Paired Wilcoxon Test Research Articles

Evaluation of changes in alveolar bone remodeling after orthodontic treatment using fractal analysis: A retrospective study

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze trabecular changes in alveolar bone remodeling after orthodontic treatment by evaluating dental panoramic radiographs using the fractal dimension (FD) analysis method. Methodology: This study included 146 individuals with dental class II malocclusion who had undergone fixed orthodontic treatment. The mean age of the patients was 14.88±2.11 years. Patients were divided into three groups: nonextraction control group (Group 1, n=45), moderate anchorage group with extraction (Group 2, n=53), and maximum anchorage group with extraction (Group 3, n=48). The region of interest in the maxillary first premolar apical area was determined using pre- and post-treatment (T0 and T1) panoramic radiographs obtained from archival records. FD analysis was conducted using ImageJ software (version 1.53, NIH). For intragroup data comparison, the paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test were used. For intergroup data comparison, the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: No significant difference in FD values was found between the groups at T0 (p>0.05). At T1, compared to T0, FD values showed a significant decrease in Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05) and no significant change in Group 1 (p>0.05). At T1, FD values of Groups 2 and 3 were significantly lower than those for Group 1 (p<0.05); no significant difference was found within Groups 2 and 3 (p>0.05). T0/T1 FD change was significantly more in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although fixed orthodontic treatments with extraction caused significant changes in the fractal dimensions of alveolar trabecular structures when compared to nonextraction, they did not cause destructive changes. How to cite this article: Çiçek O, Yılmaz H, Melayim H. Evaluation of changes in alveolar bone remodeling after orthodontic treatment using fractal analysis: A retrospective study. Int Dent Res 2024;14(1):19-26. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.517

Real-time coded measures in natural language samples capture change over time in minimally verbal autistic children.

Prior research supports the use of natural language sampling (NLS) to assess the rate of speech utterances (URate) and the rate of conversational turns (CTRate) in minimally verbal (MV) autistic children. Bypassing time-consuming transcription, previous work demonstrated the ability to derive URate and CTRate using real-time coding methods and provided support for their strong psychometric properties. (1) Unexplored is how URate and CTRate using real-time coding methods capture change over time and (2) whether specific child factors predict changes in URate and CTRate in 50 MV autistic children (40 males; M = 75.54, SD = 16.45 (age in months)). A NLS was collected at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2) (4.5 months between T1 and T2) and coding was conducted in ELAN Linguistic Annotator software using a real-time coding approach to derive URate and CTRate. Findings from paired samples Wilcoxon tests revealed a significant increase in child URate (not examiner URate) and child and examiner CTRate from T1 to T2. Child chronological age, Mullen expressive language age equivalent scores, and URate and CTRate at T1 were predictive of URate and CTRate at T2. Findings support using NLS-derived real-time coded measures of URate and CTRate to efficiently capture change over time in MV autistic children. Identifying child factors that predict changes in URate and CTRate can help in the tailoring of goals to children's individual needs and strengths.

Deep learning-based reconstruction enhances image quality and improves diagnosis in magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder joint.

Accelerated magnetic resonance imaging sequences reconstructed using the vendor-provided Recon deep learning algorithm (DL-MRI) were found to be more likely than conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences to detect subacromial (SbA) bursal thickening. However, the extent of this thickening was not extensively explored. This study aimed to compare the image quality of DL-MRI with conventional MRI sequences reconstructed via conventional pipelines (Conventional-MRI) for shoulder examinations and evaluate the effectiveness of DL-MRI in accurately demonstrating the degree of SbA bursal and subcoracoid (SC) bursal thickening. This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 41 patients with chronic shoulder pain who underwent 3-T MRI (including both Conventional-MRI and accelerated MRI sequences) of the shoulder between December 2022 and April 2023. Each protocol consisted of oblique axial, coronal, and sagittal images, including proton density-weighted imaging (PDWI) with fat suppression (FS) and oblique coronal T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) with FS. The image quality and degree of artifacts were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale for both Conventional-MRI and DL-MRI. Additionally, the degree of SbA and SC bursal thickening, as well as the relative signal-to-noise ratio (rSNR) and relative contrast-to-noise ratio (rCNR) were analyzed using the paired Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. The utilization of accelerated sequences resulted in a remarkable 54.7% reduction in total scan time. Overall, DL-MRI exhibited superior image quality scores and fewer artifacts compared to Conventional-MRI. Specifically, DL-MRI demonstrated significantly higher measurements of SC bursal thickenings in the oblique sagittal PDWI sequence compared to Conventional-MRI [3.92 (2.83, 5.82) vs. 3.74 (2.92, 5.96) mm, P=0.028]. Moreover, DL-MRI exhibited higher detection of SbA bursal thickenings in the oblique coronal PDWI sequence [2.61 (1.85, 3.46) vs. 2.48 (1.84, 3.25) mm], with a notable trend towards significant differences (P=0.071). Furthermore, the rSNRs of the muscle in DL-MRI images were significantly higher than those in Conventional-MRI images across most sequences (P<0.001). However, the rSNRs of bone on Conventional-MRI of oblique axial and oblique coronal PDWI sequences showed adverse results [oblique axial: 1.000 (1.000, 1.000) vs. 0.444 (0.367, 0.523); and oblique coronal: 1.000 (1.000, 1.000) vs. 0.460 (0.387, 0.631); all P<0.001]. Additionally, all DL-MRI images exhibited significantly greater rSNRs and rCNRs compared to accelerated MRI sequences reconstructed using traditional pipelines (P<0.001). In conclusion, the utilization of DL-MRI enhances image quality and improves diagnostic capabilities, making it a promising alternative to Conventional-MRI for shoulder imaging.

A comparison of anesthesia induction by two different administration routes and doses of ketamine and medetomidine in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)

This study aimed to assess the efficiency of ketamine and medetomidine by two different doses and routes on anesthesia depth and cardiac stability in red-eared sliders. Each turtle was anesthetized two times, with seven days wash-out period. Induction of anesthesia consisted of a bolus combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) administered in the left brachial biceps in the intramuscular protocol, or a bolus combination of ketamine (20 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) administered in subcarapacial sinus after clear blood presence confirmation in the intravenous protocol. Vital signs, reaction on the skin palpation, manual mouth opening for endotracheal intubation, palpebral and cloacal reflex, and the withdrawal reflex of the front and hind limbs were measured and recorded every 5 minutes for 60 minutes after anesthesia injection. Atipamezole (1 mg/kg) was administered in the right brachial biceps one hour after ketamine and medetomidine administration. Needle insertion and possible painful reactions to drug administration were also evaluated and recorded. Obtained data were analyzed for normality and paired t-tests, Wilcoxon, or McNamar tests were performed where appropriate. The values of P≤0.05 were considered significant. A significantly less pronounced decrease in heart rate was observed with intravenous anesthesia protocol. Both protocols recorded complete anesthesia recovery 60 minutes after intramuscular atipamezole administration. A ketamine-medetomidine dose combination administered intravenously provides a more stable and consistent anesthetic plane in red-eared sliders than ketamine-medetomidine administered intramuscularly.

Effectiveness of Kelly Plication Method on Clinical Improvement in Stress Urinary Incontinence Patients

BACKGROUND: Patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) usually present with POP, but stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is also found during history taking and physical examination. As a result, the complaint of SUI is persistent despite POP surgery. Therefore, SUI found along with POP and undergoing surgery can be performed Kelly plication method. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of Kelly's plication method on clinical changes and quality of life of patients suffering from SUI. METHODS: A single cohort prospective one-group pretest-posttest design conducted at RSUP Dr. Kariadi Teaching Hospital Semarang involving 31 research subjects. All subjects were measured preoperative IIQ-7 questionnaire and pad test. Then, all subjects will undergo Kelly method surgery. Postoperative evaluation will be conducted 3 months later, including measurement of the IIQ-7 questionnaire and pad test. All data will be analyzed with univariate and bivariate analysis using paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The effectiveness rate of Kelly's plication method was 58.06% in this study. Most of the subjects were aged 50-59 (38.7%) years and had experienced menopause (87.1%). Correlation analysis of baseline data on the degree of preoperative SUI showed that the degree of POP correlated SUI. The Pad test and IIQ-7 questionnaire test showed a significant decrease in postoperative measurements in the treatment group (p: &lt;0.001 &amp; p: &lt;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Kelly's plication method is effective in treating SUI.

Evaluation of cellular viability in chitosan/L-arginine hydrogels.

There is a lack of studies evaluating the toxicity of nitric oxide (NO) precursors in chitosan/L-arginine hydrogels and their topical administration. However, clarifying the characteristics of these elements is essential for their possible use in non-surgical techniques of tooth movement acceleration. Such characteristics include interaction with different cell types, metabolism and drug safety. This in vitro study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of chitosan hydrogels on human HeLa cells using different concentrations of L-arginine. The hydrogels were synthesized in a materials engineering laboratory, with a controlled environment, using 4 different L-arginine concentrations of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Once the hydrogels were prepared, their physical and chemical properties were characterized, and viability analysis was performed using 2 different methods, including a 48-h assay with Artemia salina nauplii and a 24-h cell culture with human HeLa cells followed by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) proliferation assay. Data analysis was performed using a Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate positive and negative controls in the cell culture, with a significance level of 0.01. A Wilcoxon paired test contrasted the 24-h compared to 48-h Artemia salina assays, with a Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc Dunn test used to compare groups using a significance level of 0.05. In the more viscous hydrogels, Artemia salina nauplii decreased drastically in 24 h, while the 15% and 20% hydrogels had no statistical differences from the negative control. The 10% and 20% hydrogels were statistically different from the negative control when comparing cell culture data. Our findings suggest that chitosan/L-arginine hydrogels could be used in humans without toxic effects. However, more trials and tests are needed to evaluate tooth movement rate during orthodontic treatment.

Effects of psychological stress on the emission of volatile organic compounds from the skin

Thirty-five women were included in a clinical study to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the skin during exposure to psychological stress. An original silicon-based polymeric phase was used for VOC sampling on the forehead before and after stress induction. Cognitive stress was induced using specialized software that included a chronometer for semantic and arithmetic tasks. Assessment of stress was monitored using a State-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire, analysis of participants’ verbal expressions and clinical measurements. Identification and relative quantification of VOCs were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Stress induction was validated by a significant increase in state-anxiety as indicated by the questionnaire, modifications in electrodermal activity measurements and the expression of stress verbatims. In parallel, a sebum production increase and a skin pH decrease were observed. A total of 198 VOCs with different potential sources were identified. They were categorized in 5 groups: probable cosmetic composition, VOCs produced by the body or its microbiota, environmental origin, and dietary intake. In our qualitative statistical approach, three VOCs were found to be correlated with stress induction and 14 compounds showed significance in the paired Wilcoxon test. Fatty-acyls derived from lipids were predominantly identified as well as ethylbenzenes.

Abstract 6826: Comparative analysis of a predictive transcriptomic model and functional gene expression signatures (FGES) for tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) detection in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)

Abstract Background: TLS are recognized as significant biomarkers for patient prognosis and therapy selection. In current clinical practice, TLS are often detected by manual assessment of H&amp;E slides, which has been associated with reproducibility issues. Here, we developed a transcriptomic model using TLS density to stratify LUAD patients into TLS-high and -low groups and compared it with 5 published TLS FGES to assess the predictive value for patient outcomes. Design: A regression model to predict TLS density (units(u)/mm²) was created using RNA expression data and histological mapping of 415 TCGA-LUAD samples. Features were chosen based on differential gene expression analysis of sample groups with low (&amp;lt;Q1, 0.26 u/mm²) and high (&amp;gt;Q3, 2.04 u/mm²) TLS density. The model was trained on 269 samples and independently validated on 146 TCGA and 9 internal samples. The RNA model and five previously reported TLS FGES were compared by Wilcoxon paired test to Spearman’s ρ and F1-scores from bootstrapped validation set. The resulting predictions stratified immunotherapy-treated samples from SU2C-MARK (n=58) and GSE182328 (n=28) into TLS-high and TLS-low groups by Q2 threshold for TLS density (0.78 u/mm²) for further univariate (Kaplan-Meier) and multivariate (Cox model, adjusted for age and sex) analyses for overall survival (OS) with log-rank tests. P-values were adjusted with Bonferroni correction, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were provided. Results: Statistically significant upregulated genes in samples with high TLS density included FDCSP, MS4A1, and CXCL13 (logFC ≥ 0.95, FDR&amp;lt;0.01). The transcriptomic model showed confident superiority in correlation with TLS density compared to the best FGES in TCGA samples (ρ=0.53±0.03 vs 0.41±0.03, p&amp;lt;0.001). The TLS model also outperformed the highest performing FGES when stratifying TCGA samples into TLS-high and TLS-low groups (F1=0.73±0.02 vs 0.69±0.02, p&amp;lt;0.005). In the internal cohort, the model demonstrated robust performance (F1=0.76±0.05, ρ=0.81±0.04) and outperformed all FGES except one (FGES F1=0.78±0.05, ρ=0.86±0.05). The TLS-high group defined by the TLS RNA model had a significantly better prognosis on immunotherapy cohorts (p=0.01; 1 year OS 49% for TLS-low vs 70% for TLS-high), whereas no discernible difference in OS was identified for the 5 TLS FGES. The TLS model had a log hazard ratio (logHR) of -3.11 (CI:-5.31,-0.91; p&amp;lt;0.05, Harrell's C-index=0.64), indicative of a stronger association with OS than of the TLS FGES (logHR=-2.11; CI:-4.1,-0.08; p=ns; C-index=0.59). Conclusions: Comparative analysis of the proposed transcriptomic model for TLS detection in LUAD samples demonstrated improved performance metrics and prognostic value compared to previously reported TLS FGES, affirming its potential for guiding therapeutic decision-making. Citation Format: Nadezhda Lukashevich, Daniil Dymov, Aleksandr Sarachakov, Sofya Kust, Anna Love, Ivan Valiev, Dmitry Ivchenkov, Alexander Bagaev, Viktor Svekolkin, Nikita Kotlov, Vladimir Kushnarev. Comparative analysis of a predictive transcriptomic model and functional gene expression signatures (FGES) for tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) detection in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6826.

Effect of Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis) Leaf Extract on Blood Pressure in Obese Adults in Makassar, Indonesia

Background: Obesity has become a global public health and nutrition problem. Obese people will have a variety of diseases, one of which is high blood pressure. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of breadfruit leaf extract on blood pressure in obese adults in Makassar City. Methods: An experimental study was conducted involving a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with pretest and posttest assessments, which included 36 obese respondents. The intervention group received breadfruit leaf extract in the methodology, while the control group received a placebo capsule. Blood pressure was monitored using a digital tension device. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 13, including paired tests, independent tests, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower in the intervention control group before and after the intervention (p=0.015 and 0.018) with a difference (p=0.105) (p&gt;0.05) of -3 systole and -3.5 diastole. Mean analysis for the intervention and control groups in systolic blood pressure revealed a p-value of 0.628, signifying no significant difference between the groups (p&gt;0.05). While the control group's systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention (p=0.007 and 0.003) (0.05) showed a difference (p=0.271) (p&gt;0.05) with a decrease in the control group's systole -8.39 and diastole -3.22, there was no statistically significant difference between the two intervention and control groups—only a decrease. Conclusion: Giving breadfruit leaf extract capsules to the intervention group with obese respondents and high blood pressure showed a decrease in blood pressure after giving breadfruit leaf extract capsules. People with high blood pressure can consume breadfruit leaf decoction or extract.

Diagnostic Accuracy in Detecting Fungal Infection with Ultra-Low-Dose Computed Tomography (ULD-CT) Using Filtered Back Projection (FBP) Technique in Immunocompromised Patients.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of ultra-low-dose (uLDCT) to standard-of-care low-dose chest CT (LDCT) in the detection of fungal infection in immunocompromised (IC) patients. Method and Materials: One hundred IC patients had paired chest CT scans performed with LDCT followed by uLDCT. The images were independently reviewed by three chest radiologists who assessed the image quality (IQ), diagnostic confidence, and detection of major (macro nodules, halo sign, cavitation, consolidation) and minor (4-10 mm nodules, ground-glass opacity) criteria for fungal disease using a five-point Likert score. Discrepant findings were adjudicated by a fourth chest radiologist. Box-whisker plots were used to analyze IQ and diagnostic confidence. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The statistical difference between LDCT and uLDCT results was assessed using Wilcoxon paired test. Results: Lung reconstructions had IQ and diagnostic confidence scores (mean ± std) of 4.52 ± 0.47 and 4.63 ± 0.51 for LDCT and 3.85 ± 0.77 and 4.01 ± 0.88 for uLDCT. The images were clinically acceptable except for uLDCT in obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), which had an IQ ranking from poor to excellent (scores 1 to 5). The accuracy in detecting major and minor radiological findings with uLDCT was 96% and 84% for all the patients. The inter-rater agreements were either moderate, good, or excellent, with ICC values of 0.51-0.96. There was no significant statistical difference between the uLDCT and LDCT ICC values (p = 0.25). The effective dose for uLDCT was one quarter that of LDCT (CTDIvol = 0.9 mGy vs. 3.7 mGy). Conclusions: Thoracic uLDCT, at a 75% dose reduction, can replace LDCT for the detection of fungal disease in IC patients with BMI < 30.0 kg/m2.

Effects of fiber and resistant starch in "Mangpis" cookies on changes in blood lipid profile in obese patients obesity

Abnormal lipid profiles can cause obesity-associated heart diseases. Increased total cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels are indicators of obesity. This study aimed to identify the dietary fiber and resistant starch in mangpis cookies and analyze the effects of mangpis cookies on reducing lipid profiles. This study used a pre-test and post-test design to measure lipid profiles before and after eating mangpis. Mangpis cookies were prepared without wheat flour and replaced with 50% Bruguiera gymnorhiza mangrove flour and 50% banana flour. This experiment was conducted on 16 obese subjects. The sampling technique used was purposive. A decrease in the lipid profile was observed based on the results of blood tests before and after the consumption of mangpis cookies. The effect of the consumption of mangpis cookies on reducing lipid profiles was assessed using the Paired T-test and Wilcoxon test. The analysis results of the food fiber content and resistant starch contained in the mangpis cookies were 7,86 ± 004 and 6,65 ± 0,01 with p-value TG (p=0,001 and HDL (p=0,01). In conclusion, mangpis cookies were identified to contain 17,8% dietary fiber and 15% resistant starch, which could influence the lipid profile, especially TG levels.

Root canal dentin wear during final irrigation in endodontic retreatment with passive ultrasonic irrigation and easy clean instruments.

Complementary procedures have been proposed to improve the endodontic retreatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the dentin wear caused by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and easy clean (EC) instruments, when used for the final removal of filling material during endodontic retreatment. Thirty-six mesial roots of the lower first molars were divided into four groups (n = 9), according to the final irrigation and sealer: PUI/AH Plus, EC/AH Plus, PUI/Total Fill (TF), and EC/TF. Canal volume was evaluated, both before and after the final irrigation, by micro-CT analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the volumes among groups and the paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare the volume values before and after the final irrigation within each group. Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear that was observed only when the volume was analyzed for each third of the root canal. In the apical third, both instruments showed significant wear, where the use of the EC instrument resulted in greater wear than the PUI, in teeth filled with both AH Plus and TF BC Sealers (P < 0.05). Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear and must be used cautiously.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric dental procedures in primary healthcare settings in Piracicaba, Brazil: an ecological study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to dental care, which may have affected pediatric dental care offered in primary healthcare settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the quantity of dental procedures performed in primary healthcare for children aged 6 to 12 years, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is an ecological study using data from the health information system of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The variables considered were: coverage of first programmed dental consultation, restoration of permanent and deciduous teeth, topical fluoride application (individual per session), emergency care, and deciduous tooth extraction. Two periods were considered: period I (March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and period II (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021), before and during the pandemic, respectively. Comparisons between periods were made using the paired nonparametric Wilcoxon test with a significance level of 5%.ResultsThere was an increase in emergency care from 15.4 to 32.4% (p = 0.0095) and a decrease in the number of restorations of deciduous teeth from 32.8 to 20.2% (p = 0.0217). The first programmed consultation showed a decrease of 9.60% (p = 0.0930) in period II.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has hindered access to primary dental care for children, impacting the quantity of emergency care, reducing restorations of deciduous teeth, and first programmed dental consultations. These findings highlight the need for strategies to ensure that pediatric dental care is not neglected during pandemics.

Development of toothpaste formulations containing mineral clays as abrasive agents and their effects on the physical properties of dental enamel.

To assess the physical properties and topographical aspect of dental enamel's surface microhardness (KHN), surface roughness (Ra), and color parameters CIELAB (∆Eab*), CIEDE 2000 (∆E00), and whiteness index for dentistry (∆WID) after toothbrushing with experimental toothpaste formulations with the following mineral clay types: kaolin, Sparclay SGY, and Tersil CGY used as abrasive component. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed for topographical analyses purposes. A total of 96 bovine incisors were used in the experiment. They were divided into eight experimental groups (n = 12), namely: NC-negative control (no treatment), CT12-Colgate Total 12®, CMP-Colgate® Máxima Proteção Anticáries, K-kaolin experimental toothpaste, SGY-Sparclay SGY experimental toothpaste; CGY-Tersil CGY experimental toothpaste, SD-SiO2 experimental toothpaste, and CC-CaCO3 experimental toothpaste. All samples were subjected to mechanical brushing protocol with 5000 cycles and kept in artificial saliva with daily exchanges. KHN was analyzed through the mixed linear model for repeated measures over time. Ra was analyzed through nonparametric Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests to compare the groups. Paired Wilcoxon test was run to compare experimental times. ∆WID, ∆Eab*, and ∆E00 were analyzed through Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests. All analyses were performed in R* software, at 5% significance level. EXP_SGY recorded higher KHN than EXP_SiO2 and EXP_CaCO3, whereas EXP_K showed increased Ra in comparison to CMP (p = 0.0229). ∆Eab and ∆E00 were significantly higher in the CT12, EXP_SiO2, and EXP_CaCO3 groups than in the NC and EXP_K (p < 0.0001). There were no significant changes in ∆WID (p = 0.0852). According to SEM results, toothbrushing with experimental toothpastes added with mineral clay types did not have significant impact on enamel's polishing and smoothness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mineral clays have a broad application in the cosmetic industry, and recently, they have been used in the formulation of vegan toothpaste.

Heart rate sensitivity of virtual non-contrast calcium scores derived from photon counting detector CT data: a phantom study

PurposeTo assess the reliability of virtual non-contrast (VNC) derived coronary artery calcium quantities in relation to heart rate and the VNC algorithm used compared to reference true non-contrast (TNC), considering several clinically established acquisition modes.Material and methodsAn ad hoc built coronary phantom containing four calcified lesions and an iodinated lumen was scanned using three cardiac acquisition modes three times within an anthropomorphic cardiac motion phantom simulating different heart rates (0, 60, 80, 100 bpm) and reconstructed with a conventional (VNCconv) and a calcium-sensitive (VNCpc) VNC algorithm. TNC reference was scanned at 0 bpm with non-iodinated lumen. Calcium scores were assessed in terms of number of lesions detected, Agatston and volume scores and global noise was measured. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were performed to test measurements for significant difference.ResultsFor both VNC algorithms used, calcium levels or noise were not significantly affected by heart rate. Measurements on VNCpc reconstructions best reproduced TNC results, but with increased variability (Agatston scores at 0 bpm for TNC, VNCconv, and VNCpc were 47.1 ± 1.1, 6.7 ± 2.8 (p < 0.001), and 45.3 ± 7.6 (p > 0.05), respectively). VNC reconstructions showed lower noise levels compared to TNC, especially for VNCpc (noiseheart on TNC, VNCconv and VNCpc at 0 bpm was 5.0 ± 0.4, 4.5 ± 0.2, 4.2 ± 0.2).ConclusionNo significant heart rate dependence of VNC-based calcium scores was observed in an intra-reconstruction comparison. VNCpc reproduces TNC scores better than VNCconv without significant differences and decreased noise, however, with an increasing average deviation with rising heart rates. VNC-based CACS should be used with caution as the measures show higher variability compared to reference TNC and therefore hold the potential of incorrect risk categorization.

Analisis Perbandingan Kinerja Keuangan pada PT Bank Central Asia Tbk Sebelum dan Sesudah Akuisisi PT Bank Interim Indonesia (PT Bank Rabobank International Indonesia)

This research was conducted to investigate whether there are differences in financial performance before and after the acquisition of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk by PT Bank Interim Indonesia (PT Bank Rabobank International Indonesia). The financial ratios used are CAR, ROA, ROE, NIM, BOPO, and LDR. This is a quantitative research with a comparative research design. The data used are secondary data from the quarterly financial reports of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk for a period of 5 years (2018-2022). The data analysis method used is the paired sample t-test and wilcoxon test with the help of SPSS software. The results of the paired sample t-test show that the CAR and LDR variables show significant differences, while the ROA and ROE variables do not show significant differences between the period before and after the acquisition. The wilcoxon test for NIM and BOPO variables shows that the NIM variable shows significant differences, while the BOPO variable does not show significant differences between the period before and after the acquisition.

Decreased Body Mass Index (BMI) in COVID-19 Patients with Anosmia Symptoms

Introduction: COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-19 virus and impacts the appearance of anosmia symptoms. Anosmia impacts reducing appetite, so it impacts fulfilling the nutritional needs of COVID-19 patients. This study aims to determine the effect of anosmia on the nutritional status of COVID-19 patients.&#x0D; Methods: This study is an observational study with a retrospective cohort design. The samples of this study were 48 health record data of COVID-19 patients who experienced anosmia in Karangploso View Housing, Malang Regency, from July to December 2021, selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The independent variable in this study is the incidence of anosmia felt by residents. The dependent variable is residents' Body Mass Index (BMI) before and after recovering from COVID-19 infection. This study was conducted from July 15 to August 11, 2023. Research data analysis using the SPSS version 22 program using the paired T-test and Wilcoxon test with α = 5%.&#x0D; Results: The paired T-test results on the weight variable showed a significant difference in the patient's weight between before and after COVID-19 illness with symptoms of anosmia (p-value = 0.000). The results of the Wilcoxon Test on the BMI variable showed a significant difference in the nutritional status (BMI) of respondents between before and after COVID-19 illness with symptoms of anosmia (p-value = 0.000).&#x0D; Conclusion: The condition of anosmia alters a person's food preferences, resulting in the perception of certain foods as less pleasant, bland, and unappealing. This condition results in loss of appetite, inadequate nutrient intake, and potential malnutrition. Self-efforts to prevent malnutrition due to anosmia in COVID-19 patients: using aromatic herbs and spices, eating small and frequent meals, modifying food texture and color seasoning, and consulting a dietician to develop a balanced and nutrient-rich meal plan.

The Effect of Enterobiasis Prevention Education on the Level of Knowledge of Students

Enterobiasis is a disease caused by the parasitic worm Enterobius vermicularis. This disease often occurs in children aged 5-14 years. Enterobiasis is a disease that can cause symptoms, one of which is itching in the perianal area. This can cause sleep disorders so that a child's concentration can be disturbed and of course this will affect the child's learning ability, as well as impacting the quality of a generation. This study aims to determine the effect of health education on the level of knowledge of elementary school students in grades 4-6 at SDN Kaliasin 1 Surabaya regarding the prevention of enterobiasis. This research is an observational analytical study with a cross sectional design and uses primary data in the form of a questionnaire. The method used in this research is a quantitative method. The research results showed that before health education, respondents with a good level of knowledge were 24.7%, 48.1% were adequate, and 27.2% were poor, whereas after health education the results obtained were respondents with a good level of knowledge of 64.2%, 24.7% sufficient, and less by 11.1%. Based on the results of the paired Wilcoxon test, the p value was 0.000, which means the p value &lt;0.005, so it can be concluded that there is an influence of health education on the level of knowledge of elementary school students in grades 4-6 at SDN Kaliasin 1 Surabaya on the prevention of enterobiasis.

Tumoral microbial and pathway alterations associated with young-onset rectal cancer and its response to therapy.

160 Background: Given the increasing incidence of young onset rectal cancer (YORC) in recent decades, we examined the potential of tumor and fecal microbiome pathways in YORCs as compared to late-onset rectal cancers (LORCs) while also exploring markers of response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). We hypothesize microbial markers reflect unique and potentially causative biology in YORC, and variability in response to NAT. Methods: Treatment-naïve patients with YO- (&lt;50 years old) or LO- ≥50 years old) rectal cancers were prospectively enrolled. Tumor and tumor-adjacent normal tissues (TANs) were collected via endoscopic biopsy, as well as stool at baseline. After whole genome sequencing, metagenomic analysis was performed using MetaPhlAn4, VirMAP and HUMAnN3 for taxonomical and metabolomic profiling. Association of microbial and immune signatures were examined comparing tumors vs. TANs, and YO- vs. LORC tumors. Differential abundance analyses were performed using paired Wilcoxon test and MaAsLin2. Molecular subtype defined for tissues with whole transcriptomic sequencing available. Results: 162 tumors and paired normal tissues, 73 (45.1%) YO- and 89 (54.9%) LORC were analyzed. Additional whole transcriptomic sequencing was available for 88 patients. The majority 145 (89.5%) of patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Observed bacterial diversity was higher in tumors as compared to tumor associated normal (TAN) tissue (p&lt;0.001). Moreover, bacterial diversity also increased linearly with age of diagnosis in tumors (p=0.01), but not TAN (p=NS). Oral bacteria previously associated with colorectal cancer were noted in these rectal cancers including Fusobacterium nucleatum (q&lt;0.001) and Parvimonas micra (q&lt;0.001). Escherichia coli, previously associated with colorectal cancer and development of metastatic disease was associated with YORC (q&lt;0.001) but not LORC. For NAT treated patients, major pathologic response in YORC was associated with higher bacterial diversity (p=0.03) but not in LORC (p=NS). Similarly, no significant bacterial marker of response to neoadjuvant therapy was noted in LORC. While Butyricimonas virosa (q&lt;0.001), Alistipes shahi (q=0.01), and Parabacteroides merdae (q=0.01) were all associated with a diminished pathologic response. Conclusions: Oral bacterial signatures previously associated with colorectal cancer were noted in both YORC and LORC when comparing matched tumor and TAN. Importantly, several unique bacterial associations were identified with YORC, including Escherichia Coli – previously associated with development of metastases in CRC. We also noted distinct microbial associations related to response to therapy in YORC suggesting the unique biology of these tumors. Functional bacterial pathway associations with response suggest a potential to augment NAT with existing or next-generation microbial modulation strategies.

Lenvatinib Exacerbates the Decrease in Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Whereas Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Does Not.

This study aimed to evaluate chronological changes in skeletal muscle index (SMI), subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue indices (SATI and VATI), AFP, PIVKA-II, and ALBI scores during atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (AB) or lenvatinib (LEN) treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the effect of these changes on survival. A total of 94 patients with HCC (37 were on AB and 57 on LEN) were enrolled. SMI, SATI, VATI, AFP, PIVKA-II, and ALBI scores were analyzed at the time of the treatment introduction (Intro), 3 months after the introduction (3M), at drug discontinuation (End), and the last observational time (Last). The differences between chronological changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon paired test. The independent predictors for survival and the changes in SMI during AB or LEN (c-SMI%) were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model treating all these factors as time-varying covariates and the analysis of covariance, respectively. SMI in the AB group was maintained over time (42.9-44.0-40.6-44.2 cm2/m2), whereas that in the LEN group significantly decreased during the Intro-3M (p < 0.05) and 3M-End (p < 0.05) period (46.5-45.1-42.8-42.1 cm2/m2). SMI (p < 0.001) was an independent predictor for survival together with AFP (p = 0.004) and ALBI score (p < 0.001). Drug choice (AB or LEN; p = 0.038) and PIVKA-II (p < 0.001) were extracted as independent predictors for c-SMI%. AB treatment was significantly superior to LEN in terms of maintaining skeletal muscle, which is an independent predictor for survival.