Related Quality Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of dental caries, oral hygiene, and treatment need on oral health-related quality of life among Turkish orphan children and adolescents

BackgroundThe oral and dental health and related quality of life of orphan children and adolescents—who are considered a vulnerable population—are critical for both individual and public health.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the status of the dental caries, oral hygiene, and dental treatment needs among a group of Turkish male orphan children and adolescents, as well as their impact on oral health-related quality of life.MethodsA total of 112 orphan children and adolescents aged between 9 and 17 years living in a residential care facility in Istanbul, Türkiye, were involved in this cross-sectional study. A comprehensive examination was conducted on each individual, encompassing the assessment of dental caries using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT/dft) index, oral hygiene using the debris (DI-S), calculus (CI-S), and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-S) indices, and dental treatment need using the treatment need index (TNI). Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the validated Turkish version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (COHIP-SF-19). The relationship between oral health-related quality of life and explanatory variables was evaluated using a multivariable linear regression model.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 12 ± 1.79 years. The mean DMFT score was 4.57 ± 3.42, and the mean OHI-S score was 1.4 ± 0.52. Participants had a mean COHIP-SF-19 score of 57.79 ± 14.11, with 25% requiring at least one tooth to undergo radical treatment. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that the DMFT score (p = 0.009) and the need for radical treatment (TNI code 6) (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant impact on oral health-related quality of life among orphan children and adolescents aged 13–17.ConclusionsThis study underscores that dental caries and the need for radical treatment significantly impact the oral health-related quality of life of orphan children and adolescents.

Effects of chronic diseases on health related quality of life is mediated by sleep difficulty in middle aged and older adults

Middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases are more likely to encounter sleep difficulty and have a reduced Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), but there is little research on their possible mechanisms. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to explore how sleep difficulty mediates the impact of chronic diseases on the HRQoL of middle-aged and older adults. The survey data were from a cross-sectional study carried out in 2019 in Hangzhou, China. We used a multi-stage cluster random sampling method to recruit participants from seven districts in Hangzhou. Multiple regression was used to analyze the relationship between chronic diseases, sleep difficulty and HRQoL. And the mediate package in the R language was used to analyze the mediating effect. A total of 3,550 middle-aged and older adults were enrolled, including 2,273 patients with chronic diseases and 1,277 patients without them. Patients with chronic diseases had lower health utility values (β=-0.0084, P < 0.01) and were more likely to suffer from sleep difficulty (β = 0.5737, P < 0.001). After correcting for demographic and life characteristics, the mediation analysis results indicated that sleep difficulty mediated the relationship between chronic diseases and HRQoL (β=-0.0022, 95% Bca CI: -0.0034 -0.0014). Additionally, sleep difficulty influenced the association between chronic diseases and daily activities as well as pain (or discomfort) (β = 0.0083, 95% Bca CI: 0.0042–0.0111; β = 0.0162, 95% Bca CI: 0.0107–0.0225) in the analysis of the dimensions. Sleep difficulty partially mediated the relationship between chronic diseases and HRQoL, and primarily in the daily activities and pain (or discomfort) dimensions in middle-aged and older adults.

Social support and recovery in ARDS survivors: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundSocial support (SS) may contribute to the long-term recovery of critical illness survivors. This study focuses on survivors of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to investigate the causal relationship between SS and health related quality of life (HRQoL) and healthcare utilization in critically ill patients.MethodsA cohort study with N=877 ARDS survivors in 61 ICUs was conducted in Germany, between 2014 and 2019. SS (F-SozU K-14) and HRQoL (Physical and Mental Component Scale: PCS, MCS of the SF-12) were assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after ICU discharge. Healthcare utilization was assessed after 12 and 24 months. To identify confounders and allow for causal inferences, a directed acyclic graph (DAG) was developed.ResultsAdjusted regression models demonstrated significant positive impact of SS on mental HRQoL after three months onward (all ßs &gt;0.15, allps &lt;0.05). This influence increases over time. In contrast, the influence of SS on physical HRQoL and healthcare utilization remained inconclusive (only one significant association for physical HRQoL at 12 months: β=0.128, p&lt;0.05, otherwise allps &gt;0.05).ConclusionResults indicate SS plays an important and unique role in the long-term recovery of survivors of critical illness in the mental area. It appears that the more distal mechanism of SS unfolds progressively over time, perhaps as the immediate sequelae of critical illness after discharge subside. In contrast, SS does not appear to exert a substantial causal impact on physical HRQoL and healthcare utilization.

P0840 Health related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) treated with obefazimod: the phase 2 open label maintenance study

Abstract Background Obefazimod is an investigational, oral, once-daily (QD), small molecule which enhances expression of microRNA-124 and demonstrated efficacy in patients (pts) with moderately to severely active UC at Week 8 of a phase 2b induction trial. The proportion of pts achieving clinical endpoints increased at Week 48 in the subsequent open-label maintenance study (OLM). Here we report long term effects of obefazimod on HRQOL. Methods In the phase 2b trial, pts were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive 100 mg, 50 mg, or 25 mg oral, obefazimod or placebo (PBO) QD for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was at Week 8. If pts completed the 16-week induction trial, regardless of clinical/symptomatic response or randomized dose received, they could be enrolled in the OLM and receive 50 mg QD through Week 48. Pts completed the IBDQ, a disease-specific HRQOL questionnaire consisting of 32 items across 4 domains (Emotional functioning, Bowel symptoms, Social functioning, Systemic symptoms) at baseline and Week 8 of the induction trial and Week 48 of the OLM. The IBDQ items are assessed on a 7-point scale with scores ranging from 32 to 244; higher scores reflect better well-being. Mean value by visit and mean change in IBDQ from Week 8 to 48 were reported descriptively. The proportion of pts with IBDQ remission (IBDQ total score ³170) at Weeks 8 and 48 and IBDQ response ( ³16 point increase in IBDQ total score) from Week 8 to 48 were determined. Pts that received at least 1 dose and had baseline IBDQ data were included in this analysis. Data were analyzed as observed. Results 222 pts completed the induction trial, 217 continued in the OLM. 178 pts were included in this analysis. Across IBDQ total score and domains, further improvements in HRQOL were obtained after Week 8 with continued obefazimod treatment to Week 48. The largest increases were observed in pts who received PBO in the induction trial and then 50 mg in the OLM. Mean change from Week 8 to 48 in IBDQ total score was (mean (SD)) = 25.6 (28.8), 29.7 (34.9), 17.0 (26.5), and 38.7 (30.3) for pts in the 100 mg, 50 mg, 25 mg, and PBO groups, respectively, in the induction trial (Table). At Week 48, IBDQ remission was achieved by over 80% of pts, regardless of induction treatment, as compared to 42.1-62.7% at Week 8. At Week 48 an IBDQ response from Week 8 was achieved in 48.7%, 66.7%, 46.9%, 73.9% of pts in the 100 mg, 50 mg, 25 mg, and PBO groups, respectively. Conclusion Improvements in HRQOL were achieved and maintained with obefazimod treatment in adults with moderately to severely active UC, consistent with clinical efficacy endpoints. Table. IBDQ endpoints in the OLE study

Relative efficacy of prehabilitation interventions and their components: systematic review with network and component network meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials

ObjectiveTo estimate the relative efficacy of individual and combinations of prehabilitation components (exercise, nutrition, cognitive, and psychosocial) on critical outcomes of postoperative complications, length of stay, health related quality of...

P1255 Impact of depression on health related quality of life in Ulcerative Colitis patients-are we doing enough? A single tertiary center experience

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that significantly impacts patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and alexithymia may exacerbate these effects. This study aims to evaluate: HRQOL and possible factors affecting it, prevalence of anxiety, depression and alexytimia in patients with UC. Methods A cross-sectional study included 248 UC patients (117 males, mean age 44,7±14,6, 21 with proctitis, 63 with left sided and 164 with extensive colitis) Data were collected using standardized self-administered questionnaires (socio-demographic, GAD-7, PHQ-9, TAS-20 and SIBDQ-10). Clinical data on remission status, extraintestinal manifestations (EIM), comorbidities and use of advanced therapies were also collected. Hierarchical regression analysis of variables predicting SIBDQ-10 score in UC was done. Results In our patients average disease duration was 9.3 ± 7.4 years (range 0-49). 198 patients (79.8%) were treated with advanced therapies. Clinical and laboratory remission was present in 237 (95.6%) patients. Prevalence of depression, anxiety and alexithymia were 44.7%, 34.3% and 30.2% respectively. There were no differences in PHQ-9, GAD-7 and TAS-20 scores in relation to remission status (p&amp;gt;0.05). Average SIBDQ score was 56.5 ± 10.9. Patients in remission reported better SIBDQ-10 compared to those experiencing active symptoms (p=0.002). Results of hierarchical regresion analysis showed that remission of disease and higher depression score are the main factors influencing HRQOL in UC patients. Conclusion Prevalence of depression, anxiety and alexithymia in UC patients is high, even if disease is in remission. Remission of disease and high depression score are the main factors related to HRQOL. Depression adversely affects HRQOL in UC patients, highlighting the need for psychological screening and integrated mental health support in all UC patients. Strategies aimed at enhancing emotional well-being may improve overall quality of life and disease management in UC.

Personality traits and their relationship with oral health related quality of life among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundPersonality traits are linked with different oral health outcomes. However, personality traits and their associations among children are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included male and female students aged 12–18 years from different schools in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The participants responded to a self-administered questionnaire after providing informed consent. The questionnaire included demographic information and Arabic versions of the Big Five Personality Inventory and the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form to evaluate personality traits and OHRQoL, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed.ResultsThis study included 231 (59.7%) males and 156 (40.3%) females. Regarding personality traits, conscientiousness had the highest mean score (15.31 ± 3.65), followed by agreeableness (14.94 ± 3.96) and openness (14.08 ± 3.98), whereas neuroticism had the lowest mean score (8.86 ± 3.34). Males had significantly higher mean scores for extraversion (14.28 ± 3.30) and conscientiousness (15.69 ± 3.62) compared to females, who had mean scores of 13.02 ± 3.35 and 14.75 ± 3.63, respectively (P < 0.05). Females, on the other hand, scored significantly higher in neuroticism (9.51 ± 3.71) and agreeableness (15.60 ± 3.75) compared to males, who had mean scores of 8.09 ± 2.94 and 14.49 ± 4.04, respectively (P < 0.05). Bivariate analyses showed that neuroticism was negatively correlated with OHRQoL (r = -0.455, P < 0.001), whereas extraversion (r = 0.182, P < 0.001) and conscientiousness (r = 0.110, P = 0.047) were positively correlated with OHRQoL. In multiple linear regression analyses, extraversion (B = 0.696, P = 0.012) and neuroticism (B=-2.229, P < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of OHRQoL.ConclusionThis study found that neuroticism was significantly and negatively correlated with OHRQoL, whereas extraversion was significantly and positively correlated with OHRQoL. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in personality traits between the male and female adolescents.

Hubungan Movement Behavior dengan Health Related Quality of Life pada Siswa/I Smp Tarakanita Citra Raya selama Pandemi Tahun 2021

Movement behavior is a combination of motion behavior that includes physical activity, sleep duration, and sedentary behavior. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were several changes in human movement behavior within 24 hours due to the implementation of policies to break the chain of transmission. The impact caused by the implementation of social distancing causes limited human movement that affect the health-related quality of life for each individual, especially on indicators of children's physical, mental and social health. This study aims to see the relationship between movement behavior and health related quality of life in students of SMP Tarakanita Citra Raya during the 2021 pandemic using an analytical method with a cross sectional design. This research was conducted at SMP Tarakanita Citra Raya with 239 respondents consist of 88 male students and 151 female students. Data were collected using the GPAQ questionnaire, sleep duration, and KIDSCREEN-27 which were filled out online in December 2021. The results of this research indicate the characteristics of movement behavior that 74.06% of students do physical activity less than 1680 MET-minutes/week, 65.7% of students have a sleep duration of 6-8 hours per day, 29.29% of students perform sedentary behavior 3-4 hours, 47.28% of students do not meet the recommendation of movement behavior, and 84.94% of students have a good HRQoL. Statistical tests based on the Pearson correlation showed that there was a very weak relationship between physical activity and health related quality of life with a correlation coefficient of 0.177 with p value of 0.006 and the correlation between sleep duration and health related quality of life with a correlation coefficient of 0.190 and a p value of 0.003.

Psychological symptoms, quality of life and dyadic relations in family members of intensive care survivors: a multicentre, prospective longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundThere is scarce literature evaluating long term psychological or Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes in family members of ICU survivors, who have not experienced invasive ventilation. The objective was to compare long-term psychological symptoms and QoL outcomes in family members of intubated versus non-intubated ICU survivors and to evaluate dyadic relationships between paired family members and survivors.MethodsProspective, multicentre cohort study among four medical-surgical ICUs in Australia. Adult family members of ICU survivors and family-survivor dyads had follow-up assessments (3 and 12 months after ICU discharge), using Impact of Event Scale-Revised; Depression, Anxiety Stress Scales-21; EQ-5D-5L. Dyadic relationships examined associations of psychological symptoms or QoL impairments.ResultsOf 144 family members (75% female, 54% partners/spouses) recruited, 59% cared for previously intubated survivors. Overall, 83% (110/132) of eligible family members completed ≥ 1 follow-up. In family members of intubated vs non-intubated survivors, clinically significant psychological symptoms (PTSD/depression/anxiety) were reported by 48% vs 33% at 3-months (p = 0.15); and 39% vs 25% at 12-months (p = 0.23). Family self-rated their QoL with a mean score of 83 (SD 13) on a visual analogue scale (range 0–100), and > 30% reported problems in pain/discomfort or anxiety/depression domains at 12-months. Family members were more likely to have persistent psychological symptoms of PTSD [OR 4.9, 95% CI (1.47–16.1), p = 0.01] or depression [OR 14.6, 95% CI (2.9–72.6), p = 0.001]; or QoL domain problems with pain/discomfort [OR 6.5, 95% CI (1.14–36.8), p = 0.03] or anxiety/depression [OR 3.5, 95% CI (1.02–12.1), p = 0.04], when the paired survivor also reported the same symptoms.ConclusionsAlmost one-third of the family members of ICU survivors reported persistent psychological symptoms and QoL problems at 12-months. There was a noticeable dyad effect with family members more likely to have persistent symptoms of PTSD, depression, and problems in QoL domains when the paired ICU survivors experienced similar symptoms. The family members of non-intubated ICU survivors had an equal propensity to develop long-term psychological distress and should be included in long-term outcome studies. Future recovery intervention trials should be aimed at ICU family-survivor dyads.Trial registration ACTRN12615000880549

Quality and reliability of IFC/BIM models for public educational facilities construction projects via clash detection

This study investigates the reliability of monodiscipline IFC/BIM models in public construction projects of educational facilities through advanced clash detection and quantitative analysis. Data were collected from BIM models of two kindergartens and a school in Vilnius, Lithuania, representing different design disciplines. A mixed-methods approach was employed to analyse the number, types, and geometric characteristics of detected clashes. The research introduces innovative metrics, such as the Relative Quality Coefficient (RQC), Relative Uncertainty Coefficient (RUC), and Modified Relative Quality Coefficient (MRQC), to assess model quality and reliability quantitatively. The findings reveal a direct relationship between model complexity, clash detection precision, and the number of identified clashes, underscoring the importance of enhanced quality control measures in IFC/BIM models for public procurement. The study concludes that the implementation of these novel metrics can enhance the reliability of IFC/BIM models, thereby optimizing the design and construction process.

Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Oral Health-Associated Quality of Life of Pregnant Women Visiting a Public Sector Hospital

Objectives: To evaluate impact of socio economic status on oral health associated quality of life among pregnant ladies Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in hospital of Islamabad from April-May 2024. Pregnant women between 18-49 years of age coming for antenatal care visit, without any systemic illness were recruited via simple random sampling. Oral health-related quality of life amongst pregnant women was checked. Oral-clinical assessment of pregnant patients was done by using Oral health- impact profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). Approval from HSA ethical clearance committee &amp; inform consent from patients was taken for this study. Chi-square test was applied to determine probable association b/w variables, with considering a p-value of 0.05 as significant. Results: About one-third population of this study was bachelor degree holder or above. Almost one-third (30%) participants had a family income per month ranging between 31000 to 50000 rupees. There was no significance found between OHIP-14 scores with level of education and occupation where p-values were 0.256 &amp; 0.075 respectively. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) is the most commonly used scale for measuring OHRQoL of pregnant women. Chi-Square test revealed statistical insignificance of OHIP-14 score with socioeconomic status/monthly income (p-value 0.79). Chi-Square test was applied to find significance between OHIP-14 score and area of living and 1st pregnancy where p-values were 0.514 &amp; 0.479 respectively. Conclusion: Socio-economic status do not has significant association and impact on oral health related quality of life of pregnant women. Providing dental services at a subsidized rate is the need of hour.

Multidimensional fatigue and its impact on work productivity, mood and quality of life in long-term survivors following definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer: A cross-sectional study.

Radiotherapy (RT) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) can lead to late toxicity. Fatigue is a known debilitating issue for many cancer survivors, yet prevalence and severity of long-term fatigue in patients treated for OPC is unknown. As part of a mixed-methods study, fatigue in OPC patients ≥ 2years post RT + / - chemotherapy was evaluated. Fatigue scores (multidimensional fatigue inventory; MFI) were compared to general population controls. Predictive sociodemographic/clinical factors of fatigue were investigated by multivariable linear regression. Associations between fatigue, health related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), work (work productivity and activity impairment - WPAI), mood disturbance (Profile of Mood Scale - POMS) and RT dose were explored. In 349 patients treated for OPC with median follow-up time post-RT (+ / - chemo) of 6years (IQR 4-8), > 20% reported severe fatigue in all domains. Scores were significantly worse in patients for mental (mean difference 1.2, 95% CI 0.6-1.8, p = < 0.001) and general fatigue (mean difference 0.8, 95% CI 0.1-1.3, p = 0.015) compared to controls. Age and co-morbidities were significant predictors of mental and general fatigue (p < 0.05). Worse fatigue was associated with worse quality of life, greater work productivity impairment and worse mood (r = - 0.604, 0.582 and 0.679, respectively, all p < 0.05). No correlation was found between fatigue and RT dose to the posterior fossa. Mental and general fatigue remain significant issues in OPC patients several years after RT + / - chemotherapy. Better monitoring of fatigue throughout follow-up care, and timely interventionscould help improve patient functioning.

Stakeholder perspectives on implementation of internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy in physical medicine rehabilitation setting using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Despite the growing evidence for the effects of tailored internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) programmes for those receiving physical rehabilitation, there is a lack of implementation of these programmes in a clinical or community setting. The aim of the current study was to evaluate barriers and facilitators of implementing an ICBT programme into a physical medicine rehabilitation setting. Stakeholders with expertise in physical medicine rehabilitation were recruited (n = 25) including: 16 clinicians, 4 administrators, 3 persons with lived experience, and 2 care partners. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted based on the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Transcripts were analysed using a positivist approach, using deductive thematic content analysis. Themes were coded based on the domains of CFIR. Facilitators for implementation primarily fell under intervention characteristics including relative advantage, strong evidence and quality, and design quality. Perceived barriers for implementation were identified in the inner setting including leadership engagement, culture, and available resources. The results from the current study provide insight on the factors that may contribute towards successful implementation of an ICBT programme in a physical medicine setting.

Maternal postpartum mental health negatively affects infants' health related quality of life.

To assess the association of early and late postpartum maternal mental health with infants' health related quality of life (HRQoL). The study was embedded within the POST-UP trial (n = 1843). Infants' HRQoL was assessed with the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form-47 at ages 1 month (1 m), and 12 m. Maternal mental health regarded postpartum depression (PPD), measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 1 m and 6 m (early/late), and postpartum anxiety (PPA) with the short version of the state form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety inventory at 1 m and 12 m (early/late). We used linear regression analyses. Early and late PPD and PPA were negatively associated with infants' HRQoL at ages 1 m and 12 m. The negative associations with infants' HRQoL at 1 m were most pronounced for the domain infant temperament (standardized regression coefficient, (95%confidence interval)): -0.30 (-0.34; -0.25), and - 0.37 (-0.41;-0.32) for PPD and PPA respectively, and weakest for the domain bodily pain: -0.14 (-0.19;-0.09), and - 0.22 (-0.26;-0.17) for PPD and PPA respectively. The negative associations of early postpartum maternal health with infants' HRQoL at age 12 months were less pronounced. Moreover, associations with infants' HRQol were weaker for late than for early PPD and PPA. Usage of maternal proxy reports for assessing infant HRQoL. Postpartum maternal mental health is negatively associated with infants' HRQoL at age 1 m and 12 m. This confirms the need for regular screening of maternal mental health in the postpartum period.

Changes in health related quality of life in mothers with inflammatory joint disease from year 2000 to 2020 – a comparative cross-sectional study

Changes in health related quality of life in mothers with inflammatory joint disease from year 2000 to 2020 – a comparative cross-sectional study

Associations of reverse triiodothyronine serum levels with anxiety, depression, and health related quality of life after experiencing acute ischemic stroke.

This study intended to explore associations of reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) with emotional disturbances and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after experiencing acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Serum samples from individuals with AIS were collected on admission to three Lithuania stroke centers and investigated for free tetraiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine (fT3), rT3, and thyroid stimulating hormone levels. At discharge, emotional disturbance was evaluated using the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HADS), and HRQoL using the EQ-5D-5L scale. Analyses included 159 individuals (59.7% male and 40.3% female; mean (SD) aged 66.4 [10.3] years), 52.83% of which showed increased rT3 levels upon admission. After adjustment for age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, previous stroke, modified Rankin Scale before AIS ≤ 2, and diabetes mellitus, multivariable linear regression revealed negative associations of rT3 with HADS total score (β = -0.163; p = 0.046) and HADS-D subscale score (β = -0.187; p = 0.019). Analyses supported a positive relationship between the fT3 ratio to rT3 with HADS-D score (β = 0.157; p = 0.046) and rT3, rT3 × fT3 product with EQ-5D index score (β = 0.157; p = 0.044 and β = 0.179; p = 0.023, respectively). We found that individuals who experienced AIS and had higher levels of rT3 at hospital admission had less emotional disturbance and better HRQoL when discharged.

The effect of a closed back cavity on air-coupled piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer performance

In conventional piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs), the backside acoustic energy is often used inefficiently, resulting in up to half of the energy being wasted. Vacuum encapsulation can improve the energy utilization efficiency, but this technique is not compatible with state-of-the-art devices such as cantilever-based PMUTs. A closed back cavity provides an alternative method for effectively utilizing the backside acoustic energy. This paper investigates the effects of a closed back cavity on PMUT performance through theoretical analysis, simulations, and experimental verification. Increasing the cavity depth produces a periodic modulation of several key PMUT metrics, such as the relative frequency deviation and quality factor. The optimal cavity depth for PMUTs that ensures a robust resonant frequency and high quality factor is defined as a function of the acoustic wavelength. A closed back cavity also provides an effective method for continuously tuning the quality factor, and thus the bandwidth, of PMUTs. This work paves the way for air-coupled PMUTs with adjustable performance for various applications.

Comparison Of Single And Double-Spin Platelet- Rich Plasma Therapy For Treating Androgenetic Alopecia In Males: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: AGA is a type of hair loss seen predominantly in men affecting their self-image and health related quality of life. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is considered effective for all sorts of hair loss, including Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) due to the presence of growth factors in PRP. However, due to variations in the procedures followed in PRP preparation, this calls for further research. Study Design: A Randomized Control Trial. Place and duration of the study: Study was conducted at Dermatology OPD in PEMH (Pak Emirates Military Hospital) Rawalpindi. The duration Form 01 June to 30 November 2024. Methodology: In this study we intend to evaluate the efficacy of two different techniques of preparing PRP for treatment of patients with AGA using SALT and Likert scores. This was a Randomized Double blinded study where in 60 patients (age between 22 to 60 years) with moderate to severe Androgenetic Alopecia were randomized into Group A (single spin PRP) and Group B (double spin PRP). Treatment was administered at 0,3 and 6 weeks and later followed up at 8th week .The primary outcome measure was proportion of patients achieving mild improvement in SALT score and significant improvement in Likert score. We assessed PRP therapies containing single-spin and double-spin techniques for the treatment of AGA. Keywords: Plasma Therapy, Hair Loss, Platelet Rich Plasma

Meditation and guided imagery show reduction in chronic stress and increase in mental health-related quality of life for college students

Objective: To explore the effects of guided imagery with progressive deep muscle relaxation (PDMR) and meditation programs on chronic stress perception and health related quality of life in college students. Participants: College students were recruited from a local private university in Northeast Pennsylvania. Participants were not concurrently enrolled in another weekly meditation class. Students were randomly assigned to a meditation group (n = 16) or guided imagery with PDMR (n = 17). Method: The study design was an experimental, repeated measures design with two groups and two independent variables: the Perceived Stress Scale and Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36v2). Results: Students in both the meditation and guided imagery groups demonstrated a decrease in chronic stress and increase in their mental-health related quality of life midway through the 8-week program and maintained throughout. Conclusion: This research lends support for weekly participation in a mind-body class as a viable method to decrease stress for college students.

Analytical aspects of seed quality in relation to weed seeds associated with commercial rice seed production in Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the analytical quality of commercial rice seed lots in the Nigerian seed industry and to identify the weed seeds associated with the seed lots. Fifty seeds samples of commercially produced lowland and upland rice varieties from 50 seed companies spread across 25 states of Nigeria were tested for the presence of weed seeds that are considered as constraints to agricultural production in Nigeria. The results show that the average percentage pure seeds was 97.95% (approximately 98.0%), while the percentage of other seeds and inert matter were 1.10% and 0.95% respectively. The seeds of Oryza glaberrima were more common compared with other weed seeds that were identified. It is also apparent that seeds of O. longistaminata, Rottboellia cochinchinensis and Lithospermum spp. were identifiable after conditioning and could be categorised as noxious and prohibited weeds. These results underscore the need for more innovative research-based weed control management strategies in the Nigerian seed quality assurance scheme to control trans-border transfer of quarantine weeds seeds. Such efforts would boost trust in the seed trade.