Lower Mean Scores Research Articles

Effect of Context Specificity on Response to the Shortened WOMAC Function Scale in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

ObjectiveTo determine, in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether increasing context specificity of selected items of the shortened version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function (WOMAC-F) scale (ShortMAC-F) (1) enhanced the convergent validity of the ShortMAC-F with performance-based mobility measures (ii) affected mean scale score, structural validity, reliability, and interpretability. DesignSecondary analysis of randomized clinical trial data. SettingA tertiary teaching hospital. ParticipantsPatients undergoing TKA (N=114). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe ShortMAC-F was modified by specifying the “ascending stairs” and “rising from sitting” items to enquire about difficulty in performing the tasks without reliance on compensatory strategies, whereas the modified “level walking” item enquired about difficulty in walking 400 m. Before and 12 weeks after TKA, patients completed the WOMAC-F questionnaire, modified ShortMAC-F questionnaire, knee pain scale questionnaire, sit-to-stand test, fast gait speed test, and stair climb test. Interpretability was evaluated by calculating anchor-based substantial clinical benefit estimates. ResultsThe modified ShortMAC-F correlated significantly more strongly than ShortMAC-F or WOMAC-F with pooled performance measures (differences in correlation values, 0.12-0.14). Increasing item context specificity of the ShortMAC-F did not influence its psychometric properties of unidimensionality (comparative fit and Tucker–Lewis indices, >0.95; root mean square error of approximation, 0.05-0.08), reliability (Cronbach's α, 0.75-0.83), correlation with pain intensity (correlation values, 0.48-0.52), and substantial clinical benefit estimates (16 percentage points); however, it resulted in lower mean score (4.5-4.8 points lower). ConclusionsThe modified ShortMAC-F showed sufficient measurement properties for clinical application, and it seemed more adept than WOMAC-F at correlating with performance-based measures in TKA.

Occupational Preferences, Childhood Behavior, and Openness: The Role of Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity in Iran.

Previous research suggests that both same-sex attraction and the personality trait "openness" are associated with sex-atypical preferences and behaviors. Here, we examined the links between adulthood occupational preferences, childhood play behavior, and openness among Iranian cisgender gynephilic males (n = 228), cisgender ambiphilic males (n = 48), cisgender androphilic males (n = 178), transgender androphilic males (n = 58), cisgender androphilic females (n = 226), cisgender ambiphilic females (n = 94), cisgender gynephilic females (n = 31), and transgender gynephilic females (n = 121) from Iran. Cisgender and transgender same-sex attracted males and females exhibited sex-atypical occupational preferences with the latter group showing even more sex-atypicality than the former. The personality trait openness did not differ between cisgender groups. Transgender androphilic males had a significantly higher mean score for openness compared to cisgender androphilic females and transgender gynephilic females, whereas transgender gynephilic females had a significantly lower mean score compared to cisgender androphilic males. In both males and females, childhood sex-atypicality, same-sex attraction, and openness were associated with sex-atypical occupational preferences. Our findings from Iran provides cross-cultural support for interconnectedness of childhood and adulthood sex-atypicality, openness, and same-sex attraction in males and females who are cisgender and transgender.

Exploring the Quality of Life (QOL) of medical students in Karachi, Pakistan

BackgroundThe pursuit of medical and dental education is challenging and can affect the overall quality of life of medical students. Assessing the quality of life of medical students is the first step in the preparation of efficient future health care professionals. This study used the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) to evaluate the quality of life of medical and dental students in Karachi, Pakistan.ObjectivesThe study objectives include: assessing the QoL of medical and dental students and their general health satisfaction and self-satisfaction.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 medical and dental students from different medical and dental schools in Karachi, Pakistan. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to assess QOL, which included 26 items covering four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. All scores for the domains ranged from 4 to 20. Scoring was done according to the WHOQOL-BREF procedure manual. The questionnaire was disseminated to medical students using Google Forms. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Cronbach’s alpha and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test were used to evaluate the reliability and sampling adequacy of the data for factor analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed for each variable and QoL domain, including frequencies, percentages, averages, and standard deviations. Domain scores were compared using a t-test and one-way ANOVA, with p-values less than 0.05, indicating statistical significance.ResultsAmong the 344 medical students, 56.7% (n = 195) were female and 43.3% (n = 149) were male. The WHOQOL-BREF demonstrated excellent reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.918. Most medical students rated their overall QOL (62.2%) and health satisfaction (46.8%) as good, and were able to get around well (71.3%). No significant sex differences were found across the various QOL domains. Marital status significantly affected QOL scores (p < 0.005). Single students had significantly higher QOL scores than married/separated/divorced students did. Overall, the environmental domain had the highest mean score (26.81 ± 6.17), while social relationships had the lowest mean score (9.68 ± 2.93).ConclusionThe findings of this study provide valuable insights into the QoL of medical and dental students. Most participants reported moderate satisfaction with their physical health and lower satisfaction with the psychological, social, and environmental components of QoL. Marital status was found to significantly impact the QoL as compared to single students with greater QoL. These findings can help form targeted interventions to enhance medical students’ quality of life and prepare efficient future healthcare professionals.

Inflammation, muscle health and aging: Calf circumference as a cost-effective diagnostic indicator of Sarcopenia

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the levels of interleukin6(IL6), interleukin 10(IL10), the IL6:IL10 ratio, and various anthropometric measurements in different stages of sarcopenia among older individuals. MethodologyConducted as a one-year cross-sectional study using purposive sampling, involving individuals aged 58–85 years, screened for sarcopenia based on the AWGS-2019 criteria. Case-finding methods included the SARCCalF questionnaire, handgrip strength(HGS), and chair-stand tests(CST). Anthropometric measurementswere recorded for all participants, allowing for the calculation of body mass index(BMI), waist-to-hip ratio(WHR), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(ASMI). Additionally, IL6 and IL10levels were estimated using Sandwich-ELISA. ResultsAmong the 130participants, 33 were free from sarcopenia, 35 exhibited pre-sarcopenia, 29 had sarcopenia, and 33 presented severe-sarcopenia. A majority (63 %) of the participants were male, and a substantial portion (77 %) had both diabetes and sarcopenia. The study's findings revealed that the SARCCalF questionnaire demonstrated a lower mean score in the non-sarcopenia group, with an increasing trend from pre-sarcopenia to severe-sarcopenia groups. HGS, CST results, and ASMI exhibited a reverse trend. Post-Hoc Tukey's tests revealed that IL6, IL10, IL6:IL10, and Calf Circumference(CC) exhibited significant differences between the study groups. Furthermore, ROC analysis demonstrated that IL6, IL10, IL6:IL10, and CC possessed an AUC ranging between 0.7 and 0.9, showcasing good sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between non-sarcopenia and pre-sarcopenia. ConclusionThis study highlights the utility of IL6, IL10, IL6:IL10, and CC in the early identification of pre-sarcopenia among older individuals, offering valuable insights for clinicians to intervene promptly and enhance their quality of life.

Telemedicine Usability and Satisfaction among Pediatric Rheumatology Patients and their Caregivers during COVID-19 Pandemic.

The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic opened an opportunity to explore the role of telemedicine in pediatric rheumatology clinic as well as patient satisfaction with virtual visits. To determine the usability and satisfaction rate of telemedicine among pediatric rheumatology patients and their caregivers. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among patients and caregivers consulting via telemedicine at a pediatric rheumatology clinic of University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP - PGH), a tertiary government hospital. Collected data included socio-demographics and the validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). There were 39 (55.7%) patients and 31 (44.3%) primary caregivers included in the study. Across all usability factors, the response of primary caregivers did not significantly differ from those of patients. The average scores across all questions for both patients and primary caregivers were 5.96±1.19 and 6.04±1.34, respectively. This showed a high level of agreement that they were highly satisfied with telemedicine experience. Among the different usability factors, questions related to usefulness obtained the highest mean score for both patients (6.11±1.17) and primary caregivers (6.12±1.38). While the lowest mean score was observed on questions related to reliability, 5.65±1.33 for patients and 5.89±1.31 for primary caregivers. Pediatric rheumatology patients as well as their caregivers are generally highly satisfied with telemedicine during this time of pandemic. With high patient and caregiver satisfaction, telemedicine could be an option for ambulatory patient care even after pandemic.

Primary care nurses’ knowledge of palliative care, attitude towards caring for dying patients, and their relationship with evidence-based practice

Background &amp; Aim: Palliative care is an approach designed for critically ill patients, improving their quality of life and alleviating suffering through early detection, proper assessment, and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial, or spiritual. The purpose of this study was to assess nurses' knowledge of palliative care and attitudes toward caring for dying patients and their relationship with evidence-based practice. Methods &amp; Materials: A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 565 nurses working in primary healthcare organizations from January 2022 to March 2023. An online questionnaire included four parts: demographic and professional characteristics, PCQN, FATCOD, and EBPQ questionnaires. An independent T-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Kendall tau rank correlation coefficient, hierarchical multiple regression were performed. Results: Nurses’ palliative care knowledge level was low (mean score: 9.06±2.93). The majority of nurses (93%) have a neutral or negative attitude toward caring for dying patients (94.50±12.41). The obtained score (4.39 ±1.05) on the EBPQ scale indicates an average level of competence in evidence-based practice. Work experience (β=0.534; &lt;0.001) and competencies in evidence-based practice (β=0.136; p=0.001) are statistically significant factors that affect knowledge of palliative care. The aspect of Knowledge/skills in EBP is the most significant (β=0.122; p=0.005). Conclusion: An insufficient level of nurses' knowledge about palliative care and a neutral or negative attitude towards caring for dying patients were revealed. The results also indicate that much attention and resources should be directed toward improving the level of knowledge of nurses in the field of evidence-based practice.

Product Influence Matrix on Purchase Intentions: Unravelling the Dynamics of Consumer Perception Towards Smartphone

This research study aims to examine consumer perceptions regarding the product influence matrix and its impact on purchase intentions among smartphone users in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. A descriptive and exploratory research design was employed, and data was collected through questionnaires distributed both in-person and online. The sample size of 412 respondents was determined using non-probability convenience sampling. The results showed that compatibility, brand, product features, and social influence were positively perceived by consumers, with compatibility and brand being the most influential factors. However, purchase intention received a slightly lower mean score, suggesting that there might be other factors influencing consumers' purchase decisions. The correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between all the product influence factors and purchase intention. The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the combination of compatibility, brand, product features, and social influence significantly predicted purchase intention, explaining approximately 65.4% of its variance. The findings suggest that building strong brands, emphasizing attractive product features, and leveraging social influence can positively impact consumers' purchase intentions. The study provides valuable insights for smartphone marketers in understanding and influencing consumer behaviour in the Kathmandu Valley market. However, further research is recommended to explore specific aspects of compatibility and identify additional factors that may influence consumer purchasing decisions in this context.

THE INFLUENCE OF METACOGNITIVE SELF-REGULATION ON LEARNING STRATEGIES IN MANDARIN LEARNING

Due to China’s rapid economic development, there has been an increased demand for Chinese language education in Malaysia. The utilization of appropriate language learning strategies plays a crucial role in ensuring successful learning outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate learners’ perception regarding their use of learning strategies in acquiring Mandarin as a foreign language. A quantitative survey was conducted among 148 students enrolled in an Introductory Mandarin course in a public university. The survey employed a 5 Likert-scale and consisted of four sessions which are demographic profile, cognitive components, metacognitive self-regulation and resource management. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicate that the resource management components “environment management” and “help-seeking” received a highest mean scores (M=4.14, 4.15), followed by the cognitive component “rehearsal” (M=4). Conversely, metacognitive self-regulation strategies had the lowest mean score (M=3.78). Furthermore, the research also reveals a strong positive correlation between metacognitive self-regulation, cognitive strategies and resource management strategies in foreign language learning. It is hoped that this study can provide insights for instructors to enhance their teaching approach to facilitate students' learning.

Quality of Life in Females with PCOS

The study aimed to assess the quality of life in females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS) and identify the domains or health factor which most significantly impacted by this condition. This study involved 40 unmarried females diagnosed with PCOS. After completing demographic formalities, participants filled out the self-administered Polycystic ovarian syndrome quality of life (PCOSQOL) questionnaire, followed by the SF36 generic health quality of life measuring scale. The findings from the PCOSQOL questionnaire revealed that menstrual problems had the lowest mean score, while infertility issues had the highest mean score. Additionally, the SF36 results showed that emotional well-being and energy fatigue had the lowest scores, whereas role limitations in social and physical functioning had the highest scores. In conclusion, this study found that PCOS significantly diminishes the quality of life in affected females, particularly due to menstrual problems and emotional well-being.

P173 The positive utility of PSAID-12 score in remote monitoring and the impact of gender and treatment on patient reported outcomes in psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The PSAID-12 score reflects the impact of the PsA from the perspective of the patients. This study assessed patient reported outcomes using the PSAID-12 and evaluated the impact of gender, treatment and disease duration. Methods This study was a cross-sectional, observational study of patients with PsA meeting CASPAR critieria. Patients were recruited consecutively from clinic and completed the PSAID-12 questionnaires 14 days prior to their clinic visit digitally or by paper. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, disease duration, medication were collected. Disease activity was measured using the the tender/swollen joint count, patient/physician assessment and CRP. Results The total number of patients in the study was n = 225. The female:male ratio was 1.0:0.8. The mean disease duration was 27 years (range 2 months to 44 years). The mean age was 52 years (range 18 to 86 years). The number of patients on DMARDs was 89.3 % (201/225) and combined DMARDs and biologics was 26.67 % (60/ 225). The mean PSAID-12 score was 4.09 (SD 2.47). There was a positive correlation between the pre-clinic PSAID-12 score and the in-person calculated tender joint count (r = 0.58), swollen joint count (r = 0.51) and the Likert pain score (r = 0.84). All domains of the PsAID-12 score were higher in female than male (4.53 vs 3.47 respectively), Table 1. Fatigue, discomfort, and pain were the most reported score for females (mean 5.52, 5.22, 5.02 respectively) whereas for males the commonest scores were discomfort, pain and fatigue (mean 4.10, 3.88, 3.88 respectively). The fourth commonest score for both genders was the impact on work and or leisure activities (4.67 for females and 3.83 for males). In terms of disease duration, discomfort is the most common reported score for patients with a disease duration of less than 5 years (mean 5.09) whereas fatigue was the most common complaint in patients with the group of 5-10 years and &amp;gt;10 years (4.56 and 5.11 respectively). There was a lower mean score of skin problems in the biologics compared to the non-biologic group (2.78 vs 3.90). There was a trend towards lower coping, embarrassment, and social participation scores in the biologics group. Conclusion The PSAID-12 score correlated well with PsA disease activity. The impact on QOL from PsA was higher in females than males. Fatigue, pain and discomfort were the commonest symptoms and higher scores were reported in early disease, with discomfort being the highest in this group. Fatigue was more commonly reported in patients with longer disease duration. The benefits of the biologics on QOL and skin problems were seen in these patients despite their longer disease duration. Disclosure A. Chan: None. N. Soe: None.

Virtual reality on pain and anxiety after modified radical mastectomy in menopause

Objective: To examine the influence of virtual reality (VR) on pain and anxiety among post mastectomy menopause patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty females experiencing unilateral post-mastectomy shoulder pain and anxiety were randomly assigned into two equally sized groups. Group (A) which received a combination of VRand traditional physical therapy care. Group (B) which received traditional physical therapy care. A smart phone-based version of the visual analogue scale (VAS) was employed for pain assessment, while the anxiety rating scale was utilized to evaluate anxiety levels. Each group received three treatment sessions per week for three weeks.Patients were recruited from Om Elmasreen hospital and age ranged between 45-55 years. Results: Study results showed that there were no significant differences in ages between both groups statistically. Pain severity in study group had a lower mean score than those in control group, with a significant difference between two groups after the treatment statistically. Most of patients undergoing unilateral post-mastectomy reported being contended with virtual reality treatment, and there was a significant difference in anxiety between both groups statistically. Conclusion: Virtual reality demonstrates efficacy in alleviating pain and anxiety among post mastectomy menopausal patients.

The effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on maternal and childhood health services in Meru County, Kenya

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus put unprecedented burden on healthcare systems, governments and health professionals worldwide. It caused a global crisis of unequalled magnitude on service delivery and accessibility of essential health services. Women and children in poor countries were most affected. In view of the foregoing, it became necessary to examine the effects of COVID -19 outbreak on Maternal Child Health (MCH) in Meru County Kenya, to recommend mitigation strategies and safeguard the gains previously made in MCH indicators. Methods: Ethical clearance for the study was sought from Meru University of Science and Technology Institute Research Ethics and Review Committee (MIRERC). Data were gathered through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and review of health records in Meru County. A period of one year before and one year after COVID-19 pandemic were compared in the nine sub-counties. Analysis was done using SPSS computer package and statistical tests carried out using 2t test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to summarize the data. Results: There were no significant changes in the overall BCG coverage (p=.30), FIC (p=.098), proportion of pregnant adolescents 10-19 years (p=.83), pregnant women attending at least one ANC visit (p=.41) and the number of WRA who received FP commodities (p=.66). Nevertheless, the proportion of women with 4th antenatal care visit and adolescents 10 - 14 years pregnant at the first ANC visit had lower and higher mean scores during the pandemic with significant changes at p=.05 of (p=0.011) and (p=0.003) respectively. Conclusions: COVID- 19 pandemic did not fundamentally affect MCH services during the first year of the sickness in Meru County. However, the proportion of teenage pregnancies increased significantly, while the proportion of women with 4th antenatal care visit decreased.

Do Subjects from Different Occupational Groups Experience Dental Fear and Anxiety Equally?

Background and Objectives: Research into the relationship between occupation and dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is scarce. This exploratory study aimed to compare the level of DFA and its association with its predictors amongst adults from different occupational groups. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 422 respondents from four occupational groups (physicians, teachers, industry workers, and artists) was carried out. A questionnaire on previous dental experience using the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), Dental Fear Survey (DFS), and Self-Esteem Scale was self-administered electronically. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The DFA levels differed significantly across the occupational groups, with the lowest mean scores among physicians (DAS = 9.29 (SE 0.39); DFS-1 = 14.67 (0.63); DFS-2 = 33.94 (1.69)) and the highest mean scores among artists (DAS = 10.74 (0.38); DFS-1 = 17.19 (0.71); DFS-2 = 41.34 (1.92)). A significant impact of self-esteem on DFA was observed among physicians, teachers, and artists, but not among industry workers. Multi-group analysis with SEM revealed differences in the variable association (Chi-squared = 53.75; df = 21; p < 0.001), thus rejecting the hypothesis of the same mechanism underlying DFA across occupational groups. Conclusions: Individuals from various occupations experience DFA at different levels, and there are different mechanisms underlying their DFA. These findings can provide valuable insights for dental practitioners in developing tailored approaches to reduce the feeling of DFA of their patients.

Physical Activity Levels in Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND Physical activity is a key factor in improvement of quality of life. This study aimed to assess the extent of physical activity in solid-organ transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 106 patients, mostly kidney (64.15%) and liver (28.30%) recipients, observed in a Warsaw transplant center. The study group was dominated by women (56.6%), mean age 49.25±14.09 years, the time since transplantation ranged from 1 month to 28 years, with a mean of 93.9±71.83 months. Recipients were educated about physical activity in the immediate post-transplant period and during follow-up visits. The study was conducted in early 2021 and used the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) validated for Polish patients, consisting of the of 5 parts - physical activity, professional work, travel, housework, recreation, and time spent sitting - containing a total of 27 questions in the main part of the questionnaire and 7 questions in the introductory part determining the typicality of the last 7 days. RESULTS More than half (57.5%) of the transplant recipients reported high levels of physical activity. Patients reported the highest mean physical activity in job-related physical activity (P<0.001). Patients also had high scores for walking and moderate-intensity physical activity, while the lowest mean scores were for leisure-time physical activity, total vigorous-intensity physical activity, and housework-related activity. CONCLUSIONS When undertaking physical activity, patients turn to activities that do not involve intense effort, are less physically demanding, and do not result in high energy expenditure. Employed patients had higher PA levels in all domains.

Survey of research attitudes of RTTs working in Scotland: A Scottish radiographer research forum collaboration

PurposeEvidence-based practice (EBP) is associated with improved treatment outcomes and survival in cancer patients. Engagement from therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (RTTs) in research, has been identified as a challenge. The aim of this survey was to gain an understanding of RTT attitudes to research in Scotland. MethodsThis was a prospective study that used a mixed method cross-sectional survey, with an online survey tool (Webropol). The survey was developed with collaborators from all Scottish Radiotherapy Centres (n = 5) and piloted by 6 conveniently sampled RTT and validated by 8 experienced RTTs. The survey comprised 29 items, 7 selection-based demographic questions, and 18 statements with a Likert 5-point metric scale rating (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = strongly agree). The validity was measured with the content validity index (CVI) and item-CVI by 8 experienced RTTs. Low scoring I-CVI (<0.78) questions were removed.A total of 314 RTTs working in Scottish Radiotherapy Centres were invited to participate. Approvals were given by each Head of department (HoD), who also confirmed number of RTTs. ResultsA total of 102/314 (32.5 %) RTTs responded. The majority of RTTs agreed they were confident they had sufficient research skills to inform EBP (n = 58/102, 56.9 %), felt confident discussing EBP with colleagues (n = 67, 65.7 %) and felt research was important for role development (n = 89, 87.2 %). Low mean scores and standard deviation (SD) were observed for the following: “I know how to get involved in research” 3.2 (1.2), “I have been given the opportunity to get involved in research” 3.2 (1.1), and “I am well informed about current research projects in my department” 3.2 (1.1). 57.8 % (n = 59) of RTTs disagreed they were confident adequate time would be provided to be involved in research. ConclusionThe survey results demonstrated a predominantly positive attitude to research amongst RTTs working in Scottish centres, with most common perceived barriers being access to protected time and staff; training, and support.

Exploring the correlation and influential factors of online self-regulation and in-class co-regulation in a flipped EFL writing classroom

This research investigates the correlation between online self-regulation (OSR) and in class co-regulation (CR) within a flipped EFL (English as a Foreign Language) writing classroom. Employing a mixed methods approach, the study amalgamates descriptive and correlational quantitative data with qualitative interview data. Participants consisted of 86 first-grade university students in an Applied English and Translation program. OSR was assessed using the adapted Online Learning Self-Regulation Questionnaire and CR was gauged through the Co-Regulated Learning Questionnaire. Twenty students were interviewed to uncover the factors affecting how OSR and CR unfolded during online and in-class portions of the flipped course. Findings revealed that OSR’s time management factor had the lowest mean score, while environment structuring received the highest. CR showed moderate positive correlations with goal setting, time management, self-evaluation, and total OSR levels; and low positive correlations with environment structuring, task strategies and help seeking factors. Qualitative findings indicated that students prioritized setting short-term goals, underscored distraction-free environments for learning, frequently employed note-taking as task strategy, grappled with time management, sought help from the Internet and peers, and evaluated their performance based on in-class participation and peer feedback. Peer assistance during group work and information exchange were highlighted as prominent in class CR indicators. In-class responsibilities involved shared task completion, feedback provision, and information clarification.

Quality appraisal of clinical guidelines for Helicobacter pylori infection and systematic analysis of the level of evidence for recommendations.

To systematically assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and identify gaps that limit their development. CPGs for HP infection were systematically collected from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and six online guideline repositories. Three researchers independently used the AGREE Ⅱ tool to evaluate the methodological quality of the eligible CPGs. In addition, the reporting and recommendation qualities were appraised by using the RIGHT and AGREE-REX tools, respectively. The distribution of the level of evidence and strength of recommendation among evidence-based CPGs was determined. A total of 7,019 records were identified, and 24 CPGs met the eligibility criteria. Of the eligible CPGs, 19 were evidence-based and 5 were consensus-based. The mean overall rating score of AGREE II was 50.7% (SD = 17.2%). Among six domains, the highest mean score was for scope and purpose (74.4%, SD = 17.7%) and the lowest mean score was for applicability (24.3%, SD = 8.9). Only three of 24 CPGs were high-quality. The mean overall score of recommendation quality was 35.5% (SD = 12.2%), and the mean scores in each domain of AGREE-REX and RIGHT were all ≤ 60%, with values and preferences scoring the lowest (16.6%, SD = 11.9%). A total of 505 recommendations were identified. Strong recommendations accounted for 64.1%, and only 34.3% of strong recommendations were based on high-quality evidence. The overall quality of CPGs for HP infection is poor, and CPG developers tend to neglect some domains, resulting in a wide variability in the quality of the CPGs. Additionally, CPGs for HP infection lack sufficient high-quality evidence, and the grading of recommendation strength should be based on the quality of evidence. The CPGs for HP infection have much room for improvement and further researches are required to minimize the evidence gap.

Researchers Expectations Towards Library Research Support Services (LRSS)

This cross-sectional study is aimed to identify the expectations and problems faced by faculty members and research scholars at Maharshi Dayanand University regarding library research support services (LRSS) under seven service dimensions. The research outcome reveals that the service most anticipated by the participants was ‘Database Services’ having the highest mean score, followed by ‘Infrastructure Facilities’ and ‘Institutional Repositories’. The least expected service was ‘Scholarly Communication Services’ which had the lowest mean score. The only service with significant differences between gender and qualifications was ‘Infrastructure Facilities’. In terms of challenges faced, the most noteworthy problems identified included inadequate funding for Article Processing Charges and limited access to computers in the library. Other problems included a lack of training in research support tools and ICT skills, lack of accessibility to library services from home, poor Internet connectivity, and lack of training/ consultation to use services. The library staff was reported to be helpful and supportive. The study provides insights into the expectations and problems of users in the context of LRSS. The study also highlights the imperative need for adequate funding for APCs and improved computer facilities, alongside targeted training initiatives for optimum use of research support tools and enhancing ICT skills to improve the efficacy of LRSS.

Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Direct Digital and Conventional Intraoral Peri-apical Radiographs in Identifying Interdental Bone Loss: An Observational Study

ABSTRACT The evaluation of conventional two-dimensional radiography is crucial in making the diagnosis of periodontitis. Radio-visiography (RVG) is one of the digital imaging modalities that have received significant recognition as a replacement for film-based radiography due to its improved image quality, quick turnaround time, and minimal radiation dose. In order to compare the diagnostic efficacy of Direct Digital and Conventional Intraoral Peri-apical Radiographs in identifying Interdental Bone Loss, the present investigation was carried out. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 96 patients prospectively. Radiographs were exposed using a Gendex Oralix AC machine. Statistical data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software using appropriate statistical tests. For both age categories, the radiographic method yielded a higher mean score than the periodontal probe method. The mean scores were noted to be higher following surgery. The radiographic approach recorded a greater mean score when gender groups were compared than the periodontal probe, which had a lower mean score. The mean scores after surgery were noted to be lower than the radiography approach and higher than the periodontal probe. The results demonstrate the radiographic technique’s significant advantage over clinical tests in determining furcation regions as well as its superior accuracy in spotting periodontal disintegration over clinical probing.

The acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese children with posttraumatic stress disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

The psychological need for traumatized children is huge in China. However, evidence-based treatments designed for Chinese children are scarce. This study aimed to test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral program (Power up Children's Psychological Immunity; PCPI) in Chinese children. A total of 87 children with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in grades 3 to 5 were randomly allocated (1:1) to the PCPI group or the treatment as usual (TAU) group. The feasibility was assessed by participant adherence, satisfaction, and acceptability. The severity of PTSD, depression and anxiety were assessed at pre- and posttreatment and the 3-month follow-up. A high level of satisfaction (81.82%) and retention rate of each session (more than 93.33%) were found. Qualitative feedback reported a high level of acceptance. At posttreatment, the PCPI group had lower mean scores than the TAU group for PTSD (adjusted mean difference [AMD], -6.18; 95% CI, -12.21 to -.14; p = .048), and anxiety (AMD, -2.05; 95% CI, -3.81 to -.28; p = .026). However, little change was found from posttreatment to 3-month follow-up. The findings indicated that the school-based group PCPI intervention was feasible and acceptable. Further evaluation is needed to examine its effectiveness in a larger sample size. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).