Multi-way Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Influence of tube current and metal artifact reduction on the diagnosis of external cervical resorption in teeth adjacent to a dental implant in CBCT: an ex-vivo study.

This ex-vivo study aimed to assess the influence of tube current (mA) and metal artifact reduction (MAR) on the diagnosis of early external cervical resorption (EECR) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the presence of an adjacent dental implant. Twenty-three single-rooted teeth were sectioned longitudinally and EECR was induced using a spherical drill and 5% nitric acid in 10 teeth. Each tooth was positioned in the socket of the lower right canine of a dry human mandible and CBCT scans were acquired using 90 kVp, voxel of 0.085 mm, field of view of 5 x 5 cm, and varying tube current (4, 8 or 12 mA), MAR (enabled or disabled) and implant conditions (with a zirconia implant in the socket of the lower right first premolar or without). Five oral radiologists evaluated the presence of EECR in a 5-point scale and the diagnostic values (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve - AUC, sensitivity, and specificity) were compared using multi-way Analysis of Variance (α = 0.05). Kappa test assessed intra-/inter-evaluator agreement. The tube current only influenced the AUC values in the presence of the implant and when MAR disabled; in this case, 8 mA showed lower values (p<0.007). MAR did not influence the diagnostic values (p>0.05). In general, the presence of an implant reduced the AUC values (p<0.0001); sensitivity values with 8 mA and MAR disabled, and specificity values with 4 mA and MAR enabled and 8 mA regardless MAR were also decreased (p<0.0001). Variations in tube current and MAR were unable to improve EECR detection, which was impaired by the presence of an adjacent implant. Increasing tube current or activating MAR tool does not improve EECR diagnosis, which is hampered by the artifacts generated by dental implants.

Effects of Geographical Origin and Tree Age on the Stable Isotopes and Multi-Elements of Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh tea is a famous tea worldwide, and identification of the geographical origin of Pu-erh tea can not only protect manufacture’s interests, but also boost consumers’ confidence. However, tree age may also influence the fingerprints of Pu-erh tea. In order to study the effects of the geographical origin and tree age on the interactions of stable isotopes and multi-elements of Pu-erh tea, 53 Pu-erh tea leaves with three different age stages from three different areas in Yunnan were collected in 2023. The δ13C, δ15N values and 25 elements were determined and analyzed. The results showed that δ13C, δ15N, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu had significant differences among different geographical origins (p &lt; 0.05). Mn content was significantly influenced by region and tree age interaction. Based on multi-way analysis of variance, principal component analysis and step-wised discriminant analysis, 24 parameters were found to be closely related to the geographical origin rather than tree age, and the geographical origin of Pu-erh tea can be 100.0% discriminated in cross-validation with six parameters (δ13C, δ15N, Mn, Mg, La, and Tb). The study could provide references for the establishment of a database for the traceability of Pu-erh tea, and even the identification of tea sample regions with different tree ages.

Potential impact of metal crowns at varying distances from a carious lesion on its detection on cone-beam computed tomography scans with several protocols.

This study evaluated the impact of artifacts generated by metal crowns on the detection of proximal caries lesions in teeth at various distances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, the diagnostic impacts of tube current and metal artifact reduction (MAR) were investigated. Thirty teeth were arranged within 10 phantoms, each containing 1 first premolar, 1 second premolar, and 1 second molar. A sound first molar (for the control group) or a tooth with a metal crown was placed. Of the 60 proximal surfaces evaluated, 15 were sound and 45 exhibited enamel caries. CBCT scans were acquired using an OP300 Maxio unit (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland), while varying the tube current (4, 8, or 12.5 mA) and enabling or disabling MAR. Five observers assessed mesial and distal surfaces using a 5-point scale. Multi-way analysis of variance was employed for data comparison, with P<0.05 indicating statistical significance. The area under the curve (AUC) varied from 0.40 to 0.60 (sensitivity: 0.28-0.45, specificity: 0.44-0.80). The diagnostic accuracy was not significantly affected by the presence of a metal crown, milliamperage, or MAR (P>0.05). However, the overall AUC and specificity were significantly lower for surfaces near a crown (P<0.05). CBCT-based caries detection was not influenced by the presence of a metal crown, variations in milliamperage, or MAR activation. However, the diagnostic accuracy was low and was further diminished for surfaces near a crown. Consequently, CBCT is not recommended for the detection of incipient caries lesions.

Does the shape of the field-of-view influence the magnitude of artefacts from high-density materials in cone-beam computed tomography?

To compare cylindrical and convex triangular field-of-views (FOVs) concerning the magnitude of artefacts from high-density materials in cone-beam CT (CBCT). Cylinders of amalgam, chromium-cobalt, titanium, and zirconia were individually placed in the anterior and posterior regions of a polymethylmethacrylate phantom and scanned using cylindrical and convex triangular FOVs of the Veraview X800 CBCT device. Using the Image J software, 15 square regions of interest (ROIs) were placed in the axial reconstruction around the middle level of the cylinder and at distances of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 cm from the centre of the cylinder. Mean grey value and standard deviation of each ROI were averaged for each distance and subtracted from the values of a control ROI to calculate the magnitude of the artefacts by the grey value mean difference (GVMD) and grey value standard deviation (GVSD). Multiway analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc test with a significance level of 5% evaluated the effect of the shape of the FOV, position inside the FOV, high-density material, and the distance of the artefact from the material. The convex triangular FOV increased the GVSD for all materials in the anterior and posterior regions at 0.5 cm compared to the cylindrical FOV (p < 0.0001). The convex triangular FOV showed greater GVMD for chromium-cobalt and zirconium in the anterior region and all materials in the posterior region at all distances (p < 0.0001). The FOV shape influences the magnitude of artefacts from high-density materials. The convex triangular FOV showed greater artefact magnitude with variability among the high-density materials, region in the FOV, and distance from the material.

A novel method of objectively detecting tooth ankylosis using cone-beam computed tomography: A laboratory study.

The aim of this study was to objectively detect simulated tooth ankylosis using a novel method involving cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Tooth ankylosis was simulated in single-rooted human permanent teeth, and CBCT scans were acquired at different current levels (5, 6.3, and 8 mA) and voxel sizes (0.08, 0.125, and 0.2). In axial reconstructions, a line of interest was perpendicularly placed over the periodontal ligament space of 21 ankylosed and 21 non-ankylosed regions, and the CBCT grey values of all voxels along the line of interest were plotted against their corresponding X-coordinates through a line graph to generate a profile. The image contrast was increased by 30% and 60% and the profile assessment was repeated. The internal area of the resulting parabolas was obtained from all images and compared between ankylosed and non-ankylosed regions under different contrast enhancement conditions, voxel sizes, and mA levels using multi-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post hoc test (α=0.05). The internal area of the parabolas of all non-ankylosed regions was significantly higher than that of the ankylosed regions (P<0.05). Contrast enhancement led to a significantly greater internal area of the parabolas of non-ankylosed regions (P<0.05). Overall, voxel size and mA did not significantly influence the internal area of the parabolas (P>0.05). The proposed novel method revealed a relevant degree of applicability in the detection of simulated tooth ankylosis; increased image contrast led to greater detectability.

Study on the spatio-temporal variation of arabinoxylan and alkylresorcinol in wheat grains

The purpose of this study was to clarify the spatio-temporal variation of arabinoxylan (AX) and alkylresorcinol (AR) in wheat. The total arabinoxylan (TOT-AX), water-extractable arabinoxylan (WE-AX), and AR contents of wheat from the main wheat producing areas of China were investigated. The effects of the geographical origin, variety, harvest year, their interactions, and irrigation frequency on the content and structure vibrations of AX and AR in wheat grains were studied based on the field experiment combined with one-way and multi-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the TOT-AX, WE-AX, and AR contents of wheat from the main wheat producing areas of China were 27.03–64.16 mg/g, 3.81–9.70 mg/g and 275.6–661.7 µg/g, respectively. Except for the irrigation, other factors had significant effects on the AX and AR contents of wheat, and the variety had the greatest effect. Xiaoyan 22, Xinmai 18, and Hengguan 35 had the highest TOT-AX, WE-AX and AR contents, respectively. The O-H stretching vibration of AX and AR and the skeleton vibrations of the aromatic ring of AR was mainly affected by the variety. This study indicated that Xiaoyan 22, Xinmai 18, and Hengguan 35 can be used for producing foods with high TOT-AX, WE-AX, and AR contents, respectively.

The 6 degrees-of-freedom range of motion of the L1-S1 vertebrae in young and middle-aged asymptomatic people.

Controlled laboratory study. To determine the 6 degrees of freedom of lumbar vertebra in vivo during different functional activities in young and middle-aged asymptomatic subjects. A total of 26 asymptomatic subjects (M/F, 15/11; age, 20-55 years) were recruited in this study. They were divided into two groups: young group (number: 14; age: 20-30 years old) and middle-aged group (number: 12; age: 45-55 years old). The lumbar segment of each subject was scanned by computed tomography for the construction of three-dimensional (3D) models of the vertebra from L1 to S1. The lumbar spine was imaged by using a dual fluoroscopic system when the subjects performed different trunk postures. The 3D models of vertebrae were matched to two fluoroscopic images simultaneously in software. The range of motion (ROM) of vertebrae in the young and middle-aged groups was compared by using multiway analysis of variance, respectively. During the supine to the upright posture, vertebral rotation of the L1-S1 occurred mainly around the mediolateral axis (mean: 3.9 ± 2.9°). Along the mediolateral axis, vertebral translation was significantly lower at L1-2 (7.7 ± 2.4 mm) and L2-3 (8.0 ± 3.5 mm) than at L3-4 (1.6 ± 1.2 mm), L4-5 (3.3 ± 2.6 mm), and L5-S1 (2.6 ± 1.9 mm). At the L4-5 level, the young group had a higher rotational ROM than the middle-aged group around all three axes during left-right bending. Along the anteroposterior axis, the young group had a lower translational ROM at L4-5 than the middle-aged group during left-right bending (4.6 ± 3.3 vs. 7.6 ± 4.8 mm; P < 0.05). At L5-S1, the young group had a lower translational ROM than the middle-aged group during flexion-extension, left-right bending, and left-right torsion. This study explored the lumbar vertebral ROM at L1-S1 during different functional postures in both young and middle-aged volunteers. There were higher coupled translations at L3-4 and L4-5 than at the upper lumbar segments during supine to upright. The vertebral rotation decreased with age. In addition, the older subjects had a higher anteroposterior translation at the L4-5 segment and higher mediolateral translation at the L5-S1 segment than the young group. These data might provide basic data to be compared with spinal pathology.

Motion of Lumbar Endplate in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients with Different Cobb Angle In Vivo: Reflecting the Biomechanics of the Lumbar Disc.

Objective To evaluate the influence of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) with different Cobb angles and degenerative discs on the range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar endplates during functional weight-bearing activities in vivo. Summary of Background. DLS data might influence spinal stability and range of motion of the spine. Altered lumbar segment motion is thought to be related to disc degeneration. However, to date, no data have been reported on the motion patterns of the lumbar endplates in patients with DLS in vivo. Methods We recorded 42 DLS patients with the apical disc at L2-L3 and L3-L4. Patients were divided into A group with a coronal Cobb angle >20° (number: 13; 62.00 ± 8.57 years old) and group B with a coronal Cobb angle <20° (number: 28; 65.79 ± 6.66 years old). Patients' discs were divided into a degenerated disc group (III-V) and a nondegenerated disc group (I-II) according to the Pfirrmann classification. Computed tomography (CT) was performed on every subject to build 3-dimensional (3D) models of the lumbar vertebrae (L1–S1), and then the vertebras were matched according to the dual fluoroscopic imaging system. The kinematics of the endplate was compared between the different Cobb angle groups and the healthy group reported in a previous study and between the degenerative disc group and nondegenerative disc group by multiway analysis of variance. Results Coupled translation at L5-S1 was higher than other levels during the three movements. During the flexion-extension of the trunk, around the anteroposterior axis, rotation in group A was higher than that in the control group at L2-L3 and L3-L4 (6.62 ± 3.61 mm vs 4.36 ± 2.55 mm, 5.01 ± 3.19 mm; P < 0.05, P < 0.05). During the left-right bending of the trunk, around the mediolateral axis, rotations in groups A and B were higher than those in the control group at L5-S1 (17.52 ± 11.43°, 17.25 ± 9.22° vs 10.08 ± 5.42°; P < 0.05, P < 0.05). During the left-right torsion, around the anteroposterior axis, rotation in group A was higher than that in group B and the control group at L2-3 (9.69 ± 5.94° vs 5.77 ± 4.02°, 4.47 ± 2.00°; P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In patients with Cobb angle <20°, coupled translation was higher in the degenerated disc group than in the nondegenerated disc group, especially along the anteroposterior axis. Conclusion An increase in the coupled rotation of the endplate at the scoliotic apical level in patients with DLS was related to a larger Cobb angle. Moreover, segments with degenerative discs had higher coupled translations in the anteroposterior direction than segments with nondegenerative discs in DLS patients with Cobb angle <20°. These data might provide clues regarding the etiology of DLS and the basis for operative planning.

Self-stigma among clients of outpatient psychiatric clinics: A cross-sectional survey.

Self-stigma is common among people with mental disorders. A large body of research has examined associations between self-stigma and sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial factors but the results are still conflicting. The aim of this study was to describe self-stigma among persons with affective and psychotic disorders and identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with experiences of self-stigma. A cross-sectional survey was performed with Finnish clients (N = 898) at 16 psychiatric clinics using self-reported questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and with one-way and multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that clients in community settings experience self-stigma (a total mean SSMIS-SF score of 74.8 [SD 22.3]). Having a diagnosis of an affective disorder, having a long history of mental disorder (>16 years) and the severity of depressive symptoms were the key factors associated with experiences of self-stigma. Clients living in community settings should be assessed regularly for depressive symptoms of mental disorders, and interventions should be conducted, especially at an early stage of the illness, to reduce self-stigma. Factors associated with self-stigma should be taken into account in the future development of interventions to reduce stigma.

Effect of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) and pregnancy planning on Bayley-III Screening Test subscales in preterm infants at 12 months of corrected age: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe association between medically assisted reproduction and pregnancy planning on overall developmental outcomes of infants has been studied in relatively few studies. The availability of accurate tools for the early detection of developmental delays is a major issue. The purpose of this study is describing the average neurodevelopment of preterm infants and assessing the association between medically assisted reproduction, pregnancy planning and neurodevelopmental outcomes among Hungarian preterm infants.MethodsCross-sectional study of preterm infants with gestational age < 37 weeks (N = 171) who underwent developmental assessment using Bayley-III Screening Test (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test – Third Edition) in five developmental domains (cognitive, receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor) at 12 months of corrected age. We examined the developmental pattern of infants and the potential associations between medically assisted reproduction, pregnancy planning and Bayley-III Screening Test subscales. Information on the mode of conception and pregnancy planning was obtained through parental anamnesis.ResultsConcerning the risk for developmental delay, the language and motor subscales were the most affected. Examination of the mode of conception and developmental outcomes revealed higher neurodevelopmental skills in infants who were conceived through medically assisted reproduction. Significantly lower cognitive, receptive and expressive language skills were found to be associated with unplanned pregnancies. Multi-way analysis of variance was conducted in order to assess the impact of the mode of conception and pregnancy planning on subscales.ConclusionsWe cannot unambiguously conclude that MAR and pregnancy planning had a solely positive effect on the development of preterm infants at 12 months of corrected age, but our results are vital for the design and implementation of further research.

Identification of peanut oil origins based on Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis methods

This study aimed to use Raman spectroscopy to identify the producing areas of peanut oil and build a robust discriminant model to further screen out the characteristic spectra closely related to the origin. Raman spectra of 159 peanut oil samples from different provinces and different cities of the same province were collected. The obtained data were analyzed by stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA), k-nearest neighbor analysis (k-NN), support vector machine (SVM) and multi-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the overall recognition rate of samples based on full spectra was higher than 90%. The producing origin, variety and their interaction influenced Raman spectra of peanut oil significantly, and 1 400–1 500 cm−1 and 1 600–1 700 cm−1 were selected as the characteristic spectra of origin and less affected by variety. The best classification model established by SLDA combined with characteristic spectra could rapidly and accurately identify peanut oil's origin.

Influence of kilovoltage-peak and the metal artifact reduction tool in cone-beam computed tomography on the detection of bone defects around titanium-zirconia and zirconia implants.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of kilovoltage-peak (kVp) and the metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool on the detection of buccal and lingual peri-implant dehiscence in the presence of titanium-zirconia (Ti-Zr) and zirconia (Zr) implants in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.Materials and MethodsTwenty implant sites were created in the posterior region of human mandibles, including control sites (without dehiscence) and experimental sites (with dehiscence). Individually, a Ti-Zr or Zr implant was placed in each implant site. CBCT scans were performed using a Picasso Trio device, with variation in the kVp setting (70 or 90 kVp) and whether the MAR tool was used. Three oral radiologists scored the detection of dehiscence using a 5-point scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated and compared by multi-way analysis of variance (α=0.05).ResultsThe kVp, cortical plate involved (buccal or lingual cortices), and MAR did not influence any diagnostic values (P>0.05). The material of the implant did not influence the ROC curve values (P>0.05). In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity were statistically significantly influenced by the implant material (P<0.05) with Zr implants showing higher sensitivity values and lower specificity values than Ti-Zr implants.ConclusionThe detection of peri-implant dehiscence was not influenced by kVp, use of the MAR tool, or the cortical plate. Greater sensitivity and lower specificity were shown for the detection of peri-implant dehiscence in the presence of a Zr implant.

An Investigation of the Perceived Life Satisfaction and Social Support Levels of the Vocational High School for Hearing-Impaired Students According to Active Participation in Sports Activities

The aim of this article was to examine the perceived life satisfaction and social support levels of the vocational high school students according to active participation in sports activities with respect to some variables, and determine the relation between certain variables and involvement in sports. The study group of the research consisted of 554 students studying at various vocational high schools for hearing impaired during the 2014-2015 education year. The sample was composed of 327 male (60.1% of the sample) and 217 female (39.9% of the sample) students. “Personal Information Form”, “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)” developed by G. D. Zimet, Dahlem, S. G. Zimet, and Farley (1988) and adapted to Turkish by Eker, Akar, and Yaldız (2001), and “The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)” developed by Diener, Emmons, Larsen, and Griffin (1985) and adapted to Turkish by Köker (1993), were used for data collection. The statistical methods and tools used for data evaluation were descriptive statistics, T-Tests for independent groups, one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), multi-way analysis of variance (multi-way ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. In order to determine the relationship between dependent variables, Pearson Correlation Test and Regression Test were administered. Based on the findings of study, the study group members tended to have over moderate social support and life satisfaction levels and there was a moderately positive correlation between the social support and life satisfaction levels. The perceived social support and life satisfaction levels of the students demonstrated significant differences in respect to the sportsmanship status, sport branches, active years of sports involvement. The study revealed that participation in sports activities play an important role on the perceived social support and life satisfaction levels of the vocational high school for the hearing-impaired students.

Effect of Magnesium on Dentinogenesis of Human Dental Pulp Cells.

Introducing therapeutic ions into pulp capping materials has been considered a new approach for enhancing regeneration of dental tissues. However, no studies have been reported on its dentinogenic effects on human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). This study was designed to investigate the effects of magnesium (Mg2+) on cell attachment efficiency, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of HDPCs. HDPCs were cultured with 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 4 mM, and 8 mM concentrations of supplemental Mg2+ and 0 mM (control). Cell attachment was measured at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 hours. Cell proliferation rate was evaluated at 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days. Crystal violet staining was used to determine cell attachment and proliferation rate. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed using the fluorometric assay at 7, 10, and 14 days. Mineralization of cultures was measured by Alizarin red staining. Statistical analysis was done using multiway analysis of variance (multiway ANOVA) with Wilks' lambda test. Higher cell attachment was shown with 0.5 mM and 1 mM at 16 hours compared to control (P < 0.0001). Cells with 0.5 mM and 1 mM supplemental Mg2+ showed significantly higher proliferation rates than control at 7, 10, 14, and 21 days (P < 0.0001). However, cell proliferation rates decreased significantly with 4 mM and 8 mM supplemental Mg2+ at 14 and 21 days (P < 0.0001). Significantly higher levels of ALP activity and mineralization were observed in 0.5 mM, 1 mM, and 2 mM supplemental Mg2+ at 10 and 14 days (P < 0.0001). However, 8 mM supplemental Mg2+ showed lower ALP activity compared to control at 14 days (P < 0.0001), while 4 mM and 8 mM supplemental Mg2+showed less mineralization compared to control (P < 0.0001). The study indicated that the optimal (0.5–2 mM) supplemental Mg2+ concentrations significantly upregulated HDPCs by enhancing cell attachment, proliferation rate, ALP activity, and mineralization. Magnesium-containing biomaterials could be considered for a future novel dental pulp-capping additive in regenerative endodontics.

Do the location and dimensions of the mental foramen differ among individuals of different facial types and skeletal classes? A CBCT study

Statement of problemKnowledge about the location and dimensions of the mental foramen is important for surgical planning and implant placement in the posterior mandibular region. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to assess the location and dimensions of the mental foramen in individuals of different facial type, skeletal class, and sex by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and methodsCBCT images of 142 individuals (72 women and 70 men) were classified according to the facial type (dolichocephalic, mesocephalic, or brachycephalic) and skeletal class (I, II, or III). The vertical and horizontal locations of each mental foramen were evaluated on panoramic reconstructions, and the greatest height and width of the mental foramen were determined on multiplanar reconstructions. Also, the distances from the mental foramen to the alveolar crest and to the inferior cortex of the mandible were obtained. The data were compared by using the Kruskal-Wallis test and multiway analysis of variance (α=.05). ResultsThe facial type, skeletal class, and sex did not influence the vertical (P=1.00) or the horizontal (P>.15) location of the mental foramen. The most frequent location of the mental foramen was between the first and second premolars and below their apices. The dimensions of the mental foramen were not influenced by the studied factors in men (P>.07); conversely, the mental foramen dimensions were influenced for women (P<.03). ConclusionsThe most frequent location of the mental foramen was between the first and second premolars and below their apices. An influence of the facial type and skeletal class was observed on the dimensions of the mental foramen in women.

Do the dimensions of the hard palate have a relationship with the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses? A CBCT study

BackgroundAs the hard palate is a central structure of the skull, and its close relationship with the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and maxillary sinuses, it would be of interest to study if there is a relationship between this bone and other structures of the stomatognathic system. Thus, this study aimed to assess the dimensions of the hard palate and associate them with sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Also, to investigate if there is a relationship between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.MethodsTwo hundred and ninety-eight CBCT scans of patients were classified according to sex, and skeletal and breathing patterns. Then, the linear dimensions of width and height of the hard palate at the regions of the first premolars and first molars, and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses were measured using the CS 3D Imaging and ITK-SNAP software, respectively. Data were submitted to multi-way analysis of variance and linear regression, with a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05).ResultsSex and facial type influenced the hard palate dimensions (p < 0.05). Males had greater width and height of the hard palate than females (p < 0.0001). It was observed greater width for brachycephalics at the first premolars region (p = 0.0032), and greater height for dolichocephalics at the first premolars (p = 0.0154) and first molars (p = 0.0038) regions. Skeletal malocclusion and breathing pattern did not influence the measurements of the hard palate (p > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the width and height of the hard palate at the premolar’s region and the total volume of the upper airways (p = 0.018, and p = 0.038), and between both dimensions of the hard palate at the molar’s region and the total volume of the maxillary sinuses (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe hard palate dimensions are influenced by sex and facial type, but not by skeletal malocclusion or breathing pattern. Also, there is an association between these dimensions and the volumes of the upper airways and maxillary sinuses.

Quantifying physical parameterization uncertainties associated with land-atmosphere interactions in the WRF model over Amazon

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model can be used to diagnose regional land-atmosphere (L-A) coupling strength in the absence of sufficient observations but subjected to uncertainties associated with model physical parameterizations. In this study, we propose a framework to quantify and reduce model physical parameterization uncertainties associated with surface fluxes and L-A coupling. An ensemble of WRF simulations with different physical schemes is used to simulate surface fluxes and land-atmosphere coupling strength over the Amazon region. The physical parameterizations investigated include cloud microphysics (MP), land surface processes (LSM), planetary boundary layer (PBL), surface layer (SL), and cumulus (CU). We perform 120 ensemble simulations using the WRF model and different combinations of six MPs, three LSMs, six PBLs and SLs and three CUs. The measurements from the GoAMAZON field campaign and satellite data are used to evaluate model performance. A Multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach is applied to quantify the relative importance of different physics processes on L-A coupling. The Tukey's test is used to sort schemes that have no significant differences into one group. The suite of physics that result in the best simulations of the corresponding variables are selected based on the Taylor skill score. Results show that the relative importance of processes and their interaction vary with the variables of interest. For example, CU was the most important process in modulating soil moisture, 2 m-humidity, latent heat, and net radiation. LSM showed dominant effects on 2 m-temperature and also has the largest impact on sensible heat and the lifting condensation level. The best physical parameterization ensembles show much narrower ranges of the variables of interest than the priori ensemble. Results of this study show the roles of different physical processes in modulating L-A interactions, quantify model uncertainties from physical processes, and provide insights for improving the model physics parameterizations.

Differences in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates in US Hospitals According to Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Designation and Area Deprivation Index Category.

Background: Disparities in breastfeeding persist placing a greater burden of disease on non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women and infants. Targeted implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in areas at risk for poor breastfeeding outcomes has been shown to improve disparities in breastfeeding. The area deprivation index (ADI), a measure of the relative socioeconomic disadvantage of a neighborhood, may be useful in exploring the accessibility of BFHI hospitals in highly deprived areas and the differences in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in hospitals with and without the BFHI designation across deprivation categories. Objective: To evaluate the geographical distribution of BFHI and non-BFHI hospitals across ADI categories and explore the differences in EBF rates in BFHI and non-BFHI hospitals across ADI categories. Methods: Hospital EBF rates obtained from the Joint Commission included 414 BFHI and 1,532 non-BFHI hospitals. State ADI rank scores were determined for each hospital's census block group. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the geographic distribution of BFHI hospitals across three ADI categories (low, medium, and high). EBF rates across ADI categories and BFHI designations were compared using multiway analysis of variance. Results: The distribution of BFHI was similar across all ADI categories, ranging from 18% to 24%. EBF rates were 4.9% lower in highly deprived areas compared to areas with lower deprivation (p < 0.01). BFHI was associated with significantly higher EBF rates across all ADI categories (6.9%-11.2%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: ADI may be a useful tool for targeting the implementation of BFHI in hospitals in highly deprived areas to reduce breastfeeding disparities.

Effects of Ketamine on Respiration and Components of the Respiratory Cycle after Extremity Trauma and Severe Conscious Hemorrhage

Background Ketamine is currently recommended for analgesic use on the battlefield for Soldiers with severe hemorrhage and compromised respiration. However, few controlled studies have been conducted to support such use. Hence, we conducted the following study to determine effects of an intravascular analgesic dose of ketamine on respiratory responses to trauma and a 55 % hemorrhage (T+Hem) in conscious rats. We hypothesized that ketamine would have no adverse effects on respiration under such experimental conditions. Methods Rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: 1) T + Hem given 0.9% saline (Veh; n=8); or 2) T + Hem given 5 mg/kg ketamine in saline (0.5 mg/100 μl; Ket, n=7). All rats (male; ~ 350grams) were surgically implanted with a carotid catheter. After 24 hours, rats were anesthetized briefly (10 min) to undergo trauma (crushing of the right gastrocnemius and semimembranosus muscles for 30 sec with forceps) and fibula fracture. Rats were allowed to awaken, and 90 min later were placed in a whole body plethysmography chamber. Rats then underwent a conscious hemorrhage (~55% of blood volume during 25 min) via the indwelling carotid catheter. At the end of hemorrhage, Veh or Ket was injected via the carotid catheter. Respiratory measures were collected over 1 min intervals and analyzed via Data Sciences International FinePointe software. Primary respiratory measures were respiration rate (RR; breaths/min), tidal volume (TV; ml), and minute volume (MV; ml/min; RR x TV). TV and MV were normalized by body weight. To further characterize respiration, components of the respiratory cycle were evaluated: Inspiratory time (Ti, sec), time spent inhaling during in each breath; Expiratory time (Te; sec), time spent exhaling during each breath); Peak inspiratory flow (Pif, ml/sec), estimated maximum inspiratory flow that occurs in one breath; Mean inspiratory flow (Mif, equal to VT/Ti; ml/sec); Peak expiratory flow (Pef, ml/sec), estimated maximum expiratory flow that occurs in one breath. Rats were observed for 75 min after injection. Data were analyzed via multiway analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures using the Statistical Analysis System. Results After injection, Veh was associated with gradually declining (P <.05) levels of RR, MV, Pif, Pef, and Mif. Te gradually increased (P ≤ 0.045) after Veh, whereas TV and Ti were stable during the ensuring 75 min period. Compared with Veh: 1) Ket had no effects on RR, TV, Ti, Te, and Mif; and 2) Ket transiently and modestly (P≤ 0.046) decreased MV, Pif, and Pef at specific time points after injection. Conclusions Our results suggest that the Ket-associated decreases in MV resulted primarily from decreased Pif and Pef. It is extremely important that pain medications administered on the battlefield not depress respiration responses during hemorrhage. In our animal model of trauma and hemorrhage, a loss of 55% blood volume produced significant respiratory depression; however, Ket did not meaningfully exacerbate these responses. These results support the use of Ket in wounded Soldiers with severe hemorrhage and compromised respiration.

Sub-regional identification of peanuts from Shandong Province of China based on Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy

The objective of this study was to select infrared spectra closely related to sub-region and less influenced by variety to distinguish the sub-regions of peanuts combined with chemometrics. Based on field experiments in Shandong Province of China, a total of 90 peanut samples of 10 different varieties from three different cities were measured by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. And the obtained spectra data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), and support vector machines (SVM). PCA showed the gathering trends for samples from three different cities. The results of multi-way ANOVA showed that sub-region, variety, and their interaction influenced infrared spectra of peanut significantly, and the wavenumbers 2923 cm−1, 2851 cm−1, 1742 cm−1, 1162 cm−1, and 1051 cm−1 were mainly associated with the sub-region and less affected by variety. The recognition rates of peanut samples from different sub-regions achieved 94.2%, 82.6%, and 76.8% for training sets and 85.7%, 76.2%, and 71.4% for validation sets by SLDA, k-NN, and SVM, respectively. It could be concluded that it was feasible to identify the sub-regions of peanut by infrared spectra closely related to sub-region and less influenced by variety combined with SLDA.