the most comfortable, exhibiting a higher satisfaction rate and a greater willingness to use it. The AT therapy was perceived as more comfortable and was associated with higher satisfaction and a greater likelihood of use, especially if it resulted in reduced treatment time. On the other hand, the participants reported that the HMB, MI, and MIE accessories were less comfortable.

Perceptions in Digital Smile Design: Assessing Laypeople and Dental Professionals' Preferences Using an Artificial-Intelligence-Based Application.

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is used in many fields of dentistry. This prospective observational study assessed laypeople's and dental professionals' perceptions of a DSD application. SmileCloud, an online DSD platform, was used to create two different designs for three patients; after that, the participants, in a 30-question online illustrated survey, were asked about the most attractive design and other features of the smile. Dentists' and laypeople's perceptions about specific DSD features were assessed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was used. Descriptive and crosstab analyses compared the respondents' opinions for each statement. Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationship between the questions and any association with age, gender, and profession. The test results were rated as significant at a p-value < 0.05. A total of 520 participants (dental professionals, students, dental technicians, and laypeople) were enrolled. The statistically significant features were self-esteem related to appearance (p = 0.05), facial and smile symmetry (p = 0.42, p < 0.0001), tooth color (p = 0.012), and symmetry of gums (p < 0.001). For each patient, the design with dominant round upper incisors and perfect symmetry was preferred (p < 0.001). Digital pre-visualization benefits diagnosis and enriches treatment planning. The dentist-dental technician-patient team should be involved in the decision-making process of pre-visualization.

Establishing Clinically Acceptable PES/WES Threshold for Single- Tooth Implant Restoration.

Determining the esthetic success of single-tooth implant restorations (STIR) requires an objective tool such as one devised by Belser et al., 2009 - pink esthetic scores and white esthetic scores (PES/WES). This study aimed to utilized PES/WES to establish threshold scores based on (1) detectability and (2) acceptability of a STIR by lay person perception, (3) to study the difference in the ability of laypeople and dentists in detecting the presence of STIR, and (4) to study the pink and white deficiencies in relation to the detectability of the presence of STIR. A total of 38 calibrated photographs of STIR in the anterior region were scored with PES/WES by 3 prosthodontists. Next, 100 laypeople and 60 dentists were instructed to identify the STIR among the anterior teeth and provide reasoning behind the identification (based on pink and white esthetic criteria). The acceptance of the STIR was recorded. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was utilized to determine the threshold scores. At the PES/WES score of 17, 71% of laypeople could not correctly identify the STIR, and at the PES/WES score of 12, 80% of laypeople accepted the implant. Out of 3,800 occasions, laypeople correctly identified the STIR 1,770 (46.58%) of those occasions. Among the correctly identified STIR, 751 (42.43%) of those occasions were identified with pink deficiencies and 1019 (57.57%) of those occasions were with white deficiencies. Out of 2,280 occasions, dentists correctly identified STIR 1869 (81.98%) of those occasions. The PES/WES score of 12 indicates the clinically acceptable threshold, while the score of 17 indicates the detectable threshold for an exceptional esthetic outcome. Laypeople tend to accept the implant despite its detectability. For both laypeople and dentists, root convexity/soft tissue color and texture are the most focused criteria of PES/WES, followed by overall white deficiencies that remain influential. Compared to laypeople, dentists tend to have a higher ability to detect STIR.

Establishing a Clinically Acceptable PES/WES Threshold for Single-Tooth Implant Restorations.

To determine the esthetic success of single-tooth implant restorations (STIRs) through pink and white esthetic scores (PES/WES). This study aimed to utilize PES/WES to (1) establish threshold scores based on detectability and acceptability of a STIR by layperson perception, (2) evaluate the difference in the ability of laypeople and dentists to detect the presence of a STIR, and (3) assess the pink and white deficiencies in relation to the detectability of a STIR. A total of 38 calibrated photographs of STIRs in the anterior region were scored with PES/WES by three prosthodontists. Next, 100 laypeople and 60 dentists were instructed to identify the STIR among the anterior teeth and provide reasoning behind the identification (based on pink and white esthetic criteria). The acceptance of the STIR was recorded. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the threshold scores. At the PES/WES score of 17, 71% of laypeople could not correctly identify the STIR, and at the PES/WES score of 12, 80% of laypeople accepted the implant. Out of 3,800 occasions, laypeople correctly identified the STIR in 1,770 (46.58%) of those occasions. Among the correctly identified STIRs, 751 (42.43%) of those occasions were identified with pink deficiencies and 1,019 (57.57%) of those occasions were identified with white deficiencies. Out of 2,280 occasions, dentists correctly identified the STIR in 1,869 (81.98%) of those occasions. A PES/WES score of 12 indicates the clinically acceptable threshold, and a score of 17 indicates the detectable threshold for an exceptional esthetic outcome. Laypeople tend to accept the implant despite its detectability. For both laypeople and dentists, root convexity/soft tissue color and texture are the most focused criteria of PES/WES, followed by overall white deficiencies, which remain influential. Compared to laypeople, dentists tend to have a higher ability to detect STIRs.

Layperson assessment of smile lines and upper lip combined images in smile esthetics

The esthetic assessment of smile lines by laypersons is a subject of ongoing debate. However, smile lines often appear with different types of upper lip curvature, which further complicates the esthetic assessment process, and studies on this combination are lacking. The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate a layperson's esthetic perception of smile lines and upper lip combined images. Twenty-six smile images resulting from combinations of 3 upper lip types, 4 anterior smile line types, and 3 posterior smile line types were generated by an image editing software program. Eighty-three laypersons (39 men and 44 women; 18 to 35 years of age) completed rating images using a visual analog scale. Unattractive smiles were designated to be those with scores <50 and attractive ones with scores ≥50. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=.05). High anterior smile line with gingival display >4mm obtained significantly lower scores of <50 when combined with all upper lip curvatures (upward: 28.29 ±22.79, straight: 38.74 ±23.00, downward: 30.67 ±22.25, P<.01). High anterior smile lines with gingival display ≤4mm combined with upward and straight upper lip curvature images obtained significantly higher scores, and all were ≥50 (upward: 63.24 ±22.22, straight: 61.40 ±21.58, P<.01). From a layperson's perspective, high anterior smile lines with gingival display >4mm combined with any lip type were determined to be unattractive. If gingival display was ≤4mm combined with both upward and straight lip types, the smile was assessed as attractive.

Evaluation of the impact of orthodontists' smile with malocclusions on social media and professional credibility.

This study assessed laypeople's perceptions of orthodontist credibility based on malocclusions and whether these views affect their choice to seek treatment. Eye-tracking technology and questionnaires were utilized. Ninety-five lay raters, through eye tracking and a questionnaire, assessed 12 images of orthodontists with malocclusions. Malocclusions were categorized by the Index Of Treatment Need (IOTN) as grade 1 (near ideal), 3 (anterior crowding), and 5 (with diastemas). Fixation points were recorded, and credibility was gauged via questionnaires. A Mentimeter word cloud was generated. IOTN 1 orthodontists were viewed as more credible than IOTN 3 (p < 0.001) and 5 (p < 0.001). Raters were more willing to receive treatment from IOTN 1 orthodontists. The focus for IOTN 1 was between eyes and mouth, while IOTN 3 and 5 were on the mouth. "Crooked teeth" and "spacing" were predominant in word clouds for IOTN 3 and 5. Orthodontists with an IOTN grade 1 rating were perceived as more competent, reliable, and professional, thus making it more likely for laypeople to choose them as their preferred providers. The smiles of professionals play a significant role in laypeople's decision to choose them as their orthodontist, and strategic utilization of social media can effectively deliver health information to a larger audience in a faster and more direct manner.

Facial profile esthetics and its correlation with cephalometric measurements in Class II patients before and after functional orthodontic treatment: perception of orthodontists and laypersons

Orthodontists heavily rely on cephalometric measurements to evaluate the esthetic outcomes of orthodontic treatments, while patients’ assessments of profile attractiveness are influenced by their personal esthetic preferences. The objective of this study was to compare facial esthetic evaluations between orthodontists and laypersons, examine the correlation between cephalometric measurements and assessments of facial attractiveness, and identify the cephalometric measurements that are most associated with profile attractiveness in teenage Class II patients. This study included 28 patients (17 boys and 11 girls, mean age of 11.83 ± 1.48 years) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were treated with activator appliances. An experienced orthodontist conducted objective cephalometric analyses before and after the treatment. The standard profiles of patients, pre- and post-treatment, were independently evaluated by 10 orthodontists and 20 laypersons. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationships between objective cephalometric values and subjective facial esthetic ratings. The results indicated that laypersons generally assigned lower ratings to facial attractiveness compared to orthodontists. Significant differences in evaluations between orthodontists and laypersons were noted in the ratings of the upper lip position before treatment and the ratings of overall attractiveness, lower lip position and chin position after treatment. In addition, there were substantial correlations between objective measurements and the subjective scores provided by orthodontists. In contrast, the esthetic evaluations by laypersons correlated with only a limited set of objective measurements. The positions of the upper and lower incisors, the relationship of the upper and lower lip to E-line, and the Mentocervical Angle showed significant correlations with esthetic scores. In conclusion, the study reveals that laypersons were more critical of facial profiles compared to orthodontists. Notably, the positions of the upper and lower incisors, the E-line and the Mentocervical Angle had a significant impact on facial esthetics, highlighting their importance in evaluating orthodontic outcomes.

Exploring subjective risk-benefit perception as an integral component in risk communication

Abstract Consumer health protection involves assessing and communicating risks. One-way risk communication may cover information on food safety regulations, food handling practices, and contaminants in food, as well as concerns related to food recalls, outbreaks, or other safety issues. This approach is legitimate if the aim is simply to share information. However, adequate risk communication needs to reach people with the information they need, in a form they can use, and overcome discrepancies between scientific risk assessment and risk perception of laypersons. Often risks that are low from a scientific point of view are overestimated by the public (e.g., pesticide residues, genetically modified food), or the opposite (e.g., foodborne pathogens). Furthermore, foods also have health benefits, and the balance between adverse and beneficial effects is difficult to perceive. Communication related to food should consider all aspects of food choices, including health beliefs, cultural practices, and personal preferences that influence choices and perception of risk and benefits. In this presentation, we will explain how an institute for risk assessment with a mandate for risk communication can apply quantitative and qualitative methods to identify patterns of perception and behaviour. Quantitative methods are used to measure risk perception and communication, qualitative methods to investigate psychological aspects and motivations, and media analyses to reveal topics that are prioritized in the media, which can influence risk perception. We will show how social science methods can be used to understand how consumers respond to risk-benefit information and discuss how common metrics for assessing both risks and benefits are expected to facilitate communication of results of RBA. The challenges that these metrics pose for risk-benefit communication and whether it is to be expected that consumers will be able to accurately weigh between risks and benefits will also be discussed.

Does the ECB's monetary policy affect personal finances and economic inequality? A household perspective from Germany

Despite a growing academic literature on the distributional effects of monetary policy (MP), little is known about how laypersons perceive the effects of MP on their own economic situation and national economic inequality. This study examines laypersons' perceptions in Germany of the impact of the ECB's MP on (i) their personal economic situation and (ii) national economic inequality, using representative survey data collected in 2018. I review the existing academic literature, which identifies various characteristics of individuals that could potentially render them susceptible to the effects of monetary policy, such as savings, wealth, home ownership, debt, unemployment, or age. I then investigate whether these characteristics align with layperson's perceptions. Ordered logit analysis shows that, contrary to the economic literature, most variables - with the exception of 'savers' - appear to be irrelevant to laypersons' perceptions. Instead, factors such as objective knowledge of monetary policy, trust in the ECB, party affiliation and residence in East Germany emerge as significant factors.

Comparison of pleasant and unpleasant smile characteristics in the perception of the laypeople in an Iranian population

This study aimed to compare the characteristics of pleasant and unpleasant smiles from the perception of laypeople. Two-hundred posed smile photographs were obtained from adult participants with no anomaly, restoration, or severe crowding and spacing in anterior teeth. Photographs were shown to 26 judges to give each photograph a score for attractiveness. Upper and lower quartiles for the most and least rated smiles were determined, and variables including gingival display, smile arc, midline deviation, buccal corridor, smile width, tooth rotation or malposition, diastema, upper and lower vermilion show, and tooth form were measured. Independent-sample t test and Pearson chi-square analysis were used to determine the differences between the pleasant and unpleasant groups for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. The linear regression model revealed variables with the most significant impact on the mean score. All quantitative and qualitative variables except tooth form significantly differed between pleasant and unpleasant smile groups (P<0.05). The consonant smile arc was associated with an increase of 12.59% in mean scores compared with the inconsonant smile arc. Each tooth reported with malposition was correlated with a decrease of 9.37% in the scores. In the same way, each 1-mm increase in midline diastema and occlusal cant coincided with a drop of 8.73% and 3.59% in scores, respectively. The results of this study suggested that smile arc, tooth malposition, midline diastema, and occlusal plane canting had the most impact on smile esthetics and should be given priority by orthodontists in the treatment plan of choice.

Does different vertical position of maxillary central incisors in women with different facial vertical height affect smile esthetics perception?

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the esthetic perceptions of orthodontists, prosthodontists and laypersons with regard to different vertical positions of the maxillary central incisors related to lateral incisors for different facial vertical height cases.Subject and methodsFrontal full-face photographs showing social smiles of three adult women aged between 18 and 25 years were used. Vertical position of the maxillary central incisor was changed (intruded or extruded) with 0.5 mm increments according to the reference gingival line resulting five images for each woman in a full-face view yielding a total of 15 images. A visual analog scale was placed below each smile to allow the raters to evaluate the attractiveness of each smile independently. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there was a difference between more than two independent groups in terms of quantitative variables. Comparisons of more than two dependent groups were examined with repeated measures one-way ANOVA. The significance level was taken as 0.05 for all analyses.ResultsFor increased facial vertical height, the highest scores for orthodontists were given to the 0.5 mm extruded (64.18 ± 26.36), for prosthodontists to the control (57.28 ± 19.80), and for layperson to the 1 mm extruded (61.27 ± 25.98) central incisor position. For decreased facial vertical height, the highest scores were obtained at the 0.5 mm intrusion with an increasing pattern from orthodontists to laypersons (63.95 ± 22.08 for orthodontists, 79.87 ± 21.43 for prosthodontists, and 79.88 ± 19.17 for laypersons). All three rater groups gave the highest scores to the 0 mm (control) smile design for normal facial vertical height. When these scores were compared among the groups, laypersons gave significantly higher scores compared to orthodontists (p < 0.001) and prosthodontists (p = 0.005).ConclusionsThe facial vertical height significantly affected the perception of smile esthetics. Keeping the distance between the central and lateral incisors longer than 1 mm in individuals with increased facial height may be important in terms of increasing patient satisfaction in terms of clinical aesthetics. On the contrary, keeping the distance between the central and lateral incisors shorter than 1 mm may create a more esthetically acceptable result in individuals with short facial height.

Free word association analysis of German laypeople's perception of biodiversity and its loss.

Due to the dramatic biodiversity crisis, it is crucial to understand how people perceive biodiversity. Knowledge of how thoughts are organized around this concept can identify which ideas are best to focus on biodiversity conservation information campaigns. The primary aim of the present study was to identify social representations of the German public regarding the concept of biodiversity and its loss using a free word association test. Furthermore, unique association networks were analyzed. For this purpose, data collection was performed in September 2021 in Germany using an online questionnaire to assess participants' associations with the prompt "biodiversity" (n = 131) and "biodiversity loss" (n = 130). Additionally, we used the social network software Gephi to create biodiversity (loss) association networks. The five most commonly mentioned associations for biodiversity were "animal," "plant," "nature," "human," and "flower." For biodiversity loss, the five most commonly mentioned associations were "species extinction," "climate change," "plant," "insect," and "bee." Neither "land use change" nor "invasive species," as key drivers of biodiversity loss, were present in social representations of the German public. A difference was observed in the total number of mentioned associations between biodiversity and biodiversity loss. For both, the associations "plant" and "animal" were related. However, participants associated specific taxa only with animals, such as "insects" and "birds." For plants, no specific taxa were named. Based on the network analysis, the most commonly mentioned word pairs for biodiversity and biodiversity loss were "plant - animal" and "species loss - climate change," respectively. Based on our statistical network analysis, these associations were identified as the most central associations with the greatest influence in the network. Thus, they had the most connections and the function of predicting the flow in the network. In sum, the public's multifaceted views on biodiversity and its loss, as well as the aforementioned central associations, hold great potential to be utilized more for the communication and education of biodiversity conservation. In addition, our findings contribute to the scientific community's understanding of social representations and perceptions of biodiversity and its loss.

The Perceptions of Dental Professionals and Laypeople to Facial Aesthetics and Mal-Occlusion in Central India Population.

Dental professionals play an important role in an individual's appearance which can affect the perception of others that can vary greatly depending on their educational and socioeconomic background. The purpose of this study was to determine an insight of recognizing ability of dental professionals and laypersons toward facial aesthetics with different types of orthodontic malocclusion. A questionnaire-based study was conducted on 90 dental professionals and 90 laypersons. The perceptions differences between groups were assessed using visual analogue scale on 11 photographs. Kolmolgorov-Smirnov was used for normality test. The perceptions of facial aesthetics showing various malocclusions were significantly different between dental professionals and laypersons. The dental professionals and layperson perceptions regarding the facial particularly in central Indian population are significantly different for most of the malocclusion types.

Smile Attractiveness and Treatment Needs of Maxillary Midline Diastema with Various Widths: Perception among Laypersons, Dental Students, and Dentists in Malaysia.

Smile attractiveness and the need for treatment of maxillary midline diastema with various widths are perceived differently between dentally trained and nondentally trained individuals of different sociodemographic backgrounds. This study aims to evaluate how laypersons, dental students, and dentists in Malaysia differ in their perceptions on smile attractiveness and treatment needs of maxillary midline diastema. A smiling photograph with well-aligned maxillary central incisors with proportionate width-to-height ratio and healthy gingival tissues was selected and digitally manipulated to create maxillary midline diastema with 0.5, 2.0, and 4.0 mm widths. The smile attractiveness and the perceived need for treatment of varying widths of maxillary midline diastemas were rated by laypersons, dental students, and dentists using the Likert scale via a single set of self-administered questionnaires. The impact of sociodemographic variables on aesthetic perception of different gap widths was tested using univariate analysis followed by a multiple linear regression model. A total of 158 laypersons, 118 dental students, and 138 dentists participated in this study. Both laypersons and dentists showed significantly higher mean aesthetic scores for 0.5 mm maxillary midline diastema, lower mean aesthetic scores, and hence higher mean treatment needs scores for 4.0 mm maxillary midline diastema as compared with dental students (p < 0.05). In general, female respondents perceived a gap width of up to 2.0 mm as aesthetically pleasing. Higher educational group and the Malay ethnicity had tolerance threshold of 0.5 mm gap width. The older group considered 4.0 mm gap width as aesthetically unpleasing. In conclusion, both laypersons and dentists accepted a 0.5 mm maxillary midline diastema as an attractive smile but considered 4.0 mm maxillary midline diastema as unpleasing smile which required treatment. Perceptions of laypersons and dentists were significantly different from dental students. Educational level, gender, ethnicity, and age were significantly associated with smile attractiveness of maxillary midline diastema at different investigated widths.

Layperson Perception of Reflux-Related Symptoms.

To assess for differences of intended meaning in the description of reflux-related symptoms among otolaryngology patients and clinicians. Cross-sectional survey-based study. Five tertiary, academic otolaryngology practices. Between June 2020 and July 2022, a questionnaire consisting of 20 common descriptors of reflux-related symptoms within four domains (throat-, chest-, stomach-, and sensory-related symptoms) was completed by patients. Attending otolaryngologists at five academic medical centers then completed the same survey. The primary outcome was to assess differences in patient and clinician perceptions of reflux-related symptoms. Differences based on geographic location was a secondary outcome. A total of 324 patients and 27 otolaryngologists participated. Patients selected a median of six terms compared with 10.5 for otolaryngologists (p < .001). Otolaryngologists were more likely to select sensory symptoms (difference: 35.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2%, 52.4%), throat-related symptoms (32.4%; 21.2, 43.6%), and chest-related symptoms (12.4%; 8.8, 15.9). Otolaryngologists and patients were equally likely to consider stomach symptoms as related to reflux (4.0%, -3.7%, 11.7%). No significant differences were identified based on geographic location. There are differences between otolaryngologists and their patients in the interpretation of the symptoms of reflux. Patients tended to have a narrower interpretation of reflux with symptoms primarily limited to classic stomach-related symptoms, while clinicians tended to have a broader definition of reflux that included extra-esophageal manifestations of disease. This has important counseling implications for the clinician, as patients presenting with reflux symptoms may not comprehend the relationship of those symptoms to reflux disease.

Perception of laypersons, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons about the transverse occlusal plane

Transverse occlusal plane (TOP) should be parallel to the true horizontal lines of the face (ie, the interpupillary line [IP] and commissural line [CL]). This study aimed to investigate the opinions of laypersons, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons about the impact of imbalanced IP and CL on facial attractiveness. We used a symmetrical face image as the reference. Then, using Photoshop software, we constructed the following 6 photographs: TOP roll relative to CL and IP (3° and 6°) with parallelism of CL and IP, CL roll relative to TOP and IP (3° and 6°) with parallelism of TOP and IP, TOP and CL roll relative to IP (3° and 6°). Consequently, the participants rated the photographs on the basis of their attractiveness. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the ratings. One hundred thirty-one laypersons, 22 orthodontists, and 20 surgeons participated in this study. It was found that 51.1% of laypersons, 86.4% of orthodontists, and 70% of surgeons selected the reference photograph as the most beautiful, followed by the photograph with a 3° roll of CL relative to TOP, with parallelism of TOP and IP (29% of laypersons, 31.8% of orthodontists, and 35% of surgeons). Most participants selected the reference photograph as the most beautiful and realized a roll in the horizontal planes up to 3°. The parallelism of the esthetic line of dentition relative to interpupillary is preferred over its parallelism relative to CL.