Significant Differences In Mean Values Research Articles

#2900 Appetite changes as a predictor of mortality among end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD) on maintenance hemodialysis: one year survival analysis

Abstract Background and Aims End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has become a major health problem worldwide. Appetite loss is a dominant feature of the disease which plays an important role in protein energy wasting and malnutrition, with subsequent higher rates of mortality. The study aimed to examine appetite changes among patients with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis and its association with one-year mortality. Method This is a prospective observational study that was conducted at Mansoura Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (MNDU), Mansoura University and Aga Hospital Dialysis Unit over a period of one-year Patients who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The study was explained to all participants and informed consent was obtained. All demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Appetite was assessed using the following 4 scores: subjective assessment of appetite, the self-assessment of appetite changes for 30 days, The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and The Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT). All patients were followed up for one year to report the mortality events. Results The current study included 162 hemodialysis patients whose age (SD) was 48.72±12.64 years, and males constituted 57.4% of them. Around 44.4% of the cases reported having good appetite using the subjective assessment score, and 13% reported decreased appetite using the self-assessment of appetite score. The median VAS score was 80, and the FAACT score ranged from 7 to 32 with a mean value of 15.85. After one year of observation, death occurred in 24/162 (14.8%). There were statistically significant differences in mean values of three appetite scores among both dead and alive groups with lower values reported in the deceased one [self-assessment of appetite (p=0.019), VAS score (p=0.001), and FACCT (p=<0.001)]. The ROC analysis shows that FACCT & VAS scores were able to determine patients who destinated to mortality with area under curve (AUC) of (0.774 &0.704), at a cut-off point of (14.5%, and 75), with sensitivity of (83.3% &and 66.7%) and specificity of (61.6%, and 53.6%), respectively. Kaplan Meier survival analysis demonstrated that VAS & FACCT scores had a statistically significant effect on median survival time among studied cases. Lower median survival time was detected among cases with decreased appetite by self-assessment tool, VAS score less than 80, and FACCT score less than 15. Kaplan-Meier and hazard curves for the included sample showed lower Median survival time (95% CI) among patients with diminished appetite by the 4 scores: 311.67(265.98-357.36) by self-assessment score (p=0.008), 344.28 (329.57-358.9) days by subjective assessment of appetite (p=0.28), 342.33(330.46-354.19) days by VAS score (p=0.016), and 332.01(314.6-349.43) days by FAACT score (p<0.0001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that VAS and FACCT scores were statistically significant predictors of median survival time among studied cases (p<0.001, <0.001) and hazard ratio (HR) of (0.968 & 0.734), respectively. Conclusion Diminished appetite is prevalent among hemodialysis patients. Poor appetite is associated with higher mortality. Lower appetite score values can predict mortality among such patients.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Soft Tissue Manipulation and IASTM for Calf Muscle Tightness in Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children

This experimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of soft tissue manipulation and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in alleviating calf muscle tightness in children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy, a condition affecting two to three out of every 1,000 live births, encompasses a range of challenges related to movement, posture, gait abnormalities, and balance issues. Specifically, spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, characterized by leg spasticity, often results in walking difficulties, with tiptoeing as a common symptom due to calf muscle tightness. The study involved 30 children aged 5-12 diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at ACS Medical College and Hospital. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: Group receiving soft tissue manipulation and Group B undergoing IASTM. Outcome measures included goniometry and the Modified Ashworth Scale. Random sampling was employed to select subjects, with exclusions for specific medical conditions. Written consent was obtained and demographic data were collected. Based on goniometry and the Modified Ashworth Scale, both interventions demonstrated highly significant differences in mean values within their respective groups. The findings underscore the potential efficacy of both soft tissue manipulation and IASTM in addressing calf muscle tightness in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Bicycling and Walking to and from School: Does It Affect Students' Body Mass Index and Aerobic Capacity?

This study investigates the differences between students who regularly cycle or walk when going to and from school and students who do not cycle or walk on body mass index and aerobic capacity. This comparative research involved 20 male students who were obtained using quota sampling techniques and divided into two groups. The first group consists of 10 students who have the habit of going to and from school by bicycle or walking (BW group). In comparison, the second group consists of ten students who do not have the habit of going to and from school by bicycle or walking (including being dropped off/picked up by their parents) (Non-BW group). The research instruments used were weight scales, height measuring instruments, and a 20-meter pacer test. The data analysis technique used is the independent sample t-test. Results of differences between the BW group vs. Non-BW group revealed that there was a significant difference in mean values in the aerobic capacity variable (29.1 ± 2,883 vs. 26.39 ± 2,822 ml/kg/min, p<0.005), while in the body mass index variable there was no significant difference (21,089 ± 3.702 vs. 22.216 ± 4.968 kg/m2, p>0.005). This research concludes that students in the BW group show better aerobic capacity than Non-BW group students. However, the body mass index showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy Vs Ultrasound Therapy in The Management of Temporomandibular Joint Pain Syndrome

The temporomandibular joint is a synovial joint made up of articulating surface of the temporal bone and the head of the mandible.Patients suffering from temporomandibular joint pain syndrome will frequently have pain in the region, limitation in opening, asymmetrical jawmovements, and restricted jaw movements. The etiology is associated with several factors, including malocclusion, trauma, emotional stress,and para-functional habits, which cause excruciating pain and inflammation of the surrounding muscle, posterior fibers, and synovial fluid. Thisstudy evaluated and compared the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and ultrasound therapy (UST) in managing temporomandibularjoint pain syndrome. This experimental study of pre and post-comparative types involves 30 subjects with temporomandibular joint painsyndrome who were selected from the outpatient department. This study included 30 subjects divided into two groups of each 15 by simplerandom sampling method.15 sessions each alternate day of low-level laser therapy (GROUP A) and ultrasound therapy (GROUP B) wereadministered to the affected side. Both groups received stretching exercises as a common intervention. Group A received low-level lasertherapy along with stretching exercises for 7 sessions /week/10 min. Group B received ultrasound therapy and stretching exercises for 7sessions /one weeks/10 min. On comparing the mean values of Group A & Group B on the Visual Analogue Scale Score in terms of painintensity, it shows a significant decrease in the post-test mean values in both groups, but (Group A - Low-level Laser Therapy) shows 2.33,which has the lower mean value is more effective than (Group B - Ultrasound Therapy) 3.53 at P ≤ 0.001. Hence the null Hypothesis isrejected. On comparing the pre-test and Post-test between Group A & Group B on VAS Score, Group A shows a highly significant difference inmean values at P ≤ 0. 001. Thus, we conclude that low-level laser therapy is more effective than ultrasound therapy in the management oftemporomandibular joint pain syndrome.

Diagnostic value of serum amyloid A in differentiating the inflammatory disorders in wild birds.

Rescued wild birds have very high rates of inflammatory diseases; however, there have been limitations in assessing them sensitively. Few studies have examined acute-phase proteins in wild birds. In this study, serum amyloid A (SAA) was evaluated as an inflammatory indicator along with traditional indices such as white blood cell count, albumin, and albumin/globulin ratio. In total, 291 samples from 139 birds of six avian species were analyzed. All samples were divided into four groups (severe, moderate, mild injuries, and clinically healthy) based on clinical examinations and evaluated by group. SAA levels were measured using an anti-chicken SAA ELISA kit and compared with leukocyte counts, albumin concentrations, and albumin/globulin ratios. Differences among groups were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by a post hoc test using Dunn's multiple comparisons with SPSS V27. Statistical significance was set at a value of p of <0.05. The median concentration and interquartile range (ng/mL) of SAA in each group were 78.10 ng/mL (50.71-109.30), 31.15 ng/mL (19.85-49.24), 9.68 ng/mL (4.71-22.06), and 3.10 ng/mL (1.50-6.00). We observed a significant difference in the mean levels between the groups (p < 0.001), with the same results observed across species. All four indices showed significant differences in mean values between the groups (p < 0.001). In addition, SAA showed rapid changes in periodically collected samples, reflecting either a positive treatment response or the onset of subclinical diseases. SAA can be used to detect inflammatory conditions and asymptomatic disease in wild birds and is helpful in accurately identifying current health status, which is essential for successful treatment and release.

Reliability of Manual Measurements Versus Semiautomated Software for Glenoid Bone Loss Quantification in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability.

The presence of glenoid bone defects is indicative in the choice of treatment for patients with anterior shoulder instability. In contrast to traditional linear- and area-based measurements, techniques such as the consideration of glenoid concavity have been proposed and validated. To compare the reliability of linear (1-dimensional [1D]), area (2-dimensional [2D]), and concavity (3-dimensional [3D]) measurements to quantify glenoid bone loss performed manually and to analyze how automated measurements affect reliability. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Computed tomography images of 100 patients treated for anterior shoulder instability with differently sized glenoid defects were evaluated independently by 2 orthopaedic surgeons manually using conventional software (OsiriX; Pixmeo) as well as automatically with a dedicated prototype software program (ImFusion Suite; ImFusion). Parameters obtained included 1D (defect diameter, best-fit circle diameter), 2D (defect area, best-fit circle area), and 3D (bony shoulder stability ratio) measurements. Mean values and reliability as expressed by the intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) were compared between the manual and automated measurements. When manually obtained, the measurements showed almost perfect agreement for 1D parameters (ICC = 0.83), substantial agreement for 2D parameters (ICC = 0.79), and moderate agreement for the 3D parameter (ICC = 0.48). When measurements were aided by automated software, the agreement between raters was almost perfect for all parameters (ICC = 0.90 for 1D, 2D, and 3D). There was a significant difference in mean values between manually versus automatically obtained measurements for 1D, 2D, and 3D parameters (P < .001 for all). While more advanced measurement techniques that take glenoid concavity into account are more accurate in determining the biomechanical relevance of glenoid bone loss, our study showed that the reliability of manually performed, more complex measurements was moderate.

Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise and Resistance Exercise on Improving Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Background: Every living thing ages, yet it seems that a person’s activities and interactions with their surroundingsmay slow down to the point where their performance begins to deteriorate. Since cognition is linked to corticaland subcortical regions, these regions’ deterioration is typically followed by a decline in cognition. Aging affectsa number of cognitive functions, including the ability to quickly process information, reason, and pay attention.Purpose: To compare the Effectiveness of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise on improving cognitive functionin older adults.Materials And Methods: The study type was a comparative pre-post type, and the study design was experimental.68 old persons with cognitive scores of less than 20 provided the data. The study lasted for around 8 weeks. Malesand females between the ages of 60 and 70 were selected. Study period : November 2022 to July 2023.Result: The Mini Mental Examination Test scale and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, when comparedbetween Groups A and B, show a highly significant difference in Mean values at P 0.001.Conclusion: In this study the findings suggest that Aerobic exercise is more beneficial than resistance strengtheningexercise in increasing the cognitive function among the older people.

Contingent Negative Variation in the Evaluation of Neurocognitive Disorders Due to Possible Alzheimer's Disease.

The usefulness of Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) potential as a biomarker of neurocognitive disorders due to possible Alzheimer's disease, is based on its possible physiological correlates. However, its application in the diagnostic evaluation of these disorders is still incipient. The aim of this study is to characterize the patterns of cognitive processing of information in the domain of nonspecific global attention, by recording potential CNV in a group of patients with neurocognitive disorders due to possible Alzheimer's disease. An experimental study of cases and controls was carried out. The sample included 39 patients classified according to DSM-5 with a neurocognitive disorder subtype possibly due Alzheimer's disease, and a Control Group of 53 subjects with normal cognitive functions. CNV potential was registered using standard protocol. The analysis of variance obtained significant differences in mean values and confidence intervals of total CNV amplitude between the three study groups. The late CNV segment amplitudes makes it possible to discriminate between the level of mild and major dysfunction in the group of patients. The CNV total amplitudes of potential allows for effective discrimination between normal cognitive functioning and neurocognitive disorders due to possible Alzheimer's disease.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Sprint Interval Training Versus Traditional Exercise Programs Among Young Obese Adults.

The aim and objective of the study is that the prevalence of overweight and obesity have peaked in past decades whichresulting in many adverse effects on health of young adults; hence this study is designed to compare the effectiveness of sprintinterval training and traditional exercise program on body mass index (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm), body weight (kg) andblood lipid profiles in young adult with obesity. According to WHO, Obesity has become a global epidemic in both developed anddeveloping countries, which is considered one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The American HeartAssociation has recommended reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by weight loss, which is essential for the obesepopulation. Sprint Interval Training has improved insulin sensitivity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and bodycomposition. Traditional exercises were also effective in improving cardiovascular and metabolic function and consequent reductionin the prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. In this comparative study, 30 subjects aged 20-30 with a BodyMass Index &gt;25 were included based on specific selection criteria and divided into two groups. Group A was trained with sprintinterval training, and Group B was trained with traditional exercise training. Each group, A and B, consisting of 15 subjects, wasrecruited from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai. This study measured Body Mass Index, Waistcircumference, and body weight before and after the intervention in groups A and B. Comparing Posttest values between Group Aand Group B on Body Weight, Body Mass Index, and waist circumference score showed a highly significant difference in meanvalues at P ≤ 0.001 in Group A than Group B. Hence, this study proved that sprint interval training significantly improved inreducing Body mass index, waist circumference, and body weight in obese young adults.

Evaluation of normal range of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin d in iraqi healthy adults: demographic and socioeconomic effects.

Aim: To determine the normal range of serum levels of total 25(OH)VD in Iraqi healthy adult subjects and to relate its level with demographic profile and socioeconomic status.. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Iraq and the samples were collected during the period from August 2019 to January 2020. It included 649 adult subjects apparently healthy, from three governorates (Baghdad, Al-Anbar and Al-Basrah), Investigations included serum measurement of total 25(OH)D in all included individuals by using ELISA technique. Age, gender, marital state, blood pressure, smoking, sunshine exposure (%), hours of exposure/day, percentage of body surface area exposed, body mass index (BMI) subgroups, waist circumference (WC) subgroups, diet type, sport type and time, geographic factor (governorate) were measured and / or calculated and the levels of 25(OH)D were studied according to each of these factors. Results: The mean ± SD level of 25(OH)D in total (n=649) studied Iraqi subjects was (16.29 ± 8.22 ng/ml), with women were significantly deficient than men (15.76 ± 6.89 ng/ml, 17.14 ± 6.85 ng/ml; p < 0.01 respectively). However, there was no significant differences in mean values of serum 25(OH)D levels among studied governorates, subgroups of BMI, WC, marital status, smokers and nonsmoker and subgroups of age. The mean value of serum 25(OH)D was found to be decreased in January, October and November as well as according to diet and sport types. There was significant positive correlation between total 25(OH)D and sun exposed surface area, sun exposure duration and with sun exposure area. Conclusions: The mean (±SD) value of serum total 25(OH)D in Iraqi healthy subjects was 16.29 ng/ml (±8.22) reflecting the actual body status of this vitamin with lower concentration in women than in men. Type and time of sport and diet type were the major vitamin D dependent factors.

Comparative Analysis of Priority Sector Credit to Weaker Sections: A Comprehensive Study of Public and Private Sector Banks in India

This comprehensive study conducts a comparative analysis of priority sector credit to weaker sections, focusing on both public and private sector banks in India. The research delves into the historical context, policy framework, and literature reviews related to priority sector lending. The study is divided into two phases (2013-2017 and 2018-2022) and employs a robust research methodology, including compounded annual growth rate (CAGR), mean value analysis, and a test of hypothesis for mean values. The results reveal a discernible increase in advances made by both public and private sector banks to weaker sections, reflecting a commitment to inclusive growth. Public sector banks exhibit a higher CAGR during both study phases and consistently meet prescribed targets. Private sector banks show impressive growth rates, overcoming challenges in meeting targets. Hypothesis testing confirms significant differences in mean values between public and private sector banks, emphasizing their distinct approaches. Detailed bank-wise analyses for both sectors provide insights into their contributions, growth rates, and compliance with targets. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers and regulators to refine and monitor priority sector lending policies. Collaboration and knowledge sharing initiatives are suggested for private sector banks to enhance their performance. Overall, the study underscores the importance of sustained efforts by both sectors in aligning lending practices with priority sector goals for inclusive economic growth in India.

Can Radiological Tumour Thickness Predict Pathological Prognostic Factors in Clinicoradiologically Node-Negative Oral Squamous Carcinoma? A Prospective Study.

This research investigates potential connections between radiological tumour thickness determined by CT scans and various pathological prognostic factors. These factors include pathological tumour thickness (pTT), pathological depth of invasion (DOI), and positive cervical nodal metastasis. This analysis focuses on cases of clinicoradiologically node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. Sixty-one previously untreated clinicoradiologically node-negative squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa were included in the study. The radiological tumour thickness in the preoperative CT scans is correlated with other prognostic factors like pathological tumour thickness, DOI and presence or absence of neck node. Sixty-one patients were included in the study with a median age of 54 years (Range 27-84). Forty-two patients (68.9%) were male, and 19 were females (31.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in mean values of rTT among patients with positive or negative post-operative nodal metastases. However, a significant correlation could be established with rTT to other potential prognostic factors. Tumor thickness in preoperative CT scans can be used to predict post-operative prognostic factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Comparative analysis of soil organic matter fractions, lability, stability ratios, and carbon management index in various land use types within bharatpur catchment, Chitwan District, Nepal

BackgroundLand use and land cover changes have a significant impact on the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) and its fractions, as well as on overall soil health. This study conducted in Bharatpur Catchment, Chitwan District, Nepal, aimed to assess and quantify variations in total soil organic matter (TSOMC), labile organic matter fraction (CL), stable organic matter fraction (CS), stability ratio (SR), and carbon management index (CMI) across seven land use types: pastureland, forestland, fruit orchards, small-scale conventional agricultural land, large-scale conventional agricultural land, large-scale alternative fallow and conventional agricultural land, and organic farming agricultural land. The study also explored the potential use of the Carbon Management Index (CMI) and stability ratio (SR) as indicators of soil degradation or improvement in response to land use changes.ResultsThe findings revealed significant differences in mean values of TSOMC, CL, and CS among the different land use types. Forestland and organic farming exhibited significantly higher TSOMC (3.24%, 3.12%) compared to fruit orchard lands (2.62%), small scale conventional farming (2.22%), alternative fallow and conventional farming (2.06%), large scale conventional farming (1.84%) and pastureland (1.20%). Organic farming and Forestland also had significantly higher CL (1.85%, 1.84%) and CS (1.27%, 1.39%) compared to all other land use types. Forest and organic farming lands showed higher CMI values, while pastures and forests exhibited higher SR values compared to the rest of the land use types.ConclusionsThis study highlights the influence of various land use types on soil organic matter pools and demonstrates the potential of CMI and SR as indicators for assessing soil degradation or improvement in response to land use and land cover changes.

A case study evaluating the performance of a cost-effective optical particle counter coupled with a humidity compensation approach for ambient air monitoring of particulate matter

The spatial monitoring of submicron particles has become an essential issue due to their negative effects on human health. However, the use of high-cost and high-grade measurement instruments is a challenging investment cost. Thus, a cost-effective optical particle counter (OPC), which is improved measurement quality, has become a good candidate. In this study, two cost-effective OPCs, coupled with a heated inlet tube to reduce the effect of humidity on its measurements, were applied in the field to measure ambient PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 over 1 month. Their 1-h-average and 24-h-average data were compared with those obtained from a reference-grade OPC and a beta attenuation monitor (BAM). In particular, the correlations between the measurement data obtained from them, the differences in the mean values of these data, and the relative errors were evaluated. The PM2.5 data obtained from cost-effective OPCs were comparable to those from BAM at even under high humidity conditions, except for rainy days. The data obtained from the cost-effective OPCs also showed good correlations and low relative errors (i.e., < 7%) compared to the reference-grade OPC, with no significant difference in mean values in terms of the PM2.5 and PM1 data. Although the measurement of PM10 by the cost-effective OPCs showed lower quality than PM2.5 and PM1, the relative errors were still acceptable (i.e., < 18%) compared with those in other studies. Therefore, the cost-effective OPC coupled with a heated inlet tube has the potential to serve as a real-time monitoring instrument for ambient PM2.5 and PM1.

Vitamin D as Supplementary Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients

Objective: To compare vitamin D with placebo in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in terms of clinical improvement and sputum conversion. Materials And Methods: This is a prospective randomized, double blind, placebo controlled comparative study conducted for a period of 12 weeks in a tertiary care centre in south India. Total Subjects were 60 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis who are getting TB treatment initiation, Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups, group A and group B comprising of 30 patients in each group. Group A received vitamin D and group B received placebo. Dosage of vitamin D was 0.25mg/day, given in initial six weeks of antituberculosis drug therapy. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured at time of diagnosis and at 8 weeks of anti-tuberculous therapy. Measurements of haemoglobin, leukocyte count and serum calcium were done at beginning and repeated at 6th, 8th and 12 weeks. Acid fast bacilli were examined at beginning and on 6th, 8thand 12 weeks. Primary outcome was evaluation of conversion time of sputum smear; secondary outcome was clinical improvement as assessed by TB score. Results: There is no significant difference in mean values of age, haemoglobin level, calcium level,serum Vitamin D, TB score and total lymphocyte count in both groups at start of study.There was no statistical difference in serum calcium level, haemoglobin level and total lymphocyte level at end of study. Mean serum vitamin D level at 8th week of treatment was 27.83±7.09ng/dl in group A and 18.83±2.27 in group B, there was statistically significant difference between two groups. Sixth week sputum conversion in 30 subjects of vitamin D group is 100% and in placebo group, it is 76.7%, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Supplementary vitamin D when added to first line anti-tuberculous drugs results in shorter conversion time and less severe TB clinical manifestation without any manifestations of hypercalcemia. Therefore, it is recommended to add vitamin D as supplementary treatment to first-line anti-tuberculous drugs in treatment course of active pulmonary TB.

Accuracy and Precision of New Optical Biometer Designed for Myopia Management in Measurement of Ocular Biometry.

This study provides information about the repeatability of Myopia Master and its agreement with Lenstar LS900, which might be useful for the practitioners involved in myopia management. Myopia Master is a new optical biometer that measures ocular biometry and refractive error. The purpose of this study is to assess its repeatability (intra-session and short-term inter-session) and its agreement with Lenstar LS900 for the measurement of axial length and corneal curvature. A total of 304 participants including 254 children (Mean age: 13.7 ± 1.6 years) and 50 adults (24 ± 2.9 years) underwent measurements on Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900 to obtain axial length (AL), flat K (K1), and steep K (K2). On a subset of 30 participants, measurements were obtained with Myopia Master in two sessions that were spread over 10 minutes to assess the short-term inter-session repeatability. The mean standard deviation of Myopia Master in the measurement of axial length in the total sample was 0.01 mm for intra-session, when the best three measurements were considered. The short-term inter-session mean standard deviation for AL, K1, and K2 was 0.06 mm, 0.15 D, and 0.21 D respectively. There were statistically significant differences in mean values of AL (-0.04 ± 0.06 mm), K1 (-0.07 ± 0.15 D), and K2 (-0.24 ± 0.29 D) between Lenstar LS900 and Myopia Master with the Lenstar providing slightly longer axial length and steeper K values. Adults showed better repeatability with Myopia Master and better agreement between the biometers for AL measurement than children. Neither axial length nor refractive error influenced the repeatability or agreement. Myopia Master is repeatable for the measurement of axial length and corneal curvature. Considering the differences in axial length between the Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900, caution must be applied when these biometers are used interchangeably.

Connective Tissue Mobilization Vs. Combination of Taping with Pelvic Tilt on Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is pain aggravation on menstruation without any pelvic disease. It is perhaps the most widely recognizedissue females face, influencing them physically and mentally. Connective tissue mobilization can help venous return by increasing theproduction of prostaglandin and different substances and preventing their collection in the pelvis, which can be powerful during the period,to reduce the pain aggravation and inconvenience. This study examines the effects of connective tissue mobilization vs. a combination oftaping and pelvic tilt on unmarried women with primary dysmenorrhea. This is an experimental design with pre and post-comparativestudy. This was conducted in the physiotherapy outpatient department at ACS Medical College and Hospital. The study duration was about3 months. The subjects aged 18 to 25 years female with primary dysmenorrheal were included in this study. The subject with Pelvicinflammatory disease, Uterine/ovarian tumor, Spinal pathology, deformity, and PCOD, were excluded from this study. 30 subjects wereselected and divided into 2 groups in which Group-A 15 received connective tissue mobilization for 3-4 minutes with a total of 20minutes/day a day before menstruation for 3 days for consecutive 3 months, and Group B received taping with pelvic tilt was given 4 daysfor lower abdomen and lumbar, one day before menstruation taping was applied and pelvic tilt was given 2-3 minutes for 20 minutes/dayfor 3 consecutive months The outcome measures were a pain. The outcome tools were the Menstrual symptom questionnaire, Numericalrating scale, and WaLIDD score. Comparing the pretest and posttest within Group A and Group B, Group B shows a highly significantdifference in Mean values at P &lt;_0.001. Thus this study concludes that a combination of taping and pelvic tilt reduces pain in unmarriedwomen having primary Dysmenorrhea.

Electromyography Indices of Handgrip Force with Swinging Motion

Electromyography (EMG) is a powerful tool for studying muscle activity, but there is limited research on EMG signals in the muscles of the human forearm, which poses challenges for prosthetic hand development. This study utilized the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) normalization method to analyze the flexor carpi radialis muscle during handgrip and swinging motions. The MVC indices revealed a significant proportion of high-amplitude MVC results. We conducted three statistical analyses to validate the indices. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in mean values among the seven subjects during the percent MVC test. RMS study demonstrated a linear correlation between muscle contraction and movement. Boxplot analysis revealed variations within the interquartile range and median values across the entire MVC range. To achieve these results, we employed an eighth-order Gaussian function for curve fitting and exponential weighted moving average. The median interquartile range showed high discrepancies, while the differences between MVC increments were minimal, providing reliable indices for swinging motion. This suggests that the fat layer thickness may influence the muscle signal's frequency characteristics. In summary, our study highlights the untapped potential of EMG signals in the forearm muscles for prosthetic hand development. By employing MVC normalization and conducting rigorous statistical analyses, we uncovered significant findings that contribute to advancements in this field. Our insights provide hope and inspiration for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance prosthetic technology.

Community Trust, Attitudes and Preferences Related to Participation in Cancer Research in South Carolina.

African American adults have the highest mortality rate for most cancers in the United States, and meaningful, community-driven research is needed to inform optimal strategies for addressing these disparities. Unfortunately, research mistrust, often driven by historical inequities, is well-documented among African Americans.This study explored trust, attitudes, and preferences regarding participation in cancer research activities among primarily African American and other medically underserved communities in South Carolina from August 2020 to December 2021. Trust was measured using the Trust in Medical Researchers Scale (TMRS).The mean TMRS score for all study participants (N = 179) was 26.54 (SD 7.57) out of 48 (maximum possible score). Significant differences in mean values of the TMRS scores were only observed for gender (p = 0.0056) and race (p < 0.0001), with White participants and males reporting higher levels of trust in medical researchers. Overall, 52.5% of participants were somewhat likely or likely to volunteer to participate in a cancer research opportunity, with White participants (73.81%) being more likely to participate in cancer research compared to African American participants (45.74%) (p = 0.0054). Furthermore, participants were most willing to provide saliva (80.85%) and urine samples (80.85%), new blood samples (60.64%), stool samples (54.26%), medical records or laboratory results (52.13%) and least willing to allow left-over blood, tissue, or other fluids from medical procedures to be used for research (50%).These results provide evidence of the need for concerted programmatic efforts to build trust in cancer researchers, particularly among females and African American adults.

To Compare the Effectiveness of Kegel’s Exercise and Paula Method in women with Urinary Incontinence

Objective of The Study: The study aims to compare the effectiveness of Paula method and Kegel's exercise in women with urinary incontinence. Background of The Study: Pelvic floor muscle weakness is one of the cause for urinary incontinence. Conservative management such as pelvic floor muscle training and Paula method is commonly recommended as first-line therapy for women with urinary incontinence. The purpose of the study is to examine the efficacy of circular muscle strengthening (Paula method) as opposed to pelvic floor muscle training (PMFT) on stress urinary incontinence. Methodology: This study was a comparative study design with pre and post type with 40 subjects randomly divided into two groups (group A and group B). Group A received Kegel’s exercise and Group B received Paula method. Result: On comparing Pre test and Post test within Group A and Group B of ICIQ score, QOL score, sexuality questionnaire score shows highly significant difference in mean values at P ≤ 0.001. Conclusion: This study concludes that Paula method decreases frequency of urinary incontinence by strengthening sphincter muscles. Compared to the Kegel’s exercise, Paula method showed greater difference in decreasing the frequency of urinary incontinence.