Wilcoxon Test Research Articles

Effect of a ceruminolytic ear cleaner on clinical, microbiological and ear canal microbiome evolution in canine erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa associated with proliferation of Malassezia yeasts.

Erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa (ECOE) is commonly associated with Malassezia spp. and microbial imbalance. To assess the clinical performance of an ear cleaner in dogs suffering from ECOE associated with Malassezia spp. overgrowth and to measure its impact on the microbiota. Thirty privately owned dogs suffering from mild-to-moderate ECOE associated with Malassezia spp. overgrowth. Pruritus score (PS), clinical score (0-3 Otitis Index Score [OTIS3]: based on secretions, erythema, hyperplasia and ulceration) and cytological score (CS) were assessed on Day (D)0, D7, and D14. Sterile ear swabs were used on D0 and D14 to perform fungal culture DNA extraction, and PCR amplification of the 18 ITS and 16S rRNA gene was carried out to evaluate the composition and changes of the otic microbiome. Ears were cleaned with a cerumenolytic ear cleanser daily, every other day, or twice a week depending on the secretion score. Fifty-seven ears (30 dogs) completed the study. PS, OTIS-3, and CS were significantly decreased at D7 and D14 (-45%, -43%, -60% and -77%, -66%, -76%, respectively; p < 0.0001 Wilcoxon test). Fungal culture was positive (Malassezia spp.) in only 34 ears at D0 and was negative in all ears at D14. Mycobiota composition was significantly different before and after treatment with an increase of fungal diversity (Shannon index; p < 0.003 Wilcoxon test) at D14 compared to D0. There was no change in bacterial composition. In case of ECOE associated with Malassezia spp. overgrowth, the use of the tested ear cleaner showed a positive impact on the fungal dysbiosis and Malassezia spp. overgrowth.

Effectiveness of locally developed Web-based virtual reality training applications for dementia awareness: a comparative study in Singapore

Purpose With technological advancements, online delivery methods for dementia education are increasingly adopted. Currently, the use of Web-based virtual reality (VR) is understudied. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of locally developed Web-based VR in improving dementia attitudes, knowledge and empathy as compared to video clips in the context of virtual dementia education in Singapore. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method, quasi-experimental, pre-post control group design was used. Participants (n = 49) were streamed into two groups and received dementia education through virtual workshops with Web-based VR and multimedia video clips. Quantitative data were obtained from absolute and difference (i.e. amount of change from pre to post) scores from Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U test were performed for data analysis. Qualitative data were obtained from semi-structured interviews. Findings Data analyses revealed statistical significance in the absolute scores of DKAS and DAS in both groups post-intervention, but not in their difference scores. Qualitative findings supported that using a combination of learning media would maximise learning outcomes. Research limitations/implications Dementia education delivered through virtual training is effective. However, it was inconclusive whether Web-based VR was more effective than the use of videos. Practical implications Considering the advantages of both Web-based VR and multimedia video clips in dementia education, a subjectivist approach may be adopted to potentially enhance learning. This meant that consideration of learning style should take precedence to achieve the best learning outcomes, which can manifest as increased motivation, attainment of learning goals and feelings of empowerment towards own learning. In dementia education, this could be facilitated by having the element of autonomy in letting learners choose a learning method they are best suited to, amid the different types of activities and instructional materials to supplement learning. A multi-modal approach should be adopted to meet the heterogeneous learning needs of learners in dementia education. Originality/value This study investigated the use of an innovative approach to deliver education regarding dementia.

Score assessment and treatment in patients presenting with low anterior resection syndrome after sphincter-sparing rectal cancer surgery.

Sphincter-sparing low anterior resection (SSLAR) with neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy has been developed to avoid abdomino-perineal amputation and permanent colostomy in patients with low rectal cancer. However, many patients develop symptoms known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), including fecal urgency, incontinence, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation. The Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS Score), a validated tool developed by Emmertsen and Laurberg, is used to assess symptom severity and guide treatment. We present a single-center cohort study including patients having undergone SSLAR for rectal cancer between 2014 and 2021 at Fribourg Cantonal Hospital. Initial LARS-scores were obtained by completion of the QoL questionnaire. Patients with minor LARS (scores 21-29) were treated with electrostimulation and bio-feedback physiotherapy. Those with major LARS (scores > 29) were first investigated by anal manometry followed by physiotherapy. All treatments took place in 2022/2023. After treatment, LARS-scores were calculated again. Of 54 patients included in the study, 18.5% had minor LARS, 40.8% major LARS, and 40.8% had no LARS. Of all patients with LARS, 18 (56%) completed pelvic physiotherapy, whereas 14 (44%) refused the treatment. Before and after pelvic physiotherapy, the median LARS score was 32 [interquartile range 29.50-38.50] and 22.5 [18.5-28], respectively (p < 0.001 according to Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Analysis of risk factors did not reveal any significant difference in age, gender, diabetes, nicotine or alcohol use, previous abdominal surgery, tumor stage, chemo/radiotherapy, type of operation and anastomosis, or anastomotic leakage. Approximately half of patients undergoing SSLAR experience LARS, and approximately one-third develop the major form. LARS scores may significantly improve with specific physiotherapeutic measures that have therefore been introduced as a standard procedure for all SSLAR patients at our institution.

An online course to teach clinical reasoning skills: Students’ perspectives and short-term outcomes

Background Currently, clinical reasoning (CR) skills are not explicitly taught in the MBBS curriculum. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of an online CR course for final-year MBBS students. Methods This was a single-group pre- and post-test study with 57 final-year MBBS students enrolled. Six groups were formed, and one or two faculty facilitators were assigned to each group. A structured format for CR was introduced to the students, and the sessions were designed so that students could sequentially practice the steps using specifically created case scenarios. The students’ CR skills were assessed using a rubric before and after the course. Their confidence levels and perceptions about the course were also obtained. Paired T-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to assess before and after course differences in the CR abilities and confidence levels, respectively. A thematic analysis of the perceived beneficial aspects of the course and suggested improvements were also done. Results The post-course scores were significantly higher than the pre-course scores (p&lt;0.001). The confidence levels of the students for each component of the structured framework for CR showed significant improvement (p&lt;0.001). The structured format used during the course, group activities, case discussions, and the expertise of teachers and course structure were perceived as beneficial. This course could be introduced earlier in the MBBS course with a discussion of more case scenarios. Conclusions The online course improved confidence levels and CR abilities of the participants.

Evaluating the reference accuracy of large language models in radiology: a comparative study across subspecialties.

This study aimed to compare six large language models (LLMs) [Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT)o1-preview, ChatGPT-4o, ChatGPT-4o with canvas, Google Gemini 1.5 Pro, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Claude 3 Opus] in generating radiology references, assessing accuracy, fabrication, and bibliographic completeness. In this cross-sectional observational study, 120 open-ended questions were administered across eight radiology subspecialties (neuroradiology, abdominal, musculoskeletal, thoracic, pediatric, cardiac, head and neck, and interventional radiology), with 15 questions per subspecialty. Each question prompted the LLMs to provide responses containing four references with in-text citations and complete bibliographic details (authors, title, journal, publication year/month, volume, issue, page numbers, and PubMed Identifier). References were verified using Medline, Google Scholar, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and web searches. Each bibliographic element was scored for correctness, and a composite final score [(FS): 0-36] was calculated by summing the correct elements and multiplying this by a 5-point verification score for content relevance. The FS values were then categorized into a 5-point Likert scale reference accuracy score (RAS: 0 = fabricated; 4 = fully accurate). Non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Tamhane's T2, Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction) were used for statistical comparisons. Claude 3.5 Sonnet demonstrated the highest reference accuracy, with 80.8% fully accurate references (RAS 4) and a fabrication rate of 3.1%, significantly outperforming all other models (P < 0.001). Claude 3 Opus ranked second, achieving 59.6% fully accurate references and a fabrication rate of 18.3% (P < 0.001). ChatGPT-based models (ChatGPT-4o, ChatGPT-4o with canvas, and ChatGPT o1-preview) exhibited moderate accuracy, with fabrication rates ranging from 27.7% to 52.9% and <8% fully accurate references. Google Gemini 1.5 Pro had the lowest performance, achieving only 2.7% fully accurate references and the highest fabrication rate of 60.6% (P < 0.001). Reference accuracy also varied by subspecialty, with neuroradiology and cardiac radiology outperforming pediatric and head and neck radiology. Claude 3.5 Sonnet significantly outperformed all other models in generating verifiable radiology references, and Claude 3 Opus showed moderate performance. In contrast, ChatGPT models and Google Gemini 1.5 Pro delivered substantially lower accuracy with higher rates of fabricated references, highlighting current limitations in automated academic citation generation. The high accuracy of Claude 3.5 Sonnet can improve radiology literature reviews, research, and education with dependable references. The poor performance of other models, with high fabrication rates, risks misinformation in clinical and academic settings and highlights the need for refinement to ensure safe and effective use.

The effect of patellar taping combined with isometric strength training on pain, muscle strength, and functional performance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized comparative study

Background Patellar taping and quadriceps strengthening exercises are commonly used in physiotherapy to manage patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). However, previous research has reported inconsistent findings regarding quadriceps strength gains at specific knee angles during strength training in individuals with PFPS. Objectives This study investigated the efficacy of patellar taping and quadriceps isometric strength training (quadriceps-IST) at 60° knee flexion on quadriceps strength, pain, and functional performance in female patients with PFPS. Methods A two-arm, parallel-group, randomized comparative design was employed. Sixty adult females with PFPS were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 30), which received patellar taping combined with quadriceps strength training at 60°, or the control group (n = 30), which received placebo taping with the same training. Both interventions lasted six weeks. Pain intensity, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional performance were assessed using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) at 60° knee flexion, single leg triple hop (SLTH) test, and anterior knee pain scale (AKPS). For within and between groups comparison, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and a Mann–Whitney U tests was employed, with confidence interval (α) set at 95%. Results Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in NPRS and MVIC at 60° knee flexion, SLTH, and AKPS scores post-intervention (p &lt; 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed that the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in all outcomes at six weeks post-intervention. Additionally, the pre-to-post changes (i.e., mean difference scores) were larger in the experimental group compared to the control group, which confirmed the superiority of the experimental group over the control group. Conclusions The study demonstrates that patellar taping combined with quadriceps -IST at a 60° knee flexion improves pain, muscle strength, and functional performance compared to placebo taping combined with quadriceps-IST. These findings suggest that incorporating this combined approach may enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients with PFPS, providing a valuable addition to clinical practice. Trial registration This study was registered prospectively in the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS under a trial identifier NCT05168332 and last updated date 15/03/2024.

Heterogeneous Dimensional Learning Search Algorithm Guided by Interaction Effects for Gene Selection

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm called the Heterogeneous Dimensional Learning Search Algorithm guided by Interaction Effects (HDIELSA) for gene feature recognition. HDIELSA combines an interactive search strategy with a heterogeneous dimensional gain factor to boost the algorithm's diversity and search accuracy. By using dynamically adaptive control parameters during both global exploration and local exploitation phases, HDIELSA effectively enhances its global search ability and convergence speed. We conducted extensive experiments on 52 test sets (CEC 2017, CEC 2020, and CEC 2022) and compared HDIELSA with 10 original heuristic algorithms, 6 latest improved algorithms, and the original Learning Search Algorithm. The results, verified through Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Friedman tests, show that HDIELSA outperforms other optimization algorithms in terms of convergence speed and accuracy. Additionally, HDIELSA demonstrated excellent performance in evaluating 4 public microarray expression datasets. In the identification of key genes for glioma prognosis, HDIELSA achieved an accuracy of 87.2%, an AUC value of 0.927, and precision, recall, and ROC all exceeded 87%. This study not only confirms the effectiveness of the HDIELSA algorithm in selecting cancer gene features but also provides new strategies for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Self-Selected Comfortable Foot Position in Upright Standing: Correlation with Anthropometric Measurements and Comparison to Standardized Foot Position During Stabilometric Exam—An Observational Study

Foot position affects postural stability during upright standing; however, conflicting indications have been reported for the ideal foot placement during stabilometric exams. The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) the correlation between anthropometric measurements (AMs) and between-feet measurements (BFMs) in self-selected comfortable foot position (SCFP) and (2) the effect of comfortable and standardized foot position (SFP) on plantar pressure and stabilometric parameters. Stabilometry was conducted on twenty healthy subjects in terms of SCFP and SFP. Correlation between AMs and BFMs in SCFP was investigated via Pearson’s analysis. Data variability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, and statistical differences between SCFP and SFP were evaluated via the Wilcoxon test. No correlation was found between AMs and BFMs. Subjects placed their feet nearly parallel in SCFP with a wider inter-heel distance. The variability of plantar pressure parameters was greater in SFP. A lower foot contact area on the right side and higher plantar pressures in the left midfoot region (p-value &lt; 0.05) were found in SFP as compensatory foot adaptations. According to the present study, a comfortable foot position allows for the reduction in postural stability and plantar pressure parameter variability. This position may help improve statistical power when investigating statistical differences between conditions in stabilometry.

Prognostic Implications and Therapeutic Potential of MXD Genes in Gastric Cancer.

MAX dimerization (MXD) genes play integral roles in various types of tumors. The expression patterns, prognostic value, potential mechanisms, and roles in immunotherapy of MXD genes in gastric cancer (GC) remain not fully elucidated. We aimed to explore the role of MXDs in GC. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and t-test were employed to evaluate the differential expression of the MXD gene family members in GC tissues compared to non-paired normal gastric tissues. cBioPortal was utilized for examining genetic alterations within the MXD gene family. R software, specifically version 3.6.3, was used to scrutinize the expression patterns of MXD genes in GC, their correlation with clinical parameters, and to generate a correlation heat map. The survival package (v3.2-10) and the Cox regression model were implemented to evaluate the prognostic significance of the MXD gene family. The pROC package (v1.17.0.1) was applied to assess the diagnostic potential of the MXD gene family. R software (v3.6.3) was also used to explore potential regulatory networks involving members of the MXD gene family and related genes. The GSVA package (v1.34.0) was leveraged to investigate the link between the expression of the MXD gene family and immune cell infiltration. Visualization was facilitated by the ggplot2 (v3.3.3), survminer (v0.4.9), and clusterProfiler (v3.14.3) packages. Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) was employed to determine the sensitivity of the MXD gene family's expression to drugs from the GDSC database. The expression levels of MXD genes were validated across various cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). MXD1 was significantly upregulated in GC, while MXD3 and MXD4 were significantly downregulated. Significant correlations were identified between the expression levels of MXD3 and the T stage (p = 0.041) and age (p = 0.001) of GC patients. Additionally, a notable association was observed between MXD4 expression and the histologic grade (p = 0.006) in GC patients. Low MXD3 expression was associated with a poor prognosis in GC. Low MXD3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes in GC patients. MXD3 demonstrated some accuracy in predicting tumor and normal tissue outcomes (AUC = 0.884). MXDs mediate gastric carcinogenesis and progression by regulating immune cells and pathways, including endocytosis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The expression of the MXD gene family was associated with immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity. MXD3 and MXD4 expression levels were significantly downregulated in GC cell lines, while MXD1 expression was significantly upregulated. The MXD gene family may serve as novel biomarkers of poor prognosis and as potential immunotherapeutic targets for GC.

A quasiexperimental study of assessing the impact of stress management program on health science students at Kuwait University

The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of a stress management program among students at the Health Science Center (HSC), Kuwait University. This study utilized a quasiexperimental research design in which the participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) the control group or (2) the experimental (intervention) group. The participants received a comprehensive educational seminar relevant to stress management (i.e., a presentation, written hand-outs and a structured home program). The program addressed nine topics pertaining to stress management strategies: breathing and imagery techniques; self-care routines; planning for success; meditation strategies; monitoring mechanisms for coping; seeking help for mental health, exercise and health; cognitive behavioral therapy tips (CBTs); and psychoeducation. The demographic data along with using two validated tools were collected through online google form; the validated tools were: (1) the Perceived Stress Scale and (2) the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Nonparametric tests, including Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Kruskal‒Wallis tests, were used to investigate statistically significant differences between the median scores of the control and intervention groups (p values < 0.05). Ninety-eight participants participated in the stress management program (56 participants in the intervention group and 42 in the control group). There was a significant improvement in stress and depression in the intervention group compared with the control group (p values < 0.05). With respect to the value of the stress management program, additional online postintervention survey questions were filled out by the intervention group; 82.1% (n = 46) of the intervention group agreed that the stress management program was useful, and 89.3% (n = 50) agreed that they would recommend that other students utilize this program regularly in the future. In conclusion, in this study, we developed, implemented, and evaluated the effects of a stress management program among HSC students. The program improved HSC students’ mental health while reducing their depression and stress levels. Most importantly, the study findings presented here were feasible and could provide important information that can be applied to future studies and used as invaluable mental health resources for students at different university programs. Thus, future studies with larger representative samples and true randomized controlled trials are needed to consolidate our findings concerning the value of such scientifically driven and culturally relevant stress management program.

Effectiveness of Guided Imagery in Reducing Anxiety Among Mental Health Outpatients: A Pilot Study

Background: Guided imagery is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for anxiety reduction, yet its use in outpatient mental health care remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing anxiety among patients with mental disorders. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 68 participants assigned to intervention or control groups. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS-A). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test for within-group and the Mann-Whitney test for between-group comparisons. Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels compared to the control group (p = 0.003). After the guided imagery intervention, 76.5% (26 of 34) of the intervention group had reduced anxiety, while the control group showed minimal change (p = 0.129). Outpatients visit frequency also increased post-intervention in the intervention group. Conclusion: Guided imagery is an effective and feasible intervention for reducing anxiety in outpatient mental health settings and can be integrated into standard care.

Analysis of Vβ-Segment Diversity of T-cell Receptor in Techa Riverside Residents Chronically Exposed to Radiation in the Long-Term Period.

To study the repertoire of the T-cell receptor in chronically exposed persons in the long-term period. The study involved 48 people who were divided into two groups: a group of exposed persons (31 individuals with the mean accumulated dose to red bone marrow (RBM) of 981 ± 130 mGy) and a comparison group (17 individuals, the mean accumulated dose to RBM of 25.3 ± 5.91 mGy). The study groups did not differ significantly in age, gender, and ethnicity. The repertoire of Vβ-segments of the T-cell receptor of the peripheral blood T-lymphocytes of exposed persons was analyzed by flow cytometry method. 24 Vβ-segments of the T-cell receptor were studied. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a direct description of Vβ-segment repertoire of the T-cell receptor was performed using the Lorenz curve and the Gini-TCR index. The study revealed a statistically significant increase in the number of Vβ3 and Vβ5.2 T-cell receptor segments in exposed individuals relative to the comparison group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.003, respectively). It was also shown that the distribution of the Vβ-segments of the T-cell receptor was uneven in both study groups. However, there was no significant difference between the repertoires of the T-cell receptor of the studied groups by the Gini-TCR index (p = 0.14).

Interactive Lesson Intervention in Enhancing Students’ Engagement and Learning Outcome Through Self-Pacing Modality

This study examined the effectiveness of a self-pacing interactive lesson intervention in enhancing student engagement and performance in a tribal community school. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the research evaluated the developed intervention's quality, measured baseline and post-intervention engagement and performance levels, and analyzed the relationship between intervention quality and learning outcomes. The study involved 242 Grade 7 students, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results showed that the intervention was rated “Very Satisfactory” in terms of content, instructional value, technical quality, and overall impact. There was a significant improvement in student engagement and performance following the implementation of the intervention. Post-test results and engagement indicators demonstrated notable increases, with statistical analysis confirming a significant difference in learning outcomes before and after the intervention. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the perceived quality of the intervention and student academic achievement. These findings highlight the effectiveness of culturally responsive, interactive instructional materials in Indigenous education. The study recommends the refinement and integration of similar interventions in the curriculum and encourages the continued development of digital learning strategies to support diverse learners.

Issues in the use of genetically engineered biologic agents for severe bronchial asthma: data from the Clinic of Northeastern Federal University

Objective. To study the course of severe bronchial asthma and the effectiveness of genetically engineered biological drugs in the Yakut population.Materials and methods. The study included 18 Yakut patients with severe bronchial asthma being treated in the Clinic of the North-Eastern Federal University. Genetically engineered biological therapy (anti-IL-5 Mepolizumab, anti-IL-5Rα Benralizumab, anti-IL-4Rα Dupiluma, and anti-IgE Omalizumab) was carried out taking into account asthma phenotypes and comorbidities. Observation was carried out in three different periods: at initiation time, after 6, and after 12 months. Spirometric methods, laboratory tests, and ACQ-5 were used. Statistical processing was performed using the Wilcoxon test (SPSS IBM Statistics).Results. After 12 months of genetically engineered biological therapy, improved asthma control was observed: the ACQ-5 score decreased from 2.73 ± 0.66 to 0.48 ± 0.19 (p &lt; 0.001). The mean blood eosinophil count decreased but stayed above 150 cells/µL. External respiratory function showed positive dynamics: FVC, FEV1, modified Tiffeneau index, and PEF are improved by 23.25, 25.05, 8.93, and 26.7%, respectively.Conclusion. Genetically engineered biological therapy has demonstrated high effectiveness in improving control of severe bronchial asthma and reducing the need for anti-inflammatory therapy.

The Effects of Writing to Remember Katakana and the Teaching Styles Preferred by Students

Katakana is one kind of Japanese character and is often used together with other characters in the same sentence. However, the complexity of the Japanese writing system is said to be one of the reasons for Japanese language learners to stop learning. Despite the recognised difficulties in learning katakana, there is still little research on the subject. The aim of this paper is to find out statistically how students in North Macedonia think about writing and learning katakana, and whether it helps memory retention. In addition, this paper also identifies the teaching style that students want. A total of 19 university students studying Japanese participated in the survey. Findings were that the truth values of seeing and writing were not neutral significantly in the one-sample Wilcoxon test, and that the overall positive position as specific data. Additionally, in Spearman’s correlation analysis, there was a significant positive moderate correlation between Memory retention and listening, and also a significant positive moderate correlation between Student attitude and Memory retention. Moreover, students’ preferred teaching style is also discussed. However, the same results may not necessarily appear in the case of other kinds of characters or in the case of Japanese language learners from other Balkan countries. In the future, it is recommended that the differences between handwriting and application use should be explored in order to provide a teaching style that overcomes students’ weaknesses in katakana.

Kepuasan Followers Akun X @KDRAMA_MENFESS terhadap Film "My Annoying Brother" Versi Korea Selatan dan Indonesia

Indonesian people's high interest in South Korea Selatann films and dramas has encouraged local production houses to remake South Korea Selatann box office films, one of which is My Annoying Brother. This study aims to analyze and compare the level of audience satisfaction with the South Korea Selatann version and the Indonesian version based on the Uses and Gratifications theory. The method used is a quantitative approach with a survey of 385 respondents who are followers of the @kdrama_menfess account, which was selected using a purposive sampling technique based on the Lemeshow formula (with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%). Data was collected through a Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS with the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The results showed that the majority of respondents (83.9%) were more satisfied with the South Korea Selatann version, especially on the emotional aspect, with the highest score on the affective indicator (GO = 13.48). This finding was supported by the significant difference (Z = -14.984; p &lt; 0.001) between the two versions. Comparative analysis also revealed that 21-25 year olds respondents showed a stronger preference for the Korea Selatann version than other groups. The Indonesian version was appreciated for its local cultural adaptation efforts, but lacked in presenting deep emotional intensity, especially in the key scene of the brother-sister relationship. This study suggests more contextualized cultural adaptation strategies, such as the selection of actors who fit the emotional character and the reinforcement of local narratives.The implication is that production houses can consider affective factors and character identification when adapting foreign films to meet the emotional expectations of local audiences.

Are we all seeing the same thing? Discrepancies between parent-reported and physician-reported positional plagiocephaly severity scores

PurposePositional plagiocephaly (PP) and brachycephaly are conditions characterized by head flattening. There has been a sharp rise in the number of patients diagnosed since the American Academy of Pediatrics initiated the “Back to Sleep” policy to combat sudden infant death syndrome. This study compares providers’ and guardians’ perceived head shape differences, highlighting how these scores can alleviate parental anxiety.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for all pediatric patients seen for a PP consult from January 2018 to November 2023. Fifty-nine patients (43 with plagiocephaly and 16 with brachycephaly) met the inclusion criteria, in which documentation recorded two severity scores, one rating each by the provider and parental guardian. Patient demographics, severity scores, and comorbidities were recorded. The institution utilized validated, qualitative assessment forms that evaluated plagiocephaly on a 15-point scale and brachycephaly on a 9-point scale.ResultsFor plagiocephaly, the providers and guardians rated severity with a median of 4 (IQR 3–4.5) and 4 (IQR 3–7), respectively (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p-value < 0.05). For brachycephaly, the providers and guardians rated severity with a mean of 3.59 (SD 1.28) and 4.69 (SD 1.66), respectively (paired T-test, p-value < 0.005).ConclusionsOur study highlights the similarities in scores assessing clinical severity between providers and parents evaluated in a standardized, qualitative assessment for PP. On average, plagiocephaly reflected a “mild” severity, while brachycephaly reflected a “mild” to “moderate” severity on a graded scale. Future studies are needed to determine how patient-provider interactions may influence parents’ scores through shared decision-making.

Development of an Art Therapy Module for Burnout and Self-Adjustment in K-Drama-Addicted Students

The increasing phenomenon of academic burnout and low self-adjustment among students addicted to Korean dramas presents a serious challenge for guidance and counseling services in schools. This study aims to develop an Art Therapy module as an intervention to reduce academic burnout and enhance students’ self-adjustment. The research employed a Research and Development (R&amp;D) approach using the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate). Data were collected through observation, interviews, academic burnout questionnaires, self-adjustment scales, and expert validation in content, design, and language. Data analysis included product validity assessment, module practicality evaluation, and effectiveness testing using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The results indicated that the module demonstrated a high level of validity (average &gt;90%), excellent practicality (92%), and statistically significant effectiveness in reducing academic burnout (from 85.86 to 76.97) and improving student self-adjustment (from 83.46 to 99.00). The Wilcoxon test confirmed significant differences between pretest and posttest scores for both academic burnout (p = 0.000) and self-adjustment (p = 0.000). In conclusion, the Art Therapy module is valid, practical, and effective as a medium for group counseling services to support students in coping with academic burnout and enhancing self-adjustment affected by Korean drama addiction.

Oxidative Stress Modulation and Glutathione System Response During a 10-Day Multi-Stressor Field Training

Objectives: To evaluate how a 10-day multi-stressor field-training course—combining high physical and psycho-emotional demands, caloric restriction, and severe sleep deprivation—affects systemic oxidative/antioxidative status and biomarkers of nucleic-acid and skeletal-muscle damage in trained military cadets. Methods: Seventy-five healthy cadets (8 women, 67 men; 22–34 y) completed the course. Standardised operational rations (700–800 kcal day−¹) and two 20 min tactical naps per 24 h were enforced. Pre- and post-course venous blood was collected after an overnight fast. Plasma superoxide-dismutase activity (SOD), reduced and oxidised glutathione (GSH, GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were quantified by colourimetric/fluorometric assays; 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and myoglobin were measured by ELISA. The oxidative-stress index (OSI) was calculated as GSSG·GSH−¹. Within-subject differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; associations between biomarker changes were explored by Spearman correlation. Results: After training, GSH (+175%, p &lt; 0.001) and GSSG (+32%, p &lt; 0.001) rose significantly, whereas SOD (−19%, p = 0.002), H₂O₂ (−20%, p = 0.015), MDA (−50%, p &lt; 0.001), 8-OHdG (−23%, p &lt; 0.001), and OSI (−47%, p &lt; 0.001) declined. Myoglobin remained unchanged (p = 0.603). Reductions in MDA correlated inversely with increases in GSSG (rₛ = −0.25, p = 0.041), while H₂O₂ changes correlated positively with GSSG (rₛ = 0.25, p = 0.046), indicating a glutathione-driven adaptive response. Conclusions: Ten consecutive days of vigorous, calorie- and sleep-restricted field training elicited a favourable redox adaptation characterised by enhanced glutathione-mediated antioxidant capacity and lower circulating oxidant concentrations, without evidence of DNA or skeletal-muscle damage. The data suggest that, in physically prepared individuals, prolonged multi-stressor exposure can strengthen endogenous antioxidant defences rather than precipitate oxidative injury.

Evaluating Changes in Smile Components After Intrusion of Maxillary Anterior Using Fixed Mechanotherapy with Mini Implants: A Photographic Study

Abstract Introduction: The 21st century redefined soft-tissue aesthetics, highlighting the smile’s role in facial attractiveness. Smile analysis evaluates the lips, gums, and teeth, focusing on eight key elements. Gingival visibility, determined by the smile line, defines a gummy smile, classified into three types by Mercado-Rosso based on anatomical and muscular factors. Materials and Methods: The research included 10 participants aged 18 and older who met the study’s inclusion criteria. Smiling photographs were taken before orthodontic mini-screw placement (T0) and after 4 months of intrusion (T1). These photographs were analysed for three smile parameters: horizontal, vertical and dichotomous variables, using the MAKHTER software to assess changes. For the analysis, descriptive statistics were used to calculate the mean and standard deviation for continuous data, while a paired t-test was employed to compare pre- and post-intrusion results. In addition, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for categorical data, with significance set at P &lt; 0.05. Significant changes were observed in key smile features such as outer commissure width, posterior maxillary dentition visibility, philtrum height, upper lip thickness, upper incisal visibility and gingival display. Results: The findings demonstrated that mini implants used for upper anterior intrusion were effective in altering both vertical and horizontal smile characteristics. The most notable impact was on the vertical smile components, which resulted in a reduction of gummy smiles and an overall improvement in the aesthetics of the smile. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of orthodontic intrusion using mini screws to enhance smile appearance by adjusting soft-tissue parameters.