One-way ANOVA Research Articles

Enhancing clinical law education through immersive virtual reality: A flow experience perspective

BackgroundThe existing literature lacks experimental studies that provide a genuine virtual reality experience, particularly within the context of the flow experience, as it relates to clinical legal education. AimsThis study investigates the impact of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) on clinical law education, with a particular focus on the flow experience. SampleEighty-three law students participated in case practices. MethodThe study adopted an experimental design that included a random post-test control group, two distinct VR environments, immersive VR and desktop VR, were employed to create authentic scenarios mirroring real-life legal cases, and differences between the groups were tested using One-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). ResultsThe results revealed that immersive VR significantly enhances the flow experience of law students compared to desktop VR. Participants in the immersive VR group demonstrated higher levels of focused attention, telepresence, time distortion, and interaction, indicating a more profound immersion. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in terms of enjoyment between the two groups, contradicting previous research in this area. ConclusionsThis study is pioneering in its approach, offering a unique contribution to the field of law education. It highlights the potential of immersive VR as a valuable tool for enhancing clinical legal education and creating more engaging learning experiences. Expanding the use of these virtual environments to both practical and theory-based learning methods presents an exciting avenue for further exploration in the field of legal education.

Identification of Risk Factors for Primary Osteoporosis: The Role of Cervical Ligament Ossification.

BACKGROUND Long-term clinical practice has suggested a possible association between ossification of cervical ligament (OCL) and primary osteoporosis (POP). However, there is a lack of relevant research data. This study aimed to clarify the potential relationship between OCL and POP, and propose new strategies for preventing the onset of POP. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 107 patients. The patients' diagnosis included OCL (ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, and ossification of the nuchal ligament) and POP. Bone mineral density (BMD), types of OCL, types of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, age, sex, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen amino-terminal extension peptide, type I collagen degradation products, osteocalcin N-terminal molecular fragments, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and history of taking steroid drugs were collected. SPSS24.0 and GraphPad Prism 8 were used to obtain the risk factors for POP. RESULTS One-way analysis of variance found that OCL, ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin N-terminal molecular fragments had statistical significance on BMD of the femoral neck (P<0.05). The independent sample t test showed that patient sex had statistical significant effect on BMD (femoral neck) (P=0.036). Incorporating the above factors into multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that OCL, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin N-terminal molecular fragments were risk factors affecting BMD of femoral neck (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS OCL, osteocalcin N-terminal molecular fragments, and alkaline phosphatase are risk factors for POP.

Enhancing Fixed Partial Denture Pontic Fabrication: An In Vitro Comparative Study of the Digital and Manual Techniques.

Background Advancements in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology have significantly improved the accuracy and consistency of producing fixed partial dentures (FPDs) compared to traditional manual methods. However, the fully digital transfer of mock-up morphology to final FPDs is not yet fully explored. Proper pontic design, which avoids direct gingival contact, is essential for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing tissue irritation. Aim and objectives This study aims to compare the effectiveness of digital versus manual methods in FPD pontic fabrication, focusing on the trueness of digitally fabricated FPD patterns. Key objectives include assessing thickness, vertical gaps, and anatomical accuracy to determine the advantages of CAD-CAM technologies over traditional techniques. Materials and methods In this in vitro study, a total of 45 FPD pontics were fabricated and divided into three groups (15 each): digitally fabricated (using CAD software and CAM systems), manually fabricated (using traditional wax-up techniques), and a control group (typodont teeth). Tooth preparation was performed on a typodont, and impressions were taken to create casts. One cast was scanned and digitally designed, while the other was used for manual fabrication. Outcome assessments included vertical gap measurement using a stereo microscope, thickness evaluation with a digital caliper, and anatomical similarity assessment by independent evaluators. Statistical analysis involved one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post hoc Tukey's analysis, and unpaired t-tests using SPSS software version 26.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results The digital group exhibited lower mean thickness at the incisal (1.92±0.130 mm vs. 2.46±0.219 mm for manual, p=0.000), middle (7.00±0.223 mm vs. 8.88±0.983 mm for manual, p=0.001), and cervical sites (9.06±0.134 mm vs. 10.08±0.454 mm for manual, p=0.000). No significant differences were found between the digital and control groups. No significant differences were observed between digital, manual, and control groups at any site (p=0.688 to 0.997). The digital group demonstrated superior accuracy and consistency compared to the control group (mean value of 1.00±0.00 vs. 2.93±0.798, p=0.000). Conclusion CAD-CAM technology greatly improves the precision and consistency of FPD pontic fabrication compared to traditional manual techniques. Digital methods produce thinner pontics with superior anatomical accuracy, although vertical gap measurements are similar across methods. These findings emphasize the benefits of CAD-CAM in enhancing prosthetic outcomes and suggest potential improvements in clinical practices for prosthodontic rehabilitation.

A roadmap of retargeting campaigns for SMEs: a case study

PurposeRunning advertising campaigns and attracting the traffic, as well as collecting information from users who have entered the website once, provides the conditions to perform retargeting campaigns and consequently increases website visit rates and sales. The purpose of this research is to design a roadmap of retargeting campaign for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as to compare normal and retargeting advertising campaigns in order to confirm the effectiveness of retargeting campaigns.Design/methodology/approachA single-case-study strategy was adopted by choosing advertising Company-X to design the roadmap of retargeting campaigns and evaluate its effectiveness. Using a purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 experts of advertising Company-X. Furthermore, the documents and reports available in the company were also analyzed. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interviews and documents. Next, a one-way ANOVA test and a two-sample t-test were used to measure the effectiveness of retargeting campaigns of the Company-X compared to normal campaigns with secondary data of 22 SMEs for a six-month period.FindingsThe qualitative phase led to the presentation of a roadmap for the retargeting campaigns in three stages: preparation, process and implementation. The results of the quantitative phase revealed that the ratio of clicks to impressions (click-through rate) and the ratio of successful purchase tags to clicks (conversion rate) are much higher in the retargeting product campaign. Therefore, the performance of selected SMEs as an example in the product retargeting campaign was better than that of the non-retargeting campaigns. Also, the ratio of cost to the successful purchase tag was higher for the product retargeting campaigns.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature of retargeting. First, this study provides SMEs with a successful roadmap for retargeting campaigns. Second, this research reveals the effectiveness and mechanism of retargeting for SMEs.

SARS-CoV-2 viremia but not respiratory viral load is associated with respiratory complications in patients with severe COVID-19

BackgroundSevere COVID-19 carries a high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have shown an association between COVID-19 severity and SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL). We sought to measure VL in multiple compartments (urine, plasma, lower respiratory tract) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and correlate with clinical outcomes.MethodsPlasma, urine, and endotracheal aspirate (ETA) samples were obtained on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 from subjects admitted to the ICU with severe COVID-19. VL was measured via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Clinical data was collected from the electronic health record. Grouped comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test or 1-way ANOVA. Linear regression was used to correlate VL from different compartments collected at the same time. Logistic regression was performed to model ventilator-freedom at 28 days as a function of peak plasma VL.ResultsWe enrolled 57 subjects with severe COVID-19 and measured VL in plasma (n = 57), urine (n = 25), and ETA (n = 34). Ventilator-associated pneumonia developed in 63% of subjects. 49% of subjects were viremic on study day 1. VL in plasma and ETA both significantly decreased by day 14 (P < 0.05), and the two were weakly correlated on study day 1 (P = 0.0037, r2 = 0.2343) and on all study days (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.2211). VL were not detected in urine. While no associations were observed with peak ETA VL, subjects with higher peak plasma VL experienced a greater number of respiratory complications, including ventilator-associated pneumonia and fewer ventilator-free and hospital-free days. There was no association between VL in either plasma or ETA and mortality. In viremic patients, plasma VL was significantly lower in subjects that were ICU-free and ventilator-free (P < 0.05), with trends noted for hospital-freedom, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and survival to discharge (P < 0.1). By logistic regression, plasma VL was inversely associated with ventilator-freedom at 28 days (odds ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.02–0.50).ConclusionsElevated SARS-CoV-2 VL in the plasma but not in the lower respiratory tract is a novel biomarker in severe COVID-19 for respiratory complications.

Prevalence and Associated Factors with Frailty Using the Kihon Checklist among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan.

Background and Objectives: Frailty in older adults is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the frailty status of community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan using the Kihon Checklist (KCL) and explore associations with demographic, physiological, and functional factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 278 community-dwelling older adults were classified as robust, prefrail, or frail based on their KCL scores. Participants underwent physical fitness assessments including muscle strength and endurance tests, walking speed tests, and flexibility tests. One-way ANOVA and logistic regression analyses were used to examine differences and associations between frailty status and physical fitness indicators. Results: 36% of participants were robust, 47.1% prefrail, and 16.9% frail. The robust group significantly outperformed the prefrail and frail groups in the 30 s sit-to-stand test, 2.44 m sit-to-walk test, and walking speed (p < 0.001). The 2.44 m sit-to-walk test was a significant predictor of prefrailty (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02-1.36) after adjusting for other physical fitness indicators. Conclusions: Lower limb functional capacity, particularly in the 2.44 m sit-to-walk test, was significantly associated with pre-frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. Early screening, the classification of frailty by the Kihon Checklist, and targeted interventions focusing on lower limb strength, endurance, and mobility are crucial for preventing and delaying frailty progression in older populations.

Nurses' engagement in advance care planning practices: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

To describe and compare nurses' awareness of, attitudes toward, and participation in advance care planning, as well as related facilitators and challenges, in four types of healthcare settings. A cross-sectional descriptive study. Four hundred and ninety-eight registered nurses from tertiary, secondary and primary healthcare institutions, along with long-term care centres in South Korea, participated in an investigator-developed online survey. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA, and binary logistic regression. Participants were on average 30.6 ± 7.3 years old, mostly female (95.4%), employed as staff nurses (95.4%), held bachelor's degrees or higher (84.1%), and had worked for less than 5 years at their current institutions (69.7%). Overall, 49% of the participants were familiar with advance care planning. While most participants supported nurse involvement in advance care planning with patients and surrogates, fewer were willing to engage or recommend it. Less than half were actively engaged in advance care planning practices. A notable challenge was the lack of time due to excessive workload. Compared to those from tertiary healthcare institutions, participants from secondary and primary healthcare institutions and long-term care centres were less likely to be aware of advance care planning. Participants from secondary and primary healthcare institutions had lower odds of checking for the presence of advance directives and the physician orders for life-sustaining treatment. Nurses demonstrated low awareness and participation in advance care planning. Nurses' insufficient time and competency to conduct advance care planning in their practice should be addressed. Educational programs, initiatives (e.g. guidelines, position statements) and legal and policy-level efforts (e.g. nurse staffing, role clarification, reimbursement) are crucial to incorporate advance care planning into routine nursing practice. What problem did the study address? Nurses play an important role in advance care planning; however, limited is understood about their readiness and involvement in such practices. What were the main findings? Nurses' awareness of advance care planning practices and their participation in such practices is low across care settings. Although nurses have a positive attitude toward advance care planning, there are challenges (e.g. insufficient time to conduct advance care planning discussions and lack of relevant knowledge and skills) that impede their participation in practice. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study may serve as a foundation for nursing societies in countries, where advance care planning is emerging, to discuss strategies to increase nurses' competency in advance care planning and promote their participation in the practice. The STROBE checklist was followed. No patient or public contribution.

Prior Engagement in Physical Activity Correlates with Enhanced Quality of Life Perceptions among Older Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown.

This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate whether prior engagement in a physical exercise program correlated with enhanced perceptions of quality-of-life components among older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The cohort comprised elderly individuals (aged ≥ 65 years) who had previously partaken in a 12-week randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a mixed aerobic-anaerobic, moderate-intensity exercise program. Participants' health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey-12 item (SF-12) at the beginning of the initial trial and, again, one year later during the COVID-19 lockdown. In the exercise group, 44 participants were included, while the control group consisted of 49 participants, with computer-based, double-blind randomization conducted in Cagliari, Italy. The differences in scores for each SF-12 item between the two groups from T0 to T1 were compared using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. No statistically significant differences were observed on average by age (exercise group vs. control group 72.20 ± 4.78 vs. 72.91 ± 4.77; F = 0.513, p = 0.476). A decrease from T0 to T1 towards a better score on the SF-12 was observed in the exercise group compared to the control group in item 1 (F = 67.463, p < 0.0001); in item 5 (F = 4.319, p = 0.041); item 8 (F = 4.269, p = 0.041); item 9 (F = 10.761, p = 0.001); item 10 (F = 170.433, p < 0.001); and item 11 (F = 4.075, p = 0.046). The results suggest that participation in a moderate physical exercise program one year prior may have equipped older adults with better coping mechanisms to navigate the stress and isolation imposed by the COVID-19 lockdown, as reflected by their enhanced scores on quality-of-life components pertaining to mental well-being. Exercise may confer a protective effect against the adverse psychological impacts of stressful events like the pandemic, even among older adults with chronic conditions. This study underscores the potential benefits of exercise interventions for promoting quality of life and preventing mood disorders in the elderly population.

Comparison between intravenous lidocaine and dexamethasone in reducing postoperative sore throat after endotracheal extubation at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPost-operative sore throat is the common complaint and uncomfortable side effect in patients receiving general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, like steroids and local anesthetics, are the best options for postoperative sore throat prophylaxis. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous lidocaine and dexamethasone in reducing postoperative sore throat following endotracheal extubation at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from January 1 to March 30, 2023 G.C.MethodsA prospective cohort study was carried out at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Data from 50 patients in the lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg), 50 in the dexamethasone (8 mg), and 49 in the control groups were analyzed. The data were collected using observation based on structured questionnaires. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select respondents. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6.0.6 and transferred to STATA version 17 statistical software for analysis. A comparison of continuous data among the groups were performed using a one-way ANOVA test for parametric data. The Kruskal–Wallis rank test was used for non-parametric data. Associations between variables were tested using chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine degree of association.ResultsThe incidence of POST was 40%, 32%, and 57.1% in the lidocaine, dexamethasone, and control groups, respectively (P = .0356). Dexamethasone reduced the incidence of POST during the first 24 h (AOR: 0.374, 95% CI: 0.149–0.939). However, no difference was observed in the severity of POST at 3 h (p = 0.130), 6 h (p = 0.096), 12 h (p = 0.313), and 24 h (p = 0.525) of the post-extubation period among the three groups. IV lidocaine did not effectively reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat at different time intervals.Conclusion and recommendationIntravenous dexamethasone is more effective than intravenous lidocaine in reducing the incidence of postoperative sore throat among the groups. Based on these findings, intravenous dexamethasone is recommended to decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat.

EFFECT OF ECO ENZYME ADDITION ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF WATER QUALITY, REDUCTION OF AMMONIA AND METAL IN DUG WELL WATER

This study aims to: (1) Analyze the effect of artificial eco enzyme addition on improving the quality of dug well water based on pH, TDS, TSS, and DO parameters; (2) Analyze the effect of artificial eco enzyme addition on reducing ammonia and metal content in dug well water. The type of research is a laboratory-scale experiment with a quantitative approach to dug well water samples treated using a complete randomized design (CRD). The characteristics of the experimental test are 4 times treatment 1 time repetition in a homogeneous sample population. The conclusion of the research is that the provision of artificial eco enzyme has an effect in the form of an average increase and decrease in each parameter of the water quality of the dug well, namely pH 0,4, TDS 22 mg/l, TSS 13,3 mg/l, DO 4,2 mg/l, NH3 2,5 mg/l, Fe 0,4 mg/l, and Mn 0,03 mg/l. Based on one-way ANOVA testing resulted in sig. 0.001 0.05 and Duncan testing resulted in different number notations in each sample with sig. 1.000 0.05 which means the addition of eco enzyme gives a real influence on improving the quality of well water.

Investigation of Biomechanical Differences in Level Walking between Patients with Bilateral and Unilateral Total Knee Replacements.

Due to the high risk of a bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKR) following unilateral TKR, this study was performed to investigate bilateral TKR patients. Specifically, we examined biomechanical differences between the first replaced and second replaced limbs of bilateral patients. Furthermore, we examined bilateral TKR effects on hip, knee, and ankle biomechanics, compared to the replaced and non-replaced limbs of unilateral patients. Eleven bilateral patients (70.09 ± 5.41 years, 1.71 ± 0.08 m, 91.78 ± 13.00 kg) and fifteen unilateral TKR patients (65.67 ± 6.18 years, 1.73 ± 0.10 m, 87.72 ± 15.70 kg) were analyzed while performing level walking. A repeated measures one-way ANOVA was performed to analyze between-limb differences within the bilateral TKR group. A 2 × 2 (limb × group) ANOVA was used to determine differences between bilateral and unilateral patients. Our results showed that the second replaced limb exhibited a lower peak initial-stance knee extension moment than the first replaced limb. No other kinematic or kinetic differences were found. Bilateral patients exhibited lower initial-stance knee extension moments, knee abduction moments, and dorsiflexion moments, compared to unilateral patients. Bilateral patients also exhibited lower push-off peak hip flexion moments and vertical GRF. The differences between the first and second replaced limbs of bilateral patients may indicate different adaptation strategies used following a second TKR. The significant group differences indicate that adaptations are different between these groups, and it is not recommended to use patients with unilateral and bilateral TKR together in gait analyses.

Evaluation of fracture resistance and marginal fit of implant-supported interim crowns fabricated by conventional, additive and subtractive methods

BackgroundInterim crowns are utilized for restoring implants during and after the process of osseointegration. However, studies on adaptation and fracture strength of implant-supported interim crowns are rare.Aim of the studyThe aim of this in vitro study is evaluating marginal fit and fracture resistance of conventional, subtractive, and additive methods of fabricating implant-supported interim crowns.Materials and methodsAn implant was placed in an epoxy resin model with a missing first molar. A scan body was attached, and scanned with an intraoral scanner (IOS), the STL file was used to fabricate eighteen master models with standardized implant digital analogue spaces. The digital analogues and their corresponding abutments were attached to the master models and scanned with the IOS, the STL files were used to fabricate eighteen crowns using three different techniques (n = 6): conventional (CR); from Autopolymerizing composite resin, subtractive (SM); milled from PMMA resin blanks, and additive (AM); from 3D printed resin material. The crowns were fitted and cemented on their corresponding abutments and subjected to cyclic loading and thermocycling. The marginal fit was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. The crowns were then loaded until fractured in a universal testing machine. The Shapiro–Wilk and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests revealed that data of Marginal gap was non-parametric. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn test was used (α = 0.05). While data of Fracture resistance test was parametric. ANOVA (F-test) was used followed by the Tukey test (α = 0.05).ResultsFor marginal gap, a significant difference was shown between the study groups (P = .001) according to Kruskal–Wallis test. Groups SM and AM had significantly lower marginal gap values compared to group CR (P = .003). No significant difference was found between groups SM and AM (P = .994). For fracture resistance, One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in fracture resistance between study groups (P < .001). Group SM had significantly higher fracture strength followed by group AM and group CR (P = .001).ConclusionsGroup SM and AM showed better marginal adaptation than group CR. Group SM showed superior fracture resistance compared to other groups. All study groups showed acceptable marginal gap and fracture resistance.

Administration of low dose intranasal ketamine exerts a neuroprotective effect on whole brain irradiation injury model in wistar rats.

Exposure to ionizing radiation leads to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, resulting in neurocognitive impairments. Adverse effects are also associated with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity due to alterations in the composition of glutamate receptors. Ketamine, which is a noncompetitive NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, has been stated to exert an impact on glutamatergic receptors. This study aims to reveal the possible alleviating or preventive effects of ketamine, which maintains glutamate homeostasis and decreases neurodegeneration, in a radiation-induced neurotoxicity model. Twenty-one female Wistar Queryrats were included in the study and 14 of these underwent whole brain irradiation (IR) with a 20 Gray single dose. Animals were allocated into three groups. Group 1: Normal control; Group 2: Placebo / IR + Saline; Group 3: IR + Ketamine. Ketamine was administered in addition to IR to rats in Group 3. The one-way ANOVA statistical test was used to compare groups. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. When administered in addition to irradiation, ketamine treatment significantly increased scores in the three-chamber sociability test, open field test, and passive avoidance learning test. It also raised neuron counts in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions as well as in Purkinje cells, and enhanced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine receptor kinase-B. Furthermore, ketamine administration resulted in decreased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, indicating a reduction in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Ketamine exerted a significant protective impact on radiation-induced neurocognitive impairments and enhanced social-memory capacity by reducing neuronal loss, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest that ketamine is beneficial in the treatment or prevention of neurodegeneration via the regulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway besides decreasing neuroinflammation and blocking NMDA receptors.

INVESTIGATION OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ EXPOSURE TO PHUBBING BEHAVIOR

Technological behavioral disorders have become prevalent issues nowadays. Uncontrolled and excessive time spent on the internet, along with the addictive use of mobile phones, brings along problems in social relationships, feelings of deprivation, and situations such as mobile device or technology addiction. The situation of being unable to live without a phone and consciously ignoring people around oneself has begun to be defined as 'Phubbing'. The main aim of this study is to examine high school students' instances of displaying Phubbing behavior concerning various demographic variables such as school type, gender, grade level, family relationships, and friendships. It is believed that this study will create an awareness of Phubbing behavior and contribute to the literature by providing insights into situations negatively affecting interpersonal communication, thereby enabling necessary precautions to be taken. The aim of this study is to examine Phubbing behavior among high school students concerning various demographic variables (school type, gender, grade level, family relationships, friendship relationships, duration of internet usage). The study was conducted based on a quantitative research method using a survey design. The 'General Phubbing Scale’ was employed as the data collection instrument. A total of 353 students from both private and public high schools in a province in the Central Anatolia region participated in the research during the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition to descriptive statistics for the analysis of quantitative data obtained from the scale, tests examining differences between means, such as independent sample t-Test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized. Upon examination of the findings from the study, no significant difference was found concerning Phubbing behavior based on gender. However, significant differences were observed in demonstrating Phubbing behavior among students based on school type, phone usage durations, and family and friendship relationships. The research concludes with some recommendations.

Sensory evaluation and chemical composition of Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum herbal tea and spice.

Herbal teas are ingested for various purposes and by diverse populations across the globe. There is a growing recognition among individuals of the advantages associated with the use of this beverage, leading to a heightened demand for the manufacture of herbal tea derived from therapeutic plants. Spices on the other hand add flavour to food but could pose harm if it is high in phytates and oxalates. The objective of this study was to develop natural spices and herbal tea with health beneficial properties using Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum berries. Herbal tea samples from S. nigrum were prepared by sorting berries, maceration, divided into two (fermenting at 18 °C and non-fermenting) and dried at 60 °C for 12 h in a hot oven. Spices from S. torvum and S. nigrum were prepared by removing the berries from the stalk, freeze-drying and smooth milling into fine powder. In addition, antinutrient, phytochemical and sensory evaluation studies were conducted on these spices and herbal teas. A nine-point hedonic scale was utilized for the purpose of conducting a consumer acceptability sensory evaluation test using 101 untrained panelists. Data was then analyzed by t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the level of significance (p < 0.05) was assessed using Tukey's and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. The panellists expressed a favourable perception towards Solanum nigrum unripe unfermented green herbal tea (6.65 ± 2.08) as compared to the other formulated teas due to the components working together in a way that produces a nice tea sample. Both Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum spices contained various levels of catechins, saponins, flavonoids, oxalates, phytates and tannins comparable to literature. The herbal tea samples exhibited a range of catechin content, varying from 0.255 to 0.756 mg/g. The antioxidant activity of the various herbal tea samples ranged from 66.37 ± 0.24 to 78.53 ± 0.18 µg/mL GAE as determined by the DPPH free radical assay Fermented black herbal teas recorded higher total phenols (2.80 ± 0.09d), total flavonoids (21.84 ± 1.84c) and showed greater antioxidant activity (78.53 ± 0.18a) as compared to the unfermented green herbal teas. The process of fermentation resulted in a decrease in pH from 7.22 to 6.53 within a period of 12 h. The Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) grew as the fermentation period progressed, whereas the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) decreased. Phytates were the least antinutrients among the two Solanum species accounting for 0.02 mg/100 g and 0.03 mg/100 g in S. torvum berries (STBs) and (S. nigrum berries) SNBs respectively.

Lipid Levels of Healthy Adults in Jaffna district, Northern Province of Sri Lanka: An Analysis of Secondary Data

Abnormal lipid profile is considered as an important contributor to cardiovascular diseases among South Asians. Sri Lanka is a multiethnic South Asian nation and differences in ethnicity may influence the pattern of lipid profile. The aim of this paper is to analyse the lipid levels of healthy adults of a predominantly Sri Lankan Tamil population in the Northern Sri Lanka and compare it with the lipid levels of different ethnic groups reported in the literature. It was a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data of 500 healthy adults who were the controls of a larger study on the lipid profile of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Cut-off values for desirable lipid levels used in this study were determined according to national and international guidelines. Chi-squared test, independent t-test/ Mann–Whitney U-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to determine the statistical significance and a p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant.The majority (61.4%) were women and the mean age was 54.8±12.6 years. Mean lipid levels were within normal range except HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) in women (46.6± ±10.6 mg/dL). Desirable lipid levels were observed in majority of the participants (58%-80%) except HDL-C among women (32%). Half of the study population had a desirable total cholesterol: HDL-C ratio (50.8%). Significant difference between men and women was observed for HDL-C (p&lt;0.05). The HDL-C levels and total cholesterol: HDL-C ratio of Jaffna population were comparable to those of South Asian populations. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical implication of these observations.

Evaluation of the cumulative effect of photodynamic therapy and local fluoride on the microhardness and topography of demineralized enamel and cementum surfaces

BackgroundThe present study aimed to determine the cumulative effect of two photodynamic therapy methods with methylene blue and indocyanine green and two topical fluoride therapy methods with fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride alone and in combination on the microhardness and topography of demineralized enamel and cementum surfaces. Materials and methodsSeventy-two sound human teeth were selected, and their buccal and lingual surfaces were assigned to two main groups of enamel and cementum using simple randomization. The initial surface hardness (SH) of the enamel and cementum in each sample was determined using a micro-Vickers hardness tester using a 200-g force in 10 s. Then artificial caries was induced by immersion in a demineralizing/remineralizing solution (i.e., each tooth provided two samples, one on the buccal aspect and the other on the lingual aspect). Each enamel/cementum main group was divided into two subgroups using simple randomization based on the local fluoride type (fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride) and the type of the photosensitizer agent (methylene blue and indocyanine green). Finally, 16 groups were achieved (n = 9). The final surface hardness of the enamel and cementum samples was determined as described above. Finally, the sample surfaces were prepared for the surface topography evaluation under a scanning electron microscope. The baseline microhardness was compared between the 16 study groups in the first step using one-way ANOVA. Then, three-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effect of fluoride, laser, and surface (enamel and cementum) on microhardness. ResultsAll the groups exhibited decreased microhardness due to the induction of artificial caries. In both main groups of enamel and cementum, the lowest decrease in microhardness was recorded with combined photodynamic therapy and methylene blue photosensitizer material and fluoride varnish (15.1 % for cementum and 16.7 % for enamel), and the highest decrease in microhardness was recorded in the methylene blue group (35.7 % for cementum and 34.9 % for enamel). ConclusionThe combination of photodynamic therapy with the photosensitizer substance methylene blue or indocyanine green together with fluoride varnish or silver diamine fluoride is effective on the remineralization of demineralized enamel and cementum. Although there is no difference between the combination of photodynamic therapy with fluoride varnish compared to fluoride varnish alone, both of these treatments are more effective than using photodynamic therapy alone.

Association Between CYP2D7 and TCF20 Polymorphisms and Coronary Heart Disease.

One of the causes of coronary heart disease (CHD) is genetic factors. In this study, we explored the relationship between CYP2D7 and TCF20 gene polymorphisms and the risk of CHD in the Han Chinese population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (CYP2D7 rs1800754, CYP2D7 rs2743461, and TCF20 rs760648) were selected and genotyped from 490 cases and 480 controls. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association between CYP2D7 and TCF20 polymorphisms and the risk of CHD. The association between clinical indicators and polymorphisms was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD. The SNP-SNP interactions were obtained by performing multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). CYP2D7 rs1800754 and rs2743461 were closely associated with increased risk of CHD (alleles: p = 0.014, p = 0.031). Stratified analysis showed that CYP2D7 rs1800754 and rs2743461 were associated with an increased risk of CHD in men, age > 60years, BMI ≥ 24, and smoking. Rs1800754 is also associated with an increased risk of CHD associated with alcohol consumption. In addition, TCF20 rs760648 was associated with a reduced risk of CHD in patients aged ≤ 60years and with CALs. A significant association was found between CYP2D7 rs1800754 and rs2743461 genotypes and levels of UREA, Cr, and LDL-C; TCF20 rs760648 genotypes and levels of RBC. The MDR analysis showed that the three-locus interaction model was the best in the multi-locus model. In conclusion, CYP2D7 rs1800754 and rs2743461 polymorphisms were associated with CHD risk.

Fermented foods and probiotic consumption frequency as protective indicators for peri-implant diseases – a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDue to their modulatory effect on biofilm growth, bacterial gene expressions, and host-modulation effects, fermented foods and probiotic products could potentially have a protective role against peri-implant diseases. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association of consumption of fermented foods and products containing probiotics, with peri-implant health and diseases.MethodsA total of 126 implants were included. The peri-implant health status (peri-implantitis, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implant health) was assessed through Chicago’s Classification of periodontal and peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the consumption patterns of fermented and probiotic foods and product. One-way ANOVA was employed to compare the 3 peri-implant conditions categories in terms of fermented food and probiotic consumption.ResultsThere were significant differences in the daily and general consumption of yogurt, probiotic yogurt, kefir, ayran, vinegar, pomegranate syrup, whole meal bread, and homemade butter among peri-implantitis, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implant health (p < 0.05). The peri-implant health group consumed significantly more yogurt, kefir, ayran, vinegar, whole wheat bread, and homemade butter than peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.ConclusionA higher consumption of fermented and probiotic foods may be associated with peri-implant health. Fermented and probiotic products may be useful for prevention of peri-implant diseases in patients with implants.

Human Brain Deuterium Metabolic Imaging at 7 T: Impact of Different [6,6'-2H2]Glucose Doses.

Deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) is an innovative, noninvasive metabolic MR imaging method conducted after administration of 2H-labeled substrates. DMI after [6,6'-2H2]glucose consumption has been used to investigate brain metabolic processes, but the impact of different [6,6'-2H2]glucose doses on DMI brain data is not well known. To investigate three different [6,6'-2H2]glucose doses for DMI in the human brain at 7 T. Prospective. Six healthy participants (age: 28 ± 8 years, male/female: 3/3). 7 T, 3D 2H free-induction-decay (FID)-magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) sequence. Three subjects received two different doses (0.25 g/kg, 0.50 g/kg or 0.75 g/kg body weight) of [6,6'-2H2]glucose on two occasions and underwent consecutive 2H-MRSI scans for 120 minutes. Blood was sampled every 10 minutes during the scan, to determine plasma glucose levels and plasma 2H-Glucose atom percent excess (APE) (part-1). Three subjects underwent the same protocol once after receiving 0.50 g/kg [6,6'-2H2]glucose (part-2). Mean plasma 2H-Glucose APE and glucose plasma concentrations were compared using one-way ANOVA. Brain 2H-Glc and brain 2H-Glx (part-1) were analyzed with a two-level Linear Mixed Model. In part-2, a General Linear Model was used to compare brain metabolite signals. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Between 60 and 100 minutes after ingesting [6,6'-2H2]glucose, plasma 2H-Glc APE did not differ between 0.50 g/kg and 0.75 g/kg doses (P = 0.961), but was significantly lower for 0.25 g/kg. Time and doses significantly affected brain 2H-Glucose levels (estimate ± standard error [SE]: 0.89 ± 0.01, 1.09 ± 0.01, and 1.27 ± 0.01, for 0.25 g/kg, 0.50 g/kg, and 0.75 g/kg, respectively) and brain 2H-Glutamate/Glutamine levels (estimate ± SE: 1.91 ± 0.03, 2.27 ± 0.03, and 2.46 ± 0.03, for 0.25 g/kg, 0.50 g/kg, and 0.75 g/kg, respectively). Plasma 2H-Glc APE, brain 2H-Glc, and brain 2H-Glx levels were comparable among subjects receiving 0.50 g/kg [6,6'-2H2]glucose. Brain 2H-Glucose and brain 2H-Glutamate/Glutamine showed to be [6,6'-2H2]glucose dose dependent. A dose of 0.50 g/kg demonstrated comparable, and well-detectable, 2H-Glucose and 2H-Glutamate/Glutamine signals in the brain. 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.