Group Mean Research Articles

The Effect of Reflexology Socks in the Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Constipation is an important symptom that is common in patients using opioids and leads to major health problems among patients. Reflexology is one of the approaches utilized to manage constipation. To examine the effect of reflexology socks on constipation in patients with opioid-induced constipation. This study was designed as a single-blind, randomized, controlled experimental trial. The study was conducted with the participation of a total of 101 patients who were suffering from cancer and other noncancer diseases, using opioids, and complaining of constipation. The patients in the intervention group (n = 51) were advised to walk with reflexology socks for 4 weeks, whereas the patients in the control group (n = 50) were advised to walk only. It was found that the severity of opioid-induced constipation was lower in the intervention group than in the control group at the end of the fifth week (P < .05). Additionally, after the application, the quality-of-life mean score was lower in the intervention group (mean, 48.46 ± 24.66) compared with control group (mean, 109.88 ± 10.62), and reflexology socks were effective in enhancing quality of life in the intervention group (P < .05). This study concluded that reflexology socks were an effective approach to the management of constipation. Reflexology socks may be more useful for patients to manage constipation because it is difficult to find a reflexologist, and reflexology sessions are charged and expensive. In this way, patients will wear reflexology socks comfortably and easily at home, and the severity of constipation will be alleviated.

Evaluation of Reproducibility of Measurements of Peripapillary Blood Flow with Laser Speckle Flowgraphy in Healthy and POAG Subjects.

Peripapillary blood flow is of diagnostic value in glaucoma. We investigated the reproducibility of peripapillary blood flow measurements in healthy individuals and in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients with the Nidek laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG)-NAVI system. Blood flow was calculated as the mean of vascular area (MV), mean of tissue area (MT), and mean of overall flow (MA). Intra-rater, inter-session, and inter-rater reproducibility were assessed by determining the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variance (COV). There were 28 healthy subjects and 16 patients with OAG who participated in this prospective single-center trial. ICC and COV of intra-rater reproducibility were assessed in MV as 0.901; 6.424, MT as 0.909; 4.025, and MA as 0.965; 4.168. Inter-session reproducibility yielded ICC and COV values of MV (0.834; 9.223), MT (0.904; 6.215), MA (0.909; 7.069). Inter-rater reproducibility was computed for MV as 0.78; 9.758, MT as 0.890; 7.210, and MA as 0.888; 6.942. There was a significant difference in MA (p = 0.0184) between the healthy individuals (mean 36.299) and the OAG group (mean 24.944), which was not observed for MV (p = 0.0735) or MT (p = 0.1351). High reproducibility of measurements of peripapillary blood flow with the LSFG system was demonstrated in both groups. There is a difference in peripapillary blood flow between healthy controls and OAG patients.

Prosodic changes with age: a longitudinal study with three public figures in European Portuguese

Purpose The analysis of acoustic parameters contributes to the characterisation of human communication development throughout the lifetime. The present paper intends to analyse suprasegmental features of European Portuguese in longitudinal conversational speech samples of three male public figures in uncontrolled environments across different ages, approximately 30 years apart. Participants and methods Twenty prosodic features concerning intonation, intensity, rhythm, and pause measures were extracted semi-automatically from 360 speech intervals (3-4 interviews from each speaker x 30 speech intervals x 3 speakers) lasting between 3 to 6 s. Results Twelve prosodic parameters presented significant age effects at least in one speaker. Group mean comparisons revealed significant differences between the youngest (i.e. 50 years) and the oldest age groups (i.e. 80 years) in seven parameters. The results from the analysis point to a lower and less variable fo, higher fo minimum, wider fo peaks, more vocal effort and more variable global intensity, slower speech and articulation rate, and also more frequent and longer pauses in older ages. Conclusion This longitudinal study has the potential to contribute to the characterization of the normal aging process, proving to be significant in the domains of human-machine communication, speech recognition systems, applied linguistics, or the implementation of strategies in communicative contexts with older adults

An Assessment of Statistical Power for Analysis of Variance with Missing Data using Multiple Imputation

This study proposes a framework for statistical power assessment in the analysis of variance (ANOVA) models with missing data handled through multiple imputation. While existing literature has examined the power for t-tests with missing data, extending these techniques to ANOVA designs with multiple group means remains an open challenge. The methodology involves incorporating the variance component into an existing power model derived for a pairwise test, enabling explicit power estimation for two-factor, three-factor, and split-plot ANOVA designs with incomplete data. Empirical evaluations across varying effect sizes, missing data rates (8%, 16%, 40%), and numbers of imputations (20, 30, 40, 100) were conducted for both monotone and arbitrary patterns of missing data. The findings reveal that while power remains high at low missing data rates, it declines substantially with increasing missingness, particularly for higher proportions of missing data. Furthermore, arbitrary patterns of missing data exhibit slightly lower power compared to monotone patterns. The number of required imputations to achieve desired power levels depends on the missing data rate, with more imputations needed for higher proportions of missing data. This study provides a framework for power analysis in ANOVA models with missing data, addressing the critical need for reliable guidance in designing studies with incomplete data

Cell-Cultured Influenza Vaccine Enhances IFN-γ+ T Cell and Memory T Cell Responses Following A/Victoria/2570/2019 IVR-215 (A/H1N1) Infection

Background: Influenza remains a significant public health challenge, with vaccination being a substantial way to prevent it. Cell-cultured influenza vaccines have emerged to improve on the drawbacks of egg-based vaccines, but there are few studies focusing on T cell immunity with both types of vaccines. Therefore, we studied the following 2022–2023 seasonal influenza vaccines manufactured and marketed in South Korea with a standard and high dose: cell-based (C_sd and C_hd) and egg-based (E_sd and E_hd) vaccines. Methods: Along with a saline control group, C_sd, C_hd, E_sd, and E_hd vaccines were administered to BALB/c mice, followed by a challenge with the A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) strain. Results: After the challenge, four out of five mice in the saline group died by day 7 post-infection (P.I.). None of the vaccinated groups experienced over 20% weight loss or any deaths. On day 7 P.I., the lung viral load in the saline group (mean log value of 4.17) was higher than that in the vaccinated groups, with the C_sd group showing the lowest viral load (mean log value of 3.47). The C_sd group showed a significantly high response in macrophage 1 (M1), IFN-γ+ T cells, and tissue-resident memory (TRM) T cells compared with the E_sd group on day 2 P.I. These M1, IFN-γ+ T cells, and TRM cells showed similar trends (p &lt; 0.01). In terms of humoral immunity, only the E_hd group showed HAI titers above 40 for all four strains before and after the challenge. Conclusions: The high levels of T cells in the cell-cultured vaccines suggest, pending further real-world research, that these vaccines may offer advantages.

Measurement of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in serum by LC-MS/MS compared to immunoassay reveals inconsistent agreement in paediatric samples.

Automated immunoassays for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) have increased the use of serum measurements in clinical and research settings, but disagreement with LC-MS/MS methods remains an issue. In this study, we examined this problem using samples obtained from healthy young adults, n=80, mean age 21.7 (18-32) years, and a large cohort of paediatric samples, n=422, mean age 7.3 (0-17) years. We compared serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3/D2 produced by the DiaSorin LIAISON® XL immunoassay against an LC-MS/MS method with immunoaffinity enrichment and DAPTAD derivation. Both assays showed intra/inter-assay imprecision of≤9.4 % across their respective assay range. DEQAS between April 2020 to Jan 2024 (n=80) showed mean bias (SD, 95 %CI) for DiaSorin-0.6 % (6.2,-12.8 to 11.6) and LC-MS/MS of +1.3 % (7.4,-13.3 to 15.8) against their respective method group means. Comparison of measurements in the adult samples showed a strong correlation (r2=0.9331) and concordance (CCC=0.959) between the two methods. LC-MS/MS values were lower than DiaSorin by an overall mean (±SD, 95 %CI) of-1.6 (±14.3,-29.6 to 26.5) pmol/L with an increased negative bias at higher concentrations. In the paediatric samples, weaker correlation (r2=0.6536) and concordance (CCC=0.782) were observed, with greater bias mean (±SD, 95 %CI) of-9.8 (±23.4,-55.7 to 35.9) pmol/L. The variability in the paediatric samples was not associated with concentration or participant age. There was an increase in the correlation and concordance when 1,25(OH)2D2 was included in the analysis. It is likely that the metabolites of vitamin D present in the paediatric population contributed to the measurement of 1,25(OH)2D. The inconsistent agreement highlights the need for better assay harmonisation and paediatric reference intervals using LC-MS/MS method.

How Reliable is the Assessment of Fusion Status Following ACDF Using Dynamic Flexion-Extension Radiographs?

Reliability study. The radiographic diagnosis of non-union is not standardized. Prior authors have suggested using a cutoff of <1mm interspinous process motion (ISPM) on flexion-extension radiographs, but the ability of practicing surgeons to make these measurements reliably is not clear. 29 practicing spine surgeons measured ISPM on 19 levels of ACDF from 9 patients. Surgeons relied on these measurements to report on fusion status. Inter-observer correlation co-efficients (ICC), standard error (SEM) and the minimum detectable difference (MD) of these measurements were calculated. We screened for clerical errors by checking measurements more than one standard deviation from the group mean. The ICC for ISPM was .76 (.64; .88) with a SEM of 1mm and a MD of 2.76mm. Agreement on fusion status was moderate, with an ICC of .6 (.44; .76). After screening for and removing clerical errors, the ICC improved to .82 (.71; .91), SEM improved to .83mm, and MD improved to 2.29mm. Six reviewers had an ICC >.9. The ICC from these high performing reviewers was .94 (.9; .97), SEM was .45mm, and MD was 1.26mm. The MD of 2.29mm in our study group was not precise enough to support a cutoff of <1mm ISPM as the sole measurement technique in screening for non-union after ACDF, and there was only moderate agreement amongst surgeons on fusion status based on dynamic radiographs. More stringent techniques are necessary to avoid mis-diagnosing non-union in clinical studies. Future studies should consider auditing measurements to identify clerical errors.

Effect of Oral Screen Training After Stroke-A Randomised Controlled Trial.

To assess the effects of oral screen training in patients with dysphagia post-stroke. Oral screen training has been identified as an effective method for improving orofacial and oropharyngeal motor functions. However, the evidence supporting a positive transfer effect on swallowing capacity post-primary stroke rehabilitation is still unclear. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a 12-week oral screen training programme using a prefabricated oral screen, with swallowing capacity as the primary outcome. In a randomised trial, stroke survivors with residual dysphagia post-rehabilitation were randomised into intervention group (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). The intervention group underwent 12 weeks of oral screen training. The main outcome was swallowing capacity, with lip force as a training indicator. Secondary outcomes were assessed by the Eating Assessment Tool, Masticatory performance, Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening, Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System. At the 3-month follow-up, the group that trained with an oral screen showed a significantly greater increase in lip force than the control group (mean lip force increase 10.2 N vs. 3.1 N; p = 0.02). There was no significant improvement in swallowing capacity (mean increase 0.7 mL/min vs. 0.8 mL/min; p = 0.43), or in any of the secondary variables in the intervention group relative to the control group. The findings from this study showed that oral screen training initiated after completion of regular rehabilitation post-stroke can increase lip force. However, there was no indication of any transfer effect on swallowing capacity. Clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT03167892.

A Comparative study of selected Physical Fitness Variable between Soccer player and Sprinters

The aim of the present study way compares the selected Physical Fitness Variables (Flexibility and Endurance) of soccer player and Sprinters (male). Total 50 Subjects were selected (25 from soccer and 25 form sprints), The age ranged from 18-25 year were take as a sample. Physical Fitness test was used to measure the selected Physical Fitness Variables of players. For analysis of the data mean and Standard deviation were calculated and to examine the insignificance difference between the groups mean of different physical fitness variables, independent t-test was applied and level of confidence was set at 0.05 level. Study concluded that significant difference found between the means of selected physical fitness variables such as (Flexibility and Endurance) between Soccer player and Sprinters.

Using computed tomography atrial myocardial thickness maps in cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation: the UTMOST AF II randomized clinical trial.

Whether adjusting the duration of ablation based on left atrial wall thickness (LAWT) provides extra benefits for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is uncertain. We studied the safety and efficacy of tailored cryoballoon PV isolation (CB-PVI) based on LAWT for paroxysmal AF. Two hundred seventy-seven patients with paroxysmal AF refractory to anti-arrhythmic drug were randomized 1:1 to either LAWT-guided CB-PVI (n = 135) and empirical CB-PVI (n = 142). Empirical CB-PVI was performed using a 28 mm cryoballoon with recommended application for 240 s per ablation. Cryoapplication in the LAWT-guided group was titrated (additional application for 120 s at PVs, where >25% of the circumference includes segments with LAWT > 2.5 mm and reduced baseline application to 180 s at PVs where >75% of the circumference includes segments with LAWT < 1.5 mm) according to the computed tomography LAWT colour map. The primary endpoint was freedom from any documented atrial arrhythmia of more than 30 s without antiarrhythmic medication, after a single ablation procedure. During a mean follow-up of 18.7 months, patients in the LAWT-guided CB-PVI group (70.8%) had a higher event-free rate from primary endpoint than those in the empirical CB-PVI group (54.4%; hazard ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.99; P = 0.043). No differences were observed between the groups in complication rates (3.0% in LAWT-guided vs. 4.9% in empirical CB-PVI). The total procedure time was extended in the LAWT group than in the empirical group (mean 70.2 vs. 65.2 min, respectively). The LAWT-guided energy titration strategy improved freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence, compared with conventional strategy.

Globalization, Financial Development, and Environmental Degradation: Evidence from West African Countries Using Ecological Footprint

This study examines the effects of globalization and financial development on environmental degradation, incorporating renewable energy consumption and per capita income for selected West African countries over the period 1990-2018. Researchers in this area mostly use carbon dioxide emissions as an indicator for environmental degradation. In contrast, the current study uses ecological footprint––a broader indicator of environmental sustainability. Owing to the presence of cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity in the panel data, the study deploys Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators. The findings demonstrate that globalization and financial development are inimical to the environment by increasing ecological footprint. Furthermore, economic growth contributes to environmental degradation. The findings of this study have very salient policy implications for the selected African countries.

Estimation of Resistin and Immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) Levels in the Serum of Iraqi Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 DiabetesMellitus

Resistin (RE) is a cysteine rich polypeptide. It has been established that in humans adipocytes, pancreatic cells, muscle, and mononuclear cells all express this 108 amino acid polypeptide. It is important to note that resistin is primarily produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in humans. Its part in the inflammatory processes has been proven. Immunoglobulins IgA and IgM are crucial elements of humoralimmunity. They increase inflammatory responses and the removal of immunological complexes by activating the complement system, sensitizing natural killer cells, phagocytes, and mast cells, and regulating cytotoxic cellular activity. The aim of this study was to determine resistin and immunoglobulin IgA and IgM levels in the serum of type 1 diabetic (T1DM) and type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients and the healthy control. This respective study was carried out at the National Center for Diabetes Treatment and Research and the consulting clinics in Al-Muqdadiya District and Baquba District in Iraq during the period from January 2022 to April 2022. It included 153 participants; divided into 3 groups (51 patients with T1DM and 52 patients with T2DM, and 50 healthy control). The result of serum resistin showed that there was a highly significant difference when comparing the mean of serum resistin of T1DM with that of T2DM patients group and the control group. While no significant difference was detected when the mean of serum resistin ofthe T2DM patients group with that of the control group was compared. The mean of immunoglobulins IgA and IgM were compared in T1DM , T2DM patients and the healthy controls with significant differences between the three groups. It can, therefore, be concluded that increased serum resistin levels were recorded in T1DM patients than T2DM patients and healthy control. Increased serum immunoglobulins IgA and IgM levels were also noticed in T1DM and T2DM patients compared with control.

Investment Decision Behavior of Indian Retail Investors with Respect to IPOs

Retail investors consider time horizon, liquidity, risk, and return while making investing decisions in IPOs in order to achieve their financial goals. But limited financial literacy, information overload, emotional decision- making, lack of diversification, high transaction costs, and regulatory complexity are some of the difficulties Indian ordinary investors face while investing in IPO. Examining the variables influencing Indian retail investors' investment choices and decision-making procedures in IPOs is the primary purpose of this research. The researcher collected data from primary sources. The data was collected from 92 investors using a random sample method. The stated hypotheses were assessed at the 0.05 level of significance using the ANOVA test. Various aspects of IPOs, such as brand, profitability, financial standing, product offerings, size, industry track record, price bands, promoter track record, and risks, play an important role in forming investor perceptions on the basis of occupation. The result also states that there are significant differences in means of various groups of respondents on the basis of annual savings observed for the brand and reputation of the IPO-issuing company, while for other factors, there are no significant differences in means. Key Words: Investment Decision, Initial Public Offerings, Indian Retail Investors, Investment behaviour

A simplified pre-conceptional laparoscopic cervical cerclage for cervical insufficiency: a retrospective study from a single center

BackgroundCervical insufficiency is a pathological condition in obstetrics in which the cervix fails to retain the fetus before uterine contractions or labor (painless cervical dilatation). Patients usually have fetal loss in the mid-trimester or spontaneous pre-term birth due to painless cervical dilation. For non-pregnant women with cervical insufficiency, prophylactic laparoscopic abdominal cerclage (LAC) has been reported to improve pregnancy outcomes, such as live birth, neonatal survival, and full-term delivery rate. Conventional LAC involves opening the vesicular space and separating the anterior broad ligament leaves. In our surgical procedure, these two steps were omitted.MethodsAn observational study was conducted retrospectively on patients who underwent a simplified pre-conceptional LAC between January 2015 and December 2022 at West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Follow-ups for all the patients ended at the delivery of the fetus. Subsequently, clinical characteristics, perioperative data, and obstetric outcomes were recorded and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 108 patients were included in a pre-conception LAC group Mean operation time was 56.8 ± 22.8 min, and mean estimated blood loss was 21.4 ± 23.6 mL. Only one case of urinary retention was classified as a grade I postoperative complication, according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. No severe complications or sequelae were observed during the perioperative period. Obstetric outcomes from 98 patients were collected: three patients had miscarriages, and 95 had live births. Of the 95 live births, 4 were twins and 91 were singletons. Two patients had vaginal delivery, and 93 underwent Cesarean section; mean neonatal weight was 3310.2 ± 382.1 g.ConclusionA simplified pre-conceptional LAC is a simple, safe, and effective method for women with cervical insufficiency. Thus, it is worthy of promotion to assist women with cervical insufficiency in achieving improved obstetric outcomes. Vaginal delivery after LAC is possible once the tape is removed before labor.

Treating Noneffortful Responses as Missing.

This study investigates the treatment of rapid-guess (RG) responses as missing data within the context of the effort-moderated model. Through a series of illustrations, this study demonstrates that the effort-moderated model assumes missing at random (MAR) rather than missing completely at random (MCAR), explaining the conditions necessary for MAR. These examples show that RG responses, when treated as missing under the effort-moderated model, do not introduce bias into ability estimates if the missingness mechanism is properly accounted for. Conversely, using a standard item response theory (IRT) model (scoring RG responses as if they were valid) instead of the effort-moderated model leads to considerable biases, underestimating group means and overestimating standard deviations when the item parameters are known, or overestimating item difficulty if the item parameters are estimated.

Optimal timing of oral anticoagulation initiation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and atrial fibrillation: a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review

The optimal timing for initiating direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for secondary stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute ischaemic stroke remains controversial due to concerns about haemorrhagic transformation....

Similarities and differences in diurnal salivary adrenal hormones in monozygotic twins with discordant birthweight.

Introduction DHEAS is increased in formerly small-for-gestational-age singletons and in smaller twins compared to their normal-weight co-twin. Less is known concerning other adrenal hormones. We compared diurnal salivary profiles in monozygotic twins with intra-twin birthweight(bw)-differences to analyse the long-term impact of bw and persistent intra-twin auxological differences on various adrenal hormones. Methods 46 monozygotic pre-pubertal twin-pairs with bw-difference of <1SDS (concordant; n=29, 13 female) and ≥1SDS (discordant; n=17, 6 female) were recruited. At a mean age of 6.9 years (yrs) saliva samples were collected (7 am/waking, 1 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm) and analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Diurnal salivary concentrations showed significant intra-twin correlations in all twin-pairs for nearly all time-points: progesterone and androstenedione (4/4 time-points), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (2/4). However, in the discordant group mean progesterone differed significantly (p=0.018) between the smaller (3.27nmol/L, SD 3.87) and the larger twin (0.72nmol/L, SD 0.42) at 7 am and intra-twin differences were observed at 3/4 time-points. Regression analyses of intra-twin differences confirmed that actual hormonal parameters were explained mainly by the co-twin parameter. However, at 6 pm progesterone concentration of the smaller twin was explained by bw (Β -1.102; SE 0.563; p=0.05) and actual weight (Β 0.799; SE 0.327; p=0.019). Conclusion The significant correlations within monozygotic twin-pairs in all measured hormones at nearly all time-points suggest a strong genetic influence on the adrenal axis. Among the discordant twin pairs, we found significant variations in progesterone, suggesting additional long-lasting influence from intrauterine conditions on adrenal hormones with possible metabolic consequences. Word count 249.

Impact of white matter hyperintensity volume on cognition among US Mexican American adults.

Higher white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume is a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. CVD risk factors increase risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Mexican Americans (MA) and individuals of other Hispanic/Latino heritages have higher risk for CVD and ADRD. However, knowledge of associations between WMH volume and cognition in these groups remains limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study of associations between WMH volume and neuropsychological performance (attention/executive functioning, memory) in MA (n = 851) and non-Hispanic White (NHW; n = 747) adults in the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities. The MA group (mean age = 63.72 ± 7.90 years; 66.3% female) had higher rates of consensus diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes, whereas the NHW group (mean age = 69.18 ± 8.65 years; 55.2% female) had higher rates of diagnosed CVD (ps < .01). WMH volumes were higher among individuals with CVD risk factors/conditions (ps < .01). There were differential associations between WMH and neuropsychological performance across ethnoracial groups (ps < .001), wherein associations were steeper in the NHW group than in the MA group. Lower educational level was associated with higher WMH volume in the NHW group (p < .001), but no association was seen in the MA group (p > .05). Negative effects of pathological changes in the form of WMH on cognition may be less robust or consistent for MA adults than NHW adults. Furthermore, the impact of WMH on cognition in NHW adults may be mitigated by cognitive reserve related to educational attainment.

One-year Clinical Evaluation, Patient Satisfaction, and Adaptation of Milled (PEEK) Single Anterior Crowns Veneered with Two Different Techniques.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the patient satisfaction and marginal adaptation of milled BioHPP polyether ether ketone (PEEK) copings veneered with CAD/CAM composite resin and compare them to milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual layering. A total of 32 patients required anterior crowns to restore discolored, fractured, or maligned anterior teeth. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of restoration used. The Comparator group included patients receiving milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual layering, while the intervention group was veneered with CAD/CAM composite resin. After final cementation, patient satisfaction and marginal adaptation were evaluated according to the rating score, and modified RYGE criteria respectively, after 6 and 12 months follow-up interval. Patient satisfaction results at baseline, the mean satisfaction scores were similar between groups, with no significant difference (p = 0.1536). After 6 months, scores increased in both groups, but the difference between groups remained non-significant (p = 0.0660). By 1 year, scores were identical between groups (means both 1.750), and marginal adaptation comparison between both groups (manual veneered) and (CAD/CAM veneered) revealed insignificant differences between both groups at T0, T1, T2. After 1 year of follow-up, milled BioHPP PEEK copings veneered with manual veneering and CAD/CAM composite resin veneering, showed successful patient satisfaction, and marginal adaptation. The study may provide guidance for the clinicians to use this veneering technique to match shades that are clinically acceptable when esthetic is required with PEEK crowns good adaptation and easier modification. How to cite this article: Qasem M, El Shehy O, Nabil O. One-year Clinical Evaluation, Patient Satisfaction, and Adaptation of Milled (PEEK) Single Anterior Crowns Veneered with Two Different Techniques. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(8):778-789.

Enhancing reading comprehension in Araling Panlipunan of Grade 5 learners through differentiated instruction

The lack of instructional resources and reading comprehension skills in Araling Panlipunan education resulted in significant learning gaps among elementary-grade students. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of differentiated instruction in closing these gaps in Araling Panlipunan among fifth-grade students. The experimental sampling method research design was utilized through tutorial classes where the respondents received differentiated instruction based on multiple intelligences and learning styles. Aiken's V coefficient method and Cronbach's alpha were used to ensure the validity and reliability of the research instrument. The validation process achieved a result of 0.92, which signifies high validity. Additionally, the reliability test used Cronbach's alpha, obtaining a score of 0.60. The results indicated significant progress in the experimental group's performance in reading comprehension skills after implementing differentiated instruction. The experimental group's mean post-test score, 16.10, suggests an outstanding level of performance. This underscores the effectiveness of differentiated instruction in enhancing reading comprehension skills among Grade 5 pupils. Hence, educators are encouraged to utilize differentiated instruction to enhance the learners' reading comprehension.