Whitney Test Research Articles

Association Between Metabolic Disorders and Cognitive Domains in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives evaluate the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and cognitive performance (global and in each domain) in community-dwelling older adults. Methods cross-sectional study with 544 participants (≥60 years). Cognition was assessed using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument – Short (CASI-S), evaluating four domains: memory, orientation, executive function, recall. MetS was identified considering five components: abdominal obesity, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, and hypertension. Mann–Whitney test and Poisson regression models adjusted for age and education were used to assess the differences in cognition scores. Results Hypertensive participants had lower global cognition, and those with hypertriglyceridemia had lower memory scores; obese individuals reached lower executive function and higher recall scores. Diabetes was associated with worse recall in men, and low HDL to lower memory scores; hypertensive women had worse recall. In adjusted models, association between abdominal obesity, executive function and recall (total sample) remained significant (p = .003 and p = .048, respectively). Conclusions Global cognition was not associated to metabolic disorders, but obesity was associated to lower executive function and higher recall. Clinical Implications Assessing each cognitive domain may be more sensitive in subjects with MetS components, and interaction between components, sex and education also must be considered to establish adequate care strategies for the older adults.

Factors Influencing Hotel Revenue Management in Times of Crisis: Towards Financial Sustainability

(1) Background: Facing the challenges of a post-pandemic period and the Ukraine War and recognising the gap in scientific research on the application of revenue management (RM) in the Portuguese hotel industry, the main objective of this study is to identify the most effective and least appropriate RM practices for use in periods of low demand and crises, reflecting the financial sustainability perspective. The theoretical framework of this study focuses on the main RM practices, grouping them into price and non-price strategies. (2) Methods: A quantitative methodology was employed, collecting information from Portuguese hotels through an online questionnaire, and statistical analysis using Mann–Whitney and Chi-square tests was conducted. (3) Results: Hotels offered discounts during the pandemic, but room rates were reduced during the recovery period. These findings also revealed that commonly used techniques were the best available rate (BAR) and rate fences, particularly during the pandemic. Quality, brand image, strategic partnerships, and marketing actions are recognised as essential. However, loyalty programs, length of stay (LOS) control, rate parity, and bundled services are not commonly implemented despite their importance during periods of low demand. Larger hotels, five-star hotels, and members of international chains applied more RM practices than smaller four-star independent hotels. (4) Originality: This study provides original and valuable insights into increasing hotel revenues and occupancy rates during future periods of low demand, which benefit financial sustainability.

Specialty choices among new generation of doctors - insights from a Polish survey study.

The choice of medical specialty for future doctors is a multidimensional issue, associated with many factors. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the specialty choices of doctors entering the Polish healthcare system. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from May until August 2023. The data was gathered via an online nationwide survey among recent medical school graduates. We explored respondents' preferences regarding medical specialties (in two categories: surgical and non-surgical), and the factors that drive their choices. The U-Mann Whitney test was used to compare the distribution of 19 analysed factors, and the chi-squared test was used if a trend was not observed. 737 responses were collected, and 698 were included in the study. The respondents (60.5% female) preferred non-surgical specialties over surgical ones. The main factors influencing doctors' choices were remuneration, the ability to maintain work-life balance, interest in the medical field, the ability to start a private practice, skills possessed, and doctor-patient interactions. Doctors pursuing a career in surgical fields are driven by slightly different factors than those who chose a non-surgical specialty. The youngest generation values a healthy work-life balance, and their non-professional life remains crucial.

Hospitals’ readiness to attract health tourists: a comparative study in Iran

BackgroundUnderstanding the influential factors in attracting foreign patients is possible by evaluating and identifying hospitals’ capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This study assessed Ahvaz hospitals’ readiness to attract health tourists using International Joint Commission (IJC) standards.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical study examined 21 hospitals in Ahvaz using IJC standard questionnaires with 76 questions across six fields. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney test in SPSS version 22.ResultsThe overall compliance rate with organization-oriented standards was 79.53%. Staff training and qualification standards scored highest at 81.79%, while information management standards scored lowest at 76.26%. Non-academic hospitals averaged higher scores than academic hospitals, though this difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). Bed occupancy rates ranged from 40.96% to 85.33%, with average lengths of stay between 1.33 and 64.31 days.ConclusionAhvaz hospitals demonstrated above-average readiness to attract medical tourists across most dimensions. To enhance their competitiveness, hospitals should prioritize improvements in information management systems, leverage strengths in staff training and qualifications, address disparities between academic and non-academic institutions, and invest in marketing their unique capabilities to potential health tourists.

Comparative analysis of addiction severity index in methadone maintenance treatment: impact of concurrent methamphetamine use among patients in Rasht, Iran 2022–2023

ABSTRACT Introduction Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is widely used to manage opioid addiction, especially in Iran. Recent research highlights an increasing trend in methamphetamine use among individuals who are opioid-dependent and undergoing MMT. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in addiction severity between patients using both methadone and methamphetamine and those on methadone alone. Method This cross-sectional study took place at four MMT centers in Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran, from 2022–2023. Using convenience sampling, we selected participants aged 18 to 64 who had been receiving treatment at MMT centers for at least six months. Demographic data and Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores were collected for two groups: those using methadone alone and those also using methamphetamine. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 26, using a significance threshold of 0.05. Results Of the 140 participants, 120 were male and 20 female. The Mann–Whitney test found no significant differences in medical status between the groups across six domains. However, five other domains showed significantly lower ASI scores for the methadone-only group compared to the methamphetamine users. Conclusion Concurrent methamphetamine use with MMT may negatively impact functional and health outcomes, highlighting the need for non-pharmacological psycho-social treatments to help curb methamphetamine use in this population.

Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.

Decoding Motor Skills: Video Analysis Unveils Age-Specific Patterns in Childhood and Adolescent Movement

Motor skill development is crucial in human growth, evolving with the maturation of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Quantifying these skills, especially coordinative abilities, remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the performance of five motor tasks in children and adolescents using high-speed video analysis, providing data for movement and health professionals. Seventy-two volunteers were divided into three age groups: 27 first-grade primary school students (19 males and 8 females, aged 6.5 ± 0.5 years), 35 fourth-grade primary school students (16 males and 19 females, aged 9.2 ± 0.4 years), and 28 s-year middle school students (16 males and 12 females, aged 13.0 ± 0.3 years). Participants performed five motor tasks: standing long jump, running long jump, stationary ball throw, running ball throw, and sprint running. Each task was recorded at 120 frames per second and analyzed using specialized software to measure linear and angular kinematic parameters. Quantitative measurements were taken in the sagittal plane, while qualitative observations were made using a dichotomous approach. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction. Significant differences were observed across age groups in various parameters. In the standing long jump, older participants exhibited a longer time between initial movement and maximum loading. The running long jump revealed differences in the take-off angle, with fourth-grade students performing the best. Ball-throwing tests indicated improvements in the release angle with age, particularly in females. Sprint running demonstrated the expected improvements in time and stride length with age. Gender differences were notable in fourth-grade students during the running long jump, with females showing greater knee flexion, while males achieved better take-off angles. Video analysis effectively identified age-related and gender-specific differences in motor skill performance. The main differences were measured between first-grade primary school and second-year middle school students while gender differences were limited to all age groups. This method provides valuable insights into motor development trajectories and can be used by professionals to objectively assess and monitor the technical aspects of motor skills across different age groups.

Dietary supplement consumption and associated factors among Algerian population residing in Tebessa: Cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among Algerians in Tebessa. Materials and methodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out over two months. The study included 216 Algerian men and women selected via simple random sampling. Approximately half of the participants were under 27 years old, with a mean age of 30 years. Variables assessed included the use of dietary supplements, reasons for consumption, frequency of use, types of supplements used, sources of purchase, and sources of advice regarding consumption. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi2 test, respectively. Logistic regression was employed to examine associations between dietary supplement consumption and explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors. ResultsThe prevalence of dietary supplement use was 88.4%. The most common reasons cited for consumption were muscle mass enhancement and fatigue reduction. Vitamins were the most frequently used supplements, followed by trace elements. Consumption patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic factors. ConclusionsA large part of the population has consumed food supplements for different reasons. This consumption could be beneficial for their health. Therefore, information-based on scientific evidence is important to prevent inappropriate use of dietary supplements by consumers. This study could serve as the foundation for a nationwide multicenter study to gain a better understanding of dietary supplement use among Algerians.

Vector of glycated hemoglobin in the formation of dysglycemia in postmenopause: Emphasis on early diagnosis and therapy

Introduction. The close relationship of postmenopause with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) marks a high cardiometabolic risk of dysglycemia, determining the need for its early diagnosis and therapy. Pathogenetically substantiated criteria for the diagnosis of prediabetes and the nature of early drug therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are debated. Information on the relationship between glucose homeostasis parameters and menopausal MetS is fragmentary.Aim. To evaluate the associations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with indices of IR, β-cell function and MetS character- istics in a cohort of postmenopausal women with different carbohydrate metabolic states.Materials and methods. In 94 Caucasian postmenopausal women 58.0 (53.0; 63.0) years old the following were determined: HbA1c, fasting glycemia (FG), TyG and HOMA2 indices, C-peptid, BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C levels. When classifying women by HbA1c (ADA criteria), 15 had normoglycemia, 24 prediabetes, 55 T2DM. ME (25–75%) was assessed using SPSS (version 17); intergroup differences according to the Mann – Whitney test; Spearman and partial correlation analysis were performed.Results. HbA1c age independently correlated with IR parameters: TyG (R = 0.590; p < 0.001), HOMA2-IR (R = 0.318; p < 0.05) and beta cell function: HOMA2-B (R = -0.355; p < 0.001); with lipid markers of MetS (TG, HDL-C, respectively R = 0.382; -0.448; p < 0.001), anthropometric and blood pressure levels.Conclusion. Associations of HbA1c in postmenopausal women with a spectrum of glucose homeostasis parameters and MetS mark it as a vector of formation and progression of dysglycemia due to a close connection with the functional state of β-cells and the importance of lipoglucotoxicity in the dynamics of postmenopausal IR. The obtained data pathogenetically determine the use of HbA1c in the verification of dysglycemia and the early administration of combined antihyperglycemic therapy aimed at preserving β-cell function. The potential of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in slowing the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered

Morphological changes in purulent wound defect of the oral mucosa when using a non-woven polymer membrane with vancomycin (experimental study)

Currently, the problem of effective treatment of purulent wounds of the oral mucosa is relevant, scientists are improving dressing materials, creating new coatings. The study tested for the first time a non-woven polymer membrane from a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with tetrafluoroethylene with Vancomycin, presumably which will meet the requirements of an ideal dressing material. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of a non-woven polymer membrane with Vancomycin on the regeneration of a purulent wound defect of the oral mucosa in experiment. 35 white Wistar rats were divided into three groups: first group (n = 15), in which the wound defect was left open according to the standard procedure of the wound process in the oral cavity; second group (n = 15), in which the wound defect was covered with a non-woven polymer membrane with Vancomycin; third group (served as control group), in which the rats had intact oral mucosa (n = 5). Tissue samples were collected from the area of the purulent wound on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days of the study and histological sections were prepared using a standard procedure. The indicators were calculated using the AxioVision SE64 Rel program. 4.9.1: area of loose fibrous connective tissue (%), cellular infiltration (%), granulation tissue (%).The statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests in Statistica 8.0 (StatSoft, USA) software. Differences were considered statistically significant at p 0.05. It has been established that the non-woven polymer membrane from a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with tetrafluoroethylene with Vancomycin has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of the oral mucosa in the postoperative period and reduces scar changes in the later stages of healing.

Pengaruh Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) terhadap Penurunan Tekanan Darah pada Penderita Hipertensi di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Putri Ayu Kota Jambi

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PMR training on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This research uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design with a two group pretest-posttest design approach. The sampling method in this research was simple random sampling and a sample of 50 people was obtained. 25 respondents in the intervention group and 25 respondents in the control group. Bivariate analysis used the Wilcoxon test and the Man Whitney test. The results of the study showed that there was a significant effect between reducing blood pressure in hypertension sufferers before and after being given progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in the working area of the Putri Ayu Community Health Center, Jambi City.

Pengaruh Senam Otak terhadap Fungsi Kognitif pada Lansia di Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Luhur Provinsi Jambi

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of brain exercises on cognitive function in the elderly at the Tresna Werdha Budi Luhur Social Home, Jambi Province. This type of research is quantitative with a quasi-experimental design approach, pretest-posttest control group design. This research was conducted at the Tresna Werdha Budi Luhur Social Home, Jambi Province.The sampling method was purposive sampling of 22 people. 11 respondents in the control group and 11 respondents in the intervention group. Data measurement uses MMSE. Bivariate analysis used the Wilcoxon Rank Test and the Man Whitney test. The research results showed that the age frequency distribution of respondents was mostly elderly, female, and had elementary school education. The cognitive function of the pretest intervention group was mostly mild and severe cognitive function. The pretest and posttest results showed a significant increase, so that there was an influence of brain exercise on cognitive function in the elderly, with a p value = 0.002 (< 0.05). There was a significant effect of increasing cognitive function before and after being given brain exercises at PSTW. It is hoped that PSTW can develop brain exercises to improve the cognitive function of the elderly.

The Possible Impact of COVID-19 on Glycated Hemoglobin and Systolic Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Background: There are still discrepancies in the literature as to whether COVID-19 infection could impact biochemical, anthropometric, and cardiovascular markers. The purpose of this study was firstly to observe the effects of COVID-19 infection over 12 months on Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Secondarily, we analyzed the individual influence of COVID-19 infection on changes in biochemical, anthropometric, and cardiovascular markers. Methods: This study is part of a secondary analysis of a recently published article. The research involved 84 participants with T2D, divided into two groups: the control group (40 participants) received only medical care, while the intervention group (44 participants) received both medical care and nutritional assessment. Consultations were held quarterly over 12 months, with a follow-up after 3 months. Data Analysis: For influence analysis, non-normal variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test, and normal variables were compared using unpaired t-tests. For all cases, α = 0.05 and p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The analysis revealed a high percentage of patients in both groups who had a COVID-19 infection (70% control and 72.7% intervention) over 12 months. Regarding the influence analysis, participants in the intervention group who were infected with COVID-19 showed smaller reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p = 0.0120) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.0460). For the other biochemical, anthropometric, and cardiovascular markers, in both groups, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05). Conclusion: COVID-19 possibly influenced SBP and HbA1c levels over 12 months in people with T2D and obesity. However, caution should be exercised in generalizing these results due to the limitations of this study. Additionally, influence analysis does not establish a causal relationship, and more clinical trials in different populations are needed to fully analyze this topic.

The Relationship Between Time-Related Characteristics of Visual Impairment and Psychological Symptoms in Adults Who Are Blind

Introduction The prevalence of depression among blind people is higher than in sighted populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between time-related characteristics of visual impairment (i.e., onset and duration), as well as depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleepiness, and stress, in the context of self-reported total blindness and the inability to perceive light exposure. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design utilizing the combination of online survey and telephone survey. The Centre for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Inventory, the Fatigue Syndrome Inventory, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale were selected for the self-reported questionnaires. For statistical analysis, independent t-tests, analysis of variance tests, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests, chi-square tests, multiple linear regression models, and multivariable ordinal logistic regressions were conducted using the R software program and its required packages. Results A total of 154 respondents completed the online and telephone surveys. Although the number of years of experiencing blindness showed negative correlations with the scores of fatigue ( r = −.16, p < .05), stress ( r = −.18, p < .05), and depressive feelings ( r = −.21, p < .05) in Model 1, the impacts of the onset of blindness on the depressive symptoms (β = −.02, p = .570) and the presence of severe depressive symptoms, OR = 1.42, 95% CI [0.49, 4.19], p = .518, were insignificant in Model 2. Discussion Blindness seems to be regarded as a more severe chronic condition which affects individuals’ psychological status. Given the effects of the limited range of social activities and daily tasks and the dramatically reduced accessible visual information inputs, the severe depressive symptoms in this group can be understood. Implications for Practitioners Regular counseling and psychological services monitoring depressive symptoms, chronic fatigue, and severe distress should be continued even after the completion of rehabilitation programs.

Exploring the influence of a massive open online course (MOOC) for preparing rehabilitation professionals to meet the needs of forcibly displaced persons

BackgroundTo assist in the global training of rehabilitation professionals to address the unique needs of forcibly displaced persons, a free massive open online course (MOOC) was developed. This study aimed to explore self-perceived knowledge following completion of courses within the MOOC, ability to implement changes in practice, and participant engagement with the MOOC content.MethodsThe Kirkpatrick Model was used to assess the effectiveness of the course with a focus on reaction, learning, and behavior. Participant interaction with the course content was explored using thematic analysis of the MOOC’s discussion forum content. Participants in the MOOC were asked to complete pre and post-surveys of self-perceived knowledge regarding the rehabilitation of displaced persons. Mean within-subject pre and post-MOOC data were compared using the Mann U Whitney test. Knowledge implementation after six months was assessed with a follow-up survey.ResultsSelf-reported knowledge following completion of the MOOC improved significantly on individual survey questions (p≤.004) as well as composite score (p < .001). Six months following completion of the course, participants noted the ability to implement multiple strategies into practice. Three themes emerged from the discussion forum postings: (1) Understanding the persons lived experience to provide effective, holistic, patient-centered care, (2) Communication to develop a sense of connection and facilitate the provision of quality care, and (3) The importance of culturally responsive practice.ConclusionThe MOOC effectively delivered the fundamental knowledge to address the complex needs of displaced individuals among a diverse group of practicing rehabilitation professionals and can play a role in preparing the rehabilitation workforce for increased population displacement, alongside specialist programs in related themes.

Effects of motor and cognitive dual tasks on walking and balance in children with diparetic cerebral palsy

This study investigates the effects of motor and cognitive dual tasks on walking and balance in Children with diparetic cerebral palsy. The subjects of this study were 12 children (experimental group n = 6, control group n = 6) who were medical diagnosed with diparetic cerebral palsy. They aged 8–12 years. Experimental group was administered treatment for 30 min, 2 times a week for 8 weeks, with the experimental group performing motor and cognitive dual task, while the control group did not have such a training. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to analyze changes in balance, gross motor function in the group, and the Mann–Whitney test was conducted to compare the differences between the two groups before and after intervention. In This study, the mean time for completing the Timed Up and Go Test in single and dual tasks and mean cognitive responses, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Considering that many activities in daily life are dual tasks, these difficulties they experience in performing dual tasks show that children’s daily lives are also affected. Therefore, dual task evaluations are very important for individuals to be independent in daily life.

Variability of Morphological Characters of the Genus Alburnoides (Pisces, Leuciscidae) from Watercourses in Southern Russia

The variability of the morphological characters of the genus Alburnoides Jeitteles, 1861 from watercourses in the south of Russia (five rivers of the Crimean Peninsula and two rivers of the Krasnodar Territory) is considered. It has been established that in spirlins within the study areas, body sizes average from 60.1 ± 1.45 mm in individuals from the river Gostagayka (Krasnodar region) up to 88.2 ± 1.87 mm in fish from the river Angara (Crimean Peninsula). Using the Mann–Whitney test, statistically significant differences were registered between the samples in most plastic characters; they were absent in meristic characters. In the studied regions, heterogeneity in the structure of the genus Alburnoides was noted: according to the results of cluster analysis for the totality of all studied characters, the greatest similarity was found in samples from Crimean rivers that are geographically close to each other (rivers Chernaya, Belbek, Kacha and Alma), but group from the river Angara adjoins them at a higher level of divergence. A separate group is formed by samples from the rivers of the Krasnodar Territory. The obtained data are consistent with the literary information on the formation of the ichthyofauna in the rivers of Crimea; the established clear differences between the charaters from the rivers of southern Russia require a more detailed study.

Chromatic Adaption of Two Universal Composites: Spectrophotometric Analysis

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chromatic adaptability and color stability of two different composite resins, Omnichroma and Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow, in Class V restorations at different times. Materials and methods: Standardized Class V cavities were prepared on the labial surface of 34 extracted intact and noncarious human permanent molars. The dental elements were randomly divided into two groups according to the resin composite material. Group 1 was restored with Omnichroma (Tokuyama Dental Corporation Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and Group 2 was restored with Estelite BulkFill Flow Universal (Tokuyama Dental Corporation Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Color properties were assessed using a spectrophotometer, SpectroShadeTM Micro (MHT Optic Research, Niederhasli, Switzerland), at baseline (T0), immediately after Class V restoration (T1), 24 h after restoration (T2) and after thermocycling (T3) (ISO/TS 11405, 2015 protocol). Color difference (ΔE) was analyzed with a Student’s t-test and a Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test to evaluate the differences, in terms of chromatic adaptability, between the two materials (inter-group analysis) while Kruskal–Wallis test e Two-way ANOVA statistical tests were used to evaluate the color stability of each material over time (intra-group analysis). Results: Regarding the inter-group analysis, there were no statistically significant differences between the two materials in all the comparisons: T0–T1 (p = 0.9025), T0–T2 (p = 0.2779), T0–T3 (p = 0.4694). Moreover, both groups showed an average ΔE &gt; 2. In the intra-group analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed in either Group 1 (p = 0.954) or Group 2 (p = 0.8654). Conclusions: The in vitro color matching, assessed by spectrophotometry, of the two tested resin composites does not vary at different time intervals. Furthermore, even though both composites use different mechanisms to produce the color the human eye perceives, they show very similar chromatic adaptability.

Cross-sectional Assessment of Body Image Perception, Image Satisfaction, Body Image Discrepancy and Dietary Habits in Medical Students of Ujjain

Background: Being judgmental about self-body image and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with one’s own body is a natural phenomenon. If perceived incorrectly can lead to dissatisfaction and negative social, emotional, psychological and physical consequences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned and the data was collected with the help of a semi-structured proforma. Body image perception, image satisfaction, and associated dietary modification were inquired about, and Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Image Discrepancy Score (BIDS) were calculated. The body image perception of participants was collected with the help of the Figure Rating Scale (FRS). Results: χ2 test, kappa statistics, Mann–Whitney test, multinominal regression, and Z-standardization were applied. Few 10% of participants perceived themselves as underweight, 48% as normal weight and 42% as overweight or obese. About 48%, 19%, and 33% of participants were satisfied, neutral and dissatisfied respectively by their perceived body image, and 43% of the participants had modified their diet. A statistically significant association was found between body image perception, image satisfaction, body image discrepancy and gender. Conclusion: There was a huge disagreement between perceived and actual body image. Overestimation and underestimation of body image were common in males and females respectively. Misperception of body image might lead to unnecessary dietary modifications resulting in malnutrition and somatoform disorders.

Comparison of discussion-based and simulation-based learning methods using the Gas Man® on knowledge of the uptake and distribution of inhalation anesthetics of anesthesia resident: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background and Aims: Inhalation anesthetics is basic knowledge that must be mastered by an anesthesiologist. Lack of competencies can result in higher morbidity and mortality in anesthesiology practice. Various learning methods were developed to improve understanding and retention. With the advancement of technology, the utilization of screen-based simulation (SBS) using applications is common, such as the Gas Man® application, to help students understand physiology, pathophysiology, and kinetic inhalation anesthetic agents. The primary objective of this study was to compare the knowledge improvement of anesthesia residents between the simulation-based and discussion-based learning methods on the uptake and distribution of anesthetic inhalation. The secondary objective was to compare the satisfaction levels of participants in both learning methods. Material and Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial involving anesthesiology and intensive care residents from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (FKUI) 2022–2023. The participants were randomized into two groups (simulation and discussion groups). A senior attending anesthesiologist led the discussion. The participants answered a pretest, followed by a 1-hour lecture about inhalation gas. Lastly, participants answered a posttest and filled in the satisfaction survey. Statistical analyses used the Mann–Whitney test to compare the two groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the knowledge improvement between the two groups. Results: Thirty-eight residents underwent simulation-based (n = 19) and discussion-based (n = 19) learning methods. The simulation group demonstrated a median (interquartile range) posttest score of 80 (76.67–83.33) compared with the discussion group with a score of 50 (40–66.67) (P value &lt;0.05). More than half of the participants in both groups answered “satisfied.” Conclusion: The simulation-based learning method using the Gas Man® application performed better than the discussion-based learning method on increasing knowledge of the uptake and distribution of inhalation anesthetics in anesthesia residents. Key Message: Simulation-based learning method may improve understanding and retention. This study supported the conclusion that the simulation-based learning method with Gas Man is better than the discussion-based learning method for improving knowledge of the uptake and distribution of inhalation anesthetics.