Months Of Interval Research Articles

Abstract 2174: Sample size estimations based on human microbiome temporal stability over six months: A shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing analysis

Abstract Introduction: Many biological factors can influence the human microbiome; thus, it is necessary to reasonably estimate sample size to have adequate power for future population-based studies. Methods: We evaluated the temporal stability of fecal microbial diversity, species level composition, and genes and functional pathways based on shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing from a population-based study in Costa Rica with two fecal samples separated by an interval of six months. We quantified the biological variability over six months with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). We then estimated the numbers of cases, assuming 1:1 or 1:3 matched case-control study, required to detect an association at significance levels of 0.05 and 0.001 with 80% power, based on the number of fecal specimens collected per participant. Results: For most alpha and beta diversity metrics, the temporal stability of fecal microbiome in samples collected at six months of interval was low to moderate, with ICCs of 0.6 or less. We observed heterogeneity in temporal stability for the proportions of species, genes and pathways, with ICCs varying between 0.0 and 0.9. For most microbiome measures from a single fecal collection, assuming an equal number of cases and controls at significance level of 0.05 (for alpha and beta diversity) or 0.001 (for species, genes and pathways), detecting an odds ratio of 1.5 per standard deviation of microbiome metric would require hundreds to thousands of cases. Specifically, detecting an association between alpha/beta diversity metrics and an outcome would require between 1,000-5,000 cases. In addition, for low prevalent species (5% - 10%, median ICC = 0.09), 15,102 cases would be required; in contrast, for species with high prevalence (>75%, median ICC = 0.41) 3,527 cases would be necessary; the same applies to genes and pathways. For an odds ratio of 1.5, assuming a 1:3 matched case-control study based on one fecal specimen per subject, 10,068 cases would be required for low prevalent species and 2,351 cases for species with high prevalence. Using the same study setting with multiple specimens per subject over time, the required sample size would be lower. Indeed, detecting an odds ratio of 1.5 for low prevalent species would require 15,102 cases with one specimen, 8,267 cases with two specimens, and 5,989 cases with three specimens. Conclusion: Our calculations suggest that to detect modest disease associations we would need a substantial number of cases. Repeated prediagnostic samples could decrease the number of subjects required to detect these associations as well as matching cases to a great number of controls. Citation Format: Semi Zouiouich, Smriti Karwa, Yunhu Wan, Emily Vogtmann, Carolina Porras, Christian C. Abnet, Jianxin Shi, Rashmi Sinha. Sample size estimations based on human microbiome temporal stability over six months: A shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2174.

The attitude of medical undergraduate students from North India toward transgender and change thereafter by educational intervention.

There is a widespread gap among medical professionals about transgender, and it needs to be addressed through proper educational intervention to inculcate positive attitudes toward transgender people. This study aimed to assess the attitude of medical undergraduate students toward transgender and change thereafter by educational intervention. A total of 169 final-year undergraduate students (aged 22-25 years; 50.3% males; all having heterosexual orientation) were assessed for their attitudes toward transgender people using the Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS) and Attitude toward Transgender Individuals Scale (ATTIS). Subsequently, an educational intervention was conducted. The attitude scores were again evaluated immediately and after one month of post-intervention. A paired t-test, independent-samples t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the data. Mean ATTIS and GTS scores before intervention were 67.02 ± 9.20 and 80.84 ± 26.07, respectively. After the educational intervention, these scores were 79.27 ± 7.18 and 63.20 ± 12.11, respectively, thus showing a significant change in both scores. The change in GTS score was significantly higher in males than in females (P < 0.001) and in urban than in rural residents (P = 0.017). No significant association of demographic factors was observed concerning the change in ATTIS scores. On evaluating the recall value, no significant decline in GTS or ATTIS scores was observed following a one month of interval. There is a need to positively reinforce these changes brought about by educational intervention in the attitude of undergraduate medical students toward transgender people. Such cognitive gains are achievable in developing a humanistic society.

Effects of Storage Periods and Methods on Seed Quality of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile.L) in Wondogenet, Ethiopia

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile L.) seeds were stored in a polypropylene bag, cotton and bottle for twelve months. Data on seed quality were evaluated within three months of interval. The analysis of variance of the result showed that the interaction effect of storage methods and periods had significantly influenced the seed quality (germination percentage, moisture content, speed of germination and vigour index) of chamomile. The highest germination (75 %) was recorded for the seeds stored in the bottle during the third month of storage. Whereas the highest (41.2 mg %) vigour index was reported for the seeds stored in the bottle for three months. The result of the study concluded that prolonged storage periods had a significant effect on seed quality of chamomile.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Nurse-Led Transient Elastography: A Study of a Tertiary Hospital Experience.

Once thought rare, liver disease is an emerging cause of significant morbidity and mortality. The rising burden of liver disease necessitates a competent workforce to deliver quality healthcare to patients with liver diseases. Staging liver diseases is essential in disease management. Transient elastography as compared with liver biopsy, the gold standard in staging of the disease, has gained wide acceptance in this field. This study examines the diagnostic accuracy of nurse-led transient elastography in staging fibrosis in chronic liver diseases at a tertiary referral hospital. Audit of records to locate transient elastography and liver biopsy performed within 6 months of interval yielded 193 cases for this retrospective study. A data abstraction sheet was prepared for extracting the relevant data. The content validity index and reliability of the scale were above 0.9. The diagnostic accuracy of liver stiffness evaluation (in kPa) by nurse-led transient elastography to grade fibrosis was categorized as "significant and advanced" and tested against the Ishak staging of liver biopsy. SPSS v.25 was used to perform the analysis. All tests were two-sided at a .01 level of significance. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, a graphical plot, illustrated the diagnostic ability of nurse-led transient elastography for significant fibrosis as 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-0.99; p < .001) and advanced fibrosis as 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.93; p < .001). Spearman's ρ correlation between liver stiffness evaluation and liver biopsy was significant ( p = .01). Nurse-led transient elastography showed a significant diagnostic accuracy in staging hepatic fibrosis irrespective of the etiology of chronic liver disease. Given the increase in chronic liver disease, introducing more such nurse-led clinics increases the potential for early detection and improves care outcomes for this population.

Robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients reirradiated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (r-NPC) in our hospital. We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients with r-NPC previously irradiated with definitive radiotherapy. Local recurrences were irradiated with a dose of 25 to 50 Gy (median: 26.25 Gy) in 3 to 5 fractions (fr) (median: 5 fr). The survival outcomes calculated from the time of recurrence diagnosis were obtained using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared with the log-rank test. Toxicities were assessed by using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0. The median age was 55 years (37-79 years), and nine patients were men. The median follow-up was 26 months (3-65 months) after reirradiation. The median overall survival (OS) was 40 months, OS in 1 and 3 years were 80% and 57%, respectively. OS rate of rT4 (n = 5, 50%) was worse compared with rT1, rT2, and rT3 (P = 0.040). In addition, those with less than 24 months of interval between first treatment and recurrence had worse OS (P = 0.017). One patient exhibited Grade 3 toxicity. There is no other Grade ≥3 acute or late toxicities. In r-NPC, reirradiation is inevitable for patients who are not suitable for radical surgical resection. However, serious complications and side effects prevent dose escalation due to the critical structures previously irradiated. Prospective studies with a large number of patients are required to find the optimal acceptable dose.

Efficacy of various chemicals spray in terminal heat stress condition on seed storability of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The experiment was conducted during two consecutive years 2019-20 & 2020-21 at Oil Seed Farm of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Kanpur. Two varieties namely Kanti (V1) and Maya (V2) seeds were sown in Rabi season (October-April 2019 & 2020), seven chemicals concentrations were applied as foliar spray treatments at vegetative stage, at anthesis stage and at both stage which were as Salicylic acid @ 800 ppm (T1, T8 and T15), Salicylic acid spray at vegetative stage @ 400 ppm (T2, T9 and T16), Ascorbic acid @ 10 ppm (T3, T10 and T17), Potassium chloride @ 1% (T4, T11 and T18), thiourea @ 400 ppm (T5, T12 and T19), Cycocel @ 800 ppm (T6, T13 and T20), Cycocel @ 400 ppm (T7, T14 and T21) and T0-Control (without spray). Freshly harvested seeds of each plot were stored under ambient condition in cotton bag for nine months and seed viability (%), seed germination (%), seedling length (cm) and seedling vigour index-I was recorded at every three month of interval. At the end of storage period significantly maximum seed viability (90.42%), seed germination (89.05%), seedling length (14.24cm) and SVI-I (1268) was found in sample collected from treatment T19-Thiourea spray at vegetative + anthesis stage @ 400 ppm followed by treatment T16 irrespective of varieties. Within varieties, variety Maya was significantly superior over variety Kanti.

Effects of the Orthognathic Surgery on the Voice Characteristics of Skeletal Class III Patients.

To analyze the effects of the bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on the voice characteristics of skeletal Class III cases, and to evaluate correlations between acoustic and skeletal changes. Skeletal Class III adult patients (7 male, 18 female) were asked to pronounce the sounds "[a], [ɛ], [ɯ], [i], [ɔ], [œ], [u], [y]" for 3 seconds. Voice records and lateral cephalometric x-rays were taken before the surgery (T0) and 6 months after (T1). Voice records were taken for the control group with 6 months of interval (n=20). The formant frequencies (F0, F1, F2, and F3), Shimmer, Jitter and Noise to Harmonic Ratio (NHR) parameters were considered with Praat version 6.0.43. In the surgery group, significant differences were observed in the F1 of [e], F2 and Shimmer of [ɯ] and F1 and F2 of [œ] and F1 of [y] sound, the post-surgery values were lower. F3 of [u] sound was higher. In comparison with the control group, ΔF3 of the [ɔ], ΔF3 of the [u] and ΔF1 of the [y] sound, ΔShimmer of [ɛ], [ɯ], [i], [ɔ], [u] and [y], and the ΔNHR of [ɔ] sound significantly changed. The Pearson correlation analysis proved some correlations; ΔF2 between ΔSNA for [ɯ] and [œ] sounds, ΔF1 between ΔHBV for [y] sound. Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery changed some voice parameters in skeletal Class III patients. Some correlations were found between skeletal and acoustic parameters. We advise clinicians to consider these findings and inform their patients.

Internal podalic version of second twin: Improving feet identification using a simulation model

BackgroundPodalic version and breech extraction require high obstetrical expertise. Identifying fetal extremities is the first crucial step for trainees. When this skill is not polished enough, it increases the inter-twin delivery interval and can even jeopardize the whole manoeuver. Material and methodsWe present a model for simulating and training this specific skill, with obstetrical mannequin, and 3D printed hands and feet. Five feet and five hands (five rights and five lefts of each one) were printed in 3D after initial ultrasound acquisition of a near term fetus. Each foot and hand, was individually set in a condom filled with 100 cc of water and closed with a knot. A Sophie’s Mum Birth Simulator Version 4.0 de MODEL-med was placed on the edge of the table. Each hand and foot was inserted into the pelvic mannequin.An evaluation of the students’ skills using this model was performed. A significant reduction of the global mean to extract the first foot and all the feet was noticed at three month of interval. ConclusionThis model is an option to train and assess a crucial skill for version and breech extraction.

Radio frequency analysis of partially grafted immediate dental implant with and without use of static magnetic field: An in vivo study.

Replacement of missing teeth with dental implants represents one of the most successful treatment modalities in modern dentistry. Patients desire for a shorter treatment time has made clinicians to attempt loading implants early or immediately after placement. The primary stability is determined by density and mechanical properties of the bone, the implant design, edentulous site complications, and the surgical technique. Various researchers have tried to achieve faster osseointegration static magnetic field is one of them. So the aim of this study was to investigate whether Static magnetic field created by using safer magnets was useful to promote osseointegration. Subjects were selected according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria in two groups (20 in each group). Conventional implant placement protocol was used and implant placement was performed and grafting was done. Magnetic healing cap was used in group I and conventional healing cap in group II. Implant stability assessment using radio frequency analyser was assessed at 2, 3 and 4 months on interval. Mann-Whitney U test revealed that there was significant difference was observed between the groups I and II at 2, 3 and 4 months of interval (P < 0.001). Static magnetic field improve osseointegration in group I as compared to group II. The present double-blinded RCT showed significantly improved implant stability and osseointegration in implants which were stimulated by static magnetic field by using magnetic healing cap as compared to implants with conventional healing cap.

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on cerebrovascular compliance and cerebral small vessel disease.

Reduced cerebrovascular compliance is the major mechanism of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also promotes SVD development, but the underlying mechanism was not elucidated. We investigated the association among OSA, cerebrovascular compliance, and SVD parameters. This study retrospectively included individuals ≥ 50 years of age, underwent overnight polysomnographic (PSG) for the evaluation of OSA, and performed MRI and transcranial Doppler (TCD) within 12 months of interval without a neurological event between the evaluations. TCD parameters for the cerebrovascular compliance included middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) and mean MCA resistance index ratio (MRIR). SVD parameters included white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, number of lacunes, enlarged perivascular space (ePVS) score, and the presence of microbleeds or lacunes. Ninety-seven individuals (60.8% male, mean age 70.0±10.5 years) were included. MRIR was associated with higher respiratory distress index (B = 0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.001-0.005; P = 0.021), while MCA PI was not associated with any of the PSG markers for OSA severity. Apnea-hypopnea index was associated with the log-transformed total WMH volume (B = 0.008; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.001-0.016; P = 0.020), subcortical WMH volume (B = 0.015; 95% CI 0.007-0.022; P<0.001), total ePVS score (B = 0.024; 95% CI 0.003-0.045; P = 0.026), and centrum semiovale ePVS score (B = 0.026; 95% CI 0.004-0.048; P = 0.019), and oxygen-desaturation index with periventricular WMH volume, independently from age, MCA PI, and MRIR. This study concluded that OSA is associated with reduced cerebrovascular compliance and also with SVD independently from cerebrovascular compliance. Underlying pathomechanistic link might be region specific.

Clinical Outcome of Single-Stage Decompression and Posterior Stabilization in Thoracolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis

Abstract Background Thoracolumbar spine constitutes the most common site for spinal tuberculosis. Though the treatment of spinal tuberculosis is antitubercular drugs initially, the patient with neurologic weakness warrants definitive surgical procedure of decompression and stabilization. Even though many investigators have reported favorable results with anterior decompression and stabilization surgery, due to the increased morbidity and complications, the posterior-only approach with decompression and stabilization has evolved as the operation of choice in recent time. Methods All patients aged between 18 and 70 years with clinically and radiologically proven symptomatic thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis who failed with conservative treatment for 4 weeks or developed neurologic weakness between the treatments are included in this study. All patients were offered decompression and posterior stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods after explaining the above procedure. Clinical outcome was measured by modified Frankel grading; AIS (American Spinal Injury Association impairment score) grade impairment score; and pain assessment done with visual analog scale (VAS) pre- and postoperatively and at 3, 6, and 9 months of interval. Results The postoperative pain relief, neurologic improvement as per modified Frankel grade, AIS grade, and improvement in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significant as compared with the preoperative status. The surgical interventions thus prove to have adequate relief to the patient and arresting the disease progression. The surgical outcome has very minimal intra- and postoperative complications. Conclusion Single-stage decompression and posterior stabilization in thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis is safe, effective, and results in good clinical outcome. The advantages of surgery include thorough debridement, decompression, and achievement of spinal stabilization.

Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Dolichoectatic Vessels: Case Series and Review of Literature.

Even for seasoned neurosurgeons who have mastered the microvascular decompression (MVD) techniques, trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) secondary to vertebrobasilar dolichoectatic vessels remains a challenge. Often, patient is either medically infirm or unwilling for invasive surgical interventions. Alternative treatment options including Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) are considered in such a situation with variable success. This study aimed to evaluate the role of GKRS in patients with trigeminal neuralgia with dolichoectatic vessels and severe cross compression. We prospectively managed three male patients of intractable TGN secondary to dolichoectatic vascular compression with single-session GKRS. The cisternal component of the trigeminal nerve was targeted with 90 Gy radiation at 100% isodose with a single 4-mm collimator. The patients were regularly evaluated on clinical parameters for pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) score), sensory complaints, and outcome. All patients had satisfactory pain control (BNI I–IIIa) at 3 months of interval only to get recurrent pain (BNI IV–V) after 6 months. The treatment was eventually considered a failure after 6-month duration and one patient needed MVD for pain control. Post-GKRS pain control remains inferior in patients with dolichoectasia compared with typical TGN. GKRS should be offered only as a salvage or rescue procedure and should not be used as an alternative treatment of MVD in patient population with dolichoectatic vessels.

Development of a Genomic Signatures-Based Predictor of Initial Platinum-Resistance in Advanced High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patients.

BackgroundHigh grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer. Although platinum-based chemotherapy has been the cornerstone for HGSOC treatment, nearly 25% of patients would have less than 6 months of interval since the last platinum chemotherapy, referred to as platinum-resistance. Currently, no precise tools to predict platinum resistance have been developed yet.MethodsNinety-nine HGSOC patients, who have finished cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy in Peking University Third Hospital from 2018 to 2019, were enrolled. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed on the collected tumor tissue samples to establish a platinum-resistance predictor in a discovery cohort of 57 patients, and further validated in another 42 HGSOC patients.ResultsA high prevalence of alterations in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway, including BRCA1/2, was identified both in the platinum-sensitive and resistant HGSOC patients. Compared with the resistant subgroup, there was a trend of higher prevalence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in the platinum-sensitive subgroup (78.95% vs. 47.37%, p=0.0646). Based on the HRD score, microhomology insertions and deletions (MHID), copy number changes load, duplication load of 1–100 kb, single nucleotide variants load, and eight other mutational signatures, a combined predictor of platinum-resistance, named as DRDscore, was established. DRDscore outperformed in predicting the platinum-sensitivity than the previously reported biomarkers with a predictive accuracy of 0.860 at a threshold of 0.7584. The predictive performance of DRDscore was validated in an independent cohort of 42 HGSOC patients with a sensitivity of 90.9%.ConclusionsA multi-genomic signature-based analysis enabled the prediction of initial platinum resistance in advanced HGSOC patients, which may serve as a novel assessment of platinum resistance, provide therapeutic guidance, and merit further validation.

Formulation of Food Exchange List and Its Impact on Nutritional Status of Orphan Children in Salem District in India

Orphan children are more prone to malnutrition when compared to normal children. Malnutrition is a major problem in India. Nearly 50% of the children are affected from undernourishment in India. The trunk objective of the study is to educate the orphan organization as well as children about the importance of food exchange list and its role in affray malnutrition in Salem.100 orphan children with different age group were selected to conduct the study. Subjects were nutritionally assessed and the nutritional demand were noted. Formulated food exchange list were given and advised to implement in their organizations for a three months of interval. The level of progression on nutrition and education status was appraised by using pre and post questionnaires.60% increase in knowledge was found by using pre and posttest evaluation using questionnaires. Awareness program on food exchange list to affray undernourishment results in greater knowledge improvement on orphan organizations as well as children in Salem region.

Post cholecystectomy common bile duct dilatation and associated symptomatology.

Background:Relationship between postcholecystectomy bile duct dilatation and associated symptomatology is a potential dilemma for treating surgeon for which various studies with variable results have been documented.Materials and Methods:This study is a 1 year prospective study conducted at IGMC, Shimla after taking proper consent and ethical approval from institutional ethical committee. Total 50 cases of symptomatic cholelithiasis belonging to either sex admitted in surgical wards of IGMC, Shimla for elective surgery were selected for present study. Cholecystectomy was done in all cases after doing all investigations.Results:Postoperatively within 48 h symptoms were observed in 29 patients. Out of these, flatulence was present in 1, nausea and vomiting in 7 and 8, respectively. Combined flatulence vomiting in 5 and flatulence-reflux-nausea in 1 patient. After 1 month of interval, all patients were symptom free.Conclusion:Symptoms which were present in the postoperative patients were unrelated to dilatation of common bile duct. Either these symptoms were the persistent symptoms present before the operation or related to anaesthetic drugs.

Intra-procedural dual phase cone beam computed tomography has a better diagnostic accuracy over pre-procedural MRI and MDCT in detection and characterization of HCC in cirrhotic patients undergoing TACE procedure

PurposeThis study was directed to compare diagnostic accuracy of dual-phase cone beam computed tomography (DP-CBCT) vs pre-procedural second line imaging modality (SLIM [multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging]) to detect and characterize hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients with indication for trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). MethodsThis is a single centre, retrospective, and observational study. Exclusion criteria were not-assisted DP-CBCT TACE, and unavailable follow-up SLIM. We evaluated 280 consecutive patients (January/2015-Febraury/2019). Seventy-two patients were eligible. Three radiologists in consensus reviewed: pre-procedural SLIM, DP-CBCT, and SLIM at follow-up, with 4 months of interval between each reading. Hyper-vascular foci (HVF) were detected and characterized. Diameter was recorded. Radiological behaviour, according to LI‐RADS criteria, of HFV throughout follow-up time was the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for pre-procedural SLIM and DP-CBCT and evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve. HVF only visible on DP-CBCT (defined as occult) were analysed. Tumour diameters were compared. ResultsMedian time between pre-procedural SLIM and DP-CBCT and between DP-CBCT and definitive radiological diagnosis of HVF were 46.0 days (95%CI 36.5–55.0) and 30.5 days (95%CI 29.0–33.0), respectively.DP-CBCT had a better diagnostic performance than pre-examination SLIM (sensitivity 99%vs78%; specificity 89%vs85%; PPV 99%vs99%; NPV 92%vs30%; and accuracy 94%vs79%). DP-CBCT diagnosed 63 occult HVF. Occult HCC were 54/243 (22.2%). Six were occult angiomas. Three were false positive. Mean diameter was significantly higher in DP-CBCT vs pre-procedural SLIM (+7.5% [95%CI 3.7–11.3], p < 0.05). ConclusionsDP-CBCT has a better diagnostic accuracy and NPV than pre-procedural SLIM in cirrhotic patients with indication for TACE.

Effect of Adapted Game-Aided Physical Education Program on the Motor Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Longitudinal Case Study

The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of long term adapted game aided physical education intervention programconducted on an individual with ASD and to conserve the achieved skills. The participant was fourteen years oldduring study and was fifteen years old when research was completed. The study took 15 months in total including 12months of implementation process and 3 months of interval before retention test conducted on the participant. TheShort Form of 2nd version of Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test (BOT-2 SF) was used as a measuring set.Obtained data were evaluated graphically. According to the obtained data, we determined a development but BOT-2SF started in different periods in 8 sub-dimensions under the title of fine and gross motor skills. When permanencytest was obtained after an interval of 3 months for examined intervention program, it was clear that all skills exceptpower sub-dimension were conserved. There was a decrease in a certain amount only in power sub-dimension. In thelight of all these consequences, we can say that even though it is late, adapted intervention programs conducted onthe individuals with ASD affect motor skill levels positively and it can be said that this development will be effectivein increasing life quality of the individuals with ASD.

Comparison and Clinical Evaluation of Two Pit and Fissure Sealants on Permanent Mandibular First Molars: An In Vivo Study

The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of a microfilled pit and fissure sealant and a nanofilled pit and fissure sealant at 3, 6, and 12 months of interval. Samples consisting of 55 healthy 8- to 12-year-old children with deep pits and fissures in mandibular first permanent molars were selected for the study. It was a split mouth design and randomized clinical trial. A total of 110 mandibular first molars were divided into two groups of 55 each: group I Fissurit FX sealant and group II Grandioseal nanofilled fissure sealant. The sealed teeth were clinically evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months of interval to assess marginal adaptation, sealant retention, fissure caries development, roughness of sealant surface, and change of color around the sealant. The results showed that both Fissurit FX and Grandioseal pit and fissure sealants were effective in preventing dental caries. Marginal adaptation was significantly better with Fissurit FX when compared to Grandioseal pit and fissure sealant. There was no difference in sealant retention between the two groups. The surface roughness of Fissurit FX was high when compared to that of Grandioseal. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-squared test for intra-group comparison and Fisher's exact test for inter-group comparison. Results were considered statistically significant if p ≤ 0.05. Fissurit FX and Grandioseal pit and fissure sealants provided similar caries preventive effects and there was no difference in retention of sealants over a period of 1 year. However, surface roughness was better with Grandioseal fissure sealants. This study is significant because there is limited evidence about the efficacy of nanofilled pit and fissure sealants in vivo. It will also provide dental practitioners an insight into the clinical efficacy of nanofilled pits and fissure sealant when compared to micro-filled sealant enabling them to make the right choice for the betterment of their dental practice. How to cite this article: Smitha M, Paul ST, Nagaraj T, et al. Comparison and Clinical Evaluation of Two Pit and Fissure Sealants on Permanent Mandibular First Molars: An In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1151-1158.

Effect of platelets‐rich plasma on scalp hair diameter

To measure the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on hair diameter in Pakistani population. The study was conducted in a private setup in the adult patients undergoing PRP treatment. Baseline platelets count was noted for each patient. PRP was prepared using a commercial kit. Three PRP injections were administered in the scalp at 0, 1, and 3months of interval. The hair caliber was measured in the mid-scalp area using a separate stencil for each patient. The diameter of 10 hair (1cm sq) was measured randomly using the caliper (2 hair on each side of the square and 4 in the center). After 6months of 3rd injection, the hair caliber was measured and the results were analyzed statistically using Mann-Whitney's test. Seven men and 3 women were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 24.2years (26.3years in males and 19.3 in females). The average platelets count was found to be 283,580/μL. The mean hair caliber was 37.3μm (39.1μm in men and 33.0μm in women). At the end of the study, the mean hair caliber was found to be 52.3μm (P<.01). The mean hair caliber was 53.9μm in men and 48.7μm in women (P<.01). The increase in the hair caliber was noted to be 27.5% more in men and 31.3% more in women (P<.01). The PRP injections can increase the hair diameter.

Validity of Yin-Yang temperament in Sasang Personality Questionnaire

BackgroundThe Yin-Yang is a pivotal concept of traditional East-Asian medicine, however the stability of Yin-Yang temperament in Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) over time has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest validity of SPQ with a large number of participants. MethodsSPQ test was conducted two times with three months interval in 247 Korean university students. The structural validity of first SPQ data was examined with Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha, and the correlation between first and second measure of SPQ was attested with Pearson's correlation. Yang, Uncertain and Yin temperament groups were determined with SPQ total scores, and agreement of temperament group clustering between first and second measures were analyzed with Cohen's Kappa. ResultsThree subscales of SPQ explained 55.25% of total variances, and internal consistency of SPQ total score was 0.772. The correlation coefficient between first and second measures of SPQ were 0.851 and 0.888 in male and female, respectively, and the agreement of first and second Yin-Yang temperament group clustering as Cohen's Kappa was 0.536 for male and 0.637 for female. ConclusionThe repeatability of SPQ measuring Yin-Yang temperament at three months of interval was found to be satisfactory. The SPQ would be a reliable clinical measure for the biopsychological studies of traditional East-Asian medicine.