Suitable Statistical Tests Research Articles

Clinical assessment of nutritional status among school going children aged 6-15 years in tea garden area of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India

Background: Malnutrition (undernutrition) is a spectrum of disorder caused by various intervening factors which results in formation of ‘web of causation’ and prevalence is very high in developing countries like India which may lead to deficient physical growth as well as suboptimal mental achievement. The present study was designed to assess the nutritional status among school going children in remote tea garden area of Darjeeling district by clinical assessment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 768 students covering both, the hilly areas and plains of Darjeeling district, and recommended anthropometric parameters and indices of world health organization (WHO) were applied. The data was compiled with MS excel and suitable statistical test were done using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: Out of 768 school going children aged between 6-15 years, wasting was prevalent among 13% with 1% prevalence of severe wasting, thinness was prevalent among 40%, 25% students suffered from stunting, with 4.6% prevalence of severe stunting. The study revealed a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference of mean weight between boys and girls belonging to age groups of 6+ years, 7+ years, 8+ years and 13+ years, and also of mean height of the boys and girls belonging to the age groups of 6+, 7+, 8+, 13+ and 14+ years. Pallor was also prevalent among 30.5% of the children. Conclusion: Malnutrition was common among the school age children of Darjeeling district in the age group of 6-15 years.

Microbial spectrum, management challenges, and outcome in patients with otogenic skull base osteomyelitis.

The study aimed to explore the spectrum and trend of causative microbial agents and to identify management challenges and the risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with confirmed otogenic skull base osteomyelitis. A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary-care academic center from 1999 through 2019 and included 28 adult patients with confirmed otogenic skull base osteomyelitis. Relevant data was extracted from electronic and hard patient medical files. The microbial spectrum of involved microbes was identified and correlated to management options. Deterioration risk factors were investigated using suitable statistical analysis tests. Twenty-eight patients with confirmed skull base osteomyelitis were included; most were males (78.6%) and Saudis (78.6%). All patients were ≥50 years of age (mean ± SD is 69.0±10.2.4). Of 41 identified microbial isolates, 56% were bacterial, 44% were fungal. 32.1% of patients had polymicrobial infections, most patients (92.8%) had received ≥2 systemic antibiotics, 57.1% received systemic antibiotic combinations, and 32.1% underwent surgical interventions. The mean antibiotic and antifungal therapy duration was 58.3 and 45.8 days, respectively. The identified risk factors of deterioration were advanced age and concomitant cardiac failure, with P-values of .006 and .034, respectively. The study findings highlight the microbiological spectrum and trend of otogenic skull base osteomyelitis-causative microbes over two decades, present the management challenges, identify deterioration risk factors, and suggest tissue biopsy as the golden standard for accurately identifying causative microbes.

A STUDY REGARDING NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND AWARENESS DURING 1000 DAYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Pregnancy and lactation are among the most stressful periods in the life of a woman, particularly under conditions of poverty and mal nutrition, since the mother has to provide nutrition for her and the rapidly growing fetus. Pregnancy period is crucial for baby if proper care should not taken. Health of mothers directly depends on diet and nutrition which they consume. Knowledge of nutrition and nutrients must help to maintain good health during 1000 days. Present study was aimed to study about nutritional status and awareness during 1000 days of motherhood and nutritional status. For the study, total 152 urban area’s pregnant women were randomly selected from Mehsana city. The present study was conducted with a descriptive, and survey method research design for the assessment of the nutritional status of mothers. An ideal pre structured questionnaire was prepared with suggestions of experts and used for the data collection. The blood haemoglobin data was obtained from secondary data which mentioned in Mamata card of selected mothers. Suitable statistical test was applied. 61.18 % mothers were home makers. 57.14 % mothers consumed vegetarian diet.78 % had 11-12 g/dl i.e. normal level of haemoglobin. Majority of mothers were aware and had a knowledge regarding health and nutrition for pregnancy but less aware about good weaning practices.

A STUDY REGARDING NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND AWARENESS DURING 1000 DAYS OF MOTHERHOOD

Pregnancy and lactation are among the most stressful periods in the life of a woman, particularly under conditions of poverty and mal nutrition, since the mother has to provide nutrition for her and the rapidly growing fetus. Pregnancy period is crucial for baby if proper care should not taken. Health of mothers directly depends on diet and nutrition which they consume. Knowledge of nutrition and nutrients must help to maintain good health during 1000 days. Present study was aimed to study about nutritional status and awareness during 1000 days of motherhood and nutritional status. For the study, total 152 urban area’s pregnant women were randomly selected from Mehsana city. The present study was conducted with a descriptive, and survey method research design for the assessment of the nutritional status of mothers. An ideal pre structured questionnaire was prepared with suggestions of experts and used for the data collection. The blood haemoglobin data was obtained from secondary data which mentioned in Mamata card of selected mothers. Suitable statistical test was applied. 61.18 % mothers were home makers. 57.14 % mothers consumed vegetarian diet.78 % had 11-12 g/dl i.e. normal level of haemoglobin. Majority of mothers were aware and had a knowledge regarding health and nutrition for pregnancy but less aware about good weaning practices.

Impact of Cryotreated and Warm Sodium Hypochlorite on Postoperative Pain in Teeth With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of cryotreated and warm sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on postoperative pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. MethodsSixty-six individuals with preoperative pain scores of ≥54 mm on the Heft Parker Visual Analogue Pain Scale (HP-VAS) diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis as per the American Association of Endodontists guidelines in mandibular molars were included. The preparation of the access and the root canals was instrumented and irrigated in accordance with a standard protocol. Based on the temperature of the final irrigant, the root canals were then randomly assigned to 3 groups and 3% NaOCl was irrigated: control (at 25°C), cold NaOCl (2°C), and warm NaOCl (60°C) (n = 22/group). Root canal treatment was completed at the same visit. Pre- and postoperative pain assessment at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours was conducted using the HP-VAS, and analgesic consumption was noted. Suitable statistical tests were used to analyze the data. ResultsIn comparison with the other 2 groups, the cold NaOCl group had a lower HP-VAS score at all follow-up intervals. Between groups, there was a statistically significant difference in postoperative pain scores at 6 and 72 hours (P < .05). None of the subjects experienced any postoperative discomfort at 72 hours in the control and cold NaOCl groups. ConclusionPatients treated with cold NaOCl as the final irrigant experienced significantly less postoperative pain at 6 hours when compared with room temperature and warm NaOCl.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ADAPTATION OF FARMERS IN NORTH WEST REGIONS OF HERAT PROVINCE

Agriculture and Climate are mutually dependent. There is a need to understand the effect of climate change on agricultural sector both at global and as well as at regional level. The present study was conducted in 2020, to know the effects of climate change on farmers’ adaptation. Ex post facto research design applied for this research. Pre prepared questionnaires have been distributed to120 respondents in three districts of north - west regions of Herat province and analyzed with the help of suitable statistical tests and the findings showed that, all farmers opined that, wheat’s varieties were changed from long duration to short duration, time of planting, switching over to other crops was observed among farmers. Spacing between the rows/plants, quantity of seeds used and quantity of organic fertilizer application were increased after 2010. The major constraint to initiate adaptation measures was; difficult to work in the field due to severe temperature and the important suggestion to mitigate the ill effects of climate change was; planning to control and store rainwater through the implementation of watershed management program. Based on the results of this study, it is hoped that appropriate strategies/ measures can be worked out to create awareness and learning mechanisms to enable farmers to handle their situations better.

Evaluating large language models for selection of statistical test for research: A pilot study.

In contemporary research, selecting the appropriate statistical test is a critical and often challenging step. The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has offered a promising avenue for automating this process, potentially enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of statistical test selection. This study aimed to assess the capability of freely available LLMs - OpenAI's ChatGPT3.5, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing Chat, and Perplexity in recommending suitable statistical tests for research, comparing their recommendations with those made by human experts. A total of 27 case vignettes were prepared for common research models with a question asking suitable statistical tests. The cases were formulated from previously published literature and reviewed by a human expert for their accuracy of information. The LLMs were asked the question with the case vignettes and the process was repeated with paraphrased cases. The concordance (if exactly matching the answer key) and acceptance (when not exactly matching with answer key, but can be considered suitable) were evaluated between LLM's recommendations and those of human experts. Among the 27 case vignettes, ChatGPT3.5-suggested statistical test had 85.19% concordance and 100% acceptance; Bard experiment had 77.78% concordance and 96.3% acceptance; Microsoft Bing Chat had 96.3% concordance and 100% acceptance; and Perplexity had 85.19% concordance and 100% acceptance. The intra-class correction coefficient of average measure among the responses of LLMs was 0.728 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.86), P < 0.0001. The test-retest reliability of ChatGPT was r = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.44-0.86), P < 0.0001, Bard was r = -0.22 (95% CI: -0.56-0.18), P = 0.26, Bing was r = -0.06 (95% CI: -0.44-0.33), P = 0.73, and Perplexity was r = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.16-0.75), P = 0.0059. The LLMs, namely, ChatGPT, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing, and Perplexity all showed >75% concordance in suggesting statistical tests for research case vignettes with all having acceptance of >95%. The LLMs had a moderate level of agreement among them. While not a complete replacement for human expertise, these models can serve as effective decision support systems, especially in scenarios where rapid test selection is essential.

Platelet count and platelet indices in early life of infant with retinopathy of prematurity

Background and objectives. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complication of prematurity. Early detection of ROP is important because its management depends on prevention of severe ROP and its complications. Pro- and anti-angiogenic factors are involved in ROP pathogenesis. Platelet store and release these factors, but its role as predictor of ROP is still obscure. This study aimed to compare platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet mass index (PMI) value between two age groups in early life of infant diagnosed with ROP. Materials and methods. This study was retrospective study of medical record data of infants born at “dr. Soetomo” General Academic Hospital Surabaya during 2021-2023. The infants were divided into two groups, they who have complete blood count result (CBC) in 0-7 days old (group 1) and 8-28 days old (group 2). We evaluated platelet count, MPV, PDW, and PMI value from CBC data. These data were analyzed using suitable statistical test. Results. Total of 126 infants were involved in this study. It consisted of 62 infants in group 1 and 64 infants on group 2. Platelet count was significantly different between groups (230.460±102.040/μL vs 313.664±182.890/μL, p=0,002). Value of MPV, PDW, and PMI were also significantly higher in group 2 (p&lt;0.001). Frequency of thrombocytosis (&gt;500.000/μL), high MPV (&gt;10.05 fL), and high PMI (3640 fL/nL) were also significantly higher in group 2 (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. Higher platelet count, MPV, PDW, and PMI value were observed in 8-28 days old infant with ROP. They also more likely to experienced thrombocytosis, high MPV, and high PMI value.

Evaluation metrics and statistical tests for machine learning

Research on different machine learning (ML) has become incredibly popular during the past few decades. However, for some researchers not familiar with statistics, it might be difficult to understand how to evaluate the performance of ML models and compare them with each other. Here, we introduce the most common evaluation metrics used for the typical supervised ML tasks including binary, multi-class, and multi-label classification, regression, image segmentation, object detection, and information retrieval. We explain how to choose a suitable statistical test for comparing models, how to obtain enough values of the metric for testing, and how to perform the test and interpret its results. We also present a few practical examples about comparing convolutional neural networks used to classify X-rays with different lung infections and detect cancer tumors in positron emission tomography images.

Antioxidant Genes Variants and Their Association with Sperm DNA Fragmentation.

Semen possesses a variety of antioxidant defense mechanisms which protect sperm DNA from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Correlation between antioxidant genes variants and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) level is not sufficiently studied. Therefore, we investigated the association between several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): CYP1A1 (rs1048943A > G), CYP4F2 (rs2108622G > A), NRF2 (rs6721961C > A), PON1 (rs662A > G), NOS3 (rs1799983G > T), GSTM1 (null), CAT (rs1001179C > T), SOD2 (rs4880A > G), GSTP1 (rs1695A > G), PON2 (rs7493G > C), EPHX2 (rs1042064T > C), and AHR (rs2066853G > A) and elevated SDF. The study employed a case-control design where, the allele and genotype frequencies of the selected SNPs were compared between 75 semen samples with abnormal SDF (the cases) and 75 samples with normal SDF (the controls). DNA was extracted from the semen samples and allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) was used for genotyping the SNPs. Relevant data were collected from the patients' records et al.-Basma Fertility Center. Suitable statistical tests and multifactorial dimensionality reduction (MDR) test were used to anticipate SNP-SNP interactions. Comparison of semen parameters revealed significant differences between cases and controls in terms of liquefaction time, sperm total motility, and normal form. Genotype frequencies of NOS3 G > T (GT), SOD2 A > G (AA and AG), EPHX2 T > C (CC and CT), and AHR G > A (GA and GG) were significantly different between cases and controls. Allele frequencies of SOD2 (G-allele), and EPHX2 (T-allele) also significantly varied between cases and controls. MDR analysis revealed that the NOS3, SOD2, and EPHX2 SNPs combination has the highest impact on SDF. The study findings suggest that genetic variations in genes involved antioxidant defenses contribute to abnormal SDF.

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ТЕСТОВ ГЕТЕРОСКЕДАСТИЧНОСТИ

The article studies the effectiveness of various statistical tests for heteroscedasticity in a model. A research design and a principle for building synthetic data with various types of heteroscedasticity are described. The fi ndings of an analysis are given. The most effective tests for detecting homo- and heteroscedasticity are determined. A classifi cation trees mechanism is applied to identify the most effective tests according to the sampling properties, and such pattern is demonstrated. In applied studies, there is a need to carry out further research aimed at detecting the most suitable statistical test based on the given data properties. In addition, it is concluded that each considered test fails for different types of heteroscedasticity. Thus, it is necessary to conduct further theoretical studies in the fi eld as well as design new approaches for detecting various types of heteroscedasticity.

Study on the mediator role of self-esteem in the relationship between female self-objectification and social physique anxiety

BACKGROUND: Women's perception of body image plays an important role in their psychological health; self-objectification and social physique anxiety can affect self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the mediator of self-esteem in the relationship between self-objectification and social physique anxiety in female students at Hakim Sabzevari University in Sabzevar. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The method of this descriptive research is correlational. The statistical population of this study is all the female students of Sabzevar, Department of Humanities. Using Morgan's table, 291 subjects were selected as a sample. To collect data, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Questionnaire, McKinley and Hyde's Self-Objectification Questionnaire, and Hart et al., Social Physique Anxiety Questionnaire were used. After filling out the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24 and descriptive indexes were used. Also, for correlation, to test the research question, a suitable statistical test such as hierarchical regression was used. RESULTS: The results of the analysis of statistical data showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between self-objectification and self-esteem. Also, there is a significant positive correlation between this variable and social physique anxiety. Also, using hierarchical regression, the role of mediating self-esteem was confirmed in the relationship between self-objectification and social physique anxiety. CONCLUSION: Those who have a high score in self-objectification think of themselves as an object and are always concerned about evaluating others based on their body image, so if their body image is not approved by others, they will have a negative assessment of themselves that causes a decrease in their self-esteem followed by an increase in the social anxiety of the organs.

PAEDIATRIC-01 SURGICAL OUTCOME OF MEDULLOBLASTOMA IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract OBJECTIVE Medulloblastoma is one of the commonest CNS[1] tumors in pediatric patients. This study tries to assess surgical treatment outcome and prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with medulloblastoma in Ethiopia, a LIC[2]. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study involving twenty-seven patients (21 pediatrics &amp; 6 adults) who underwent surgery for medulloblastoma (January 1, 2010-April 30, 2018), at two neurosurgical centers. Structured questionnaire was used to collect patients’ data &amp; surgical treatment outcome variables were assessed by suitable statistical tests. RESULTS 1-year and 6-month survival probability were 29% and 41 % respectively with a median survival of 107 days (95% CI: 49,166). Median survival was 66 days (95% CI: 27,105), with 6 months and one-year survival rate of 24 % (p=0.031) for pediatric patients. Majority (61.90%) of pediatric deaths were in the first two months of surgery. Six months &amp; one-year PFS[3] were around 83% and 44% respectively with median PFS of 9 months (95%CI: 7, 12). Younger age at presentation, postoperative open EVD[4], longer SICU[5] stay, lack of radiation treatment &amp; postoperative complications were negative outcome predictors. CONCLUSION Overall median and PFS of operated patients &amp;lt;15 years old is poor. Patients with negative outcome predictors have higher mortality&amp; poor postoperative functional status. Standardization of treatment with surgery &amp; CSI[6] ± chemotherapy yields longer survival rates in both pediatric and adult patients. [1] Central Nervous System [2] Low Income Country [3] Progression Free Survival [4] External Ventricular Drainage [5] Surgical Intensive Care Unit [6] Craniospinal Irradiation

Awareness of social care needs in people with epilepsy and intellectual disability

BackgroundNearly a quarter of people with intellectual disability (ID) have epilepsy with large numbers experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy, and premature mortality. To mitigate epilepsy risks the environment and social care needs, particularly in professional care settings, need to be met. PurposeTo compare professional care groups as regards their subjective confidence and perceived responsibility when managing the need of people with ID and epilepsy. MethodA multi-agency expert panel developed a questionnaire with embedded case vignettes with quantitative and qualitative elements to understand training and confidence in the health and social determinants of people with ID and epilepsy. The cross-sectional survey was disseminated amongst health and social care professionals working with people with ID in the UK using an exponential non-discriminative snow-balling methodology. Group comparisons were undertaken using suitable statistical tests including Fisher’s exact, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney. Bonferroni correction was applied to significant (p < 0.05) results. Content analysis was conducted and relevant categories and themes were identified. ResultsSocial and health professionals (n = 54) rated their confidence to manage the needs of people with ID and epilepsy equally. Health professionals showed better awareness (p < 0.001) of the findings/recommendations of the latest evidence on premature deaths and identifying and managing epilepsy-related risks, including the relevance of nocturnal monitoring. The content analysis highlighted the need for clearer roles, improved care pathways, better epilepsy-specific knowledge, increased resources, and better multi-disciplinary work. ConclusionsA gap exists between health and social care professionals in awareness of epilepsy needs for people with ID, requiring essential training and national pathways.

Quantifying the tension between cosmological and terrestrial constraints on neutrino masses

The sensitivity of cosmology to the total neutrino mass scale $\Sigma m_\nu$ is approaching the minimal values required by oscillation data. We study quantitatively possible tensions between current and forecasted cosmological and terrestrial neutrino mass limits by applying suitable statistical tests such as Bayesian suspiciousness, parameter goodness-of-fit tests, or a parameter difference test. In particular, the tension will depend on whether the normal or the inverted neutrino mass ordering is assumed. We argue, that it makes sense to reject inverted ordering from the cosmology/oscillation comparison only if data are consistent with normal ordering. Our results indicate that, in order to reject inverted ordering with this argument, an accuracy on the sum of neutrino masses $\sigma ({m_\nu})$ of better than 0.02~eV would be required from future cosmological observations.

A STUDY OF CORE-CUT BIOPSY AND FNAC FINDINGS IN A CLINICALLY PALPABLE BREAST LUMP

Aims And Objectives To nd the sensitivity and specicity of FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy. To study the efcacy of FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy with that of Histopathological (gross specimen) study in diagnosing a breast lump. To nd limitations of FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy Materials and Method: This is Hospital based Interventional study at Tertiary care centre in the department of General Surgery. All patients admitted during the period of 24 months with palpable breast lump coming under the eligibility criteria will be subjected for FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy after obtaining informed consents. Data Entry is done by using MS Excel and Analysis is done by using Suitable Statistical tests. Results: Our study of 70 patients, age incidence was ranged from 18 to 70 years. The age incidence for the benign lesions ranged from 18 years to 64 years (Mean age 38.5 years, SD= 12.56 years). The incidence for the malignant lesions ranged from 25 to 70 years (mean age 51.06 years, SD= 10.62 years). Out of total 70 patient, 49 patients had lump in right breast, 21 had lump in left breast. Our study True positive for FNAC was 38(54.28%) True negative was 26 (37.14%) and false positive was 0 and false negative were 6 (0.08%), which lead to the interpretation of sensitivity of 86 % for FNAC and specicity of 81.12% for FNAC. Our study True positive for Core-Cut biopsy was 42(60%) True negative was 26(38%) and False positive was 0(0%) and false negative was 02(2.85%), which lead to the interpretation of sensitivity of 95% for Core-Cut biopsy and specicity of 92.85 % for Core-cut biopsy. For Core-Cut biopsy in our study positive and negative predictive value was found to be 100% and 59.09% respectively Conclusion: As Both Sensitivity and Specify of Core-Cut biopsy is far superior than FNAC, and more number of False Negative reports in FNAC, where we can miss the Malignant breast Lump, we conclude that, Core-Cut Biopsy is far superior to FNAC in the diagnostic approach of breast cancer and, especially in cases of doubt, it is preferable to proceed directly with Core Cut biopsy.

Shoulder capsulitis: What relation with diabetes mellitus in a moroccan population?

Shoulder capsulitis (SC) is a common musculoskeletal complication in patients with diabetes. It can be particularly disabling. It is often overlooked by clinicians. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of retractile capsulitis and to identify the risk factors in a population of Moroccan diabetic patients. We realised a cross-sectional study including patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We recorded the demographic and diabetic characteristics of our patients. SC and vascular complications were assessed by clinical and para-clinical investigations. The prevalence of SC was calculated. The factors associated with SC were evaluated by suitable statistical tests. Three hundred and Sixty-five patients were included; 84.9% had Type 2 DM (T2DM). The mean age of the participants was 52.6 ± 13.6. Shoulder capsulitis was present in 12.6% of patients. In statistical analysis, age >50 years (P = 0.001), T2DM (P = 0.03), duration of progression >10 years (P = 0.03), dyslipidemia (P = 0.013) and macrovascular complications (P = 0.009) were associated with an increased frequency of SC. This study shows that the prevalence of SC is higher in diabetic patients. Therefore, inclusion of this pathology in the global management of the diabetic patient is necessary.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Norepinephrine and Phenylephrine Infusions against Spinal Hypotension during Lower Segment Caesarean Section- A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Hypotension after Subarachnoid Block (SAB) can affect mother and foetus and can be prevented by prophylactic use of vasopressors. Phenylephrine (PE) has been a popular and effective drug as prophylaxis against hypotension. Norepinephrine (NE) is recently tried for this purpose. Aim: To compare PE infusion with NE infusion prophylactically against SAB induced hypotension during Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS). Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Ballari, Karnataka, India. The duration of the study was 12 months, from December 2018 to November 2019. A total of 156 primigravida and multigravida with singleton term pregnancy, posted for caesarean section under SAB received prophylactic infusions of either NE 5 μg/minute (group NE) or PE 50 μg/minute (group PE) immediately after SAB till end of the surgery. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the incidence of hypotension. The secondary outcomes included incidence of nausea, vomiting, hypertension, tachycardia, bradycardia and the neonatal outcomes. Related categorical and numerical variables were subjected to suitable statistical tests and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: The mean age of the study participants of group NE was 24.47±2.52 years and group PE was 23.91±2.63 years, respectively. The age, parity and surgical duration was comparable between the groups. The incidence of hypotension was 17.9% in group NE and 26.8% in group PE (p-value=0.182). No significant differences in total doses of vasopressors used were noted. The incidence of bradycardia in group NE was 3.8% and 21.8% in the group PE (p=0.053). No adverse events or neonatal outcomes were observed. Conclusion: The incidence of hypotension and the total dose of vasopressors administered were similar in the two groups receiving prophylactic infusion doses (NE or PE). Incidence of bradycardia was greater in the parturients receiving PE infusion.

A Two-Year Follow-Up Assessment of Decreasing Crestal Bone Levels Around Dental Implants in Patients Rehabilitated With Mandibular Implant Overdentures.

Aim: This two-year follow-up study was aimed to evaluate declining crestal bone levels around dental implants in patients rehabilitated with mandibular implant-supported overdentures. A three-dimensional advanced radiographic tool, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), was utilized as radiographic aid in this study.Materials & Methods: A total of 15 patients wearing mandibular implants supported overdentures were studied for two years. Randomization and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were followed during study execution. Complete dentures were fabricated with standard methods, which were later anchored by a bilateral implant in the mandibular jaw. Bone loss at all four surfaces in all studied implants was estimated by the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technique. These assessments were done at postoperative follow-up periods of six, 12, 18, and 24 months. Duly signed and informed consent was obtained from all participating patients.Statistical Analysis and Results: The statistical analysis was completed by the software IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. All relevant data was entered into it to be analyzed with suitable statistical tests. Out of all 15 studied patients, 11 were male, and four were female. P-value was very significant for the age range 35-40 years (0.01). In all instances, the lingual surface showed minimum, while the distal surface showed maximum bone loss when seen at all postoperative phases. Grossly, the mean bone loss ranged between 0.14-0.45. P-value was highly significant for the measurements made at the lingual and distal sides of implants (for both B and D positions). A comparison of both study groups by one-way ANOVA confirmed a highly significant p-value for estimations done between the groups (0.001).Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the authors confirmed that crestal bone levels showed a clear decreasing pattern in the postoperative phases. Since these deleterious processes can compromise long-term prosthesis success, operators should consider all these facts while planning to implant an overdenture prosthesis in the lower jaw.

Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy Associated With Biphasic Phosphate Calcium on Bone Repair: A Histomorphometric Study in Rats.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy associated with biphasic calcium phosphate on calvaria critical defects in rats. Methods: Forty-eight (90 days old) adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus, Albinus variation, Wistar) received critical defects of 5 mm in diameter, which were made on their skull, and they were randomly assigned into the following groups: C-blood clot, B-biphasic calcium phosphate, L-photobiomodulation therapy, and B + L-biphasic calcium phosphate + photobiomodulation therapy. A low-level a gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) laser was applied in a single dose during surgery, in a wavelength of 660 nm and total energy density of 45 J/cm2. On 30th and 60th days, the animals from each group were euthanized. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Results:In 30 days, almost all specimens (C, L, B and B + L) showed bone neoformation areas in regions near the borders of the surgical defect. In 60 days, in many specimens (C, L, B, B + L), it was possible to see a narrow neoformed bone structure along almost the whole extension of the surgical defect, though it was thinner than the original calvary bone. Data were recorded as mean ± standard deviation, and after normality was tested, a suitable statistical test was applied (α = 5%). On day 60, there was a statistically significant difference when comparing the proportion of neoformation area between group L (0.52%±0.13) and group B+L (0.20%±0.08). Group L showed a difference compared with all the groups when we compared the remaining distance between the edges of neoformed bone (C×L, P=0.0431; B × L, P=0.0386; L×B+L, P=0.0352), demonstrating a great defect closure. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that although biphasic calcium phosphate exerts some osteogenic activity during bone repair, PBM therapy is not able to modulate this process.