Participants In Study Group Research Articles

Effectiveness of Fenugreek as an Adjuvant in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fenugreek as an adjuvant in managing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), specifically leukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Twenty-one participants prediagnosed with OPMDs were randomly divided into a study group (SG) and a control group (CG), with 10 participants in SG and 11 in CG, respectively. The SG received 2 gm of fenugreek as an adjuvant with standard systemic treatments tailored to the respective lesions: intralesional injection of vitamin A 1,00,000 IU (Aquasol A) and topical application of triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% (Kenacort) for 2 months for leukoplakia. Subjects with oral lichen planus were administered prednisolone 5 mg/day (Wysolone), chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2% (Peridex), and Zincovit once daily for 8 weeks. For subjects with OSMF, one capsule of SM Fibro once daily for 12 weeks along with dexamethasone 1.5 mL (Decadron) was given, and hyaluronidase 1,500 IU (Hynidase) with 0.5 mL lignocaine HCL (Xylocaine) was injected intralesionally biweekly and mouth exercise was advised for 2 months; control group received only the standard treatment. Sociodemographic data were collected, and clinical assessments, evaluating size and shape for leukoplakia, erythema, and burning sensation for oral lichen planus, and mouth opening, cheek flexibility, and burning sensation for OSMF were assessed from baseline through 2 months. Data collected were organized in Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0. The SG and CG had 10 and 11 participants, with 4 in each group for leukoplakia, 2 participants in SG and 3 in CG for lichen planus, and 4 participants for OSMF in each group, respectively. Most participants presented with leukoplakia under 2 cm on the buccal mucosa bilaterally, with no significant changes in size or shape postintervention. For lichen planus, mild erythema and burning sensation were noted, but there were no significant differences within or between groups postintervention. A mild burning sensation, a statistically significant improvement in mouth opening was observed in SG (p < 0.051) when compared with CG after 8 weeks postintervention in OSMF. Also, significant improvement in cheek flexibility was noted from baseline to the fourth follow-up in SG post intervention. However, there were no differences between groups during the follow-up period. The findings from this trial suggest that SG showed significant improvement in OSMF than CG, whereas the improvements in leukoplakia and lichen planus remained same in both groups. Fenugreek, being a cost-effective and affordable agent known for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiulcerative properties, could be used as an adjuvant for its management in OPMDs. How to cite this article: Balasundaram N, Narayanan MBA, Arul Antony LS, et al. Effectiveness of Fenugreek as an Adjuvant in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(10):921-929.

Dysregulation of MiR-21, MiR-221 and MiR-451 During Neoadjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study.

Breast cancer is highly heterogeneous disease in which different responses are observed to the same treatment for different subtypes and extents of similar diseases. Considering this scenario, the search for tumor biomarkers is indispensable, with current evidence suggesting that circulating microRNAs are viable biomarkers. This study evaluated the expression of miR-21, miR-221, miR-195, and miR-451 in patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment at oncology outpatient facilities in Brazil. We conducted a prospective and observational study in which blood samples were collected for microRNA expression analysis, comparing control and breast cancer patients who were candidates for neoadjuvant treatment groups. The expression of microRNAs was investigated by qRT-PCR method. For parametric data analysis, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test was used. Thirty-three participants (all female) were included in the control group and twenty-seven participants were included in the study group. The non-special subtype of breast cancer was found in 96% of the study group participants; 88.9% were locally advanced tumors (T3, T4), 40.7% were luminal tumors, 33.3% were HER-2-positive, and 26% were triple negative tumors. Expression analysis of microRNAs during neoadjuvant treatment, using miR-16 as a normalizer, showed higher expression levels of miR-21 and miR-221 at the end of treatment, and high expression levels for miR-451 were also observed at the beginning of treatment. This is the first study that evaluates the expression of microRNAs in the context of neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer in the Brazilian population. Our results suggest that there is a deregulation of miR-21, miR-221, and miR-451 during neoadjuvant treatment in these patients.

Correlation Between Family Dysfunction and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in a Sample of Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Effect of Alexithymia and circRNA_103636.

Adolescent group may be prone to a variety of behavioral disorders, one of which is nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), NSSI intervention is limited for its unknown mechanism, so this study aimed to explore the factors associated with and pathological mechanism underlying NSSI from the perspective of family dysfunction, alexithymia, circRNA_103636 in a sample of Chinese adolescents. A total of 200 MDD adolescents with NSSI and 200healthy controls were enrolled via a convenient sampling method in clinical settings. The Family APGAR Index (APGAR), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-injury Assessment Questionnaire (ANSSIAQ) were used for mental assessment of the study group and control group participants. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect circRNA_103636 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). There were significant between-group differences of 134 patients (67%) in the study group and 42 patients in the control group (21%) with moderate or severe family dysfunction (P<0.01). The APGAR score was lower, and the difficulty identifying feeling (DIF), difficulty describing feeling (DDF) and externally oriented thinking (EOT) scores of the TAS-20 and ΔCt value of circRNA_103636 were greater in the study group than in the control group. NSSI behavior and NSSI function were negatively correlated with the APGAR score and positively correlated with DIF, DDF, and the EOT of TAS-20 and the ΔCt value of circRNA_103636. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that EOT, circRNA_103636 expression, and APGAR were predictors of ANSSIAQ, which could explain 40.5% of the variance. Similarly, the alexithymia and circRNA_103636 expression mediated the correlation between family dysfunction and NSSI in the study group, and these mediating effects accounted for 27.25% and 23.33%, respectively, of the total effect. Taken together, family dysfunction, alexithymia, and circRNA_103636 expression have predictive effects on NSSI and alexithymia, circRNA_103636 expressions are mediators between family dysfunction and NSSI in Chinese adolescent. Here, we established a new model for NSSI in which exposure to family dysfunction could induce pathological process by modulating personality traits and epigenetic regulators.

Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Stroke Rehabilitation on Awareness, Activities of Daily Living and Coping in Stroke Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in India.

Introduction Stroke is a major global cause of mortality and disability, with many survivors lacking awareness. Nurses play a pivotal role in the early identification and management of symptoms with regard to stroke. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation on awareness, activity of daily living (ADL) and coping among stroke patients. Methods A quasi-experimental approach was used, with 60 stroke patients (30 patients in the study and 30 patients in the control group) selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The pre-test on stroke awareness by the stroke knowledge assessment tool, ADLwas assessed by the Barthel Index, and coping was assessed through the Brief-COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) scale among stroke patients. The investigator implemented stroke rehabilitationfor study group participants and routine was followed for control group patients. Nurse-led stroke rehabilitation consists of Day 1 lecture on the causes, medication adherence, post-stroke complications, and home care following a stroke; Day2: Tailored to individual needs - demonstration of meeting ADL such as bathing, toileting, grooming, and feeding; Day 3: Demonstration of active and passive range of motion (ROM) exercises; Days 4-7: Supervised practice sessions on meeting daily activities as well as active and passive exercises. Daily practices last 40 minutes once a day was carried out. Post-test was conducted on the 30th day at neurology OPD during a re-visit, on stroke awareness, ADL and coping. The data was organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The control group had a mean awareness of causes, symptoms, management, and prevention of complications of stroke with a mean score of 11.7 while the study group had 13.6, which was statistically significant at p < 0.05. ADL comparison between control and study groups revealed that the ADL mean score was 12.07 in the control group and 13.23 in the study group significant at p < 0.05. A significant disparity in coping was found between the control group (30.3) and the study group (35.03), which was statistically significant at p < 0.01. Conclusion The study reveals that stroke rehabilitation led by nurses is more effective for stroke patients in improving their coping abilities, ADLs, and awareness.

To analyse the correlation between UAER and eGFR and the risk factors for reducing eGFR in patients with type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveTo analyse the correlation between urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the risk factors for reducing eGFR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 431 T2DM patients admitted between January 2019 and March 2020 were selected and divided into two groups according to eGFR level. Comparing the differences between baseline data and clinical indicators, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the risk factors of eGFR reduction and to analyse the association between UAER and eGFR.ResultsIn total, 167 patients were included in the study group and 264 patients were included in the conventional group. The study group participants were older, had longer diabetes duration, and had higher fatty liver, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), hypertension prevalence, and mean body mass index (P < 0.05). The levels of various indicators were lower than those of the conventional group (P < 0. 05). Additionally, PVD, nocturnal systolic blood pressure, fatty liver, and beta-2-microglobulin (β 2-MG) were independent risk factors for eGFR decline, with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting C-peptide (CP) as protective factors. There was no obvious correlation between UAER and eGFR.ConclusionPeripheral vascular disease, systolic blood pressure, fatty liver, and beta-2-microglobulin are risk factors for decreased eGFR levels in patients with T2DM, which should be applied for control DKD. HDL and fasting CP have important effects on maintaining eGFR, and blood pressure and fasting CP can be used as new targets for subsequent diabetic kidney disease treatment.

Efficacy of Bisphosphonates in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A PICOS template was developed to ensure a structured approach. A search for relevant studies was performed across four databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane. They were all last searched on March 1st and were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised studies. The final analysis included seven studies with a total of 126 study group participants and 144 control group participants. The studies looked at Bony Mass Density in terms of bone loss on Gruen's femoral zones after THA in a bisphosphonate (treatment) and control group (placebo/no treatment). The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in favour of the bisphosphonate group in many of the included studies at 6, 12, and 24 postoperative months. This systematic review and meta-analysis, using the most recent applicable studies, showed the efficacy of bisphosphonates in limiting periprosthetic osteolysis after THA in a period between 6 and 24 postoperative months. Future studies should focus increasing group sizes and collecting results beyond the 2-year mark.

Basophil Activation Test Is Inferior to Provocation Test in Diagnosing Aspirin Hypersensitivity

Introduction: Diagnostic of aspirin (ASA) hypersensitivity is largely based on provocation tests. However, they have significant limitations including influence of medications, necessity of hospitalization, and safety issues. Basophil activation test (BAT) seems to be a promising in vitro alternative. It has already proven to be a useful tool for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergy to certain food and airborne allergens as well as insects venoms. The aim of the study was to assess performance of BAT in diagnosing aspirin hypersensitivity in comparison with current golden standard (oral provocation test, OPT). Methods: The study group comprised 148 adult patients with suspicion of aspirin hypersensitivity, including 51 (36%) with chronic urticaria, 73 (51%) with asthma, and 55 (39%) with chronic sinusitis. The control group was 10 healthy adult patients who used NSAIDs during preceding year with good tolerance. BAT with ASA was conducted in all the participants. Additionally, in the study group, OPT was performed with cumulative dose of 1,000 mg of ASA. Results: Out of 148 study group participants, 114 underwent BAT and ASA provocation with conclusive results acquired in both tests. In this group, the threshold for positive BAT was 4.9%. Sensitivity and specificity of BAT were found to be 55.9% and 75%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 77% and a negative predictive value of 54%. The highest sensitivity (78%) was found in subgroup patients with chronic urticaria, while specificity was highest in the subgroup with chronic respiratory diseases (87%). Conclusion: Despite significant advantages of BAT such as safety, no influence of drugs, and objectivity, its performance makes it inferior to current standard in ASA hypersensitivity.

Impact of pesticide use on farmers health condition: case control design

With global populations growing, it is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore food and energy demands. Livestock and agricultural activities produce a large quantity of food. Though the use of agrochemicals has increased agricultural output, they have also been linked to a number of harmful clear adverse effects on human. chemical Pesticides poisonous compounds that negative effect on consumers. the study conducted a case-control was carried out to investigate variations among intact groups on an independent variable of interest. A random sampling approach was employed for 201 farmers. 098Farmers in the research group were exposed to pesticides, whereas farmers in the control group did not apply pesticides. The data were gathered using a survey (PHQ-15)-based on interviews conducted by the investigator. The current study was carried out in five districts (Al-Mashkhab, Al-Abbasiya, Al-hrea, Al-hera, and Al-qadisya). According to the study findings, total farmers' reactions to general physical condition among study group participants are substantially influenced, however, participant of control group show not effected. The negative health effect for farmers spray and exposed to pesticides shows nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, headache, bronchial sensitivity, skin irritation, and shortness of breath eye irritation. the current survey show the Insecticides are the most often used chemicals. The research indicated that pesticide use and exposure have an influence on human health and have a wide range of adverse health effects. According to the findings of the current study, it is critical to use personal protection equipment (PPE) while spraying. Also, undertake a comprehensive exam on farmers on a regular basis.

Effect of multidisciplinary refined time management combined with organized stroke management on the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

This study aims to investigate the effects of multidisciplinary refined time management combined with organized stroke management in intravenous thrombolysis on patients with acute ischemic stroke. 226 acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysiswere selected for retrospective analysis. A Control group participants underwent organized stroke management, whereas study group participants underwent multidisciplinary refined time management based on the control group. The study group responded to intravenous thrombolysis for 24 hours at an overall rate of 92.92%, significantly higher than 79.65% in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). The time from onset to emergency, time for National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scoring by emergency doctors, consultation time for neurologists, judgement time for head computed tomography (CT), interpretation time for examination results, communication time with family members to sign the consent form, and time from admission to medication in the study group were significantly shorter than that in control group (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of hemorrhagic transformation, six-month mortality and six-month rehospitalization rate in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Before thrombolysis, cerebrovascular reserve function and neurological function indexes in both groups were improved, and there was significant difference before and after thrombolysis in this group (p &gt; 0.05); After thrombolysis, mean blood flow velocity (MFV) and breath-holding index (BHI) in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05); pulsatility index (PI) was lower than that in the control group, showing a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05); Serum nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were significantly higher than those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Multidisciplinary refined time management combined with organized stroke management can improve the effect of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Young Patients Presenting with Atypical Chest Pain with Normal Coronaries

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in young patients presenting with atypical chest pain andnormal coronary arteries. Study Design: Analytical, Cross-Sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases Rawalpindi,Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2021. Methodology: This study was carried out on 750 participants (having normal coronaries) of both gender and age&lt;40yearsdivided into study group (presented with atypical chest pain; n=375) and comparison group (no chest pain; n=375). Consecutive sampling technique was applied to collect data. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Questionnairewas used. Patients scoring 11 or more out of 21 points in Depression and Anxiety scale were identified as positive. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24:00. Chi Square test was applied to find association between variables and p-value &lt;0.05 wastaken as significant value. Results: Out of n=750 patients 619(82.4%) were males and 131(17.6%) were females. Mean age at presentation was 33.54±5.54 years and 30.93±5.68 years in study and comparison group respectively. About 230(61.3%) participants had anxiety in the study group compared with 189(50.4%) in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p=0.003). 221(58.9%) participants in study group and 132(35.2%) in comparison group had depression (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Non cardiac chest pain is a common manifestation of depression and anxiety. Early recognition and prompt referral of these patients should be ensured to improve quality of life and prevent future unnecessary hospital visits.

Elastic Taping Application on the Neck: Immediate and Short-Term Impacts on Pain and Mobility of Cervical Spine.

The aim of this study was to measure the effects on three-planar active cervical range of motion (ACROM) and self-perceived pain of elastic taping (ET) application in the cervical area. Thirty participants (n: 22-M and 8-F, age 35.4 ± 4.4 years; body height 173.1 ± 8.4 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 12.8 kg) in the study group (SG) and twenty participants (n: 11-M and 9-F, age 32.6 ± 3.9 years; body height 174.9 ± 10.9 cm; body mass 71.2 ± 12.9 kg) in the control group (CG) were recruited. All subjects had neck and cervical pain in baseline condition. Each group performed an ACROM test and measured the perceived pain in the neck based on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0--10, a.u.) at the baseline (T0), after 20' from the ET application (T1), and after three days of wearing the ET application (T2). Between T0 and T1, an ET was applied to the cervical area of the SG participants. Statistical analysis did not show any significant change in CG in any measurement session for ACROM and neck pain parameters. Conversely, the SG showed significant improvements for ACROM rotation to the left (T0 64.8 ± 7.7°-T2 76.0 ± 11.1° p < 0.000) and right (T0 66.0 ± 11.9°-T2 74.2 ± 9.6° p < 0.000), lateral inclination to the left (T0 37.5 ± 6.9°-T2 40.6 ± 10.8° p < 0.000) and right (T0 36.5 ± 7.9°-T2 40.9 ± 5.2° p < 0.000), extension (T0 47.0 ± 12.9°-T2 55.1 ± 12.3° p < 0.001), and flexion (T0 55.0 ± 3.6°-T2 62.9 ± 12.0° p < 0.006). A significant decrease was also measured in SG for pain NRS between T0 and T2 (T0 7.5 ± 1.0°-T1 5.5 ± 1.4-T2 1.4 ± 1.5° p < 0.000). In conclusion, a bilateral and symmetrical ET cervical application is useful to enhance multiplanar ACROM and reduce subjective self-perceived cervical pain when it is needed. Based on the evidence, the use of ET on the neck is recommended for managing neck motion restrictions and pain in adult individuals.

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Signs and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome Among Female Nursing Students

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) stands as one the most prevalent health issues, especially among female university students. The syndrome substantially impacts their quality of life and academic performance. The progressive muscle relaxation technique is a calming method that can help lower anxiety, cultivate a sense of pain control, and divert away from the painful body part. Objective: The study sought to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on premenstrual syndrome among female nursing students. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 female students (40 students in the study group and 40 in the control group) enrolled in the third and fourth academic years (2020-2021). Students were randomly assigned to either the control or study group using a random number generator program. The progressive muscle relaxation technique was performed 30 minutes daily for 4 weeks. Baseline data were collected from all students. The premenstrual syndrome scale assessed the intensity of PMS before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test, the student t-test, the Monte Carlo test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the marginal homogeneity test. P&lt;0.05 were considered significant. Results: The study found that the Mean±SD age of the study and control group participants were 22.02+0.73 and 21.95+0.67 years, respectively. Also, more than two-thirds of the students in the study and control groups (70% and 67.5%, respectively) were from rural areas. After the intervention, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the intensity of all physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms among the study group compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). In addition, the total score of PMS intensity was significantly decreased among the study group after the intervention (P=0.001). In contrast, the total score of the intensity of PMS symptoms was significantly increased in the control group (P=0.034). Conclusion: The study concluded that young adult girls who practiced progressive muscle relaxation techniques exhibited less severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms than those who did not.

Effectiveness of an Interventional Program on Nurses' Practices about Applying Guideline of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Background: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is widely used to provide renal support to critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Aim: the research aim to the effectiveness of an educational program on nurses’ practices regarding the application of the guideline on continuous renal replacement therapy in hemodialysis unit. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with the application of the pre-test and post-test approach to the study group (30) and the control group (30) after applying the educational program. Data were collected in two phases: first baseline data (before any intervention presented to the study group) and then 21 days (after the program was administered education in the study group). Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23. Results: The results of current study showed that there was a significant difference between the pretest and the posttest responses in the study group practices after application of the educational program, while there was a small difference between the pretest and the posttest in the control group. In addition, there was significant association between educational level, and years of experience with nurses’ practices about application of the guideline on continuous renal replacement therapy. Conclusions: the results of the current study show that the study group participants have significant improvement in post-test practices scores about application of the guideline on continuous renal replacement therapy.

Adaptation and Validation of the Voice Symptom Scale into Kannada (VoiSS-K)

The Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) is a self-assessment tool that assesses vocal symptomsand measures the effect of dysphonia. Adapting VoiSS into Kannada can be beneficial in evaluating dysphonia-related symptoms, especially in the Kannada-speaking population. To adapt the VoiSS into Kannada and to assess the reliability, validity, and cut-off values of the VoiSS Kannada version (VoiSS-K). The study used a prospective nonrandomized standard group comparison. Initially, the VoiSS was translated into Kannada. The VoiSS-K was administered to 76 participants (34 females and 42 males) with a mean age of 46.4±14.5 years having voice disorders. The VoiSS-K was also administered to 76 respondents having clinically normal voice who were age and gender-matched to the participants with voice disorders. Cronbach's alpha was utilized to evaluate the internal consistency, and the intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate the test-retest reliability. The findings indicated that the VoiSS-K had excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency. The study group participants had significantly higher VoiSS-K scores than the control group participants. Thus, the outcomes indicated that the VoiSS-K had good discriminative validity. Receiver operating characteristiccurve analysis was conducted, and the cut-off score of VoiSS-K was 40.50. As the VoiSS-K is a rigorous, robust, and detailed self-assessment questionnaire, it can be used as a clinically sensitive tool to evaluate voice symptoms in Kannada-speaking individuals.

Developing an Equity-Centered Practice: Teacher Study Groups in the Preservice Context

Equity-centered preparation builds novice teachers’ capacity to make meaningful instruction accessible to all students, particularly those historically excluded from high-quality learning experiences. Drawing on social learning theory, we examined Teacher Study Groups as a model for supporting preservice special educators’ development of equity-centered practices. We examined 60 preservice teachers’ instruction prior to and following study group participation, embedded in a fieldwork support course, alongside related artifacts shared during weekly sessions. Using a convergent mixed-methods approach, we analyzed quantitative and qualitative data separately and then integrated findings using joint display analysis; in doing so, we generated meta-inferences regarding how teachers’ attitudes mediated growth in practice. We uncovered salient participatory experiences that influenced—and hindered—professional growth. Our findings have implications for programs interested in structuring professional learning in a manner that builds foundations for an equity-centered practice.

Effectiveness of two photosensitizer-mediated photodynamic therapy for treating moderate peri-implant infections in type-II diabetes mellitus patients: A randomized clinical trial

PurposeThis study evaluated the impact of Fox Green (FG) against methylthioninium chloride (MTC)-facilitated photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive to manual scaling (MS) on the peri‑implant clinical and cytokine parameters in type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with peri‑implantitis. MethodsPatients were divided into group-A comprising 13 patients who received adjunctive FG-PDT using a diode laser (wavelength: 810 nm; irradiation power: 300 mW; irradiation time: 30 s; fluence: 56 Jcm−2), group-B comprising 12 patients who received adjunctive MTC-PDT using a diode laser (wavelength: 660 nm; irradiation power: 100 mW; irradiation time: 120 s/site; fluence: 30 Jcm−2), and group-C comprising 13 patients who received MS alone [control group]). After diagnosing the diabetics with peri‑implantitis (established on eligibility criteria), a structured questionnaire was used to gather the information of the participants. Plaque (PS) and bleeding scores (BS), along with peri‑implant probing scores (PPS) and peri‑implant bone loss (PIBL), together with immunological variables (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and advanced glycation end products [AGEs]) were measured in all study group participants at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. ResultsA significant reduction was observed for PS, BS, and PPS within all tested groups at each follow-up visits compared from their baseline values (p<0.05). However, a substantial decrease in PIBL was observed in all study group patients at 6-month follow-up as compared to 3-month follow-up (p<0.05). Regarding the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, a substantial reduction was observed in all study groups until 6-month from their baseline scores (p<0.05). However, no changes were observed in the levels of AGEs in any group at either visit (p>0.05). ConclusionIn DM patients with periimplantitis, adjunctive FG-PDT and MTC-PDT exhibited comparable outcomes in terms of peri‑implant clinical as well as pro-inflammatory characteristics than MS alone among peri‑implantitis patients with DM.

(056) Theo Mei Technique (TMT) – A Specific Method Eliminating or Reducing Menstrual Ppain

Abstract Introduction A large portion of women experience significant menstrual pain for one to three days every month that interferes with daily activities and sleep causing lost time from work, school, family or other activities and reduced productive life. Objective Provide women a natural solution to reduce or eliminate period pain using the body’s own hormones (endorphins and oxytocin) without the side effects medicinal approaches. Methods Triggering the body’s pain fighting hormones is the central theme. There are two key elements of this technique (TMT): multiple self-induce orgasms and specific time spacing. A woman’s body is capable of multiple orgasms and each time releases the necessary hormones to fight pain. The intensity of each orgasm greatly contributes to the amount of endorphins released and typically is apparent by full body shaking contractions. The timing of the orgasms allows the hormones to distribute throughout the body and builds upon the previous hormone amounts. The technique was explained in detail to each patient to ensure a consistent understanding level and methodology. Each participant provided feedback how much pain was reduced and how long this effect lasted if the pain reoccurred. They also provided other observations about physiological changes or effects from the technique. Results This research study has spanned 42 months with 46 participants. Some of the women have been using TMT for 36 – 42 months, most of the women for at least 15 months and more recently three additional women for 4 months. The women ages ranged from 21 to 48 years. There are nine related combinations (mother /daughter/sister). After each patient completed the technique the effects were immediate and each patient reported an exhilarated feeling for the first time being free of period pain. The data revealed each time the patient used TMT the pain was completely eliminated. Duration of effects lasted from 7 to 10 hours. If the patient felt pain returning the patient simply repeated the technique for another painless span of time. All the participants continue to voluntarily use this technique each month. The participants voluntarily provide information concerning quality of sexual activity and gynecological health changes (typically improved). The authors and participants were surprised how completely this technique worked. The results show this technique is very effective in eliminating the pain women suffer during menstruation. The patients felt medications were not needed and stopped using them on their own. The intensity of the technique and repeated use also strengthened the pelvic floor muscles. The study is collecting more data about the additional benefits of this technique. Conclusions The participants in this research study group significantly improved their lives by using TMT every month. All of these women are essentially pain free during their monthly period. The TMT effects were obvious to others around the participants and kept asking what had changed. The effectiveness of long term participation of these patients has not diminished. Disclosure No

IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING STUDENTS IN INDONESIA FOR NEW LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In Indonesian 4.0's goal for a knowledge-based economy, critical thinking skills have been given more weight. Given the seriousness of the problem, the researchers gathered a focus group of nine professionals in August 2017 and asked them to help create a new critical thinking education methodology. From this, the authors developed the "PUSCU Model," a five-focus management paradigm. Two subgroups of 69 students were formed using random cluster sampling. Two groups: one with 34 participants in traditional learning and one with 35 participants in experimental investigations. From November 2016 to February 2017, a 16-week test of the PUSCU model was carried out. A single Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was performed using the Statistical Package for the Sciences (SPSS) 21 software to ascertain any differences between the experimental and control groups. The outcomes showed that the study group's participants were content with the instructor's usage of the created learning materials and that, on the whole, they performed well in terms of critical thinking skills and academic performance.

IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING STUDENTS IN INDONESIA FOR NEW LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In Indonesian 4.0's goal for a knowledge-based economy, critical thinking skills have been given more weight. Given the seriousness of the problem, the researchers gathered a focus group of nine professionals in August 2017 and asked them to help create a new critical thinking education methodology. From this, the authors developed the "PUSCU Model," a five-focus management paradigm. Two subgroups of 69 students were formed using random cluster sampling. Two groups: one with 34 participants in traditional learning and one with 35 participants in experimental investigations. From November 2016 to February 2017, a 16-week test of the PUSCU model was carried out. A single Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was performed using the Statistical Package for the Sciences (SPSS) 21 software to ascertain any differences between the experimental and control groups. The outcomes showed that the study group's participants were content with the instructor's usage of the created learning materials and that, on the whole, they performed well in terms of critical thinking skills and academic performance.

Oral Sequelae after Head and Neck Radiotherapy: RCT Comparing 3D-Printed Tissue Retraction Devices with Conventional Dental Splints.

To evaluate oral sequelae after head and neck radiotherapy (RT) when using two different types of intraoral appliances. Thermoplastic dental splints (active control) protect against backscattered radiation from dental structures. Semi-individualized, 3D-printed tissue retraction devices (TRDs, study group) additionally spare healthy tissue from irradiation. A total of 29 patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in a randomized controlled pilot trial and allocated to receive TRDs (n = 15) or conventional splints (n = 14). Saliva quality and quantity (Saliva-Check, GC), taste perception (Taste strips, Burghart-Messtechnik), and oral disability (JFLS-8, OHIP-14, maximum mouth opening) were recorded before and 3 months after RT start. Radiotherapy target volume, modality, total dose, fractionation, and imaging guidance were case-dependent. To evaluate intra-group developments between baseline and follow-up, nonparametric Wilcoxon tests were performed. Mann-Whitney-U tests were applied for inter-group comparisons. At follow-up, taste perception was unimpaired (median difference in the total score; TRDs: 0, control: 0). No significant changes were found regarding oral disability. Saliva quantity (stimulated flow) was significantly reduced with conventional splints (median -4 mL, p = 0.016), while it decreased insignificantly with TRDs (median -2 mL, p = 0.07). Follow-up was attended by 9/15 study group participants (control 13/14). Inter-group comparisons showed no significant differences but a tendency towards a better outcome for disability and saliva quality in the intervention group. Due to the small cohort size and the heterogeneity of the sample, the results must be interpreted with reservation. Further research must confirm the positive trends of TRD application. Negative side-effects of TRD application seem improbable.