One-way ANOVA Research Articles

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal thickness changes in overweight and obese adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM: To evaluate the relationship of overweight and obesity with retinal and choroidal thickness in adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: According to the body mass index (BMI) results, the adults enrolled in the cross-sectional study were divided into the normal group (18.50≤BMI<25.00 kg/m2), the overweight group (25.00≤BMI<30.00 kg/m2), and the obesity group (BMI≥30.00 kg/m2). The one-way ANOVA and the Chi-square test were used for comparisons. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between the measured variables. RESULTS: This research covered the left eyes of 3 groups of 434 age- and sex-matched subjects each: normal, overweight, and obesity. The mean BMI was 22.20±1.67, 26.82±1.38, and 32.21±2.35 kg/m2 in normal, overweight and obesity groups, respectively. The choroid was significantly thinner in both the overweight and obesity groups compared to the normal group (P<0.05 for all), while the retinal thickness of the three groups did not differ significantly. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that BMI was significantly negatively correlated with choroidal thickness, but no significant correlation was observed between BMI and retinal thickness. CONCLUSION: Choroidal thickness is decreased in people with overweight or obesity. Research on changes in choroidal thickness contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of certain ocular disorders in overweight and obese adults.

Effects of Religious Versus Non-religious Self-compassion Interventions on Anxiety and Quality of Life of Iranian Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anxiety is one of the common psychological problems among infertile women, which affects their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of self-compassion intervention based on a religious and non-religious perspective regardingthe anxiety and quality of life of infertile women. A randomized clinical trial design with experimental and control groups was used. A total of 78 infertile women who lived in Yazd province, Iran, were referred to Yazd reproductive sciences institute, were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and one control groups. The participants of the first experimental group received eight sessions of self-compassion-focused intervention based on religious instructions. The second experimental group received eight sessions of non-religious self-compassion intervention, while the control group was put on the waiting list. Data were collected using Quality of Life in Infertile Couples Questionnaire (QOLICQ) and Beck anxiety inventory (BDI) in the pretest, posttest and 2-month follow-up phases and then analyzed using repeated measures as well as one-way analysis of variance. The results showed as compared to control group at the posttest and follow-up phases, the quality of life (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) of infertile women increased and decreased, respectively, across both experimental groups. Comparison of experimental groups showed that although the difference between the two groups in the subscales of social relationships and sexual satisfaction was not significant, the gain scores of quality of life and anxiety were significantly greater in the first experimental group. These findings indicate that given the religious background of infertile women, religious self-compassion intervention can be relatively more effective in improving the quality of life and anxiety of infertile women than non-religious intervention.

Investigation of the mechanical, thermal and wear properties of eggshell/PLA composites

Abstract The current study investigated the potential application of agricultural waste chicken eggshell (CES) as a reinforcement in composites made of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). With the use of twin extruder and injection molding machine, polymer composites have been developed. The performance of the composites was assessed with respect to its mechanical, thermal, and wear properties. It was shown that the increase in eggshell content led to the increase in void content and water absorption. Despite the increase in void content, the mechanical properties, in particular, micro-hardness, tensile strength and flexural strength were significantly improved. Conversely, when the eggshell content increased from 0 to 30 wt%, the impact strength was decreased. A slight decrease in fracture toughness was observed. Thermal properties, such as thermal stability and thermal degradation temperature, were improved with an increase in eggshell content. PLA, PLA-CES-10, PLA-CES-20, and PLA-CES-30 composites exhibited increase in erosion rate by 13.8 %, 10 %, 9 %, and 6 %, respectively, when the impact velocity was increased from 30 m/s to 50 m/s. Data were analyzed statistically with one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s HSD test (α &lt; 0.05). Overall, PLA/eggshell based polymer composites performed exceptionally well, in addition to their environmental benefits, pollution control, waste utilization, and reduced production cost.

[Analysis of language and influencing factors of children with speech disorder in Beijing].

Objective: To investigate the features and influencing factors of language in children with various types of speech disorders. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, 262 children with speech disorder had been diagnosed at the language-speech clinic of the Center of Children's Healthcare, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2021 to November 2023, the children with speech sound disorder as the speech sound disorder group, the children with developmental stuttering as the stuttering group. There were 100 typically-developed children who underwent physical checkups at the Center of Healthcare during the same period as the healthy group. All children experienced a standardized evaluation of language with diagnostic receptive and expressive assessment of mandarin-comprehensive(DREAM-C) and questionnaire, One-way ANOVA and LSD test were conducted to compare the differences in overall language, receptive language, expressive language, semantics, and syntax scores among 3 groups of children. According to the results of DREAM-C, the children with speech disorder were divided into language normal group and language delay group. Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression were implemented to analyze the association between the linguistic development of children with speech disorder and potential influential factors. Results: There were 145 children in the speech sound disorder group, including 110 males and 35 females respectively, with an age of (5.9±1.0) years; 117 children in the stuttering group, including 91 males and 26 females, with an age of (5.8±1.0) years; 100 children in the healthy group, including 75 males and 25 females, with an age of (5.7±1.2) years. The variations in overall language, expressive language, and syntax scores among 3 groups of children were statistically significant (92±18 vs.96±11 vs. 98±11, 81±18 vs. 84±14 vs. 88±13, 87±16 vs. 89±11 vs. 91±10, F=5.46, 4.69, 3.68, all P<0.05). Pairwise comparison revealed that the speech sound disorder group had lower scores in overall language, expressive language, and syntactic compared to the healthy group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01) and the overall language score was lower than that of children with stuttering (P<0.05). In terms of overall language and expressive language, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of language delay among the three groups of children (15.9% (23/145) vs. 20.5% (24/117) vs. 7.0% (7/100), 46.2% (67/145) vs. 39.3% (46/117) vs. 26.0% (26/100); χ2=7.93, 10.28; both P<0.05). In terms of overall language, the stuttering group took up the highest proportion. In terms of expressive language, the speech sound disorder group accounted for the highest amount. The incidence of language delay in children with speech disorder was 44.3% (116/262). Non-parent-child reading, daily screen time ≥1 hour and screen exposure before 1.5 years of age are risk factors for the development of language in children with speech disorder (OR=1.87, 2.18, 2.01; 95%CI 1.07-3.27, 1.23-3.86, 1.17-3.45; all P<0.01). Negative family history are protective factors for the progress of language ability (OR=0.37, 95%CI 0.17-0.81, P<0.05). Conclusions: Children with speech disorder tend to have easy access to language delay, especially in expressive language and syntax. The occurrence of language delay in children with speech disorder is tightly connected with factors such as the family medical history, parent-child reading, screen time, etc. Attention should be paid to the development of language in children who suffer from speech disorder.

The effects of re-irradiation on the chemical and morphological properties of permanent teeth.

This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of re-irradiation on enamel and dentin properties, simulating head and neck cancer radiotherapy retreatment. Forty-five human permanent molars were classified into five groups: non-irradiated; irradiated 60Gy, and re-irradiated with doses of 30, 40, and 50Gy. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for analysis. Raman spectroscopy assessed intensity, spectral area, and specific peaks comparatively. Statistical analysis involved Kolmogorov-Smirnov and One-Way ANOVA tests, with Tukey's post-test (significance level set at 5%). Significant changes in irradiated, non-irradiated, and re-irradiated enamel peaks were observed, including phosphate (438nm), hydroxyapatite (582nm), phosphate (960nm), and carbonate (1070nm) (p < 0.05). Re-irradiation affected the entire tooth (p > 0.05), leading to interprismatic region degradation, enamel prism destruction, and hydroxyapatite crystal damage. Dentin exhibited tubule obliteration, crack formation, and progressive collagen fiber fragmentation. EDX revealed increased oxygen percentage and decreased phosphorus and calcium post-reirradiation. It is concluded that chemical and morphological changes in irradiated permanent teeth were dose-dependent, exacerbated by re-irradiation, causing substantial damage in enamel and dentin.

Quantitative evaluation of meniscus injury using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can diagnose meniscal lesions anatomically, while quantitative MRI can reflect the changes of meniscal histology and biochemical structure. Our study aims to explore the association between the measurement values obtained from synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) and Stoller grades. Additionally, we aim to assess the diagnostic accuracy of SyMRI in determining the extent of meniscus injury. This potential accuracy could contribute to minimizing unnecessary invasive examinations and providing guidance for clinical treatment. Total of 60 (n=60) patients requiring knee arthroscopic surgery and 20 (n=20) healthy subjects were collected from July 2022 to November 2022. All subjects underwent conventional MRI and SyMRI. Manual measurements of the T1, T2 and proton density (PD) values were conducted for both normal menisci and the most severely affected position of injured menisci. These measurements corresponded to the Stoller grade of meniscus injuries observed in the conventional MRI. All patients and healthy subjects were divided into normal group, degeneration group and torn group according to the Stoller grade on conventional MRI. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare the T1, T2 and PD values of the meniscus among 3 groups. The accuracy of SyMRI in diagnosing meniscus injury was assessed by comparing the findings with arthroscopic observations. The diagnostic efficiency of meniscus degeneration and tear between conventional MRI and SyMRI were analyzed using McNemar test. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was utilized for evaluation. According to the measurements of SyMRI, there was no statistical difference of T1 value or PD value measured by SyMRI among the normal group, degeneration group and torn group, while the difference of T2 value was statistically significant among 3 groups (P=0.001). The arthroscopic findings showed that 11 patients were meniscal degeneration and 49 patients were meniscal tears. The arthroscopic findings were used as the gold standard, and the difference of T1 and PD values among the 3 groups was not statistically significant, while the difference of T2 values (32.81±2.51 of normal group, 44.85±3.98 of degeneration group and 54.42±3.82 of torn group) was statistically significant (P=0.001). When the threshold of T2 value was 51.67 (ms), the maximum Yoden index was 0.787 and the AUC value was 0.934. The measurement values derived from SyMRI could reflect the Stoller grade, illustrating that SyMRI has good consistency with conventional MRI. Moreover, the notable consistency observed between SyMRI and arthroscopy suggests a potential role for SyMRI in guiding clinical diagnoses.

Two missense STK11 gene variations impaired LKB1/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

BACKGROUND Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare hereditary neoplastic disorder mainly associated with serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11 /LKB1 ) gene mutations. Preimplantation genetic testing can protect a patient’s offspring from mutated genes; however, some variations in this gene have been interpreted as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), which complicate reproductive decision-making in genetic counseling. AIM To identify the pathogenicity of two missense variants and provide clinical guidance. METHODS Whole exome gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed on the peripheral blood of patients with PJS treated at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya. Software was employed to predict the protein structure, conservation, and pathogenicity of the two missense variation sites in patients with PJS. Additionally, plasmids were constructed and transfected into HeLa cells to observe cell growth. The differences in signal pathway expression between the variant group and the wild-type group were compared using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS We identified two missense STK11 gene VUS [c.889A&gt;G (p.Arg297Gly) and c.733C&gt;T (p.Leu245Phe)] in 9 unrelated PJS families who were seeking reproductive assistance. The two missense VUS were located in the catalytic domain of serine/threonine kinase, which is a key structure of the liver kinase B1 (LKB1) protein. In vitro experiments showed that the phosphorylation levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) at Thr172 and LKB1 at Ser428 were significantly higher in transfected variation-type cells than in wild-type cells. In addition, the two missense STK11 variants promoted the proliferation of HeLa cells. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis showed that phosphorylated-AMPK (Thr172) expression was significantly lower in gastric, colonic, and uterine polyps from PJS patients with missense variations than in non-PJS patients. Our findings indicate that these two missense STK11 variants are likely pathogenic and inactivate the STK11 gene, causing it to lose its function of regulating downstream phosphorylated-AMPK (Thr172), which may lead to the development of PJS. The identification of the pathogenic mutations in these two clinically characterized PJS patients has been helpful in guiding them toward the most appropriate mode of pregnancy assistance. CONCLUSION These two missense variants can be interpreted as likely pathogenic variants that mediated the onset of PJS in the two patients. These findings not only offer insights for clinical decision-making, but also serve as a foundation for further research and reanalysis of missense VUS in rare diseases.

Comparative Evaluation of Stress Distribution Against the Root Canal Wall at Three Different Levels by Using TruNatomy, XP-endo Shaper, F360, and 2Shape Files-A Finite Element Analysis.

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the stress distribution of novel endodontic rotary files of different cross sections and metallurgy against the root canal wall at three different levels by using finite element analysis. A total of 60 novel NiTi rotary files were included in this study after being scanned for any surface deformities using a scanning electron microscope. The scanned files were assigned into 4 groups of 15 samples each based on their metallurgy and design: Group A-TruNatomy, Group B-XP-endo Shaper, Group C-F360, and Group D-2shape files. ANSYS® 15 Workbench finite element software (Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States) was used to numerically analyse the stress created by computer-aided models of these instruments on the dentinal wall of a simulated root canal to test the mechanical behaviour of these files. All data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey analysis, the Shapiro Wilk test, and Levene's test. The significance level was set at 5%. XP-endo Shaper files employed minimal stress on the surface of dentine during instrumentation, and F360 files exerted maximum stress on the dentinal wall. However, no statistically significant difference was found among the groups in relation to the amount of stress produced at the distinct levels of the root canal wall (p>0.05). There was no discernible difference in stress generation among the four groups in the current investigation. Therefore, it can be inferred that the upgrade in design and metallurgy of rotary files has the potential to downgrade the stress during the shaping of the canal and the menace of instrument breakage during their clinical usage.

Clinical outcomes of self-glazed zirconia veneers produced by 3D gel deposition: a retrospective study.

Self-glazed zirconia (SZ) restorations are made by a novel additive three-dimensional gel deposition approach, which are suitable for a straightforward completely digital workflow. SZ has recently been used as minimally invasive veneer, but its clinical outcomes have not been clarified yet. This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of SZ veneers compared with the widely used lithium disilicate glass-ceramic veneers made by either pressing (PG) or milling (MG) process. Fifty-six patients treated with SZ, PG, and MG veneers by 2 specialists between June 2018 and October 2022 were identified. Patients were recalled for follow-up at least 1 year after restoration. Clinical outcomes were assessed by 2 independent evaluators according to the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Chi-square test was applied to compare the difference in the success and survival rates among the 3 groups. A total of 51 patients restored with 45 SZ, 40 PG, and 41 MG veneers completed the study, with a patient dropout rate of 8.9%. Mean and standard deviation of follow-up period was 35.0 ± 14.7months. All restorations performed well at baseline,except for 2 SZ veneers with mismatched color (rated Bravo). During follow-up, marginal discrepancy (rated Bravo) was found in 4 MG veneers and 1 PG veneer, and partially fractured (rated Charlie) was found in another 2 PG veneers. The survival rate of SZ, PG, and MG veneers was 100%, 95%, and 100%, with a success rate of 95.56%, 92.50%, and 90.24%, respectively, none of which were significantly different (p = 0.099 and 0.628, respectively). The mean VAS score of SZ, PG, and MG was 95.00 ± 1.57, 93.93 ± 2.40, and 94.89 ± 2.00 respectively, without significant difference (p > 0.05). SZ veneers exhibited comparable preliminary clinical outcomes to PG and MG veneers, which could be considered as a feasible option for minimally invasive restorative treatment.

Evaluation of the effect of chemical disinfection and ultraviolet disinfection on the dimensional stability of polyether impression material: an in-vitro study.

Various methods, chemical and physical, disinfect dental impressions. Common chemicals include 1% Sodium Hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde, while UV radiation is a prevalent physical method. Few studies compare their effects on dimensional stability in polyether impressions. This study aims to assess such stability using different disinfection methods. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the dimensional stability of polyether impression material using different disinfection methods. This in vitro study compared the effects of chemical disinfectants (1% Sodium Hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde) and UV irradiation on the dimensional stability of polyether impression material. Groups A, B, C, and D, each with ten samples (N = 10), were studied. Group A was untreated (control). Group B was treated with 2% glutaraldehyde for 20min, Group C with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite for 20min, and Group D with UV rays for 20min. A pilot milling machine drill was used to make four parallel holes labeled A, B, C, and D in the anterior and premolar regions from right to left. After sequential drilling, four implant analogs were positioned using a surveyor for accuracy. Ten open-tray polyether impressions were made and treated as described in the groups, followed by pouring the corresponding casts. Distortion values for each disinfection method were measured using a coordinate measuring machine capable of recording on the X- and Y-axes. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using the one-way ANOVA test for distinct groups labeled A, B, C, and D, revealing significant differences in the mean distances for X1, X2, X4, X5, and X6 among the groups, with p-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.000. However, no significant differences were observed in X3. Notably, mean distances for the Y variables exhibited substantial differences among the groups, emphasizing parameter variations, with p-values ranging from 0.000 to 0.033. The results compared the four groups using the one-way ANOVA test, revealing statistically significant distance differences for most X and Y variables, except for X3 and Y4. Similarly, post-hoc Tukey's tests provided specific pairwise comparisons, underlining the distinctions between group C and the others in the mean and deviation distances for various variables on both the X- and Y-axes. This study found that disinfection with 1% sodium hypochlorite or UV rays for 20min maintained dimensional stability in polyether impressions.

COVID-19 acts like a stress test, uncovering the vulnerable part of the human body: a retrospective study of 1640 cases in China.

Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exhibits multi-organ damage with diverse complications, the correlation between age, gender, medical history and clinical manifestations of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients was investigated. 1640 patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from 22 December 2022 to 1 March 2023 were categorized and analysed. Normal distribution test and variance homogeneity test were performed. Based on the test results, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were conducted in the study. According to the ANOVA, there was a significant difference in the age distribution (P = .001) between different clinical presentations, while gender did not (P = .06). And regression analysis showed that age, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cancer were significant hazard factors for the development of predominant clinical manifestations in patients hospitalized with novel COVID-19. Additionally, infection with SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to exacerbate the burden on specific diseased or related organs. The elderly who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 ought to be treated with emphasis not only on antiviral therapy but also on individualized treatment that takes their medical history and comorbidities into account.

Heat-Induced Changes in the Physical Properties of a New Premixed Calcium Silicate-Containing Root Canal Sealer: An In Vitro Study

This study aimed to examine how heating affects the physical properties of a newly developed premixed calcium silicate-containing sealer (AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer; AHB), in comparison with EndoSequence BC Sealer (ES), AH Plus Jet (AH), and Pulp Canal Sealer. The setting time, flow, and film thickness were tested with or without heating at 100 °C for 30 or 60 s, in accordance with ISO6876:2012 standards. Ultrastructural and elemental analyses were performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05). All sealers exhibited significantly shorter setting time and flow after heating at 100 °C for 30 and 60 s (p &lt; 0.05). After heating, AHB showed a significantly higher film thickness compared to that of the other materials (p &lt; 0.05). None of the tested properties of heat-applied AHB and ES met ISO standards, except the setting time in ES. The SEM/EDS results for AHB and ES were not affected by heating. The detected changes in physical properties can negatively impact the performance of premixed calcium silicate-containing sealers, particularly AHB, when warm vertical compaction is employed.

Presence and characteristics of disordered eating and orthorexia in irritable bowel syndrome.

Orthorexia, a harmful obsession with eating healthily, may develop from illnesses characterized by dietary restriction, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and eating disorders (ED). Evidence of disordered eating in IBS exists, but orthorexia has not been assessed. This cross-sectional study in adults (≥18 years) assessed presence and characteristics of disordered eating and orthorexia in IBS, compared to control subjects (CS) and ED. IBS participants met Rome IV, and ED participants met DSM-5 criteria. Disordered eating was assessed using "sick, control, one-stone, fat, food" (SCOFF, ≥2 indicating disordered eating), and orthorexia by the eating habits questionnaire (EHQ). Secondary measures included stress (PSS); anxiety (HADS-A); food-related quality of life (Fr-QoL), and dietary intake (CNAQ). In 202 IBS (192 female), 34 ED (34 female), and 109 CS (90 female), more IBS (33%) and ED (47%) scored SCOFF≥2 compared to CS (16%, p < 0.001, chi-square). IBS and ED had higher orthorexia symptom severity compared to CS (EHQ IBS 82.9 ± 18.1, ED 90.1 ± 19.6, and CS 73.5 ± 16.9, p < 0.001, one-way ANOVA). IBS and ED did not differ for SCOFF or EHQ (p > 0.05). Those with IBS and disordered eating had higher orthorexia symptom severity (EHQ 78.2 ± 16.6 vs. 92.4 ± 17.5, p < 0.001, independent t-test), worse symptoms (IBS-SSS 211.0 ± 78.4 vs. 244.4 ± 62.5, p = 0.008, Mann-Whitney U test), higher stress (p < 0.001, independent t-test), higher anxiety (p = 0.002, independent t-test), and worse FR-QoL (p < 0.001, independent t-test). Disordered eating and orthorexia symptoms occur frequently in IBS, particularly in those with worse gastrointestinal symptoms, higher stress, and anxiety. Clinicians could consider these characteristics when prescribing dietary therapies.

Effect of bonding pericervical dentin with reinforcing materials on strength of root-filled mandibular single-canal premolars: An in vitro study

ABSTRACT Aim: The present study examined the effect of bonding the pericervical dentin using resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC), nanohybrid composite (Endure Nano), and Biodentine on the fracture resistance of root-filled mandibular premolars. Methods: Twenty-four human single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated, cleaned, and shaped with ProTaper Universal till size F3. The roots were obturated with gutta-percha using a single-cone technique. The teeth were randomly grouped into four groups of n = 6 each. After removing the 3 mm coronal gutta-percha in Groups I, II, and III, the intra-orifice barriers of RMGIC, nanohybrid composite (Endure Nano), and Biodentine were placed, respectively. Group IV served as the control. The fracture resistance of the specimens was analyzed using the universal testing machine. The derived data were statistically evaluated using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. Results: A significantly high fracture strength was exhibited by specimens of Group I, followed by Groups II and III, respectively. The lowest fracture strength was shown by the control group. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study, the fracture resistance of an endodontically treated tooth was significantly influenced by the type of intra-orifice barrier.

Work-life Balance of Nepalese Commercial Banking Employees in Pokhara

Work-life Balance is the balance between family life and job life of an individual. The work-life balance is an individual. The work-life balance is an important dimension which can support to increase job satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the work-life balance among commercial banking employees in Pokhara. Non-managerial level commercial banking employees were the respondents of the study. Convenience sampling technique was used to determine the number of respondents. Data were collected from 209 (102 male and 107 female) respondents through self structured questionnaires. This study was conducted to fulfill the gap and to cover a broad area of WLB. Work Family conflict (WFC) and Family work Conflict FWC were studied to know WLB. Statistical tools, mean, standard deviation, Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA. The findings of the study indicated that both WFC and FWC of WLB dimension influence on the work-life balance of commercial banking employees. The commercial banking employees Human resource management team should maintain work-life balance among employees for better and sustainable performance. The future researchers need to research study with covering work life balance on other nature banking institution employees and if commercial banking employees then on managerial employees.

Effect of laser corticotomy on canine retraction rate: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThis study assessed the effect of corticotomy with Er: YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser on the rate of canine retraction.MethodsThis randomized split-mouth controlled clinical trial was conducted on 12 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with extraction of maxillary first premolars. Following initial leveling and alignment, an alginate impression was made from the maxillary arch, and Er: YAG laser corticotomy was performed in one of the maxillary quadrants of each patient. Canine retraction was started immediately after corticotomy by placement of nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil springs at both sides. At the end of each month, alginate records were repeated for 4 months. Study models were scanned, and the anteroposterior movement of canine was quantified bilaterally. Pain was also measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). Probing depth (PPD) of canines and two adjacent teeth was also evaluated and pulp vitality was assessed by performing the cold test. Data were analyzed by paired and independent t-test and one-way ANOVA (alpha = 0.05).ResultsThe rate of canine retraction was significantly greater in the laser-assisted corticotomy quadrant than the control (P < 0.05). No significant difference existed in posterior anchorage loss, canine rotation angle, PPD, pulp vitality, or pain score between two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsFlapless Er: YAG laser corticotomy significantly enhanced canine retraction rate with no adverse effect on other parameters.

Tensile bond strength between paediatric prefabricated zirconia crowns and primary maxillary incisors when using various types of luting cements: an in vitro study.

There is limited evidence regarding the most appropriate type of luting cement for paediatric prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) in primary maxillary incisors. The retention of PZCs is dependent on the bond strength of luting cement between PZCs and primary maxillary incisors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile bond strengths between PZCs and primary maxillary incisors with different types of luting cements. Thirty freshly extracted human primary maxillary incisors were prepared and randomly divided into three groups corresponding to three luting cements: bioactive cement, resin cement, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and then restored with PZCs. Tensile bond strengths were evaluated by a universal testing machine. The results were analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). The means of the tensile bond strengths were 1.43 ± 0.85 MPa, 0.91 ± 0.63 MPa, and 0.56 ± 0.39 MPa for the bioactive cement, resin cement, and RMGIC groups, respectively. A significant difference in tensile bond strength was observed between the bioactive cement and the RMGIC group (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference in tensile bond strength between the resin cement group and the others. Types of luting cement influenced the tensile bond strength between PZCs and primary maxillary incisors. The bioactive cement showed higher tensile bond strength than the resin cement and RMGIC.

Evaluation of different doses of dexmedetomidine for awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation in patients undergoing oromaxillofacial and oral malignancy surgeries: A randomised, double-blind study

Background and Aims: In patients undergoing cancer surgeries with anticipated difficult airway, awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation (AFONI) is critical for securing the airway. However, different doses of dexmedetomidine (DEX) are yet to be evaluated in these patients. Thus, we compared three doses of DEX for AFONI in patients undergoing oromaxillofacial and oral malignancy surgeries. Methods: In this randomised, double-blind study, 90 patients aged 18–60 years of either gender, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II, and undergoing elective oromaxillofacial and oral malignancy surgeries were randomised to three groups: Group D1 (0.5 µg/kg DEX), Group D2 (1 µg/kg DEX), and Group D3 (1.5 µg/kg DEX). The primary outcome measure was the airway obstruction score. Secondary outcome measures were intubation scores (including vocal movement, coughing, and limb movements) and a 5-point fibreoptic intubation comfort score. Sedation was assessed using the Ramsay sedation score (RSS). One-way ANOVA and Chi-square test were used to assess the association between quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. A P value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The airway obstruction score was comparable between the groups (P = 0.78). Similarly, vocal movement (P = 0.15), coughing (P = 0.31), limb movement (P = 0.51), and 5-point fibreoptic intubation comfort score (P = 0.49) did not differ between the groups. The mean RSS was significantly greater in Group D3 than in Groups D1 and D2 (P = 0.001). Conclusions: In combination with topical spray and airway block, all three doses of DEX resulted in comparable airway obstruction scores and thus provided favourable conditions for AFONI.

Enamel changes of bleached teeth following application of an experimental combination of chitosan-bioactive glass

BackgroundConsidering the extensive use of bleaching agents and the occurrence of side effects such as enamel demineralization, this study aimed to assess the enamel changes of bleached teeth following the experimental application of chitosan-bioactive glass (CH-BG).MethodsIn this in vitro study, CH-BG (containing 66% BG) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thirty sound human premolars were bleached with 40% hydrogen peroxide, and the weight% of calcium and phosphorus elements of the buccal enamel surface was quantified before and after bleaching by scanning electron microscopy/ energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM, EDX). Depending on the surface treatment of the enamel surface, the specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10): control (no treatment), MI Paste (MI), and CH-BG. Then the specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 14 days. The SEM/EDX analyses were performed again on the enamel surface. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn all groups, the weight% of calcium and phosphorus elements of enamel decreased after bleaching; this reduction was significant for phosphorus (p < 0.05) and insignificant for calcium (p > 0.05). After 14 days of remineralization, the weight% of both calcium and phosphorus elements was significantly higher compared to their bleached counterparts in both MI and CH-BG groups (p < 0.05). Following the remineralization process, the difference between MI and CH-BG groups was not significant (p > 0.05) but both had a significant difference with the control group in this regard (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe synthesized CH-BG compound showed an efficacy comparable to that of MI Paste for enamel remineralization of bleached teeth.

Seasonal variability in body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds in Norwegian children.

Studies have shown that children develop a higher body weight during summer months. This has been demonstrated repeatedly using the body mass index (BMI), but the effect of season on other weight-related anthropometric measurements is still unclear. Measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps, and subscapular skinfolds (TSF and SSF), collected from September till May in a cross-sectional sample of 4-16-year-old children and adolescents (n = 4525) from the Bergen Growth Study 1 (BGS1). Differences in z-score by season were tested with linear models adjusted for age group and separately for sex. Overall differences were tested with a one-way between-group analysis of variance. The girls had higher BMIz (+0.12, p = .03) and WCz (+0.18, p = .002) in fall compared with spring. TSFz (-0.19, p < .001) and SSFz (-0.18, p < .001) were lower in winter in girls, and in boys both in fall (TSFz -0.10, p = .046; SSFz - 0.16, p < .001), and winter (TSFz -0.15, p = .004; SSFz -0.14, p = .003), when compared with spring. Seasonal variation was detected for all anthropometric measures, but differences in the direction of the effect between measures of global (BMI), central (WC) or subcutaneous (SF) adiposity suggest a more complex mechanism that needs further exploration.