Post-hoc Pairwise Comparisons Research Articles

Assessment of backfat thickness and its relationship with reproductive performance of sows – preliminary findings

Backfat thickness (BFT) is an important trait that influences reproductive performance in sows. This study investigated the relationship between sow BFT at farrowing and the number of live born (LB), stillborn (SB), and Mummies (Ms) in different parities (P) (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Backfat thickness was measured at point P2 (BFT at the last rib, at the junction of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae 3–5 cm from the midline of the spine (mm). In total, 216 sows were measured on day 109 of gestation (when they entered farrowing). Descriptive statistics showed that the mean BFT was 14.55 mm SEM 0.171 SD 2.576. Parity had a significant effect on BFT, with a Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared value of 22.728 (df = 7, p = 0.002). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons using Dunn's test in R revealed that P1 exhibited a significantly higher BFT than P3 (p = 0.001) and P4 (p = 0.025). Spearman’s correlation coefficient indicated a very weak negative relationship between BFT and LB, whereas there was a strong relationship between BFT and SB and Ms. However, the correlations were not significant p>0.05. This finding suggests that assessing the BFT before farrowing is a helpful tool for guiding sow management and pig production. Additionally, these findings offer data that can be used to inform culling policies.

The Effectiveness of Using Telenursing in Supporting Patient Adherence to Antimalarial Medication

Malaria, which is still endemic in Papua Indonesia, especially Mimika Regency, has the classic issue of low adherence to antimalarial medication necessitates the use of a technological approach through telenursing, which includes reminders and self-reporting, allowing for optimal monitoring of adherence. To determine the effect of web application-based telenursing on adherence to antimalarial medication. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post test only approach. The instrument used was the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS). The sample consisted of 42 respondents per group. The analysis of medication adherence showed a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment in the intervention group, with a p-value of 0.000 (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, post-hoc pairwise comparisons showed that in the control group, a significant p-value of 0.000 was only found between day 15 and day 3, while in the intervention group, significant p-values ​​of 0.000 were found at every time point. Web application-based telenursing has been proven to significantly affect adherence to antimalarial medication.

EEG oscillations in recent suicide attempters: Assessing responses to positive and negative future imagination tasks

BackgroundOur goal is to uncover Electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum patterns during imagination tasks in individuals who attempted suicide within the past 1–4 weeks, addressing gaps in understanding the neural correlates of future imagination in suicidal behavior. MethodsThis case-control study comprised a total of 60 participants, consisting of 47 females and 13 males. The sample comprised three groups: Attempted Suicide + Major Depressive Disorder (SA+MDD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Healthy Controls (HC). To assess participants' future imagination, a unique approach called the Positive and Negative Future Imagination Task was designed, which involved scenario visualization concurrent with EEG recording. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise comparisons to compare EEG power spectrum between three groups. ResultsIt was observed that the SA+MDD group experienced significantly increased theta frequency band in the right frontocentral regions when compared to the MDD group during both positive and negative imagination tasks (P-value < 0.05). Furthermore, increased gamma activity was observed in the SA+MDD group compared to the HC group, predominantly in the right frontocentral areas during both imagination tasks. ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that individuals who have recently attempted suicide exhibit heightened neural activity in the frontocentral regions of the right hemisphere of the brain, specifically in theta and gamma band frequencies, when contemplating both positive and negative aspects of the future. These findings, in the context of behavioral tasks may indicate a decrease in the ability to envision a positive future and an increase in visualizing a negative future.

Media Coverage of Sports Concussion: An Experimental Study of Framing Effects on Community Injury Perceptions

The media portrayal of sports concussion (SC) contributes to community understanding of injury. However, this could be hampered by inaccurately framed (minimising) SC coverage. 157 volunteers were randomly allocated to one of six online survey conditions. The conditions used a brief written news sports report with a non-serious (MI) or serious (MA) SC frame. Additional conditions varied the injured player’s sex (male or female) or the sport (unnamed or basketball). Standardised measures were administered, including the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised, and a custom-measure of perceptions of SC seriousness (SISI). A series of one-way ANOVA’s revealed one statistically significant framing effect for the SISI ( p &lt; .05, large effect). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons found higher SISI scores for MA compared to MI conditions. There was no difference in the player sex or sport variants. No differences were found on other outcome measures. This study replicated a MA versus MI framing effect on the SISI, however wider effects were not seen. The framing effect on community perceptions of SC may be more circumscribed than previously suggested. While this requires further investigation, minimising frames should still be avoided as per existing recommendations.

Immunophenotyping schizophrenia subtypes stratified by antipsychotic response

Immune dysfunction has been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology behind the development and persistence of psychosis. Current immunophenotyping studies are limited by small sample sizes and the number of immune markers investigated. Pharmacological subtypes in schizophrenia based on antipsychotic response have been proposed, but few studies have investigated immunophenotypes in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. In this study, we perform comprehensive immunophenotyping on 196 subjects comprising 147 schizophrenia patients stratified by antipsychotic response (49 antipsychotic-responsive, 70 clozapine-responsive, 28 clozapine-resistant) and 49 healthy controls. We aim to identify significant immune cell populations associated with schizophrenia and increasing treatment resistance, as potential modulators of underlying psychosis and/or treatment response. Patients with schizophrenia were recruited and assessed on the Clinical Global Impression – Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH). Treatment response was defined as a rating of three (mild severity) or less on the CGI-SCH positive symptom item after at least 8 weeks of adequate antipsychotic or clozapine treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected and flow cytometry was performed to identify 66 immune cell populations. Differences in cell population proportions were compared between schizophrenia cases and controls, and across all 4 groups, with post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells (specifically CD8 + and DN double-negative subsets), total, exhausted and memory CD8 + T cells, VD1 + ϒδ T cells, plasmablasts, IgG + B cells and conventional dendritic cells 2 (cDC2) were among the top cell populations downregulated in schizophrenia. We observed increased downregulation with increasing treatment resistance. Conversely, naïve and exhausted CD4 + T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio and CCR5 + CCR2 + HLA DR + Myeloid cells were found to be upregulated in schizophrenia — we observed increased upregulation with increasing treatment resistance. We show significant immunophenotypic differences between schizophrenia cases and healthy controls, and consistent trend differences across varying degrees of antipsychotic resistance. We also examined immune cell populations not previously reported in schizophrenia. Future studies may explore immune markers identified as potential biomarkers of treatment resistance, and clarify on the relationship between immunological changes and pharmacological subtypes in schizophrenia.

Standardized Temporary Atrial Epicardial Wire Locations Lead to Enhanced Atrial Signal Identification.

Background: Arrhythmias, common after pediatric cardiac surgery, are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Atrial epicardial wires (AEW) improve diagnostic accuracy but have variable pacing and sensing properties based on their location. Even so, there are no longitudinal prospective pediatric studies examining ideal placement of AEW. Methods: This multicenter study compared atrial amplitudes, pacing sensitivities and thresholds via AEW placed at Bachmann's Bundle (BB) and the interatrial groove near the right pulmonary veins (IGRPV) versus the surgeons' standard locations. An AtriAmp system was used to obtain an atrial ECG to calculate atrial and ventricular amplitude from atrial electrograms on the bedside monitor. Sensitivities and thresholds via a temporary pacemaker were documented. ANOVA tests with repeated measures and post-hoc pairwise comparisons were performed to compare variables within the first 24-h postoperative hours. Mixed effects linear regression models were employed to examine daily trends. Results: In the first 24-h following cardiac surgery, AEW at BB and IGRPV showed significantly larger atrial amplitudes than the surgeons' standard locations. In addition, there was a negative trend in atrial ECG amplitude in all AEW from postoperative days 0 to 1; however, subsequent days showed a positive mean change in atrial amplitude with largest increase seen at BB. Atrial sensing as measured by the temporary pacemaker had statistically greater atrial signal amplitude from the BB-IGRPV set in both polarities (ie, with the BB as the - or + electrode pair) as compared to the surgeons' standard locations. No difference in atrial thresholds (mA) were noted in the immediate postoperative period or over time, with a relatively low atrial threshold at all sites. Conclusion: Standardization of AEW at Bachmann's Bundle can yield largest atrial amplitudes by atrial ECG and highest atrial sensing parameters without compromising atrial thresholds.

The Efficiency of Different Supplementary Irrigation Techniques After Nickel-Titanium Rotary System in Endodontic Retreatment

Objective: To assess the efficiency of XP-Endo Finisher file (XPFF), EDDY, and diode laser as supplementary irrigation activation techniques following nickel-titanium rotary files in the endodontic retreatment. Methods: 48 mandibular premolars were collected. Each root canal was shaped and filled with EndoSequence BC sealer and gutta percha. After 14 days, endodontic retreatment was performed using D-Race instruments. Then, 48 samples were assigned into 4 groups (n=12) as control, diode laser, EDDY, and XPFF according to the supplementary irrigation methods. After the irrigation procedure, all samples were visualized under a stereomicroscope. The remaining root filling material was scored and compared statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Post-hoc pairwise comparison tests. Results: In all thirds, there was a significant difference between the diode laser and control groups. The amount of remaining filling material in the diode laser group was significantly lower than in the control group. When the other groups were compared, a significant difference was observed only between the diode laser and XPFF groups in the coronal third. Conclusion: No supplemental method could eliminate the root obturation material. The diode laser can be used in addition to nickel-titanium rotary retreatment systems to improve the removal of gutta percha and bioceramic sealer.

Comparative Evaluation of Different Obturation Techniques for Root Canal Filling of Permanent Teeth: An In-Vitro Study.

Achieving success in root canal (RC) therapy relies on three key components: comprehensive cleaning of the canal, efficient disinfection, and proper filling of the canal space. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of four obturation techniques: single cone (SC), GuttaCore (GC), cold lateral condensation (LC), and C Point systemfor RC filling of permanent teeth. 76 extracted human mandibular first premolars were divided into four groups, with 19 teeth in each group (group A, obturation with SC technique; group B, obturation with GC; group C, obturation with LC; and group D, obturation with C Point system). The samples were marked at 4 mm and 8 mm from the root apex using a marker and calliper, sectioned horizontally, and analyzed under a stereomicroscope at 20x magnification. The mean percentage (%) of gutta-percha (GP)-filled area was compared using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test. The mean percentage of GP-filled area at a distance of 4 mm from the apex was highest in group B (0.86±0.04; 95% CI: 0.845-0.881), followed by group D (0.70±0.07; 95% CI: 0.664-0.736), group A (0.61±0.05; 95% CI: 0.595-0.642), and least in group C (0.58±0.09; 95% CI: 0.543-0.627), and the difference was statistically significant (p≤0.05). The post-hoc pairwise comparison of groups at 4 mm revealed that there were statistically significant differences between group D and groups B, C, and A (p ≤ 0.001). The mean percentage of the GP area at a distance of 8 mm from the apex was highest in group B (0.81±0.10; 95% CI: 0.761-0.861), followed by group D (0.75±0.07; 95% CI: 0.725-0.792), group A (0.69±0.07; 95% CI: 0.658-0.729), and lowest in group C (0.65±0.10; 95% CI: 0.607-0.709), and this difference was statistically significant (p≤0.05). Post-hoc pairwise comparison of groups at 8 mm revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between groups D and C (p=0.006), whereas no statistically significant differences were noted between groups D and B (p=0.473). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were noted between groups C and A at 4 mm and 8 mm (p>0.05). Obturation with the GC system provided the best results in terms of the percentage of GP-filled area at 4 mm. However, at 8 mm from the apical region, both the GC and C Point systems provided similar results.

Study of the association between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism, childhood adversity and negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Is known that the neurohormone oxytocin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mental illness, and also models the relationship between stress factors, especially those acting in the early stages of development, and the development of mental disorders. Based on these data, we investigated the effects of the interaction of the environmental factor, which was considered the adversity of childhood (ND) and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genotypes in the polymorphic sites rs4686302 and rs7632287, on the severity of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The study involved 592 patients with schizophrenia (headings F20. according to ICD-10). Information about the presence of ND was obtained from case histories and patient interviews. Analysis of covariance (GML) was used for statistical data processing; in post-hoc pairwise comparison, Tukey’s test was used. A significant effect of the interaction between ND and OXTR gene polymorphism rs7632287(G/A) on the severity of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia was revealed. In patients without ND, polymorphisms did not have a significant effect on the studied phenotype. Thus, our study showed for the first time that the rs7632287(G/A) polymorphism and ND have a mutual effect on the severity of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Commercial products are not effective at repelling European deer keds, Lipoptena cervi (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) but may increase mortality after exposure.

European deer keds, Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758), are hematophagous ectoparasitic flies known to bite cervids and noncervids, including humans. To prevent deer keds from landing and biting hosts, 5 commercially available insect repellents (DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), picaridin, and permethrin) and water control were evaluated to determine repellency efficacy and postexposure mortality of deer keds. While there was a significant difference between the groups tested, a post hoc analysis revealed that no treatment was significantly different from the water control. Deer ked survival was different amongst the treatments, with deer keds exposed to permethrin dying much sooner than those exposed to other treatments or control (median survival for permethrin = 0.58 h). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that deer keds exposed to DEET or IR3535 had similar survival rates (4.82 and 5.15 h, respectively). Still, there were significantly lower survival times for DEET compared to OLE (6.33 h) and picaridin (15.00 h). Deer keds exposed to the water control survived the longest (23.12 h). Overall, deer ked repellency was not significantly different from the control, but permethrin-treated clothes can effectively kill deer keds in a short amount of time, thereby protecting those who recreate outdoors or encounter animals carrying deer keds.

Stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) gene expression in adenomyosis: An observational case-control study

Background. Endometriosis is distinguished by its high prevalence and significant impact on the quality of life and reproductive health of women; however, its etiology and essential pathogenesis of remain uncertain so far. Modern research is increasingly focusing on immune, hormonal and genetic factors that share a common structure and participate in common metabolism — so-called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), which participates in tissue and cellular metabolism through transcription splicing and folding of RNA. The role of this protein, known as heat shock protein (HSP)-organizing protein, is being actively studied in cancer and hyperproliferative diseases. The role of the STIP1 gene and its product in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis appears to be studied insufficiently, thereby determining the relevance of the present study.Objectives. To evaluate the expression of stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 in eutopic endometrium and myometrium in women with isolated adenomyosis, as well as in combination with other benign hyperproliferative diseases of the reproductive system.Methods. Clinical study site: Clinical and Diagnostic Department of Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology. Design: an observational case-control study of patients with verified diagnoses of diffuse adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and external genital endometriosis (main group — n = 55). The study group (n = 43) was divided into three subgroups: patients with isolated diffuse adenomyosis (AM, n = 16), adenomyosis in combination with uterine fibroids (AM + UF, n = 16), adenomyosis in combination with external genital endometriosis (AM + EGE, n = 11)), a comparison group — patients with uterine fibroids (n = 12) and a control group (n = 17) — women of reproductive age without gynecological diseases. The study was conducted from November 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. The target indicator of the study was the level of relative mRNA (mRNA) expression of STIP1 gene (in RQ (Relative Quantity) units) in the uterus — adenomyosis glands, surrounding myometrium and endometrium. Histological evaluation of the endometrium served as an additional indicator. Statistical analysis of the results obtained, namely the relative level of mRNA expression, was carried out by the ΔΔСt method using the Expression Suit V1.0.3 program. (https://www.thermofisher.com/ru/ru/home/technical-resources/software-downloads/expressionsuite-software.html). The data analysis was performed using the GraphPad Prizm program (Insight Partners, USA). Differences between groups were evaluated by means of single factor ANOVA analysis (followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons (Tukey test) of the values in each group. The differences were considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05.Results. A high level of STIP1 gene expression was reported in myometrium of patients with isolated adenomyosis (more than 3-fold increase in relation to the comparison group — patients with uterine fibroids). In addition, myometrium of women with adenomyosis combined with uterine fibroids demonstrated a higher expression of STIP1 gene, compared to patients with isolated uterine fibroids (p &lt; 0.01). The evaluation of the expression of mRNA of the STIP1 gene in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis and women in the control group revealed no significant differences; however, STIP1 in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis was significantly lower than in the endometrium of both patients with uterine fibroids and women with adenomyosis combined with external genital endometriosis.Conclusion. Increased mRNA expression of STIP1 gene in myometrium in adenomyosis confirms its role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The role of the expression of the STIP1 gene and the corresponding protein is to be further clarified in order to assess its specificity and sensitivity as a diagnostic marker and to identify new approaches to the treatment of adenomyosis.

Nontechnical Skills Assessment in Acute Care Trauma Simulations: A Mixed Methods Approach Using Eye Tracking and Behavioral Marker Systems.

The condition of trauma patients and the urgent need for timely resuscitation present unique challenges to trauma teams. These difficulties are exacerbated for military trauma teams in combat environments. Consequently, there is a need for continued improvement of nontechnical skills (NTS) training for trauma teams. However, current approaches to NTS assessment rely on subjective ratings, which can introduce bias. Accordingly, objective methods of NTS evaluation are needed. Eye-tracking (ET) methods have been applied to studying communication, situation awareness, and leadership in many health care settings, and could be applied to studying physicians' NTS during trauma situations. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between trauma team leaders' objective gaze patterns and subjective expert NTS ratings during patient care simulations. After Institutional Review Board approval, 9 trauma teams from first-year post-graduate general surgery and emergency medicine residents were recruited to participate in 1 of 2 trauma simulations (a difficult airway case and a multi-patient trauma). Each scenario lasted approximately 15 minutes. All team leaders wore a mobile ET system to evaluate gaze metrics-time to first fixation (TTFF), average fixation duration (AFD), and total percentage of the scenario (TPS) focused on Areas of Interest (AOI), which included patient, care team, diagnostic equipment, and patient care equipment. Trained faculty raters completed the Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) assessment tool and the Trauma Non-Technical Skills (T-NOTECHS) scale. One-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and appropriate post-hoc pairwise comparison tests were run to assess differences between ET metrics across AOI groups. Spearman's Rho tests were used to assess correlations between ET and subjective NTS ratings. Compared to other NTS domains, trauma teams scored relatively poorly on communication across both T-NOTECHS (3.29$ \pm $0.61, maximum = 5) and NOTSS (2.87$ \pm $0.66, maximum = 4). We found significant differences in trauma team leaders' TTFF between teammates and the patient (Team: 1.56 vs Patient: 29.82 seconds, P < .001). TTFF on the diagnostic equipment was negatively correlated (P < .05) to multiple measures of subjective NTS assessments. There were no significant differences in AFD between AOIs, and AFD on teammates was positively correlated (P < .05) to communication and teamwork. There were significant differences in TPS across most AOI pairs (P < .05), and the average TPS fixated was highest on the patient (32%). Finally, there were several significant correlations between additional ET and NTS metrics. This study utilized a mixed methods approach to assess trauma team leaders' NTS in simulated acute care trauma simulations. Our results provide several objective insights into trauma team leaders' NTS behaviors during patient care simulations. Such objective insights provide a more comprehensive understanding of NTS behaviors and can be leveraged to guide NTS training of trauma physicians in the future. More studies are needed to apply these methods to capture NTS from a larger sample of teams in both simulated and real trauma environments.

A protocol for the longitudinal investigation of cancer related fatigue in head and neck cancer with an emphasis on the role of physical activity.

Cancer related fatigue significantly impairs the ability to undertake sustained physical activity across the domains of daily living, work and recreation. The purpose of this study is to monitor cancer related fatigue and the factors affected or caused by it for 12 months in head and neck cancer patients following their diagnosis. Their perceptions of how fatigue might affect their activity levels in addition to identifying avenues to improve engagement with physical activity will be also explored. A single centre longitudinal mixed-methods study will be conducted. Forty head and neck cancer patients will be recruited over 6 months following the confirmation of their treatment plan, after which fatigue and physical activity will be assessed at four time points over 12 months. Additionally, other factors which influence fatigue such as body composition, blood counts, systemic inflammation levels, haemoglobin concentration, thyroid function, sleep quality, cardiorespiratory fitness and upper and lower extremity strength will be measured to understand how the multifactorial problem of fatigue may evolve over time and influence physical activity levels. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted after treatment completion and at end of twelve months which will analyse the participants fatigue experiences, understand how their perceived fatigue may have impacted physical activity and report the factors which may improve engagement with physical activity during cancer. Quantitative data will be analysed and reported using standard descriptive statistics and post-hoc pairwise comparisons. The changes in outcome measures across time will be analysed using the MIXED procedure in SPSS software. Statistical significance will be accepted at p<0.05. Qualitative data will be analysed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Approach using the NVivo software. The results from this study may help inform the planning and delivery of appropriately timed interventions for the management of cancer related fatigue.

Functional network characteristics in anxiety- and mania-based subgroups of bipolar I disorder

BackgroundBipolar disorder I (BD-I) is a heterogeneous disorder with a high prevalence of comorbid anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anxiety and mania symptoms define distinct subgroups within BD-I and to explore potential differences in functional network characteristics between these subgroups. MethodsSubgroups were identified using scores from clinical anxiety and mania scales. After dimension reduction of these scores, data-driven clustering analysis with cross-validation was employed to reveal the existence of subgroups. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were pre-processed using fMRIPrep. After parcellation and network construction, global and regional graph theoretical measures were calculated per subgroup. ResultsClustering results revealed that, based on anxiety symptomatology, subjects fell into two distinct subgroups, whereas mania symptoms divided subjects into four unique subgroups. These subgroups varied notably on several symptom scales. Network assortativity was significantly associated with anxiety subgroups. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons did not reveal significant global functional network differences between the anxiety subgroups or between mania subgroups. Regional network differences between clinical subgroups were especially apparent for strength and degree in the temporal and frontal lobes. LimitationsSmall sample size of some subgroups is a limitation of this study as is the categorical rather than continuous representation of anxiety and mania symptoms. ConclusionsBD-I populations may be stratified into robust subgroups based on anxiety and mania symptoms, showing differences in functional network connectivity. Our findings highlight new avenues of research for investigating heterogeneity in psychiatric populations.

A Comparison of Tooth Size and Arch Dimensions Among Measurements Taken Intraorally with 3D-Printed and Digital Models Obtained from Intraoral Scans.

To compare measurements of tooth size and arch dimensions among those taken directly intraorally with those made on digital and 3D printed models produced by intraoral scanning. Sixty-six participants were recruited. Intraoral tooth size and arch measurements were taken intraorally with a digital caliper. Digital impressions were taken with an iTero® intraoral scanner. The three-dimensional digital models were measured using a 3D diagnostics tool (OrthoCAD software). The same digital models were used to fabricate physical models using a resin 3D printer (Elegoo Saturn). The measurements were repeated on 3D printed models by using the digital caliper. The recorded parameters included mesiodistal tooth widths, transverse, and antero-posterior dimensions. All measurements were repeated to assess intra- and inter- examiner reliability. The validity of each measurement method was assessed by repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise comparisons (p<0.5). The mean differences among three methods for all parameters were statistically significant (p<.05) but were considered to be clinically insignificant, except for the upper intercanine width. Direct intraoral measurements tend to be smaller than the digital and 3D printed models. The ICCs values indicated excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability which demonstrates high reproducibility for all measurements on all model types. Direct intraoral measurements tend to be smaller than the digital and 3D printed models. However, the accuracy of measurements made directly intraorally, and on digital and 3D models from intraoral scans is clinically acceptable, except for the upper intercanine width. Key words:Tooth measurements, Accuracy, Dental models, 3D printing, Digital model.

New quantitative analyses of the Nacholapithecus kerioi proximal ulna confirm morphological affinities with Equatorius and large papionins.

The elbow of Nacholapithecus has been extensively described qualitatively, however its ulnar morphology has never been the focus of an in-depth quantitative analysis before. Hence, our main aim is quantifying the proximal ulnar morphology in Nacholapithecus and exploring whether it is similar to those of Equatorius and Griphopithecus as previously reported. We compared Nacholapithecus proximal ulnar morphology with a sample of extant and extinct anthropoids through principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis. Moreover, we calculated the Cophenetic Correlation Coefficient and checked for taxonomical group mean differences through MANOVA and pairwise post-hoc comparisons, as well as the phylogenetic signal in the variables used. The Nacholapithecus ulna displays a moderately long and relatively narrow olecranon, a relatively wide trochlear surface-radial notch width, and a relatively thin sigmoid notch depth. These features resemble those of large papionins and chimpanzees, and some extinct taxa, mainly Equatorius. Results presented here reinforce previous inferences on the functional morphology of the Nacholapithecus elbow, showing adaptations for general quadrupedal behaviors. However, other derived features (e.g., a relatively wide trochlear surface) might be associated with the ape-like traits described for its distal humerus (e.g., wide trochlear groove), thus displaying a combination of primitive and derived features in the proximal ulna. Finally, affinities with large papionins could suggest the presence of some terrestrial habits in Nacholapithecus. However, the lack of evidence in the rest of the skeleton prevents us from suggesting terrestrial affinities in this taxon in a conclusive manner.

Trueness of the apical and middle root portion segments of 3D-printed removable die and alveolar cast designs manufactured using stereolithographic 3D printing.

The present study evaluated the effects of the root portion design, segment (middle vs. apical), and part (die vs. cast) on the trueness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed removable die-cast complex. The trueness of apical and middle segments of the root portion of 45 3D-printed removable dies and casts with three different root portion designs (n = 15) was assessed using a metrology-grade computer program. The three removable dies and cast designs (root form [RF], conical [CON], and cylindric [CYL]) were created using professional computer-aided manufacturing computer programs (DentalCAD 3.1 Rijeka, and InLab CAD 22.0), and manufactured using stereolithographic 3D printer (Form3; FormLabs, Somerville, MA). Subsequently, the 3D-printed removable dies and casts were scanned by a single operator with an intraoral scanner (PrimeScan; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC), and their respective standard tessellation language files were aligned and compared to master reference files in a metrology-grade computer program (Geomagic Control X; 3D systems, Rock Hill, NC). The root mean square (RMS) values of the middle and apical segments for each removable die and cast were calculated and analyzed using a mixed model including a repeated measure 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc stepdown Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons (α = 0.05). A statistically significant 3-way interaction between factors was detected, suggesting that the part (removable die or alveolar cast) and their design affected the RMS values of their apical and middle root portion segment. (p = 0.045). The post-hoc analysis identified significant differences between RMS values of the apical segments of the CON and CYL removable dies (p = 0.005). Significant differences were observed between the middle and apical segments of the CON (p < 0.001) and RF removable die designs (p = 0.004). No statistically significant differences were noticed between the RMS of the different alveolar cast designs (p > 0.05). Significant differences were detected between the apical and middle segments of the same alveolar cast design (p < 0.05). For the manufacturing trinomial and 3D printing strategy used in the present study, the interaction of the part, design, and segment affected the trueness of removable dies and alveolar casts. The trueness was higher on the middle segment on removable dies and alveolar casts in all designs used, except for CYL removable dies, where the trueness difference between segments was small. Higher trueness values may be achieved with designs with simple apical segment geometries.

Effects of the NeuroHAB Program on Low Back Pain and Oswestry Disability Index Scores: A Retrospective Wait-List Control Study.

Movement theory and the study of movement dysfunction mark a paradigm shift in the treatment of low back pain symptoms, the majority of which are mechanical in origin at the outset. Treating movement dysfunction centers around unified and consistent rehabilitation that defines proficient movement for the lumbopelvic spine. The purpose of this study is to document the improvement in pain and disability of 290 patients who underwent NeuroHAB Functional Movement Therapy to reverse their lumbopelvic movement dysfunction attributed to causing their back pain symptoms between 2019 and 2023. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were collected from each participant on three occasions: the first consultation, after a waiting period/pre-intervention, and after the eight-week intervention. A single-factor ANOVA of all three ODI data sets was conducted, along with supporting descriptive statistics. A post-hoc t-test pairwise comparison was conducted for accuracy. The average ODI 1 score (taken at the first consultation) was 15.26 ± 6.1% (CI: 14.3-16.2); ODI 2 (after a waiting period, before NeuroHAB) was 14.71 ± 6.0% (CI: 13.82-15.59); and ODI 3 (post-intervention) was 9.09 ± 8.6% (CI: 8.305-9.875). There was no significant change from ODI 1 to ODI 2 (between the consultation and waitlist control periods). However, a significant reduction between ODI 2 and ODI 3 was observed (pre- and post-intervention) (mean difference: 5.62, p ≤ 0.001), and a 40.41% reduction was observed between ODI 1 (the ODI score taken at the first consultation) and ODI 3 (the ODI score taken after NeuroHAB, post-intervention) (mean difference: 6.17, p ≤ 0.001). A 50% ODI reduction was reported in the "Crippled" category (mean difference 16.15, p ≤ 0.001). The inclusion of functional movement proficiency and stability in future guidelines is a necessary step towards meaningful improvement in epidemic levels of back pain-related clinical and economic morbidity.

An investigation into the effects of cryo-compression versus TECAR therapy on symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results from unaccustomed exercise in which the observed effects are reported to last up to 96h (Peake et al., 2017, J Appl Physiol, 122). The use of both cryotherapy and thermal interventions have been explored for reducing the symptoms of EIMD however their effectiveness has been debated with conflicting views on the efficacy of both interventions. This study aimed to directly contrast the effectiveness of cryotherapy and thermal applications on symptoms of EIMD. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Northampton Sport and Exercise Ethics Committee. Twenty-eight (N=28, 10 female) moderately active participants (120-180 min a week; age 19.9 ±1.38 years, stature 174.8 ± 8.9 cm, mass 73.8 ± 15.5 kg) participated in an independent-subject design trial. At 0 h participants performed baseline tests (VAS, MVIC, CMJ and MTC) and then a fatigue protocol (20 × 5 box drop-jumps at 60 cm). Measures of EIMD were assessed over 96 h before random allocation to 15-min of TECAR (0 h= 10%, 24 h= 20%, 48 h= 30%, 72 h= 40%), Game-Ready (1˚C with an average pressure of 50 mmhg over 180 s) or control groups (seated rest). A two-way mixed model ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc pairwise comparison analyses were conducted. A Friedmans ANOVA was conducted for combined VAS data with a post-hoc Wilcoxon test. Within-group analysis revealed significant differences in MVIC (P = 0.001, n2 = 0.573) with interaction effect by condition (P = 0.021, n2 = 0.161). Pairwise comparisons revealed effects following TECAR at 0-24 h, P=0.009 (−10.2%), 0-48 h, P=0.033 (−9.5%), Game-Ready at 0-24 h, P = 0.001 (−15.0%), 0-48 h, P = 0.001 (−16.5%), 0-72 h, P = 0.001 (−12.3%) and control at 0-24 h, P = 0.001 (−12.8%), 0-48 h, P=0.008 (-10.8%). No significant differences were found at baseline between VAS scores (P=0.154), but significant differences were found at all other time points for all conditions (P &lt; 0.05). TECAR resulted in the least performance decrements but experienced the greatest pain, compared to the Game-Ready, which resulted in the greatest performance loss but experienced the least pain. Neither TECAR nor Game-Ready appear advantageous over each other in attenuating symptoms of EIMD.

Impact of the superimposition methods on accuracy analyses in complete-arch digital implant investigation

ObjectivesTo measure the impact of the superimposition methods on accuracy analyses in digital implant research using an ISO-recommended 3-dimensional (3D) metrology-grade inspection software. Materials and methodsA six-implant edentulous maxillary model was scanned using a desktop scanner (7Series; DentalWings; Montreal, Canada) and an intraoral scanner (TRIOS 4; 3Shape; Copenhagen, Denmark) to generate a reference and an experimental mesh, respectively. Thirty experimental standard tesselletion language (STL) files were superimposed onto the reference model's STL using the core features of six superimposition methods, creating the following groups: initial automated pre-alignment (GI), landmark-based alignment (G1), partial area-based alignment (G2), entire area-based alignment (G3), and double alignment combining landmark-based alignment with entire model area-based alignment (G4 ) or the scan bodies' surface (G5). The groups underwent various alignment variations, resulting in sixteen subgroups (n = 30). The alignment accuracy between experimental and reference meshes was quantified by using the root mean square (RMS) error as trueness and its fluctuation as precision. The Kruskal-Wallis test with a subsequent adjusted post-hoc Dunn's pairwise comparison test was used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). The reliability of the measurements was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). ResultsA total of 480 superimpositions were performed. No significant differences were found in trueness and precision among the groups (p > 0.05), except for partial area-based alignment (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed significant differences for partial area-based alignment considering only one scan body (p < 0.001). Initial automated alignment was as accurate as landmark-based, partial, or entire area-based alignments (p > 0.05). Double alignments did not improve alignment accuracy (p > 0.05). The entire area-based alignment of the scan bodies’ surface had the least effect on accuracy analyses. ConclusionsDigital oral implant investigation remains unaffected by the superimposition method when ISO-recommended 3D metrology-grade inspection software is used. At least two scan bodies are needed when considering partial area-based alignments. Clinical significanceThe superimposition method choice within the tested ISO-recommended 3D inspection software did not impact accuracy analyses in digital implant investigation.