University-based Study Research Articles

Non-Pharmacological Aspects of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Injections: A Retrospective Study of 3430 Injections and Complications.

This study aims to evaluate the non-pharmacological safety profile of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implants in cases with different etiologies. This retrospective university-based study analyzed clinical reports of patients receiving 0.7 mg DEX implant injections between 2013 and 2023. The study recorded patient demographics, injection indications, and follow-up data. Complications caused by the injection procedure and adverse events other than pharmacological side effects within a 3-month period were included. In this study, 3430 DEX implant injections were made into 1471 eyes of 1091 patients. Non-pharmacological complications developed in 611 injections (17.8%). Subconjunctival hemorrhage was noted as the leading non-pharmacological complication (n=576, 16.8%). Sight-threatening 35 non-pharmacological adverse events and complications (1.0%) were recorded. Cases of anterior chamber migration, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, hypotony, and implant misplacement were observed. Cases requiring intensive treatments and additional surgical interventions were encountered. The injection of the DEX implant may lead to non-pharmacological complications caused by the mechanical impact of the injection or improper positioning of the implant, potentially resulting in vision loss. Severe outcomes such as corneal decompensation, retinal detachment, and endophthalmitis can ensue, emphasizing the gravity of these complications. Careful selection of patients and adherence to proper injection techniques are essential in reducing these risks.

A home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention for people with chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (the StoPain Trial): description of the intervention.

Randomised controlled trial. The objective is to describe an electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback intervention that will be provided in a randomised controlled trial for people with neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI): the StoPain Trial. In this trial, participants in the treatment group will implement an EEG neurofeedback system as an analgesic intervention at home, while participants in the control group will continue with the treatments available to them in the community. University-based study in Sydney, Australia. This manuscript describes the rationale and components of the EEG neurofeedback intervention designed for individuals with SCI neuropathic pain and intended for home-based implementation. Our report is based on the criteria of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist, and includes why the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback will be investigated, what will be provided, who will administer it, and how, where, when, and how much the EEG neurofeedback intervention will be administered. This manuscript provides a detailed description of a complex intervention used in a randomised controlled trial. This description will facilitate the subsequent interpretation of the trial results and allow for the replication of the intervention in clinical practice and future trials. Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund (2020 Rare Cancers Rare Diseases and Unmet Needs Scheme: 2006020).

Comparison of clinical outcomes between single metal-ceramic and zirconia crowns

Statement of problemEvidence comparing the survival of zirconia crowns with metal-ceramic crowns is sparse. Knowledge of their survival and a comparison of their clinical outcomes would improve clinical decision making. PurposeThe purpose of this university-based study was to compare the survival, failures, biological and technical complications encountered with zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns restored and followed up over a similar period. Material and methodsThis retrospective chart review consisted of 403 patients treated at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, predoctoral dental clinic in whom zirconia (n=209) and metal-ceramic (n=306) crowns were inserted between September 2015 and July 2016 and followed for up to 7 years. Outcome measures included failure, causes for failure, and complications associated with survival. Inferential statistical analysis included the chi-squared test, t test, Mann-Whitney test, Bonferroni-adjusted z-test, Kaplan-Meier survival test, and logistic regression to examine differences between crown types and explore crown failures (α=.05). ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 3.00 years (median 2.58 years). Forty-one (8.0%) crowns had no follow-up, with no difference in follow-up between crown type: metal-ceramic n=23(7.5%), zirconia n=18(8.6%), χ²(1)=0.20, P=.652). Excluding those with no follow-up, the follow-up time between metal-ceramic (mean=3.07, median=2.58) and zirconia (mean=3.54, median=3.32) crowns was statistically similar (P=.052). There were 62 anterior crowns (12.0%) and 453 posterior crowns (88.0%), χ²(1)=22.40, P<.001, with no difference between groups. Overall, 44 crowns (8.5%) failed, 30 (9.8%) metal-ceramic and 14 (6.7%) zirconia, with no statistical difference in proportion of failed crowns between groups (χ²(1)=1.53, P=.216). There were 35 crowns with biological failures (6.8%), 26 (8.5%) in the metal-ceramic and 9 (4.4%) in the zirconia group, with no statistical difference between groups (χ²(1)=3.33, P=.068). Nine crowns had technical failures (1.7%), 4 (1.4%) in the metal-ceramic group and 5 (2.5%) in the zirconia group, with no statistical difference between groups (χ²(1)=0.73, P=.394). Biological (79.5%) rather than technical complications were found to be the most frequent cause of failure, goodness-of-fit χ²(1)=15.36, P<.001. Tooth fracture (50.0%) specifically was found to be the most frequent cause of failure, χ²(3)=21.27, P<.001. The total number of crowns that survived was 471 (91.5%); 276 (90.1%) were metal-ceramic and 195(93.3%) zirconia. The survival time (years) for metal-ceramic was mean=6.26, 95% CI [6.01–6.51] and for zirconia crowns mean=6.54, 95% CI [6.31–6.77]. Of the crowns that survived, 370 (78.6%) had no clinical complications, and 101 (21.4%) crowns demonstrated similar clinical complications, with no statistical differences between groups. ConclusionsWithin the study follow-up time, the survival of monolithic zirconia and metal-ceramic crowns was 91.5%, with similar clinical complications between groups. Biological complications, especially tooth fracture, were a significantly more frequent complication with both types of crowns.

The Utility of the R-ABC in Assessing Risk for Autism Compared With the M-CHAT: An Exploratory Study

Over the past 20+ years, researchers have worked toward identifying early behavioral predictors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developing observation-based screeners to supplement existing parent-report methods. This study is a follow-up, 3 to 8 years later, with parents/caregivers of 57 children previously enrolled in a university-based study evaluating early ASD-risk. The original study evaluated infants’ (ages 15–35 months) ASD-risk through both observation-based and parent-report screeners. At follow-up, caregivers completed a phone interview inquiring about their child’s developmental progress and diagnostic outcomes. Results indicated screener at-risk status agreement in infancy predicted only one of the four parent-reported ASD diagnoses at follow-up. Single instrument at-risk status aligned with two additional ASD diagnoses (one per screener), and both screeners missed one ASD diagnosis at follow-up. Results did not indicate significant added utility for the observation-based screener over the commonly used parent-report screener, suggesting that ASD behavioral markers may be hard to observe at early ages.

Corneal stress‒strain index in relation to retinal nerve fibre layer thickness among healthy young adults.

To determine the relationship between corneal stress-strain index (SSI) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness. 1645 healthy university students from a university-based study contributed to the analysis. The RNFL thickness was measured by high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT), axial length (AL) was measured by IOL Master, and corneal biomechanics including SSI, biomechanical corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured by Corvis ST. Multivariate linear regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between the SSI and RNFL thickness after adjusting for potential covariates. The mean age of the participants was 19.0 0.9 years, and 1132 (68.8%) were women. Lower SSI was significantly associated with thinner RNFL thickness ( =8.601, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.999-14.203, = 0.003) after adjusting for age, CCT, bIOP, and AL. No significant association between SSI and RNFL was found in men, while the association was significant in women in the fully adjusted model. The association was significant in the nonhigh myopic group ( for trend = 0.021) but not in the highly myopic group. Eyes with greater bIOP and lower SSI had significantly thinner RNFL thickness. Eyes with lower SSI had thinner RNFL thickness after adjusting for potential covariates, especially those with higher bIOP. Our findings add novel evidence of the relationship between corneal biomechanics and retinal ganglion cell damage.

Cosmetics use, purchasing behaviors, and risks among women in Saudi Arabia

Background : Cosmetics are preparations intended to be applied to the human body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, and change appearance. Cosmetics enjoy widespread use among women, who often have little awareness of the associated side effects. Methodology : A cross-sectional university-based study was conducted at AlMaarefa University. The study involved all women on campus: a total sample size of 336 teaching staff, administrative staff, security personnel, and students. Data were obtained through a self-administered online questionnaire. Results : Based on convenience sampling, a total of 336 members of the teaching staff, office staff, security officers, and students were included in the sample. Regardless of their nationality or line of work, most participants in our study, across all age categories, reported using cosmetics. They also demonstrated a favorable attitude and moderate to outstanding understanding of the items they use. The majority of users stated that they behaved positively when buying high-quality, name-brand cosmetics. Users of cosmetics had a favorable view about the use of cosmetics (51%), but only 20% were aware of the potential adverse effects of using them. The majority of participants (73%) said that using makeup boosts and maintains their sense of self-worth. Conclusion: Most participants had poor knowledge of cosmetics&amp;apos; side effects. Despite their age, most young participants had poor attitudes toward and lacked experience with cosmetics, and most participants used lip products more than eye products. Overall, there is a positive cosmetics usage pattern among AlMaarefa students.

Revisiting Pentacam Parameters in the Diagnosis of Subclinical and Mild Keratoconus Based on Different Grading System Definitions

To retest the performance of Pentacam parameters in the detection of eyes with subclinical keratoconus (KC) and mild KC based on different definitions from the Amsler-Krumeich (AK), Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK), and ABCD systems. This cross-sectional university-based study comprised 24 eyes with subclinical KC, 144 eyes with mild KC (based on AK in 101 eyes, CLEK in 28 eyes, and ABCD in 15 eyes), and 70 controls. Diagnostic ability of the thinnest point (TP) pachymetry, KISA% index, inferior-superior asymmetry, corneal aberrations, Pentacam indices, front/back elevations, pachymetric progression index, Ambrósio-Relational Thickness (ARTmax), and Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display scores (Df, Db, Dp, Dt, Da, and D-final) were evaluated. ARTmax (83.3% sensitivity/74.3% specificity) had the highest ability in distinguishing subclinical KC from normal, followed by TP pachymetry, Dt, and Da. D-final showed excellent sensitivity/specificity in mild KC diagnosis based on AK (98%/100%) and CLEK (97.4%/100%) descriptions. In the mild KC-ABCD group, index of vertical asymmetry accurately detected all eyes with mild KC and 97.1% of the controls. This study points out the gray zone in the detection of eyes with subclinical and mild KC due to overlapping terminology and grading criteria. Pentacam parameters seem to have modest capability in subclinical KC detection, indicating the necessity for additional diagnostic modalities. However, eyes with mild KC can be diagnosed with high accuracy using Pentacam parameters, although the strongest parameters may vary according to the definition of “mild KC.” Nevertheless, uniform and definitive criteria for subclinical and clinical KC classification are required for a diagnostic and therapeutic consensus in KC.

Body image dissatisfaction and its relation to body mass index among female medical students in Sudan: across-sectional study 2020-2021

BackgroundBody image is mainly determined by biological, social, psychological and cultural factors thus it is a multifaceted vigorous construct. Body image is an essential aspect of girls' self-definition and individual identity. Excessive concern about body image and body image misconceptions leads to dissatisfaction, disturbed eating patterns, affecting the nutritional status and also leading to depression and anxiety disorder.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional university-based study aiming to investigate body image dissatisfaction and its relation to BMI among female medical students at the University of Khartoum, faculty of medicine. The study was carried out between December 2020 and January 2021. Simple random sampling was applied and a two-sectioned questionnaire was used. The first part consisted of socio-demographic data and the second part contained questions to assess body image the data was. A total of 277 participants were enrolled in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsWe enrolled 277 female medical students the majority of participants (53%) were considered of normal weight according to BMI, 7% considered obese, and 18% underweight. Large number of participants thought that they are not in the ideal weight according to their height (62%). (21% to 17%) of participants always feel pressure from people or society to get to a certain weight. With respect to attitude towards weight, (29%) of participants always wear clothes that don't reveal their body shape, (35%) of them always tend to wear clothes that hide their excess weight.ConclusionsThe study concluded that participants who were overweight, obese or underweight have significant increase risk for poor body image perception with odd ratio of 39, 11, and 59 respectively. Thus early and proper interventions are necessary to circumvent the impact and future repercussion of body image distortion.

Overweight and obesity among Brazilian healthcare university students: prevalence and associated factors.

Obesity is an important factor for cardiovascular and metabolic events. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity and the associated factors among healthcare university students. A cross-sectional university-based study of 2,245 healthcare university students in the Midwest region of Brazil was conducted in 2018. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, family and comorbidities characteristics were investigated. Poisson regression was used for the multivariable analysis. All analysis was stratified by sex. The mean age of the sample was 22.7 years (standard deviation = 4.1) and 69.5% of the students was female. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.2- 15.6) and 4% (95% CI: 3.0-4.9) for women and 34.5% (95% CI: 30.9-38.1) and 11.3% (95% CI: 8.9-13.6) for men, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was at least 70% higher in female students aged 24 years or older (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.24-2.41) and those who smoke (PR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.66-3.02). Additionally, female students with a family history of obesity (PR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.46-2.77) or with two or three comorbidities (PR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.43-3.04) exhibited a significantly higher probability for overweight/obesity. Similar findings were observed in male students, but with smaller effect sizes. This study revealed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity among healthcare university students, especially in men. It was related to the socio-demographic and family characteristics rather than behavioral factors.

Smoking, alcohol consumption and corneal biomechanical parameters among Chinese university students.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are important risk factors for several ocular disorders, but their effects on corneal biomechanics remain unclear. Our study aims to explore the association between smoking and alcohol consumption with corneal biomechanical parameters measured by Corvis-ST (CST) among university students. A total of 1645 healthy university students from a university-based study were included, and all participants underwent corneal biomechanical parameters measurement by CST. We selected 10 reliable parameters that can reflect the corneal deformation response. All participants had a standardised interview to determine their smoking and alcohol consumption status. The mean age of the participants was 19.0 ± 0.9 years, and 1132 (68.8%) were women. Smoking was significantly associated with stiffer corneas. Smokers showed significantly slower second applanation velocity (A2v) (β = 0.007 m/s, 95% confidence interval 0.001 to 0.014, P = 0.032) and lower integrated radius (IR) (β = -0.214 mm-1, 95% confidence interval -0.420 to -0.007, P = 0.043) than non-smokers after adjusting for age, gender, eye-rubbing, myopia, and body mass index (BMI). Smokers with BMI no less than 24.0 showed slower A2v and lower IR. Alcohol consumption and passive smoking were found no significant association with corneal biomechanics. Smokers had less deformable corneas, especially those with BMI no less than 24.0. Our findings provide new evidence for the association between smoking and ocular disorders associated with corneal biomechanics like glaucoma.

Flat Foot and Associated Factors among University Students Aged 18-25 Years: A University-Based Study

Abstract: Background: In various human postural studies, foot is considered to be a rigid body. The flat foot, also referred to as the acquired disorder of the flat foot, results from the subsidence of the arches of the feet. Usually, in an upright position, the middle margin of the sole of the foot does not touch the ground. The condition of flatfoot can affect the healthy lifestyle and the weight management for an individual. But the burden of the flat foot in young adults is unknown. Aim: The objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of flat foot and investigate its associated factors among university students aged 18-25. Materials and Methods: A university crosssectional study was conducted on students between the ages of 18 and 25. The data collection consisted in physical measurements, measurements based on the footprint while fully bearing the weight to analyze the structure of the medial foot arch using the Staheli arch index and their footwear types. Data were analysed through chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression model. Results: In total, 875 university students participated. The overall incidence rate for the flat foot was found to be 29.37% for entire study sample, accounting 31.79%, 15% and 26.54% for Chinese, Tanzanian, and Indian students respectively. Uni-variate analysis found that gender and the shoe types often worn were not the influencing factors of flat foot, but multivariate regression analysis showed that age, BMI, nationality and shoe type were the influencing factors of flat foot. Conclusion: Results from this study showed overall prevalence of flatfoot close to 30% and a negative correlation between age and incidence of flat foot for college students aged 18-25 years. Keywords: Flatfoot, Staheli arch index, BMI, Footwear, Nationality.

Use of Restorative Materials in Primary Teeth - A Retrospective University-Based Study

Use of Restorative Materials in Primary Teeth - A Retrospective University-Based Study

A Latent Class Analysis of Campus Sexual Violence Experiences Based on Its Forms and Consequences

ABSTRACT Campus sexual violence (CSV) is a pervasive problem across universities. This study identified distinct patterns of CSV based on its forms (sexual harassment, unwanted sexual behaviors, and sexual coercion) and its associated consequences (mental health, physical health, personal/social life, and academic/professional life). Additionally, it investigated how holding a marginalized social identity (cisgender woman status, gender and sexual minority status, disability status, and visible minority status) or reporting a history of child sexual abuse predicted CSV pattern membership. A total of 6,554 students completed an online questionnaire as part of a large-scale university-based study in Quebec, Canada. Latent class analysis revealed a 5-class model: No CSV (64% of students), Sexual harassment + Fewer consequences (15% of students), Poly-CSV + Fewer consequences (10% of students), Poly-CSV + Personal and social life consequences (8% of students), and Poly-CSV + Co-occurring consequences (3% of students). Survivors of child sexual abuse, cisgender women, students with disabilities, and gender and sexual minority students were more likely to experience patterns of CSV characterized by multiple forms of CSV and co-occurring consequences.

Sexual attitudes and associated factors of risky sexual behaviors among university students.

IntroductionRisky sexual behaviors. Adequate awareness of reproductive health in young people is important because they are in the early years of fertility, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors is more probable. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual attitude and associated factors of risky sexual behaviors among girls and boys and the difference in sexual norms by gender among university students.MethodsA university‐based study with a cross‐sectional survey was conducted for 9 months in 2019. A total of 800 university students were studied by a random sampling technique using a self‐administered structured questionnaire derived from the World Health Organization illustrative questionnaire to assess sexual attitudes among adolescents and young adults.ResultsMost of the respondents were female and single. Girls were more religious, more frequently visited the cinemas and were more likely to discuss sex matters with family members than boys. There was no significant difference in the total score of sexual attitudes in girls and boys, and both genders had negative attitudes toward risky sexual behavior (42/72). Those who go to parties, bars, or movies are more likely to have risky sexual behavior. Being a religious person is an essential predictor of having less risky behavior (RR = 2.02, 95% CI = [0.96, 3.41]).ConclusionBeing religious was a protective factor for engaging in risky sexual behavior. More interventions in schools and universities need to educate students to enhance awareness about the consequences of risky sexual behavior and reduce its rate.

Promoting Cessation and a Tobacco Free Future: Knowledge and Attitude of Pharmacy Students Regarding Smoking Cessation in a Nigerian University

Tobacco smoking is a global public health threat and the largest single driver of health inequalities. Currently, there are over a billion smokers worldwide with approximately 80% of the smokers living in low-and-middle-income countries like Nigeria. Knowledge gaps on smoking cessation among pharmacy students might impact the quality of service these future pharmacists would provide in practice. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students regarding smoking cessation in a Nigerian university. A University-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 pharmacy students of a Nigerian university using a pretested self-administered questionnaire between August and December 2019. Data were summarised descriptively using IBM SPSS (version 23). Most of the pharmacy students 203 (73.2%) agreed it is the pharmacists’ responsibility to support patients with smoking cessation. The majority of our respondents 226 (81.6%) reported pharmacy students need more training on smoking cessation. Thirty-three (11.9%) pharmacy students knew nicotine does not cause cancer. Less than one-tenth 27 (9.7%) of the pharmacy students were aware of smoking cessation products. Overall, 203 (73.2%) respondents had poor knowledge (score &lt; 60%) and an average positive attitude about smoking cessation. Pharmacy students have suboptimal knowledge about smoking cessation. However, they revealed a positive attitude towards smoking cessation. Therefore, there is a need for educational interventions to address the deficit in smoking cessation knowledge, as well as equip future healthcare providers. Thus, improving the quality of public health especially among smokers in Nigeria.

Factors associated with the improvement of the empathy levels among clinical-year medical students in Southern Thailand: a university-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmpathy is one of the core medical professionalisms that distress, burnout, and lack of personal well-being is also recognized as an important influencer on lower empathy levels. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mental health, burnout, and factors associated with the empathy levels among Thai, clinical-year medical students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed all fourth-to sixth-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, in Thailand; at the end of the 2020 academic year. The questionnaires utilized were: (1) The personal and demographic information questionnaire, (2) The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, (3) Thai Mental Health Indicator-15, and (4) The Maslach Burnout Inventory; Thai version. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and factors associated with empathy levels were analyzed via the chi-square test and logistic regressions.ResultsThere were 466 participants, with a response rate of 91.5%. The majority were female (56.2%), and reported a below-average level of empathy (57.1%); with a median score (IQR) of 44 (40–48). The gender proportion of a below-average empathy level among male and female participants was 66.3% and 50.4%, respectively. Of the participants, 29.6% had poor mental health, 63.5% and 39.7% reported a high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores; even though most of them (96.6%) perceived having a high level of personal accomplishment. Multivariate analysis indicated that females, higher mental health, and a low level of depersonalization were statistically significant protective factors, which improved the empathy levels.ConclusionsMore than half of the clinical-year medical students reported below-average empathy levels. Female gender, better mental health, and a low level of depersonalization were related to the improvement of the empathy levels. Therefore, medical educators should emphasize the importance of focusing supporting students, of all genders and in regards to all stages of medical education, to increase their levels of empathy, to promote individual well-being, and to effectively prevent the phenomenon of student ‘burnout’.

Research Subject Perceptions Regarding Infection Control Procedures to Reduce COVID-19

IntroductionThe COVID pandemic has altered health care delivery, including clinical research, by introduction of measures to reduce COVID. How these measures affect clinical research participation is unclear.ObjectivesThe purpose of this survey was to document research volunteer's attitudes toward COVID infection control procedures.MethodsOur research program implemented the following: 1. Staff wore masks, disposable gowns, face shields and gloves when with subjects. 2. Subjects were asked if they tested positive or were experiencing COVID symptoms; upon entry their temperature was measured, and hand sanitizer used. 3. Disinfecting was expanded to all scanner room surfaces in contact with humans between each visit. 4. Only 1 subject was allowed in the research office at a time. Staff, when possible, remained > 6 feet away from other persons. As part of a study evaluating total body DXA, community dwelling volunteers completed a self-administered health care delivery preference survey from Dec 2020 to May 2021. A 5-point scale was used to capture responses to 10 questions (Table 1). Responses were tested using Chi Square with age and sex comparisons assessed by ANOVA.ResultsEighty-two adults (41F/41M) mean (SD) age 50.9 (18.3) yrs (range 18-79) without sex difference participated. Participants strongly agreed (84%; p < 0.001) they were more comfortable seeing effort to prevent COVID-19; 72% agreed 1 subject, without a companion, should be seen, and 81% strongly agreed masks be required. Seeing staff clean visit space was important to 66%, more so among women (33%) than men (21% (p = 0.007)). Most subjects (83%) reported comfort having elective procedures and did not feel “unclean” or “diseased” (87%) by procedures. Some, 26%, preferred a non-hospital setting, 66% were neutral; those age 50+ (17%) preferred this more (p = 0.004) than younger subjects (5%). Finally, 91% preferred to have a brief test description before visit arrival.ConclusionsIn this university-based study, most subjects favored masking, cleaning and limiting personal contact for research visits. Notably, no information regarding vaccination status was exchanged and the study began just as vaccines became available and ended just after all US citizens over age 16 were eligible for vaccination. Thus, it is unknown if vaccination status might alter research participation perception. However, people do prefer that steps are taken to reduce infection in research settings. It seems likely that this would be the case in clinical care settings.

Association between visual acuity, ocular pathology and refractive error with computer vision syndrome: A cross sectional university study in Kenya

Background: Numerous factors have been shown to reduce symptomatic and non-symptomatic forms of computer vision syndrome. However, little is known about the magnitude of visual symptoms among computer users diagnosed with severe symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Therefore this study aimed at determining whether reduced visual acuity, anterior segment conditions, and refractive error are associated with computer vision syndrome. Material and methods: A cross-sectional university-based study was carried among university students (n = 783). Visual acuity was determined using the Snellen chart. The anterior segment conditions were determined through a comprehensive examination using a slit lamp. Computer vision syndrome symptoms were assessed through a subjective approach using a developed questionnaire. Retinoscopy was conducted to determine refractive status. Results: Results showed that participants with a refractive error above ± 0.50 diopters had a greater odds multivariate adjusted ratio 0.73 (95% CI: 0.63–0.90) for having symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Visual acuity was found to have a multivariate-adjusted odds ratio of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.24–0.47), and anterior segment conditions also had greater odds multivariate adjusted ratios 0.45 (95% CI: 0.39–0.78), indicating significance association with computer vision syndrome. Conclusion: Reduced visual acuity, presence of anterior segment conditions, and refractive error were associated with a greater likelihood of reporting computer vision syndrome.

Preliminary Research on a COVID-19 Test Strategy to Guide Quarantine Interval in University Students

Following COVID-19 exposure, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a 10–14-day quarantine for asymptomatic individuals and more recently a 7-day quarantine with a negative PCR test. A university-based prospective cohort study to determine if early polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negativity predicts day 14 negativity was performed. A total of 741 asymptomatic students in quarantine was screened and 101 enrolled. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested on days 3 or 4, 5, 7, 10, and 14, and the proportion of concordant negative results for each day versus day 14 with a two-sided 95% exact binomial confidence interval was determined. Rates of concordant negative test results were as follows: day 5 vs. day 14 = 45/50 (90%, 95% CI: 78–97%); day 7 vs. day 14 = 47/52 (90%, 95% CI: 79–97%); day 10 vs. day 14 = 48/53 (91%, 95% CI:79–97%), with no evidence of different negative rates between earlier days and day 14 by McNemar’s test, p &gt; 0.05. Overall, 14 of 90 (16%, 95% CI: 9–25%) tested positive while in quarantine, with seven initial positive tests on day 3 or 4, 5 on day 5, 2 on day 7, and none on day 10 or 14. Based on concordance rates between day 7 and 14, we anticipate that 90% (range: 79–97%) of individuals who are negative on day 7 will remain negative on day 14, providing the first direct evidence that exposed asymptomatic students ages 18–44 years in a university setting are at low risk if released from quarantine at 7 days if they have a negative PCR test prior to release. In addition, the 16% positive rate supports the ongoing need to quarantine close contacts of COVID-19 cases.

Caries progression and need for reintervention on occlusal ICDAS 4 lesions after different treatments: a retrospective university-based study

Objective: To assess the caries progression and the need for reintervention on occlusal ICDAS 4 lesions afterdifferent treatments. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of records of children treated in a public settingwho had at least an occlusal ICDAS 4 lesion in primary and/or permanent molars. The radiographic images ofICDAS 4 lesions at the first and last appointments were classified as absence of radiolucency, radiolucent imageat the enamel–dentin junction, at the outer half or inner of the dentin. The need for retreatment after differenttreatments (non-invasive - topical fluoride applications, oral hygiene instructions and dietary guidance, microinvasive- resin-based sealant, or invasive - restoration) was assessed by reviewing clinical and radiographicrecords. The need for retreatment was defined as any complication requiring mending (e.g., caries progression,total loss of sealant, or restoration failure). The Poisson regression model was used to investigate the associationbetween individual and tooth-related variables and the outcome. Results: Among the 111 lesions in 81 patients,most (73.0%) lesions were in primary molars. Most lesions (52.3%) did not exhibit radiolucency, whereas 29.7%had radiolucency at the outer half of the dentin. The mean follow-up was 18.8 ± 6.5 months. After follow-up,82.9% of the lesions did not require retreatment. The prevalence of ICDAS 4 lesions that did not need retreatmentwas higher among lesions with radiolucency at dentin (p=0.01). Conclusion: Most occlusal ICDAS 4 lesions didnot require reintervention, especially those exhibiting radiolucency in the outer half of the dentin.KEYWORDSDental caries; Clinical decision-making; Dental radiography.