Whitney U-test Research Articles

Study of the diagnostic and prognostic value of parameters of cytokine profile, oxidative stress and cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with tick-borne infections

Objective: is to assess parameters of cytokine profile, and some biomarkers of hemogram, cytogenetic damage, and oxidative stress to determine their associations with clinical symptoms and identify early prognostic factors for tick-borne encephalitis febrile form compared with Lyme borreliosis non-erythemal form at the onset of the disease.Materials and methods. In 25 patients with febrile tickborne encephalitis (mean age: 49.51 years), 24 patients with Lyme borreliosis non-erythemal form (mean age: 46.70 years) and 14 healthy donors (mean age: 47.20 years), the following parameters were analyzed: hemogram, blood leukocyte indices, cytokine profile, the levels of micronucleated T-lymphocytes, malondialdehyde and total immunoglobulin (Ig) G. For statistical analysis, the Mann–Whitney U-test, Pearson’s goodness-of-fit test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and ROC assay with AUC assessment were used.Results. In the tick-borne encephalitis patient group compared to the controls, the following parameters were increased: neutrophil count, blood leukocyte indices, the levels of micronucleated T-lymphocytes, malondialdehyde and proinflammatory cytokines in the blood, which directly correlated with maximal pyrexia levels. Prognostic value for early preliminary diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis compared with borreliosis showed the following blood parameters: increases in neutrophil count and the levels of micronucleated T-cells, neutrophils to monocytes ratio, neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio, concentrations of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukins (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α/IL-4 ratio as well as decreases in the levels of IL-4 and total serum IgG. The parameters showed from average to excellent predictive ability as well as high positive and negative predictive values.Conclusion. In patients with tick-borne encephalitis, we detected correlations between the pyrexia levels and the biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cytogenetic damage as well as it were found some differences in these parameters from the group of borreliosis patients, which probably had prognostic significance.

Utilizing neurodegenerative markers for the diagnostic evaluation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons. A definitive diagnostic test or biomarker for ALS is currently unavailable, leading to a diagnostic delay following the onset of initial symptoms. Our study focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of clusterin, tau protein, phosphorylated tau protein, and beta-amyloid1–42 in ALS patients and a control group.MethodsOur study involved 54 ALS patients and 58 control subjects. Among the ALS patients, 14 presented with bulbar-onset ALS, and 40 with limb-onset ALS. We quantified biomarker levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared the results using the Mann–Whitney U-test.ResultsSignificant elevations in neurodegenerative markers, including tau protein (p < 0.0001), phosphorylated tau protein (p < 0.0001), and clusterin (p = 0.038), were observed in ALS patients compared to controls. Elevated levels of tau protein and phosphorylated tau protein were also noted in both bulbar and limb-onset ALS patients. However, no significant difference was observed for beta-amyloid1–42. ROC analysis identified tau protein (AUC = 0.767) and p-tau protein (AUC = 0.719) as statistically significant predictors for ALS.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that neurodegenerative marker levels indicate an ongoing neurodegenerative process in ALS. Nonetheless, the progression of ALS cannot be predicted solely based on these markers. The discovery of a specific biomarker could potentially complement existing diagnostic criteria for ALS.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF TYPES OF AGGRESSION WITH THE MECHANISMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENSE IN YOUNG MEN

. The article presents the results of a study of the correlation of psychological defense mechanisms with types of aggression in male 1st year students. The Bass – Darkey questionnaire helped to determine aggressiveness. The Plutchek – Kellerman – Conte Life Style Index (LSI) questionnaire was used to study psychological defenses. In the process of data processing, the statistical package “SSPS Statistics 20” was used. Each type of psychological defense was ranked into three groups (low, medium and high), and the relationship between ranks and types of aggression was analyzed with the use of the nonparametric Kraskel – Wallis criterion. The result of the study (the Mann – Whitney U-test) showed that the higher the level of a certain psychological defense, the higher the severity of a particular type of aggression.

Implications of Transport Poverty and Social Exclusion in Lagos State Transportation System

The link between transportation and social inclusion is well-established. Poor access to transportation services makes goods and services inaccessible, further marginalizing those who do not own motor vehicles. Sociologists look at social exclusion from these dimensions - poverty, inequality, lack of decent and accessible public services, inadequate public transport, the welfare and benefits system, and lack of good housing. These inequalities existed in our transportation system before the introduction of new technologies and business models, and they are exacerbated by present-day social disadvantages. This study examined the transport poverty metrics and housing quality index in some selected parts of Lagos Nigeria. The sample for the study was taken from six (6) locations with four hundred and eighty (480) questionnaires i.e., eighty (80) for each location. There were one hundred and sixty-eight (168) female respondents and three hundred and twelve (312) male respondents with four stated objectives and data for the study was collected through questionnaires. The research hypothesis and questions were tested using the Mann Whitney-U Test Analysis and Analysis of Variance ANOVA to compare differences between the Suburban neighborhood group and the Central neighborhood group. The findings show that households in the Central neighborhood group tend to live closer to convenient transportation options and don't have to drive/travel far to obtain basic services like hospitals, grocery stores, and places of work, but they pay higher housing rentage even when the transport externalities are minimal while the Suburban neighborhood group spend an average of more than 34.7% of their income on transportation and tend to travel farther and lack access to good transportation alternatives. However, one of the recommendations is that waterways transportation around the Suburban group must be revamped with realistic fares to attract people and reduce stress on road transport.

A cross-sectional study of association between peak expiratory flow rate and anthropometric obesity parameters in young Indian adult males

Background: Obesity increases the risk of and modifies the severity of various pulmonary illnesses. There is a variation in the published literature regarding the association between peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and anthropometric obesity parameters, particularly in young adult males. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objectives of the study are to determine the impact of general obesity and abdominal obesity markers on PEFR in young adult males with and without obesity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 140 healthy young Indian adult males in the age group of 18–25 years. Participants were divided into two groups: The study group (n = 70; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and the control group (n = 70; BMI: 18.5–22.9 kg/m2), based on the Asia–Pacific body mass index (BMI) classification. Weight and BMI were considered measures of general (overall or relative) obesity. For abdominal (central) obesity, hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. PEFR was recorded with the Mini-Wright’s peak flow meter, and the best of three readings was considered. Statistical analysis was done with the Mann–Whitney U-test and Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient; P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The PEFR value did not show any significant difference between the study groups, while a significant negative correlation was observed in the study (obese) group between BMI and PEFR. Conclusion: BMI can be a better obesity marker to evaluate pulmonary disorders with PEFR and should be included in prediction equations for PEFR in young Indian adult males.

Screening of anti-ulcer activity of Emblica officinalis fruit extract on NSAID-induced peptic ulcer model in albino rats

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a prevalent health concern. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, prostaglandin analogs, etc., are available as anti-ulcer agents, they have their own limitations. The clinical assessment of these medications revealed adverse effects, relapse frequency, and tolerance development, raising doubts about their effectiveness. Thus, there is a need to search for newer synthetic and herbal formulations that have fewer side effects and improved efficacy. Emblica officinalis (EO) or amla has shown to have antioxidant and antisecretory properties; hence, it was chosen for the study. Aims and Objectives: (1) The aim of this study was to screen the anti-ulcer activity of EO aqueous fruit extract in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced peptic ulcer models of albino rats and (2) to compare the anti-ulcer effect of EO aqueous fruit extract with the standard drug omeprazole. Materials and Methods: Four groups comprising six albino rats each were formed. Group 1 (the control) received distilled water, followed by indomethacin 25 mg/kg orally. Group 2 (standard) received omeprazole 10 mg/kg, followed by indomethacin 25 mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 received the aqueous extract of EO in 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses, respectively, followed by indomethacin at 25 mg/kg. After 1 h of indomethacin administration, the stomach was examined for ulceration. The severity score was determined to calculate the ulcer index (UI) and percentage inhibition. The results were analyzed statistically using the Mann–Whitney U-test (SPSS software version 22). Results: In the screening model mentioned above, the test agent at dosages of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant decrease in total severity score, UI, and percentage inhibition as compared to the control group. The comparison of the results of the standard drug omeprazole with those of the test groups was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The gastroprotective activity of amla (EO) may be due to its antioxidant and antisecretory properties. This study proves the gastroprotective action of EO.

Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction Measured as Reduced Heart Rate Variability, in the Intermediate Post-Covid State in Men

Abstract Background: A critical illness such as severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) activates autonomic, endocrine, and emotional stress responses. Whether the manifestations of excessive stress experience persist beyond full recovery into the intermediate post-COVID period (3–6 months after recovery) is not known and was the question we addressed in the current study. Methods: An analytical observational cross-sectional study compared the heart rate variability (HRV), 8 AM serum cortisol concentration, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21) scores between COVID-19 recovered participants and their age-matched control subjects (21 male participants, 30–70 years of age, in each group). Results: The median (Q1–Q3) of low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and total powers of HRV was significantly reduced in those who recovered from severe COVID-19, compared to control subjects (respectively LF power: 410.871 [245.10–861.94], 947.57 [536.11–1778.55], P = 0.011; HF power: 192.916 [87.66–564.43], 705.18 [248.67–1192.19] P = 0.013; Total power: 646.33 [308.72–1518.28], 1613.33 [956.14–4022.55] P = 0.015, Mann–Whitney U-test). Serum cortisol and DASS-21 scores were not different from the control group. Conclusions: Impaired cardiac autonomic function, evidenced by reduced HRV, was observed in the intermediate period following recovery from severe COVID-19. However, psychological stress and elevated serum cortisol were not noted. Our result that exposes the effect of COVID-19 on cardiac autonomic responsiveness is important as diminished HRV increases the vulnerability of COVID-19 survivors to diseases. These findings may also suggest a focus of therapy in them, as specific interventions are known to improve HRV and cardiac autonomic functioning.

Dietary Pattern, Physical, and Behavioral Trends in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Context: Dietary intake and physical activity play a significant role in improving health parameters such as enhancing mood, strengthening visceral organ functions, and reducing the progression of chronic diseases. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine and metabolic condition that concerns women of reproductive age presenting hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Aims: This study aimed to assess the quality of life and dietary patterns in women with and without PCOS, which may assist in identifying the possible factors linked to PCOS. Settings and Design: The cross-sectional study was conducted Central Research Laboratory, K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, KSHEMA-IVF Unit and Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Justice K. S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Mangalore. Methods: With the sample size of 45 (23 women with PCOS diagnosed based on Rotterdam criteria and 20 women as healthy control aged between 18 and 40 years), we investigated the sociodemographic dietary intake, quality of life, sleep, and physical activity using a semi-validated questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Obtained data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test with P &lt; 0.05. Results: The results indicate that total energy, carbohydrate, protein, and total dietary fiber, including soluble dietary fiber intake, was significantly lower in women with PCOS than the healthy group. No clear relation was identified between lifestyle and PCOS indices. Conclusions: The present study suggests dietary intake and associated nutrient patterns may indeed play an imperative role in the management of PCOS symptoms, but physical activity and quality of life may need further investigation.

Impact of combined Russian current and threshold PEP on dyspnoea and functional capacity in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionExpiratory muscle weakness and dyspnoea are common in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and negatively affect their exercise capacity. We aimed to highlight the combined effect of Russian current and a threshold positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device on expiratory muscle strength, dyspnoea, and functional capacity in patients with COPD.MethodsA total of 60 males with COPD were involved in this controlled randomised trial (age ranged 55–65 years and median body mass index [BMI] was 28.68–25.96) and randomly assigned into two equal groups (30 for each), to receive combined Russian current and PEP device (study group) or PEP device only (control group), for three sessions per week over a ten-week period. Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), dyspnoea (modified Borg scale – MBS), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test) were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement in all measured variables (MEP, MBS, and 6-minute walk test) in either the study group or the control group according to Wilcoxon’s sign rank test (all were p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively), however, the study group showed a more significant improvement compared to the control group according to the Mann–Whitney U-test (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsCombined Russian current and PEP device had a superior beneficial effect on improving dyspnoea and functional capacity by boosting the expiratory muscle strength in COPD patients, which could be implemented in their management, although further studies are needed to evaluate its maintenance effect.

Efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100000 epinephrine versus 2% lignocaine with 1:100000 epinephrine in infiltration for extraction of maxillary premolars for orthodontic correction – A prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study

Background: Unlike other amide local anesthetics (LAs), articaine has better lipid solubility and potency. Very few studies have been done on comparing articaine with other LAs as buccal infiltration among the participants requiring paired extraction of maxillary premolars but limitations of those studies include smaller sample size, lack of washout periods, and diversity in study designs. Aims and Objectives: This study compares the anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine (1:100,000 epinephrine) with 2% lidocaine (1:100,000 epinephrine) as buccal infiltration. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized double-blinded crossover study conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacology, SRIHER, Chennai. This study was done on 59 participants on an outpatient basis. The selected participants received 4% articaine or lignocaine with epinephrine (1:100000) in the mucobuccal fold at the maxillary area during their first visit and the same individual received the other local anesthetic drug on the other side in the same area during the second visit, i.e., 1 week from the date of the first visit. All the statistics were calculated using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16 version. For all primary and secondary outcomes in the study, the Mann–Whitney U-test was employed to compute the mean and standard deviation. Results: The total mean age of the participants included was 21.69. The volume of drug required was 1.578 ± 0.2760 mL for articaine and 2.2068 ± 0.0984 ml for lignocaine. The onset time was 30–45 s with articaine and 75–90 s with lignocaine. A decrease in pain scores was seen in the articaine group compared to the lignocaine group. Conclusion: This study showed better efficacy of articaine in comparison to lignocaine. Articaine may replace lignocaine in orthodontic corrections with its higher efficacy, faster action, and longer duration.

Red Cell Histograms and Spurious Parameters in Anemia – Study of Diagnostic Utility of Autoanalyzer Results

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) histograms generated by automated hematology analyzers have shown characteristic patterns useful in identifying the different red cell populations and give diagnostic clues. Although the analyzer results are precise, spurious results have been reported owing to preanalytical and analytical variables which warrant the evaluation of validity of other parameters. AIMS: The study was meant to evaluate the diagnostic utility of red cell indices and histograms in the morphological diagnosis of anemia and to interpret the spurious values generated by autoanalyzers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken including 917 cases of anemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The histograms and the red cell indices generated by autoanalyzer Mindray CAL-6000 were studied in all cases and correlated with peripheral smear. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis was done using Mann–Whitney U-test for medians and interquartile range of numerical variables and Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Characteristic patterns were observed in histograms such as left shift, right shift, and bimodal peaks in microcytic hypochromic anemia, macrocytic anemia, and dimorphic anemia, respectively. Spurious parameters in the study comprised high red cell indices, low RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit mismatch in cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Spuriously high mean corpuscular volume was associated with reticulocytosis. In vitro hemolysis was identified by factitious thrombocytosis with abnormal platelet and RBC histograms. CONCLUSION: Histograms when combined with red cell indices are of practical utility in differentiating the various morphologic types of anemia and are speculative in alerting the hematologists about the spurious parameters, forming an indispensable diagnostic tool.

Ab. No. 133 Effect of 12-Week Neuromuscular Exercise Program on Hip, Knee, Ankle Joint Proprioception and Risk of Falls in Patients With Total Knee Replacement With and Without Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The purpose is to study the effect of 12-week neuromuscular exercise program (NEP) on hip, knee and ankle joint proprioception (JP) and risk of falls in patients with total knee replacement (TKR) with and without type II diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Forty patients with TKR with DM (n=20) and without DM (n=20) between 45-80 years of age at moderate protection phase were included using convenient sampling. The study commenced after ethical approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. Outcome measures assessed at baseline and post 4-weeks of intervention were JP, muscle strength, range of motion and risk of falls. After the baseline assessment patients were taught the NEP. SPSS (version 24) Shapiro–Wilk test was used to analyse normality. Paired t-test was used for data which was normally distributed and Mann Whitney-U test was used for data which did not follow normal distribution. Effect size was used to compare the effect of NEP in both the groups. Results: Significant improvement was observed in JP angles of hip flexion, hip abduction and knee flexion after 4-weeks of NEP in patients with TKR without DM(p=0.00) and with DM (p&lt; 0.05). Significant difference was found in risk of falls in patients with TKR with DM(p=0.00) and without DM(p=0.00). Conclusions: Significant improvement was reported in JP angles of hip flexion, hip abduction and knee flexion in both the groups, post intervention. Risk of falls reduced in both the groups, post intervention. There was no significant change in JP of hip, knee and ankle joint of the operated side when compared to non-operated side in patients with TKR with and without DM. Implications: NEP can be used in TKR patients with and without DM, and it can be used as a part of post-operative rehabilitation after TKR.

Comparison of Anesthetic Efficacy between 2% Lignocaine and 2% Mepivacaine in Inferior Alveolar Nerve Blocks during Extractions and Pulpotomies of Primary Molars in Children

ABSTRACT Context: There are few studies reported in children comparing local anesthetic agents for their efficacy during extraction and pulpotomy procedures, as well as how they affect the patient’s comfort, pain management, and postoperative outcomes. The current study was planned to assess the local anesthetic effectiveness of 2% lignocaine and 2% mepivacaine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) during pediatric primary molar extractions and pulpotomies. Subjects and Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was carried out among 60 healthy children between the ages of 6 and 12 years who needed pulpotomies or tooth extractions of their mandibular primary molars. Traditional IANBs were performed either using 2% lignocaine or 2% mepivacaine, both with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The efficacy of local anesthesia was determined by an independent, trained operator after the procedures of local anesthesia, pulpotomy, and extraction. The pain experienced and the behavior of the child were recorded. The parameters, such as the onset and duration of anesthesia, between the groups were compared using an unpaired t-test. The pain rating by the child and the behavior rating by the operator were analyzed by an independent t-test and a Mann–Whitney U-test, respectively. The associated discomfort due to local anesthesia among groups was analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient test. A value of P &lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The onset of anesthesia was significantly earlier for the lignocaine group (104.93 s) than the mepivacaine group (138.13 s) while performing pulpotomy (P &lt; 0.001) and extraction (P &lt; 0.001) procedures. The duration of action of lignocaine (173.06 min) was longer than that of mepivacaine (139.96 min). However, this comparison was statistically significant only for the extraction group (P = 0.015) but not for the pulpotomy group (P = 0.057). There was no statistically significant difference in the pain rating, their behavior, or the incidence of self-inflicted injury or discomfort between the anesthetic groups. Conclusions: The time taken for the onset of soft-tissue anesthesia was significantly shorter, and its duration was longer for 2% lignocaine when compared to 2% mepivacaine, when both the agents were given along with 1:100,000 adrenaline. Both agents were similarly effective for pulpotomy and extraction of primary molar teeth with respect to pain control and the behavior displayed by the child, which resulted in similar minor postoperative complications.

Assessment of patient satisfaction level with orthodontic treatment in private orthodontic practice: A questionnaire survey

Abstract Context: Patient satisfaction gives important insight into the patient’s expectations and perceptions of the quality of service. There have not been many studies done in Nepal on the evaluation of orthodontic treatment satisfaction after it has been completed. Aims: The goal of this study was to analyze patient satisfaction after orthodontic treatment was completed. Settings and Design: In Private Dental Clinics in Kathmandu, Nepal, 115 patients who had finished their orthodontic treatment within a year of the research’s inception were the subjects of this descriptive cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: The patient was called over the phone for a follow-up examination. At the time of follow-up, the data was collected from them by a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: The degree of satisfaction was measured using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, and the Likert 5-point scale. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the levels of satisfaction between males and females, as well as across age groups (15–25 years) and those beyond 25 years after orthodontic treatment had finished. Results: The degree of satisfaction of patients was excellent regarding the behavior of the orthodontist. In terms of patient satisfaction, there was no discernible difference between patients of either gender. The degree of satisfaction with the orthodontist’s behavior varied significantly across patients in the age groups of 15–25 years and those above 25 years. Conclusion: The level of patient satisfaction following the completion of orthodontic treatment will aid in service improvement, planning, and organization, leading to high-quality care.

Comparison of symposium versus didactic lecture in learning physiology topics among 1st-year MBBS students

Background: The new competency-based medical education represents a paradigm shift from a teacher-centered to student-centered learning. Symposium ensures the active participation of students as compared to didactic lectures (DL). It is necessary to introduce methods that encourage the active participation of students. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to compare the effectiveness of symposium and DL as teaching methods among 1st-year MBBS students and to evaluate the feedback regarding the teaching methods from students. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 100 1st-year MBBS students to evaluate the effectiveness of symposium and DL as teaching methods in physiology. Six relevant topics in physiology were chosen. A pre-test in the form of MCQ was used to assess knowledge regarding the topic. Students were divided into groups “A “and “B” based on their roll numbers. Group “A” attended the symposium, while the group “B” students attended DL. At the end of the session, the same questionnaire was provided to all students (post-test) to assess the knowledge gained. The groups crossed over after three topics. Feedback was taken from students at the end of six sessions. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 software. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to test the statistical significance of the difference in the mean of different tests from baseline to post-test findings, and a Mann–Whitney U-test was used for comparing the feedback score between two teaching methods. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the post-test scores in the symposium group in three topics. On evaluating the feedback form, 93.2% of students opined that symposium-based learning was more interesting. Also, 54.1% of students preferred symposium over DL. Conclusion: Symposium is an effective learning method that improves students’ learning outcomes in physiology.

Case-based lectures - An innovative methodology of teaching-learning: A study to evaluate its impact on students

Background: Case-based learning (CBL) is a part of competency-based medical education and is an innovative methodology that starts with a well-structured case-based problem and compels students to approach its diagnosis and treatment by correlating theory and practice. It is a newer approach to making a medical competent professional doctor. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted among 2nd-year undergraduates to promote case-based lectures and to analyze the effectiveness of CBL and the perception of students toward CBL in comparison with traditional lectures. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 students who enrolled in the study were randomized into two Batches A and B. Batch A was exposed to a case-based session on anti-parkinsonism drugs and Batch B was delivered the same lecture in a conventional pattern. At the end of the lecture, students of both batches were asked to attempt a post-test and to fill out a feedback questionnaire. Post-test scores of both the test groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test. The perception of students was analyzed using the feedback questionnaire. Results: The performance of students who attended case-based lectures was better than those who attended conventional lectures. A statistically significant and better performance of Batch A was observed in critical thinking-based questionnaires as compared to Batch B. Feedback on students’ perception shows that CBL enhanced their interest and motivation for learning, and improved their critical thinking and analytical skills. Conclusion: Positive results of the study indicate that CBL should be implemented in the teaching concepts of pharmacology. A combination of both conventional lectures and CBL can serve as an effective educational tool. Certain challenges associated with the implementation of CBL should be addressed properly.

Role of Personality Traits in Adherence to COVID 19 Precautions among Outpatient Department Patients in Tertiary Care Dental Hospital in Delhi – A Cross sectional Study

Background: Due to the high transmissibility of COVID-19, the government has implemented certain precautionary measures aimed at flattening the curve of infection and limiting the spread of the disease. Personality traits of an individual have been found as one of the main determinants that might affect adherence to preventive personal practices. Aim: This study aimed to assess the role of personality traits in adherence to COVID-19 precautions among the patients attending outpatient department (OPD) in a tertiary care dental hospital in Delhi. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 400 participants aged 15–70 years attending the OPD of a public sector tertiary care dental hospital in New Delhi. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to collect the data for 2 months’ period. A self-administered validated questionnaire was used to record demographic variables, COVID-19-related status, personality traits (using 20-item Mini-International Personality Item Pool), and self-reported adherence to COVID-19 precautions. The association between personality traits with precautionary behaviors and demographic factors was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman correlation. Results: Of the 400 participants, 193 were male and 207 female. Participants belonging to the 20–34 years of age group (44.3%), high income (&lt;99,931 INR, 51.3%), and professionals-semiprofessional’s occupation (9%) were more adherent to COVID-19 precautions. A significant association was found between personality traits with education status (agreeableness, P = 0.017 and imaginative, P = 0.007) and gender (neuroticism, P = 0.03). Regarding the potential influence of Big Five personality traits, only conscientiousness shows a statistically significant association with adherence to COVID-19 precautions (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded that only personality factors such as conscientiousness and demographic variables such as age, income, and occupation are directly associated with greater adherence to COVID-19 precautions.

Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Zenith Position in Maxillary Incisors in Males and Females of Uttarakhand Population

Abstract Introduction: The entire appearance of face can be virtually transformed in an instant with a smile makeover. One of the most important parameters of clinical importance for gingival morphology is the gingival zenith. Therefore, the aim of the study was the evaluation and establishment of the gingival zenith position (GZP) from the vertical bisecting midline (VBM) axis of each maxillary incisor and the influence of gender on these parameters under healthy conditions. Materials and Methods: Frontal intraoral photographs of 200 young individuals (100 males and 100 females) 14–17 years old with healthy gingiva were randomly selected from Uttarakhand population. Their intraoral soft-tissue landmarks were digitized for standardization using Digimizer Image Analysis (6.3.0). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (22.0.0). We used descriptive statistics to find the mean GZPs. Comparison of mean GZP between males and females was done using Mann–Whitney U-test and comparison of GZP of different tooth types was done employing the Chi-squared test. Significance fixed at P &lt; 0.005. Results: For central incisors, mean GZP was 0.77 ± 0.39 mm for males and 0.91 ± 0.42 mm for females, for lateral incisors, 0.48 ± 0.25 mm for males and 0.54 ± 0.31 mm for females. No statistically significant differences were seen between the mean GZP of left central and left and right lateral incisors in male and female populations (P &gt; 0.005). However, statistically significant differences were seen in the mean GZP of right central incisors between males and females (P &lt; 0.005). The mean GZP distance of right central incisors in females was more statistically significant than in males.

Dermoscopic Findings and Assessment of Treatment Response in Patients with Tinea Incognito: A Pilot Study.

Tinea incognito presents with atypical, widespread, and recurrent lesions. Dermoscopy can aid its rapid diagnosis. This study aimed at assessing dermoscopic features and response to treatment in patients with tinea incognito. An evaluation of 62 patients with tinea of glabrous skin (Group A (cases)-31 steroid modified and Group B (controls)-31 treatment naïve) was done. Clinical, dermoscopic, and mycological evaluations were done for both groups at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks of terbinafine therapy. Clinical severity (Clinical Assessment Severity Score (CASS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) and frequency of various dermoscopic changes were compared at 0 and 4 weeks between cases and controls, using unpaired Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Baseline dermoscopic features for both groups were significantly different with respect to frequency of broken hair, bent hair, micropustules and Morse code hair. Earliest feature to resolve with treatment was micropustules at 2 weeks. Significant reduction in frequency of morphologically altered hair was evident at 4 weeks. Telangiectasia, dotted vessels, I-hair, and broken hair persisted for a longer period of time. Terbinafine for 4 weeks was an effective treatment, producing complete cure in 73% of cases and 93% of controls. Persistent dermoscopic changes at 2 weeks were found to be associated with treatment failure at 4 weeks, highlighting the role of dermoscopy in identifying patients requiring prolonged treatment. Dermoscopy can be used as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for tinea of glabrous skin.

Developing Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix by Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Biomechanical Property Testing

ABSTRACT Introduction: An alternative for supporting wound closure is acellular dermal matrix (ADM), which serves as a scaffold. Humans and porcine possess a similar biochemical makeup. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a decellularization technique was developed and its biomechanical properties were assessed. Methods: This work uses a pig dermis layer for an in vitro experimental investigation with a posttest-only control group. Using SDS 0.5% for 14 days, the decellularization procedure compares the biomechanical properties and cellular components of the ADM with control. The Mann–Whitney U-test for data with a nonnormal distribution or the t-test for continuous variables with a normal distribution was used for the study. Results: Histological analysis revealed that none of the cells were detected in four fields of analysis in the treatment group; however, 48.00 ± 4.86 cells were observed in the control group (P &lt; 0.001); the collagen organization in the control group appeared to be identical. The variables elastic modulus (MPa) (136.78 vs. 129.19; P = 0.556), thickness (mm) (3.27 vs. 3.15; P = 0.397), and width (mm) (8.50 vs. 8.56; P = 0.40) did not differ statistically. The following data showed significant differences between the treatment group and the control group: break strain (%) (108.46 vs. 67.48; P &lt; 0.001) and tensile strength stress (MPa) (19.916 vs. 22.1; P = 0.030). Conclusions: SDS decellularization is an efficient method for creating an ADM. Although the break strain was considerably lower, the treatment group’s tensile strength was higher. Elastic modulus changes were not observed.